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

Carson High School Navy JROTC Visits San Francisco for Fleet Week

Jeff Munson — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 16:16:12 +0000

Carson City School District

The Navy JROTC cadets from Carson High School recently embarked on an unforgettable trip to San Francisco to participate in the city's Fleet Week celebration. The annual event provides an opportunity for the public to interact with the men and women of the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps, and this year, the Carson cadets were front and center.

One of the highlights of their visit was a tour of the USS Somerset (LPD-25), an amphibious transport dock ship. Cadets had the opportunity to explore the vessel, learn about its operations and speak with the crew, gaining insights into the ship's role in amphibious warfare and humanitarian missions.

The group also visited the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, where they toured the USS Pampanito (SS-383), a World War II-era submarine. Walking through the tight corridors of the submarine, the cadets gained a deep appreciation for the sailors who served aboard during wartime, experiencing firsthand the challenges of submarine life.

Adding to the excitement of the trip, the cadets had the chance to witness the Blue Angels practicing their awe-inspiring aerial maneuvers. The precision and skill of the pilots captivated everyone, making the Fleet Week experience even more memorable.

A special highlight was a visit from Brigadier General Robert Paoletti, the Director of Staff for the California National Guard, who took time to speak with the cadets. His insights into leadership and service left a lasting impression on the group, inspiring many of the young students as they consider future careers in the military.

Fleet Week was an enriching experience for Carson High School's Navy JROTC. The cadets were exposed to hands-on learning opportunities, historical insight and a deeper connection to the Navy’s proud traditions, making it a truly unforgettable journey.

Carson City emergency crews respond to crash involving multiple vehicles at Stewart and 5th

Jeff Munson — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 15:38:13 +0000

Carson City Fire Department and sheriff's deputies were called Friday morning to a crash involving multiple vehicles in the area of South Stewart and East Fifth Street.

The crash happened at around 8:30 a.m. and involves as many as three, possibly four vehicles. Emergency crews on scene were checking for injuries. One person was being taken to the hospital via ground ambulance while three others have declined medical transport.

Traffic was shut down around the area of the crash and is being re-directed.

Motorists can expect delays.

Carson City's Catmandu introduces their Cat of the Week: Jack Sparrow

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 14:21:58 +0000

Linda Buchanan, Catmandu

While all the Catmandu cats are special, today’s cat of the week is magnificent. Jack Sparrow is a truly stunning cat. He is a big, long-haired blue Manx with an incredible personality that is as perfect as he is.

His fur is amazingly soft and he has big green eyes that sometimes turn to gold. His eyes will look right into your heart and soul. Just 5 years old, Jack is friendly, intelligent, playful, chill, confident, and joyful. He needs a happy home where he will have lots of opportunities for play and interaction as he is a very social guy.

He also enjoys just laying around and hanging out with his peeps. He would likely be fine with children that are school age and up.

He gets along with friendly cats but would also be fine as the only cat and the center of attention. We don’t know about dogs, but I’m guessing he could easily become friends with a cat-friendly dog. Jack would be happiest in a home where he will have room to roam and play, with lots of places where he can run and jump. Despite what he might tell you, he needs to be indoor only or have an enclosed patio (catio) where he can safely sit outside. He is much too extraordinary and handsome to be allowed outside on his own.

Once he is comfortable, he will chat with you but is not annoyingly talkative. Of course he is neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on his vaccines.

We are taking applications to find the perfect home for him. If you would like to meet him and possibly become his new forever family, please complete a pre-adoption application on our website at CatmanduCC.org/adoptions and plan to visit this weekend at Catmandu, 1829 Brown Street. Potential adopters are welcome Friday through Sunday from 11am to 4 pm. Plan to arrive no later than 3 pm so you have plenty of time to spend with him before adoptions close.

Catmandu is a cage-free cat sanctuary and rescue that is celebrating a decade of lifesaving in 2024. Since March of 2014, more than 2700 cats have passed through our doors and into a better life. Many, many other cats and kittens have been helped over the years through our various programs and efforts.

Catmandu is a non-profit organization that receives no government funding or assistance from national organizations. We rely on donations and the generosity of the community to continue our lifesaving efforts. If you are interested in donating or volunteering, please visit our website at CatmanduCC.org.

Meow means thank you.

Nevada State Museum in Carson City hosts 18th annual Dia de los Muertos this Friday and Saturday

Jeff Munson — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 14:15:31 +0000

Nevada State Museum

For 18 years, the Nevada State Museum in Carson City has hosted the annual Dia de Los Muertos celebration in recognition of Latin culture and its contributions to the Silver State.

This year, the Museum is collaborating with Visit Carson City, the Brewery Arts Center, the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada, Carson City School District and Western Nevada College to turn Dia de los Muertos into a community-wide festival.

“We recognize the influence of Latin culture throughout Nevada, so it only makes sense for the celebration to involve the whole community,” said Nevada State Museum Director Josh Bonde.

Dia de los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”) is a traditional Mexican festival combining elements of the ancient Aztec civilization with Spanish Catholicism introduced in Mexico by 16th Century missionaries. It’s a time to remember loved ones who have passed on and celebrate their lives. From sacred, deeply personal ofrendas (altars) thoughtfully decorated as memorials, to music, dancing, feasts and storytelling, Dia de los Muertos creates a strong connection between the living and the departed.

“Dia de los Muertos is a tremendous opportunity for us to really connect with the community,” said Bonde. “The event also supports our mission to promote the cultural history of Nevada.”

The ofrenda presentation is scheduled for Friday, November 1 from 5-7 p.m. in the Nevada State Museum’s Dema Guinn Concourse. Enjoy delicious Pan Dulce from Hacienda Market, Pan de Muerto from El Centro Market, and Abuelita (Mexican hot chocolate) from Juan’s Mexican Grill while viewing altars presented by community members.
The heart of the Dia de los Muertos celebration occurs Saturday, Nov. 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Nevada State Museum with campus-wide activities, including live music and folk dancing performances, a bilingual story time feature, crafts and face painting. King of Kings food truck will also be curbside along Curry Street serving traditional Mexican street fare.

Meanwhile, the Brewery Arts Center hosts Chocolate and Spirits Pairing. Tickets are available here. The event is Friday evening at 6 p.m., followed by a free concert Saturday night at 7 p.m. with the band, Fuerza Latina, presented, in part, by Radio Xtasis.

Admission to the Nevada State Museum, located at 600 N. Carson Street in Carson City, is free on Friday evening and all day on Saturday.

Carson City's Master Plan update highlighted with Saturday meetings in November at library

Jeff Munson — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 13:20:45 +0000

Event Date:

November 2, 2024 - 10:00am

Press Release

Carson City Community Development is bringing back Saturdays with the city planner at the library. Carson City is continuing to seek Community input and feedback on the City’s land use Master Plan update.

On Saturdays in November, the Carson City Community Development Department will be hosting “City Planner Day at the Library.” The events will be held on Nov. 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Carson City library, 900 North Roop Street. This is part of the City’s outreach to inform and engage with the community and seek input from all community members.

In October 2023, the City entered into a contract with Clarion Associates, a national land use consulting firm, to help the City update its Land Use Master Plan. The Land Use Master Plan isn’t just a policy document, it is a visionary roadmap. It articulates the City’s goals, objectives, and policies relative to land development.

The current plan was adopted in 2006. Since then, the freeway interchange with Highway 50 has opened, and there have been infrastructure improvements in the downtown corridor and on South Carson Street. Also, technological advancements have changed the way we shop as well as the function of the workplace. Per the State demographer, the City’s population has increased by 5.24% in the 16 years between 2006 and 2022, which is the most current certified population data available.

According to Community Development Director Hope Sullivan “We want to be accessible to everyone and let them know that the update process is happening, answer questions, and receive input. The input we have received so far has been incorporated into the draft document. Everyone is encouraged to review the draft document at envisioncarsoncity.org.

Any questions can be directed to Community Development Director Hope Sullivan at masterplan@carson.org.

2024 Jack-o-Lantern display in the 300 block of Nevada Street in Carson City

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 07:36:08 +0000

By Zachary Lucas

Wanting to share my 2024 Jack-o-Lantern display! 23 pumpkins on my front steps alone! Home grown at this very address and carved as part of a yearly tradition going on 3 years straight now! Takes me 2-3 days to hollow out and carve every single pumpkin but the end result is worth the effort!

Carson City Aquatic Facility Closed for Election Day

Kelsey Penrose — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 23:15:57 +0000

Event Date:

November 5, 2024 (All day)

Press Release

The Carson Aquatic Facility will be closed on Tuesday, November 5, for Election Day to limit any overcrowding and overparking on the west side of Mills Park.

In-person voting for both early voting and on Election Day will take place at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St. There will be an additional polling place at the Stewart Colony Wellness Center and Gym, located at 465 Clear Creek Ave. The Stewart Colony location will also have a mail drop box on Election Day.

For additional information or questions, please contact mfreeman@carson.org or 775-283-7351. For more information on the election, please visit carson.org/elections.

Ray Bonneville Returns to Silver City for the Roots Music Masters Series

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 22:32:13 +0000

Evangeline Elston

Legendary Ranconteur Ray Bonneville will make a rare northern Nevada appearance for the acclaimed Roots Music Masters Series in Silver City. The Silver City Preservation Society, Evangeline Presents and Yellow Truck Productions are bringing Juno award winning Americana/blues artist Ray Bonneville to town for a show on Friday, November 15.

WHERE: Silver City Schoolhouse, 385 High Street, Silver City, NV

WHEN: Friday, November 15 - Doors at 6:00 pm, show at 7:00 pm

HOW: $25 suggested donation. No one will be turned away.

PLEASE RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/557237723522406 Text: 530-632-3798

Canadian born, and now living in Austin, Ray has shared the bill with blues heavyweights Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Dr. John, J.J. Cale, and Robert Cray. Accompanying Bonneville will be Oklahoma pianist Richie Lawrence.

Bonneville has been called “a poet of the demimonde” with a style that sometimes draws comparisons to JJ Cale and Daniel Lanois. His music is blues-influenced, New Orleans-inspired, and has earned him the apt description of “song and groove man.” His original songs are gritty narratives inspired by a lifetime of hard-won knowledge set against his steely, soulful guitar and harmonica playing, accented by stirring foot percussion.

Bonneville is a winner and three-time nominee of Canada’s coveted Juno award, and in 2012 won the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge Award. In addition to his own work, Bonneville has performed on albums by Mary Gauthier, Gurf Morlix, Eliza Gilkyson, Ray Wylie Hubbard and other well-known Americana/Roots artists. He shares songwriting credits with Tim O’Brien, Phil Roy and Morlix, among others.

Oklahoman Richie Lawrence was described by Maverick Magazine, “A talent like no other on the piano,” and Rootsville Music Review said, “music of a rare beauty and simplicity revolves around the impressive piano playing of Richie...” Lawrence will add his piano and accordion interpretations to Bonneville’s song and groove, making for a unique and exquisite Americana performance.

More about the artist at www.raybonneville.com

To watch the video, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAggfw5q_s0

What this election means for the Douglas County School District — and its chaotic board

Kelsey Penrose — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 20:39:00 +0000

by Kelsey Penrose

The Douglas County School Board has made a number of headlines both regionally and nationally since the 2022 election leading to a new majority taking hold.

This new majority, composed of Trustees Susan Jansen, David Burns, Kathleen Dickerson and incumbent Doug Englekirk is staunchly and vocally alt-right. They began planning their take over long before the first day at the dais, as shown by text messages located during a contentious public records request.

They were very clear with what they wanted their first actions to be: create a policy banning transgender students from engaging with sports within the district, and hire Joey Gilbert as the board’s new attorney. This led to a number of complaints and issues on its own, as Gilbert has no background in educational law, and the previous board attorney advised the board not to pursue a transgender sports ban as they would inevitably be sued.

Following the previous counsel’s advice, they quickly fired that law firm, which had served the district for decades, and were successful in hiring Gilbert.

Gilbert told the board he would create an anti-transgender policy and would fight it in court on behalf of the district if they were sued.

That policy never came to fruition.

He has since racked up hundreds of thousands of dollars in bills to the district, which could even amount to half a million by the end of this year, with over $100,000 billed during the first two months alone. The district’s yearly budget for legal counsel was only $160,000 total at the time.

While the anti-transgender policy has not happened, what did happen since the 2022 election was:

An unsuccessful attempt at firing the long-standing superintendent, who later resigned;
The board majority, through Gilbert, refused to hand over cell phones and computers for a public record’s request and were later sued;
The board asked for a settlement over that case, and then later rejected it;
The board gave all public records requests to Gilbert instead of the superintendent. This is important because records requests were included in the superintendent’s workload, while Gilbert now charges $325 per hour to review them;
The board initiated a new, possibly illegal records request fee for the public at Gilbert’s request;
The board paid Gilbert to attend a meeting during which he scrolled Twitter and refused to answer legal questions from the board;
The board voted to hire a new superintendent who had a long history of mismanagement and criminal behavior and lied on his application;
During different meetings, Trustee Jansen called members of the public a “piece of shit” and “retarded” during public meetings;
The board attempted to withdraw from the Nevada Association of School Boards;
The in-fighting of the board led to one trustee resigning;
and much more.

In the lawsuit, it was revealed that the trustees were being coached and directed on how to vote by four outside individuals:

Nick Maier, who has spent nearly $80,000 to date on backing candidates throughout the region;
Virginia (Ginny) Starrett
Lynn Muzzy
Jan Muzzy

While Trustee Englekirk has mostly sided with the the board majority, only going against them on a few items such as choosing not to fire then-superintendent Keith Lewis, recovered conversations between the new board members and the four outside individuals discussed the fact that they should "not trust him," as he had given Lewis a positive yearly review.

Now, it seems with the running of candidate Antoinette Marie Casselberry, these individuals have found a new candidate to back. Maier has already donated thousands to Casselberry, but Englekirk is absent from his list of beneficiaries despite being challenged by Erinn Miller, who is running to unseat Englekirk for District 3 within Lake Tahoe.

So far, Casselberry has brought in a whopping $16,672 in donations, with Maier at the top of her list of donors, and Jan Muzzy’s name can also be found on her list.

Casselberry is running against Melinda Gneiting for Linda Gilkerson’s seat, who together with Trustee Carey Kangas, has been consistently outspoken against the board majority since its 2022 inception.

While Englekirk may not have the backing of these four behind-the-scenes individuals, the Douglas County Republican Central Committee did endorse Englekirk as well as Casselberry for the positions, similarly to their endorsement of Burns, Jansen and Dickerson in 2022.

The board seats are meant to be non-partisan, and this endorsement breaks from tradition of keeping party politics out of the non-partisan campaigns.

Meanwhile, candidates Miller (District 3) and Melinda Gneiting (District 5) are being backed by We Deserve a Better Board, a group that came into existence after contentions with the new board majority began to rise in 2022.

The board majority has often called the group “Marxist” and “liberal” despite the majority of its members also being registered Republicans. All of the board candidates the group is endorsing are described as “conservative Republicans.”

The new candidates

Erinn Miller (District 3) is a resident of Lake Tahoe with three children enrolled in the district and is running against incumbent Englekirk. She serves as a parent representative on the district’s Family Life committee, and has served on a number of other district committees. She and her husband are involved with Douglas Pop Warner, and has spoken against the actions of the board majority a number of times, stating that Gilbert’s law firm has overcharged the district, overreached in its duties, and failed to represent the district in an effective manner. She has said she is concerned with the lack of civility and decorum displayed by the board majority during the meetings, and hopes to represent the needs of all schools, especially lake schools with the issue of declining enrollment. You can read more about her on We Deserve a Better Board.

Melinda Gneiting (District 5) is a 24-year resident of Douglas County with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work who has had four children enrolled in the district, two of whom have since graduated. She, too, said she is concerned with the spending of the current board and the charges Gilbert’s firm has continued to rack up. She wants to see a law firm that is qualified to work in education replace Gilbert’s firm. She said she wishes to see “balance and normalcy” return to the district. Gneiting said she is concerned with special needs students, parents’ rights, fiscal responsibility, building positive relationships, and not allowing “boys to compete in girls sports.” You can read more about Gneiting on her website.

Antoinette Casselberry (District 5) is running against Gneiting, and moved to Douglas County in 2020 from Santa Cruz, Calif. She attended private Catholic schools through college, before graduating and moving into the dental field. She holds a degree in Dental Hygiene from Loyola Dental School and a BS in Health from the University of St. Francis. She is a member of the Elks Tahoe/Douglas Lodge and is on the advisory board of the Douglas County Community and Senior Center. She has served as a volunteer assistant coach for after school programs for the Santa Cruz Track Club, raised money to stop child trafficking in Madagascar through running marathons, and served as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for three years in Santa Cruz.

Casselberry said she wants to help DCSD regain the status as the best school district in the state, and noted that academic scores have been declining over the past ten years. She said that she will be a “moderating force,” bringing “balance and respectful dialogue” to the board. One of her goals is to keep transgender students out of sports, stating “no boys in girl’s bathrooms or girl’s locker rooms. Protect Girl’s sports.” She said she also wants to bring back the DARE program. You can read more about Casselberry on her website.

Yvonne Wagstaff will continue to hold her appointed seat as she is running unopposed.

Trustee Carey Kangas is not on the ballot, and his seat will go to Markus Zinke, who is also running unopposed.

Marcus Zinke is a district parent and a co-founder of the Parents Group, which seeks to bridge a gap between the school board and parents. He spoke with the Record Courier in March 2023 after the Parents Group was formed. During that interview, Zinke said the Parents Group was formed because often are unable to attend school board meetings, which are held on Tuesdays at 4 p.m., and frequently don’t even know what the board is voting on.

Co-founder Stephanie Christensen told the RC that many of the board members have never had students attend the district, which means they may not have a parents perspective on some of the issues. Parents were able to review the agendas and provide surveys to the group, who then presents them to the school board as a whole. However, the group does not appear to have been active since 2023.

What the election means

On cursory searches for Zinke, not much is known about his stance on the current board handlings. However, he is not backed by Maier the other four behind-the-scenes individuals dictating their desires to the board majority. Although, since he is running unopposed, he has not logged any donations during his candidacy, and has not been endorsed by either the he Douglas County Republican Central Committee, nor the We Deserve a Better Board group.

Linda Gilkerson and Carey Kangas were the most outspoken members of the board against the majority, who will both be leaving in January following the election. If Casselberry is able to win Gilkerson’s seat, the board could tip into a supermajority of Maier-backed members and Englekirk.

However, if Gneiting is able to win the seat, and Miller is able to unseat Englekirk, a super-majority would not be on the table, unless Zinke were to join forces with the current board majority. He has not been endorsed by the Douglas County Republican Central Committee, nor the We Deserve a Better Board group.

If Gneiting and Miller are able to gain their seats, it will all come down to which way Zinke falls: towards the current majority, or a newly formed majority.

Gneiting and Miller have made it clear that, if elected, they intend to seek new counsel for the district and relieve Gilbert of his position. The reasons they give for this is the fact that the district has paid out $400,000 to his firm in just one year, and that he has no background in educational law.

If Zinke sides with the current majority, or if Casselberry and Englekirk retain their seats, then the board will continue as it has since its 2022 inception: four members essentially making all the decisions, with Englekirk going rogue every once in a while, and three board members opposing nearly every item brought by the board majority.

So far, Douglas County has shown up for this election more than any other Nevada county. Currently, 21,205 ballot have been cast during early voting, which is 51% of all active registered voters in the county.

Election night is Nov. 5. Only time will tell what the future of the board, and the Douglas County School District, holds.

Friends To All Celebrates 25 Years 'Touching Hearts with a Visit' in the Nevada Day Parade 2024

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 19:15:57 +0000

By Friends To All, Inc. a Nevada 501(c)3 Corporation

In celebration of our 25th Anniversary, and with special thanks to ARMAC CONSTRUCTION, Friends To All participated in the 2024 Nevada Day Parade!

Happy Nevada Day!

Friends to All is dedicated to bringing joy, cheer and friendship to seniors in our community during the holiday season. Since 1999 this group has been working to meet the needs of those with limited financial resources who are home bound or in care centers with little or no family nearby.

To learn more about our organization, please visit our website at www.friendstoall.com or contact Gwen Pradere at (775) 315-2484.

Downtown Candy Crawl returns tonight to Carson City

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 15:41:14 +0000

Trick or Treat Downtown at participating businesses!

Member businesses in the Downtown Business Association are hosting their annual Candy Crawl on October 31st. This event is FREE and gives families a safe, fun and centrally-located option for Trick or Treating.

Download the MAP on the day of the event here:
https://www.downtowncarson.org/candy-crawl

Trick or Treaters can begin at any of the following participating businesses:

Agency 36
Carson Jewelry & Loan
Coldwell Banker Select
Elk's Lodge
Escape 36
Great Basin Brewing Company
High Desert Pine
Interior Collective
MidTown Marketplace
Monarch Direct
Primary Residential Mortgage
Pure Platinum Salon
Serenite Salon
So Juicy
Sumi Sushi
The Purple Avocado
Westside Pour House

This event is organized and sponsored by the
Carson City Downtown Business Association.

Nevada Humane Society, Carson City's Pet of the Week: Whitney

Kelsey Penrose — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 14:04:12 +0000

Nevada Humane Society

Meet Whitney, a one-year-old pit bull/mastiff mix with a heart as big as her curiosity! This sweet girl found her way to us in October after an adventurous stint of jumping her home's four-foot fence and greeting passersby with enthusiasm. Whitney's full of energy and love, and she's on the lookout for a forever home that can offer her the focus and dedication she needs to blossom.

Here's what Whitney has to say: Hi there! I'm Whitney, your soon-to-be best friend and cuddle buddy. I'm a year young, which means I'm still learning the ropes and have lots of puppy energy to burn. I love meeting new people—sometimes I get so excited, I just can't help but jump around and flash my biggest smile!

Though my enthusiasm for new friends brought me here, a little training and a sense of security will help me settle happily into my new home. I'm a super sweet and friendly companion, still mastering my manners around other dogs, cats, and kids. With patience and guidance, I know I'll become the perfect companion.

I'm all about having fun, making memories, and building friendships. If you are too, let's embark on this adventure together! I'm ready to learn and grow with a loving family by my side, and I promise plenty of wagging tails and joyful moments along the way.

Whitney is residing at our Carson City campus located at 549 Airport Road in Carson City. We’re open Tuesday-Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Come meet her today!

Hundreds of pounds of litter, including a 'creepy crate' pulled from Marlette Lake

Jeff Munson — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 22:54:16 +0000

Clean Up The Lake

Travel North Tahoe Nevada partnered with Tahoe-based nonprofit Clean Up The Lake for an extensive cleanup of Marlette Lake last week.

With Halloween just around the corner Thursday, we thought we would lead off with our discoveries of claws and creepy crates during the Oct. 24-25 dives. Of course the claws were none other than the notorious signal crayfish, a delicious tasting form of aquatic invasive species that has found its way into Lake Tahoe and many other lakes in the basin, including Marlette Lake.

The creepy crate however, was an "unknown item" — one that was sealed shut and unable to be opened. It had knots and holes in the wood and appeared to be older. What are the contents of this wooden crate, you may ask. We do not know. It could be empty, it could be someone's belongings or something slightly more sinister? Your guess on this Halloween holiday is as good as ours.

Our team has taken photo, video, and GPS locations of this crate and other unique and unknown items and already began reporting to the state to determine if it's litter or in need of further inspection by archeologists.

Overall the project was a massive success. Andy Chapman, president and CEO of Travel North Tahoe Nevada said “As Tahoe becomes an ever more popular destination, visitors will begin exploring other outdoor recreation areas near our shores.”

Chapman continues by saying “Conducting extensive lake cleanups in popular outdoor areas in tandem with increased stewardship education in the community will lead to a more sustainable area for both locals and visitors to enjoy.”

Clean Up The Lake conducted the cleanup and aquatic invasive species surveillance project with both professional and volunteer SCUBA divers and free divers. Visitors to the region joined as volunteers from both Reno and San Francisco to support in positions such as snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding.

The team of volunteers acted together to perform cleanup, run surveys for aquatic invasive species, record data and GPS locations of heavy lift litter items and unknown objects, ensure safety of their fellow team members and promote stewardship and environmental responsibility to everyone who passed by them on the Flume Trail.

"I am always excited when our organization is able to bring our efforts to another lake in need, especially when it's within the Tahoe basin ,” said Colin West, founder and CEO of Clean Up The Lake. “Our team is excited to partner with and receive funding from Travel North Tahoe Nevada to keep our waters pristine and enjoyable for locals and visitors for years to come.”

The CUTL team is still performing the official data analysis on their findings. Yet in total, the team pulled hundreds of pounds of litter from beneath the surface of Marlette Lake, documented both heavy lift litter items, and unknown items that may or may not have historical significance. Finally, divers saw only native plants and no concerning aquatic invasive plant species during their dives, yet they did notice the notorious signal crayfish in the waters of Marlette Lake.

Travel North Tahoe Nevada is dedicating approximately $200,000 a year, 10% of its total annual revenue, to stewardship programs. This includes supporting efforts with Clean Up The Lake, as well as further investment in transportation enhancements and trail snow removal among other stewardship efforts.

To learn more about Travel North Tahoe Nevada and its stewardship initiatives in North Lake Tahoe, visit www.travelnorthtahoenevada.com. To support Clean Up The Lake and future water cleanup efforts, visit www.cleanupthelake.org.

Carson City area weather: Sierra snow, valley rain overnight with clearing Halloween evening

Jeff Munson — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 20:43:02 +0000

A wintry weather system will bring mountain snow and valley rain Wednesday night into Thursday morning but should clear out in time for Halloween trick or treating in the lower valleys. A second system is expected to bring more mountain snow and valley rain or valley snow chances Friday and Saturday, according to the National Weather Service in Reno.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 11 p.m. Wednesday night through 2 p.m. Thursday for Lake Tahoe and Sierra, with snow above 7,000 feet, according to the weather service.

NWS forecasters say snow accumulation up to 4 inches is possible with winds gusting as high as 90 mph across the Sierra crest and up to 30 mph in Sierra valleys. They note the upper fringes of Washoe County will get the first taste of this storm system late Wednesday night with snow reaching Donner Pass and west I-80 around midnight. Snow accumulations may reach as high as 5 inches for mountain passes.

The system, as of early Wednesday morning, seems quick and more contained and may not be much spillover into the valleys into Thursday Halloween evening. Conditions will clear by the afternoon, forecasters note, though it will be cold Thursday with daytime highs around Carson City, Carson Valley and Dayton in the low 50s and night time lows in the upper 20s.

Look for updates from the National Weather Service page here for updates.

Snow levels will be around 5,500 feet, resulting in valley rain Thursday morning. Roads, especially along mountain passes, will be slick during your morning commute. The system will also bring gusty winds to the Tahoe area and Mono County. The Tahoe area will see gusts exceeding 50 mph when the system moves through while peaks in Mono County will see gusts of over 70 mph until around noon.

Second system
Friday evening, the next storm system moves into the area. This system will be colder and wetter, resulting in more snow. However, just how much is uncertain, forecasters said. Areas of the Sierra could see anywhere from 6 inches to 2 feet, NWS forecasters said.

Weather models are currently showing some spillover Saturday with snow levels falling to near valley floors. Expect valley rain unless those snow levels drop enough. Virginia City may also see some snow with this system with a 30 percent chance of greater than 1 inch of snow, according to NWS forecasters.

While there is uncertainty in the extent of the snow, we are expecting widespread impacts to travel Friday night and through Saturday. It's possible that this storm will bring the beginning of widespread chain restrictions in higher passes. Please heed all travel restrictions.

See NVroads.com for travel updates.

Carson High HOSA students help with training exercise to prepare for Nevada Day Parade

Jeff Munson — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 16:41:18 +0000

Carson City School District

Carson High School Career and Technical Education HOSA – Future Health Professionals – had several students participate in a full-scale drill with the Carson City Fire Department and the Carson City Sheriff’s Office before the Nevada Day Parade last week. The training exercise simulated a vehicle ramming after a driver experienced a medical event, which rendered them unconscious.

As part of the drill, Carson City first responders rendered aid and simulated treatment to the Carson High students and other members of the Carson City Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) who role-played as parade attendees and victims who were subsequently struck by the vehicle of the unconscious driver.

The students portrayed “moulage injuries,” a training technique that involves applying realistic mock injuries to mannequins or human skin to simulate traumatic emergency situations. With the moulaged injuries, the students and participants detailed symptoms, creating a “real” event for the responders.

“Each student and exercise participant played out scenarios and interacted with responders to create a stressful environment,” said Jon Bakkedahl, deputy emergency manager for the Carson City Fire Department. “This type of true-to-life exercise tests our plan and helps us recognized any gaps we have so we can develop priorities to reduce those gaps.”

The no-notice, full-scale training not only helped some of Carson City’s finest prepare for anticipated health events that may occur during large-scale community events like the Nevada Day Parade, but it also provided insight to students who are considering similar career paths.

Judge issues initial ruling against Douglas County School District and trustees

Jeff Munson — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 15:02:10 +0000

Paula Peterson, SouthTahoeNow.com

The four men who filed a lawsuit against the Douglas County School District and four of its trustees over a lack of fulfilling public records requests they filed are now entitled to recover expenses and attorney's fees. This is according to Judge Thomas Gregory of the Ninth Judicial District Court of Nevada.

Gregory's ruling came on Oct. 10, 2024. The petitioners, Ricky Miller, Martin Swisher, Jr., Joseph Girdner, and Robbe Lehmann, filed a "Motion in Support of Attorney's Fees" on October 24. Judge Gregory gave them 14 days to file, and now the respondents, Douglas County School District, and trustees Susan Jansen, David Burns, Katherine Dickerson, and Doug Englekirk serve a responsive brief.

After the documents from the respondents are received, the petitioners have another seven days to respond.

Richard J. McGuffin, attorney for the petitioners said he will provide a statement after the matter is concluded.

There were public records requests served on the District on May 17 and July 26, 2023, for information on the Douglas County School District (DCSD) servers and on the personal electronic devices of the four trustees who were sued. DCSD and the trustees said they turned over everything but the petitioners sued on August 7, 2023, alleging not all of the information requested was turned over.

DCSD and the trustees adamantly said they turned over everything until the second witness testified in court during a trial on March 27, 2024. The district, trustees, and their legal counsel stopped the trial, stating they'd settle due to testimony that was produced showing not all records were turned over. A settlement could not be reached.

In July 2024, nearly a year after the public records requests, DCSD, and the trustees turned over 6,600 pages of public records from the district's servers and trustee's personal devices according to court documents.

In between the petitioner's public records requests, the four DCSD trustees involved approved the firing of the District's longtime counsel, Maupin, Cox & Legoy, and hired Joey Gilbert Law of Reno.

During the trial, former DCSD Superintendent Keith Lewis revealed there were a lot of missing documents from the public records requests that were on the DCSD servers and on the trustees' devices. Lewis said Gilbert had never given the request for documents. Gilbert provided affidavits for Lewis and the other four to sign, stating they turned over everything. Lewis read his completely and would not sign. The other four said they relied on counsel and didn't read.

"The in-court testimony regarding reliance on the advice of counsel was corroborated by consistent testimony of Trustees Jansen, Burns, Dickerson, and Englekirk regarding the affidavits of counsel, lack of training and understanding as to NPRA (Nevada Public Records Act) and complete reliance on counsel to search, determine what responsive and determine what was privileged. All testified that their attorney forwarded the affidavits without any explanation or discussion. All signed the affidavits without much thought or consideration. The testimony from Trustees is corroborated by similar testimony from former DCSD Superintendent Keith Lewis," states Judge Gregory on page 15 of the 41-page ruling.

"DCSD's and Trustees' conduct after being served with the lawsuit is also telling. Instead of quickly conducting supplemental searches to prove their claim that no further records existed, DCSD and Trustees doubled down and refused to conduct competent searches. Instead, DCSD and Trustees continued to maintain this position until after the second witness testified at trial. Even then, DCSD and Trustees inexplicably delayed conducting the searches for another couple of months," said Judge Gregory. "The court finds that the lawsuit caused a substantial change in DCSD's and Trustees' behavior in the manner sought by Petitioners."

The Judge also said the lawsuit was not frivolous and "DCSD and Trustees cannot blame Petitioners for the ensuing extraordinary delay in producing responsive public records."

NPRA requests must be answered within five days of the party receiving the request. Trustees missed several deadlines to produce court-requested documents and completed forms.

A final ruling will be issued by the judge after he receives all files from the involved parties.

Three nonprofits each receive $100,000 grants to support housing efforts in northern Nevada

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 14:04:10 +0000

Press release

Three community nonprofit organizations — Eddy House, Rebuilding Together Northern Nevada and Reno Housing Authority have each been awarded $100,000 grants through the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco. Greater Nevada Credit Union sponsored these northern Nevada nonprofits in applying for the grants offered through the FHLBank San Francisco’s Access to Housing and Economic Assistance for Development Program, which provides funding for initiatives that help create a more equitable future for underserved people and communities.

“We're honored to support our nonprofit partners who make sure vital resources reach those in need," said Danny DeLaRosa, president and CEO of GNCU. "Thanks to the grants from these valuable FHLBank initiatives, the funds will fuel life-changing programs, providing housing assistance, education, workforce development, home repairs, and other critical services for people throughout northern Nevada.”

Amid increasing housing costs, the FHLBank San Francisco grants provide much-needed funding for local nonprofit organizations offering critical assistance to individuals and families to address issues impacting their living situations. Since the AHEAD Program’s inception in 2004, the FHLBank San Francisco has awarded $33.1 million in grants to 1,000 economic vitality projects in Nevada, California and Arizona.

“We’re proud to partner with Greater Nevada Credit Union to deliver these grants that will help boost economic opportunity and create access to vital services and support that can be life-changing for people living in underserved communities,” said Eric Cicourel, community investment officer, FHLBank San Francisco. “We’re proud that for 20 years and counting, the AHEAD Program continues to make a positive impact throughout the communities we serve.”

The 2024 AHEAD grants awarded to Eddy House, RTNN and RHA further strengthen the support for these three nonprofits, which GNCU has consistently aided through its philanthropic efforts in recent years.

Since 2019, GNCU has partnered with Eddy House, contributing to its emergency shelter and transition programs for at-risk youth. In 2023, GNCU helped secure an AHEAD grant for RTNN to advance its essential mission of providing accessible home safety repairs for low-income residents. GNCU also began collaborating with RHA in 2022, supporting its youth workforce program with financial education and increasing funds for its food pantry.

“We are deeply grateful for this generous support, which will have a transformative impact on our efforts to reach at-risk youth before they face homelessness," said Trevor Macaluso, CEO of Eddy House. “By funding an outreach coordinator to engage high school students and a workforce oordinator to guide them toward employment and higher education, we are taking critical steps to break the cycle of homelessness before it begins. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Greater Nevada Credit Union for applying to the AHEAD grant through the FHLBank San Francisco on our behalf. This funding will allow us to extend our services directly into the community, providing hope and opportunity for young people who need it most. Together, we are helping them build a brighter future.”

"We are incredibly grateful to the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco and their member partner, Greater Nevada Credit Union, for their generous AHEAD grant,” said Meg Shea, executive director, RTNN. “This funding will significantly impact our ability to expand the Safe and Healthy Home Repair program to other counties in Nevada, allowing Rebuilding Together Northern Nevada to continue providing critical home repairs to vulnerable homeowners. Together, we are making homes safer and lives better for those who need it most."

“The Reno Housing Authority is committed to providing sustainable, quality housing that offers a stable foundation for low-income families to pursue economic opportunities and improve their quality of life,” said Hilary Lopez, executive director, RHA. “RHA is incredibly grateful for this grant, which allows us to better support our youth and adult workforce development programs, ultimately helping our residents achieve greater economic self-sufficiency.”

Carson Valley history explored during talk Sunday at Minden Mill Distilling

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 12:44:34 +0000

Using seldom seen photos and extensive research, local historians David & Gayle Woodruff reflect back on the deep and rich history of the Carson Valley, including the important roles played by the Minden Flour Milling Company and its magnificent buildings, the Virginia and Truckee Railroad, Genoa, the California Trail and more in creating one of the most historic areas in Nevada.

The talk is Sunday, Nov. 3, at 1 p.m.

To reserve a seat for this free program go here or call David at 760 920-8061 for more information. Minden Mill 1601 Water St. Minden.

September gaming revenue down in Carson City area and Tahoe, up in Reno and statewide

Jeff Munson — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 23:52:03 +0000

Casinos in Carson City, Carson Valley and south shore Lake Tahoe report gaming revenue decreases in September while Reno saw a double-digit increase, according to the latest figures from the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

Casinos in Carson City, Minden, Gardnerville and other areas of Douglas County except for south shore Tahoe saw its gaming revenue, also called "gaming win," down 5.92 percent compared to September 2023 figures. Gaming revenue for the month was $11,204,077 compared to a year ago September where it was $11,908,843.

At south shore Lake Tahoe in Douglas County, gaming revenue was down 18.84 percent for the month, with gaming win at $21,382,975 compared to $26,347,419 in September 2023. North Lake Tahoe casinos saw its gambling revenue decrease by 14.80 percent compared to September 2023 figures.

Elsewhere, casinos in Reno saw a gaming win increase of 12.36 percent compared to September 2023. Gambling revenue for Reno casinos was $71,896,231 compared to $63,988,756 in September 2023.

Casinos in Sparks reported a decrease of 6.08 percent while all other areas of Washoe County saw an increase of 7.23 percent or $98,302,106 for the month compared to $91,674,992 in September 2023.

Statewide, Nevada’s nonrestricted gaming licensees reported a total “gaming win” of $1,312,902,449 for the month of September 2024. This amounts to a 3.34 percent increase compared to September 2023, when licensees reported a gaming win of $1,270,415,924.

For the fiscal year from July 1, 2024 through September 30, 2024, gaming win has decreased 2.59 percent.

See the full report below.

September 2024 Nevada gaming revenue by Carson Now on Scribd

View of Carson Day Balloons from C Hill

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 22:10:25 +0000

Nicholas Wilson

View of Carson Day Balloons from C Hill.