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

Comstock Foundation hosts blacksmithing class Saturday at Donovan Mill

Thu, 16 May 2024 19:07:54 +0000

Have you ever wanted to learn the old art of Blacksmithing? Early smiths made wagon parts, handmade tools, shaped ornamental pieces, horseshoes, hinges and just about anything to having to do with working metal into a desired shape or purpose.

Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Donovan Mill in Silver City is an introductory class on how to build, light and maintain a coal forge fire with a hand cranked blower, proper hammering techniques, drawing, pointing, twisting, punching and how to work hot steel over a coal forge. Students will take home the basic knowledge of forging and their own handmade forged decorative article.

Contact Russ Wright for application or email: travelnman65@gmail.com.

Dead bodies are piling up at Carson City funeral homes waiting for cremation for months, investigation reveals

Kelsey Penrose — Thu, 16 May 2024 17:40:25 +0000

by Kelsey Penrose

Marie Finkes is the director of FitzHenry’s Funeral Home in Carson City, and said that over the past year, there have been 12 bodies under her care that have been subject to extended stays. This is due to the fact that Carson City Public Administrator Scott Hoen has ignored their repeated requests for an electronic signature releasing the body for cremation.

“When a body is deemed to be an indigent case, we automatically reach out to the Public Administrator electronically requesting signatures for the disposition of the body through cremation,” Finkes said. “Then they begin their investigative process. State law requires 30 days, and we wait 31 days for someone to claim the individual. If they’re a veteran, they’re placed in a veteran’s cemetery, if they’re a non-veteran their ashes are scattered in Northern Nevada.”

When a person dies in Carson City, or is a Carson City resident and dies in another county, the first thing to be done is to locate next of kin. However, if a next of kin cannot be found, or if they do not claim the body, the case becomes categorized as indigent and the body is cremated by one of the local funeral homes.

There has been a consistent issue with receiving the signature from Hoen, Finkes said, and they have never received the signature electronically.

Instead staff from the funeral home has had to routinely go to the Public Administrator’s office to request signatures in person.

“We leave messages, wait, call the front office; we show up once a week at least every other week if we’re not too busy,” Finkes said. “It always requires a physical trip.”

Carson Now reached out to Hoen and the Public Administrator’s Office for comment without success.

Despite these efforts, there have been 12 bodies stuck at the funeral home for far longer than the 31 days required by law over the past year. FitzHenry’s does not take indigent cases all year long however; they cycle through receiving bodies from the city every three months for a one-month period, with about four indigent deceased coming through each cycle. For Carson City, the rotation involves Autumn Funerals & Cremations, Walton’s Funeral Home, Nevada Funeral Services, and Capitol City Cremation and Burial Society, in addition to FitzHenry’s.

During these in-person visits to the office in search of a signature, Finkes said she’d been told multiple times from others that Hoen was in the office but could be seen “sitting with his feet up on his desk with nothing to do,” and still would not return the signatures needed.

Their most recent case, a deceased Carson City woman, has been waiting in the funeral home’s refrigerated storage since February to be cremated.

The number of bodies being kept at the funeral home has even led to Finkes being forced to turn away business due to a lack of storage.

This is especially frustrating, Finkes said, since they are not being paid to store the bodies by the city in a timely manner.

Finkes is not alone in her issues with the office.

Carlen Thomas, Manager of Walton Family Chapel of the Valley in Carson City, has not received a single signature from Hoen for the four bodies currently being stored in her facility.

One body has been in her custody since November 2023.

“We are beyond frustrated,” Thomas said. “I’ve sent (Hoen) paperwork three times with numerous reminder emails, we’ve even physically walked to his office. He’ll be sitting right there but will say he’s too busy or if he’s not available.”

Thomas went on that it’s not only Carson City facilities that are struggling with receiving signatures, but Reno facilities as well. When a Carson City resident dies in Washoe County, they also have to receive clearance from the Carson City Public Administrator before the body can be cremated. This has led to issues across multiple facilities.

“He has never signed off on these indigent cases,” Thomas said. “He needs to have someone put his toes to the fire.”

Hoen was elected to the position of Clerk-Recorder and Public Administrator during the November 2022 elections, and took office in January 2023. His focus during campaigning was on elections, without much mention on the Public Administrator aspect of the job.

The Public Administrator’s responsibility is to administer the estates of individuals who pass without a will, which could range from simply authorizing cremation to a more complex situation of cleaning out and selling an individual’s home and filing their tax returns.

For many of these indigent cases currently on the roster, however, all that is required is a signature to authorize the cremation, according to the funeral homes.

Finkes said that, if receiving cremation authorizations continue to be an issue, they may have to rethink their contract with the city altogether.

“We’re essentially storing these bodies for free, and losing out on other business because of it,” Finkes said.

“All we need is a signature,” Thomas echoed. “With the length of time that goes on, the logistics of storing a body for so long…I can tell you, it’s not good.”

Moon Rocks Sci-Fi Short Film Competition launches: Calling all filmmakers to explore the cosmos of creativity

Thu, 16 May 2024 17:20:17 +0000

By Lyric Burt

Carson City Shorts presents the first-ever Moon Rocks Sci-Fi Short Film Competition, inviting filmmakers from near and far to embark on an interstellar journey of storytelling and imagination. Presented by Silver State Storytellers, this competition challenges participants to create compelling sci-fi short films that push the boundaries of creativity and transport audiences to distant galaxies.

Filmmakers will have two weeks to craft their stories, from Wednesday, May 22nd to Wednesday, June 5th, culminating in a spectacular Screening and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, June 15th at the Brewery Arts Center. This year, we welcome filmmakers of all skill levels to participate, with registration open now and closing 15 minutes before the competition begins.

We are thrilled to launch the Moon Rocks Sci-Fi Short Film Competition! This competition is a celebration of creativity and innovation in filmmaking, and we can't wait to see the incredible stories that filmmakers will bring to life.

Registration for the competition is $25 per team, with each team receiving two complimentary tickets to the Screening and Awards Ceremony. Additional tickets can be purchased for $20 each.

The Moon Rocks Sci-Fi Short Film Competition is not just an event; it's an opportunity to explore the depths of the imagination and create cinematic wonders that defy the laws of gravity. Join us on this cosmic adventure and let your creativity soar to new heights!

For more information and to register, visit nvstorytellers.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of this stellar event.

Carson City's Pioneer Academy celebrates National Honor Society induction and awards

Jeff Munson — Thu, 16 May 2024 16:11:30 +0000

Carson City School District

Pioneer Academy in Carson City celebrated their outstanding students at a combined National Honor Society Induction and awards ceremony Thursday, April 25, 2024. Thirty-eight students received awards for attendance, scholarship and excellence in the classroom.

Mayor Pro-Tem, Stacey Giomi, presented the awards on behalf of Mayor Bagwell for perfect attendance. Students Christina Taylor, Apple Aguilar, Alexander Jeffries, Ashley Ellis, Kaitlyn Nguyen, William Houk, Kameron Harris, Josiah Diaz and Nikki Mae Dimarucut were announced for attendance awards.

In addition to medals from Carson City School District, each winner received an award certificate, two movie passes and a gift certificate from Scoups Ice Cream and Soup Bar. Nikki Dimarucut won the raffle for the $250 cash grand prize. The program was made possible by local businesses, Glen Eagles Restaurant, Carson City Toyota, Greater Nevada Credit Union, Battle Born Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Galaxy Theaters and Scoups Ice Cream and Soup Bar.

Academic Letters were awarded to students who had earned a 3.5 GPA for both semesters while attending Pioneer Academy. Kylee Kraus-Mays received her letter for her three years at Pioneer. Two-year recipients were Brooklynn Case, Mason Dey and Kaitlyn Nguyen. One-year recipients included Savannah Garcia, Wren Sanchez Flores, Kathleen Bobula-Salazar, Kat Folster, Jonathan Powell, Olivia Cordova, Deb Uzzell, Haven Bryant, Ashley Ellis, Will Houk, Ameilia McCurdy and Vanessa Tran.

Individual subject awards were granted to the student in each department that has shown excellence among his or her peers. Kylee Kraus-Mays received the award for English, Vanessa Tran for mathematics, Ameilia McCurdy for biological sciences, Kaitlyn Nguyen for physical sciences, Claire Callister for social sciences, Maggie Uzzell for foreign languages, Opal Campbell for art, Debbie Uzzell for engineering, Ethan Calvello for physical education, Brooklynn Case for J4NG (Jobs for Nevada Graduates) and Olivia Cordova for AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination).

National Honor Society Members were honored for their commitment to their education by maintaining a 3.0 cumulative grade point average, showing character and leadership in the school and community and continuing their dedication to serving others. Within the last year, NHS members reinstated the Pioneer Academy library, hosted a food drive for F.I.S.H, hosted a pet food and supply drive for the Nevada Humane Society, supported the Pioneer staff with the adopt-a-teacher program, encouraged school positivity with No Drama March and wrote letters and cards for those in long-term care for mental and physical health.

New and returning NSA members include Alicia Aguilar, Brooklynn Case, Mason Dey, Christina Taylor, Dulce Perez Montero, Kathleen Bobula-Salazar, Claire Callister, Grace Jensen, Kylee Krause-Mays, Jonathan Powell, Mallorie Sheley-Brendel, Apple Aguilar, Haven Bryant, Olivia Cordova, Ashley Ellis, Hannah Gerow, Acire Kapsoff-Atilano, Kaitlyn Nguyen, Debbie Uzzell, Maggie Uzzell, Alexa Delatrinadad, Natalie Duenas, Baylee Finch, Jacob Freeman, Will Houk, Ameilia McCurdy, Claudia Padilla, Angie Rampley and Vanessa Tran.

“We are so proud of the dedication and commitment of all these students and the achievements each have earned,” said Cary Jordan, counselor at Pioneer Academy. “Thanks to everyone who has supported and encouraged these amazing people. We look forward to the amazing things they will do in the future.”

Virginia Truckee Railroad opens 2024 season Memorial Day weekend

Jeff Munson — Thu, 16 May 2024 01:01:55 +0000

By Candy Duncan

The Virginia Truckee Railroad begins its 49th season on May 25, 2024, with an exciting schedule of both steam and diesel locomotives. The scenic train ride departs daily from the original Virginia City depot where millionaires and miners sought their fortunes 150 years ago.

The historic 35- minute ride over the original 1869 route leaves once an hour starting at 10:30am to 4 pm and runs through October. Adult fares are $17to $19 and $8 for children ages 5-12. Kids aged four and under ride free. Tickets are available at the depot, or reserve space online at virginiatruckee.com.

Take in beautiful high desert views from our open-air cars and hear the stories of the Comstock Silver and Gold Rush from our knowledgeable conductors as you chug along the historic 1869 route. You will see the remnants of silver and gold mines and pass through the 400 ft Tunnel #4 on your way to Gold Hill, the site of the 1859 silver discovery when Nevada was still a territory. You may even spot some bands of wild mustangs or coyotes along the way.

Later in the season we will introduce our recently acquired Steam Engine #30, which was built as Chas. McCormick Lumber Co. #100 in 1926 by Baldwin in their Philadelphia plant. The locomotive is built to a standard 70 Ton 2-8-2 logging Mikado design, effectively making her a sister to the #18. She worked with Pope Lumber Co until 1942, and then went on to work on the Santa Maria Valley Railroad as well as the White Mountain and Deer Creek Scenic Railroads.

Also be sure to "See the Reno", a Nevada treasure. The 1872 V&T steam locomotive, the most famous movie locomotive, starred in nearly a hundred films and westerns.

Special event trains are being planned, including more murder mystery specials and the popular Pumpkin Express, Candy Cane Express and the Train O’ Lights that sell out each year. Check the web site at www.virginiatruckee.com for updated information.

Before or after your train ride, stop in our well-stocked gift shop found inside the original 1870 passenger depot. Cold drinks and ice cream are available as well as V&T memorabilia and souvenirs. Complete your day with a visit to Virginia City, a living ghost town filled with fun shops, good restaurants, and interesting museums.

The depot and train are also available as a unique venue for birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries, or other special events. Contact our event coordinator, Candy Duncan at (775) 721-6255 for ideas and more information.
Other special trains may be added to the schedule, check the web site virginiatruckee.com for more information or call (775) 847-0380.

Join us at the May meeting of the Carson City Linux Users Group

Wed, 15 May 2024 23:04:22 +0000

By Carson City Linux Users Group

Curious about Linux? Long time user? Join us for the March meeting of the Carson City Linux Users Group. We meet on the third Saturday of each month, and have great information and discussions of interest to any level of experience with Linux.

We will help you install Linux on your hardware, and probably answer your questions, too!

Linux, first introduced in 1991, is an open source operating system for most computers, and an excellent alternative to Windows.It is especially useful for older systems as it uses fewer resources and runs faster.

When: Saturday, May 18, at 12.45pm (show up a few minutes early to pick up a Visitor's Pass)

Where: ComputerCorps, 4630 US-50 East, Carson City. About 1.5 miles east of the I-580 interchange, and next to the Empire Post Office. Please use the small side door next to Donations.

Agenda: Small Board Computer Showcase, Linux news and reviews; Linux security updates; open discussion

More information: Please visit the website at https://carsoncitylug.org/

Carson City School Board Trustees hear update on Carson High, Pioneer Academy merger

Kelsey Penrose — Wed, 15 May 2024 22:41:38 +0000

by Kelsey Penrose

Carson City School Trustees heard an update regarding the proposed absorption of Pioneer Academy under Carson High School.

On Tuesday, Superintendent Andrew Feuling said a community meeting was held for Pioneer Academy parents and staff, which he said went well, though stakeholders were concerned over the merger.

The merger would effectively turn Pioneer Academy into an off-site alternative campus of Carson High School, but the intention is not to change anything as to how the school is run. There is a vacancy for a principal at Pioneer Academy, and merging the schools would be a cost saving measure for the district as a second principal would no longer be necessary.

Pioneer High School was established in 1999, and became Pioneer Academy in 2021 when it offered an elementary and middle school online program during the pandemic.

Feuling said that one of the reasons they are looking to combine the schools is for long term cost saving measures due to the fact that a low enrollment trend is expected to continue.

During the 2002-03 school year, enrollment was 8,558 district wide. For the 2024-25 school year, enrollment is projected at 6,938, and is only expected to continue a downward slope due to lower birth rates, an increased housing market, and pandemic impacts.

Currently, the entire kindergarten enrollment district wide is 410 students. If this continues, by the 2034-35 school year, there would only be 1700 9-12 grade students, a decrease from the current 2,500 students enrolled in the district.

And with lower enrollment comes lower funding.

“We have to look for options in the long run to reduce structural costs,” Feuling said.

However he said, this brings a number of positive opportunities for Pioneer Academy students. The campus would continue to be an alternative option to the larger CHS main campus, offering smaller class sizes for students who thrive in an alternative atmosphere. All current Pioneer students would continue attending the campus, and there is no intention to change the name. The Vice Principal of the school would report to the CHS Principal, and CHS would become responsible for all students, staff and activities on the Pioneer campus.

One of the issues Pioneer struggles with is the fact that the Nevada Department of Education does not consider them an alternative campus but rather expects them to adhere to the same standards as a comprehensive high school when it comes to ratings, which is often impossible given Pioneer’s small class sizes.

For example, Associate Superintendent of Educational Services Tasha Fuson said, Pioneer has struggled to get a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program off the ground. In order to have a CTE program, which is necessary for NDE ratings, a minimum of 45 students would need to sign up for just one introductory CTE course. However, between freshman and sophomore students, Pioneer only has around 50 students total.

“It is extremely difficult to earn points as a small alternative school,” Feuling said.

Under the umbrella of CHS, Pioneer students would be able to take CTE classes, and could potentially be bused to and from the CHS campus for classes such as culinary, or extracurriculars.

Trustees questioned if students would still have their own graduation, prom, and extracurriculars such as speech and debate, and Fuson said it would be left up to the schools and students.

“We at the district office are not going to make that decision for them,” Fuson said. “It’s, ‘what do the students want? Is it important to them to have a separate celebration at Pioneer Academy?’ We’ll be considering the desires of the stakeholders of those programs.”

Many trustees said they would like to see the students themselves involved in the plans.

“The school has really come into its own, there’s a group of students that feel very at home and comfortable there,” Trustee Mike Walker said.  “Including their involvement and say in how it progresses and the identity; if they feel accepted and safe, they’re going to do better in school and set them up for their future. We need to keep that intact as much as possible.”

Fueling said the district will continue working on the merger, and will stay in contact with parents and staff at Pioneer moving forward.

Photos: A spring day in Washoe Valley

Wed, 15 May 2024 20:37:17 +0000

Photos by Katie Farr

Some of our fellow residents enjoying their home on a perfect spring day in Washoe Valley.
Scroll and click on photo to enlarge.

April median home sales price drops below $500K in Carson City; Douglas up 12% at $661K

Jeff Munson — Wed, 15 May 2024 18:25:14 +0000

Press release

Sierra Nevada Realtors this week released its April 2024 report on existing home sales in Carson City, Lyon, Douglas, Storey, Washoe and Churchill counties. This report includes the median sales price and number of home sales in the region. SNR obtains its information from the Northern Nevada Regional Multiple Listing Service.

April Market Highlights:

The median home price across the six counties (Washoe, Storey, Lyon, Douglas, and Churchill counties, along with Carson City) for April was $535,000, an increase of 1% from the previous month.

Single-family home prices are up in all six regions compared to this time last year.

The number of listings has increased from last month in all regions except Storey County.

“As we transition from Spring to Summer months, it is evident that the local housing market is heating up,” said SNR president Robert Bartshe. “Home prices have increased from this time last year, however it is a great time to enter the market. We encourage individuals considering real estate transactions to seek guidance from a local agent for informed decision-making in this dynamic market environment.”

For more market insights, click here.

For 2024, it’s important to know that members of the Sierra Nevada Realtors can help buyers and sellers learn what programs might be right for them. More information, divided by county, is provided below. Sales numbers in Washoe, Storey, Douglas, and Churchill counties, along with Carson City, are for existing “stick-built, single-family dwellings” only and do not include condominiums, townhomes, manufactured, modular or newly constructed homes unless otherwise stated. Sales numbers for Lyon County include existing “stick-built, single-family dwellings” only and do not include condominiums or townhomes, however, it does include manufactured homes.

Note: These numbers reflect the statistics from May 6, 2024 and are most accurate due to the portal numbers not locking. For the most updated statistics, please contact SNR.

Carson City

In April 2024, Carson City had 51 sales of existing single-family homes, a 10.9% increase from the previous month and from last year.

The median sales price for an existing single-family residence was $495,000, a decrease of 12.8% from the previous month and an increase of 3.8% from the previous year.

The existing condominium/townhome median sales price in April 2024 was $424,000, an increase of 32.5% from last year.

Lyon County (Includes manufactured and single-family residences)

In April 2024, Lyon County had 90 sales of existing single-family homes and manufactured properties, a decrease of 17.4% from the previous month and a decrease of 8.2% from last year.

The median sales price for existing manufactured and single-family residences were $380,500, a decrease of 3.5% from last month and an increase of 8.7% from the previous year.

Douglas County

In April 2024, Douglas County had 61 sales of existing single-family homes, an increase of 35.6% from the previous month and a decrease of 7.6% from last year.

The median sales price for an existing single-family residence was $661,000, an increase of 12% from the previous month and an increase of 27.1% from last year.

Storey County

In April 2024, Storey County had 4 sales of existing single-family homes, down 20% from the previous month and up 33.3% from last year.

The median sales price for an existing single-family residence was $595,000, an increase of 8.2% from the previous month and an increase of 42% from last year.

Washoe County (Excluding Incline Village)

In April 2024, Washoe County, excluding the area of Incline Village, saw 499 new listings and 373 closed sales.
The median sales price for an existing single-family residence in Washoe County was $565,000, a decrease of 1.7% from the previous month and an increase of 4.6% from last year.

The median sales price of an existing condominium/townhome in Washoe County in April 2024 was $365,820, 16.1% up from last year.

Churchill County

In April 2024, Churchill County had 23 sales of existing single-family homes, a decrease of 8% from the previous month and a decrease of 14.8% from last year.
The median sales price for an existing single-family residence was $385,000, an increase of 5.5% from the previous month and up 13.9% from last year.

Sierra Nevada Realtors is a realtor association serving six northern Nevada counties including Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Lyon, and Washoe counties. The unified Sierra Nevada Realtors is a leading voice on the residential housing market in northern Nevada and nationally, representing more than 3,700 members.

Lyon County Sheriff: Fernley residence target of early morning 'swatting' prank

Jeff Munson — Wed, 15 May 2024 18:10:09 +0000

Lyon County Sheriff's Office

On May 15th, 2024, shortly after midnight, deputies with the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence located on the 600 block of Angela Street in Fernley, Nev., reference a caller who reported that he had murdered his mother. The caller additionally provided that he barricaded himself inside the house, was armed with a rifle, and had planted pipe bombs at the residence.

Responding deputies established a perimeter around the residence, and announcements were given through a patrol vehicle’s Public Announcement (PA) speaker for them to exit the house. Shortly afterward, a resident who appeared was safely detained and questioned. After speaking with the resident, deputies conducted a welfare check on the other occupants of the home, and concluded the call was a hoax (or “swatting” call).

Swatting is a dangerous prank where someone falsely reports a serious emergency that results in a heavily armed police response, often involving SWAT teams (hence the term "swatting"). Swatting incidents can have severe consequences, including injury or even death, as they create highly stressful and potentially dangerous situations for both the victims and law enforcement officers involved.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are either the victim of a swatting, or are being targeted by a swatting attempt, it is crucial to stay as calm and composed as possible while interacting with responders. Stay calm, follow instructions, keep your hands visible at all times, avoid making sudden movements, and provide authorities with any relevant information you may have, such as possible suspects or evidence that could help them investigate the incident.