Carson City Nevada News - Carson Now - Your one stop for Carson City news

Carson City Sheriff's Office seeks identity of suspect involved in series of vehicle burglaries

Jeff Munson — Fri, 17 May 2024 00:18:42 +0000

The Carson City Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division is seeking information from the public to identify a suspect in a vehicle burglary investigation.

The Carson City Sheriff’s Office is investigating a series of vehicle burglaries that occurred in the early morning hours of May 12, 2024 in the areas of Imperial Way, Gardengate Way and Applegate Way in Carson City. The suspect targeted unlocked vehicles. The suspect was wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.

The Carson City Sheriff’s Office recommends that you do not leave valuables in vehicles and to lock the vehicle.

See the video below and scroll through the photos above from various surveillance cameras that show the suspect.

Anyone with information, please contact the Carson City Sheriff’s Office, Investigation Division, Detective Sam Hatley (775)283-7852, Dispatch (775) 887-2007 or Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900. Refer to case number 2024-2935.

Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space unveils Trails Challenge

Thu, 16 May 2024 22:56:56 +0000

By Erin Larsen

Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space is introducing the capital city's first Trails Challenge in hopes of turning it into an annual outdoor adventure.

Created to encourage the exploration of Carson City's many trails and open spaces, the Challenge is completely free to join and open to all. Whether you hike, bike, run, walk, or even paddle, the Challenge is intended to get Carson City residents outdoors and on their local trails.

Sign up today, receive a Trails Challenge sticker and Guidebook, start your Challenge June 1st 2024, complete 5 hikes off of our Trails List, log your hikes, and submit to us before December 2024 to be entered into a prize raffle! Prizes include golf for four at Eagle Valley Golf Course, Golf for one at various Duncan Golf Courses, a MAC/Pool Annual pass, and more to be announced!

Special thanks to Visit Carson City, Patagonia, Duncan Golf Management, and Eagle Valley Golf Course for helping make this program possible! Sign up today by clicking here.

Signups underway for Carson Water Subconservancy District 'Get on the Bus' watershed tour

Thu, 16 May 2024 22:40:32 +0000

By Brenda Hunt, CWSD Watershed Program Manager

Carson Water Subconservancy District will host its two-day “Get on the Bus!” tour of the Carson River Watershed June 11-12 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Expert guides will cover topics ranging from water rights, river-restoration projects, and water quality and quantity to floodplain management, regenerative agriculture, and more.

The 55-passenger luxury bus will depart from the CWSD office each morning.

“The ‘Get on the Bus!’ tour of the Carson River Watershed is a great way to get to know our watershed from top to bottom in two days,” said Brenda Hunt, CWSD Watershed Program Manager. “This survey course highlights the amazing partnerships and work being accomplished to enhance our water resources and the health of the watershed.”

Stops include Hope Valley meadow restorations in Alpine County, Calif. Carson Valley’s Comstock Farm and Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park; Ft. Churchill State Park; and Lahontan Reservoir. Videos and onboard presentations will keep travelers informed between stops.

The cost is $175. The tour provides lunch as well as the chance for engineers, planners, water operators and floodplain managers to earn continuing education credits.

“The Carson River is a lifeline connecting our communities,” said Hunt. “Please join us on this two-day educational adventure.”

Visit the CWSD website to register and for program updates.

Saturday 'Stuff the Cop Car' event with Lyon Sheriff’s Office benefits food pantries

Thu, 16 May 2024 22:20:18 +0000

By Quest Lakes

A “Stuff the Cop Car With Food” event will be held at Smith’s Food Food and Drug parking lot in Dayton on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 10am until 3pm.

Traci Roth of Healthy Communities Coalition of Lyon and Storey Counties (HCC) explained that, “The pantry volunteers are eager to make this a great summer for pantry guests. We’re grateful for their help, and for the generosity of Smith’s, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Department, and residents of the Dayton area. Together, they make this event successful every time.”

What Does the Pantry Do? Residents of the Dayton area work with the nonprofit Healthy Communities Coalition in volunteer service to keep the pantry going strong. Volunteers range from young children to elders, and come from all walks of life, united by the belief that no one should go hungry.

From the Dayton Food Pantry at 209 Dayton Valley Road, emergency food boxes are provided on Tuesdays from 10am-6pm, and on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am -4pm. In addition, the Pantry is open on the second Saturday of each month from 9am – 1pm. Seniors age 60+ are invited to visit the Pantry on Tuesdays from 7am -10am.

Through grants, USDA, and the generous donations of businesses, groups, and individuals in the region, the Pantry is able to help locals of all ages avoid hunger. The Pantry also receives food through Food Bank of Northern Nevada.

Please call 775-246-7834 for more information about the Pantry, or see healthycomm.org.

Carson City woman allegedly stole credit card from stroke patient, racked up $5,400 in purchases

Jeff Munson — Thu, 16 May 2024 21:06:35 +0000

A 63-year-old housekeeper was arrested Thursday for 14 counts of credit card fraud and other offenses after allegedly stealing a credit card belonging to an 86-year-old patient who family members said was being treated for a stroke at a local care facility, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office detective.

Janet Johnson was taken into custody at 9 a.m. Thursday following an investigation, where it was learned she allegedly made 35 unauthorized transactions beginning April 4 until May 9 amounting to approximately $5,400. She was booked for 14 counts suspicion of using a credit card without consent, possession of a credit card without consent, petit larceny and possession of a prescription drug without a prescription.

According to CCSO Detective Sam Hatley and outlined in a booking report, the sheriff's office was contacted by the 86-year-old woman's family after they discovered numerous unauthorized credit card transactions while she had been a patient at Ormsby Post Acute Rehab in Carson City. Family members informed the detective that their 86-year-old mother was being treated for a stroke at the facility.

In March the woman was admitted to the care facility following release from the hospital after suffering a stroke. When she was released from the care facility, the family members discovered the woman's wallet was missing from her purse. The wallet contained her credit card. An inventory, when admitted to the care facility, listed a purse and wallet as possessions, the report states.

Family members reviewed the woman's credit card statement and discovered 25 transactions were at various Carson City area businesses from beginning April 4 for $2,874.38. Five transactions were at Carson City Walmart on Market Street. Detective Hatley provided Walmart Asset Protection with the transaction details.

Walmart Asset Protection then located 10 additional transactions involving the woman's credit card from April 4 to May 9. One of the transactions was at the Walmart on Topsy Lane in Douglas County. The transaction total amount for Walmart was $2,527.46.

Walmart Asset Protection provided a photograph of the same woman, suspect Johnson, who made all the transactions with the 86-year-old woman's credit card. Detective Hatley forwarded the photograph to the manager of Ormsby Acute Rehab who identified the female suspect as Janet Johnson, a housekeeper at the facility.

On Thursday, May 16, Detective Hatley met with Janet Johnson at the facility. She denied involvement in the theft of the wallet and credit card use. Detective Hatley showed her a photograph of her at Walmart. She identified herself in the photograph but still denied involvement. Hatley showed her more photographs of herself. She then admitted to the theft, the report states.

Johnson was read her Miranda warning and after stating that she didn't want to talk she made spontaneous statements about her involvement, saying she was in financial trouble and so she took the card and used it at multiple locations in Carson City. She said she tore the card up when she learned of the investigation on May 11. She admitted to taking the credit card from the hospital bag while the 86-year-old patient was asleep, according to the booking report.

Johnson was arrested for 14 counts of use of a credit card without the owner's consent, possession of a credit card without the owner's consent and petit larceny. She was taken to jail where she was booked. During the intake process her purse was searched where seven prescription only pills of Promethazine were found. She stated she did not have a prescription for the medication and had obtained the pills from someone at her work. She was additionally charged with gross misdemeanor possession of a dangerous drug without a prescription. Total bail amount listed: $13,632.

All information for the crime log (unless otherwise noted) comes from arrest reports supplied by the Carson City Sheriff's Office, and is considered by law to be public information. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The policy of Carson Now is to name anyone who is arrested for a felony offense.

Comstock Foundation hosts blacksmithing class Saturday at Donovan Mill

Thu, 16 May 2024 19:07:54 +0000

Have you ever wanted to learn the old art of Blacksmithing? Early smiths made wagon parts, handmade tools, shaped ornamental pieces, horseshoes, hinges and just about anything to having to do with working metal into a desired shape or purpose.

Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Donovan Mill in Silver City is an introductory class on how to build, light and maintain a coal forge fire with a hand cranked blower, proper hammering techniques, drawing, pointing, twisting, punching and how to work hot steel over a coal forge. Students will take home the basic knowledge of forging and their own handmade forged decorative article.

Contact Russ Wright for application or email: travelnman65@gmail.com.

Dead bodies are piling up at Carson City funeral homes waiting for cremation for months, investigation reveals

Kelsey Penrose — Thu, 16 May 2024 17:40:25 +0000

by Kelsey Penrose

Marie Finkes is the director of FitzHenry’s Funeral Home in Carson City, and said that over the past year, there have been 12 bodies under her care that have been subject to extended stays. This is due to the fact that Carson City Public Administrator Scott Hoen has ignored their repeated requests for an electronic signature releasing the body for cremation.

“When a body is deemed to be an indigent case, we automatically reach out to the Public Administrator electronically requesting signatures for the disposition of the body through cremation,” Finkes said. “Then they begin their investigative process. State law requires 30 days, and we wait 31 days for someone to claim the individual. If they’re a veteran, they’re placed in a veteran’s cemetery, if they’re a non-veteran their ashes are scattered in Northern Nevada.”

When a person dies in Carson City, or is a Carson City resident and dies in another county, the first thing to be done is to locate next of kin. However, if a next of kin cannot be found, or if they do not claim the body, the case becomes categorized as indigent and the body is cremated by one of the local funeral homes.

There has been a consistent issue with receiving the signature from Hoen, Finkes said, and they have never received the signature electronically.

Instead staff from the funeral home has had to routinely go to the Public Administrator’s office to request signatures in person.

“We leave messages, wait, call the front office; we show up once a week at least every other week if we’re not too busy,” Finkes said. “It always requires a physical trip.”

Carson Now reached out to Hoen and the Public Administrator’s Office for comment without success.

Despite these efforts, there have been 12 bodies stuck at the funeral home for far longer than the 31 days required by law over the past year. FitzHenry’s does not take indigent cases all year long however; they cycle through receiving bodies from the city every three months for a one-month period, with about four indigent deceased coming through each cycle. For Carson City, the rotation involves Autumn Funerals & Cremations, Walton’s Funeral Home, Nevada Funeral Services, and Capitol City Cremation and Burial Society, in addition to FitzHenry’s.

During these in-person visits to the office in search of a signature, Finkes said she’d been told multiple times from others that Hoen was in the office but could be seen “sitting with his feet up on his desk with nothing to do,” and still would not return the signatures needed.

Their most recent case, a deceased Carson City woman, has been waiting in the funeral home’s refrigerated storage since February to be cremated.

The number of bodies being kept at the funeral home has even led to Finkes being forced to turn away business due to a lack of storage.

This is especially frustrating, Finkes said, since they are not being paid to store the bodies by the city in a timely manner.

Finkes is not alone in her issues with the office.

Carlen Thomas, Manager of Walton Family Chapel of the Valley in Carson City, has not received a single signature from Hoen for the four bodies currently being stored in her facility.

One body has been in her custody since November 2023.

“We are beyond frustrated,” Thomas said. “I’ve sent (Hoen) paperwork three times with numerous reminder emails, we’ve even physically walked to his office. He’ll be sitting right there but will say he’s too busy or if he’s not available.”

Thomas went on that it’s not only Carson City facilities that are struggling with receiving signatures, but Reno facilities as well. When a Carson City resident dies in Washoe County, they also have to receive clearance from the Carson City Public Administrator before the body can be cremated. This has led to issues across multiple facilities.

“He has never signed off on these indigent cases,” Thomas said. “He needs to have someone put his toes to the fire.”

Hoen was elected to the position of Clerk-Recorder and Public Administrator during the November 2022 elections, and took office in January 2023. His focus during campaigning was on elections, without much mention on the Public Administrator aspect of the job.

The Public Administrator’s responsibility is to administer the estates of individuals who pass without a will, which could range from simply authorizing cremation to a more complex situation of cleaning out and selling an individual’s home and filing their tax returns.

For many of these indigent cases currently on the roster, however, all that is required is a signature to authorize the cremation, according to the funeral homes.

Finkes said that, if receiving cremation authorizations continue to be an issue, they may have to rethink their contract with the city altogether.

“We’re essentially storing these bodies for free, and losing out on other business because of it,” Finkes said.

“All we need is a signature,” Thomas echoed. “With the length of time that goes on, the logistics of storing a body for so long…I can tell you, it’s not good.”

Moon Rocks Sci-Fi Short Film Competition launches: Calling all filmmakers to explore the cosmos of creativity

Thu, 16 May 2024 17:20:17 +0000

By Lyric Burt

Carson City Shorts presents the first-ever Moon Rocks Sci-Fi Short Film Competition, inviting filmmakers from near and far to embark on an interstellar journey of storytelling and imagination. Presented by Silver State Storytellers, this competition challenges participants to create compelling sci-fi short films that push the boundaries of creativity and transport audiences to distant galaxies.

Filmmakers will have two weeks to craft their stories, from Wednesday, May 22nd to Wednesday, June 5th, culminating in a spectacular Screening and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, June 15th at the Brewery Arts Center. This year, we welcome filmmakers of all skill levels to participate, with registration open now and closing 15 minutes before the competition begins.

We are thrilled to launch the Moon Rocks Sci-Fi Short Film Competition! This competition is a celebration of creativity and innovation in filmmaking, and we can't wait to see the incredible stories that filmmakers will bring to life.

Registration for the competition is $25 per team, with each team receiving two complimentary tickets to the Screening and Awards Ceremony. Additional tickets can be purchased for $20 each.

The Moon Rocks Sci-Fi Short Film Competition is not just an event; it's an opportunity to explore the depths of the imagination and create cinematic wonders that defy the laws of gravity. Join us on this cosmic adventure and let your creativity soar to new heights!

For more information and to register, visit nvstorytellers.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of this stellar event.

Carson City's Pioneer Academy celebrates National Honor Society induction and awards

Jeff Munson — Thu, 16 May 2024 16:11:30 +0000

Carson City School District

Pioneer Academy in Carson City celebrated their outstanding students at a combined National Honor Society Induction and awards ceremony Thursday, April 25, 2024. Thirty-eight students received awards for attendance, scholarship and excellence in the classroom.

Mayor Pro-Tem, Stacey Giomi, presented the awards on behalf of Mayor Bagwell for perfect attendance. Students Christina Taylor, Apple Aguilar, Alexander Jeffries, Ashley Ellis, Kaitlyn Nguyen, William Houk, Kameron Harris, Josiah Diaz and Nikki Mae Dimarucut were announced for attendance awards.

In addition to medals from Carson City School District, each winner received an award certificate, two movie passes and a gift certificate from Scoups Ice Cream and Soup Bar. Nikki Dimarucut won the raffle for the $250 cash grand prize. The program was made possible by local businesses, Glen Eagles Restaurant, Carson City Toyota, Greater Nevada Credit Union, Battle Born Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Galaxy Theaters and Scoups Ice Cream and Soup Bar.

Academic Letters were awarded to students who had earned a 3.5 GPA for both semesters while attending Pioneer Academy. Kylee Kraus-Mays received her letter for her three years at Pioneer. Two-year recipients were Brooklynn Case, Mason Dey and Kaitlyn Nguyen. One-year recipients included Savannah Garcia, Wren Sanchez Flores, Kathleen Bobula-Salazar, Kat Folster, Jonathan Powell, Olivia Cordova, Deb Uzzell, Haven Bryant, Ashley Ellis, Will Houk, Ameilia McCurdy and Vanessa Tran.

Individual subject awards were granted to the student in each department that has shown excellence among his or her peers. Kylee Kraus-Mays received the award for English, Vanessa Tran for mathematics, Ameilia McCurdy for biological sciences, Kaitlyn Nguyen for physical sciences, Claire Callister for social sciences, Maggie Uzzell for foreign languages, Opal Campbell for art, Debbie Uzzell for engineering, Ethan Calvello for physical education, Brooklynn Case for J4NG (Jobs for Nevada Graduates) and Olivia Cordova for AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination).

National Honor Society Members were honored for their commitment to their education by maintaining a 3.0 cumulative grade point average, showing character and leadership in the school and community and continuing their dedication to serving others. Within the last year, NHS members reinstated the Pioneer Academy library, hosted a food drive for F.I.S.H, hosted a pet food and supply drive for the Nevada Humane Society, supported the Pioneer staff with the adopt-a-teacher program, encouraged school positivity with No Drama March and wrote letters and cards for those in long-term care for mental and physical health.

New and returning NSA members include Alicia Aguilar, Brooklynn Case, Mason Dey, Christina Taylor, Dulce Perez Montero, Kathleen Bobula-Salazar, Claire Callister, Grace Jensen, Kylee Krause-Mays, Jonathan Powell, Mallorie Sheley-Brendel, Apple Aguilar, Haven Bryant, Olivia Cordova, Ashley Ellis, Hannah Gerow, Acire Kapsoff-Atilano, Kaitlyn Nguyen, Debbie Uzzell, Maggie Uzzell, Alexa Delatrinadad, Natalie Duenas, Baylee Finch, Jacob Freeman, Will Houk, Ameilia McCurdy, Claudia Padilla, Angie Rampley and Vanessa Tran.

“We are so proud of the dedication and commitment of all these students and the achievements each have earned,” said Cary Jordan, counselor at Pioneer Academy. “Thanks to everyone who has supported and encouraged these amazing people. We look forward to the amazing things they will do in the future.”

Virginia Truckee Railroad opens 2024 season Memorial Day weekend

Jeff Munson — Thu, 16 May 2024 01:01:55 +0000

By Candy Duncan

The Virginia Truckee Railroad begins its 49th season on May 25, 2024, with an exciting schedule of both steam and diesel locomotives. The scenic train ride departs daily from the original Virginia City depot where millionaires and miners sought their fortunes 150 years ago.

The historic 35- minute ride over the original 1869 route leaves once an hour starting at 10:30am to 4 pm and runs through October. Adult fares are $17to $19 and $8 for children ages 5-12. Kids aged four and under ride free. Tickets are available at the depot, or reserve space online at virginiatruckee.com.

Take in beautiful high desert views from our open-air cars and hear the stories of the Comstock Silver and Gold Rush from our knowledgeable conductors as you chug along the historic 1869 route. You will see the remnants of silver and gold mines and pass through the 400 ft Tunnel #4 on your way to Gold Hill, the site of the 1859 silver discovery when Nevada was still a territory. You may even spot some bands of wild mustangs or coyotes along the way.

Later in the season we will introduce our recently acquired Steam Engine #30, which was built as Chas. McCormick Lumber Co. #100 in 1926 by Baldwin in their Philadelphia plant. The locomotive is built to a standard 70 Ton 2-8-2 logging Mikado design, effectively making her a sister to the #18. She worked with Pope Lumber Co until 1942, and then went on to work on the Santa Maria Valley Railroad as well as the White Mountain and Deer Creek Scenic Railroads.

Also be sure to "See the Reno", a Nevada treasure. The 1872 V&T steam locomotive, the most famous movie locomotive, starred in nearly a hundred films and westerns.

Special event trains are being planned, including more murder mystery specials and the popular Pumpkin Express, Candy Cane Express and the Train O’ Lights that sell out each year. Check the web site at www.virginiatruckee.com for updated information.

Before or after your train ride, stop in our well-stocked gift shop found inside the original 1870 passenger depot. Cold drinks and ice cream are available as well as V&T memorabilia and souvenirs. Complete your day with a visit to Virginia City, a living ghost town filled with fun shops, good restaurants, and interesting museums.

The depot and train are also available as a unique venue for birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries, or other special events. Contact our event coordinator, Candy Duncan at (775) 721-6255 for ideas and more information.
Other special trains may be added to the schedule, check the web site virginiatruckee.com for more information or call (775) 847-0380.