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Cooperative Extension: Join the classes this April and 'Grow Your Own, Nevada!'

The horticulture world is fascinating with many topics to explore. Did you know that “the average carrot travels over 1,800 miles to get to our dinner plate?” Or that “93 percent of our food dollar pays processors, packagers, distributors, wholesalers, truckers and the rest of the infrastructure that a global food system demands?”

Finally, with the fact that “preschool children served home-grown produce are more than twice as likely to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day as kids who rarely eat home-grown produce,” more people are interested in growing their own.

Each year, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Horticulture Specialist, Dr. Heidi Kratsch brings the “Grow Your Own” series to 12 locations in Nevada.

This year’s “Grow Your Own” lecture series begins April 7 and continues through April 30 on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The lectures will cover the following topics: ‘GMOs, Facts and Fallacies,’ ‘Composting and Vermicomposting,’ ‘Weeds, Critters and Insects,’ ‘Growing Garlic,’ ‘Wine and Beer Making,’ ‘Fruit Trees,’ ‘Berry Production’ and ‘Walapinis: Experience with a Belowground Greenhouse.’

Attend one, many or all of the classes at the Carson City Cooperative Extension office, 2621 Northgate, Suite 12. They are presented via interactive video from the originating live site in Reno. Registration is required and there is a $5 fee for each individual class or $30 fee for all eight classes.

To receive a registration form via email or via regular mail, please contact Teri Spraggins at spragginst@unce.unr.edu or 887-2252. Or, stop by the office to complete a registration form. Exact change or a check is required. Checks should be made out to Carson City Cooperative Extension.

To ensure seating and class materials, please register before April 1. Walk-in attendees with exact change are welcome if there is space available; however, classes do fill up quickly. Registering in advance is a better bet! Those who pay for the full series will receive a USB flash drive filled with gardening resources. People in need of special accommodations or assistance will need to contact Spraggins by April 1.

Broaden your gardening expertise and scientific knowledge. Figure out how to deal with the pests in your yard and garden. Learn how to grow grapes and hops to make wine and beer at home. Build an energy-efficient belowground greenhouse. Go here for more on the classes.

Grow your own, Nevada!

— JoAnne Skelly is an Associate Professor, Extension Educator for Carson City/Storey County University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. Call 775-887-2252.

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The 120 pounds of litter collected during the inaugural Shoreline Sweep Volunteer Cleanup at Sand Harbor State Park will be used in an innovative art installation in the park's visitor center.

Over 80 dedicated volunteers joined forces to comb the park's picturesque shores on Monday, April 22, 2024.

Warmer weather is upon us – finally – which also means so is the ever popular and very educational ComputerCorps TechCamp Summer Series! Yes, summer is just a few months off and ComputerCorps TechCamp 2K24 is now accepting applicants.


On April 24, 2024, at approximately 4:48 a.m., the Nevada State Police responded to a crash at the location of IR580 southbound near mile marker CC01 in Carson City, Nevada. (Near the Snyder Ave. overpass).

Each year, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office hosts an open house event as a way to connect families, deputies, non-profits and more. This year the event takes place May 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Douglas County officials have announced that construction will begin soon on the first phase of the Muller Parkway Project. The project aims to alleviate traffic congestion in Minden and Gardnerville, offering an alternative route to the main U.S. Route 395 through town. The decision comes as the County moves to fill its requirement to construct 2.4 miles of two-lane road by 2025.

Carson High School is pleased to announce Katarina Klatt and Brynn Russell will carry their academic and athletic talents on to the next level with Division 1 Scholarships. A short signing ceremony was held at the Carson Aquatic Center Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is moving forward with its plan to transfer certain mail processing operations from Reno to Sacramento, a change that has drawn bipartisan opposition among Nevada elected officials over its potential impact on the region’s economy and fears that it would slow the processing of ma

A 32-year-old Silver Springs man was arrested Wednesday and booked for charges associated to a fentanyl drug overdose in December 2023, according to the Lyon County Sheriff's Office.

The Division of Child and Family Services, Nevada’s Department of Health and Human Services, invites the community to participate in the 2nd annual “Walk Us Home” 5K for Foster Homes on Saturday, April 27, 2024 in Carson City.

The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office has identified two Carson City residents who died in a wrong way crash early Wednesday morning in Carson City.

Nevada Humane Society, Carson City’s Pet of the Week introduces, Shrek. While he may not hail from a swamp, this lovable pup is as big-hearted as they come, searching for his forever family.

Bowers Mansion Programs on the Porch program begins in May with this year's theme is "Variety Edition." Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy this free series in front of the historic Bowers Mansion. Fridays from 7 to 8 p.m., May 17 through June 21.

LGBTQ+ and Allies, community event, Carson Valley events, Western Nevada, gay

Two free scholarship lunch tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis for those who couldn’t otherwise afford to participate. Reach out to wnvlgbtq@gmail.com and request your free tickets now!

St. Paul's Lutheran Family Church in Carson City is having a huge rummage sale Saturday, April 27 at 8 am until 1:30 pm. This is a fundraiser by St. Paul's women's group, WELCA, in association with Thrivent. There will be a jewelry room and a boutique featuring decor de jour and collectibles.

Carson City area casino gaming revenue was up slightly in March, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Statewide, revenue was down 1.65 percent compared to March 2023.

The Carson City School District is pleased to announce Empire Elementary School’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Teacher Adrienne Wiggins has been selected as a Nevada finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the nation’s highest honors for teachers of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and computer science.

Nevada's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in March 2024, which decreased by 0.1 percent from February 2024, according to the state's Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation’s March 2024 economic report.

Carson High Debate continues its groundbreaking season. Competing at state for the first time since Covid the team advanced to final events in 4 separate events.

Clear Creek Bowmen Cancer Shoot is this Sunday April 28 at the Carson City Archery Range.

Carson Medical Group broke ground on their new 31,000 square foot facility off old Hot Springs Road in October 2022 and this June it will officially open its doors to patients.

The facility, located at 1946 Old Hot Springs Road, will house the primary care physicians, their Ear/Nose/Throat practice, as well as the CMG+ walk-in clinic.

The Nevada Artists Association is excited to announce two Featured Artist Shows beginning Saturday, May 4 by Carson City artists, Cynthia Brenneman and Bruce Nelson.

Dive into an ocean of adventure with Wild Horse Children's Theater as we embark on a journey under the sea in the upcoming production of Disney's "Finding Nemo, Jr." at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall in Carson City. This spectacular musical adaptation of the beloved Pixar movie promises to be a wave of fun, friendships, and heartwarming moments that the entire family will enjoy!

UPDATE THURSDAY: The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the two people who died Wednesday morning following the two vehicle crash on I-580 in Carson City. They are Alejandra Hernandez Valtierra, 36, and Viola Santoyo Huizar, 48, both of Carson City.
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UPDATE 12:42PM: Southbound I-580 in Carson City was opened as of around 11 a.m., said a Nevada State Police spokeswoman, who provided more details of the fatal crash that happened early Wednesday morning.

Both the driver of a car and a truck involved in the crash died. Their names have not been released pending notification of family members. The car, which was going the wrong way — northbound in the southbound lane — struck the truck and caught on fire, according to a NSP preliminary investigation thus far. The vehicle makes are unknown at this time.

Dayton Elementary School in Lyon County was honored Wednesday along 13 other schools including Carson High in Carson City as a Nevada Purple Star School.

Schools receiving the designation have committed to supporting the educational and social-emotional needs of military-connected children and their families.

Junior Park Ranger Day is back this Saturday, April 27 at Riverview Park in Carson City.

Junior Park Ranger Day is an annual event dedicated to help kids complete their Junior Ranger Adventure Guides and be sworn in all in one day.

Carson City School District hosted a ceremony Wednesday morning with local dignitaries from the Nevada Department of Education and officers from local military bases. Carson High School was honored with a Nevada Purple Star School designation for supporting military-connected students and their families.

A 37-year-old man was arrested for suspicion of obstruction, trespassing and felony sex offender failing to register, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.

Laura Ricks, TOSA/Instructional Coach at Empire Elementary School, was honored as the Carson City School District’s Educator of the Year, at the Tuesday, April 23, school board meeting and annual event.

Additionally, Sandra Guzzetta, special education paraprofessional at Bordewich Bray Elementary School, was recognized as the Education Support Professional Employee of the Year, and Chelise Crookshanks, principal at Mark Twain Elementary School, was recognized as the district’s Administrator of the Year.

5th St View

Photos capturing the beautiful views in Carson City on Tuesday afternoon at 5th and Roop Street.

Tickets are now available for this summer’s Capital City Brewfest. This year’s event takes place June 22 on Curry Street at McFadden Plaza in Carson City. More than two dozen brewers, as well as several food trucks, will line the street from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Plus there will be live music on the McFadden Plaza stage.