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

Carson City Rotary Senior Spotlight: Pioneer Academy’s Claire Callister finds success in goal setting

Jeff Munson — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 15:48:56 +0000

Cary Jordan, Pioneer Academy Counselor

Pioneer High School’s Senior spotlight, Claire Callister, embodies the meaning of a welcoming personality. Described by her teachers, Claire is bubbly, sparkling, energetic and always welcoming others with a smile. Often asked to show new students around the campus, Claire has a personality to make people feel at home and welcome.

Transferring to Pioneer in Carson City mid-way through her Junior year helped reshape her goals and gave her a new perspective and direction for her future. Surrounded by a culture of being accepted for who she is, Claire has thrived and found new success, improving academically and embracing a personality of joy and gratitude.

Claire has viewed her high school experience like a coming-of-age movie with scenes full of drama, relationship ups and downs, successes and failures, but changing the setting to Pioneer helped to focus her direction. Realizing she was trying to be someone she wasn’t, Claire used the opportunity to be herself and found her self-worth and began to feel confident in who she is and where she is headed.

After transferring, Claire was appreciative of the positive teaching environment at Pioneer and how the teachers show they care for her and help her achieve her goals.

“Mrs. Tarado (Science and Leadership teacher) is an amazing woman who never fails to make me feel heard, seen, and cared for. She embraces all the parts of myself that make me unique. I honestly have no idea where I would be if I didn't make the change. I went from failing classes and never showing up to school, to graduating early, and it's all thanks to them," she said. "The teachers at Pioneer have made me feel special, like I could be a part of something larger than myself. They changed my perspective of what success is and what it looks like.”

With this new perspective, Claire has challenged herself with goals she didn’t think were possible and is motivated by a new mantra: if you want to play hard, you are going to have to work even harder.

Claire says she plans to continue to enjoy the opportunity to rock climb, go to the gym with friends, ski and hike while she completes her Senior requirements by the end of first semester. Claire then has been accepted to start college this spring at the University of Nevada, Reno to earn a degree in Nutrition and eventually work toward earning a master’s degree.

— All students named as a weekly Senior Spotlight are featured at the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Carson City. The Rotary Club of Carson City is a vibrant and dedicated group of professionals and community leaders committed to making a positive impact. The club welcomes individuals who are passionate about service and enjoy opportunities for personal and professional growth, networking and fellowship.

Carson City emergency crews called to crash involving motorcycle near Classy Seconds

Jeff Munson — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:41:22 +0000

Carson City Fire Department and sheriff's deputies responded early Tuesday evening to a vehicle crash involving a motorcycle near Classy Seconds at Brown and Gordon Street near US-50 East. No serious injuries were reported.

The call came into dispatch at 5:29 p.m. involving a vehicle and motorcycle. The motorcycle rider was up and walking around, according to first responders on scene. They were determining transport to the hospital via ground ambulance.

The crash was blocking traffic in the area. Motorists can expect delays.

Nevada Division of Forestry exhibit opens in Carson City

Jeff Munson — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:07:09 +0000

Event Date:

Repeats every week until Tue Dec 31 2024 .

October 15, 2024 - 10:00am

October 22, 2024 - 10:00am

October 29, 2024 - 10:00am

November 5, 2024 - 10:00am

November 12, 2024 - 10:00am

November 19, 2024 - 10:00am

November 26, 2024 - 10:00am

December 3, 2024 - 10:00am

December 10, 2024 - 10:00am

December 17, 2024 - 10:00am

December 24, 2024 - 10:00am

December 31, 2024 - 10:00am

By Cynara M. Medina

As part of American Archives Month, the Nevada State Archives unveiled an exhibit highlighting the Nevada Division of Forestry’s (NDF) essential role in protecting and managing Nevada’s lands. The exhibit opened to the public Oct. 1 and will run through Dec. 31 at the Nevada State Archives in Carson City.

The exhibit compiles 60 historical documents and photographs dating back to 1931. Included also are numerous guides and objects used by foresters and wildland fire fighters in the field, as well as memorabilia.

“All Nevadans and anyone staying in Carson City are welcome to visit the exhibit,” said Mike Strom, Administrator for the Nevada State Library, Archives & Public Records. “We’re excited to highlight the important work of the Division of Forestry by showcasing these historical documents from the Archives.”

“Exhibits like this help us educate people about the importance of forestry and fire prevention in our state,” said Kacey KC, Nevada State Forester Firewarden. “We thank the Nevada State Archives for helping to preserve and share NDF’s history with these documents that celebrate nearly 100 years of efforts to protect and improve Nevada’s forests, rangelands, and watersheds.”

Materials will be displayed online and in person at the Nevada State Archives, located at 100 N. Stewart St. The Archives is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Carson City BOOnanza trick-or-treat event returns Oct. 24 to Mills Park

Jeff Munson — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 23:43:38 +0000

Event Date:

October 24, 2024 - 4:00pm

By Anna Freeman

Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department invites the community to an evening of family fun at the 8th Annual Carson City BOOnanza event on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Mills Park, 1111 E. William St.

Dress up in costume and trick-or-treat at decorated booths along the meandering paths. Train rides will be free during the event. Various booths offer free activities and games, food and beverage vendors have tasty treats for purchase, and, of course, there will be loads of free candy.

Sponsored by Southwest Gas, United Rentals, Quick Space, Nevada Health Link, Carson City Toyota, and PCC Structurals—BOOnanza is good old-fashioned Halloween fun.

Approved parking is available at the following locations: Scroll photo box to view map.

— Oxoby Loop in Mills Park
— Seely Loop in Mills Park
— Carson City Community Center and Aquatic Facility
— Mills Park Lane Parking Lot off Palo Verde
— Carson High School
— Parking Lot along William Street
— Carson City Library
— North Roop Street Professional Center
— State offices on William Street
— St. Paul's Lutheran Church (paved area only)
— Carson City Senior Center and Health and Human Services

For additional information or questions, please contact Anna Freeman at afreeman@carson.org or (775) 283.7867. For more information on this event, please visit www.carson.org/boonanza.

Big Lots in Carson City is closing December 22

Kelsey Penrose — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 22:05:02 +0000

by Kelsey Penrose

In September, the national Big Lots company announced they would be closing over 340 stores. Now, Carson City’s Big Lots, which has been in its south Carson location since 2010, has announced it will be shuttering its doors Dec. 22.

The store, located at 4215 S. Carson St., is offering a number of discounts on their merchandise, though signs out front state all sales are final.

Big Lots is the second long-standing store in the area center to close, after Burlington Coat Factory closed their doors in April. They had been in the location since 2008, and Hobby Lobby is slated to take its place.

At this time, it is not known if there are any plans for the Big Lots location. It has also not been announced what will happen to the employees who currently work for the store.

We will update with new information as it becomes available.

Carson City Supervisors to appoint new planning commissioner, discuss outdoor classroom and more Thursday

Kelsey Penrose — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 21:04:06 +0000

Event Date:

October 17, 2024 - 8:30am

by Kelsey Penrose

The next Carson City Board of Supervisors meeting will be held Thursday, Oct, 17 beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Bob Crowell Board Room of the Community Center located at 851 E. William St.

On the agenda:
— Supervisors will discuss the appointment of a new member to the Carson City Planning Commission due to a resignation. Five of the commissioners are recommended for appointment by each member of the Board of Supervisors, and the remaining two are appointed from the community at-large.

Sena Loyd, who has served on the commission for almost four years, sent a letter of resignation on Sept. 30.

“During my tenure, I have had the privilege of working alongside a dedicated group of individuals committed to the growth and future of Carson City,” Loyd wrote. “I deeply appreciate the collaborative efforts of the Commission, Supervisors and especially the dedicated staff in making informed decisions that benefit the residents and foster responsible development. While I will no longer be involved as a commissioner, I remain fully supportive of the important work being done by the Planning Commission and the City's continued progress. I am confident the Commission will continue to promote thoughtful and effective planning for the community.”

Currently, there is one vacancy for a member who is recommended by Supervisor Lisa Schuette. Schuette is recommending Robert Pyzel for appointment.

— Supervisors will also discuss the appointment of three members to the Carson City Building Code Board of Appeals. There are five total positions of the board: an architect, a general building contractor, a mechanical engineer, a structural/civil engineer, and an electrical engineer. All five positions are currently open due to expiration of terms.

Rachel Kryder has applied for the structural/civil engineer position.
William Miles has applied for the general building contractor position.
Darrin Berger has applied for the architect position.

— A discussion will be held on the submittal of a $53,000 grant for health care education to reduce the prevalence of obesity in Carson City, in the amount of $18,462, and in the Washoe Tribe, in the amount of $34,610.

The Carson City Department of Health and Human Services has been a sub-grantee of the award for several years, and this year, CCHHS was awarded additional funding to pass through to the Washoe Tribe to implement a Chronic Disease Management Program. If accepted, the grant will be used to cover the cost of existing personnel, materials about nutrition and the important software maintaining a healthy weight. There is no match requirement.

— Supervisors will vote on awarding a contract to K.G. Walters for the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) Screw Pump Rehab project for a total not to exceed $299,970. The project includes removing and replacing one of four screw pumps and rehabilitating the remaining three.

— Supervisors will similarly vote on awarding a contract to Facilities Management, Inc. for the Public Works Building B Restroom Remodel Project for an amount not to exceed $223,300. This includes remodeling and reconfiguring two individual restrooms and two adjacent office spaces into a en’s restroom and women’s restroom in the Public Works Administrative Building B to better serve staff and utilize the space efficiently, according to the agenda.

— A new ordinance amending Carson City Airport rules and regulations will be discussed on a second reading, which includes imposing fees for secure airport access, and setting requirements for aircraft liability insurance. It also includes revising provisions for through-the-fence airport access.

— Parks, Recreation and Open Space is asking for authorization to submit a grant application to the Recreational Trails Program for a $99,928 grant — which includes a 20% local match — for the Ambrose Carson River Outdoor Classroom and Trailhead Project.

If approved, Carson City will need to provide $24,982 of the funds for a total project cost of $124,910. The project includes installing a new ADA accessible single vault toilet, constructing shade structure with ADA accessible tables, constructing an accessible pathway, installing a kiosk next to the shade structure for changeable educational content, installing interpretive panels along the pathway, and more.

For these and other agenda items, you can read the full agenda at https://www.carson.org/agendas

Carson City sheriff deputies make DUI, warrant arrests

Jeff Munson — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 20:02:22 +0000

A 54-year-old woman was arrested Monday for suspicion of DUI second offense and other offenses, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.

Michelle Marie Mueller was taken into custody at 5:19 p.m. She was also booked for felony parole and probation violation and misdemeanor use or possession of a drug chemical for euphoria. According to the booking report, a deputy was dispatched to the area of Fairview Drive for a welfare check regarding a person driving a vehicle while possibly intoxicated. Dispatch advised the driver of the vehicle was agitated with people in a parking lot who were attempting to prevent the vehicle from driving away.

A deputy arrived and saw multiple people waving and pointing the officer toward the parking lot. A deputy observed a vehicle parked with its front tires on the curb of a median in the parking lot. A man was holding, outside the window, the left arm of the driver. The officer positioned their patrol vehicle close to the rear bumper of the suspect vehicle to prevent it from backing away.

The officer took control of the driver's left arm and opened the door. The officer was able to get the driver out of the vehicle and placed her into handcuffs to detain her, the report states.

A deputy made contact with witnesses. One advised the saw the woman driving in the parking lot and blocking a lane that she was driving down. The witness honked and the driver didn't move. They got out of their vehicle, walked up the to suspect vehicle and observed the driver "huffing a blue can of an unknown substance," the report states. The deputy learned the driver passed out and let her foot off the brake, causing the vehicle to roll up onto the curb of the island, nearly striking a tree. The witness called 911.

Another witness advised he noticed the vehicle was already up on the island and that the driver was passed out at the steering wheel. He stated when the driver regained conscious, she attempted to start the vehicle again and drive away. The witness stated he reached in and took the keys out of the ignition and put them on the roof of the vehicle. He then said he restrained the driver until law enforcement arrived. Both witnesses completed written statements documenting the incident.

K-9 Pronto did a free air sniff of the vehicle. The dog did not alert to any change of behavior.

The driver was read her Miranda rights and said she was willing to answer questions. The officer observed the driver having red, watery eyes and could not sit still. She insisted that she had not used any drugs or alcohol. The officer observed the driver to be in an emotional up and down state, pleading with deputies on scene to let her leave. She then admitted to huffing from a dust-off can prior to the officer arriving, the report states.

She submitted to standardized field sobriety tests and showed signs of impairment on the tests. As the officer prepared the vehicle for tow, they located four cans of electrical spray. One can was cold to the touch while the remaining cans were hot from sitting in the car. She was arrested for suspicion of DUI drugs, and use/possession of a drug/chemical for euphoria/hallucinate and a felony parole and probation violation hold. No bail hold for the parole and probation violation, $2,500 for the other offenses.

In other arrests:
— A 37-year-old Carson City woman, Vickie Garcia, was arrested for a felony outside agency warrant issued out of Sparks. No bail hold in lieu of hearing.

— A 43-year-old Reno woman was arrested Monday for a contempt of court warrant. Bail: $3,000 cash.

— All information for the crime log (unless otherwise noted) comes from the 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.

Join Carson City's Healing Circles: A Place to Be Seen, Heard and Empowered

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 19:08:30 +0000

By Erick Keene

Join our thriving Community Healing Circles: The Rising Suns and Rays of Light. We're excited to share the continued success of two transformative healing circles in our community, facilitated by Erick Keene. Both groups are welcoming new participants!

The Rising Suns: A Men's Healing Circle
Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Location: Miller Wellness Center, 104 W Telegraph Street, Carson City, NV (Upstairs, last door on left)

The Rising Suns provides a judgment-free zone where men gather every other Tuesday to share their journeys openly. From life's triumphs to its challenges, this circle encourages authentic self-expression, promoting personal growth and genuine male bonding

Rays of Light: A Women's Healing Circle

Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024 Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Location: 104 w telegraph st @Miller Wellness Center

Rays of Light continues to be a sacred gathering for women focused on connection, healing, and empowerment. This unique circle offers a supportive environment for women to share their journeys, challenges, and aspirations. It creates a space where women are seen in their authenticity, heard without judgment, and encouraged to embrace their full potential.

Both groups have been fostering:
A confidential and trusting environment
Authentic self-expression
Personal empowerment
Connection with inner wisdom

Our community members have found these circles to be powerful spaces for engaging in meaningful personal work, fostering genuine connections, and navigating the complexities of modern life with support.
We're always open to welcoming new faces! If you're interested in joining either of these transformative healing circles, we encourage you to attend our next meeting.
For more information or to RSVP for The Rising Suns or The Rays of Light, visit:

https://www.meetup.com/the-rising-suns-a-mens-healing-circle/

https://www.meetup.com/the-rays-of-light/

To learn more about Erick Keene and his work, visit: www.erickkeene.com

Join us in strengthening our connected community through these ongoing healing circles. New participants are always welcome!

Homewood ski resort at Lake Tahoe to close for 2024/25 season

Jeff Munson — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 16:39:29 +0000

Paula Peterson, SouthTahoeNow.com

In a letter shared on their website and social media, owners of Homewood Mountain Resort at Lake Tahoe announced they will be unable to open for the 2024/25 season for financial reasons, but the community says it is more than that.

In May 2024, HMR submitted an application to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) for what they say were minor revisions to the 2011 approved Master Plan. On Sept. 25, the TRPA Planning Committee heard a proposal that revises that plan and changed the language of the Community Access Plan.

"The proposed revisions are site plan modifications only," stated the HMR team. "The proposed site plan changes are to move the gondola terminal to a more skier-friendly position, to reduce the massing of the buildings, reduce residential density, and to open the view corridors of the mountain and lake. The revisions make no changes whatsoever to the Master Plan’s central goal of restoring Homewood as a key gathering center for Lake Tahoe’s West Shore. Anyone who wants to buy a pass and ski at Homewood will continue to be able to do so on equal footing with anyone else."

HMR has been owned by JMA Ventures out of the San Francisco Bay Area since 2006. They teamed with Discovery Land Company (DLC) in 2022 to develop the popular small resort.

The changes at Homewood included in the original 2011 plan included a hotel with up to 75 rooms, 225 residences (which are now being reduced to 122), the addition of 13 workforce housing units, a new base mountain facility, and a parking garage with the possibility of paid parking.

Their proposed changes to that 2011 plan are moving the gondola's base to the parking area instead of mid-hill where it is now, a slight adjustment to the original plan. The view from SR89 would improve and instead of the view of a big parking lot, drivers would see a village-like atmosphere, much like what is experienced in South Lake Tahoe at Heavenly Village.

To date, HMR says they are still awaiting approval of the amendments, including the Madden Chair replacement (gondola) permit submitted over a year ago, to move forward on ski infrastructure and other investments.

"Hypothetical fears and false rumors regarding public access to the mountain from Keep Homewood Public’s leadership have dramatically slowed the pace of the approval process," said the HMR team.   

HMR tried to make the West Shore resort private, and the plan met a lot of resistance from the community. Keep Homewood Public (KHP) is a group of small businesses, residents, and visitors who have been opposing the privatization of the resort.

"Keep Homewood Public is extremely disappointed in this decision by the mountain,' said the group in a statement on social media. "This is the wrong choice for the community, the mountain’s local employees, West Shore businesses, the rental market, and for the overall project/development."

The resort said its financial partner withdrew support for this ski season without them having a clear path forward. KHP said they didn't buy this statement, saying the decision was coming right after what they called a promising TRPA meeting on Sept. 25, one that they say was paving the way for the public sharing the mountain with members.

"Homewood is the heart of the West Shore - we don’t want to imagine what could happen to our community if that heart were to stop beating permanently," said KHP.

HMR says they made the tough decision not to open, knowing the deep disappointment their announcement would cause.

"The team at HMR remains focused on working through the approval process at this year’s upcoming planning meetings with community members and governing agencies in the hope that we can get the gondola installed next year and someday soon resume operations at the resort," the company's letter stated. "We are also working to support every employee so they have alternative employment or can stay with us while we work through the approval processes."

During the Sept. 25 TRPA planning committee meeting, there was an informational item on HMR. "We consider the West Shore a beloved part of Lake Tahoe," said TRPA Executive Director Julie Regan during the meeting. "We care about your concerns," she told the numerous members of the public who participated. The agenda item was to gather feedback about the master plan at Homewood, especially concerning public access to the mountain, something HMR says was still their goal and part of the master plan.

Homewood presenters said everyone will still have access to Homewood Mountain with no exception. The year-round activities planned included hiking trails, a swimming pool, and year-round food and beverage operations. There is a concern about the use of the words "access with no exception" as the presenters said there would be limits to daily and annual passes, and no definitions of how many tickets for the public have been made public.

Some of the commentators are concerned that annual memberships for the resort will give the private members more access than the public members. DLC, a luxury property brand that offers privacy and exclusively at their "clubs" around the world. They currently have Homewood in their selection of choices on their website of luxury private residential communities and resorts.

One person, Chris Heasman, called into the TRPA meeting from Scotland where they have experienced DLC operations in the Scottish Isles. He said when DLC took over, it wasn't good news for the region. Heasman says DLC displays a total lack of transparency, widespread environmental destruction, and unauthorized construction. He said other communities facing DLC said the company cannot be taken at its word, especially where public access is concerned. He said to look at Barbuda, Portugal, Bahamas, and other areas where the situations are much worse than he said they are experiencing in Scotland.

KHP said the mountain's choice not to open this season suggests they had no intention of being public in the first place, something DLC says isn't true.

Since the meeting was just informational, there was no vote.

The agency has been working with Homewood management, partner agencies, and community representatives to review amendments to the master plan proposed by the property owners and continue to work through critical issues including their public access, employee housing, and fire response," said TRPA in a statement. "When Homewood Mountain Resort finalizes its work, the agency will be able to bring the proposal to the Governing Board for consideration. TRPA understands how important Homewood is to skiers and riders and to the West Shore and we remain committed to keeping the community informed of the public process in the coming months."

Signup for updates by emailing TRPA at HomewoodPlan@trpa.gov. More information, updates and documents are on the Homewood Master Plan webpage.

Carson City Symphony and Carson Chamber Singers present three October concerts

Jeff Munson — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 15:38:54 +0000

By Elinor Bugli

Three Carson City Symphony and Carson Chamber Singers concerts are lined up in October, the first happening this Friday and the second on Sunday. Those interested in attending should see concert start times below. Please note that the banner over Carson Street shows an incorrect time for the Sunday concert, which will begin at 4 p.m. with lobby entertainment starting at 3 p.m.

On Friday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m., at Shepherd of the Sierra Lutheran Church, 3680 N. Highway 395, the Carson Chamber Singers directed by Gary Schwartz, with Rita Geil, narrator; Katie Cardoza, keyboard; Dave Davies, bass; and Larry Widener, drums - present "A Night on Broadway." Musical selections span 100 years of favorite Broadway musicals, from Tin Pan Alley to "Wicked" and everything in between. Admission is free, donations welcome.

On Sunday, Oct. 20, 4 p.m., at Carson City Community Center's Bob Boldrick Theater, 851 E. William Street, the Carson City Symphony, directed by David Bugli and Brian Fox with guest violin soloist Stephanie Sant'Ambrogio, present "A Bit of Vienna and Beyond." The program includes music by Beethoven, Borodin, Schubert, Berlioz, and Kreisler. Lobby Entertainment by CMS Advanced Orchestra begins at 3:00 p.m. Concert Preview in Bob Crowell Boardroom begins at 3:15 p.m. Tickets are $18 general admission; $15 for seniors, students, and Carson City Symphony Association members; and free for youth age 18 and under. Tickets are available online at CCSymphony.com and at the door.

On Saturday, Oct. 26, at 4 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, 200 N. Division Street, Carson City, the Carson Chamber Singers directed by Gary Schwartz - with Rita Geil, narrator; Katie Cardoza, keyboard; Dave Davies, bass; and Larry Widener, drums - present "A Night on Broadway." Musical selections span 100 years of favorite Broadway musicals, from Tin Pan Alley to "Wicked" and everything in between. Tickets are $18 general admission; $15 for seniors, students, and Carson City Symphony Association members; and free for youth age 18 and under. Tickets are available online at CCSymphony.com and at the door.

The 2024-25 concert season is supported with public funding through the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, Carson City, and by private donations. The concert preview on October 20 is supported by Nevada Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

For more information, see CCSymphony.com or call (775) 883-4154.