From the desk of Bates County Coroner Greg Mullinax

Last summer, Bates County had one heat-related death. While that is a low number for a county of our size, even one heat death is too many. Let's shoot for zero this summer.

We can do that by checking on our friends and neighbors, especially those with health conditions or those without good air conditioning. You never know when a quick phone call or visit may save a life.