CARSON CITY – Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval had his moment in the national spotlight today at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, using his six minutes at the podium to talk of his humble beginnings and the need for change in the White House.

CARSON CITY – A panel of lawmakers today recommended that Nevada’s public education funding formula be revised to take into account the higher cost of educating specific groups of students, including English-language learners and children in poverty.

But lawmakers also acknowledged that updating the formula won’t mean any significant changes in funding for the state’s 17 school districts until the state’s economy improves and tax revenues increase.

There is no proposal to shift funding from one district to another to fund a new weighted formula.

CARSON CITY – If there was any question about whether the gun debate is a controversial topic in Nevada as well as nationally, a clear answer was provided today at a meeting of the Advisory Commission on the Administration of Justice.

A proposed discussion on assault weapons was removed from the agenda by a vote of the panel before it could even begin.

Carson City's rich and intriguing history is explored and theatrically relived in this annual event. The Ghost Walk is a delightfully spooky and enjoyable way to experience Carson City's Victorian Era and diverse past. Hear about lingering spirits of the past, haunted and paranormal stories. Some of our spirits even lead the guided walking tours of the downtown district's historic homes. Tour departs at 6:30 PM behind the Firkin & Fox, 3rd and Curry Street. Tickets available at the Visitors Center, 1900 S. Carson St, 775. 687-7410 or go on line to www.brownpapertickets.com/event/193745

Stroll around Downtown Carson City and enjoy wine tasting with a commemoriative wine glass and hors d'oeuvres for $10. Visit the art galleries, gift shops, casinos and restaurants. Purchase your glass at the Carson Nugget Casino, Cactus Jacks, Horseshoe Club or Bella Fiore Wines. Turn in your map at the Carson Nugget at 5 p.m. for prizes. The walk is from 1 to 5 p.m. and takes place the first Saturday of every month.

Carson City School Board Trustee Stacie Wilke-McChulloch has announced her endorsement of Brad Bonkowski for Supervisor Ward 2. Wilke-McChulloch ran in that race’s primary election, coming in third with 24 percent of the vote. Wilke-McChulloch says she is endorsing Bonkowski because he is the most open minded and approachable candidate.

With the comment period ending Thursday, August 30, the newly formed Sierra Pro-Access Group is asking outdoor enthusiasts to write against a U.S. Forest Service alternative plan that proposes creating new wilderness areas that would shut down some of the locals' most beloved recreation areas on public land around the Lake Tahoe Basin.

The economic effects on the Lake Tahoe Basin could be devastating, the group says, shutting out what clearly has been public access for not only snowmobiles, but mountain bikes, dirt bikes, and 4-wheel ATVs.

Carson City District Attorney Neil Rombardo reports that his Victim-Witness Services Division has seen a 57 percent increase in services provided to victims of crime in the first half of the year. Between January 1 and June 30, 2012, nearly 300 victims were served by the grant-funded Victim-Witness Coordinator. This represents a 57 percent increase over the same reporting period in 2011. Of the numbers 219 were victims of domestic violence, 73 were victims of stalking, and 7 were victims of sexual assault.

CARSON CITY – As GOP Gov. Brian Sandoval prepares to deliver remarks in Tampa at the Republican National Convention tomorrow, the three GOP members of Nevada’s Congressional delegation are staying close to home.

U.S. Sen. Dean Heller, who is facing a tough election battle against Rep. Shelley Berkley, will still be following the convention from afar, however.

A legislative committee has endorsed a plan to preserve the habitats for the declining sage grouse population, but millions of acres of public lands continue to be open to grazing, mining development and energy projects.

A small airplane crashed in the Barton Meadows area in South Lake Tahoe sparking a wildland fire on Saturday night. Presumably there are no survivors. The crash was reported at 9:48 p.m. after the plane took off from Lake Tahoe Airport, said El Dorado County Sheriff's Lt. Pete Van Arnum early Sunday morning. Witnesses reported the plane was experiencing engine trouble and was seen moving downward before it crashed into flames, he said.

Here is the road report for the Carson CIty area slated for August 27 through September 2.
There will be traffic control on North Roop Street from Northridge Drive to Winnie Lane due to the construction of bicycle and pedestrian improvements.

Join in tonight for the downtown beer crawl at 6 pm. The cost is 10$ for a mug at the Carson Nugget. you may as well stay downtown afterwards: live music at Plan b, Carson Nugget, and Carson Station and a DJ at Jimmy Gs.
the Bowling Blast-off is still going on for hours at Carson Lanes, Notch 8 is playing at the Feisty Goat, or head up to the WNC Observatory before 8 for info on Aliens in the Movies.

Carson City Symphony's comprehensive program of string instruction begins the first week of September, after school, at three schools in Carson City. Strings in the Schools, directed by the Symphony's Education Director, Sue Jesch, provides free beginning violin lessons for students grades 2-5 and ensemble/orchestra experience for string students in all grades. Tuition and books are subsidized by the Carson City Symphony Association.

Lake Tahoe planning leaders gave their approval Thursday to a paradigm changing project at the South Shore, which would allow for a high-end resort complex at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, the site of the American Century Championship.
The governing board of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency unanimously approved the Edgewood Tahoe Lodge and Golf Course realignment project that will make way for the 154-room lodge. Construction could begin in 2014, according to the Tahoe Daily Tribune.

This James Bond-looking car was photographed emerging from Upper Twin Lake, California on Monday, August 13.
Photos by Elaine Quilici

Children and Family Counseling therapists Jeffrey Davis, MSW, LCSW and Kristopher Komarek, MSW, CSW-Intern, and will present a workshop at the Carson City Library on Monday, Sept. 10, at 6 p.m. This program is the second in the Mind-Body Connection: Mental Wellness Series. The presentation will focus on “Structure and Routine: Keys to a Parent’s Sanity.” Establishing a household structure and routine is often anything but routine. Parents will receive suggestions about how this can be accomplished to everyone’s benefit.

CARSON CITY – Several lawmakers raised questions today about a proposal put forth by Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto to spend $33 million over three years on outreach, counseling and legal assistance to homeowners who are facing foreclosure.

Jake Bayliss, a senior at Reno’s Bishop Manogue High School and Carson City resident, decided to support American Veterans in need by organizing a “Toiletries Drive” to benefit the VA Hospital in Reno, Nevada. Jake gathered over 200 kits containing toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, razors, shaving cream and deodorant which he delivered to the VA Hospital on August 22, 2012.