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Valentine’s Day in Carson City transforms into a week-long display of affection with candlelit dining options, special events, theatre performances and lodging specials, Feb. 12 – 19.

Selecting a restaurant for a romantic evening doesn’t have to be an intimidating task. The Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau compiled a list of favorites as recommended by the citizens of Nevada’s Capital based on surveys and local “best of” votes.

A Reno truck driver faces weapons and other charges after he was arrested Sunday in Carson City and found to be in illegal possession of a loaded short barrel shotgun and a fully-loaded and ready-to-fire .44 magnum pistol in his waistband.

John Thomas Aston, 67, was arrested in the 2100 block of Highway 50 East at about 9:20 a.m. Sunday after an officer initiated a stop when the plates on his vehicle didn't match those on record.

I was prepared to write off "The Green Hornet" as just another superhero movie, aimed at comic-book readings kids. Well, I was partly wrong. The film now playing at the Fandango Galaxy multiplex in Carson City is aimed at the lower levels of intelligence, but along the way offers some humor and an incredible chase-crash-shootout scene. So all is not lost when sitting in the Galaxy stadium seats.

A fire this afternoon across from Carson High School that spread to a size of about 30 by 50 feet, is under investigation by Carson City fire officials.

The fire began shortly around 3 this afternoon and spread down a drainage ditch area on property adjacent to the school. While there are private property signs posted, the area is frequented by students.

"Right now we are saying that the cause is undetermined," said Battalion Chief Dan Shirey.

The ditch area is strewn with cigarette butts, he added.

Carson City firefighters knocked down a small fire this afternoon inside the Stewart Title office building in the 1800 block of College Parkway.

Employees evacuated the building after an alarm had gone off shortly after 3 this afternoon. Firefighters arriving on scene reported there was a fire burning and that they had it contained at about 3:15 p.m.

A sprinkler system had been activated, according to firefighters on the scene.

Carson City Manager Larry Werner sat down for an interview on OurTown yesterday, and we hope to have that video up soon. But in the meantime, I do want to share a couple of newsworthy items from that interview.

The biggest item was that Werner said there has been a change — or at least a clarification — in the question of who would own the land under the public portion of the Carson City Center/Nugget Project.

Steve Robinson, a deputy chief of staff and legislative director for former Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons and previously the state's top forestry and fire official, has been appointed to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency governing board.

“As a former at-large board member myself, I know Steve Robinson’s experience as a natural resource consultant will be invaluable to the TRPA,” said Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval. “Lake Tahoe is one of our most precious state and national treasures, so it is important to me that Nevada has a strong voice on the TRPA.”

Some good news from the Burning Man folks. Maybe some critics swill have second thoughts. Black Rock City, LLC, the organization that hosts the annual Burning Man event, has announced it will donate $97,200 in proceeds from ice sales at the 2010 event to various charitable, art and service organizations in Northern Nevada.

Next time you try the Chutes at Mt. Rose you can feel a little safer if you take a tumble. Here's what Mt. Rose says about medical care there:

Through a cooperative agreement between Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe, the Regional Emergency Medical Service Authority (REMSA) and North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, the Mt. Rose Ski Patrol is now able to provide Paramedic level Advanced Life Support for sick and injured guests.

By Andrew Doughman / Nevada News Bureau
CARSON CITY – Gov. Brian Sandoval’s staff today clarified that the proposed five percent salary reductions announced yesterday includes teachers and higher-education employees.

Carl Kuhl, a state Parole and Probation employee of six years, has created a plan that he claims will eliminate Nevada's budget deficit within two years.

In a news release issued on Tuesday, Kuhl said his plan not only will reduce the budget deficit but also help repair Nevada's economy at the same time. It is a pretty big claim, he admits, coming from an Accounting Assistant I, an entry level position.

Dear Editor: Once again the Dayton community has come together and made a difference for so many families during the holidays.

The Dayton toy drive received applications for over 650 kids this year and we were quite concerned that there would not be enough to go around. Fortunately a large, eager, group of volunteers came together who were quick to get down to business and get the donations and interest pouring in. It wasn’t long before businesses, as well as community organizations and individuals were giving.

Today China has confirmed that its J-20 stealth fighter jet has successfully completed its maiden flight. This is a big step toward the country's declared goal of military dominance in the Pacific region.

It is also a big step toward pushing American aircraft and defense companies out of the market, particularly in developing countries that will certainly appreciate the option to get destruction technology at discount prices.

The family-aimed film "Gulliver's Travels," now playing at the Fandango's Galaxy multiplex in Carson City, has very little to do with the book (or books) Johnathan Swift wrote in satire on the English government in the 18th century. Gone is the wit, the clever writing, the book that many of us read in high school or English Lit 103.

Police scanner traffic this morning indicates that CareFlight has been called to land in Carson City to pick up a prisoner and a guard.

Carson City Fire Chief Stacey Giomi confirmed it was a prisoner and guard that was picked up this morning. The helicopter landed to pick up the two at around 7:40 a.m.

A single-vehicle accident tonight in Carson City on Highway 50 has traffic tied up near China East restaurant.

The car accident, reported at 5:49 p.m., happened moments after a CareFlight helicopter had landed at Carson High School to pick up a patient who, in a separate incident, fell at their home near the Carson City Fire Station and experienced possible life-threatening injuries.

A car chase tonight through north and west Carson City caused a two-vehicle accident at Mountain and Winnie streets with a deputy being injured after being rammed by the suspect's vehicle.

The chase involved a red Ford Ranger that wouldn't stop for a patrol officer who has apparently suffered injuries to his hands, knee and shoulder after the suspect reportedly rammed into the patrol car head-on, reports Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong.

Start the New Year off right with an extended day at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe on Friday, Dec. 31. Enjoy a torchlight parade, food, drinks, fire pits, and an early fireworks show before continuing your festivities down the hill. 
Events are as follows:
4 p.m. - Fire pits and beverages
4:15 p.m. - Snowcat Parade
5:15 p.m. - Torchlight Parade

Carson Kressley, star of the Bravo Channel show "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" was in Carson City today filming scenes for his new reality show "Carson Nation."

Kressley bounded up and down the interior of Carson Mall at midday, with cameras in tow, interacting with shoppers and store employees in his high-energy, over-the-top style. He did quickie makeovers on some people, adding make-up, or working on their hair.

Carson City fire personnel are investigating heavy water damage this afternoon at Carson Middle School.
An initial fire alarm call from the school, located at 1440 King Street, came into city dispatch around noon.
Significant water damage, roof leaks and some flooding is being reported after a subsequent review of at least one of the classrooms and the main hallway, said Bob Charles, battalion chief for the Carson City Fire Department.

Spin-outs, fender-benders and icy streets have kept Carson City law officers, fire and rescue and city road crews busy today as the first wave of a wet winter storm has arrived.

The most recent accident tonight appears to be the most serious. It was reported at 8:10 p.m. and involves three vehicles that were in an apparent head-on collision in the area of Dump Hill in Carson City. Fire and rescue crews, paramedics, the Nevada Highway Patrol and Carson City sheriff's deputies have responded.

All emergency 911 calls for Douglas and Lyon counties are being re-routed into Carson City after a significant outage within the system.

Persons in those counties dialing 911 will be automatically connected to Carson dispatchers.

Douglas County sent out the following press release about the outage:

CARSON CITY – Gov. Jim Gibbons today announced the retirement of Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Jerry Hafen. Hafen is a life-long resident of Clark County and was appointed to the top job at the agency in early 2008.
He will step down Dec. 31.
“Jerry Hafen has proven to be a respected leader in law enforcement in Nevada and I am proud of his accomplishments as DPS Director,” Gibbons said. “Jerry has proven time and again that the safety of the citizens of Nevada is his top priority.

A third punch of snow overnight in Carson City brought a few spinouts, minor accidents, downed power lines and traffic delays this morning. In one accident, a Nevada Highway Patrol trooper sustained injuries after a car lost control and slid into his parked SUV.

Skiers and boarders know when it comes to predicting snow at Lake Tahoe, a wing, a party and a prayer never hurts.

Prepare yourself for a snow dance at the alter as the annual “Pray for Snow” party will happen on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at Fresh Ketch Restaurant in South Lake Tahoe. There will be live music, dancing, beverages and an avalanche of prizes.

This year, the Nevada Highway Patrol is partnering with other local groups to help raise funds for cancer research, Trooper Matthew Kaplan reports.

By participating in a charity called Movember (Moustache + November), troopers will be sporting mustaches for the month of November to help raise awareness for men's health issues. The mustaches will act as a "ribbon" to help generate conversation, and ultimately, encourage people to donate to the cause.

The Carson Nugget Casino, through Selak Entertainment will present “The Highwaymen a Tribute” on Nov. 11, 2010 in the Main Ballroom. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free for veterans and $25 for general admission. Veterans should call (775) 882-1626 ext 251 and leave a message for a complimentary ticket, tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

Back in August, the little yellow house at the corner of Curry and Seventh burned. The fire actually started in the trailer that was parked out back, and most of the trailer was destroyed, along with the shed next to it. The house itself didn’t get a whole lot of damage, mostly just in the back. But back then I wondered if maybe that little bit of damage was enough to spell the end of the house. This week we got our answer.

By Sean Whaley / Nevada News Bureau
CARSON CITY – The question of how well the Gibbons administration has done in quickly and efficiently deploying Nevada’s share of stimulus dollars is difficult to quantify.

Chainsaws are buzzing around Carson City this morning following Sunday's storm that whipped the area with average wind gusts of 40-plus mph and more than an inch-and-a-half of rain.

The city's public works and road department have been canvassing the town this morning, looking for stray limbs and branches that have covered the roads. Homeowners with chainsaws have been seen hacking up much of the stray branches, which block driveways and straddle fence posts.