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

Carson City employees could see more raises coming their way, along with a new recognized holiday

Kelsey Penrose — Wed, 22 May 2024 18:07:01 +0000

Event Date:

May 24, 2024 - 8:00am

by Kelsey Penrose

On Friday, Carson City Supervisors will be discussing potential salary increases for classified and unclassified city workers. The meeting takes place beginning at 8 a.m. in the Bob Crowell Board Room of the Community Center, located at 851 E. William St.

The raises are a part of the planned 2025 city budget, which was first approved in April.

The agreement, if approved, will be between the city and the Carson City Employees Association, and will create a provision increasing salary ranges for all classified employees covered by the collective bargaining agreement and provide a one-time pay increase of 5 percent, or placement into the bottom of the adjusted salary range, whichever is greater.

The increases will cost the city approximately $1.9 million, which was already built into the city’s final budget.

In addition, unclassified employees will see new pay ranges established with a one time 5 percent salary increase or placement into the bottom of the adjusted pay range, whichever is greater, beginning May 31. In addition, the existing 2 percent cost-of-living increase on July 1 each year will continue. Unclassified salaries and benefits would increase by approximately $992,150, which was also built into the final budget.

The provision also stipulates that Juneteenth will be a legal holiday as recognized by the state.

The reason behind the changes is due to a recent study that found the current city pay rates for employees are below market average.

To read the agenda in its entirety, click here.

Nevada Guard set to host Flag Day, Army Birthday ceremonies at Capitol

Jeff Munson — Wed, 22 May 2024 17:59:16 +0000

Nevada National Guard

The Nevada National Guard is set to host its 26th annual Flag Day Ceremony and the U.S. Army’s 249th Birthday celebration at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 14, at the Veterans Memorial on the Capitol Grounds, 101 N. Carson St. in Carson City.

The event is free and open to the public and will include a historical flag presentation by the Nevada Air Guard. This year’s ceremony will feature a speech by Division of Emergency Management Chief David Fogerson and the Army birthday address will be delivered by Brig. Gen. D. Rodger Waters.

The U.S. Flag flown at Fort Ruby in the 1860s will be on display and Army birthday cake will be served to all attendees, compliments of the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. Citizens are also welcome to bring their unserviceable U.S. Flags for future proper disposal.

WHAT – Nevada Guard’s 26th annual Flag Day ceremony and U.S. Army’s 249th birthday celebration
WHEN – 10 a.m., Friday, June 14
WHERE – Veterans Memorial, Capitol Grounds, 101 N. Carson St., Carson City
WHY – To commemorate the U.S. Flag and recognize the Army’s 249th birthday
MEDIA – Welcome to attend. The public is welcome to attend.

The U.S. Army is two years older than the U.S. Flag. A resolution of the Continental Congress authorized 10 companies of riflemen on June 14, 1775, to establish the U.S. Army. Two years later, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act and adopted the stars-and-stripes design as our nation’s flag. In 1949, President Harry Truman signed an act of Congress designating June 14 at National Flag Day.

Carson City sheriff's deputies make warrant arrests

Jeff Munson — Wed, 22 May 2024 17:07:28 +0000

The Carson City Sheriff's office reports four arrests since Monday.

— A 31-year-old Fernley woman was arrested Tuesday in the area of North Carson and Adams for an outside agency warrant issued July 2023 out of Sparks Municipal Court. Bail: $890.

— A 65-year-old Carson City, Debra Songer, woman was arrested Monday for suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail: $2,500.

— A 62-year-old Dayton woman was arrested Tuesday for suspicion of misdemeanor violation of bail/pre-trail supervision. The woman was on Department of Alternative Sentencing with a "no alcohol" clause. She provided a breath sample of .250. Bail: $3,000 cash.

— A 34-year-old Carson City man was arrested Tuesday for a misdemeanor contempt of court warrant issued May 21, 2024 out of Dayton Justice Court. Bail: $1,705.

— 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.

Douglas County School Board chooses superintendent finalists…again

Kelsey Penrose — Wed, 22 May 2024 15:45:05 +0000

by Kelsey Penrose

During their hours-long meeting Tuesday evening, the Douglas County School Board chose three of the six superintendent candidates to move forward into the interview process.

The previous superintendent select ended up not being offered a contract following public outcry after it was revealed he had a criminal and mismanagement history from multiple other school districts.

Following the decision to not move forward with their selection, the board then moved to offer the position to Acting Superintendent Jeanne Dwyer. However, because it was not agendized properly, the decision had to be voided. When it was brought back properly, the board majority of David Burns, Katherine Dickerson, Susan Jansen and Doug Englekirk changed their decisions and voted not to offer her the position.

Burns said he’d been “blindsided” before and had made his decision in haste which he regretted afterward. Dickerson said it would only be fair to interview others who have been “standing in line.”

Dwyer took over for former superintendent Keith Lewis after he was ousted by the board after nearly 30 years of service to the district. While acting as superintendent, Dwyer has also been continuing to work in her positions as the Director of Inclusive Education and Human Resources, as well as the additional responsibility of Board Clerk.

The board instead voted to move forward and accept applications from other candidates.

During discussions Tuesday, Trustee Yvonne Wagstaff stated that if any of the candidates did not have an overall score above 80 percent, they should continue their search, or hire Dwyer.

"If we want our kids to be better we need to show them better,” Wagstaff said. She said that their previously selected candidate only scored in the low 60s which to her was unacceptable.

However, Trustee Susan Jansen said because the screening tools are subjective, not objective, they’re never going to have a consensus.

“I just don’t see it happening,” Trustee Doug Englekirk echoed.

Six candidates were evaluated for the position, and after a screening tool and a round of discussions, the board decided to move forward with their top three candidates.

Candidates

Angelo Alvarado

Angelo Alvarado is currently serving as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for the Ukiah Unified School District in Ukiah, Calif. He has held the position for one year. Prior to this he served for four years as a Middle School Principal, Director of HR, and Elementary School Principal for the Mammoth Unified School District; an Assistant Principal within the Ontario Montclair School District for two years; and a Coordinator of Special Education with the Sequoia Union High School District for 11 months.

He received his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the University of La Verne in Education. He currently holds a license in Administrative Services, but does not hold any Nevada licensures.

“One of my many strengths is building trusting relationships with the entire school community,” his application reads. “I am a clear and concise communicator that treats all school community members with respect, empathy, and professionalism. I implement policy and procedure with fidelity in the best interest of students. I utilize the continuous improvement cycle, data, metrics for determining effectiveness, and a strengths-based approach for school improvement. I understand the importance of valuing the difference of professional opinions and I appreciate dialogue that leads to professional growth.”

His full application can be viewed here.

Patrick Peters

Patrick Peters is a Douglas County High School graduate who currently serves as Principal of Silver Stage High School in Silver Springs, a position in which he has served 19 years. Prior to this he served three years as the assistant principal, and a teacher at Silver Stage Middle School for eight years, as well as a basketball coach.

He received his Bachelors in Business from Sonoma State University, his teaching credential from Sierra Nevada College, and his Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. He currently holds a Nevada teaching license and has a number of educational awards both personally and for his school.

“My career path has included student teaching in Kindergarten at Bijou Elementary School and 6th grade at Jacks Valley Elementary School, then working as a paraprofessional, middle school teacher, high school assistant principal and my last 19 years as the proud principal of Silver Stage High School,” his application reads. “These roles have given me different educational experiences that make me highly qualified for the position of Douglas County School District Superintendent. I have had HR experience in my administrative role, supervising the Silver Springs transportation yard as well as working through different HR due process investigations and mediations with school staff. I have led high school accreditation teams in various Nevada school districts, mentoring administrators with the process and then leading the teams to analyze school data and determine accreditation outcomes.”

You can read his full application here.

Louise Simson

Louise Simson currently serves as Superintendent of Anderson Valley Unified School District in Boonville, Calif. which she has held for three years. Prior to that she served as the Assistant Superintendent and Principal of Vallecito Union School District in Avery, Calif., for three years. Before that she held the position of Special Education Teacher in the San Matteo Foster City School District in Foster City, Calif., for two years.

She holds a Bachelors and Masters in Human Services and Special Education from Notre Dame de Namur University. She currently does not hold licensures in Nevada but does hold a licensure as an Education Specialist in California.

“For the past six years, I have served students and the community in rural settings with a driving belief that all students deserve educational equity no matter their zip code. Our job is to expand academics, social/emotional learning, athletics, experiential travel opportunities and the arts to ensure students are well-rounded individuals prepared for college and career,” her application reads. “I have a proven track record of building relationships with students, boards, families, communities and educational partners to make great things happen for kids. I am a transparent and steadfast communicator, a visionary who believes everything is possible, and an incredibly relentless hard-worker that gets the impossible done.”

You can read her full application here.

Moving forward, a meet and greet will be held for the community to meet each candidate on June 10, followed by a June 11 board meeting during which interviews will be held. Each trustee will ask candidates two questions as part of the interview process.

Carson City Jazz & Beyond art contest application deadline is May 31

Jeff Munson — Wed, 22 May 2024 14:45:59 +0000

Event Date:

May 31, 2024 (All day)

By Elinor Bugli

The application deadline for Mile High Band Association’s 2024 Jazz & Beyond Festival art contest is Friday, May 31, 2024. Northern Nevada artists, including teachers and students are invited to apply, and participation is free.

Selected entries in the competition will be used to promote the festival, and the winning entry will be featured on the festival’s advertising poster and program cover. Festival T-shirts may also feature the winning design.

The artwork will be judged by the Jazz & Beyond committee. The winner of the competition will receive a certificate of appreciation from the Jazz & Beyond — Carson City Music Festival and a cash award of $100. Art Contest Coordinator Alexander Cassimus said, “The artist’s work will be front and center, viewed by thousands of festival patrons.” The festival will run from Friday, August 16, through Monday, August 26.

Entry forms are available for download from jazzcarsoncity.com.

Artists may submit more than one entry. Artwork must be 11”x14” and may be in any two-dimensional medium (photography, digital collage and photography, watercolor, acrylic, oil, etc.). Artwork must be matted, backed, and submitted in a protective sleeve. The design must be related to music. Each submission must include a separate entry form.

Artists are to deliver their entries by Friday, May 31, 2024, to the NAA Gallery, 449 W. King Street, Carson City, Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 4:00 p.m., or contact Alexander Cassimus at 408-264-4423 or away4@earthlink.net for other options.

The entry form and a photo or digital image of the artwork (not to exceed 20 MB) must also be sent as an email attachment to info@jazzcarsoncity.com

For more information about the contest and entry forms, contact Alexander Cassimus at 408-264-4423 or away4@earthlink.net.

Carson City emergency crews respond to crash involving motorcycle at 5th and Saliman

Jeff Munson — Wed, 22 May 2024 02:03:06 +0000

Carson City Fire Department and sheriff's deputies were called Tuesday evening to a vehicle crash involving a motorcycle in the area of East 5th Street and Saliman Road.

The two-vehicle crash happened at around 6:55 p.m. The motorcycle rider was reportedly conscious and alert, according to a first responder on scene. Paramedics were evaluating the rider, checking for injuries and determining transport.

The rider was taken to the hospital. No serious injuries were reported.

Carson City emergency crews respond to US-50 East crashes

Jeff Munson — Wed, 22 May 2024 01:49:30 +0000

Traffic was slow going in Carson City along Highway 50 East following two crashes Tuesday, according to Nevada State Police. There was a crash reported at around 3:50 p.m. on US-50 East and Nye Lane. There was a second crash at 5:18 p.m. reportedly near US-50 and Brown Street.
Injuries are unknown at this time. Motorists can expect delays.

Friday night 90-minute restorative Yoga with Sound Bath available at Grassroots Yoga Center in Carson City

Tue, 21 May 2024 23:38:17 +0000

Why is Restorative Yoga with Sound so incredible? Restorative yoga promotes stress reduction and support for healing by balancing the nervous system.

The combination of the gentle movement with the magic of Missus Brown's musical insights is highly effective at reducing muscle tension through gentle movements, breathwork, and longer-held poses.

Heal and calm your nervous system at Grassroots Yoga in Carson City. See the video below.

New students please arrive 10 minutes early for registration process. What is a Restorative Yoga class with a Sound Bath? A Restorative Yoga class is a very low and slow class, that is almost entirely on your back, belly or otherwise laying down. In a restorative yoga session, students are guided into relaxing poses and then stay there for 3-5 minutes.

A Sound Bath is a live musical experience where you lay down and the artist will play sound instruments, sound bowls, etc., and the sound waves subtly work on your nervous system by balancing parasympathetic and sympathetic responses to a state of blissful equilibrium.

Come experience this magical combination when the two are put together. A great date night for you and your loved ones. This special experience will be 60 minutes of restorative poses by a full 30 minute sound bath. Special guest instructor: Michelle Brown. You can follow Missus Brown on Facebook.

To register to go here or GrassrootsYogaCenter.com/schedule.

Grassroots Yoga Center is located at 195 E. Winnie Ln. Carson City. See the website here and follow on Facebook here.

Chamber News: Dayton RV & Boat Storage celebrates opening

Jeff Munson — Tue, 21 May 2024 23:17:42 +0000

By Ronni Hannaman

A new state-of-the-art storage center especially designed for boats and recreational vehicles is now open for business in Dayton.

Conveniently located at 222 Dayton Valley Road, Dayton, just 12 minutes from Carson City, the cutting-edge facility is the perfect place to protect your investment in a secure location.

The storage bays offer wide drive aisles, 24/7 security, shade from the desert sun, and a trickle charge at each space. There are some drive throughs.

Designed by two young entrepreneurs Eli May and Matt Marani who have built several storage sites in Northern Nevada and California, May states, “This new Dayton facility is special and designed from the ground up with outdoor enthusiasts in mind.”

There’s a gated entrance accessible by using a personalized code keypad. Masonry walls surround the entire facility. Every corner is under vigilant survey 24/7.

Outdoor parking also available.

There’s a current move in special. For more information log on to Daytonrvboatstorage.com or call 775-248-9409

In the photo: A ribbon cutting was held on May 17 at the new Dayton RV& Storage attended by owners and friends. Having just cut the ribbon is Eli May (with scissors) and second from left holding the ribbon is Matt Marani.

— Ronni Hannaman is the Executive Director of the Carson City Chamber of Commerce.

Douglas County Sheriff's Office: Man dies Sunday of apparent drowning at Topaz Lake

Jeff Munson — Tue, 21 May 2024 22:08:36 +0000

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says a Sparks man died Sunday of an apparent drowning at Topaz Lake.

At around 5:30 p.m., Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies, along with East Fork Fire, responded to the end of Comstock Drive in Topaz for a reported drowning.

When deputies and fire personnel arrived, citizens had moved the victim, identified as Todd Anderson, 55, from Sparks, onto the shore and were performing CPR, according to DCSO in a news release.

Anderson was taken by ambulance to Carson Valley Health hospital in Gardnerville where he was pronounced dead. It appears that Anderson was attempting to get a buoy out of the water when he drowned, according to the release.

“This tragic event demonstrates the risks of being in water that is snow runoff this time of year,” said Sheriff Dan Coverley. “The water is extremely cold and dangerous during the spring.”

WATER SAFETY TIPS

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind those recreating on or near bodies of water to always keep safety as the highest priority. With the approaching Memorial Day holiday and summer boating season, DCSO urges beachgoers to be aware of the dangers and risks that swimming—especially in the often frigid water of Topaz Lake and Lake Tahoe—may present.

Wear a Life Jacket: Always wear a properly fitted life jacket. Even experienced swimmers can encounter unexpected difficulties in open water.

Acclimate Gradually to Cold Water: When entering cold water, do so slowly to allow your body to acclimate and reduce the risk of cold-water shock. Sudden immersion in cold water can cause an involuntary gasp reflex, hyperventilation, and even heart problems. Wade in gradually to let your body adjust to the temperature.

Never Swim Alone: Always swim with a buddy. It's safer and more fun. Make sure someone knows where you are at all times.

Supervise Children Closely: Always keep a close eye on children when they are near or in the water. Children should wear life jackets at all times.

Know Your Limits: Don't push yourself beyond your swimming abilities. If you feel tired, return to shore and take a break.

Avoid Alcohol: Do not consume alcohol when swimming, boating, or supervising children near the water. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and coordination.

Watch for Weather Changes: Be mindful of the weather. Storms can develop quickly, and lightning is extremely dangerous near water. Leave the water immediately if you hear thunder or see lightning.

Learn First Aid and CPR: Being knowledgeable in first aid and CPR can save lives in an emergency. Consider taking a course to be prepared.

Carson City emergency crews called to crash at East Nye Lane and Hot Springs Road

Jeff Munson — Tue, 21 May 2024 21:36:19 +0000

Carson City Fire Department and sheriff's deputies responded Tuesday afternoon to a vehicle crash in the area of Hot Springs Road and East Nye Lane.

The incident was reported at around 2:24 p.m. Two ambulances and other emergency responders were called to the scene.

At this time it is unknown how many vehicles are involved or the extent of injuries. A tree is reportedly blocking the roadway.

Motorists are advised to stay clear of the area.

We will update as more information becomes available.

Governor Lombardo announces $250 million to create Nevada Middle Mile Network

Jeff Munson — Tue, 21 May 2024 21:10:16 +0000

Nevada Governor's Office

CARSON CITY — Gov. Joe Lombardo and the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology announced Tuesday the creation of the Nevada Middle Mile Network.

"I’m pleased to announce the allocation of $250 million towards Middle Mile Infrastructure,” said Gov. Lombardo. “This significant investment will enhance internet connectivity in communities across Nevada that have struggled with inadequate internet access. By addressing these critical gaps, we are ensuring that all Nevadans have the opportunity to benefit from reliable and fast internet service.”

“We are working to provide every Nevadan with access to high-speed internet that is affordable, reliable, and scalable,” said Brian Mitchell, Director of OSIT. “Nevada requires significant investments in middle-mile infrastructure to support future last-mile residential investments. This project is a big step towards meeting our goals.”

The Nevada Middle Mile Network is a 2,500-mile open access, fiber optic network that will reach many unserved communities in Nevada. The dollars announced Tuesday will fund one-time construction costs of the network. Part of the High Speed Nevada Initiative, construction of the middle mile network will enable OSIT to bring better connectivity to hundreds of unserved K-12 schools, libraries, State and local government facilities, and community anchor institutions in the coming years.

The Nevada Middle Mile Network will also significantly expand network capacity between urban areas of Nevada and throughout rural regions across the state, greatly enhancing the capacity of last-mile networks to deliver affordable, high-speed Internet access to over 40,000 locations that are unserved or underserved today.

OSIT will build ubiquitous, open access, middle mile infrastructure that will result in robust, redundant pathways to major internet exchange points, a range of lit middle mile services offered at affordable pricing comparable to that available in metropolitan areas, and long-term dark fiber IRUs available to competing companies. OSIT estimates that the project will result in improved Internet access for more than 40,000 residential locations. A map depicting the middle mile network routes and rate cards for each route can be found here.

The Nevada Middle Mile Fiber Network project is a part of the larger High Speed Nevada Initiative with the goal of universal access to high speed internet that is affordable, reliable, and scalable. Over the next four years, over $900 million will be dedicated to broadband infrastructure and digital equity and adoption initiatives. For more information, please visit: https://osit.nv.gov/Broadband/Broadband/ or email highspeednv@gov.nv.gov.

23 graduates from 13 agencies represented in 2024 spring POST graduation ceremony, Carson City sheriff keynotes

Jeff Munson — Tue, 21 May 2024 20:17:23 +0000

Michael Sherlock, Executive Director

The Nevada Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, also known as POST, is pleased to announce 23 graduates, from 13 agencies, accepted their peace officers’ oath as POST Academy Class 2024-01.

The graduation ceremony highlighted Carson City Sheriff Kenneth Furlong as the keynote speaker along with POST Executive Director, Michael Sherlock. Training Division Chief Mike Hayhurst administered the peace officers’ oath for all twenty-three graduates.

The ceremony was held Thursday, May 9 at the Brewery Arts Center in Carson City.

The Category I POST Academy is 655 hours of intensive peace officer training over 17 weeks. The following 23 graduates’ agencies that accepted the oath are:

7th Judicial District Court

Carson City Sheriff’s Office

Churchill County Sheriff’s Office

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

Elko County Sheriff’s Office

Elko Police Department

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office

Lyon County Sheriff’s Office

Mineral County Sheriff’s Office

Nevada Division of State Parks

Nye County Sheriff’s Office

Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Police Department

Storey County Sheriff’s Office

The Nevada Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) is the regulatory agency for law enforcement training throughout the state and is responsible for the certification of the nearly 10,000 peace officers serving in over 130 criminal justice agencies in the state. NAC 289.010 thru NAC 289.380 and NRS 289.010 thru NRS 289.820 govern POST. For more information on POST refer to post.nv.gov.

Pioneer Academy National Honor Society students learn to save lives

Jeff Munson — Tue, 21 May 2024 18:15:28 +0000

Carson City School District

Seven Pioneer National Honors Society students received cardiopulmonary resuscitation training from Regional Emergency Medical Services Authority, also known as REMSA. Kathleen Bobula-Salazar, Brooklynn Case, Ashley Ellis, William Houk, Kylee Krause-Mays, Vanessa Tran and Maggie Uzzell all earned CPR certification through a class in Reno.

The training, sponsored through the Pioneer Honor Society, helps students be prepared to enter the workforce with safety certifications. The Basic Life Support (BLS) training, presented by Reno REMSA instructors Krys Peka and Tia Speirs, is geared for healthcare professionals and is more compressive than the Heart Savers course that is used to train general community members.

After completing the five-hour course, students took a written and physical test to earn the CPR certification. In addition to taking the course and earning a certification in CPR, the Carson City students were given a tour of the REMSA Emergency facility to see how the emergency vehicles are stocked and maintained.

Volunteers sought for Carson High Safe Grad Night

Tue, 21 May 2024 14:46:41 +0000

By Carson High Safe Grad Boosters

Carson High Safe Grad runs on volunteers, like you! Help us celebrate The Class of 2024 while also helping to prevent fatalities related to grad night intoxication.

We need two dozen more chaperones for the FREE, safe, and sober all-night party provided to graduating high school seniors.

1. To volunteer, click this SignUp link: https://signup.com/go/TYfJKCC

2. Review options listed (check June 1 & June 2 tabs) for preferred shift

3. Sign up, it's Easy! SignUp does NOT share your info or email address

Not able to volunteer this time but still want to contribute? Tax-deductible gifts keep this event free.

Visit https://carsonhighsafegrad.com to learn more.

Historic Fourth Ward School Museum hosts 4th annual Educational Kids Fair

Tue, 21 May 2024 05:02:49 +0000

Fourth Ward School Museum

The Fourth Annual Educational Kids’ Fair returns to the Historic Fourth Ward School Museum in Virginia City! Join us for an interactive day of exploration, fun crafts and interesting activities provided by local businesses & organizations in our Victorian Era school house museum on the Saturday of Fathers’ Day weekend.

Activities by:
- Virginia City Tourism
- Gold Panning with Bill Findley
- Cub Scouts - (Pack 360)
- BSA - (Troop 847)
- Historic Fourth Ward School Museum
- & many more local organizations!

Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kids: Attend free!
Adults: Regular museum admission of $7 for adults.

Free admission for members of the Fourth Ward School Museum with current membership!

Villanueva conquers immigration, English Language Learning, GED to earn business degree at WNC

Jeff Munson — Tue, 21 May 2024 00:03:20 +0000

Western Nevada College

When Marie Villanueva emigrated to the United States from Mexico City 20 years ago, she left behind her whole world: Family, friends, a career and cultural traditions.

She was facing many uncertainties and concerns as a teenager. But Villanueva overcame these long odds to earn a GED and pursue professional goals in finance.

On Monday, Villanueva achieved another one of her goals as she graduated from Western Nevada College with an Associate degree in General Business.

“This Monday’s ceremony will be memorable because I will be closing a cycle in my life full of good memories and with the sensation of accomplishing something for me and my family as the first generation going to college and opening the doors for our future generations,” she said prior to the ceremony.

Western Nevada College celebrated the achievements of its 2023-24 graduates Monday in Carson City, with a second ceremony planned for Thursday, May 23 in Fallon. Go here for the full list of graduates.

To adjust and prosper in her new country, she quickly realized the need to learn English. She enrolled in English Second Language classes at Incline High School and one of her teachers helped her prepare for the GED. Villanueva took the exam in 2009 at Western Nevada College after receiving some training from the college’s adult education program (now called ACCEL).

“Maria’s perseverance in achieving her dreams, even as a mother and business owner, is truly remarkable,” said Angela Holt, director of College and Career Readiness at WNC. “Her success highlights the importance of education, community support and mentorship as pathways to success. Her story is a testament to what can be achieved with dedication and hard work. We are proud of Maria and honored by the opportunity to support her along the way. On behalf of the entire team at ACCEL, congratulations, Maria!”

She passed the exam late in 2009 and was touched and inspired by the ceremony that WNC provided its adult education grads.

“I attended the ceremony that they did in May 2010 and that was very motivational,” Villanueva said.

To make ends meet, she started a house-cleaning company. But her passion was in finance and in 2013 began working in banking, assisting business owners with their financial goals and needs.

Villanueva didn’t forget how WNC helped her pass the GED, and in 2013 she returned to Western to begin the long journey of earning her business degree. Fortunately, she met Lupe Ramirez on her first day, WNC’s Latino Leadership Academy creator and now a member of WNC Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

“I was super nervous because my English wasn’t good at all, but that day I found an angel in my path,” Villanueva recalled. “She took the time to show me what I needed to do and she talked to me in a very inspirational way.”
At the time, because of her immigration status, she needed to pay for her tuition as a foreign student.

“But she shared with me all the benefits of studying and applying for scholarships,” Villanueva said. “Finding somebody who not only speaks the same language but understands you as an immigrant is like gaining the lottery. That day I completed my enrollment.”

As a mother to two daughters, Villanueva couldn’t dedicate herself to being a full-time student, so her degree has been a long time coming.

“My advice for other students is that it doesn't matter how many credits you can do every semester, but PLEASE do not stop; every class counts and please do not be scared of language barriers because those are only in our mind,” she said.

Villanueva currently works for Washoe County School District in the Special Education Operations Department.

“I am so proud of her for believing in herself and for not letting the language barrier stop her from reaching her educational goal,” Ramirez said. “Her story will make an impact in other people's lives. I love that she's extending her hand to help others reach their own potential!”

Carson City Master Plan presentation and discussion happening Thursday

Mon, 20 May 2024 23:23:40 +0000

Carson City is in the process of updating its 2006 Master Plan, which provided the framework for future growth and development.

All Carson City residents, business and property owners, and other community members are invited to participate. Join us to learn about the role of the Master Plan in shaping the future of Carson City and the existing conditions, trends, and projections that will influence future policy discussions.

Time & Location
May 23, 2024, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Carson City, 111 W Proctor St, Carson City, NV 89701, USA

Carson City weekend arrests: Woman booked after loaded handgun found in backpack within reach of children

Jeff Munson — Mon, 20 May 2024 23:02:25 +0000

A 32-year-old woman was arrested Sunday for suspicion of possessing a firearm by a prohibited person, child endangerment and other alleged offenses, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.

Stephanie Leon-Castillo was taken into custody at 2:14 p.m. following an investigation. She was also booked for misdemeanor Department of Alternative Sentencing violation, driving with a revoked license, suspended registration and no proof of insurance.

During the investigation following a traffic stop for suspended license plate, the vehicle was occupied by the woman driving, a passenger and three children in the back seat.

The investigating officer could smell marijuana coming from the vehicle. The woman agreed to a consent to search the vehicle. Inside, located in a green backpack behind the driver's seat, was a Black Taurus G2C handgun with a loaded magazine (12 hollow point rounds) inside the handgun and 2.17 grams of marijuana inside a red grinder jar.

The officer asked the woman who the firearm belongs to. The male passenger stated it was his wife's and the night before they must have forgotten it in the vehicle, the report states. The firearm was behind the driver seat, within arms reach of the children, the report states. Also during the search deputies found two marijuana pipes, multiple packages from marijuana clubs, including receipts.

The woman stated she smokes inside the car and not in the house due to the children and stated she uses cannabis oil pens that she keeps on her person Due to suspected cannabis addiction, being in possession of a firearm with the controlled substance while being suspected of addiction and that the loaded firearm was in a backpack within arms reach of the children causing child endangerment, the woman was arrested and placed into custody.

She was booked for owning/possessing of a firearm by a prohibited person addicted to a controlled substance, child endangerment, driving on a revoked license, suspended registration, no proof of insurance and a department of alternative sentencing violation.

The children were safely released to an adult. Bail: $5,000 plus $1,000 cash for the DAS violation.

In other arrests:
— A Carson City woman, Katherine Cameron, was arrested Sunday, 8:21 a.m. for suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail: $2,500.

— A 49-year-old Carson City man, Joshua Canton, was arrested early Monday for suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail: $2,500.

— A 36-year-old man was arrested Saturday for a misdemeanor outside agency warrant. Bail: $1,105 cash.

— A 26-year-old Carson City man, Anthony Sandoval, was arrested Saturday for suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and trespass. Bail: $2,500.

— A 28-year-old woman was arrested Friday for suspicion of misdemeanor domestic battery. The woman allegedly threw a phone at her boyfriend, slapped him in the face and scratched his arms. The woman admitted to throwing her phone and scratching his arms and putting her hand in his face. She was determined to be the primary aggressor and taken into custody. Bail: $3,000.

— A 33-year-old Carson City man was arrested Friday for suspicion of DUI and improper turn. Bail: $1,137.

— A 42-year-old woman, Tamara Milian, was arrested Friday for felony suspicion of preventing, dissuading a victim to report a crime and misdemeanor domestic battery. Bail: $5,000.

Capital City Community Band to perform free 'You Asked For It' concert May 29 at CHS gym

Mon, 20 May 2024 22:33:20 +0000

Capital City Community Band

The Capital City Community Band will present a “You Asked For It” concert on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, 7 p.m. in the Carson High School gym.

This concert will present compositions requested by our Friends Of The Band members such as “Marchissmo,”“Children’s Prayer,” “Raiders Of The Lost Ark,” and "A Copland Tribute,” to name a few.

This is a great way to spend time with your family and be entertained for the right prices free! The concert is open to the public.

Please support Carson City’s local musicians by attending this concert. The band always cheerfully accepts donations. Become a “Friend of the Band” and you, too, can request a selection for the band to play.

The Capital City Community Band has been providing free concerts for Carson City residents and the surrounding areas since its founding by Richard Doede in 1979. The band is currently under the direction of Nick Jacques. New members are always welcome.