By Mike Gervais
Register Staff
10-21-2008

Officials and dignitaries from all over Inyo County gathered Friday evening to honor and say their final goodbyes to retiring Inyo County Chief Probation Officer Jim Moffett.
Moffett’s friend, colleague and neighbor, Judge Dean Stout, presided over the event, providing those in attendance with a brief look into the retiring chief’s accomplishments and a chronology of his career.
The Inyo County Superior Courtroom was filled almost to capacity with people Moffett has touched throughout his career, each one sharing stories and kind words of a man often described as a “leader” and a “professional.”
“I am deeply saddened at the retirement of Mr. Moffett,” Stout said. “I quickly came to appreciate his wisdom, guidance and experience” throughout his time in Inyo County.

Participants ran, walked and pushed strollers to raise money for the ESBCA’s biggest yearly fundraiser. This year’s proceeds were matched by the Sydow-Hedani family. Photo by Mike Bodine

By Mike Bodine
Register Staff
10-21-2008

For the eighth year in a row local residents came out in droves to show their support for those affected by breast cancer.
The Eastern Sierra Breast Cancer Alliance held its annual 10-kilometer run and 5-kilometer walk Saturday at the Bishop City Park, drawing hundreds of participants – from children in strollers to dogs and their owners – all moving, running or walking to help out local cancer patients and their families.
ESBCA President Pat Ramirez addressed the runners before the start. She said that this event has raised more than $200,000 in the past eight years and that did not include this year’s donations. Ramirez said that once again the Sydow-Hedani family would be matching donations.
Ian Lindsay, ESBCA board member and race organizer, said Monday that while the total money raised is cumulative from all fundraising events, the annual run is the biggest contributor. Another fundraiser is the Night Lights for ESBCA, a relay walk/run  held in June at the Bishop High School track from 6 p.m. to midnight.  

Cpl. Wayne Geiger died Oct. 18, 2007 while serving in Iraq. A U.S. Army Honor Guard carries Cpl. Geiger’s casket to a hearse at the Eastern Sierra Regional Airport last year. Hundreds of residents, friends and family members gathered on the tarmac to greet Geiger with a hero’s welcome. Photo at right by Mike Gervais

By Mike Gervais
Register Staff
10-18-2008

One year after the news that Cpl. Wayne Marshall Geiger died in combat in Iraq began to spread across the Owens Valley like a cold autumn storm, the pain and heartache is still evident, especially among the young soldier’s family, friends and community members in Lone Pine.
With the one-year anniversary of Geiger’s untimely death also comes the chance for residents to reflect back on the life cut tragically short, the ultimate sacrifice this young man made in the name of country, honor and freedom and its impact on every community in the Eastern Sierra.
Today, perhaps, also marks an occasion to celebrate Wayne Geiger as one of Inyo County’s best and brightest, and to once again pay our respects to the family that raised him so well.
With pride and lingering grief, the Geiger family – father Randy, mother Kim and Wayne’s sister Jesse – will be opening their home to friends, family and neighbors today to remember  Wayne as a son, brother and friend, and a true American hero.

By Mike Bodine
Register Staff
10-18-2008

Yellow ribbons are once again gracing the store fronts, homes and schools around Bishop as part of Yellow Ribbon Month to honor U.S. soldiers overseas.
This year the ribbons have taken on additional meaning, as they have been dedicated to the memory of Lone Pine resident Corporal Wayne Marshall Geiger, who was killed in action during combat operations in Baghdad in October 2007.
The ribbons were put up by the local MOMS Club, the Mothers of Military Servicemen and -women.
Marilyn Nicholson, president of the MOMS Club, said the ribbons are not about raising money, but raising awareness and help keep soldiers in the hearts and minds of the community.