KRKC COUNTRY

The King City Lions Club is hosting their annual White Cane Day on Friday, October 1 to try and raise money to benefit children in the community by offering eye exams and eyeglasses. They're providing $4,000 to $8,000 annually for this service. The King City Lions Club has set up donation tables at Safeway and Ace Hardware in King City. In addition, used glasses can be dropped off at the King City Library located off of 402 Broadway. The King City Lions Club will also be accepting used eye glasses. For more information you can contact King City Lions Chairman David Daines at 831-262-4666.

Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni is warning Monterey County residents of telephone scams using robocalls that impersonate government agencies. Most recently, an automated robocall alerts the listener that they need to “stop what they are doing” and contact the “Legal Department” at “CBP,” likely in reference to Customs and Border Patrol. The call then alerts the listener to a menu to proceed further. Consumers receiving automated calls like this should hang up immediately. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a government official and that seems suspicious, ask for their name and agency and then call that agency back at its confirmed number. Please be aware that legitimate city, county, state, and federal officials will never call you to demand immediate payment of money. You can report illegal robocalls to the FTC at https://www.donotcall.gov/report.html. Please note the number on your caller ID and any number you are told to call back, along with the

SALINAS, CA – On Wednesday, September 29 Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced five Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grants totaling over $4 million to strengthen primary health care infrastructure, advance better health outcomes in medically underserved communities, and support COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccination throughout California’s 20th Congressional District. The organizations receiving these HHS grants are the Salud Para La Gente, San Benito Health Foundation, Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas, County of Santa Cruz, and County of Monterey, “As we experienced during the pandemic, our counties and community health centers are dependable and reliable cornerstones of our health care system on the Central Coast,” said Rep. Panetta. “Fortunately, we in Congress recognize their invaluable service by ensuring that there are these types of grants through the American Rescue Plan. This direct funding to our counties and health care centers

A fire lit up in the rear of a Building where TNT Insurance Company operates off of El Camino Real in Greenfield at 11:10 pm on Tuesday night, September 28. Greenfield Fire Chief Jim Langborg stated that the fire had exterior damage which caused over $5,000 in damages to a gas meter and an electrical meter. The blaze was knocked down by Firefighters in 10 minutes. The cause of the fire is under investigation. If anyone has any information regarding how the fire began they're asked to contact the Greenfield Police Department at (831) 674-5111.

A structure fire at a house that was under construction sparked off of Elm Avenue in Greenfield at 9:42 pm on Tuesday night, September 28. According to Greenfield Fire Chief Jim Langborg, the fire caused over $20,000 in damages to the residence. It took firefighters about 45 minutes to fully put out the blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation and no one was injured. If anyone witnessed how the fire started they're asked to contact the Greenfield Police Department at (831) 674-5111.

On Tuesday morning, September 28 Zachary McCormack was in Monterey County Superior Court where he pled guilty to carrying a concealed firearm. However, McCormack later on Tuesday evening led officers on a vehicle pursuit through the city of Soledad. During the chase, occupants in the vehicle threw a loaded shotgun out of the vehicle which was later found to be stolen out of the state of Nevada. The pursuit ended on Front Street where McCormack fled on foot. Officers encountered 2 other suspects in the vehicle and took them into custody without incident. The Greenfield Police Department, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Department, and the California Highway Patrol also responded to assist. Officers conducted an extensive search for McCormack but were unable to locate him. Additionally, officers located several new 30 round .223 magazines, several loaded .223 magazines, shotgun ammunition, pills, and cocaine. Zachary McCormack is considered armed and dangerous at this time. The Soledad P

The Greenfield Police Department is investigating the theft of a catalytic converter from a vehicle off of Sirrah Way in Greenfield at around 2:30 am on Monday morning, September 27. If anyone has any information about this incident they're asked to call the Greenfield PD at (831) 674-5111.

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors at their regular meeting on Tuesday, September 28 gave final approval to a countywide face covering ordinance with requirements that only go into effect when COVID-19 transmission rates are at high levels. This ordinance will go into effect October 29, but it is important to know there are very specific triggers which would make masking indoors mandatory. The indoor face covering rule would only go into effect on that date if Monterey County’s Community Transmission Rate, as calculated by the CDC, is either “substantial” or “high.” That means even with the ordinance in place, the mask requirement would not go into effect if community transmission rates were not at those high levels. Should the transmission rates move into those higher rate after the ordinance’s effective date, the face covering requirements would go into effect in seven (7) days. The ordinance requires all residents, both in cities and unincorporated areas, to wear facial cover

After over 47 years of serving residents in King City and throughout South Monterey County Richard Benson of Benson Plumbing and Supplies in King City will be retiring on October 7, 2021. Benson said that he will be having surgery sometime after he decides to call it a career which will require a 6 week recovery period where he will be unable to do any work. In addition, Benson purchased a home in Oceano and plans to relocate to that area sometime in 2022. Benson has spoken to numerous plumbers over the years about taking over his business, but he has been unable to find anyone who will commit to doing plumbing work in South Monterey County. Benson said that one of his long-time employees will stay on his payroll doing minor plumbing work in the area for at least a few more years, but beyond that he's had a very difficult time finding someone who will buy the business or take over what he's done in the area for over 47 years. Benson said that he will miss serving customers in

46-year-old Andres Martinez was arrested on Sunday, September 26 at 10:09 am off of Larson Lane in Greenfield for being in possession of 2 pounds of marijuana with the intent to sell, while 39-year-old Antonio Sedano was busted off of 12th Street on Sunday night, September 26 at 10:59 pm in Greenfield for being in possession of drug paraphernalia.

SACRAMENTO – On Monday, September 27 Assembly Bill 73, Assemblymember Robert Rivas’ (D-Salinas) Farmworker Wildfire Smoke Protections Act, was signed by the Governor. California’s wildfire season, combined with heat waves and the COVID-19 pandemic, has helped shine a light on the necessary safety protocols agricultural workers need to remain safe while working in unhealthy air quality conditions. “Our state is yet again experiencing a catastrophic wildfire season and continues to battle COVID- 19. While many of us have had the privilege to work from home, our farmworkers weren’t so lucky – instead, they continue to work the smoky fields to feed the nation and sustain a multi-billion dollar industry,” said Asm. Rivas, Vice-Chair of the California Legislative Latino Caucus (CLLC). “I am grateful for the support of my colleagues and Governor Newsom in getting this legislation secured so we can begin protecting our farmworkers NOW.” Prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke has been linked t

The King City Police Department would like to announce the appointment of James Hunt as its new Police Captain. Police Chief Keith Boyd will be publicly administering the Oath of Office to James on Tuesday night, September 28, 2021, at 6:00 pm during a regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council at 212 South Vanderhurst Avenue, King City, CA. Captain Hunt comes to the King City Police Department with nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience. For the first 26 years of his career James served the residents of San Jose, CA as a member of the San Jose Police Department. During his time with San Jose, he worked assignments in Field Services, Investigations, and the Office of the Chief. At the conclusion of his career in San Jose, Captain Hunt took a position with the Greenfield Police Department in Greenfield, CA as a Police Captain in 2018. James served the community of Greenfield for the past 3 1⁄2 years prior to being selected for his new role in King City. During his tenure i

Paso Robles, CA – On Sunday, September 26 at approximately 12:55pm, Paso Robles Police received a 911 call from the 1000 block of Dorothy Street. The caller advised someone in her household had been shot in the head by a male suspect who ran out of the house. Patrol units arrived in the area and located a 29-year-old male victim with a gunshot wound to the side of his head. The victim was conscious and was able to provide some information about what happened. The victim was then transported to Sierra Vista Hospital in San Luis Obispo where he underwent surgery for serious, but not life-threatening injuries. As the investigation continued, a possible suspect was identified as 20-year-old Carlos Luis Chavez of Paso Robles. Information was received that the suspect fled to San Miguel. With the assistance of the CHP helicopter and ground units from the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff, Chavez was located walking in San Miguel and taken into custody without incident. The suspected weapon use

Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated will be collecting items to be sent to servicemen and women serving overseas on Tuesday, October 5. If you would like to participate in this on going project, please drop off items for the troops at the Rustler newspaper office from 8am to 1pm located at 522-B Broadway Street in King City, the King City Library located at 402 Broadway or call (831) 385-1333 to arrange a pick up. Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated has partnered with Operation Care and Comfort, an all volunteer 501 (c)(3) organization. A list of desired items for the troop boxes is available at the Rustler office or the Library and donations for postage are greatly appreciated. For more information on this outreach project, call Karen Leonhard at (831) 385-1333.

SALINAS, CA, September 24, 2021 – Night two of the California Rodeo Salinas brought a crowd of over 15, 500 out to the Salinas Sports Complex. Full event results as of Friday, September 24, 2021, can be found here: https://www.carodeo.com/p/events/2021-result-pdfs Toby Inman won the 2nd round of the freestyle bullfights with a score of Beau Scheuth. Rodeo Entertainer Matt Merritt kept the crowd laughing while Church Brothers’ The Green Machine won the produce mascot race. Learn more about how the mascot race benefits Ag Against Hunger here https://www.carodeo.com/events/2021/fight-hunger-night-produce-mascot-race Don’t miss Salute to Military Day presented by Tanimura & Antle on Saturday, September 25th; Active Military and Veterans will identification receive free entry. Pendleton Whisky Day of Champions and Man Up Crusade Day is on Sunday, September 26th and it is the final round of the ProRodeo Tour Finale. The Riata Ranch Cowboy Girl Trick Riders will entertain the cro

KING CITY, Calif., — Each year, the third Thursday in November is set aside to highlight rural communities as wonderful places to live and work, to increase awareness of rural health-related issues, and to promote the efforts of organizations that address these issues. As the only comprehensive medical services within 40 miles of its base in King City, Mee Memorial will celebrate National Rural Health Day with its neighbors on Nov. 18. Kicking off the celebration will be two readings prior to Rural Health Day by Dr. Joshua Deutsch, M.D. a family physician at Mee Memorial in King City and Greenfield, who has authored 10 children’s books created for free distribution in farmworking communities. Deutsch's book readings are set to take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, Vineyard Green Townhomes, 130 13th St., in Greenfield; and 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8, Villa San Miguel, 1201 Amherst Dr., in King City. Both locations are after school groups for kids pro

As of Friday, September 24 Hartnell Volleyball had 8 of 20 players ranked for individual statistics among all 5 rosters in the Coast-North Conference. Freshman middle blocker Aaliyah Foster, a 2020 graduate of Everett Alvarez High School, held four of the 40 available top-five spots in eight ranking categories, including the top slot in hitting percentage, at .314, and No. 2 in both kills per set (2.8) and total kills (98). Four of her teammates occupied two slots each: Karmyn Anderson (outside hitter, Everett Alvarez), Kanoe Kahana (outside hitter, Ewa Beach, Hawaii), Jazmine Aguilera (libero, Soledad), Yesenia Soria Campa (middle blocker, Alisal) and Samantha Montelongo (right-side hitter, Alisal). Pedroza said Aguilera has proven to be a defensive anchor: “She leads the charge with her digs and back-row play for sure.” Anderson has also played well on D. “The two of them duke it out for the highest number of digs,” the coach said. Campa is the team’s tallest player, at 6 feet 1,

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Friday, September 24 that on Thursday, September 23 after a two week jury trial, Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) inmates 40-year-old Brian Curtis Pacheco and 42-year-old Jason D. Partee were found guilty of attempted willful, deliberate and premeditated murder, assault by prisoners serving life with malice aforethought, and possession of weapons by state prisoners with allegations they personally used deadly weapons. On September 14, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., correctional officers on SVSP’s Facility C 1 Yard observed inmates Pacheco and Partee striking inmate Manual Gonzalez, who was lying defenseless on his back, with inmate manufactured stabbing weapons. Officers testified that as they moved to help Gonzalez, inmate Partee turned and stabbed Gonzalez several more times in the neck before he surrendered with inmate Pacheco. The jury heard evidence that officers found inmate Gonzalez non-responsive,

On Thursday, September 23 at approximately 6:30 pm officers from the King City Police Department responded to a report of a vehicle that had been stolen within the last 10 minutes. The unattended vehicle was left parked and running while the owner went into a local business in the area. While officers were contacting the vehicle owner to take the report another officer spotted the vehicle driving in the area of Division Street and South Second Street. The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Osvaldo Ruiz, spotted the police vehicle, and quickly turned onto Carlson Street where he and his passenger, later identified as Francisco Sandoval, quickly exited the vehicle, and began to walk away. The two were contacted by officers, subsequently arrested, and then booked into the Monterey County Jail for vehicle theft. The police department wants to remind the community to not leave your vehicles running while unattended. Anyone with further information regarding this case is encouraged

A female farmworker accidentally had her foot run over by a farm trailer as she was dumping grapes into a tralier off of Paris Valley Road and Lockwood Road near Lockwood at 9:48 am on Thursday, September 23. The woman was transported by Ambulance to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas to be treated. The driver of the farm trailer was not injured.

More details have been released about a fatal 1 vehicle rollover that took place outside of Greenfield on Highway 101 Northbound south of Arroyo Seco Road on Wednesday, September 22 sometime after 3:30 pm. According to the King City CHP, a 29-year-old woman from Greenfield was driving a Toyota Tundra in that area at 70 to 75 miles per hour. For unknown reasons, she made an unsafe turning movement causing her vehicle to spin in a clockwise manner. The vehicle spun in a northeasterly direction leaving the roadway, striking a barbed wired fence and it went into an agricultural field overturning multiple times. The driver received injuries to her arm and neck, while an 18-year-old Greenfield woman who was a passenger in the vehicle sustained fatal injuries and died as a result of the accident. Alcohol or Drugs do not appear to be a contributing factor in the collision. The name of the passenger who died in the accident has still not been released.

SALINAS, CA, September 22, 2021 – The Professional Bull Riding (PBR) bucked back into Salinas and a crowd of 8,860 enjoyed the show. Daylon Swearingen of Piffard, NY won the buckle with Andy Guzman of Oakdale, CA coming in second. Presented by Salinas Valley Ford, the PBR is one of the most popular events held during Big Week each year. Rodeo Entertainer Matt Merritt kept the crowd engaged and will be performing at the California Rodeo Salinas for the next two nights and two days. Tickets for the California Rodeo Salinas September 23rd-26th are still available at www.carodeo.com 24/7 or onsite from 10am to 6pm at 1034 N. Main Street in Salinas. Get a full schedule of events along with ticket prices on the website. The theme for Thursday night is Tough Enough to Wear Pink, wear pink to encourage awareness for breast cancer. Gates open at 4pm and the Rodeo starts at 6pm and will include finale fireworks. Photo by Mag One Media. President Dave Pedrazzi, Daylon Swearingen and Miss

September 22, 2021-The Monterey County Health Department continues to recommend that physical and social distancing strategies be practiced in Monterey County, which includes remote meetings of legislative bodies of local agencies, to the extent possible. Monterey County continues to experience transmission of COVID-19 locally. Physical and social distancing is still an effective measure to reduce the spread of COVID-19, especially when combined with use of face coverings, frequent hand washing, staying home when ill, testing, and vaccination with U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved or authorized COVID-19 vaccines. Remote meetings of legislative bodies allow for the virtual participation of agency staff, presenters, and community members in safer environments, with less risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The Monterey County Health Officer will continue to monitor local metrics and the necessity of this recommendation.

SALINAS, CA, September 22, 2021 – The Taylor Farms Pedestrian Bridge is complete just in time for the California Rodeo Salinas. The ribbon cutting will take place at 4pm on Thursday, September 23 at the Salinas Sports Complex at 1034 N. Main Street. The Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce has a registration form on their website (https://business.salinaschamber.com/); a rodeo ticket is required for entry as the gates for the first performance open at 4pm. The bridge, which took 10 months to complete, connects the west grandstand to the south grandstand and was funded entirely by private donations. Rodeo patrons will no longer have to wait for the action on the track to stop before crossing over to their seating locations or the Pendleton Whisky Saloon. The bridge construction included a lift that accommodates wheelchairs allowing access to the newly installed disabled seating area in the south grandstand. The bridge features donor recognition signage on the walls inside the L-shape

A fatal 1 vehicle rollover happened on Highway 101 Northbound near the Arroyo Seco Road exit between Greenfield and Soledad on Wednesday, September 22 at 3:35 pm. 2 occupants were in the vehicle and at least 1 person was reportedly killed as a result of the accident. The name of the person has not been released. More information will be provided once it becomes available.

Monterey County, Calif. – The Monterey County Office of Education is thrilled to announce the placement of Esmeralda Montenegro Owen as Communications and Public Relations Officer effective immediately. This post was previously held by Jessica Hull, who accepted a position as Director of Communications for the Carmel Unified School District. Montenegro Owen comes with over 21 years of experience in media, public relations, communications, marketing and more. She attended USC and earned two bachelors, one in Broadcast Journalism and one in Spanish. In addition, Esmeralda holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Notre Dame de Namur University. In Monterey County, Esmeralda has held significant positions at the Steinbeck Center, Hartnell College, and Youth Orchestra Salinas. She was introduced to the Central Coast in 2005 when she was hired as a News Anchor and Producer for Univision 67. She earned an Emmy Nomination for investigative reporting plus earned the CTA’s Joh

On Monday, September 20 at approximately 12:30 am officers from the King City Police Department and the California Highway Patrol responded to a report of a male adult subject brandishing a firearm in the area of the 1000 block of Broadway Circle. While responding to the scene officers were updated that the person was using a tree branch to strike a male and female. Witnesses identified the suspect as 29-year-old Amansio Parra Carillo of King City and indicated that he had fled the area. When officers arrived on the scene they located a male adult who had been struck by the man multiple times while attempting to stop Carillo from harming a female. The adult male told officers he had witnessed Carillo attack the female victim and decided to intervene to prevent any further harm to the female victim. As the adult male was attempting to aid the female victim, Carillo grabbed a thick tree branch and used it to strike the adult male multiple times causing injury. As officers arrived on the

SALINAS, CA – On Wednesday, September 22 Reps. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) and Blake Moore (R-UT) introduced the Save Our Forests Act to address chronic staffing shortages in National Forests, including the Central Coast’s Los Padres National Forest, to improve risk mitigation and response to wildfires. The legislation would direct the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, to fill vacancies in National Forests and Grasslands for recreation management and planning staff, including recreation technicians, recreation officers, and natural resource managers. The bill would also direct the Forest Service to provide Forest Protection Officer (FPO) training and certification opportunities for individuals filling these vacancies. The bill authorizes $46 million to be appropriated annually for the next two fiscal years to fill these positions. “Over 80% of wildfires are caused by humans, often because people aren’t following rules that keep everyo

The Hartnell Community College District Governing Board voted Tuesday night, Sept. 21, to require that employees and students be vaccinated for COVID-19, with work still ahead for district administrators and employee bargaining units to determine how and when those mandates are implemented. Board members voiced a shared conviction that currently enrolled students must be able to complete their Fall 2021 classes, ending Dec. 18, regardless of their current vaccination status. They also supported a desire, voiced by Board President Erica Padilla-Chavez, to align the student and employee requirements and establish a clear date for the employee requirement to take effect, preferably by Dec. 1. “I understand that we’ve got to do this, but I also want to make sure we’re designing the requirement for the entire college community,” Padilla-Chavez said. “The point of vaccination is public health, and that means getting the entire community vaccinated.” The outcomes on the two separate board

FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. – Fort Hunter Liggett is hosting its annual Community Expo on September 23, 2021 from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at building 120 (the old fire house across from the Hacienda) to inform and educate the installation workforce and residents of the services and products available on and off the installation. More than a dozen community vendors from King City, Paso Robles and surrounding areas are participating. This is a family-friendly event with activities for children, as well as complimentary food, beverages, door prizes and giveaways for participants. The public is welcomed to attend but will need to vetted for a visitor pass: https://home.army.mil/liggett/index.php/about/visitor-information The MWR VIP Card is a great way to participate in FHL events year-round without having to get a visitor pass for each visit. The card is only $15 for a 2-year pass and allows you to also use some of the MWR facilities such as the Liggett Lanes, and soon to be open post theater. Fo

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors delayed final approval of its countywide face covering ordinance until the week of September 27, 2021. During discussions at their regular meeting on Tuesday, September 21 the Board agreed to add language to the ordinance at the request of the Monterey County Hospitality Association. The board approved adding additional language to the list of exemptions which would apply to meetings and conferences. Face coverings would not need to be worn when: Attending meetings with vaccinated or unvaccinated attendees where all vaccinated persons show proof of vaccination status (2 shots of a 2 shot regime or 1 shot of a 1 shot regime) and all unvaccinated persons wear a face covering at all times other than when eating or drinking. The ordinance’s original language only allowed for an exemption where all persons present show proof of vaccination. This language can be added as it is not less stringent than current state requirements. Additional

SALINAS – Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Salinas) joined the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California and local leaders to kick-off Rivas’ statewide agricultural tour in Assembly District 30. This first leg of the tour included a celebration of the procurement of $1 million in the state budget for funding to support INSV/PW pathogen research relating to the epidemic affecting the signature leafy green crops (lettuce, kale, arugula, and more) in Monterey County. “The Salinas Valley is known as the ‘Salad Bowl of the World’ - no other region produces as many leafy greens as Monterey County. The leafy greens industry generates billions of dollars for the local and state economies and provides work for hundreds of thousands of local residents,” said Asm. Rivas, Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee. “The combination of rising costs, decreasing profits, and spreading disease threatens California’s primacy in the leafy greens production economy. I am grateful that the Gove

SALINAS, CA, September 21, 2021 – The 20th annual Professional Bull Riding Touring Pro Division event, presented by Salinas Valley Ford, bucks into the Salinas Sports Complex on Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021. Gates open at 5pm and bull riding action starts at 7pm. Tickets are still available online at www.carodeo.com or in person at the Salinas Sports Complex Ticket Office at 1034 N. Main St. (10am to 6pm). The prices are $5 more in person or start at $14 for children ages 2-12 and $40 for adults online. The Salinas tour stop will feature some very talented bull riders. Daylon Swearingen from Piffard, NY is ranked 2nd on the Touring Pro Division Tour, Dakota Louis from Browning, MT is ranked #5 and Junior Patrick Souza from Sonora, Mato Grosso, BRA is ranked #6. Souza is also ranked #14 on the Unleash the Beast tour. The show will end with finale fireworks. Wristbands for the Coors Banquet Bull Xing area are sold out. The sponsors of the Big Week Professional Bull Riding

PASO ROBLES, CA – On Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at approximately 8:14 am, Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services responded to a report of a multi-family residential structure fire at 1211 Alamo Creek Drive in Paso Robles. First arriving firefighters found an 8-unit apartment building with heavy fire emitting from 2 units and the common attack space. Due to the extent of the fire, a second alarm for additional mutual-aid resources was immediately requested. Two fire engines, one ladder truck, and two Battalion Chiefs from Paso Robles responded. Under the City’s automatic and mutual aid agreements, four fire engines, one breathing support, and one Battalion Chief from Cal Fire / SLO County, one fire engine from Templeton Fire, one ladder truck from Atascadero Fire, one fire engine from Atascadero State Hospital Fire, and one fire engine from San Miguel Fire all responded to assist. A total of 39 firefighters responded to the incident with assistance from the Paso Robles Police Depart

KING CITY, Calif., — There are many advantages to living in rural areas, among them less noise, more privacy, a close proximity to nature and a strong sense of community. As the only comprehensive medical facility within 40 miles of its base in King City, Mee Memorial Healthcare System will celebrate National Rural Health Day with its neighbors on Nov. 18. Each year, the third Thursday in November is set aside to highlight rural communities as wonderful places to live and work, to increase awareness of rural health-related issues, and to promote the efforts of organizations that address these issues. This year the theme is “Celebrate the Power of Rural,” with plans to honor the community-minded spirit that prevails in the countryside of America. However, today’s rural hospitals and clinics face unprecedented challenges and uncertainty. To better prepare rural healthcare leaders for the future, the National Rural Health Association has instituted a CEO Certification Program. Among t