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

Forest Service urges responsible recreation at Lake Tahoe over July 4 holiday

Jeff Munson — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 14:25:32 +0000

U.S. Forest Service

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is gearing up for our most popular holiday weekend, the Fourth of July. Tahoe is a cherished place, welcoming to all responsible recreationists of diverse backgrounds, and it is essential that Tahoe visitors and residents alike take care of this spectacular place to protect Tahoe’s environment and improve the Tahoe experience for all.

The LTBMU is aligned with and taking action to implement the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan in collaboration with over 20 regional organizations. The award-winning plan, developed with the participation of over 3,000 residents, visitors, and businesses, establishes a shared vision for the region’s outdoor recreation and tourism, and encourages everyone to help take care of Tahoe’s cherished communities and environment.

“The ability for our diverse population to enjoy public lands is one of the nation’s greatest legacies, and something we all take pride in as we celebrate Independence Day while caring for Tahoe,” said Public Services Staff Officer, Daniel Cressy.

The LTBMU is sharing the following helpful information and links to encourage positive behavior that helps protect and preserve this special place.

Alcohol Prohibition
To promote public safety, the annual alcohol prohibition will be in effect at Nevada Beach and Zephyr Cove Resort (including the area known as Zephyr Shoals) on July 4, 2024, and at Chamber’s Landing Beach from July 3-7. The Alcohol Prohibition Forest Order and maps will be posted on the forest orders webpage as soon as they are available. To ensure compliance, these areas will be patrolled by law enforcement personnel from the Forest Service, state and local law enforcement, and private security staff.

Campfires, Charcoal, Fireworks and Fire Restrictions
Wildfire prevention is everyone’s responsibility! Everyone should do their part to prevent human-caused wildfires by informing themselves about fire restrictions or fire-related activities. If you see something, say something by reporting illegal fire activity to 911 immediately. Learn how to Get Prepared, Get Informed and Get Involved at Tahoe Living with Fire.

National forest lands in the basin are under year-round fire restrictions. These fire restrictions permit wood and charcoal fires in open, designated campgrounds with permanently installed metal campfire rings and/or barbeque grills. Unless restricted, portable stoves with on/off valves are allowed in other areas with a valid permit.

All personal use fireworks are illegal in the Tahoe Basin because they pose a significant wildfire danger to local communities and forests. Be kind to our forests by leaving personal use fireworks at home and attending one of the professional displays over Lake Tahoe instead.

Camping, Beaches, Picnic Areas, and Parking
Campsites should be reserved before traveling to Lake Tahoe. View a list of campgrounds in the basin and keep in mind, camping at Lake Tahoe is only permitted in these designated areas. Dispersed or “car camping” is not permitted.

Visitors should arrive early to parking areas at beaches, picnic areas and trailheads as they fill up quickly. Due to back-to-back wet winters, Lake Tahoe is approaching its maximum limit. Beachgoers can expect Lake Tahoe beaches to be smaller and narrower than some years due to high-water levels. Beaches with vegetation or rocky shoreline may be inaccessible. Have a “Plan B” in mind in case parking areas are full and use this opportunity to explore locations.

Consider public transportation such as Lake Link (South Shore) and TART Connect (North Shore) as holiday traffic causes extremely crowded roads and parking areas. Walk, carpool, or bicycle to avoid limited parking in crowded recreation areas and traffic delays after the firework displays.

At most developed recreation sites, parking is only permitted in designated parking spaces inside parking lots, not along the roadway. Vehicles should avoid blocking gates, road access or narrow lanes which could delay emergency response vehicles. Where parking on the side of the road is allowed, avoid parking on vegetation because it causes damage to the environment and can spark a wildfire.

To cover increased security and facility maintenance costs of the holiday, day-use parking fees on July 4 will be $40 at Baldwin, Nevada, and Pope beaches, and $20 at Meeks Bay Resort and Campground. The increased fee at Zephyr Cove Resort will be $40 (each day) July 1-4.

Give a Hoot, Don't Pollute
If trash and debris are left behind on beaches after festivities, they can be harmful and even fatal to area wildlife. It’s also a human health hazard and degrades the clarity of Lake Tahoe. This year, bring a few trash bags along in case trash cans and dumpsters are full or unavailable and never leave trash outside of or on top of receptacles. Let’s work together to ensure Lake Tahoe beaches remain pristine and litter-free!

The League to Save Lake Tahoe will hold their 11th Annual Keep Tahoe Red, White and Blue Beach Clean-Up on Thursday, July 5, from 8-11:30 a.m. Anyone interested in volunteering should visit their website for more information.

Bears
Tahoe is bear country. Never approach bears or cubs and remember it’s illegal to feed any wild animal. Feeding wildlife encourages them to enter human occupied areas to seek out human food and garbage which disturbs their natural feeding habits. Always remove food, garbage and scented items from vehicles and be sure to keep vehicle doors locked and vehicle windows closed. When camping, keep all food and toiletries locked within provided bear boxes. Bear canisters are required for overnight visits to Desolation Wilderness and are highly recommended in all backcountry areas. Learn more about keeping Tahoe bears wild at Tahoe Bears.org and BearWise.org.

Cold Water
Tahoe’s snowpack is melting, and rivers, creeks and streams are flowing high, swift, and cold! Exposure to snowmelt water can be life-threatening. Never swim alone, always wear approved life jackets, keep a close eye on children and pets, and avoid strong currents. Wearing a life jacket even if you’re a strong swimmer significantly increases your chance of survival.

Backcountry Safety
Backcountry enthusiasts should always tell someone where they are going, when they expect to return and then stick to the plan. Always check the weather before heading into the backcountry. Sturdy footwear, proper clothing and gear are essential, and an old-fashioned paper map and compass can come in handy on snow- or ice-covered trails. Always travel with a buddy, never alone and keep in mind mobile devices may not work in remote areas. Develop an emergency plan in case you cannot call for help.

Weather
Weather in the mountains can change rapidly. Summers are usually warm in the afternoon and cool at night. Afternoon thunderstorms are typical in the summer, and snow is possible during any month of the year. Be prepared for changeable weather and bring clothing that will keep you warm and dry.

Visit the LTBMU website and follow us on Facebook and X for the latest updates and information.

The LTBMU wishes everyone a safe and responsible Independence Day!

Settlement reached in Lake Tahoe workforce housing litigation

Jeff Munson — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 14:17:39 +0000

Press release

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Mountain Area Preservation reached a settlement agreement this week over a lawsuit brought by MAP against affordable housing policies approved by the TRPA Governing Board in December 2023. The litigation sought to block new land use policies in the highly protected Lake Tahoe Region that combined incentives for water quality, transportation, and workforce housing improvements, according to TRPA.

“We look forward to engaging Mountain Area Preservation in a more productive dialogue along with the full range of stakeholders,” TRPA Executive Director Julie Regan said. “We must keep the Tahoe Basin moving forward to address an affordable housing crisis that is impacting Lake Tahoe’s environment and marginalizing members of our community who deserve to live and work here. Resort communities everywhere are facing similar challenges, but we have proven over the years that environmental protection and community revitalization can go hand-in-hand.”

“We are satisfied that the settlement supports the Governing Board’s decision and shows that TRPA’s high environmental standards can be maintained while advancing more affordable and workforce housing projects,” said TRPA General Counsel John Marshall. “Across the nation, we are seeing important environmental laws being leveraged to block equitable housing policies. Fortunately, the MAP litigation was short-lived and the agency is able to apply its time and resources to the important work of modernizing land-use policies.”

TRPA has kicked off a new phase of housing policy work and seeks additional perspectives on the working group. According to the settlement agreement, MAP will be invited to join other organizations on the Tahoe Living Working Group that TRPA formed in 2020 to advise on housing policies.

“We are pleased to have reached a settlement that paves the way for more inclusive and equitable housing policies in the Lake Tahoe Basin,” TRPA Board Chair and Placer County Supervisor Cindy Gustafson said. “Moving these critical policy updates forward will help us support our region’s local workforce. The agreement underscores our commitment to addressing the housing needs of our community while preserving the natural beauty and environmental integrity of Lake Tahoe.”

Under the direction of the TRPA Governing Board, in 2020 the agency set out three phases of affordable and workforce housing policy work. The first phase approved in July 2021 encouraged more accessory dwelling units for local workers and made it easier to convert small motels to residential uses.

The Phase 2 amendments approved last December made it possible for property owners building deed-restricted affordable and workforce housing to apply for building incentives that result in appropriately designed multi-family or mixed-use buildings in certain areas, as long as they improve walkability and include water quality improvements. With the signing of the settlement agreement, those policies can move forward as originally proposed with no cloud of legal challenge, according to TRPA.

The TRPA Governing Board approved technical clarifications to the December policy updates and new policies requiring affordable housing as part of mixed-use projects at its meeting Wednesday, June 26.

Mountain Area Preservation submitted the following news release Tuesday.

Truckee, Calif. – Today, the nonprofit conservation and workforce housing organization MAP (Mountain Area Preservation) announced it has come to a legal settlement agreement with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) over litigation it filed in February. The settlement ensures affordability protections for new “bonus unit” housing developments and enhanced water quality protection related to such developments. It also gives MAP a seat at the table as the next round of TRPA housing code updates are developed in the coming years.

“MAP appreciates TRPA’s willingness to make immediate improvements to the Phase 2 housing codes,” said Alexis Ollar, executive director of MAP. “We look forward to what we hope is the beginning of a productive working relationship that will ensure future development protects our sensitive environment while meeting the needs of area residents, workers, and businesses.”

The settlement agreement provides that MAP will dismiss its lawsuit following TRPA’s approval of amendments to the Phase 2 housing codes the agency adopted in December. Just last week, on June 26, the TRPA Governing Board adopted the code amendments specified in the settlement. The first amendment reinstates the requirement that 50% of the units allowed under the updated bonus unit criteria be reserved exclusively for affordable housing. The other amendment strengthens stormwater collection and treatment requirements.

The Phase 2 codes modified the development standards in specified areas for certain types of deed-restricted housing construction within TRPA’s bonus unit designation. MAP filed suit because it was concerned about the impacts these changes would have on the environment and public safety in Lake Tahoe, and because the changes eliminated the requirement that a portion of the units be for “affordable” rather than higher-income (“moderate” and “achievable”) housing. Last week’s vote addressed the heart of those concerns.

TRPA’s Housing Initiative includes three phases. The previously approved Phase 1 provided for Accessory Dwelling Units, increased residential densities as part of hotel/motel redevelopment, and aligning the Bonus Unit Boundary. The Phase 2 amendments were the subject of MAP’s lawsuit and the current settlement. TRPA is currently initiating Phase 3 to consider additional policies related to equitable and sustainable housing and improving climate resilience.

“In addition to these immediate wins, MAP is pleased to announce we will now have an opportunity to include a member of our staff on TRPA’s working group, which will be developing the parameters for Phase 3,” added Ollar. “We’re also glad to note that TRPA has committed to preparing an Environmental Impact Statement that relies on current conditions as the baseline of its analysis as part of its next round of updates to its housing codes.” MAP hopes and anticipates that it will be able to work with TRPA to develop environmentally sound and equitable housing policies in Phase 3, although the settlement does not preclude MAP from challenging future TRPA actions.

As part of the settlement, TRPA agreed, in Phase 3, to consider policy options to improve workforce housing in the area that do not require new housing construction, such as short-term rental caps or bans, incentives for homeowners to lease their houses to locals, down-payment assistance, and other innovative programs. TRPA also agreed to evaluate an income cap for future deed-restricted achievable housing units, as well as potential impacts on scenic resources and public safety for new development.

Both MAP and TRPA have agreed that there is a real need to provide more lower-income and workforce housing options in the Lake Tahoe Basin while also preserving its unique environmental attributes.

“This is an exciting step for MAP as we expand our advocacy for environmentally sound housing development that meets the needs of all Tahoe residents, particularly the workers who keep our economy humming,” added MAP’s board president, Dan Haas. “The work is far from done – and we’re ready to do what it takes to secure a safe, equitable, and healthy future for everyone who calls this basin home.”

Silver Palooza: A Day of Music & Art in Silver City

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 04:22:59 +0000

Silver City Preservation Society

Join us Saturday, July 20 for a day of free live music and art at the Silver Pavilion Stage in the Silver City Park, 12 to 6 p.m.

Live music features include Drinking with Clowns, The Gary Wheeler Band, Darren Senn, Betty & James and The Fourth Generation! Plus a hula hoop workshop, art show, artisan vendors, tacos, a bar, dessert raffle (oh those Comstock bakers!), community garden tours, dancing and more. The Silver Pavilion Stage is at 385 High Street in Silver City.

Bring lawn chairs, a blanket, hats and sunscreen.

Proceeds benefit the Silver City Preservation Society - a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to civic, community and arts development in Silver City.

Sponsors and supporters: Lyon County, Silver City Arts, Yellow Truck Productions and Evangeline Presents.

Family-friendly events happening this first week of July in Carson City

Kelsey Penrose — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:02:01 +0000

Event Date:

Repeats every day until Sun Jul 07 2024 .

July 1, 2024 (All day)

July 2, 2024 (All day)

July 3, 2024 (All day)

July 4, 2024 (All day)

July 5, 2024 (All day)

July 6, 2024 (All day)

July 7, 2024 (All day)

by Kelsey Penrose

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

Multiple Days

Teen Hours in the Digitorium

Come visit the Carson City Library and hang out in a space designed with teens in mind! Monday-Friday 2:30pm-5:30pm. All teens welcome!

Monday, July 1

Bilingual Bobcats Storytime at the Library

For kids of all ages; Join us for weekly stories, songs and crafts all designed to help Spanish speakers learn English and English speakers learn Spanish. Participants 9 and younger must be accompanied by a caregiver who is at least 13 years old at all times. No registration is required.

Signing Sea Otters Storytime at the Library

For kids of all ages; Join us for weekly stories, songs and crafts all designed to help children and their caregivers learn American Sign Language. Participants 9 and younger must be accompanied by a caregiver who is at least 13 years old at all times. No registration is required.

Tuesday, July 2

Open Play at Messy Kids Art School

Includes babe area climbing structures for ages 0-2 and gross motor climbing structures for ages 2-8. Dramatic play town, occasional indoor bouncy house and ball pit, open art studio, caregivers internet lounge and coffee bar. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ages 1 and up $10 with siblings half off after first child.

Baby Bookworms Storytime at the Carson City Library

For children ages 0-24 months; join in for weekly stories, songs and structured free play time from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Clear Creek Bowmen hosting Tuesday Night Shoots now through August at Carson City Archery Range, youth 17 and under are free

Clear Creek Bowmen will be hosting Tuesday Night Shoots from now until August at the Carson City Archery Range, located just East of Eagle Valley Golf Course.

A to Zen Movie Night: Independence Day

Join A to Zen for a screening of Independence Day beginning at 7 p.m. $5 gets you in the door along with one soda and a popcorn or snack.

Wednesday, July 3

Blacktop Buffet at the Brewery Arts Center

Family friendly summer fun isn’t just for Saturday nights at Brewery Arts Center. Enjoy 10 weeks of street food and musical acts presented by Yates Law P.C. from 5-8pm every Wednesday night from June 26 - August 28, 2024. Each week a variety of food trucks will circle the BAC Performance Hall parking lot and smaller acts will get a chance to play the big stage.

Open Play at Messy Kids Art School

Grown Up and Guppies at the Carson City Aquatic Center

Head over to the Carson City Aquatics Center every Wednesday at 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. for Grown ups and Guppies. Making the water fun for your guppy is the most important step in preparing for swim lessons. This class is designed to acquaint adult and child wild play activities and to teach very basic fundamental skills. The course is parent-driven, under the supervision of an instructor. No registration required. Class is limited to 12 adult/child pairs on a first-come first served basis. For ages 6 months to 4 years.

Storytime Wednesdays at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada

Join in for weekly storytime with an accompanying craft each Wednesday. Recommended for children ages 1 - 6. All included with museum admission.

Art Studio Craft Classes at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada

Drop-in art studio every Wednesday and Friday from 2 - 4 p.m. Creative art studio projects are included with museum admission. All ages welcome. Additional crafts are available for cost.

Lego Club at the Carson City Library

For elementary school aged children. Build self-led creations through hands-on learning with Lego education materials. No registration is required. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Bedtime Bears Storytime at the Carson City Library

For kids of all ages: Join us every Wednesday night for stories, songs and crafts designed to help kids wind down at the end of the day. From 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 4

(For recurring events, check with businesses to confirm events are continuing given the holiday)

Independence Day in the Capital City: Fireworks, hot dog contest and more

Hot dogs, fireworks, cooling off at the lake: it’s nearly Independence Day, and here’s how we’re celebrating in Carson City!

Celebrate the Fourth of July with the Virginia Truckee Railroad

Load up your car with family and friends and treat them to a day of fun and nostalgia at one of the best Independence Day parties in Northern Nevada.

Open Play at Messy Kids Art School

Big Kid Butterflies Storytime at the Carson City Library

For children ages 1 to 5; join for weekly stories, songs and crafts. No registration is required. 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Open STEM Lab Thursdays at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada

The STEM Classroom is open every Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. for funny educational, weekly activities. All included with museum admission. All ages welcome.

Fingerboarding Club at the Carson City Library

Enjoy doing tricks and having fun with miniature skateboards. A table will be set up with a skatepark for an hour of fnigerboarding. Fingerboards will be provided but feel free to bring your own. Open to patrons 14 and up. No registration required. From 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday, July 5

Tahoe: 11th Annual Keep Tahoe Red, White and Blue Beach Cleanup returns July 5

Each year on July 5, Tahoe residents and visitors turn out for the largest cleanup of the year to remove litter from Lake Tahoe’s shores. You can help Keep Tahoe Blue by volunteering at a beach cleanup sites around the Lake!

Carson City Friday Family Fun Days at Mills Park

Each Friday, event goers can find either live music or a community movie in the park along with a selection of food trucks. Kids actives include giant Jenga, giant 4-across, giant velcro kick darts, cornhole, bean bag skee ball, chicken fingers, and a selfie spot.

Art Studio Craft Classes at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada

Drop-in art studio every Wednesday and Friday from 2 - 4 p.m. Creative art studio projects are included with museum admission. All ages welcome. Additional crafts are available for cost.

Saturday, July 6

Get Outside And Play Day at the Library

Join us the first Saturday of every month for National "Get Outside and Play Day". We will have fun lawn games for patrons to enjoy out in the Library garden from 10am-4pm, weather permitting. Open to kids of all ages. No registration required.

Dennis Jones - Levitt Amp Free Summer Concert July 6

Dennis Jone’s feet are firmly rooted in the past, yet his heart and soul are connected to the present. He writes songs that seamlessly blend the best of both worlds, presenting a unique and contemporary style of American rock and blues.

Carson City Farmers Market returns June 8 with even more vendors at Mills Park

The market returns from June 8 to September 28 between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Mills Park.

Chess Club for all ages at the Carson City Library

Stop by and play chess, or learn to play chess, at the Carson City Library every Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. All skill levels are welcome.

A Railroad Runs through it: The Life Lessons of Walt Disney (Presentation and Train Ride)

Join the Friends of the Nevada State Railroad Museum as they hold this special event that takes a deep look at the Disney family and the connection to trains and railroading with Disney historian Michael Campbell. Mr. Campbell’s presentation will showcase how the passion for railroading influenced the life and work of Walt Disney. Through rare images, artifacts and first-hand accounts, participants will see how determination and creativity helped Walt Disney triumph over challenges … inspiring the audience to find that in themselves.

Sunday, July 7

Minden Board Game Group - Carson Branch

Carson City Library in the Digitorium Sundays from noon to 3:30 p.m. All ages welcome, no registration required!

Did we miss any? Send any family-friendly event information to kelsey@carsonnow.org, or comment below!

Independence Day in the Capital City: Fireworks, hot dog contest and more

Kelsey Penrose — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 22:55:26 +0000

Hot dogs, fireworks, cooling off at the lake: it’s nearly Independence Day, and here’s how we’re celebrating in Carson City!

As a reminder, the fireworks will not be set off from the area surrounding Mills Park.

This year, the fireworks show will be set off from the Eagle Valley Golf Course near Highway 50 E.

However, if you and your family still want to keep your Mills Park viewing, it is highly likely you will still be able to see the fireworks from the park according to the city and RSVP, the sponsor of the show.

There are a few options to see the show closer: RSVP, who puts on the show each year as their annual fundraiser to support seniors in our region, is offering a ticketed VIP dinner and fireworks viewing from the golf course.

For those who want a bit more activity, they are hosting a golf tournament earlier in the day which will include the dinner and VIP viewing tickets.

The lower fields at Centennial Park will also be opened to the public for free viewing.

To purchase tickets for the dinner and VIP viewing, click here. Tickets are currently sold out. We will update if more become available.

To purchase tickets for the golf tournament, which includes dinner and VIP viewing as well, click here. Tickets are currently sold out. We will update if more become available.

The park will open at 7 p.m. and there is limited parking available at the park, so families should plan ahead and carpool if at all possible. See the map for parking and access road information.

Trailers, RVS and camping along with open flames and glass bottles are prohibited at Centennial Park. While you may want to include the whole family for the viewing, please leave furry friends at home; pets are also not allowed at the show.

No parking is allowed within the fallout zone and along Centennial Park Drive for public safety.

Elsewhere, Max Casino will also be hosting a hot dog eating contest with a $1,000 prize to the winner. More on that here.

Carson City weekend arrests: Suspect accused of pointing gun during argument

Jeff Munson — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 22:30:02 +0000

A 30-year-old woman as arrested Friday for suspicion of felony assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly pointing a gun at her husband during an argument over cell phone messages, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.

According to the booking report, deputies spoke with suspect, Yvette Marie Casillas, and her husband separately. The husband told deputies his wife became upset when he began questioning her about certain messages on her phone. He stated she pushed him when he didn't give her the phone back, saying the phone was in his name and he paid for the bill.

The husband told deputies his wife grabbed his handgun from the top of the refrigerator, chambered a round and demanded the phone. He said the woman's adopted mom was upstairs and that he shouted out to her for help when she had the gun, the report states. He told officers he was able to get the gun away from his wife, and that he began to leave the residence. He said his wife then threw a glass bong across the room at him, which shattered against the wall.

Officers spoke with the woman, who confirmed the incident began over messages found on her phone and that the argument become heated. She said she just wanted the phone back and tried to grab it away. She said that during the middle of the argument and struggle over the phone she went to the refrigerator and was trying to remove a Gatorade and food but the handgun was blocking her from opening the freezer door, the report states.

She said she picked up the gun but did not unholster it. She stated she did have it in her hands while she continued to argue about the phone. She was adamant that she did not threaten the man with the gun or removed it front the holster, the report states.

Deputies interviewed the witness, the woman's adopted mother, who said she came downstairs and saw the woman with the unholstered gun in her hands while shouting at the man to give her the phone back. She stated she witnessed the woman rack the slide of the gun, which ejected a live round. She said she did not witness the woman point the gun at the man and watched the man take the gun away from her and began to leave the residence, the report states. She said the woman threw the glass bong, shattering it against the wall. She told deputies several times that she loves both of them, but she would tell the truth about what happened, the report states.

The officer observed the refrigerator where the gun was said to be being stored. There was no way the small handgun could block the opening of the door, a deputy noted in the report. A deputy spoke with the suspect again and attempted to clarify the details of how the gun came into play. The woman denied removing the gun from its holster and racking the side. She told deputies she threatened to throw the gun at her husband while never having removed it from the holster, the report states.

Based on all parties statements and accounts of the situation, the woman was arrested for alleged assault with a deadly weapon. Bail: $20,000.

In other arrests:
— A 37-year-old Carson City man, Bryan Dwight Wilson, was arrested Friday for a felony warrant alleging burglary of a business, a gross misdemeanor warrant alleging destroying or injuring real or personal property and a misdemeanor theft warrant. The investigation involved the burglary of the Alano Club, according to the booking report. Bail: $7,500.

— A 31-year-old Reno woman was arrested Friday for a misdemeanor outside agency warrant out of East Fork Township Court. Bail: $338.

— A 63-year-old California man, Dennis Matthew Murchison, was arrested Saturday for suspicion of felony possession of a controlled substance, suspected methamphetamine and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail: $2,500.

— A 24-year-old man, Daniel Turrentine was arrested Saturday for suspicion of felony possession of a controlled substance, suspected cocaine. Bail: $2,500.

— A 34-year-old man, David Earl Perce, and 36-year-old woman, Alexandra Lauren Ford, were arrested Friday for suspicion of felony possession of a controlled substance (suspected cocaine) and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail: $2,500 each.

— A 65-year-old Carson City woman was arrested Saturday for suspicion of DUI. According to the arrest report, deputies were called to the 1500 block of East Fifth Street regarding a driver who hit a building and was trying to drive away.

Officers arrived and observed the driver who was driving the vehicle away from the scene before someone jumped in front of her car to stop her. Another deputy had the woman stop her vehicle and give him the car keys. The vehicle did damage to a post on a building, and the damage matched the stucco color located on the woman's car bumper, the report states.

Carson City Fire Department did an assessment on the woman. The woman denied medical attention. She was asked if she had been drinking. The woman said she had not but advised she had come from a liquor store to get alcohol. The officer could smell the odor of alcohol on her breath. She agreed to standardized field sobriety tests and showed signs of impairment on the tests.

She provided a preliminary breath test with a result of .214 and was arrested for suspicion of DUI. At jail she agreed to submit evidentiary breath tests. The results were .145 and .148. Bail: $1,137.

— A 66-year-old Carson City man was arrested Sunday for suspected DUI. According to the booking report dispatch was called at 3:32 p.m. to a gas station in the 700 block of North Carson Street. The reporting party advised there was a male subject bleeding from his arm and that he was intoxicated. The reporting party advised the driver was drunk and possibly blocking the gas pump for over an hour before leaving.

Officers located the suspect vehicle on North Carson Street. The officer observed the vehicle approach a red light and observed the vehicle traveled half vehicle distance over the white dotted line dividing travel on lanes 1 and 2. The car stopped at the red light with half in both travel lanes. The officer attempted to pull over the vehicle. The vehicle continued to travel northbound on North Carson Street, turning on the left blinker, then accelerating after a green light and then turning into a gas station parking lot, driving around the parking lot instead of coming to a parking spot to stop. The driver then stopped.

The officer observed the man had slurred speech. The man stated he had vertigo. The man could not balance himself well and leaned on a bumper. The officer asked if he had been drinking that day. The man said he had not. He agreed to field sobriety tests and showed signs of impairment on the tests. He provided a preliminary breath test of .254 and was arrested for suspicion of DUI. He later provided an evidentiary blood draw. Bail: $1,137.

— A 64-year-old Shasta Valley, Calif., woman was arrested Sunday for suspicion of defrauding an innkeeper. According to the booking report, the woman allegedly ate two meals, one on June 29 and the other on June 30, at a North Carson Street restaurant and then didn't pay for them.

The woman had done it in the past, according to the manager, and she was trespassed the last time from the restaurant for doing it. The manager stated he wished to press charges. She stated her sister was supposed to put money in her card. She was asked when her sister was going to do that. The woman said she didn't know. Bail: $1,000.

– A Sparks man was arrested Saturday for suspicion of second DUI. According to the booking report, dispatched was advised of a possible DUI driver on northbound I-580 from Spooner Junction. The person who advised stated the driver was seen drinking from a vodka bottle and speeding.

Officers were at the scene of a crash on northbound I-580 and observed a vehicle approach the crash scene that matched the description of the DUI driver. Deputies conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the man, who had red watery eyes and was unsteady on his feet as he exited the vehicle, the report states.

He had a strong odor of alcohol coming from his person, the report states. He consented to a series of field sobriety tests and also admitted to drinking a six-pack of beer earlier in the day. The man showed signs of impairment on the tests. He provided a preliminary breath test of .326 and was arrested for suspicion of second DUI. He was taken to the hospital for medical clearance. At the hospital he provided two blood samples. Bail: $2,500.

— 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.

Nevada’s minimum wage goes up to $12 an hour Monday; two-tier system is out

admin — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 20:13:29 +0000

Kelsea Frobes, The Nevada Independent

Before Nevada voters passed Question 2 in 2022, Nevada operated under a two-tier minimum wage system that allowed an employee to be paid a lower minimum wage if an employer offered qualified health benefits.

But because of the constitutional amendment — and a multiyear effort to raise the minimum wage that was approved in the 2019 legislative session — Nevadans will make no less than $12 an hour starting July 1. That’s up from the previous minimum wage of $11.25 an hour, or $10.25 an hour if an employer offered qualifying health benefits.

The new law taking effect Monday was the product of arguments that Nevada's workers should not be penalized with a lower minimum wage because their employers offered certain health benefits.

Critics had argued the change could harm employers by removing an incentive that encouraged them to offer certain health benefits to their employees in exchange for lowering the employees' hourly wage.

The ballot question passed by a 10-point vote margin.

The state's minimum wage will increase to match the federal minimum wage if the federal minimum wage rises above $12 per hour. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour and has remained unchanged since 2009.

The ballot measure also will eliminate the current method of making cost-of-living adjustments. Annual cost of living adjustments are capped, and according to proponents, “have never kept up with the true cost of living for Nevada's workers.”

Bryan Wachter, Director of Public and Government Affairs for the Retail Association of Nevada (RAN) said RAN hears often that for many people, the minimum wage is “not something you can adequately live on here in Nevada.”

Also starting July 1, employees working more than 40 hours in one week who earn $18 per hour or more will be eligible for overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular rate.

Employees working more than eight hours in a 24-hour period or who are working over 40 hours in one week earning less than $18 per hour will also be eligible for overtime at 1.5 times their regular rate of pay starting July 1.

Those exempt by law including an employee under the age of 18, an employee employed by a nonprofit for after-school or summer employment, an employee employed as a trainee for 90 days or less or as an employee employed under a valid collective bargaining agreement do not qualify for the minimum wage increase.

Wachter said because of the many variables, it would be hard to calculate the financial impact of the increase on employers or on the state, but this increase is “very important to those workers who are going to see that increase.”

— This story is used with permission of The Nevada Independent. Go here for updates to this and other Nevada Independent stories.

St. Mary's Art Center offers creative writing workshop with Martin A. David

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 19:20:25 +0000

By Saint Mary's Art Center

St. Mary's Art Center, a nonprofit organization located in the former 1876 St. Mary Louise Hospital in historic Virginia City, hosts local published author, Martin A. David, in a creative writing workshop, “You Can Write”. The five-class series occurs every Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon beginning July 11 and ending August 8.

“We are incredibly excited to bring Martin back for another workshop this year,” A. Perry, executive director of St. Mary’s Art Center, said. “Martin’s workshops inspire individuals to renew their joy of writing through guided writing exercise, fun and imaginative writing prompts, and constructive critiques to awaken their inner writer.”

Martin A. David was named the “Renaissance Man” by Perry, as a Reno-based arts practitioner, published author, critic, performing arts professional, visual artist, and copper jewelry artist. David led a creative writing workshop series previously through Nevada Arts Council's Creative Aging Initiative Program at St. Mary's Art Center.

The 5-week, limited-size workshop is open to all levels of writing expertise, from beginner to professional. Previous participants and newcomers are welcome.

The admission cost is $45 for members and $50 for non-members. Register in advance on the St. Mary’s Art Center website. To learn more about the class, visit https://www.stmarysartcenter.org/writing-classes-and-workshops.

Hot dog eating contest returns to Carson City's Max Casino July 4 with $1,000 prize

Kelsey Penrose — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 17:24:30 +0000

Event Date:

July 4, 2024 - 6:00pm

by Kelsey Penrose

Do you love hot dogs? Do you love, say jamming a dozen of them down your maw within a very short amount of time? Well, do we have a surprise for you.

Max Casino, located at 900 S. Carson St. in Carson City, is hosting its second annual hot dog eating contest on the Fourth of July. During this entirely American classic feat, a Top Dog will be crowned from 10 competitors who will be able to reign supreme for the year.

Last year’s first and second place winners, Erik Flores and Greg Watts, are expected to return to defend their crowns.

This year, the contest has even bigger stakes: the winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize, while the runner up will take home $500 for silver place.

Contestants will undergo the task of scarfing ten hot dogs in ten minutes. Last year, Flores brought ho the gold with eight hot dogs taken down.

Audience members will also be able to place bets on who they believe will reign supreme in the contest.

How to Enter:

Beginning today, Monday July 1, you can redeem your tier level drawing tickets once each day leading up to and including the Fourth. To enter the contest you must sign up for a player’s card which is free to do.

On the day of, drawing tickets will be selected just before the contest takes place at 6 p.m.

All participants will receive a Hot Dog Contest t-shirt, while the Top Dog will receive a special Top Dog t-shirt along with a trophy and their cash prize.

To keep up to date with the Max Casino, please visit their Facebook page here.

Carson City area weather: Heat to sizzle midweek through July 4 holiday and into weekend

Jeff Munson — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 17:24:21 +0000

Hot conditions are ahead, with temperatures in Carson City and surrounding counties expected to soar to near 100 by the time the July 4 Independence Day holiday arrives Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. The hot weather of 100 degrees or more is expected to stay around through the weekend.

Steady, widespread warming this week will bring an extended period of well above normal temperatures from the midweek, with a "moderate to locally major heat risk" expected for the July 4th holiday with the major heat risk expanding over the holiday weekend, NWS forecasters said.

An upper, eastern Pacific ridge will gradually amplify as it translates eastward toward the western states, promoting a steady warming trend this week and into the weekend, NWS forecasters said. As a result, temperatures will become 10-15 degrees above normal from midweek onward with lower western Nevada locales including the Greater Reno, Carson City, Carson Valley areas as well as Dayton, Silver Springs, Stagecoach, Fallon and Lovelock, flirting with triple digit daytime highs on the July 4th holiday.

Friday through Sunday will feature the hottest conditions with highs in the 90s for Sierra communities and upper 90s to 105 for western Nevada valleys. To compound the heat risk, nighttime lows in the mid 60s to 70 will provide little to no relief from the daytime heat from Thursday through Sunday, forecasters note.

As such, a prolonged period of moderate to major heat risk will exist from midweek onward for portions of the Sierra and a vast majority of western Nevada. It is highly encouraged to consider the upcoming heat risk when making plans for this week and weekend, especially for Independence Day, and to take your heat safety precautions.

For Carson City, Carson Valley and Dayton areas, the temperature climb will begin Tuesday with daytime highs in the low 90s. The heat will continue to build with Wednesdays highs projected to be in the upper 90s to near 100, with Friday, Saturday and Sunday looking to be anywhere from 100 to 105.

For Lake Tahoe, NWS forecasters say daytime highs will be in the low 80s Tuesday then begin climbing Wednesday and Thursday, Independence Day, to the mid-80s and remaining in the mid to upper 80s and into the low 90s through the weekend.

The weather service advises people sensitive to hot weather to rescheduling activities, recognize heat illness, drink plenty of fluids, take frequent breaks in A/C, and use sun protection. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Hike the Galena Creek Trail with Muscle Powered this Wednesday

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 16:16:30 +0000

By Janet McDonnell

Join Muscle Powered for an early morning hike Wednesday on the Galena Creek Trail. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the trailhead in Phillip and Annie Callahan Park. Head north on I-580 to Mt. Rose Highway, turn left onto Mt. Rose Highway and then a left onto Callahan Road.

Beat the heat and enjoy a beautiful hike! Contact Cathy Sheehe if you have any questions, cathysheehe@gmail.com.

Newly retired Carson City teacher battles MS, community fundraising for stem-cell treatment

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 15:30:44 +0000

By Angela Hansen

Newly retired Carson High School English teacher Phil Brady, along with family and friends, are raising $59,000 to cover a stem-cell transplant treatment to stop the crippling effects of multiple sclerosis.

About five years ago, time momentarily stood still when beloved teacher, Phil Brady, rolled into school for the first time on wheels. To Brady, as he is affectionately known by friends and colleagues, it felt like all eyes were on him.

Prior to being coerced into succumbing to a wheelchair by caring friends and wife, he used a supportive crutch, which followed the use of a cane, to ensure his 166 steps from his truck’s parking space to his classroom and elsewhere. Although he can pop a wheelie in the wheelchair and even taught several begging students how to do so, the digression to chair use wasn’t so cool.

How It All Started
In 1999, while Brady taught at Dayton High School, he woke up one morning to a loss of vision in his left eye. At first, he attributed the sight loss to a racketball injury he had sustained several years prior. However, after a visit to his trusted eye doctor and a scan, the results were much more serious and life changing. Because he was in the early stages of MS, what doctors call the “relapsing-remitting” phase, his eyesight recovered, though other symptoms were yet to emerge. He recalls also experiencing severe bouts of vertigo even before the eye incident.

Since then, Brady has spent the past 25 years learning to cope with newly emerging symptoms, such as extreme fatigue; loss of physical mobility, including damage from over 15 sprains to his left ankle; a pins-and-needles type of deep numbness and shooting pains in his arms, fingers, legs and toes; muscle weakness; falling with subsequent dislocations or broken fingers; some minor bouts with brain fog; and loss of ability to grip certain items or type on his computer. He is no longer in the earlier stage of MS, where symptoms come and go, rather he is now considered “Secondary-Progressive”, meaning the autoimmune disease is more developed and its effects are considered more permanent.

What MS Does to the Body
Multiple sclerosis is considered an autoimmune disease because the body attacks itself, causing irreversible damage to “the protective coating on the nerve fibers (myelin). The disease affects about 1 million Americans and about 2 million people globally.

BBC newscaster, Caroline Wyatt, described it well in an article detailing her experience with MS, “It's thought that MS occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective fatty layer of myelin surrounding nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord, causing scarring or sclerosis."

"It's a little like mice nibbling on electrical cables and short-circuiting the electricity supply, making the lights flicker on and off before coming back to life — or leaving you permanently sitting in darkness.”

Brady described the “flicker on and off” as exacerbations.

“Exacerbations tend to be like getting gut punched or cheap-shotted. You just wake up the next day and suddenly you’re bedridden-you can’t walk anymore for a time.”

As another example, he noted, “My brain would say, ‘step’. And my left leg would not step. And so, I would go down.” This has clear implications on the Bradys’ daily living. Everything from Brady’s ability to take out the trash, make small household repairs, help with their 18-year-old son Samuel’s disability needs, even picking up after the dog’s use of the yard, because bending over could mean falling. He even admits, “I miss mowing my lawn.”

Hope and Heroes
Despite all the difficulties, Brady knows God was with him since the beginning. As he sat at the eye doctor’s office, hearing for the first time about this chronic disease called multiple sclerosis, he had a vision of a wheelchair and sensed that was in his future. Looking back on the vision, Brady reflected, “And as the years have gone by, and now that the wheelchair’s a reality, it was just God telling me what was coming.”

At times, he wrestled with the question of, “Why?” He has asked,“What’s up with God?” and “Why does God allow it?” Brady confessed, “I get angry at God sometimes. When you get so tired of the same thing over and over and over.” Brady questioned whether it was punishment for sin, and really evaluated his soul, “I’m like, Lord, God, I’m not practicing any sin.”

He pondered the chief purpose of mankind: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, but found himself wondering, “Where’s Your glory in this?” After time in his prayer closet, Brady was reminded of a familiar verse in the Bible, Isaiah 55:8, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.”

He concluded that God didn’t owe him an answer — or anything else for that matter.

“It’s not like I feel cheated, or like, as if God owed me something … I don’t have anything against God. I owe God everything. And so, God’s just chosen for reasons that I don’t know.”

Brady has drawn encouragement from another disabled Christian, Joni Earekson Tada, of Joni & Friends. He shared,“I mean people have sports heroes, athletes, you know, they have famous people. Well, my hero is a woman who’s been a quadriplegic since she was 16-that’s my hero.”

Joni often shares the story of the diving accident during her youth when she hit her head at the bottom of the pool, leaving her paralyzed from the neck down for the rest of her life.

Brady and Stacie admire her for the fact that although her situation is so much worse than Brady’s and she has suffered longer than him, she continues to praise the Lord and serve others. They reason, “if Joni can do it, then we can.”

When Brady’s wife of 31 years, Stacie, learned of the diagnosis, she was always hopeful, but that doesn’t mean it was always easy. Having grown up in a home where her parents had adopted troubled teens, Stacie had a keen sense of reality that life tends to come with a certain measure of suffering for everyone.

After Brady’s diagnosis, she reasoned, “Well, this is what we have to deal with.” In her can-do attitude, Stacie confessed, “I was doing everything in my own strength. I’m a tough cookie. I can handle what comes … I’m hardworking, you know, kind of compassionate, not terribly compassionate. But like, I can do this,I can get through it.”

She sorted it as the “one thing” God would give her, and for that one thing, she could pull up her bootstraps and muscle through it. That was until their son Samuel began having life-threatening seizures.

Stacie explained, “All I know is when he [Samuel] started having seizures, … I realized I had taken what Brady was suffering … (and subconsciously said) ‘here is the box of all that I can handle’ and what Brady was going through fit into that box.”

When little things would happen with Brady’s symptoms, she would process them by putting them in the box. But when Samuel’s seizures began, and watching him struggle, she faced a harsh reality: not everything was meant to fix inside the box. It taught her to think, live and say, “God has to be the way I can handle things, not my own strength.” She concluded, “These things happen for us to grow past the things that we make our boxes, ya know? This is what I can fit into, and I can do this. To take away our, ‘I can do this’ mentality and say, ‘Only through God can I do this.’”

God has opened the door for a stem cell transplant treatment, which Brady plans to take part in throughout the month of July.

Why Stem Cell Treatment? Why now?
About six months ago, the Bradys connected with a local woman, DeAnna Lopes, who went through the stem cell transplant program at Clinica Ruiz, in Mexico, in 2016. DeAnna was also considered “secondary-progressive” like Brady is now, when she went through the treatment. After she returned home, she was able to walk 3 miles within just a few months. Understanding each patient sees different results, DeAnna’s firsthand account gave reason to hope the treatment can be effective.

“Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) is an established non radiation chemotherapy medical treatment demonstrated to be effective to halt the progression in neurologic autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. The aim of HSCT is to “reboot” the immune system, to stop it from attacking itself.”

With two weeks of chemotherapy to kill off all the body’s white blood cells, all cell memory within the body is wiped of any reason to attack itself. During the second two weeks of treatment, the body’s own stem cells, which were removed prior to the chemotherapy, are then replaced into the system to begin building brand new white blood cells.

HSCT does not repair damage to the body that has already been done. Brady’s ankle may not recover from the years of damage from multiple sprains. However, the transplant is meant to stop the progression of the MS and its effects. It could mean no more painful numbness, which would allow him to rebuild his muscles and potentially regain his ability to walk.

Along with the dedicated help of his wife, Stacie, Brady has tried a few different medications and diets to help manage symptoms, but none of them were meant to be a cure. An all-vegetable diet and juicing were both a lot of work with no visible results.

For the past year, Brady has felt some pain relief on the carnivore diet. Varying medications were tried for as long as possible with noticeably worse side effects than the symptoms themselves. While all these methods were well-intentioned, they could do nothing more than provide very temporary relief and, at best, slow the progression of the disease.

The Bradys could sit in frustration over not learning about the opportunity of the HSCT sooner, but they are resolved to leave it alone, understanding, “God has his timing.”

What’s at Stake
It seems the timing is right. The way things seemed to line up just right with an immediate acceptance to the program, a time slot that fit within Stacie’s summer schedule as an elementary school teacher, the meeting of DeAnna Lopes, the generous donation and prodding of some close friends, and a hopeful turn-around for Brady’s prognosis, it seems God-ordained. Brady reckons that without treatment, he will be bedridden within a year, due to the current progression of symptoms. He can’t wait for next summer to do this. The time is now.

The Bradys know there are risks involved.

Carolyn Wyatt reported, “When HSCT first started, a lot of people died.” Many years have passed and the treatment has improved, along with its results, but Brady isn’t scared of even the worst possible outcome. Instead, what he fears most is draining every last penny he has for this, not knowing if it will indeed accomplish all that is hoped for.

“I don’t care about the risk, like, ‘you could die’, great! Thank you very much! That I don’t care about. What I do care about is cleaning out every little piece of savings that I have. And putting Stace and Samuel and our lives in jeopardy, for a possibility that may or may not work?”

Stacie remains hopeful, “But I’m content if he comes back and it’s stopped progressing and he doesn’t have the pain that he’s been having. That pain has been awful and it's grating on him, I can see it.”

The Bradys’ daughters, Rebekah Rosas, (28 years old) & Elise Ip (25 years old) are hopeful too. “My hopes are that my dad will be freed of his physical pain so that he can spend more time doing things he loves without feeling limited and uncomfortable. This treatment has given my dad hope and that, in and of itself, has been a gift to him. I am eager to see if his hopes come true,” Bekah shared.

Determined community
The community of Carson City is rooting for Phil Brady, because a loss for Brady is a loss for Carson City as well.

If MS hadn’t continued to take its toll on Brady’s mobility, he would not have retired from Carson High School this year. He viewed teaching as his calling.

“For me, the pleasure of working with these children from when they’re 14 and saying goodbye to them when they’re 18 and watching them come out of their metaphoric eggshell and they’re breaking out. And the ones who will listen, I say, ‘You’re going to make it. You’re going to be ok. You’ve got this going for you and I see this for your future.’ And I warned them. To some of them, I said, ‘hey, I don’t think you’re going down a good road here.’ What pleased me so much was to see their success.”

These messages came through to the students. Lilly Irvin, class of 2020, remarked, “Brady was the best and most realistic teacher that I’ve ever had and for that I thank him.”

Jakob Corona-Bale, class of 2019, noted, “If Brady ever had a bad day, none of us could tell, he was always so positive. He always had genuine care for me and offered real advice, I just wish I listened to him more often.”

In addition to Brady’s mentor-like care for the students, he was also known for “Brady Bucks”.

These were a way for students to gain additional points in bringing up their grade when achieving good behavior or other accomplishments, such as completing a paper in cursive. “You see at the beginning of the year, kids who refuse to write in cursive ... And then as the year goes on, it totally flips and every single kid,-when I say every single kid, there’s always 2 or 3... who know they’re gonna get an ‘A’ in my class anyway… And there was the ‘Brady Buck Black Market’. And seriously, I am not even exaggerating. It was school-wide!” Some students sold their Brady Bucks for cash to give another student a leg-up with their grades.

One student had a t-shirt made for Brady, stating on the front, “Brady Bucks, they really work” and on the back, “#Bradyisthebest”.

Brady’s close friend and former co-teacher, Lance Hendee, pointed out, “Brady’s presence not only in the classroom but throughout the school was an inspiration for everyone he blessed his presence with. He loved all his students and there were always students in his classroom during lunch and after school. He was a great teacher and is somewhat of a celebrity in Carson City. He can’t go out (into the community) without someone saying, “Mr. Brady!” The amount of people he has reached with a positive outlook is just amazing.”

In addition to his deep roots at the high school, Brady has been hard at work in other areas of the community as well.

He has been an announcer for a local Christian radio station, Pilgrim Radio, for a cumulative total of 10 years. Program Director Bill Feltner had this to say about him, “Brady is always a joy to work with. Brady obviously loves the Lord, and he has a super attitude, even though dealing with this challenge. We’re praying for a very successful outcome from his treatments.”

Brady has also been a member of the board of directors for the local pregnancy center, Life Choices, for a number of years. The MS has affected his ability to serve as board secretary, with a decrease in hand dexterity, as well as other minor functions. He intends to continue his service to the center and hopes to eventually gain back the ability to participate in ways he’s had to step down from.

The Bradys have been members of Silver Hills Church in Carson City for over 24 years, many of which Brady has served on the Board of Elders. He hopes to increase his teaching and preaching there without having to brace himself on the podium for the duration. The church prayed for the Bradys’ upcoming travels and for Brady’s transplant during their service on June 23rd. Pastor Ken Hansen treasures his friendship with the Bradys and the church has donated to the funds.

As if all of this weren’t enough, Brady also misses handing out Bibles to hotels, and other people and places, with the Gideons.

If the people of Carson City can momentarily imagine the butterfly effect of Phil Brady laying immobile on a bed within a year, versus recovering from HSCT and rebuilding strength within a year, what might those extremes look like for our community?

The Ask
The Bradys have always been givers. Stacie admitted, “For both of us to ask people for money is incredibly difficult for us.” So, their friends and family gave without being asked. And they are asking on behalf of the Bradys, “Will you give?”

Brady Bucks can take on a whole new meaning when you donate to Help Hope Live(https://helphopelive.org/campaign/24023/), a nonprofit fundraising site that serves MS patients. $59,000 is needed to cover the travel and cost of a stem-cell transplant treatment to stop the crippling effects of multiple sclerosis. Donations are tax deductible. Just as Brady gave thousands of students an opportunity to succeed, let’s do so for him.

At the time of the completion of this article, over half of the funds have been raised. Will you help us gather the remainder?

Footnotes and Links:
1) https://www.mayoclinic.org/-/media/kcms/gbs/patient-consumer/images/2013...
2) https://momentummagazineonline.com/strength-in-numbers/
3) https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-sh/caroline_wyatt_multiple_scle...
4) https://hsctmexico.com/
5) All other quotes, unless otherwise noted, are quoted from a face-to-face interview with Phillip and Stacie Brady on June 20, 2024.

Joni & Friends- https://joniandfriends.org/
Help Hope Live- https://helphopelive.org/campaign/24023/

Carson City man, former WNC broadcaster gets chance to announce pro baseball

Jeff Munson — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 23:51:15 +0000

Sports fan, occasional local columnist and one-time announcer for Western Nevada College Wildcat baseball, Chris Graham of Carson City made his first professional play-by-play debut Friday night for the Ogden Raptors.

The Raptors are a part of the Pioneer League, a partner league for Major League Baseball. Graham was invited into the announcing booth and on-air for the weekend series after inquiring the Raptors’ manager and former WNC Wildcat pitcher Evan Parker if he had an extra space to do a mock broadcast.

"Evan said 'Well, if you’re gonna come, we might as well do it right.' And that's how I got to broadcast a professional baseball game live for the first time," said Graham, noting the dynamics behind this professional broadcast team in Ogden, Utah is "amazing" with top notch equipment and staff.

"You’d think they were MLB level. It’s amazing. Makes it for an easy broadcast," said Graham.

Regular play-by-play announcer and voice of the Raptors, Ellis Beacom, said Graham's debut was outstanding.

"It was a beautiful night at Lindquist Field, the Raptors churned out one of their most impressive performances of the 2024 season," Beacom said. "With eight years of nationally prominent Western Nevada College play by play experience, Chris Graham made his professional play by play broadcasting debut for the Ogden Raptors, a partner league for Major League Baseball, and boy did he choose a good one to call."

Having started announcing with WNC full time in 2008 through the end of the program in 2016, the opportunity to do professional announcing has been a dream for Graham. As Graham was sharpening his skills and preparing to make a step up, WNC abandoned the program saying that it was too costly for the college to continue.

"It was a heartbreak for all of us," Graham said. "It has been tough to chase this dream but not giving up on it was the love I have for the game of baseball, the players, coaches and of course broadcasting."

While only announcing for the weekend, Graham, always a gentleman, extended a warm thank you to Evan Parker and Ellis Beacom for giving him the opportunity he's been waiting years for.

"Being able to finally do play-by-play live on air for a Major League Baseball partner league game almost made my eyes teary," he said.

Graham works in the private sector with Southwest Gas in the GIS Department.

Nevada Humane Society urge adoptions as dog and cat numbers near capacity at Carson City, Reno branches

Jeff Munson — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 22:31:43 +0000

Nevada Humane Society, the nonprofit animal shelter that saves animal lives in northern Nevada, says dog counts at shelters in Carson City and Reno are nearly 90 percent and that cat counts have been operating at around 100 percent for the last few weeks.

NHS recorded 144 dogs in their Reno facility and 37 at their Carson City facility as of Wednesday. Eighty percent of Reno’s dog capacity is 114 kennels occupied, and there are a total of 121 of those kennels occupied at the moment. The 144 represents some kennels housing littermates.

NHS also recorded their shelters hosting 139 cats in their Reno facility and 39 in their Carson City facility. At the moment, there are 382 cats and 35 dogs in the foster system, according to NHS in a news release.

The NHS is an independent nonprofit and is entered into a professional services agreement with the County of Washoe Regional Animal Services, a regional operation focusing on animal welfare and public health through sheltering, field services and regulation enforcement. This professional service agreement stipulates that NHS serves as the official public surrender agency for Washoe County, according to the news release.

While the two organizations are separate, both prioritize animal welfare outcomes in the region. Animals taken in at WCRAS are evaluated and held for five days to provide their owner time to reclaim. After five days, if not reclaimed, they are made available to NHS and other rescue partners to transfer into their adoption programs in hopes of finding a new home.

“We have been working to bring as many animals as possible in from WCRAS but the reality is the sheer number of animals we are seeing juts up against capacity of care for both partners,” said Jerleen Bryant, CEO at NHS. “We need the community’s help to ensure we have room to care for those animals who will make their way to us as a result of the Fourth of July — and every other day, for that matter.”

The last notification of capacity numbers from NHS was made in July of 2023. The organization has seen high numbers each week over the last 12 months. On June 20, NHS conducted a press conference to remind individuals that the Fourth of July is the day with the highest number of lost animals across the country as a result of the confusion animals experience around fireworks.

In Carson City, potential adopters can go to the Humane Society branch at 549 Airport Road. The shelter is open daily, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Representatives from the Reno Fire Department, Sparks Fire Department and NHS encouraged individuals to at least ensure their animals have proper identification, but to also consider getting them microchipped now rather than later as the community braces for a spike in lost animals. With shelter numbers so high, this compromises the care NHS, alongside its partner in animal welfare, WCRAS, is able to provide to area animals.

The nonprofit is encouraging the community take the following actions:

Check With WCRAS Immediately if Pets Go Missing: Pet owners whose pets have gone missing are urged to promptly check with and retrieve their pets if WCRAS is in possession of the animal. A quick response will prevent the heartbreaking loss of another pet's life due to limited space. You can view lost and found pets at www.helpingpetshome.com.

Put an ID tag on your pet or get them microchipped: One in three pets become lost in their lifetime. WCRAS offers free ID tags to Washoe County residents in an effort to help get your pet home if they get lost. Get your pet ID tag before the 4th of July holiday, when many pets get scared and escape their yard. WCRAS offers free microchipping.

Ensure your contact information is up to date: If your pet has been microchipped and has an ID tag on, please make sure your contact information is up to date.

Community Reunification of Lost Dogs: NHS encourages those who find lost animals to attempt to reunite them with their owners. Visiting a public microchip scanning station (which now includes Reno Fire Station One and Reno Fires Station Three), creating an online found pet report with WCRAS, and temporarily holding the pet for up to 48 hours can provide invaluable time. For more information visit https://www.helpingpetshome.com.

Adopt a Lifelong Companion: By adopting, community members not only offer a second chance to a deserving pet but also create a much needed flow of animals through our shelters and into new homes.

Foster a Precious Life: For individuals unable to adopt a pet, fostering offers a temporary yet impactful solution. Fostering greatly improves a pet's quality of life while simultaneously freeing up kennel space for incoming animals.

If Necessary, Rehome Among Friends: Sometimes circumstances require pet owners to rehome their pets. Those who face that situation are asked to consider attempting to rehome their animal by reaching out to their friends, family and community before bringing their animal to the NHS. The NHS should be the last option due to the facility’s limitations on space.

Volunteer and Make an Impact: Volunteers play a crucial part in providing care for pets, facilitating adoptions, and expanding overall capacity. Volunteering offers a meaningful way to support the animals in the community when adoption or fostering may not be feasible.

Donate to Animals in Need: Animals in shelters benefit greatly from donations of not only monetary value but also food, toys, bedding, and more. Donating provides important items for sheltered animals.
NHS urges the community to come out and meet a potential new friend by visiting the facility. To learn more about NHS, visit www.nevadahumanesociety.org.

District Attorney: Bear shooting in South Lake Tahoe did not violate the law

Jeff Munson — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 20:22:04 +0000

Paula Peterson, SouthTahoeNow.com

The South Lake Tahoe man who shot a bear that had entered his home on May 27, 2024, will not be charged with a crime after a comprehensive independent review of the evidence, according to the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife conducted an investigation right after the shooting and determined the homeowner who shot the bear did nothing illegal and would not face any charges.

On May 31, the DA's office requested all reports and evidence from CDFW regarding the incident that occurred at a home off Pioneer Trail on Player Drive. They said the purpose of the request was to independently review the investigation of CDFW, consider all relevant legal principles, and determine if any criminal activity occurred.

EDCDA received and reviewed the following evidence as part of its independent review:

1. CDFW Investigation Report # 2405-1156 which included the following:
a. A summary of a 911 call placed by the suspect.
b. A summary of the observations of the CDFW Officer who responded to the incident where the shooting occurred, and a description of physical evidence collected.
c. A summary of the interview of the homeowner by the CDFW Officer.
d. A summary of the interview of a neighbor witness by the CDFW Officer.
e. A summary of an examination of the bullet wounds on the deceased bear.

2. A Forensic DNA Report from CDFW Wildlife Forensic Laboratory Report # C-3780 documenting the DNA comparison of the deceased bear with bear fur located in the residence.

3. May 27, 2024, audio recording of the homeowners’s 911 call to CDFW, dispatch logs, as well as audio recordings of all dispatch communications with El Dorado County Sheriff's Office and CDFW.

4. Evidentiary photos taken by CDFW of the deceased bear.

5. Evidentiary photos taken by CDFW of the interior of the residence where the incident was reported to have occurred.

6. Evidentiary photos taken by CDFW of the firearm and related shell casing.

7. Evidentiary photos taken by CDFW of the vantage point of a neighboring witness who provided a statement to law enforcement.

8. A report of a prior incident taken by CDFW on September 22, 2021, where the same homeowner reported that a mother bear and her three cubs had entered his residence on three separate occasions and caused damage to his kitchen and living room and ransacked his refrigerator (Wildlife Incident Report # 2021-003557).

9. Two associated evidentiary photos of the prior September 22, 2021, incident showing damage to the homeowner’s living room, kitchen, and ransacked refrigerator.

10. A state and federal criminal history report of the homeowner involved in the incident.

11. An EDCDA Investigative Report which included the following:
a. A re-interview with neighbor witnesses.
b. A re-interview with the homeowner.
c. An examination of the scene of the shooting and the surrounding area.
d. Photographs of the scene and surrounding area.

EDCDA also reviewed the relevant statutes and case law surrounding this incident. A summary of the law is explained below:

A person who “maliciously and intentionally maims, mutilates, tortures, or wounds a living animal, or maliciously and intentionally kills an animal, is guilty of a crime.” (Cal. Penal Code §597 subdivision (a) (Westlaw 2024)). This crime also does not interfere with other code sections giving an individual the “right to destroy any animal known as dangerous to life or limb.” (Cal.Penal Code § 599c (Westlaw 2024)). Additionally, the defenses normally available to a criminal defendant including the right to self-defense and defense of property still apply. The owner of real property may use reasonable force to protect that property from imminent harm. Reasonable force means the amount of force that a reasonable person in the same situation would believe is necessary to protect the property from imminent harm. (Judicial Council of California Criminal Jury Instructions 3476). The law presumes that an individual has a reasonable expectation of protection against unwanted intruders in his home. (People v. Grays (2016) 246 Cal.App.4th 687-688 (Westlaw 2024)).

It is unlawful to “take any bear with a firearm without first procuring a tag authorizing the taking of that bear.” (Cal. Fish and Game Code § 4750 (Westlaw 2024)). Upon the killing of any bear, that person is required to immediately complete a bear tag and attach one part of the tag to the deceased bear. The holder of the bear tag shall also immediately, upon harvesting a bear, notify the CDFW. (Cal. Fish and Game Code § 4753 (Westlaw 2024)). These laws, however, do not apply when the killing is otherwise justified to protect land or property from damage or threatened damage from a bear. (Cal. Fish and Game Code § 4763 (Westlaw 2024)). It is also unlawful to discharge a firearm in a grossly negligent manner. (Cal. Pen. Code § 246.3 (Westlaw 2024)). To prove this crime, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the shooter “did not act in self-defense” at the time of the shooting. (Judicial Council of California Criminal Jury Instruction 970). Additionally, the shooting must create a risk of great bodily injury or death to others. (People v. Alonzo (1993) 13 Cal.App.4th 535, 540 (Westlaw 2024)).

The resident in this case did not procure a bear tag authorizing the taking of the deceased bear. It is also undisputed that the suspect did not affix any bear tag to the deceased bear.

However, he immediately notified CDFW that he had shot and killed a bear that had entered his residence. EDCDA reviewed the 911 audio recording wherein the homeowner told the 911 dispatcher that a bear had broken into his home and entered his kitchen before he fired the shots.

The suspect told the dispatcher, “I didn’t want to do it. He was going to eat my dog.” At one point in the audio recording, the suspect spontaneously states, “God damnit…. He scared me!” The suspect sounded very nervous and out of breath during the recording. When CDFW arrived to speak with the suspect the officer noted in his report that the homeowner appeared very distraught and shaken up by the incident while expressing relief that he and his dog were not injured during the altercation.

The homeowner told CDFW officers during the initial investigation that the 70–85-pound bear cub had entered his backdoor that was left partially open, advanced towards his dog which was lying on a doggie bed, and began aggressively growling at the dog.

He stated that he attempted to yell and wave his arms at the bear to stop its advance but that the bear nevertheless continued to growl and continue its advance toward his dog. The man said that upon retrieving his rifle he observed the bear “nearly on top” of his dog before he aimed his rifle and shot at it twice from a close distance. The bear then retreated out the back door where it had previously entered and ran up a pine tree in his backyard. The bear eventually fell out of the tree shortly afterwards and the suspect then dispatched the bear with a third and final shot out of concern for its suffering.

CDFW located the rifle used by the homeowner during the shooting, which was identified as an older model Ruger 10-22 .22 rimfire semi-automatic rifle, as well as an associated .22 caliber rimfire cartridge on the living room floor near the dog bed consistent with his statement of where he fired the first shot at the bear. CDFW also found a clump of bear fur inside the home.

CDFW located three bullet wounds in the deceased bear consistent with the statement provided by the homeowner regarding the shooting. They interviewed a neighbor who confirmed that he observed a bear cub enter the decedent’s residence and that the bear was also undeterred by the neighbor’s attempt to bang pots and pans to try to keep the bear from entering the residence. These two observations corroborate the homeowner’s statement that the bear entered his residence and corroborate his statement that waving his arms and yelling at the bear would not have been a deterrent for this bear.

The neighbor contradicted the homeowner’s statement that the bear had completely entered his residence by stating he always observed the bear’s “hind legs” before the shooting. The neighbor also stated that he did not hear any shots until the bear had exited the residence.

However, CDFW inspected the vantage point where the neighbor observed the incident and noted that the view into the suspect’s backyard was obstructed by a tree and shed making it plausible that the bear entered the residence at some point when the neighbor’s vision was obscured. (See photograph above).

The shell casing, as well as bear fur located inside the residence, also provide physical evidence corroborating that the first shot was fired while the bear was inside the residence as the homeowner claimed. (See photograph above). CDFW also confirmed through DNA analysis that the bear fur located inside the suspect’s residence belonged to the deceased bear.

The examination of the deceased bear’s wounds also showed a projectile channel fired from an angle consistent with the bear facing the shooter and not retreating at the time the first shot was fired. It is also plausible that a gunshot fired from a small .22 caliber rimfire cartridge from the interior of a residence some distance away may not have been heard by the neighbor and that he only heard the second and third shots after the bear had already fled out of the residence. This is also consistent with a different neighbor’s comment to dispatch that the bear had been shot with a “BB gun” and not a firearm.

EDCDA independently re-interviewed this neighbor regarding the initial statement given to CDFW at the time of the incident. The investigator noted during this second interview that the neighbor had trouble placing the bear at the time the first shot was heard.

The neighbor also told the investigator in the second interview that the bear was “casually” exiting the residence when the shot was fired whereas he had told the warden in the first interview that the bear was quickly exiting the residence.

The neighbor also stated that once he heard the first gunshot from his balcony he immediately went to the far side of the homeowner’s property and continued along the fence line when he heard the second shot. This makes it implausible that he observed the homeowner fire the second shot from that position.

The investigator noted in his report that when he examined the neighbor’s view from the balcony where he stated he observed the first shot it was over 80 feet away from the suspect’s back door and was significantly obscured by foliage as well as other buildings. In the investigator’s opinion, it was “improbable” that the neighbor could have observed the entire incident from that position.

EDCDA also re-interviewed the homeowner and examined the backyard and the surrounding area where the shooting took place. The homeowner’s second interview was largely consistent with his initial interview with CDFW. The homeowner stated that the bear was aggressive, snarling, grunting, and posturing by standing up as it continued its slow further advance into the residence and kitchen before the shots were fired. The suspect did acknowledge that the second shot was fired when the bear had exited the back door. However, the District Attorney Investigator noted in his report that the wounded bear would have been trapped in a confined area in the backyard and presumably could still have been a threat at the time the second shot was fired.

The investigator also concluded that the small caliber .22 long rifle rounds would likely have been stopped by the walls and door of the home.

Additionally, the homeowner’s backyard was surrounded by numerous barriers including nearby trees, foliage, outbuildings, and a large wooden fence capable of stopping the small caliber rounds. The investigator noted that there were no houses in the immediate area behind the suspect’s property in his line of sight and the nearby recreation trail was behind a heavily wooded area.

The homeowner was also determined to be in an elevated position in relation to the bear at the time of the shooting making the trajectory downward towards the ground and other obstacles on the property. Therefore, the .22 caliber rounds he fired would not have been “likely” to produce great bodily injury or death to others.

It should also be noted that EDCDA had received comments from the public alleging “prior” incidents with the homeowner. These rumored prior incidents were determined to be unfounded. A records check confirmed there were only two prior contacts with the resident, both being described as his reporting bear-related activity in his area. Neither of the prior incidents involved misconduct against bears.

The EDCDA investigator conducted detailed follow-up with surrounding neighbors who referred him to a single third-party neighbor who when questioned stated that her account was “hearsay” and refused to provide further information.

When deciding whether an individual used reasonable force, the law also requires us to consider all the circumstances as they were known to and appeared to the suspect at the time of the shooting in deciding whether his use of force was reasonable. (Judicial Council of California Criminal Jury Instructions 3476).

On September 22, 2021, the same resident reported to CDFW that a mother bear and her three cubs had entered this same residence and caused damage to his living room and kitchen, ransacked his refrigerator, and attacked his dogs. In support of his claim, he provided two photographs of the associated damage to CDFW. (See photographs above). This prior incident makes it likely that at the time of the shooting, the resident actually and reasonably believed that the bear was a threat to himself, his property, or his dog.

Based on the totality of the evidence reviewed by the District Attorney’s Office, they reached the determination that the resident in this incident shot the bear out of a concern for the safety of himself and his property within the meaning of Fish and Game Code § 4763 and therefore the shooting did not violate the provisions of the Fish and Game Code.

The homeowner also acted out of a reasonable threat of harm to his property and therefore acted within the meaning of the law surrounding the defense of property and therefore has not violated Penal Code §597 or Penal Code §246.3.

Additionally, an examination of the scene of the shooting and the path of travel of the rounds fired concluded that the rounds fired by the homeowner in self-defense were unlikely to cause great bodily injury or death to the surrounding neighborhood.

Thus, based on their independent review, they said there is no criminal liability for this incident.

Northern Nevada Backyards and Gardens: Appetites ferocious in Hopperville

Jeff Munson — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 18:25:19 +0000

By JoAnne Skelly

I’ve been looking forward to Independence Day. I have been hoping for independence from voles, rabbits, ground squirrels, mice, cottonwood seeds, falling leaves (in summer!) and weedy grasses. Now the newest test of my gardening perseverance are grasshoppers.

All of a sudden, I’m seeing 1/2-inch baby hoppers everywhere. Occasionally I see a large adult. I didn’t see hoppers last year, but they are here now with a vengeance. Winter was probably too mild to kill them off.

Unfortunately, those little hoppers will soon be big hoppers with voracious appetites. I’m already seeing edges of leaves that have been eaten almost to the vein. That’s because grasshoppers can eat up to one-half their weight in plant material each day. When populations are large, they can wreak havoc on a landscape or garden. Although there are approximately 118 species of grasshoppers in Nevada, only about 10 of these are problematic.

A female lives a year and can lay an average of 200 eggs in most years. But, in good years (good for the hopper, that is), she may lay up to 400 eggs. Hatching starts in April or May, peaking in mid-June. That’s probably why I’m seeing so many nymphs around now. They will be adults in 9 to 11 weeks. Fortunately for us, lots of critters eat grasshopper eggs, nymphs and adults, including birds, mammals and other insects. There are also parasites that attack the eggs and nymphs.

Hoppers start out the day basking in the morning sun and end doing the same in late afternoon. Those are the times it is easiest to catch them. You can use an insect sweep net over plants or even quick hands to gather them up. Then, put them into something you can dispose of, or smush (that’s a scientific term!) them. Sometimes you can catch one, fling it down and stomp on it. This develops good eye to hand to foot coordination (LOL).

You might want to try heavyweight row covers to deter these determined eaters in your garden. If the fabric is too thin, they eat right through it. I’ve read of people putting water plus molasses into shallow pans to trap hoppers. Supposedly, if you add a thin film of canola oil on top, you won’t be trapping bees or attracting mosquitos. You have to remove the dead every day.

I’m sure there are chemicals that claim to control grasshoppers, but hoppers are so mobile it is difficult to stop them. Insecticides have to be applied at sites where the eggs are laid and during the very early developmental stages.

Just one more gardening tribulation.

— JoAnne Skelly is Associate Professor & Extension Educator, Emerita, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. She can be reached at skellyj@unr.edu.

What to know about the 17 new Nevada laws that go into effect July 1

admin — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 18:24:02 +0000

Eric Neugeboren, The Nevada Independent

A handful of new laws enacted during the 2023 legislative session go into effect on Monday, including measures related to Medicaid coverage of mental health care and the interrogation of children during custody hearings.

After Monday, aspects of only six remaining laws enacted by the 2023 Legislature will not have gone into effect. Portions of more than 400 laws passed by lawmakers last year went into effect last July, October and January.

Most of these laws passed unanimously, except for ones noted below.

Read below for more details on the new laws.

EDUCATION

AB65: School ages

Beginning this school year, children must be enrolled in school — whether public, private or home school — by the time they are 6 years old. Nevada law previously mandated school enrollment for children aged 7 and older.

During a Senate Education Committee hearing on the bill last year, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jhone Ebert said Clark and Washoe counties had about 110 7-year-olds enrolling in school for the first time.

The change comes as part of a broader bill raising age requirements for kindergarten enrollment that went into effect last year. State law now requires students to be 5 years old by Aug. 1 to enroll in kindergarten after previously requiring students to be at least age 5 by the first day of a school year.

Most Republican lawmakers opposed the bill, citing conversations with parents. Sen. Robin Titus (R-Wellington) said parents should decide when their kids are ready for school.

AB264: Attendance rules for religious holidays

AB264 makes a host of changes related to school absences for religious holidays.

Most notably, it allows students with an approved absence for a religious holiday to still be eligible for awards requiring perfect attendance.

The law also prohibits absences related to religious holidays from being included on a student’s report card and says students who are absent for religious holidays are not truant. Approved religious holiday absences also will be counted toward attendance requirements to advance to the next grade level as long as the student has met coursework requirements.

SB80: Head injury treatment

A bill shepherded by the Nevada Youth Legislature, SB80, requires expanded guidelines for students who have suffered major head injuries.

Under the new law, the state superintendent of public instruction must create a policy allowing reasonable accommodations — including rest, a modified curriculum and monitoring by a school nurse — for students who have suffered a head injury.

A previous version of the bill would have required schools to create a “concussion management team” consisting of a school nurse or athletic trainer and support staff, such as a school psychologist or social worker, but that provision was amended out of the bill.

The legislation also requires the Nevada Interscholastic Athletic Association, as well as school districts, to adopt regulations and compile information on head injury prevention and treatment. These policies must be reviewed and signed by parents or guardians before their child participates in an interscholastic activity.

Six GOP Senators opposed the bill.

AB241: College preparation for students

AB241 requires all Nevada public school students to be enrolled in courses and credits that qualify for a college or career-ready high school diploma, with some exceptions.

Students and school officials can agree to a modified course of study after ninth grade, and students with disabilities are exempt from the requirement so they can follow an individualized education program.

AB428: Plan for teacher recruitment

Provisions of AB428 going into effect Monday make various changes to the state’s education standards commission and require a new statewide teacher recruitment plan.

The law requires the state superintendent for public education to develop a strategic plan for recruiting teachers and other licensed educators. The plan must address lowering the processing times for education licenses and translating non-English transcripts submitted by license applicants.

It also changes the composition of the state’s Commission on Professional Standards in Education. It removes a position for someone who had experience running a business and adds three new members: two school district human resources professionals and either the education dean at Nevada State University or a member of the teacher education program at Great Basin College.

The law also requires the commission to establish standards for professional development training and requires school districts to provide training on topics such as parental involvement in education and multicultural education.

The most notable part of the law, which went into effect last year, required the Clark County School District to launch a Teacher Academy College Pathway Program to expand the state’s teacher pipeline.

HEALTH CARE

AB7: Electronic health records

AB7 was one of three bills pushed by the state’s Patient Protection Commission last session, a board created under former Gov. Steve Sisolak.

The law requires health care providers to use electronic health records that are more easily accessible to patients and more easily shareable among providers. It also allocated $3 million in grant funding for smaller providers to implement the program.

A portion of the law that went into effect last year also expanded liability protections for using technology to share and access a patient’s medical record.

The law passed along party lines, with all Republicans voting against it. Health care representatives testified last year that they largely supported having easier access to records.

AB138: Behavioral health care coverage

Under AB138, the state plan for Medicaid must pay the non federal share of expenses for certain behavioral health treatments, including mental health services and substance use disorders.

The bill is part of a host of Medicaid-related legislation, including expanding coverage for postpartum care and people with autism.

OTHER

AB193: Custodial interrogations of children

This law prohibits peace officers from lying about evidence to a child subject to a custodial investigation. It also forbids officers from outlining or implying any advantages that the child could secure during a custodial investigation.

The bill largely passed along party lines, with all Republican legislators opposing it except for Sen. Ira Hansen (R-Sparks) and Sen. Lisa Krasner (R-Reno). Sen. Scott Hammond (R-Las Vegas) was excused from the vote. Assemblyman Ken Gray (R-Dayton) said in a committee hearing he was worried about the rule being a “slippery slope” and “that deception does play a role in interrogations.”

AB516: New Native American department

AB516 creates the Department of Native American Affairs.

Along with funding for an executive director, the department will house the Nevada Indian Commission and the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center and Museum, both of which were previously under the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. The state allocated more than $500,000 for three new staff members and operating and equipment costs.

— This story is used with permission of The Nevada Independent. Go here for updates to this and other Nevada Independent stories.

Carson City area road report for week of July 1-7

Jeff Munson — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 15:43:33 +0000

Here is the Carson City area road report for the week of July 1-7, 2024. Closures are expected at the following locations due to road and utility work:

— 2nd Street between Carson Street and Curry Street will be closed to westbound traffic from April 8, 2024 to June 30, 2025 for construction.

— Hidden Meadow Drive between 5th Street and Buzzy’s Ranch Road will be closed to traffic Tuesday through Thursday, 7:00 to 5:30 pm. Follow detour.

— Robinson Street between Anderson Street and Walsh Street will be closed to traffic Tuesday and Wednesday, 7:00 am to 4:30 pm. Follow detour.

Lane restrictions are expected at the following locations due to road/utility work:

— 5th Street between Hells Bells Road and Marsh Road will be closed to westbound traffic from Monday and Tuesday, 7:00 am to 5:30 pm. Eastbound traffic will have flagger control from Monday and Tuesday, 7:00 am to 5:30 pm.

— 5th Street between Hells Bells and Marsh Road will be closed to eastbound traffic from Tuesday and Thursday, 7:00 am to 5:30 pm. Westbound traffic will have flagger control Tuesday and Thursday, 7:00 am to 5:30 pm.

— Camille Drive between Rand Avenue and Hamilton Avenue will have reduced lanes from June 28, 2024 to July 2, 2024, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.

— Curry Street between Adams Street and Park Street will be reduced to a single lane from June 3, 2024, to July 12, 2024, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.

— Musser Street between Plaza Street and Stewart Street will have reduced lanes from Tuesday and Wednesday, 7:00 am to 4:30 pm.

— Robinson Street between Valley Street and Roop Street will have reduced lanes from Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 4:30 pm. Bus Stops will be closed during construction. Robinson Street between Anderson Street and Walsh Street may be closed during this time. Detours will be provided.

— Saliman Road near Seely Loop will have narrow lanes from Monday through Thursday, 7:00 am to 5:30 pm.

— William Street between Roop Street and Saliman Road will have shoulder work on the eastbound side of the street. Use caution. The bike path will be closed and trucks will be entering and exiting the roadway from Monday through Thursday, 7:00 am to 5:30 pm.

— Winnie Lane between Mountain Street and Carson Street will have shoulder work on the Southside of Winnie Lane from Monday through Thursday, 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. No street parking on both the North and Southside of Winnie Lane due to lane shifts.

Elsewhere, overnight lane closures will take place on southbound I-580 in Carson City Monday, July 1 as the Nevada Department of Transportation installs an overhead traffic sign.

Southbound I-580 will be reduced to one lane between U.S. 50 and Fairview Drive from 8 p.m. Monday, July 1 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, July 2. Drivers should anticipate minor travel delays, and are advised to take other routes if possible. Brief southbound traffic stops may also take place for five to ten minutes as the sign is installed. The work schedule is subject to change.

NDOT will replace an overhead highway sign which was struck in a vehicle crash earlier this year. The overhead sign reads “Fairview Drive One Mile Ahead.”

'For the Song' announces Artown Show at legendary Piper’s Opera House; Jamie Lin Wilson brings her band to Virginia City July 27

Jeff Munson — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 15:11:31 +0000

Event Date:

July 27, 2024 - 7:30pm

By Evangeline Elston

The For the Song Charitable Fund, formed by Founding Patrons and fueled by the generosity of the ArrowCreek Community, joins Artown and its commitment to multidisciplinary arts to bring this extraordinary Texas songwriter to Northern Nevada. Jamie Lin Wilson will perform at 7:30pm, July 27 at the legendary Piper’s Opera House in Virginia City.

“Life tends to transpire over a span of 80 years, not just eight. And every moment, every era can be marked by enchantment, discovery, and the poetry of life being recited to the soul as it unfolds in a never-ending ribbon of emotional moments. This is the wisdom shared and won by listening to Jamie Lin Wilson,” according to Saving Country Music.

Go here for tickets
More on Jamie Lin Wilson can be found on her website here.
You can here Jamie's music on Spotify here and YouTube here.

With a voice that slides in and out of notes with easy grace, a sly sense of humor, and lyrics that highlight the details most of us miss, Jamie creates stark vignettes: intimate conversations between friends who might be lovers and lovers who can't be friends; kids hopping from stone to stone in a graveyard; the way rolling clouds can signal a new season. She lives and works in that sweet spot where folk and country meet — Guy Clark territory.

She has written and performed with renowned Americana artists like Evan Felker (Turnpike Troubadors), Wade Bowen, Sean McConnell, Courtney Patton and many more. She has recorded Lyle Lovett’s “South Texas Girl” because it rings so true to her path. Balancing her family (husband Roy and her four children) with her touring schedule and the popular demand for her performances in major country and folk festivals is a challenge that has introduced her to unique perspectives that show up in her music.

“It's unfair that the poets and songwriters are the ones who have the songs about their lives, when maybe that's not what's poetic,” Jamie says. “Maybe the moments are the ones happening in everyday farmers' lives, or to a widow, or a son.” It's her comfort in and commitment to two distinct worlds — that of the dream-chasing artists and the dirt-under-their-nails realists — that makes Jamie and her songs not just inviting, but cathartically important.

“Hosting Jamie Lin Wilson at Piper’s Opera House in an Artown Show represents the realization of one of our key goals,” said Ford Goodman, a Founding Donor and the Fund Advisor at the For the Song Charitable Fund. “Our mission is to bring nationally-touring, critically acclaimed songwriters and musicians to our Northern Nevada communities that historically do not stop here. Jamie Lin Wilson is an extraordinary performer and songwriter, and she brings a band with comparable talents. Our audience will be energized, moved and overjoyed!”

“As the Virginia City Tourism Commission continues to restore Piper’s Opera House’s position as a legendary performance hall, the For the Song Charitable Fund offers a slate of extraordinary Artists that will energize this beautiful, historic space,” said Leah Kruse, Events and Assistant Tourism Director for the commission. “Jamie Lin Wilson is well known for her songwriting and Americana musicianship. David Abeyta (19 years with Reckless Kelly) is an incredible artist on lead guitar and will join the band for these events. We expect our extended community will become dedicated fans of Piper’s Opera House/For the Song events.”

Piper’s Opera House is a historic landmark that has entertained audiences since the 1880s with performers including Harry Houdini, Mark Twain, Lillie Langtry, and Blue Water Highway. With its storied history and stunning architecture, the opera house continues to be a cultural hub, hosting various performances and events throughout the year. For more information, visit www.pipersoperahouse.com .

The For the Song Charitable Fund has supported Americana Artists with over $30,000 of funding in its first year of operations. It looks forward to expanding investments in bringing outstanding songwriters and musicians to Northern Nevada and the Tahoe Basin in coming years. The Fund has been greatly assisted by the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada, The Club at ArrowCreek and the ArrowCreek Homeowners Association. Our Founding Donors have already funded more than a dozen private and public shows with more to come. The Fund is extremely grateful for the assistance received during its first year of operation from Nettie Oliverio of the Reno Arts Consortium and Foothill Partners, Tracey Oliver and everyone at the Sierra Arts Foundation, Spike McGuire of The Brewery Arts Center and Loud as Folk, Greg Gilmore of Greg Gilmore Music, Mike Mac Millen of The Reno Public Market, Leah Kruse of the Virginia City Tourism Commission and Beth Macmillan plus her extended team at Artown.
For the Song: www.forthesong.org

About Artown:
Founded in 1996, Artown has grown to become one of the largest arts and culture festivals in the western United States, attracting thousands of attendees to their Spring and Fall Encore Series and their highly anticipated summer festival. Each July, Artown transforms Reno, Nevada into a bustling hub of artistic activity, offering something for everyone to enjoy. The month long- programming offers over 500 events with a wide range of artistic disciplines, including music, dance, theater, visual arts, literature, and more.

From world-class performances by renowned artists to intimate workshops and community events, Artown offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore and engage with the arts in all its forms. For more information about Artown, including upcoming events and how to get involved, visit Artown.org.

July 4th guided tours available at Territorial Enteprise Mark Twain Museum

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 14:45:23 +0000

By Sandie La Nae

On July 4, 5, 6, and 7, history docents DebiLynn Smith and Rob Barron offer guided tours in the Territorial Enterprise Mark Twain Museum in Virginia City.

See vintage printing presses, other mechanics of how a newspaper was created, and numerous mid-1800 artifacts. Also, Mark Twain's Desk sits among the treasures.

10:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. each day of the July 4th weekend.

NOTE: NO opened toed shoes.

This event includes:
Nevada Author, Sandie La Nae selling her Virginia City books.
Vintage printing press demonstrations by Printer, Steve Robison.
Fun "Territorial Enterprise" merchandise will be available for sale.

Steven Saylor is the Director of the Territorial Enterprise Foundation.