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

Nevada lieutenant governor to host Carson City community forum with 6 other elected officials

Thu, 23 May 2024 22:41:56 +0000

By Nevada Lieutenant Governor's Office

The Lieutenant Governor’s Office and the Office of Small Business Advocacy have announced a community forum focused on building a strong and vibrant community and engaging Carson City’s small business owners.

The “Carson City Forum” event will take place on Wednesday, May 29th at 10:00 AM in the Old Assembly Chambers at the Carson City Capitol located at 101 N. Carson Street, Carson City.

The Carson City Forum will bring together community members, entrepreneurs, and elected leaders, in an open, collaborative dialogue centered around making Carson City a better place to live, work, start a family, and grow a business.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 29th, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

WHERE: Carson City Capitol - Old Assembly Chambers | 101 N Carson Street, Carson City

“The openness and accessibility of Nevada’s elected leaders is something that I have always been proud of,” said Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony. “The Carson City Forum is another way for the community to get out there, meet the people in charge, and tell them what’s on their mind. This kind of open dialogue is essential to building and maintaining a strong and vibrant community.”

Elected officials attending the Carson City Forum are Nevada Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony; Nevada Secretary of State Francisco "Cisco" Aguilar; Nevada State Assemblyman Phillip "P.K." O’Neill; Carson City Mayor Lori Bagwell, Carson City Board of Supervisors Lisa Schuette, Carson City Manager Nancy Paulson; and Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong.

REGISTRATION: http://bit.ly/CarsonCityForum

For information please contact Sarah Johnson, Director for the Lieutenant Governor’s Office of Small Business Advocacy at (702) 286-5140 and sarahjohnson@ltgov.nv.gov ; or Melissa Saavedra, Deputy Director for the Lieutenant Governor’s Office of Small Business Advocacy at (775) 364-8036 and melissasaavedra@ltgov.nv.gov.

About Nevada’s Lieutenant Governor
Stavros Anthony, a 41-year resident of Nevada, has made community service and public safety his focus. He has previously served as a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer, member of the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents, a City of Las Vegas Councilman, and now as Nevada’s Lieutenant Governor.

About the Lieutenant Governor’s Office of Small Business Advocacy

The Office of Small Business Advocacy (OSBA) helps Nevada’s entrepreneurs every day as they start and grow their business and navigate hurdles related to licensing and business regulations. Learn more about OSBA at www.OSBANV.com.

Standup comedy Saturday at Carson Nugget features headliner Sean Peabody

Jeff Munson — Thu, 23 May 2024 21:50:54 +0000

Event Date:

May 25, 2024 - 6:00pm

Standup comedy funnyman Sean Peabody, who starred in Casino Boss that was filmed at the Carson Nugget, will appear this Saturday night with two shows, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Carson Nugget Grand Showroom in Carson City.

Sean has performed all over the world including for the troops overseas. He has enjoyed working with comedy greats before him such as Robin Williams, John Witherspoon, Tommy Davidson, Bobcat Goldthwait, Jimmy Walker and many, many more.

Also performing is special guest Erin O'Connor. Tickets for the 6 p.m. show can be found here and the 8 p.m. show here. Check out the Carson Nugget Facebook page for information and tickets.

Carson City Fourth of July Fireworks will be leaving Mills Park area for first time in 33 years

Kelsey Penrose — Thu, 23 May 2024 20:24:11 +0000

by Kelsey Penrose

For the first time in 33 years, the Carson City Fourth of July fireworks will not be held near Mills Park.

Instead, the display will move to Eagle Valley Golf Course, located at 3999 Centennial Park Dr. In addition, the Fourth of July celebration will now include a golf tournament in addition to a dinner and VIP Fireworks viewing option.

The fireworks have been put on each year by Nevada Rural Counties RSVP Program and is one of their largest fundraisers for the year, which helps them offer free services to seniors throughout the rural Northern Nevada counties.

According to RSVP Director Molly Walt, the original site was behind Carson High School in an empty field near Mills Park. However, that field has since been given to The Greenhouse Project and can no longer be used for the fireworks. For the past two years, the Ryder Homes development next door to the high school has been allowing them to use the undeveloped portion of their property as the fireworks site, but now has been converted to housing.

“Starting July 5 of last year, I started looking for a new staging site,” Walt said. “The site that I was looking for was one that could accommodate eight and 10 inch mortars because those are the ‘wow’ factor. You need a large amount of land for the staging site. We exhausted every location that could possibly keep it closer to Mills Park.”

The city also wanted to keep the fireworks display near Mills Park since people enjoy using the park during the day for picnics leading up to to the fireworks.

“The only place we could find is Eagle Valley Golf Course,” Walt continued. “There’s not a lot of housing or structures, it’s far enough away from Highway 50 and there is access for (fire trucks) to get there through Centennial Park in case of a fire.”

And, most importantly, the driving range has enough space to allow for the eight and 10-inch mortars.

“RSVP pays for the fireworks with the help of the city and sponsors such as Carson City Toyota and Allison & McKenzie, but this is our fundraiser so we needed it to have the fundraising appeal as well. Now with it being at the golf course, we’re doing a golf tournament and for those who aren’t golfers, the dinner starts at six.”

While entrance to the golf course for the viewing does require a ticket, Walt says she expects people will still be able to see the fireworks from all around. Walt said at this time, Carson City Parks and Recreation will not be opening Centennial Park to the public for the fireworks.

“We as a community have to come together to make this work if we are to continue to have a fireworks show,” Walt said.

Ticketed events:

Golf Tournament – Dinner – VIP Fireworks Viewing:
Start your 4th of July with a fun and friendly golf tournament. Tee time begins with a shotgun start at 2:30 p.m., and the tournament promises to be a competitive and enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels.

Dinner and VIP Fireworks Viewing:
If golf isn’t your thing, join us for a delightful dinner and a VIP viewing of the fireworks show. The dinner will commence at 6:00 p.m., featuring a sumptuous menu prepared by Duncan Golf.
Following the dinner, guests will be treated to a VIP viewing of the 4th of July fireworks show, offering the best seats in the house to enjoy the dazzling display.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.nevadaruralrsvp.org, scan QR Code, or by contacting Molly Walt at (775) 687-4680 or info@nvrsvp.com.

We will provide updates when available.

Moving Wall replica of Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall on display Memorial Day weekend in Minden

Jeff Munson — Thu, 23 May 2024 18:36:28 +0000

Event Date:

Repeats every day until Mon May 27 2024 .

May 23, 2024 (All day)

May 24, 2024 (All day)

May 25, 2024 (All day)

May 26, 2024 (All day)

May 27, 2024 (All day)

The Moving Wall, a half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., will visit Douglas County for the second time this spring. The Moving Wall, which has been viewed around the country since 1984, will will be in Minden for the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

The Wall will be free to view for the duration of its display at the Eastside Memorial Park, 1600 Buckeye Rd, Minden from May 23-28, 2024. The building of the wall began at 10 a.m. Thursday.

Friday, May 24 — Opening ceremony at 10 a.m. with a helicopter fly over and landing as well as speeches from local dignitaries. Viewing of the wall will be open 24 hours until 8am May 28. Memorial items can be brought to leave at the wall - these items will be sent back with the wall.

Saturday, May 25 — Viewing Day

Sunday, May 26 — Community Barbeque at 7 p.m., especially for veterans but all are invited. A Candlelight vigil to welcome home Vets will occur at 9:30 p.m.

Monday, May 27 — Closing Ceremony at 7 p.m.

Tuesday — Wall comes down at 8 a.m.

Honoring Service and Sacrifice: A Veteran's Reflection on Memorial Day

Jeff Munson — Thu, 23 May 2024 16:57:45 +0000

By Michael Hanna-Butros Meyering

As Memorial Day approaches, we take the time to reflect on the significance of this holiday and the sacrifices made by countless service members. One such veteran, Chuck Staley, offers a touching glimpse into his life and the traditions he upholds to honor those who have given their all for our freedom.

Chuck Staley's military journey began at the tender age of 17 when he joined the Army, driven by a deep sense of patriotism and a desire to serve his country. Over his 20-year career, he became an integral part of the 82nd Airborne Division, participating in three major combat conflicts: Grenada, Panama, and Desert Storm/Desert Shield. Reflecting on his service, Chuck states, "It was my honor to serve. I would do it all over again if I had the chance."

The motivation to join the military was ingrained in Chuck from a young age. Growing up in the South, where patriotism was a cornerstone of his community, he was inspired by the images of the Vietnam War and the stories of soldiers who had made the ultimate sacrifice. "Watching the Vietnam War on TV when I was a kid and hearing about the soldiers who died overseas meant something to me," Chuck recalls. This early exposure solidified his resolve to contribute to his country's defense.

Memorial Day Traditions
For Chuck, Memorial Day is not just another holiday; it is a day steeped in personal and collective memory. Each year, he, his wife, and his son travel to Sacramento National Cemetery in Dixon, CA, to pay their respects to his stepfather-in-law, Tillman Jeffrey, a helicopter pilot. The family honors Tillman by carrying his uniform jacket, pouring his favorite Scotch on his headstone, and sharing fond memories. "We each take turns expressing our remembrances and saying his name because the most important thing is to keep his memory alive," Chuck explains.

This act of remembrance is not limited to his family. Chuck notes that the cemetery is filled with hundreds of people, all there to honor their lost loved ones. "It's a community event where everyone who lost someone in service comes together to remember. Even if you haven't lost someone, it's important to remember that the freedom we enjoy was paid for by those who made the ultimate sacrifice," he emphasizes. 

How to Celebrate and Honor Memorial Day
Chuck’s heartfelt traditions offer a guide for how we can all honor Memorial Day in a meaningful way. Here are some ways to celebrate and honor this important day, inspired by Chuck's practices:

Visit a Cemetery:
Like Chuck and his family, you can visit a local cemetery, especially those with veterans' graves. Participating in ceremonies or simply placing flowers and flags on graves is a powerful way to pay respect.

The American Legion: Sacred Places Database

Participate in Community Events:
Many communities hold Memorial Day parades and ceremonies. Joining these events helps foster a sense of unity and collective remembrance. Chuck describes how these gatherings bring hundreds of people together, all honoring their loved ones. 

Join us at Lone Mountain Cemetery in Carson City on the 24th of May at 4 p.m. for the placement of flags on the headstones of veterans.

We will meet in the middle of the cemetery and pass out bundles of flags. Flags are to be placed in the upper left corner of each headstone marked of a veteran, approximately 2 inches above the corner.

We will return on the 27th of May at 4 p.m. to remove the flags and return them to storage.

Location: Lone Mountain Cemetery, 1044 Beverly Dr, Carson City, NV 89706
Website: Carson.org
Contact: John Hefner
Phone: 775 720-6995
Email: csmjvh@Hotmail.com

Thank you to the staff at Lone Mountain Cemetery for allowing us to hold this remembrance. 

Share Memories and Stories:
Take time to share stories about the service members you know or have learned about. Chuck and his family reminisce about Tillman Jeffrey, ensuring his legacy continues. You can do this with family, friends, or through social media to spread awareness.

USAA: Poppy Wall of Honor

Support Veterans' Organizations:
Organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion often organize Memorial Day activities and provide resources for honoring fallen soldiers. Volunteering or donating to these organizations can make a significant impact.

The American Legion: American Legion Family again at center of Memorial Day observances Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW): Ace Hardware Honors Fallen Heroes with 1 Million American Flags Donation.

Moment of Silence:
Incorporate a moment of silence into your day to reflect on the sacrifices made by service members. Chuck suggests that even during a barbecue or family gathering, taking a few minutes to acknowledge the fallen is a meaningful act of remembrance.

Educate Yourself and Others:
Use Memorial Day as an opportunity to learn about the history and significance of the holiday. Share this knowledge with others, especially younger generations, to ensure the true meaning of the day is not lost.

Fly the Flag
Displaying the American flag is a simple yet powerful way to show respect and honor those who have served. Ensure the flag is in good condition and displayed according to proper flag etiquette.

Engage in Acts of Service:
Honor the spirit of service by engaging in community service or helping a veteran or military family in need. Acts of kindness and support can be a tribute to the selflessness of those who served.

A Message to All
In his closing thoughts, Chuck offers a powerful message: "Those people who are in the ground and are not with us any longer, we at least owe them that remembrance of their name or their act of service. It's about honoring their sacrifice and ensuring that their legacy lives on."

As we prepare to celebrate Memorial Day, let us take inspiration from Chuck Staley's heartfelt traditions and reflections. Let us remember the true cost of our freedom and honor the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to our nation. Whether through participating in community events, visiting a cemetery, or simply taking a moment to say a silent prayer, each act of remembrance helps to keep the spirit of Memorial Day alive.

Actor Khleo Thomas, known for role as Zero in “Holes,” makes guest appearance via Zoom at Carson City elementary

Jeff Munson — Thu, 23 May 2024 16:30:56 +0000

Carson City School District

Fourth grade students in Ms. Allie Davis’ class at Bordewich Bray Elementary School in Carson City received a special treat Wednesday as actor Khleo Thomas, famously known for his role as Zero in the beloved film "Holes," made a guest appearance via Zoom.

The virtual visit was a highlight for the students, who recently completed a comprehensive book study of Louis Sachar's "Holes" and followed it up by watching the acclaimed movie adaptation.

Thomas's surprise visit delighted the young students, who were eager to discuss the book and movie with him. During the session, Thomas shared behind-the-scenes stories from the film, discussed his experiences playing Zero and answered a variety of questions from the enthusiastic fourth graders who dressed for the occasion.

"It was truly inspiring to see the excitement on my students' faces as they interacted with Khleo Thomas," Davis said. "His presence brought the story to life in a unique way and provided an unforgettable educational experience for the children."

Thomas emphasized the importance of perseverance and friendship, both key themes in "Holes," and encouraged the students to always stay curious and passionate about learning. He also took the opportunity to commend the students for their dedication to reading and their insightful questions about the book and movie.

The event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Ms. Davis and the generosity of Khleo Thomas, who continues to engage with fans and support educational initiatives. It also underscores the enduring impact of literature and film in education and the positive influence of connecting students with those who bring these stories to life.

Nevada’s parks, wildlife projects likely to benefit from $350M in federal land sales

admin — Thu, 23 May 2024 15:08:09 +0000

Amy Alonzo, The Nevada Independent

Since the passage of the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act (SNPLMA) in 1998, more than $4 billion in revenue generated from Las Vegas area land sales has been directed to conservation, park improvement and wildfire prevention projects across Nevada and the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Now, another $348 million in federal dollars is set to be allocated for additional projects, and the federal government is seeking input on where that money should go.

Dozens of projects have been proposed statewide, from those that would help protect endangered Mojave Desert tortoises in rural Southern Nevada to those that would expand city parks in Northern Nevada, all funded by proceeds from SNPLMA sales.

In 1998, Congress passed SNPLMA, allowing the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to sell public land within a specific boundary around Las Vegas for development. The federal agency manages 63 percent of the state’s land.

Revenue from the land sales is then divided, with the state’s general education fund receiving 5 percent, Southern Nevada Water Authority receiving 10 percent and the remaining 85 percent earmarked for projects across Nevada. The secretary of the Interior ensures the money stays within Nevada for environmental stewardship projects such as conservation, landscape restoration and hazardous fuels reduction rather than funneling the money into the U.S. Treasury, and county, state and federal agencies are then able to apply for the funds for targeted projects.

Since SNPLMA’s inception, 19 rounds of auctions have been held, and the act thus far has generated funding for more than 1,500 projects throughout the state.

Last fall, agencies submitted proposals for funds from the 20th SNPLMA round. Four dozen projects totaling $625 million were proposed, and those proposals underwent a multistep review to determine which would leave the largest legacy on the landscape while providing the best value. A total of $298 million in funding is being recommended, with $50 million being added to a special reserve account to cover any additional project costs.

The BLM is accepting comments on the proposed projects through June 6. A SNPLMA executive committee will meet following the comment period to draft a final recommendation to the secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture.

Here are highlights of what’s likely to get approved:

Southern Nevada parks, trails and natural areas

The bulk of the proposed projects involve increasing the quality of and access to parks, trails and natural areas.

In Southern Nevada, the City of Las Vegas is requesting $19.3 million to expand the Bettye Wilson Soccer Complex. Although the fields serve 650,000 participants each year, 90,000 more people are turned away due to capacity limitations.

Clark County is requesting slightly less than $63 million for improvements to Wetlands Park and to construct a new phase of Mountain’s Edge Regional Park outside Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Improvements to Wetlands Park include pedestrian bridges and a designated area for bird and pond viewing; expansions to Mountain’s Edge include soccer and pickleball complexes and a community botanical garden.

Henderson is requesting more than $35 million to renovate the aging Morrell and Downtown parks by adding features such as communal active lawn areas, food truck-pullout parking areas, splash pads, dog parks and reconfigured ball fields.

The City of North Las Vegas is requesting $7.5 million to modernize Valley View Park, including adding a splash pad and dog parks and expanding its playground.

Lincoln County is requesting $27.3 million to construct a new multisport complex on 20 acres on the east side of the town of Panaca, including baseball, softball, football and soccer fields, a standard track and field layout and an indoor activity room.

Southern Nevada Water Authority is requesting $2.2 million to construct a wildlife and bird viewing tower at Warm Springs Natural Area and complete restoration projects on 7 acres in the Las Vegas Wash.

Northern Nevada parks, trails and natural areas

Carson City is requesting $14.9 million to renovate Mills Park, including its Vietnam Veterans Memorial, expanding its skatepark and adding shade structures and a splash park.

Churchill County is requesting $32.4 million to construct the 3C Recreational Complex in Fallon at the old Churchill County Fairgrounds, adding elements including a covered picnic area, playground, natural areas and a splash pad.

Campgrounds, trails and Hoover Dam

A campground destroyed after a 2016 wildfire at Great Basin National Park could be rebuilt, and access to portions of the park in eastern Nevada could be improved if the National Park Service’s $4.2 million request is approved.

The Strawberry Creek area was devastated by a wildfire that destroyed a newly built campground, bathrooms and horse corral; it also damaged bridges, trails and signs. That infrastructure, constructed with prior SNPLMA funding, was just 2 years old.

The park service wants to construct a new campground, including shade structures, bathrooms and sites accessible to people with disabilities, as well as fix trails and construct a new equestrian corral. The project will “increase recreational and camping opportunities while protecting the natural and cultural resources that make the canyon so spectacular,” the park service wrote in its proposal.

Other requests include slightly less than $23 million from the Bureau of Reclamation to draft design documents for improving public restroom and drinking water systems at Hoover Dam, as well as refurbishing popular tourist stops. Improvements would include installing new, multilingual exhibits, adding shade covers and addressing accessibility issues.

The U.S. Forest Service is looking to reconstruct the popular 5.1-mile Bristlecone and the 1.5-mile Cathedral Rock trails in the Spring Mountains. The trails were damaged during Tropical Storm Hillary in August and the agency estimates it needs about $5.3 million to repair them.

And a $6.1 million proposed telecommunications modernization project is proposed by the BLM at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area to improve Wi-Fi and cellphone service.

Sheep, trout and birds

Nevada’s plants and wildlife could be big winners under the 20th round of funding.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking $1.9 million to upgrade seven aging water guzzlers on the Desert National Wildlife Refuge to aid desert bighorn sheep conservation. The guzzlers are in areas where water is unreliable or not available, and many are aging or broken.

The agency is also seeking $5.4 million to establish a landscape-scale migratory bird monitoring and improvement program in Nevada, including tagging species and restoring critical migratory bird nesting and stopover habitat at areas from Mt. Charleston in Clark County to Pahranagat Valley in Lincoln County and Great Basin National Park in White Pine County.

The agency is also looking for $5.1 million to increase the supply of native plants and seeds across the Mojave Desert for restoration projects and to help offset the effects of nonnative, invasive plants.

The National Park Service is seeking $1.9 million to renovate the only Bonneville cutthroat trout brood pond in Nevada, thereby creating a source of the fish to stock Nevada streams; conduct “fishing with a ranger” programs at Great Basin National Park, where visitors can borrow fishing gear and receive basic instructions on how to fish; and improve cutthroat trout habitat in Nevada. The brood pond “has suffered from years of neglect and is in desperate need of renovation,” according to the agency.

The park service is also seeking $8.7 million to address illegal roads in the Government Wash and Overton Arm of Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The lake’s level has dropped more than 160 feet since 1983, and there are now hundreds of miles of documented illegal roads across the recreation area.

Officials estimate there could be two to three times as many roads that they haven’t documented. The roads run through culturally significant sites as well as rare soil ecosystems.

Wildfire prevention

A half dozen projects totaling $25.7 million were proposed, including:

creating wildfire and utility resilience corridors along the east and north shores of Lake Tahoe,
performing fuel reduction and meadow restoration at Tahoe’s Baldwin, Freel, Hellhole and Meiss meadows,
reducing fuels around Mt. Charleston,
creating a defense zone around Carson City’s Clear Creek area,
and performing fire mitigation and restoration around the Whittell Forest and Wildlife Area west of Washoe Valley.

Tortoise conservation

Clark County is seeking $4.1 million to protect resources, wildlife and desert tortoise habitat throughout the county.

Slightly less than $1 million would go toward wildlife crossings along U.S. Route 95, U.S. Route 93, State Route 163 and State Route 165 to aid the threatened Mojave Desert tortoise.

The county is also seeking to study the capacity of a desert tortoise rehoming site. Currently, the Clark County Desert Conservation Plan calls for desert tortoises found in construction zones to be relocated to a site near Boulder City to help slow the decline of the reptile. However, the site is near capacity for how many desert tortoises it can house.

The county is seeking to assess the health of existing tortoises and determine whether the area can house additional tortoises above the limits set out in the plan.

The county is also looking to add 4 miles of fencing along Corn Creek Road, the primary access point to Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument, to cut down on off roading and illegal shooting. Five miles of fencing was installed last year.

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

Lyon County, Nevada Secretary of State’s Office address error on 2024 Lyon County Primary Ballot

Jeff Munson — Thu, 23 May 2024 00:05:35 +0000

Lyon County news release

YERINGTON — Lyon County and the Nevada Secretary of State are aware of the error on the 2024 Lyon County primary ballot regarding the number of candidates to vote for in the Fernley City Council Ward 5 and the Stagecoach General Improvement District Trustees races. Lyon County and the Secretary of State's Office are working through these issues and will have additional information for the candidates and voters by the end of this week.

Lyon County and the Secretary of State's Office want to assure voters that this does not impact the remaining items on the ballot for the 2024 primary election.

Further information on Lyon County elections is available on the elections page of the Lyon County website.

Carson City Parks, Rec and Open Space to celebrate National Trails Day, launch 'Trails Challenge'

Wed, 22 May 2024 23:40:03 +0000

By Erin Larsen

Join the Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department for a celebratory hike at the Foothill Trailhead in honor of National Trails Day! National Trails Day allows us to recognize and appreciate all the benefits we have from our local trail systems and appreciate the ability to be in nature.

On this year's National Trails Day, Carson City Open Space will be launching the new "Trails Challenge", a program created to encourage the exploration of Carson City's many trails and open spaces, with one of the trails on the Challenge being the V&T Trail. During the hike you will see trail maintenance being don and learn about the history of the V&T Trail, including the old V&T plant species.

Expect moderate terrain for about 1 mile. Be sure to bring close-toed shoes, snacks, plenty of water, and sun-protective clothing.

Join the Park Ranger and local ecologist led hike, check off the first trail on your Trails Challenge, and celebrate National Trails Day! Registration required ahead of time, and space is limited.

Go here to register.

Carson City locals, educators and students to travel to Japan

Wed, 22 May 2024 22:10:03 +0000

Benjamin Spence, Battle Born Travel Club

This June, a group of over 100 denizens of Carson City will depart for a 10-day educational exploration of Japan.

The group, consisting predominately of educators and students, will be leaving Carson City for Tokyo, and extend their learning to places such as Fuji-Hakone-Izu, Odawara, Kyoto, Osaka and will end their journey with an unforgettable tour of Hiroshima, including the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.

Headed by Benjamin Spence, History and AP teacher at Carson High School, Battle Born Travel Club aims to build incredible and unique bonds between students, their learning, and both the local and global community. With the support of educators and the Carson City community, BBTC has shown students and adult travelers alike such unforgettable places as Egypt, Costa Rica, Vietnam and more.

Battle Born Travel Club, in partnership with the community, aims to engage and empower students, parents and all travelers to become and remain life-long learners with the skills, knowledge and opportunities to thrive in an increasingly global society.

If educational travel is something you or those you love are interested in, or you would like to contribute to someone's exploration of the world, email bspence@battleborntravelclub.com or head to battleborntravelclub.com.

Battle Born Travel Club is an independently operated travel club and is not affiliated with Carson High School or the Carson City School District in any official capacity. Any views, opinions or activities expressed or undertaken by Battle Born Travel Club are solely those of the club and its members and do not represent the views or endorsements of Carson High School or the Carson City School District.

Second Annual Bette M. Larsen Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament to Benefit Carson High School Students

Wed, 22 May 2024 20:00:47 +0000

By Cheryl Webster and Timbers Saloon

Timbers Saloon will be hosting The Bette M. Larsen Second Annual Memorial Golf Tournament on June 22, 2024 to continue providing scholarships for our local students.

Our inaugural golf tournament last year was a huge success as we raised $9000.00 for Carson High School Scholarships. Come join us for our four man scramble to support this cause. Please contact Timbers Saloon at (775)882-8758 to sign up.

Carson City Sheriff's Office to conduct full-scale active shooter exercise at Carson High

Jeff Munson — Wed, 22 May 2024 19:33:29 +0000

Event Date:

June 4, 2024 - 8:00am

Jon Bakkedahl, Deputy Emergency Manager

On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Carson City School District and the Carson City Fire Department, will conduct a comprehensive active shooter Full-Scale Exercise at Carson High School.

The event will commence at 8 a.m. with a briefing on the active shooter exercise. The exercise will include Carson High School and Sheriff’s Office response to an active shooter, VIP tours of the incident, a media briefing, and a family reunification drill.

Full scale exercises allow multiple agencies to test response plans and to physically move resources and work through a scenario in a training environment.

The Emergency Management Division is responsible for assuring the city's readiness to respond to and recover from natural, technological, and man-made emergencies, and for assisting citizens in their emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.

The mission of the division is to coordinate the prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery programs and resources through partnerships to build resilient communities for Carson City Residents and visitors.

If you have any concerns or questions, please contact Jon Bakkedahl at jbakkedahl@carson.org or call 775-283-7820.

Science & Nature Speaker Series at TNC's River Fork Ranch Preserve happening fourth Thursday of the month

Wed, 22 May 2024 19:22:58 +0000

By The Nature Conservancy

Join us for our spring Science & Nature Speaker Series at TNC's River Fork Ranch Preserve the fourth Thursday of each month! Experts from The Nature Conservancy in Nevada and partner organizations will share their expertise on a variety of topics. We hope to see you there!

2024 Speakers:

May 23: Louis Provencher, PhD (TNC Director of Science) Title: “Landscape Conservation Forecasting applications in the US and Australia”

June 27: Laurel Saito, PhD (TNC Strategy Director Water) Title: “Water in the Determining Decade: Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems in Nevada”

July 25: Chris Sega, (TNC Stewardship Manager) Title: “Lahontan Cutthroat Trout & Conservation at TNC’s Independence Lake Preserve”

Aug 22: Ned Bohman (Biologist with Great Basin Bird Observatory (GBBO)) Title: “Pinyon Jays in Nevada”

Sept 26: Mark Zimring (TNC CA Large Scales Fisheries Director) Title: “Can Markets Really Drive Conservation?”

Oct. 24: Thomas P. Albright, Ph.D. (Nevada State Climatologist (interim); Associate Professor, UNR College of
Science) Title: "Nevada Springs are … all about the Weather!"

Suggested donation: $10

For more information: lori.leonard@tnc.org
https://www.facebook.com/events/calendar

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

Event Date:

June 14, 2024 - 10:00am

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.