UPDATE TUESDAY: The Tamarack Fire has now burned through 39,045 acres and is 0 percent contained. There has been extreme fire behavior in the form of crowning, spotting and surface runs along active perimeter of the fire, which is burning in mixed conifer, heavy mountain brush/grass, sage and juniper.

Join Coffee Connections this Thursday, July 22nd from 9 am to 10 am as Greg Treece leads a discussion and activity focused on discovering what makes your business unique. Whether your business is new or established, understanding what sets you apart and connecting that message with your customers is vital to growing your business. Greg will share some of his lessons learned, and invite you to dig deep into your own business to find your unique value.

UPDATE: The fire was officially out at 4:29 p.m., according to a Central Lyon Fire battalion chief on scene.
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Central Lyon County Fire responded Monday afternoon to a fire involving two vehicles that apparently spread into the brush near the cemetery in Dayton in the vicinity of Main Street and Shady Lane.

Carson Tahoe Health is pleased to announce that HopeFest has evolved. This year, Carson Tahoe Health will host a Virtual Walk of Hope. Over the years, HopeFest proceeds have supported patients by covering insurance premiums, co-pays, mortgages, rent, and utilities for those unable to work during treatment, and much more. The money raised in 2021 will help our neighbors facing cancer by helping to refurbish the Merriner Cottages; our ‘home away from home’ bungalows provided to patients undergoing cancer treatment.

National Weather Service forecasters say rain and thunderstorms are likely to develop Monday south of US-50 and quickly move northward with the greatest chances for rain over Mono, Mineral, Lyon, Churchill and Pershing counties before moving into the Reno, Carson City and Lake Tahoe regions.

Carson City area Rotarians will welcome Nevada Department of Wildlife Fisheries Biologist Travis Hawks at the club’s meeting on Tuesday, July 20. The meeting takes place in the Brewery Arts Center’s Grand Ballroom at 12:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

To the Carson City Community: After almost 57 years, it is time to say goodbye. Our experiences are many and our memories are full, we take those with us. You, the community have been a big part of our lives in so many ways, the children, families, workers, business connections, and the support agencies, city and state.

At age 92, Florence Yhvona Martin passed peacefully on June 11, 2021 at Skyline Estates Assisted Living Center. While medical personnel called it, “Failure to Thrive”, that phrase in no way described the dynamic, energy-filled life Yhvona led.

Skies filled with smoke make for interesting lighting against the backdrop of the sun.

The Kings Canyon Road and Trailhead Project, located west of Carson City, will make improvements to Kings Canyon Road, as well as construct a new 25 stall parking area at the existing trailhead. Other amenities will include installation of a vault toilet, ADA parking stall and OHV/equestrian trailer parking. Construction is anticipated to begin in mid-July and likely continue through October.

Did you know that School Board approved the Fall School Reopening Plan at their July 13th meeting? Did you see the Reopening Plan?

Hear about other policies governing School District operations, curriculum revisions, teaching standards, safety, budget or teacher's professional training at the bi-monthly school board meetings, every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at the Robert Crowell Board Room, Community Center, 851 E William Street, Carson City. Next meetings are on July 27th, Aug 10th, Aug 24th, Sept 14th, Sept 28th. Mark your calendars.

UPDATE: Many Carson Now readers are reporting the AQI figures are much higher, well into the 300 AQI range. We're checking on the latest and will update.
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Air quality continues to worsen Sunday morning, with an "unhealthy" range in the air quality index throughout Carson Valley in Douglas County and moving into the Carson City area, according to airnow.gov.

Here is the Carson City area road report for the week of July 19-25, 2021. Closures are expected at the following locations due to road and utility work:

With the smoky sky it looks like Cactus Jack in Carson City is catching the sun.

UPDATE SUNDAY, 11 a.m.: According to the U.S. Forest Service, the fire size has been revised to 18,299 acres and is still 0 percent contained. There is a red flag warning today from 11 AM through tomorrow at 11 AM. There are thunderstorms predicted today in the afternoon that may cause erratic winds in the fire area.

Today, firefighters will continue to actively suppress the fire where they can do so safely. Crews will be focusing on preserving life and property with point protection of structures and putting in containment lines where possible. Aviation resources are available to assist with water delivery when smoke conditions allow. The fire continues to impact the community of Markleeville and the surrounding areas.

Evacuations: Mandatory evacuations are in place for the following areas: Grover Hot Springs, Shay Creek, MarkleeVillage, Markleeville, Carson River Resort, & Poor Boy Road area, Wolf Creek Campground, Silver Creek Campground, ADDITIONALLY Sierra Pines, Upper and Lower Manzanita, Crystal Springs, Alpine Village, Diamond Valley Road and Hung-a-lel-ti are now under mandatory evacuations.

Closures: Highway 89 is closed at the intersection of Highway 4 and 89. Highway 4 is currently open west of the Highway 89 and Highway 4 junction. Please slow down and drive with caution in the area as fire crews and equipment will continue to arrive and use the Highway to access the fire. Please refer to https://roads.dot.ca.gov/ for closure specifics.

UPDATE: As of 6 p.m. Saturday, the Tamarack Fire had burned 21,000 acres and was zero percent contained. Mandatory evacuations are in place for the following areas: Grover Hot Springs, Shay Creek, MarkleeVillage, Markleeville, Carson River Resort, & Poor Boy Road area, Wolf Creek Campground, Silver Creek Campground, ADDITIONALLY Sierra Pines, Upper and Lower Manzanita, Crystal Springs, Alpine Village, Diamond Valley Road and Hung-a-lel-ti are now under mandatory evacuations. "The Mesa" is under a voluntary evacuation (as of 3:00pm) but conditions are changing fast.

Closures: Highway 89 is closed at the intersection of Highway 4 and 89. Highway 4 is currently open west of the Highway 89 and Highway 4 junction. Please slow down and drive with caution in the area as fire crews and equipment will continue to arrive throughout the evening. Please refer to https://roads.dot.ca.gov/ for closure specifics.
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UPDATE AND CORRECTION 4:39 p.m.: The Tamarack Fire was not started on Friday, as previously reported, but was caused by a lightning strike on the 4th of July and rose in strength on Friday due to high winds.

According to Inciweb, the current information is as follows:

The 6,600 acre Tamarack Fire burned actively through the night and has consumed 6,600 acres. The fire continues to burn in a northerly direction backing towards Highway 89 south of Markleeville towards the Carson River. The fire is 0% contained.

Today, firefighters will continue to utilize aviation resources to support handline construction where they can safely do so to minimize the spread of the fire towards areas of unburned fuels and structures. In addition, structure protection fire engines from the local area with support from wildland fire engines will continue to suppress the fire as it encroaches into the community of Markleeville and the surrounding areas. A local hotshot crew will utilize suppression tactics to take advantage of natural barriers and areas of opportunity to increase the containment throughout the burning period. Additional suppression resources have been ordered and will be arriving throughout the day to support the firefighting efforts.

As per the Alpine County Sheriff's Department, mandatory evacuations are in place for the following areas: Grover Hot Springs, Shay Creek, MarkleeVillage, Markleeville, Carson River Resort, & Poor Boy Road area, Wolf Creek Campground, Silver Creek Campground, ADDITIONALLY Sierra Pines, Upper and Lower Manzanita, Crystal Springs, Alpine Village, Diamond Valley Road and Hung-a-lel-ti are now under mandatory evacuations. "The Mesa" is under a voluntary evacuation (as of 3:00pm, 7/17/21) but conditions are changing fast. Please stay out of these areas to allow emergency personnel to do their jobs.

Highway 89 is closed at the intersection of Highway 4 and 89. Highway 4 is currently open west of the Highway 89 and Highway 4 junction. The public is reminded to drive with caution in the area as fire crews and equipment will be arriving throughout the day. Please refer to https://roads.dot.ca.gov/ for closure specifics.

With active burning throughout the night and predicted fire activity today, the Carson Valley and surrounding areas may be impacted by the smoke and light ash fall throughout the day and into the evening hours.

Carson Now and Adam's Hub are teaming up to promote a Back to Work Job Fair.

We want to help match great people with excellent employment opportunities, so join us on Thursday, August 12th from 11 am to 5 pm at Adam's Hub ( 111 W. Proctor St.) for a productive job search experience featuring key employers in the region.

UPDATE 12 p.m.: As of 12 p.m., Carson City's AQI has changed to 166, which is 'Unhealthy.'

Gardnerville is now at 179, also 'Unhealthy.'

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While the Tamarack Fire burns, more and more of its smoke is settling on the valley floor, causing a smokey haze that is affecting air quality throughout the region.

The Carson Cluckers are working hard to get ready for the Silver & Sage Fair. Many of these youth are veterans of shows and love to help the younger members to improve their skills.

UPDATE 12 p.m. Saturday: Highways 88, 89, and 4 are closed in the fire area. Helicopters are being utilized to try and control the blaze. As of Saturday morning the fire was at 0 percent containment.

If you are in the area of the Tamarack Fire please sign up for reverse 911 for evacuation notification: https://alpinecountyca.gov/204/Sheriff

UPDATE 10 a.m: Saturday: The Tamarack Fire is burning at approximately 6,600 acres as of Saturday morning.

Mandatory evacuations are underway for Markleeville. Highway 89 is closed at Turtle Rock Park.

UPDATE 7:18 p.m.: The Humbolt-Toiyabe NF Twitter page released the following:

Air and ground resources are on scene of the Tamarack Fire and actively engaged in suppression operations. Fire is estimated to be 500 acres. Follow Alpine County Sheriff's Office for evacuation information. Visit inciweb for updates.

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A fire which appears to be in Alpine County, Calif. near Markleeville is currently covering the Carson Valley in thick blankets of smoke while high winds drive it on.

Just after 1:40 p.m. on Friday a crash was reported near the intersection of Carson and College.

First responders and sheriff’s office deputies are currently en route to the scene.

The Carson City Board of Supervisors will host a special workshop Monday, July 19 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Carson City Community Center, located at 851 E. William Street.

During the special meeting, the Board will tackle three agenda items: a discussion regarding strategic goals and objectives, a discussion regarding the Carson City election redistricting process, and the city’s allocation of the American Rescue Plan Fiscal Recovery Funds, and recommendations for spending.

The Carson City Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division is asking for information in a fraudulent use of a credit card that occurred in Walmart (3200 Market St.) in Carson City.

On Thursday, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak was joined by representatives from Immunize Nevada to announce the second round of winners for Vax Nevada Days, a public health incentive program launched last month.

A total of 204 vaccinated individuals aged 12 and older were drawn as winners in the second Vax Nevada Days drawing.

Dayton, Nevada – Dayton author Lisa Laterza Selmi will lead storytime at the Silver City Volunteer Library on Tuesday, July 20, reading from her new children’s book. Storytime begins at 10am. The library is located within the Silver City Schoolhouse (community center) at 385 High Street, Silver City, Nevada 89428.

Selmi’s fun and educational new children’s book Oscar's Big Adventure is an endearing story of an aging dog who reminds us that we are never too old to seek new friendships and adventures.