Carson City's 2021 Year in Review: The Good, the Bad, and the Funny
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Fri, 12/31/2021 - 1:02pm
It's time to say goodbye to 2021, Carson City, but not before we take a look back. We may have had a difficult year filled with COVID-19, oftentimes confusing mandates, a wild pack of dogs that roamed the streets only to be caught and quickly replaced by several bears digging through garbage and destroying fruit trees because of the drought. Did you know there were hundreds of earthquakes in the region during the summertime? Or that the three wildfires that darkened our skies for months burned over a million acres?
But it's not all bad, Carson City. We also got to enjoy a lavish dog wedding, hot air balloon surprises, art, concerts, achievements, and so much more. Check below to see the noteworthy, the newsworthy, and the downright silly.
January
Teams from Carson City Sheriff’s Office, Carson City Search and Rescue, and Washoe County Sheriff’s Office successfully rescued an individual stuck in the snow in the hills between Goni Road and the Virginia Foothills during a January snowstorm.
Car drives into Sportsman's Warehouse, five injured, two evacuated by Care Flight
Multiple injuries occurred after a man ran his vehicle into the Sportsman's warehouse at the Carson Mall.
Dogs reunited with owner after Carson City crash - One missing 8 days, other 85 days
On November 16, 2020, Jon Berg was driving on I-580 from Reno to the Carson Valley when he was involved in a rollover crash. Inside the car were Berg’s two five-year-old dachshunds Katie and Brandie. Both were spooked and they took off and ended up separated. One was chased into Voltaire Canyon and the other up Spooner Summit. After 85 days, the family was finally reunited.
February
Carson City arrests: Man with knife tells deputy he's the grim reaper, threatens to kill him
A 36-year-old man was arrested in mid February in the area of North Carson and Winnie Lane for suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon on a protected person, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.
March
Carson City's branch of the Nevada Humane Society held a wedding for Lightning Liam and Oh-Da-Babay, two fosters who fell in love and were joined together in fluffy matrimony.
The full video of their ceremony can be found here.
Carson City Principals Dance, Get Slimed for Reading Week Accomplishments
Kudos to the Principals and Vice Principals at both Empire Elementary and Fremont Elementary in Carson City. They respectively hosted a Dance-off Competition and Sliming Event because students at each of their schools exceeded or surpassed reading goals during National Reading Week.
Carson City Health and Human Services (CCHHS) reported the first case of the B.1.1.7 COVID-19 variant in the Quad-County Region on March 26.
In mid-March, the Nevada Assembly Judiciary Committee passed Assembly Bill 115, known as Multi-Parent Adoption, allows for more than two adults to be formally and legally recognized as parents through adoption.
Hot Air Balloons surprise students at Mark Twain Elementary in Carson City
Students at Mark Twain Elementary School were given a surprise from the skies in the form of several hot air balloons that alighted on school grounds for the children.
Sierra Nevada Corporation wins NASA contract to power Moon Rover
Carson City School District serves more than 500,000 meals during COVID-19 pandemic
Throughout the pandemic, the dedicated school lunch heroes at Carson City School District worked tirelessly to safely prep, cook, pack, and distribute meals to those who need them in Carson City.
Nevada Governor: 1 million COVID-19 vaccines administered in Nevada
The one-million-vaccine record was reached in Mid-March.
Mitsuye (Mitzi) Hoshino of Carson City turned 100 on March 3.
April
Carson City supervisors deny appeal from asphalt company due to environmental, odor violations
An appeal of the Tahoe Western Asphalt company, also known as TWA, to reinstate its Special Use Permit after it was revoked by the Planning Commission in February, was denied during the Carson City Board of Supervisors meeting Thursday.
The Sheep are Back! Carson City’s favorite fire-fighting sheep return to the western hills
Each year, Carson City's grassy western hills are saved from wildlife thanks to the efforts of the Borda Ranch sheep, who graze their way south across the hills throughout the springtime.
More than 30 small earthquakes recorded at Lake Tahoe since Sunday, 3.2 magnitude Monday morning
At the end of April, more than 30 earthquakes were recorded emanating from the lake's interior and northern shore. Until someone disproves it, my guess is it was Tahoe Tessie waking from her slumber!
Nevada prison escapee recaptured after 27 years
Avalos-Gallardo escaped from Nevada Department of Corrections, formerly known as the Department of Prisons, in February 1994, while part of a Nevada Department of Forestry fire crew.
Carson City shuts down Frontier Motel on North Carson, occupants to be vacated by Thursday
An emergency order was issued following an April 12 inspection of the Frontier Motel, resulting in the immediate closure of the motel for the health and safety of its occupants.
Carson City arrests: Woman allegedly threatens to shoot husband over him getting vaccinated
A 74-year-old woman was arrested for suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly threatening to shoot her husband after he received the COVID-19 vaccine.
Carson City receives second honor in one week as great place to live
May
During a May Carson City School Board meeting, a number of citizens took over the public comment period to voice their opposition to students wearing face masks for the remainder of the school year, as well as the board’s use of the word “equity” at a previous meeting.
'Maya's Mind' 20-foot art sculpture installed Saturday in the downtown Carson City area
A new art installation was brought to downtown Carson City thanks to a small group of art lovers who wanted to help bring more culture for all of the public to enjoy.
Major Crimes Division of the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office had been actively investigating the unsolved murder of an unknown caucasian male whose body was discovered on March 12, 1992, in Sand Canyon in the southern portion of Lyon County for over two years when his identify was finally discovered.
Nevada Congressman Amodei votes 'no thank you' for commission to investigate U.S. Capitol attack
June
The beginning of summer was marred by a string of wild dog attacks across the entire city who attacked pets, local deer, and caused mayhem in the streets.
New location, same great produce
The Carson City Farmer's Market moved to a new location this year behind the Carson Nugget Casino while the third street parking lot was undergoing renovations.
On the grounds of the Stewart Indian School on June 4, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak signed into law three bills that directly affect Nevada's indigenous tribes and communities, including providing free tuition for native students, outlawing sundown sirens and racially offensive mascots, and transfers management for the Stewart Indian School museum and cultural center.
Multiple stabbing victims reported at Mills Park Carnival
During the June carnival at Mills Park, multiple people were stabbed following a fight.
A 37-year-old Carson City man was arrested in the 3900 block of Sweetwater Drive after allegedly gouging a man’s eye, stealing a bike pump, and attempting to stab someone with a sickle.
Pony Express hands off mail in Genoa before continuing through Carson City, Dayton and beyond
Lake Tahoe sets new record high at 90 degrees, nearly 20 degrees hotter than average temps for June
The previous daily record was set in 1985 at 86 degrees. The average temperature for the high altitude lake is generally around 71 degrees for June, far below the recorded 90 degrees that swept the lake shores Friday.
Is that a ringing in your ears? No, it's the Carson City bell going haywire Thursday
For several hours on June 24, the Carson City bell was on the fritz, ringing the same two notes over and over. Click the link above to watch the video!
Two Carson City jail inmates escape
Two Carson City Jail inmates escaped on Saturday, June 26 and led law enforcement on a weeks' long chase until both were finally apprehended.
Prominent Nevada businessman, longtime casino owner John Ascuaga dies at 96
WNC’s Child Development Center celebrates preschool grads
Dayton area man suspected of being a serial arsonist, arrested by state fire marshal
July
Where can they go? Carson City’s homeless must fend for themselves during summer heat waves
Tamarack Fire explodes to 50,000 acres, 4 percent contained; 395 in south Douglas remains closed
The Tamarack Fire was one of the worst wild fires of the summer, burning across 68,637 acres after it was first reported on July 4.
Carson City resident wins $50,000 prize through Vax Nevada Days
Chloe H. from Carson City was the grand prize winner, taking home $50,000 in cash after being vaccinated.
Carson City leaders agree to first reading to outlaw cannabis lounges, consumption in public
Renaming Old Dayton Valley Road 'Pres. Trump Way' fails by 3-2 vote, ballot option proposed
After passing it the first time and receiving public comment of which 94 percent opposed the proposition, the proposal failed during a second vote after Lyon County potentially violated open meeting laws since it did not specify what the proposed name was in the agenda.
Carson City unemployment is lower than previous years, so why are there so many 'help wanted' signs?
Earthquakes continue to shake Antelope Valley south of Gardnerville, reaching 119 by Friday morning
Over 119 earthquakes shook the area south of Gardnerville over the course of a few July days, adding to the very shaky summer that occurred throughout the region due to hundreds of earthquakes that took place.
First responders tackling multiple brush fires in Carson City
During a dry thunderstorm that moved across the sierras in early July, multiple brushfires from Washoe Valley through Carson City and into Douglas County were reported following lightning strikes which threatened homes, businesses, and wildlife.
Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care rescues bear cub from Tamarack Fire
Volunteers remove nearly 1,500 pounds of trash Monday from Lake Tahoe beaches
235 volunteers combed Lake Tahoe beaches following 4th of July celebrations, collecting nearly 1,500 pounds worth of trash.
August
Northern Nevada's Krysta Palmer scores bronze in Olympic diving
Woman receives minor injuries after Tahoe bear hits her leg after finding cooler
The Caldor fire, which burned over 220,000 acres within the sierra, forced residents as close as Kingsbury Grade and South Lake Tahoe to evacuate to shelters located in Douglas County, Carson City, and Reno.
Lyon County Commission votes 3-2 to rename justice complex after former President Trump
Students will not be required to wear masks inside Carson City School District Buildings
Carson City Community comes out in force to support Morley’s Books on last day of sale
Multiple bear sightings reported in Silver Oak; local bears are fattening up for winter, says NDOW
Due to extreme drought conditions throughout the sierra, bears began flooding Carson City and the nearby region as they were pushed further from the mountains and foothills to seek enough calories for winter hibernation.
The ordinance ultimately failed after hundreds of public comment in opposition.
Divers collect 8,122 pounds of trash in Lake Tahoe after first 22.5 mile sweep
Divers removed 9,281 individual pieces of trash during the lake cleanup mission.
September
Bear spotted on Carson City freeway before heading to nearby park
Multiple law enforcement agencies served two search warrants in the Bodie Flats area of Gardnerville following a lengthy investigation of an illegal cannabis grow operation involving the organized crime of Chinese nationals.
Nevada receives $160,000 for nation’s first-ever recreation trail building school
Hungry bear stands tall before plucking fruit from tree in Carson City neighborhood
Memorial Held for those lost ten years ago in the Carson City IHOP Shooting
A memorial was held in honor of the ten year anniversary since three guardsmen and one civilian lost their lives during the IHOP shooting.
Six open space properties receive names that honor Carson City, Washoe Tribe history
Redwood Materials plans to expand local recycling facility, creating largest building in Carson City
Brewery Arts Center hosts impromptu concert for evacuees at Carson City Community Center
October
Ron McNutt celebrated for coaching achievements as Nevada Day Grand Marshal
In 1974 Ron “Coach” McNutt took over the baseball program at Carson High School. And as they say, the rest is history.
Punk Rocktoberfest rocks Shoe Tree Brewing Co.
Rare dragonfly discovered in Truckee; last seen in the region more than a century ago
Half of Silver City is on the market for $5 million
Have you ever been interested in owning a town? Well, your dream could become (half) a reality because half of Silver City went on the market in October.
State reports drug overdose deaths increased by 55 percent in Nevada from 2019 to 2020
Carson City’s Boys and Girls Club of Western Nevada raised $250,000 with annual luau
In Memory of Brent Boynton: Journalist, anchor, Nevada Day Parade announcer
Remembering Bob Crowell this Nevada Day: Carson City Mayor, Navy Veteran, Nevadan
Photos from the Nevada Day Parade
Tahoe foundation awards $4M to organizations helping people, animals affected by wildfires
The Dave and Cheryl Duffield Foundation announced Wednesday they have awarded $3 million to 19 organizations assisting with the aftermath of the recent wildfires in the Lake Tahoe Basin area.
Carson City's Eagle Valley Middle School hosts 'Topping Out' ceremony to celebrate expansion
Carson City School District celebrated a pinnacle moment in the construction of a 23,000 square-foot classroom expansion at Eagle Valley Middle School in October.
Foundation donates $543K to Carson Tahoe Cancer Center for patient cottage renovations
Drenching rain, snow helps push Dixie Fire to 100 percent containment, debris flows follow
The Dixie Fire burnt nearly 1 million acres after it started on July 13, and finally came to an end in October. However, while the rains helped in the fight against the fire, they also caused massive mudslides in the burn scar.
November
Construction of Carson City's new 160-unit affordable workforce housing project could begin in March
Sky Surfing above 'Creeping Death' Lake Tahoe Fog
COVID-19 vaccine available for children in Carson City, Quad Counties and beyond
In November, children were finally able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine after long trial periods, helping in the battle to protect them from the virus.
Eight miles of leaded cable weighing an approximated 150,000 pounds was abandoned at the bottom of Lake Tahoe decades ago by AT&T’s Pacific Bell Telephone Company.
With six league titles, Coach Blair Roman retires as Carson High School head football leader
Carson City arrests: Drunk man can't find car at casino, throws fit and breaks slot service light
A 60-year-old Zephyr Cove man was arrested for suspicion of gross misdemeanor destruction of property after allegedly being drunk and breaking a gaming service light fixture at a casino after he couldn't find his vehicle, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.
NHP confirms 2nd fatality in fiery south Carson City crash involving 8 vehicles
Multiple motorists were injured and a husband and wife were killed after a large boat being towed by a truck that could not handle the weight capacity barreled through the intersection, hitting multiple vehicles and causing some to even light on fire.
The driver of the vehicle, who did not own the boat, was arrested shortly after.
Nevada to receive $2.5 billion in transportation funding from federal infrastructure legislation
Travel Channel's 'Destination Fear' makes Carson City stop at Nevada State Prison\
Dolan Auto Group donates $50,000 to Carson City schools for classroom projects
Carson District Ranger signs Jacks Valley project, clears way for 8.1 miles of new trail
O Christmas Tree, thank you for your service: Nevada's Capitol Christmas Tree retiring
Cortez Masto helps secure $9.3 million for Carson City’s East William Street Project
Martinez Guzman pleads guilty again, this time to the 2019 murders of two Gardnerville women
Wilber Martinez Guzman pleaded guilty for a second time after the rash of murders he allegedly committed throughout Douglas County and Reno.
December
New holiday décor, lighting around Carson City allows for face time
Carson City Sheriff K9 Tico embarks on well earned retirement, Deputies welcome new pup Cash
Nevada governor offers support to tribal leaders amid federal boarding school investigation
First steel beams go up at $80M Tahoe South Events Center
The first steel beams in the new Tahoe South Events Center were placed recently as clear weather allowed building progress to continue at a brisk pace. The Phase 2 construction schedule on the 143,000 square-foot, multi-purpose facility was adjusted to accommodate lost workdays due to both weather and fire impacts.
California man sentenced to prison for 2020 arson that destroyed historic Dayton Railroad Depot
Father and son arrested in connection to starting Caldor Fire
Homestead Holidays brings old fashion country holiday celebration to Carson City
Holiday with a Hero returns; provides shopping spree for underprivileged Carson City children
Planning Commission approves plan for Carson Valley Meats processing facility for second time
Carson City Schools Cancelled Friday due to ongoing social media threats originating from TikTok
Actor Jack Black surprises Carson High School during morning announcements
Avalanche warning issued for Lake Tahoe
Carson City detectives investigate shooting near College Parkway; one dead, one in custody
Harry Reid, former Senate majority leader and Democratic kingmaker, dies at 82
Bottlenecked roads force emergency notices from City of South Lake Tahoe, Nevada governor
