We have received a couple of reports that Gold's Gym on Topsy Lane closed down over the weekend. One person told me he saw a moving van parked in front of the business on Sunday, and some men looked like they were preparing to move out some of the exercise equipment.

This report claims to have more details, but we have no verification of these facts as yet. But if it is true, then there will be some legal action likely.

Western Nevada College invites the public to a free viewing of the eclipse at the Jack C. Davis Observatory tonight beginning at 9 p.m. The dimming of the Moon begins at 9:27 p.m. and a subtle red glow will develop as the shadow of the Earth on the Moon gets darker.
The Earth will cast its shadow and totally engulf the Moon from 11:41 p.m. to 12:53 a.m. PST.
The lunar eclipse will be easily viewed with the naked eye, and volunteer members of the Western Nevada Astronomical Society (WNAS) will be available to answer any questions about the eclipse.

Lyon County phone problems have apparently been resolved, according to dispatchers.
A telephone outage happened at around 2 p.m. according to dispatchers, and 911 phone calls were re-routed to Carson City. An Emergency Broadcast System message announcing the phone problems came at around 3 p.m.
Lyon dispatchers said later this afternoon that the phone problem has since been fixed. A similar outage happened on Dec. 8 through Lyon and Douglas counties.

Here is the Carson City road construction report for today, Monday, through Dec. 26.

Water utility improvements continue, and the following areas will be affected:

— Fairview Drive between Butti Way and 5th Street roundabout will be reduced to one lane with flaggers during daytime hours.  Expect minor delays.

— Butti Way between Airport Road and Fairview Drive will be reduced to one lane with flaggers during daytime hours. Expect minor delays.

Santa and Mrs. Klaus have a heart to heart chat during the Dayton Breakfast with Santa Saturday, Dec. 18. Healthy Communities Coalition and Kiwanis of Dayton Township hosted a pancake breakfast with Santa, Mrs. Klaus and elf helpers at the Dayton Community Center.

Rain has turned to snow tonight as a strong winter storm continues to bring a mix of precipitation to the Carson City area and heavy snow at Lake Tahoe.

A winter weather advisory is in effect until 10 a.m. Monday morning for the Carson City region, while a winter storm warning continues at Lake Tahoe until 4 p.m., according to the National Weather Service in Reno.

Carson City and Carson Valley regions can expect about 2 to 4 inches of snow overnight, while Tahoe is expected to receive several more feet, especially in areas above 7,000 feet.

Earlier Sunday wind and rain caused a number of problems, including downed trees and minor flooding.

At 4:25 p.m., a large tree crashed into two vehicles on Nelson Lane near Bunch Way in Carson City. Tree limbs are reportedly also resting on homes, according to police dispatch. Meanwhile high winds that whipped through the area earlier this afternoon brought down another large tree in the area of Sherman Lane.

Water ponding has been reported throughout town, both the east and west sides, and around Highway 50 near the old Scolari's. Roof leaks have even been reported at the Carson City Sheriff's Office at 911 Musser Street.

Back-to-back weather systems moving into the Carson City area today has prompted the National Weather Service in Reno to issue a winter weather advisory through 3 a.m. Monday morning.

UPDATE 4 p.m.: Mount Rose Highway continues to remain closed because of weather conditions. And there is a wind advisory for the Carson City region. Go to Carsonweather.com for the latest.

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.

Local musician Chris Bayer plays some holiday tunes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gf641MkDZ3w

Nevada Highway Patrol troopers have been busy today responding to four dozen motor vehicle crashes on area roads and highways.

Some 47 accidents were reported between 6 a.m. and noon today throughout the Northern Nevada region, said Trooper Chuck Allen.

The accidents happened as a result of falling snow, slippery roadways and motorists traveling too fast for the roadway conditions, Allen said in a press statement. There were also dozens of spin-outs and slide-offs on many highways as well. Click here for the last road controls in Nevada and in the Sierra and carsonweather.com for the latest weather alerts.

Scott Anderson talks about "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" playing at the Brewery Arts Center this weekend:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7ic1j7J2uE

Carson City authorities made three separate methamphetamine-related arrests earlier this week.

A 57-year-old South Lake Tahoe man faces a felony charge of possession of methamphetamine after being stopped on Wednesday at the corner of Carson Street and Hot Springs Road.

Officers spotted a Ford Ranger not driving in the travel lane and not having a red tail light. The driver, identified as Frederick Allan Russo, was stopped. Officers detected a smell of marijuana from his car and officers asked permission to search the vehicle and Russo agreed, according to the arrest report.

KOLO TV Channel 8 reports that Friends in Helping Need (F.I.S.H.) is short around 200 turkeys for Carson City families in need. Click here to read the story and to view the video.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board has agreed to appeal to the 9th Circuit District Court a September federal district court ruling that struck down updated ordinances for the shorezone of Lake Tahoe, according to its website.

A $4.1 million road widening project that began in January of this year on Roop Street ended Thursday and was celebrated by Carson City officials, nearby residents and, of course, motorists.

A ribbon cutting ceremony at William and Corbett streets marked the occasion. The project — paid for with regional transportation and utility taxes — has been in the works for years, originally planned for construction in 2005 at a cost of around $7 million. However plans were temporarily shelved as the city assessed and paid for other pressing needs.

Ten University of Nevada, Reno College of Business students got some real-world experience this fall semester, when they detailed plans that will help Microsoft Licensing continue business operations in the event of various emergencies.

“I really want to thank the University students for just diving in,” said Tom Fullerton, Microsoft Licensing’s senior solutions manager in information technologies. “We want to build upon this and do more things like this in different areas of Microsoft Licensing.”

By Nevada News Bureau
CARSON CITY – Gov.-elect Brian Sandoval announced today he plans to appoint Terry Johnson as director of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry in his administration. 
Sandoval also announced he will reappoint Teresa Thienhaus as director of the Personnel Department and Dino DiCianno as executive director of the Department of Taxation.
Johnson has 15 years of experience in state and local government administration.

Catch the live video here.

John Shelton, the new executive director of the Brewery Arts Center, talks about his goals for the organization:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wW8hNFEPZk

CARSON CITY – Gov.-elect Brian Sandoval today said he is disappointed with an order from a Nuclear Regulatory Commission panel dismissing Nevada’s legal challenges to the high level nuclear waste repository proposed for Yucca Mountain.

Carson Lanes Presents.. "The Road Dawgs", Northern Nevada's Favorite Party Band. They will be playing your favorite Classic Rock,Blues, Motown, New Rock Standards. No Cover and Smoke FREE. Must be 21. Happy Hour from 5-6pm (buy one, get one FREE). Complimentary Appetizers from Wally's Pizza and Alley's Diner.

Once Upon a Party, The Ron Woods Foundation and Adele's will be hosting "Cookies with Santa" on Saturday, Dec. 18 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
The event will take place at Adele's Restaurant and Lounge in Carson City. Come share in the spirit of giving in this wonderful season. Hot cider, beverages and cookies on hand to enjoy, while kids old and young alike visit with Santa!
Admission is $5 for adults and children are free.

Carson City officials will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 16 to reopen N. Roop Street following the completion of the reconstruction/widening project. The public ceremony will take place on North Roop Street between William and Corbett streets.

The event of the season will be our Holiday Dance at Sierra Place. Live music will be provided by local jazz singer, Linda Merrell and her band. Linda has a sultry voice which is beautifully suited for the songs of the 1940's.
This is a music program with dancing for those who love to sway and swirl along. Champagne punch and holiday cookies will be provided. Free event. Sierra Place, 1111 West College Pkwy. Call for times. (775) 841-4111.

By Sean Whaley / Nevada News Bureau
CARSON CITY – Secretary of State Ross Miller said today an audit released last week examining current and former state employees winning contracts with state agencies contained “alarming findings.”