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

Davis Fire officials: Containment lines are holding, outlook is positive

Kelsey Penrose — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 00:10:31 +0000

by Kelsey Penrose

Outlook on the Davis Fire is positive but is dependent entirely on the weather, according to fire officials during a Wednesday press conference that included officials from Washoe County, Truckee Meadows Fire, NV Energy and more.

As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, however, all active fires are currently within containment lines, which so far, have all been holding.

Despite the fact that, because of high winds, no firefighting aircraft have been able to fly all day, the fire still has not been able to grow as large as first predicted.

According to Stewart Turner, Fire Behavior Analyst, predictions of fire movement have not come true so far, though some gusts off Slide Mountain have been recorded as high as 70 mph.

Typically, wind gusts throughout the day have been around 30 mph to 40 mph within the fire area.

Officials stated that conditions are “challenging” due to gusts and ash, but the primary plan of keeping the fire within the perimeter has so far been successful.

The east side of the fire has virtually no concerns at this time, with most of the concern coming from the southwest portion of the fire.

Mop up is occurring on the eastern side of the fire, and all of the smoke seen throughout the day has come from mop up areas within containment lines.

Turner said once the night falls, they’ll see much different fire behavior, because the wind will calm down and the fire will “lay down” if all goes well.

However, peak gusts are still predicted after 5 p.m. tonight.

Kelly Echeverria, Washoe County emergency management administrator, said the shelter changed from the senior center to now being held at the Neil Road Community Center, located at 3925 Neil Road.

“Residents who have to leave are urged to utilize the shelter, which will remain open as long as it’s needed,” Echeverria said.

Echeverria said that residents need to be prepared to leave if they are in the evacuation warning zones.

“It’s a lot easier mentally and emotionally if you’re ready to go,” Echeverria said. “You need to have a bag packed, know where you’re going, with pets ready to go as well.”

For those who have trouble moving themselves, Echeverria said to dial 311 for Washoe 311, who will be able to help them navigate resources.

She said that there has been an outpouring of requests to help from the community, whether its through donations or volunteering.

To learn more, visit https://www.readywashoe.com

Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said law enforcement officers are working tirelessly to not only evacuate homes within evacuation zones, but continue to patrol the neighborhoods that have been evacuated.

Balaam said some residents have been concerned about leaving their homes “unprotected,” but Balaam said they have nothing to worry about, as roads into the evacuated areas have been shut down by law enforcement.

He said if homeowners are concerned about leaving their door open or something similar, they can call the non-emergency line.

NV Energy said at this time, around 2,400 NV Energy customers are still without power, but all of the homes are contained within the evacuation areas.

Jesse Murray of NV Energy said they will continue to keep the energy off to support first responders, as well as to keep from adding to secondary powers from downed power lines.

All damaged power lines that NV Energy can get to at this time — 19 in total — have been fixed or replaced, restoring the power to those effected within Washoe Valley.

We will continue to update on the fire as information becomes available.

Countdown begins for 35th annual Dayton Valley Days Sept. 21-22

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 00:00:28 +0000

By Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce

Welcome to Dayton Valley Days, a two-day outdoor street festival where friends and families come together to celebrate in the historic downtown area. Now in its 35th year, the festival will be held in Old Town Dayton on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 21-22 starting at 8:30 a.m. It's the largest to date with over 140 vendors expected to line Pike Street.

Organized by the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, Dayton Valley Days is packed with fun activities for everyone!

The Show 'n' Shine kicks off Saturday morning at 9 a.m. on Main St., showcasing over 50 cars and trucks of all makes. The Cherry Bomb Betties will host the inaugural Pin-Up Contest on the vintage front balcony of Js' Bistro, beginning at 11:30 AM, with the Queen crowned at 12:30 PM. Another exciting Saturday-only event is the Cornhole tournament, sponsored by Sierra Nevada Cornhole, starting at 10 a.m. (see info below).

Greg Austin will perform Saturday afternoon on the Front Porch of the Community Center, bringing music sure to get everyone rocking. On Sunday, the band Jacked Up Tahoe, a five-piece group known for keeping toes tapping, will perform on the Front Porch.

On Sunday, don’t miss the beloved and popular Pet Parade! Registration starts at 9 a.m. at the Dog Park Booth (located by Compadres), with the parade beginning at 10 AM.

Stop by the Community Center for the Pancake Breakfast, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Dayton Valley. Breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m. each day, featuring eggs, sausage, all-you-can-eat pancakes, and Larry’s Gourmet Coffee!

Be sure to check out Dayton Valley Days favorites like Comstock Gold Panning, Historical Society of Dayton Valley Museum Tours, the Antique Tractor Exhibit (on 2nd Street), and over 140 craft and food booths. The Dayton Valley Lions Club will offer their "Vision Screening for Children" program inside the Community Center. The Kids Zone, sponsored by Calvary Baptist Church, will feature games, fun activities, and a climbing wall, all located next to Compadres in shady Logan Alley.

Brittnee Somers, Vice President of Events for the Chamber and Dayton Valley Days Co-Chair, has led the event since the Chamber took it over in 2022. "This year, we’ve extended Saturday’s hours to 6 PM to give everyone more time to enjoy the event," said Somers. "Don’t forget to add Dayton Valley Days to your calendar!"

Cathy Mitchell, who co-chairs Dayton Valley Days with Somers, is in charge of the Raffle and Silent Auction, held inside the Community Center (170 Pike St.). Mitchell encourages everyone to stop by and get a head start on their Christmas shopping! Raffle hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.

John Cassinelli, Chamber President and Lyon County Commissioner-Elect, is helping with the heavy lifting. From moving bleacher stands to setting up the food tent, you'll find John wherever there’s work to be done! Be sure to join him for a beer at the Cornhole Tournament on Saturday!

Richard Mitrotz, the new Executive Director of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, who began his role on May 1st, has hit the ground running. He expressed his gratitude to legendary artist Steven Saylor for creating the artwork commemorating the 35th anniversary and for allowing the Chamber to produce limited-edition, signed, and numbered event t-shirts and other merchandise. Saylor’s wife, Johnye, serves on the Chamber board and is a member of the event committee.

"We wouldn’t be able to run this festival without the hard work of the Dayton Valley Days committee" said Mitrotz. The committee is made up of festival vendors, Chamber members, and local citizens who work for months to prepare for this autumn event.

For more information about Dayton Valley Days or the Chamber, contact Richard at (775) 246-7909 or director@daytonnvchamber.com.

NV Energy reports more than 2,600 customers without power in Carson City

Jeff Munson — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 22:22:49 +0000

UPDATE 330PM: The NV Energy outage has grown to 2,635 customers in Carson City without power. NV Energy earlier had advised that it was canceling its Public Safety Outage Management (PSOM) watch for south Carson City, Genoa and Glenbrook areas but did advise outages are possible today due to weather events.
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NV Energy is reporting 2,423 customers are without power Wednesday afternoon. The utility does not have a time of restoration. The power went out at around 2:34 p.m. The cause is under investigation.

Catholic Church, residential homes among buildings lost in the Davis Fire in Washoe City, Old 395

Jeff Munson — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 22:12:10 +0000

by Kelsey Penrose

Several buildings were destroyed during Saturday's blaze from the Davis Fire in the old 395 corridor in Washoe City. The area was shut down for some time in part due to downed power lines which have since been removed.
From what could be seen from the road of Old 395, buildings that were destroyed include Holy Spirit Catholic Church, a mechanic's garage, two residential homes, and several outbuildings.

Landscaping around nearly all of the homes and businesses, even those that were saved such as the Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory, were completely wiped out by the flames.

We will continue to update on the fire as information becomes available.

Carson Now reader advises pet owners to keep eyes out for coyotes

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 21:00:38 +0000

By Katie Farr

I've been taking my dogs to beautiful Silver Saddle Ranch in Carson City for nine years and have seen many, many coyotes.

Never though, have I seen as many as I did today. I lost count. And never, has one come after my dog, until today. (who is just fine) All I could do was scream at the top of my lungs! Please pay attention or use a leash. That goes for me too.

And as a PS, I didn't get out my phone and take photos while my dog was being chased. I had a camera around my neck and just pointed it in that direction holding my other dog's leash in my other hand and screaming.

NV Energy cancels power outage watch for Genoa, South Carson City and Glenbrook

Jeff Munson — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 20:49:58 +0000

NV Energy says it has canceled a Public Safety Outage Management (PSOM) Watch for Genoa, south Carson City and Glenbrook "due to updated weather forecasts in these areas."

It had originally issued the watch on Monday. The watch was not Davis Fire related but weather related. The company reminds customers that due to higher than normal winds, unplanned power outages may still occur.

There is a rare PDS Red Flag Warning until 8 p.m. Wednesday night due to gusty winds and low humidity.

Additional information, including outage preparedness tips, can be found here. Customers can also enroll in MyAccount to receive automatic text and email notifications about outages and other important updates.

We will update if the situation changes.

Carson City students, teachers celebrate National Arts in Education Week with events

Jeff Munson — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 20:23:54 +0000

Carson City School District

Students, Teachers Celebrate National Arts in Education Week with Events
Carson City students and teachers celebrate passion and creativity for National Arts in Education Week, Sept. 9-13, during instruction time, at lunch and before and after school.

Throughout the week, students from all grade levels have participated in various activities, including musical performances, watercolors, choirs, ceramic wheel demonstrations, photography activities, famous painting displays, theater performances, Jazz bands and pep rallies.

The week highlights that the arts are not merely an optional addition to school curriculums but essential components that cultivate creativity, develop talent and equip students for academic and community success, said Karen McCraw, visual arts teacher at Carson High.

"Studies consistently demonstrate that art and creative expression significantly enhance cognitive development, boost self-esteem and foster critical thinking skills," McCraw continued. "The arts offer a crucial avenue for expression and communication, enabling students to explore their emotions and ideas in distinctive ways."

Passed by Congress in 2010, House Resolution 275 designates the week beginning with the second Sunday in September as National Arts in Education Week. Celebrated annually across the United States, the creative week aims to raise awareness about the value of arts education in the lives of students and the broader community. Carson City School District has always been a strong advocate for arts education, recognizing its role in fostering creativity, critical thinking and self-expression among students.

Carson City deputies make arrests for grand larceny, DUI and warrants

Jeff Munson — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 19:58:53 +0000

A 37-year-old woman was arrested Tuesday for suspicion of grand larceny, obtaining money under false pretenses and obtaining or using an ID of another person, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.

Bailey Michelle Gonzales was taken into custody in the 800 block of Roop Street following an investigation. According to the booking report, a deputy responded to a Menlo Court address in reference to a grand larceny report.

The officer met with the victim who advised their adult daughter has been allowed to stay at his house. He accused his daughter of stealing $10,000 in gold and silver coins from him around May 2024, advising she had a drug problem.

On Tuesday, it was discovered the daughter used her father's identity to apply for two separate credit cards, the report states.

The woman agreed to meet with the deputy, who advised her of the mounting evident as well as documents related to the sale of coins. She admitted to taking "some" coins and sold them and then admitted to taking about five large sacks of silver coins as well as gold where she sold them. She also admitted to using her father's information to apply for two credit cards in his name. She was read her Miranda warning and fully admitted to stealing the items from her father's closet and signing the confession. Bail: $20,000.

In other arrests:
— A 21-year-old Reno woman, Brooke Lynn Gudmunson, was arrested early Wednesday for suspicion of felony possession of false documents, misdemeanor DUI, failure to obey a traffic control device and improper turn. Bail: $2,500.

— A 45-year-old Carson City woman was arrested for three misdemeanor contempt of court warrant issued August 14, 2024. Bail: $9,000.

— 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.

Sheriff's Office warns of scam emails targeting Douglas County residents

Jeff Munson — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 19:24:58 +0000

Douglas County Sheriff's Office

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of numerous emails sent to Douglas County residents in an attempt to fraudulently obtain money by threatening means.

The unknown source of the emails claims to know each victim, their home address, phone number, and internet browsing history. The suspect threatens to release each victim’s internet browsing history to all their contacts unless money is transferred to the suspect via a cryptocurrency Bitcoin wallet address.

Each email also includes a Google Maps street view of each victim’s residence to make the threatening email appear more personal.

If you receive one of these emails, please log onto ic3.gov here to report it. Do not interact with the suspect and do not transfer any money to the suspect through Bitcoin or any other means.

Vegas firefighters head to Reno to support fire stations

Jeff Munson — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 18:48:33 +0000

The City of Las Vegas posted on social media that fire crews are headed to Reno to help support fire stations while crews continue to battle the Davis Fire.