Space

Carson Middle School has been recognized as a Distinguished School for performing an exemplary Project Lead The Way program. Only 176 schools across the country received the top honors for their commitment to student engagement and access.


Seriously, “lasagna gardening?” Readers may remember my article on hügelkultur last year, a centuries old Eastern European method of no-dig raised beds made out of logs, branches, leaves, grass clippings, straw, cardboard, petroleum-free newspaper, manure, compost and/or other organic matter. Topped with soil and it’s ready to plant.

In response to Governor Sisolak’s Directive 016, relaxing restrictions on some outdoor recreation activities is allowed starting today, if participants recreate safely and in a manner that prevents the spread of COVID-19.

Carson City Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department will be reopening the following facilities with restrictions to ensure the health and safety of staff and participants. If you do not feel well, please stay home.

Outdoor tennis and pickleball courts-reopening May 1

On April 17, Carson City District Court rejected the city’s motion to dismiss the case involving Tahoe Hemp LLC.

Tahoe Hemp is suing Carson City for $15 million after the city refused to allow the company to grow hemp on the Buzzy’s Ranch property, despite an agreement with the Jarrard Family Trust.

If there’s one thing that could be considered a positive during the mandated quarantine, it’s that nature is becoming a lot happier. From the return of dolphins in Venice, to the return of wildlife in Yosemite, and a lack of air pollution all around, Earth Day this year is certain to be a memorable one.

My friend Julie from Incline laughingly asked me recently if she could come garden at my house since her property was buried in snow. While that’s not feasible, it got me thinking. Others may wish they too could garden during these “Stay at Home” times but not have space for an in-ground garden and need to garden indoors, on a patio or on a porch.

In light of current directives from the Governor related to health concerns, many facilities are closed, leaving few options for exercise and recreation. The Carson City Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department reports that an unprecedented number of people are utilizing Carson City’s more than 8,000 acres of parks, trails and open space. Trailhead parking in some locations is over capacity.

The Waterfall trailhead on Kings Canyon Road is experiencing especially large numbers of visitors, resulting in traffic congestion and parking related issues.

MINDEN — Douglas County continues to provide access to Board of County Commissioner and Planning Commission meetings online, streaming through YouTube and is reminding the public about two upcoming meetings. The process for public comment is available in two formats; written comment or by phone.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began assessments earlier this month in Las Vegas, Reno and Carson City for potential hospital space expansion in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The next Carson City Board of Supervisor’s meeting will be held Thursday, April 16 beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Sierra Room of the Community Center.

On the docket for discussion include zoning changes, a hemp moratorium, budget amendments, and more.

As many of you know, my brother, Tod Jennings, is running for Mayor of Carson City, Nevada. While this might be Tod’s first foray into politics, it is by no means his first experience with public service. And let’s be clear here, politicians are public servants. Being elected into a public office by members of a community means there is an obligation to those constituents.

Tuesday's rising of what astronomers dubbed as a "Super Pink Moon" over the Carson City area was everything we hoped it could be, thanks to clear skies. The moon, cast with an orange and pink hue, was full last night, and will appear mostly full again Wednesday night and partially full Thursday evening.

Hundreds of sheep will arrive in the hills west of Carson City this week and next week, with heightened alert and expectations as fire season arrives when the rain and snow stops and the heat settles in.

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the 2020-2021 county’s Tentative Budget on April 1, 2020. The County Manager and Comptroller have recommended the budget with no salary increases and a projected 6.6% ending fund balance which is lower than the 16.67% authorized by Nevada Revised Statutes.

The County Manager also recommended that the Board not fund any of the 35.8 positions requested by the various departments including:

24 Personnel for the Sheriff’s Office
1 Information Systems Technician
1 Community Development Director
1 Public Works Director

A certain popular Netflix documentary, Tiger King, has taken the quarantined world by storm, in which several bizarre big-cat owners face off, alleging many criminal enterprises at each other with the back drop of exotic animals who sometimes maim their keepers.

It makes one wonder, what are local laws for keeping exotic animals? For the cost of $2,000, could you in Carson City procure yourself a baby tiger?

Hello fellow anglers, it was just a few weeks ago I was planning a trip with my cousin to go to the Snake River for a fishing derby in May. So many things have changed and we all will have to adjust to make sure that we can make those plans again. Hopefully in our near future.

"And cheerfully together we can tidy up the place
"So hum a merry tune
"It won't take long when there's a song to help you set the pace"

Snow White and the seven little miners understood all too well the challenges of living in a confined space, something most Americans right now are dealing with.

Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space announced March 18 its update on office and staffing changes, facility closures and program cancelations and postponements due to the coronavirus pandemic.

On Friday, March 13, Carson City resident Sena Loyd filed as a candidate for State Assembly District 40. Loyd, 36 and a registered Democrat, is an information professional currently working in the high-tech industry. Previously she served as the Library Director for the Carson City Library from 2014-2019.

As Governor Steve Sisolak, Nevada state government officials, public health authorities, hospitals, and medical providers all work together to prepare, test, treat, and slow the spread of COVID-19, there are measures we can all take to reduce our risk of contracting the virus and keep our families and communities healthy.

UPDATE: The University of Nevada, Reno reversed their decision and is now offering refunds. You can read the updated story here.

Switchboards at the University of Nevada, Reno lit up Thursday after the university issued an unusual directive: all students living in on-campus residence halls who have the ability to move back home should be packed up and gone within the next six days.

Prism Photographics announces a major change to the current art gallery to become Carson Valley’s premier art gallery. The new Art Gallery@Prism, located inside the old Bently Wool Warehouse in Minden, will be featuring up to 30 regional artists from communities of Northern Nevada to the Sierra Nevada.

Art Gallery @ Prism, in Carson Valley, is a contemporary space for Sierra Nevada Regional artists to have their work exhibited. Our goal is to provide visitors a fresh experience to a fine art exhibition gallery.
June - Carson Valley Days Show. Show Dates: June 2 thru 28. Call to Artists on-line applications will be available March 16 and accepted through 12 noon, March 28. Works representing the Carson Valley are welcome, but not required.

On Wednesday, the Nevada Health Response Center (NHRC) released the COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Initiative listing of essential services and sectors and non-essential services and sectors. The release includes social distancing measure.

UPDATE: The press conference is available by going here.
***
Gov. Steve Sisolak on Tuesday ordered a sweeping shutdown of nonessential businesses, including casinos and retail stores, for 30 days, a move that would have been unthinkable weeks ago before the novel coronavirus wreaked its havoc around the world.

Carson City officials are continuously monitoring the level of risk of COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) to the community. In close coordination with Carson City Health and Human Services, the City Manager’s Office along with City departments in an abundance of caution are coordinating the closure of some offices to take additional measures to slow the spread of respiratory viruses. As closures are announced please visit carson.org/covid19 for information and updates about government services.

UPDATE: Carson City meal sites are expected to begin Tuesday, March 17, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Empire Elementary School, Mark Twain Elementary School, Seeliger Elementary School, and Carson High School.
***
In light of Governor Sisolak’s announcement to close all K-12 schools in Nevada, the Nevada Department of Agriculture is implementing the first of a two-tier strategy to mitigate National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program interruptions.

Heading into the first of the work week, there's some uncertainty due to concerns over the coronavirus. Some activities will go on as scheduled while others may be canceled. We're advising you check with event organizers ahead of time before you plan on attending.

A winter storm will continue to push through the region Sunday into Monday, bringing several feet of snow to the Sierra with rain and a few inches of snow around Carson City and the valley floors.

Heading into Thursday, happenings lined up include a monthly meeting of the Carson City Native and Newcomers, a preserving history workshop through the Nevada State Archives, trivia night at Bella Vita Bistro, an introduction into improv comedy at the Brewery Arts Center, a Muscle Powered afternoon hike and more. Read on for details.