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Empire Elementary in Carson City honored with Governor's STEM School designation

The Carson City School District is pleased to announce Empire Elementary School has met the requirements to be designated as an official Governor’s STEM School.

The Advisory Council on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM Council) and the Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT) developed the official Governor’s STEM School Designation based on national best practices to provide schools with a blueprint for integrating STEM into daily classroom instruction.

"The Governor's STEM Schools exemplify the core concept that STEM education is more than just the individual STEM subjects, but also how these subjects are taught and integrated with other subjects,” said Adrienne Wiggins, STEM coach at Empire Elementary School.

In Nevada and across the nation, STEM jobs are growing faster than non-STEM jobs, and they pay nearly 50 percent more, Wiggins continued. Empire Elementary helps prepare students with the problem solving, critical thinking and teamwork skills needed for careers in Nevada’s growing STEM industries.”

Designation as a Governor's STEM School denotes that the school meets the highest standards of STEM instruction and is a model for schools around the state. For parents and the community, the designation also communicates the level of high-quality STEM education that can be expected at the school.

“We know the importance of STEM education for all students, but we know it is even more important for our population,” said Susan Squires, principal at Empire Elementary. “Of the 500 students here, 75 percent are minorities with 225 that are English Language Learners. We are also a Title 1 school, and 100 percent of our students receive free breakfast and lunch. This means our students are already at a disadvantage.”

All K-12 schools in Nevada are eligible to apply for the designation. Empire Elementary submitted an application that described their curriculum practices, learning environment, STEM instruction and integration, leadership and stakeholder engagement. Following a review of the applications, Empire Elementary hosted a site visit by members of the STEM Council, OSIT, and other stakeholders to showcase their STEM practices. Empire Elementary also received a 10-foot banner and a digital seal that can be used on a website and other electronic communications.

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Carson High School is pleased to announce Katarina Klatt and Brynn Russell will carry their academic and athletic talents on to the next level with Division 1 Scholarships. A short signing ceremony was held at the Carson Aquatic Center Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is moving forward with its plan to transfer certain mail processing operations from Reno to Sacramento, a change that has drawn bipartisan opposition among Nevada elected officials over its potential impact on the region’s economy and fears that it would slow the processing of ma

A 32-year-old Silver Springs man was arrested Wednesday and booked for charges associated to a fentanyl drug overdose in December 2023, according to the Lyon County Sheriff's Office.

The Division of Child and Family Services, Nevada’s Department of Health and Human Services, invites the community to participate in the 2nd annual “Walk Us Home” 5K for Foster Homes on Saturday, April 27, 2024 in Carson City.

The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office has identified two Carson City residents who died in a wrong way crash early Wednesday morning in Carson City.

Nevada Humane Society, Carson City’s Pet of the Week introduces, Shrek. While he may not hail from a swamp, this lovable pup is as big-hearted as they come, searching for his forever family.

Bowers Mansion Programs on the Porch program begins in May with this year's theme is "Variety Edition." Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy this free series in front of the historic Bowers Mansion. Fridays from 7 to 8 p.m., May 17 through June 21.

LGBTQ+ and Allies, community event, Carson Valley events, Western Nevada, gay

Two free scholarship lunch tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis for those who couldn’t otherwise afford to participate. Reach out to wnvlgbtq@gmail.com and request your free tickets now!

St. Paul's Lutheran Family Church in Carson City is having a huge rummage sale Saturday, April 27 at 8 am until 1:30 pm. This is a fundraiser by St. Paul's women's group, WELCA, in association with Thrivent. There will be a jewelry room and a boutique featuring decor de jour and collectibles.

Carson City area casino gaming revenue was up slightly in March, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Statewide, revenue was down 1.65 percent compared to March 2023.

The Carson City School District is pleased to announce Empire Elementary School’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Teacher Adrienne Wiggins has been selected as a Nevada finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the nation’s highest honors for teachers of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and computer science.

Nevada's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in March 2024, which decreased by 0.1 percent from February 2024, according to the state's Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation’s March 2024 economic report.

Carson High Debate continues its groundbreaking season. Competing at state for the first time since Covid the team advanced to final events in 4 separate events.

Clear Creek Bowmen Cancer Shoot is this Sunday April 28 at the Carson City Archery Range.

Carson Medical Group broke ground on their new 31,000 square foot facility off old Hot Springs Road in October 2022 and this June it will officially open its doors to patients.

The facility, located at 1946 Old Hot Springs Road, will house the primary care physicians, their Ear/Nose/Throat practice, as well as the CMG+ walk-in clinic.

The Nevada Artists Association is excited to announce two Featured Artist Shows beginning Saturday, May 4 by Carson City artists, Cynthia Brenneman and Bruce Nelson.

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UPDATE THURSDAY: The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the two people who died Wednesday morning following the two vehicle crash on I-580 in Carson City. They are Alejandra Hernandez Valtierra, 36, and Viola Santoyo Huizar, 48, both of Carson City.
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UPDATE 12:42PM: Southbound I-580 in Carson City was opened as of around 11 a.m., said a Nevada State Police spokeswoman, who provided more details of the fatal crash that happened early Wednesday morning.

Both the driver of a car and a truck involved in the crash died. Their names have not been released pending notification of family members. The car, which was going the wrong way — northbound in the southbound lane — struck the truck and caught on fire, according to a NSP preliminary investigation thus far. The vehicle makes are unknown at this time.

Dayton Elementary School in Lyon County was honored Wednesday along 13 other schools including Carson High in Carson City as a Nevada Purple Star School.

Schools receiving the designation have committed to supporting the educational and social-emotional needs of military-connected children and their families.

Junior Park Ranger Day is back this Saturday, April 27 at Riverview Park in Carson City.

Junior Park Ranger Day is an annual event dedicated to help kids complete their Junior Ranger Adventure Guides and be sworn in all in one day.

Carson City School District hosted a ceremony Wednesday morning with local dignitaries from the Nevada Department of Education and officers from local military bases. Carson High School was honored with a Nevada Purple Star School designation for supporting military-connected students and their families.

A 37-year-old man was arrested for suspicion of obstruction, trespassing and felony sex offender failing to register, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.

Laura Ricks, TOSA/Instructional Coach at Empire Elementary School, was honored as the Carson City School District’s Educator of the Year, at the Tuesday, April 23, school board meeting and annual event.

Additionally, Sandra Guzzetta, special education paraprofessional at Bordewich Bray Elementary School, was recognized as the Education Support Professional Employee of the Year, and Chelise Crookshanks, principal at Mark Twain Elementary School, was recognized as the district’s Administrator of the Year.

5th St View

Photos capturing the beautiful views in Carson City on Tuesday afternoon at 5th and Roop Street.

Tickets are now available for this summer’s Capital City Brewfest. This year’s event takes place June 22 on Curry Street at McFadden Plaza in Carson City. More than two dozen brewers, as well as several food trucks, will line the street from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Plus there will be live music on the McFadden Plaza stage.

The Carson City Planning Commission meeting will be held Wednesday, April 24 in the Bob Crowell Board Room of the Carson City Community Center located at 851 E. William St. at 5 p.m.

The agenda includes trail improvements, a therapeutic horse riding academy, a care facility and more.

Western Nevada College’s Veterans Resource Center and Wildcat Veterans Club invite the community to participate in a Walk for Hope on Wednesday, May 1, at 9 a.m.

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Looking for a place to take your little ones this week? Look no further! Here is a list of family-friendly (and fun!) activities and events happening this week around the capital city.

Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space is looking for volunteers to help us clean up trash and other debris at the Carson Ridge Disc Golf Course on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to noon. Register today using the link here to spend a sunny day volunteering with your community.

Parent night series hosted by Carson City Juvenile Services will examine school absenteeism and attendance this Thursday, April 25. Parents, families and students are encouraged to attend.