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Watch it Live: Carson City man within hours of breaking public speaking record

More than 36 hours into his attempt to break the Guinness World Record for longest public speaking session, Ian Hill was showing signs of fatigue early Friday evening. But, still, he pressed on.

“I think it’s very cool he’s doing this for us,” said Karalee Ward, 9. “He’s trying to show us anything can happen.” Karalee is one of about 80 girls in the CPAC soccer program, founded by Hill, who has been invited to an international soccer tournament in Canada. The world record attempt is a fundraiser to get the girls there.

They were invited to the Presidents Invitational Cup in Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada, — just outside of Edmonton, where the FIFA Women’s World Cup will be taking place at the same time.

Hill's efforts began Thursday, 6 a.m. at the Brewery Arts Center in Carson City and will continue through Saturday morning. Hill set the goal of raising $25,000 during the speech of the $90,000 necessary. Karalee was hopeful he would be successful.

“I really want to go,” she said. “It’s a life experience. I want to see if everything really can happen.”

Not only will they need money, Hill said, they are also working with immigration attorneys to make arrangements for the girls on the team who are not documented to cross the border out of and back into the United States. “From no fault of their own, they could be precluded from a life-changing experience,” he said.

The soccer program, based in a traditionally Hispanic neighborhood, draws players from across town. While a competitive program, Hill said, the emphasis is on developing character.

Carson City Supervisor Brad Bonkowski donated $480 Friday afternoon to the business leader and international motivational speaker's localized efforts.

“Since I was elected, I’ve been trying to reach out to the Hispanic community,” Bonkowski said. “I’ve been volunteering with Ian, and he’s awesome with the kids. I want to support the kids as much as I can.” Hill was still short about $6,000 of his goal by Friday evening.

“If we don't raise enough money, our lives aren’t going to be as amazing as we thought they would be,” said Lucy Sandoval, 9. “Our dreams won’t be as close to being accomplished.”

In her second season of playing with CPAC, she said she’s learned a lot about Coach Hill’s character.

“At first, I thought he was some crazy guy,” she said. “But he’s not just some crazy guy. He’s a crazy guy who loves us.”

YOU CAN HELP

Donate to the CPAC soccer program’s trip to the Presidents Invitational Cup at cpacathletics.org/world-record.


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The Carson High School (CHS) Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) recognized Cadet Chief Petty Officer Vivi Mellow as its “Cadet of the Year” during its annual awards ceremony last Thursday in the Morse Burley Gymnasium at Carson High.

FISH will be closing ticket sales for the Historic Prison Breakout to benefit FISH at 4:30 PM on Friday May 17, 2024.

Are you ready for a unique summer camp experience, designed exclusively for adults? Sierra Nevada Journeys has just the thing! This perfect unwinding weekend awaits you, with no responsibilities other than showing up with your friends.

Join us from August 16 - 18, 2024, for a weekend in the mountains, free from all of those responsibilities.

With Nevada’s primary elections approaching, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) reminds community members that political signage is not allowed on state highway property.

Federal regulations and Nevada state law prohibit political and advertising signage on public highway property, including but not limited to political signs, yard sale/event signs, and realtor or business signage.

It is important to know that state road property often extends beyond the roadside, fence line, or sidewalk of interstates, freeways, highways, and urban state roads/streets.

The application deadline for Mile High Band Association’s 2024 Jazz & Beyond Festival art contest is Friday, May 31. 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 Sierra Nevada section of the Society of Women Engineers recognized several Carson City students and one teacher at the 2024 Night of STEM Star Awards in Reno, Friday, April 26.

The honorees were recognized for displaying remarkable talent and commitment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). These young scholars not only excelled academically but also engaged in innovative projects and extracurricular activities that have enhanced their learning and impacted their community.

I usually whistle past the obituaries, but Larry Young caught my eye. He was a scientist who discovered Love Potion Number Nine. Yes, Larry unearthed a chemical that heightens desire, not that the world needs it. A drug that would diminish desire might do the world more good in the long run.

Today was a very productive day working in the yard. The cold weather kept me in far too long recently. I wanted to be outside. The temperature was perfect with a bright blue sky and little wind.

A local couple's efforts to get the flag on C-Hill in Carson City repaired is well underway, with the president of the C-Hill Foundation working on getting the needed material.

As the summer sun begins to heat up, so does the excitement at Dayton Pop Warner as local athletes gear up for a two-day strength and conditioning camp.

Sunday in Carson City brought out a black bear with a shiny brown coat that lumbered through a yard in early morning light, probably looking for breakfast.

Here is the Carson City area road report for the week of May 13-19, 2024. Closures are expected at the following locations due to road and utility work:

“Kids to Parks Day is a national day of outdoor play celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May. The day connects kids and families with their local, state, and national parks and public lands through thousands of park events that promote discovery and exploration in the great outdoors.” – National Park Trust

The wait is finally over. The second annual Mark Twain Days Festival returns to Carson City and Virginia City this weekend! Enjoy themed train rides, concerts, literature, book sales, kid's stories, and so much more all throughout the capital city and Virginia City.

Let's take a look at the full list of events for the weekend.

The Misfits Theater Group presents its 2024 Spring Production: Gold Casino or Bar Be Tender on the weekends of May 18-19 and May 24, 25 and 26, 2024.

UNR Extension Native Plant Sale

UNR Extension Master Gardeners of Douglas County are hosting a Native plant sale on Saturday, May 18 at the River Fork Ranch (The Nature Conservancy) located at 381 Genoa Ln. Minden, NV.

The event is from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Carson High Youth Tennis Clinic

CHS Youth Tennis is hosting a clinic June 17, 18, 19, 20 from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM. It's being hosted at the high school at 1111 Saliman Rd. Carson City NV

Please click to expand the flyer for sign up options.

Free History Slide Show: Reflections of Lake Tahoe Tuesday May 14, 1:30pm, at the Carson City Senior Center.

Using extensive research and seldom seen photographs, local authors and historians David and Gayle Woodruff take a look back at the many people and events that have affected this magnificent Sierra Nevada gem over the years.

From industrial powerhouse of the Comstock Lode to the many efforts to create a Lake Tahoe National Park, the varied tales of “Big Blue’s” history are unique, interesting, and often amusing.

In an extremely rare display of colors, the aurora borealis was spotted throughout Northern Nevada Friday night as captured by multiple Carson Now readers. Click on each photo to expand.

This spectacular display is caused by a severe solar storm that is expected to continue through the weekend.

After review of the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s recommendations and consideration by County Advisory Board’s to Manage Wildlife, the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners has approved big game tag quotas for the upcoming 2024-2025 hunting season.

Once again our cat of the week is the winner of our Whisker Wednesday contest at Catmandu. Meet Cutie Pie. While she loves to be called Cutie, you can also call her Pie for short.

On Tuesday, May 14, the Carson City School District’s Board of Trustees will host a meeting at Carson High School at 1111 N. Saliman Street. At the meeting the district will discuss their plan to merge Carson High School and Pioneer Academy.

Join us for our 60th Anniversary + Spring Art Reception on May 18, 2024, from 1-4 p.m. Admission is free for all, as well as on-site and nearby parking.

Originally opened during the height of the mining boom of Virginia City, Nevada, the Delta Saloon started serving in 1880. Having seen its share of history, and creating its own, the property is under new ownership with Jim Grimes, VC Delta Saloon, LLC., a fourth-generation Nevadan born and raised in Reno and Sparks, Nevada.

Celebrate Carson High School Class of 2024! And, keep them safe.

Since 1988, Safe Grad has helped prevent fatalities related to graduation night intoxication by offering a FREE, safe, and sober all-night party for graduating high school seniors.

Southern Utah is lucky to be gaining one of Carson High’s most extraordinary students, Arene LeBlanc. She is an outstanding student who has overcome so much from her freshman year and now consistently demonstrates exceptional academics, leadership skills and a commitment to community service.

UPDATE 1:16 p.m.: Service restored.

Douglas County is experiencing a temporary disruption in the non-emergency dispatch phone line. This disruption solely affects the non-emergency dispatch line and does not impact access to emergency services via 911. In the event of an emergency, residents are urged to continue dialing 911 for immediate assistance.

Looking for something for you kiddos to do this summer that includes exercise, fun, and team building? Look no further than the Carson Baseball Summer Camp!

In a systematic approach to improve water quality, Lyon County Utilities will be conducting water main flushing Tuesday and Wednesday, May 14-15 in the Rose Peak area (roughly between Flowery Avenue and Sheep Camp Road) in Dayton, Nev.

The 2nd annual Hot Air for Hope Balloon Festival is returning May 17-19 at Lampe Park in Gardnerville. This is a free community event that benefits the Center for Hope and Healing.