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Tahoe’s Sand Harbor State Park to require day-use reservations

admin — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 21:50:59 +0000

Amy Alonzo, The Nevada Independent

Starting in mid-August, day-use reservations will be required on weekends and holidays at Lake Tahoe’s popular Sand Harbor State Park.

Nevada State Parks is piloting the weekend and holiday reservation system from Aug. 17 through Oct. 13, with plans to roll out a permanent daily reservation system in April 2025.

Entry to the park after 10:30 a.m. will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to park capacity.

Visitors can begin booking reservations July 1.

Reservations made before the day of arrival are subject to a non-refundable, $5 fee; reservations for same-day bookings will be waived.

Sand Harbor is the second Nevada state park to require day-use reservations. Last year, Nevada State Parks piloted a day-use reservation system at Southern Nevada’s Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area.

The reservation system is an attempt to reduce congestion on Highway 28 and alleviate overcrowding. Sand Harbor is the most heavily visited site in the Nevada State Park system, drawing more than 1 million visitors per year.

In 2011, Nevada State Parks started locking Sand Harbor’s gates when the parking lot was full, a practice still in place today, but visitors continue flocking to the park.

The park, which sees more than 3,000 visitors per day during the crowded summer season, was only designed for about 1,200 visitors per day.

Sand Harbor is known for its sandy beaches and rocky coves for swimming and kayaking, and is home of the annual Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival.

Officials are drafting a new master plan for the park to improve traffic flow and sustainability. A final draft is expected in January, with construction starting around the end of the decade.

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

Nevada Lions Club District 46 raise $26,000 to help Maui fire survivors

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 21:28:35 +0000

By Terry Rubald

In August, 2023, several wildfires ignited on the island of Maui in Hawaii. The worst one occurred on August 8, 2023, when a brush fire ignited near the town of Lahaina. Hundreds of homes burned in a matter of minutes and ultimately over 100 people lost their lives. The Lions of Hawaii have helped address the needs of the survivors since then, but it will take years to recover from this major disaster.

The Lions of District 46 (Nevada/California) stepped up to the challenge of raising additional funds to help the Hawaii Lions address the survivors’ continuing housing, food, and medical needs. A core group of Lions from around the District met shortly after the fires occurred to plan and execute a fundraiser.

Past District Governors Kimo Harward from the Las Vegas Aloha Lions Club, Barry Temple from the Las Vegas Breakfasters Lions Club, as well as Past Council Chairs Irving Confino from the Las Vegas Black Mountain Club and Tim Rubald from the Carson City Host Lions Club led the effort to implement a Maui Trip prize drawing fundraiser.

Lions Clubs around the District were asked to sell tickets for a prize drawing. First prize was a seven-day trip to Maui and second prize was a $500 Visa gift card. The drawing was held during the Lions District 46 State Convention in Carson City on May 18th. The winner of the Maui trip was Jacob Handy from Beatty, Nevada, and Ray Troik of Las Vegas won the Visa gift card. Plane tickets and a condo to stay in were donated by individual Lions from Nevada.

Over 1300 tickets were sold around the state. The Las Vegas Aloha Club sold the most tickets overall, followed by the Elko, Beatty, Reno Host, and Carson City Host Lions Clubs. The individual Lion who sold the most tickets was Lion Julie Watkins of the Beatty Lions Club in Beatty, NV. Approximately $25,600 will be sent to the Hawaii Lions Foundation to be used for the benefit of the fire victims.

Greater Nevada Credit Union marks 75th anniversary with $75K in scholarships; Carson and Douglas High grads among recipients

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 20:41:06 +0000

By KPS3

Greater Nevada Credit Union (GNCU) recognized 75 years of service to Nevadans by awarding $75,000 in scholarships: $2,000 to 37 individuals pursuing their undergraduate, technical or trade school education goals, along with an additional $1,000 applied to programs supporting high school students in their graduation endeavors.

The GNCU Scholarship committee, comprised of staff and volunteer board members, selected 35 applicants 24-years-old and younger, and two individuals 25-years-old and older. Scholarship funds can be used for tuition, course registration, special classes, laboratory fees, room and board, textbooks and other class materials.

“Everyone at Greater Nevada Credit Union is thrilled to support the personal, academic, and professional journeys of these high-achieving individuals," said Bill Arensdorf, chair of the GNCU Board of Directors. "Reading their inspiring stories was a reminder of the power of education and the dreams that fuel the pursuit of lifelong learning. We are grateful to award scholarships to more applicants this year, despite the challenge of narrowing down to a handful of winners from the 240 exceptional applications."

Scholarships awarded this cycle will go towards the 2024-2025 academic year. Since the Scholarship Program’s inception in 2000, 488 individuals have been awarded more than $746,500 towards educational pursuits.

Of the 37 scholarship recipients, 26 will stay in Nevada to pursue higher education. One of these students, Michael Hoffer, is a senior in Carson City and plans to attend the University of Nevada, Reno in the fall.

“I’m excited to be the first person in my family to graduate from college,” said Hoffer. “I’m also excited to create change within my local community by becoming an attorney.”

Chana Rothschild, a GNCU Scholarship recipient, is a senior at Douglas High School in Minden, Nev. She’s planning on attending Arcadia University, a top-ranked private university in the Greater Philadelphia area, in the fall.

“I’m most excited about going to school in a new state and learning more about my future profession of law,” said Rothschild. “I would love to thank GNCU for this scholarship, as it will help immensely with my future academic endeavors.”

The GNCU Scholarship Program is a key charitable initiative and part of the credit union’s passion to help more people Live Greater by pursuing financial well being. Scholarship winners were selected by GNCU’s Scholarship Committee primarily based on financial need, with other factors such as academic performance, community involvement and written recommendations also considered. To learn more about GNCU or the GNCU Scholarship Program, visit GNCU.org/Scholarships.

About Greater Nevada Credit Union
Greater Nevada Credit Union (GNCU) is headquartered in Carson City, Nevada and has been helping Nevadans with their financial needs for the past 75 years. The credit union serves more than 88,000 consumers and small businesses and has $1.76 billion in assets. GNCU’s subsidiaries include Greater Nevada Mortgage, Greater Commercial Lending and Greater Nevada Insurance. GNCU is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and has been consistently recognized as a Best Financial Institution in many of its service areas and as a top employer by the Reno/Tahoe Best Places to Work Awards. GNCU is also the title sponsor of Greater Nevada Field in Reno. For more information, call (800) 421-6674 or visit gncu.org.

Dayton man identified in fatal crash in Lyon County, driver arrested for suspicion of DUI

Jeff Munson — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 19:01:29 +0000

Nevada State Police have identified a 30-year-old Dayton man in a fatal crash that happened June 2 on Six Mile Canyon Road and San Clemens in Lyon County, Nev. One person has been arrested for suspicion of DUI.

Passenger Tyller Nichols, 30, of Dayton was ejected in a vehicle crash involving a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Nichols died at the scene of the crash, reported at 8:34 p.m.

The preliminary investigation indicates that a white 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer was traveling southbound on Six Mile Canyon Road approaching San Clemens Avenue.

For reasons unconfirmed at this time, the Chevrolet rotated clockwise and traveled southwest across the travel lane, exited the roadway, struck a ditch, and became airborne, according to NHP in a news release. The Chevrolet then struck a fence on private property and overturned, coming to rest on its roof.

The driver of the vehicle, Kyle Walker, 34, of Dayton was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence and booked into the Lyon County jail.

The preliminary investigation indicates that both the driver and passenger were not wearing seat belts when the crash occurred.

The Nevada State Police Highway Patrol Northern Command West M.I.R.T (Multidisciplinary Investigation & Reconstruction Team) is investigating this crash.

2024 Year to date: The Nevada Highway Patrol Northern Command West has investigated 13 fatal crashes resulting in 16 fatalities. Fatalities data is preliminary and may change/be updated based on final investigation and coroner reports.

Northern Nevada Pet Expo featured at Carson City Community Center this weekend

Kelsey Penrose — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 17:45:24 +0000

Event Date:

Repeats every day until Sun Jun 16 2024 .

June 15, 2024 - 10:00am

June 16, 2024 - 10:00am

by Kelsey Penrose

The Northern Nevada Exotic Pet Expo is coming to the capital city this weekend, June 15-16 at the Carson City Community Center.

According to organizers, exotic pet vendors from all over the western U.S. join the expo each year bringing reptiles, exotic pets, supplies, and much more.

“We are dedicated to supporting small businesses and to promoting standard of care,” organizers said. “(The expo is) a fun family event that teaches responsibility of pet welfare through education and introduction. We advocate for proper environments, handling, correct cage standards, responsible breeding, escape prevention, proper procedures when in nature, as well as conservation of animals.

"We strive to teach responsible ownership in all ways, whether buying a new family member, trades or sales of all appropriate animals. Through it all we facilitate the cooperation of small businesses, rescues, and our community.”

The event is for you if you’re searching for a new pet, supplies and feeders, or just want to be introduced to all kinds of amazing animals.

The event runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ticket prices are as follows:

Adults (13 and over) $12
Seniors (65+) and Veterans are $10
Students with Student ID $8
6 to 12 years are $5
Under 5 are free

A portion of tickets sales will be given to 4-H (Cold Blooded Critters) to continue further education for kids and animals.

For more information please visit https://www.nonevreps.com.

El Billar, Northern Nevada's first Latina-owned pool hall, opens its doors in Carson City

Kelsey Penrose — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 17:10:04 +0000

by Kelsey Penrose

Billiards is a family tradition for Crystal Sandoval. While she was born and raised in Carson City, as well as a Carson High graduate, her parents are immigrants: her father was born in Honduras, and her mother in Nicaragua, and they had run a billiards hall in Nicaragua for years before coming to Carson City.

"When the whole family came over to the states, they brought the idea to me to continue the family business, since they had it for a long time," Sandoval said.

After discussions with her husband, Sandoval decided to open her own pool hall in her hometown, which is how El Billar (pronounced bee-yar) was born. Her husband owns Carson Auto Body, and Sandoval is a real estate agent by day, so owning a bar and billiards hall is a first for both of them.

"We put our heads together, we put our funds together, and we opened this up," Sandoval said. "We both thought it would be great to follow the family business."

The pool hall offers six identical eight-foot Brunswick tournament pool tables, along with a full bar and several flat screens for sports viewing. They've been open for about a month, but have already been busy. They plan to open tournaments within the month.

"We have draft, we have all the liquors; we love our tequila here, and our rum," Sandoval added. "We have a lot to choose from."

Sandoval didn't know she had become the first Latina billiards owner in Northern Nevada until Carson City Community Development Director Hope Sullivan, who handled the permitting and liquor license, researched it for her.

"I had no idea, but it's very cool," Sandoval said. "I feel accomplished; before all this, before I was a real estate agent, I worked for the courts right after high school. I got my bachelor's in law with an emphasis in law enforcement. So this is completely different from what I had wanted to do before. It's challenging because people come in here and they see that I'm young, and that I'm a woman running a bar, and they say, 'You're the owner?' And I just say 'yeah.' I have fantastic employees, and I have a great team behind me which is so important to get this thing going."

El Billar is located at 208 E. Winnie Ln. Sandoval joins a number of Hispanic- or Latino-owned businesses in the Winnie Lane shopping center. The other businesses include San Marcos Grill, La Santaneca Salvadoran cuisine, La Tapatia Ice Cream, El Torito bakery and butcher shop, and Miami Vibes.

While it wasn't necessarily planned that way, the business owners are all very supportive of each other within the shopping center.

"San Marcos especially sends so many people our way," Sandoval said. "We all know each other now and support each other's businesses."

While El Billar may sport a Spanish name, the pool hall is for everyone.

"We want to make sure the community knows that everybody is welcome here," Sandoval said. "Everybody is invited; we play all kinds of music from classic rock to Spanish, we have people from all walks of life who come in."

The hall opens everyday at 4 p.m. and typically closes around 11 p.m. except on Fridays and Saturdays where they will stay open until 2 or 3 a.m.

Engineering, welding students create metal art for Carson City Chamber leadership project

Jeff Munson — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 16:39:05 +0000

Carson City School District

Engineering and welding students from Carson High School collaborated with the Carson City Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Class to design and create metal artwork for their effort to renew Mills Park Amphitheater and Memorial.

The students took hand-drawn sketches to derive the original art form, the Carson City Golden Eagle and the Nevada Bluebird.

Aaron Whit, CHS junior in Computer Integrated Manufacturing, modeled the birds in the computer program Fusion and prepared for them for the plasma cutting table. Ben Morrison, CHS senior in Advanced Welding, completed the file transfer to the plasma cutting table and finished the metal to its colored state. Both of the students demonstrated excellent craftsmanship and a blast completing the project.

The finished piece has the metal colors brought out by oxy-acetylene processing. The leadership class of the Carson City Chamber of Commerce handled the installation of the metal art.

ICYM: 2024 Taste of Downtown Carson City happening Saturday

Jeff Munson — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 15:51:15 +0000

Event Date:

June 15, 2024 - 5:30pm

Carson City eateries will take to the streets at the center of the capital city this Saturday, June 15 for the 30th Taste of Downtown, a long tradition to benefit the city's shelter for domestic violence victims.

More than two dozen restaurants, cafes and food trucks — plus two live bands — will participate in Carson City’s premier summer event, which draws thousands of hungry foodies annually to sample a variety of dishes made fresh by local dining and food establishments. Go here for a list of participants.

"It's been 30 years since we did our first Taste of Downtown and we watched it turn into the biggest community event outside of Nevada Day," said Lisa Lee, executive director of Advocates to End Domestic Violence, which has been behind the event since it began.

Taste of Downtown is happening Saturday, June 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., with music continuing until 10 p.m. Two live bands will perform, Nevada 445 and Hale Mari.

Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here or here. They will be available for pick up on Saturday, June 15, after 11 a.m. at the Will Call Booth, across from the state capitol. Current online price is $45 plus processing fees. This event has limited tickets for sale.

If there are tickets available, they will be for sale the day of the event, Saturday, June 15, after 11 a.m. at the Will Call Booth, across from the state capitol. Note that all sales are final. The ticket price will increase to $50 on June 15.

The price of tickets has not changed over the years, for one reason, Lee says.

"Our goal is for the community to have a great night out," she said. "The Taste is something that folks can come to, enjoy the evening, run into their friends and neighbors, all worthwhile in support of what we do in the community for domestic violence victims."

Advocates to End Domestic Violence is a private, not-for-profit organization, formed in 1979 by two formerly battered women who saw a need for a domestic violence program in Carson City. The agency has grown from a small two-bedroom apartment, to a full service program that operates a 51-bed shelter and provides a wide variety of services designed to protect and support battered women and their children in the community.

Carson City hikes hosted by Muscle Powered happening Tuesday and Thursday

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 14:03:41 +0000

By Janet McDonnell

Join us this Tuesday, 8 a.m. for a hike on the Centennial Park Loop Trail. Meet at the north end, across from the ball fields for a 4.5 mile hike. Come on out and enjoy the morning.

For those of you participating in the Carson City Trails Challenge, Thursday (June 13th) there is an evening hike at 5:30 at Silver Saddle Ranch. Meet us at the parking lot near the ranch house for a 3.6-mile hike through historic Silver Saddle Ranch to Mexican Dam.

Check out the Muscle Powered calendar here for more hikes this month!

Carson City parent and youth nights to highlight social media use and dangers

Jeff Munson — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:40:51 +0000

Social media awareness and the dangers that may be imposed on youth will be the focus of a parent and youth education night happening Tuesday, June 11 and again June 25 in Carson City.

Carson City Juvenile Services will host the first meeting in Spanish, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Carson City Juvenile Services, Probation Office, at 740 S. Saliman Road Carson City.

During the meeting Carson City Juvenile Services will provide conversation, resources and awareness when it comes to youth using social media. Tuesday's class will be in Spanish, and anyone can attend. The issue will be addressed again in an English class on Tuesday, June 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., also at Carson City Juvenile Services.

For more information, RSVP for this event, contact Michelle Entz at 775-283-7640 or email at mentz@carson.org. >p> See flyers below for meeting information.

Carson City Juvenile Services offers walk-in and crisis intervention services to anyone in the community in need of supportive services with their children. Contact the office directly at 775-887-2033 to request a walk-in appointment, or fill out an online referral for services in the link here.

To keep up to date with Carson City Juvenile Services events, check out their website and Facebook page.

Social Media Flyer for June Parent Youth Education Night 2024-Spanish by Carson Now on Scribd

Social Media Flyer for June Parent Youth Education Night 2024 by Carson Now on Scribd

Primary Election Day is Tuesday; how you can cast your ballot in Carson City

Kelsey Penrose — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 23:05:40 +0000

Event Date:

June 11, 2024 (All day)

by Kelsey Penrose

Election Day has arrived for the June 2024 primary elections, which will take place Tuesday, June 11 throughout the Silver State.

Want to know who's running in Carson City? See our previous reporting here.

The June 11 primary is important for a number of reasons, most importantly that if a candidate wins a large percentage of the vote, they will automatically win their seat in local elections.

In person early voting ran from Saturday May 25 through June 7.

Elections Tuesday will run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; as long as voters are in line by 7 p.m., they will be allowed to vote.

Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by June 11 in order to be counted, or they can be dropped off at a ballot drop box at the Carson City Community Center anytime the polls are open.

In addition, mail ballots are accepted at the Clerk-Recorder’s Office located at 885 E. Musser St. inside the Carson City Courthouse Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Unsure if you’re registered to vote? Check your registration status here: https://www.nvsos.gov/votersearch/

In addition, same-day registration is allowed under state law. Information on that process can be found here.

If you have any questions regarding the election, you can contact the Clerk-Recorder’s Office at (775) 887-2260

Douglas Sheriff: Teens arrested for vehicle burglaries, possession of stolen firearms

Jeff Munson — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 22:29:29 +0000

A total of five teens have been arrested for crimes ranging from possession of stolen firearms to allegedly committing a rash of vehicle burglaries in the Gardnerville Ranchos during the early morning hours of Sunday, May 26, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

A 17-year-old male was arrested at Douglas High School and booked into the Douglas County Juvenile Detention Facility for burglary, grand larceny of a firearm, unlawful sale of a firearm, and being a juvenile is possession of a firearm.

A 15-year-old male was arrested at his home and booked into the Juvenile Detention Facility for burglary and grand larceny of a firearm.

A 14-year-old male was arrested a Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School and booked into the Detention Facility for burglary.

Earlier, Douglas County Sheriff's Office put out the following information.

On Wednesday, June 5, 2024, Douglas County sheriff's deputies and investigators learned that a 17-year-old male Minden resident was actively trying to sell a Springfield Armory semi-automatic pistol to other juveniles.

DCSO Investigators contacted this 17-year-old male and recovered the pistol. It was determined that the 17-year-old male had gotten the Springfield Armory pistol from a 16-year-old male from Gardnerville.

On Friday, June 7, 2024, investigators interviewed the 16-year-old Gardnerville resident who admitted to selling the Springfield Armory pistol to the 17-year-old Minden resident.

The 16-year-old Gardnerville resident also admitted that he along with another 16-year-old male and a 14-year- old male (both from Gardnerville) committing numerous vehicle burglaries in the Gardnerville Ranchos during the early morning hours of Sunday, May 26.

The 16-year-old admitted that the Springfield Armory pistol had been stolen from a vehicle during the rash of burglaries (the theft of this pistol had not even been reported to DCSO). A Ruger pistol had also been stolen from another vehicle during the burglaries.

It was determined that the Ruger pistol had been sold to a 16-year-old male Gardnerville resident who was on juvenile parole for car-jacking.

DCSO Investigators located the 16-year-old parolee at the carnival in Lampe Park during the evening hours of Friday, June 7. The 16-year-old parolee had the loaded Ruger pistol in his pants pocket when he was contacted at the carnival.

The 17-year-old Minden resident was booked into the Douglas County Juvenile Detention Facility for possession of a stolen firearm, prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and being a juvenile in possession of a firearm.

Burglary and firearm related charges are forthcoming for the three juveniles who committed the vehicle burglaries in the Ranchos.

The 16-year-old parolee was booked into the Douglas County Juvenile Detention Facility for parole violation, possession of a stolen firearm, prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and being a juvenile in possession of a firearm.

Father's Day Powwow, fair at Mills Park and more among family activities in Carson City this week

Kelsey Penrose — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 22:20:11 +0000

Event Date:

Repeats every day until Sun Jun 16 2024 .

June 10, 2024 (All day)

June 11, 2024 (All day)

June 12, 2024 (All day)

June 13, 2024 (All day)

June 14, 2024 (All day)

June 15, 2024 (All day)

June 16, 2024 (All day)

by Kelsey Penrose

Looking for a place to take your little ones this week? Look no further! Here is a list of family-friendly (and fun!) activities and events happening this week around Carson City.

Multiple Days

Stewart Father's Day Powwow returns June 14

The Annual Stewart Father's Day Powwow at the former Stewart Indian Boarding School Campus located at 5500 Snyder Ave in Carson City, returns beginning June 14. There will be over 40 Native American arts and crafts as well as food vendors, competition and social dancing. Festivities begin Friday June 14 at 6:30 p.m. and continue Saturday June 15 beginning at 9 a.m. and again on Sunday, June 16

4-H invites you to Summer Camp in Carson City June 12-14

Carson County 4-H would like to invite you to Summer Camp! Three days of day camp take place in June here in Carson City. Camp dates are June 12, 13, and 14, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Teen Hours in the Digitorium

Come visit the Carson City Library and hang out in a space designed with teens in mind! Monday-Friday 2:30pm-5:30pm. All teens welcome!

STEM Explore Art Summer Camp: June 10 - 12 at Messy Kids Art School

Art Summer Camp June 10-12 for ages 5-11 is themed STEM Explore from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Nevada State Fair at Mills Park June 13-16

Join us for carnival rides, food trucks, and local vendors.

Northern Nevada Exotic Pet Expo June 15 - 16

A family fun event at the Carson City Community Center full of raffles, pets, educational speakers, food, and more.

Monday, June 10

Bilingual Bobcats Storytime at the Library

For kids of all ages; Join us for weekly stories, songs and crafts all designed to help Spanish speakers learn English and English speakers learn Spanish. Participants 9 and younger must be accompanied by a caregiver who is at least 13 years old at all times. No registration is required.

Signing Sea Otters Storytime at the Library

For kids of all ages; Join us for weekly stories, songs and crafts all designed to help children and their caregivers learn American Sign Language. Participants 9 and younger must be accompanied by a caregiver who is at least 13 years old at all times. No registration is required.

Tuesday, June 11

Open Play at Messy Kids Art School

Includes babe area climbing structures for ages 0-2 and gross motor climbing structures for ages 2-8. Dramatic play town, occasional indoor bouncy house and ball pit, open art studio, caregivers internet lounge and coffee bar. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ages 1 and up $10 with siblings half off after first child.

Baby Bookworms Storytime at the Carson City Library

For children ages 0-24 months; join in for weekly stories, songs and structured free play time from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Clear Creek Bowmen hosting Tuesday Night Shoots now through August at Carson City Archery Range, youth 17 and under are free

Clear Creek Bowmen will be hosting Tuesday Night Shoots from now until August at the Carson City Archery Range, located just East of Eagle Valley Golf Course.

Wednesday, June 12

Open Play at Messy Kids Art School

Grown Up and Guppies at the Carson City Aquatic Center

Head over to the Carson City Aquatics Center every Wednesday at 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. for Grown ups and Guppies. Making the water fun for your guppy is the most important step in preparing for swim lessons. This class is designed to acquaint adult and child with play activities and to teach very basic fundamental skills. The course is parent-driven, under the supervision of an instructor. No registration required. Class is limited to 12 adult/child pairs on a first-come first served basis. For ages 6 months to 4 years.

Storytime Wednesdays at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada

Join in for weekly storytime with an accompanying craft each Wednesday. Recommended for children ages 1 - 6. All included with museum admission.

Art Studio Craft Classes at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada

Drop-in art studio every Wednesday and Friday from 2 - 4 p.m. Creative art studio projects are included with museum admission. All ages welcome. Additional crafts are available for cost.

Lego Club at the Carson City Library

For elementary school aged children. Build self-led creations through hands-on learning with Lego education materials. No registration is required. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Bedtime Bears Storytime at the Carson City Library

For kids of all ages: Join us every Wednesday night for stories, songs and crafts designed to help kids wind down at the end of the day. From 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday Family night Dine and Dance at Nashville Social Club

Tim Renner DANCE Instructor at Nashville Social Club, Carson City spinning the Country on a Wednesday night and teaching a new line dance along a lead/follow. Family night dine & dance kids under 10 years Free, no cover.

Thursday, June 13

Open Play at Messy Kids Art School

Big Kid Butterflies Storytime at the Carson City Library

For children ages 1 to 5; join for weekly stories, songs and crafts. No registration is required. 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Open STEM Lab Thursdays at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada

The STEM Classroom is open every Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. for funny educational, weekly activities. All included with museum admission. All ages welcome.

Fingerboarding Club at the Carson City Library

Enjoy doing tricks and having fun with miniature skateboards. A table will be set up with a skatepark for an hour of fnigerboarding. Fingerboards will be provided but feel free to bring your own. Open to patrons 14 and up. No registration required. From 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday, June 14

Art Studio Craft Classes at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada

Drop-in art studio every Wednesday and Friday from 2 - 4 p.m. Creative art studio projects are included with museum admission. All ages welcome. Additional crafts are available for cost.

Bowers Mansion Programs on the Porch returns Fridays in May and June

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.

BEETLEJUICE! BEETLEJUICE! BEETLEJUICE!

Revisit the cinematic classic, Beetlejuice, Friday, June 14 in Carson City at the Brewery Arts Center prior to the release of the new Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice movie coming out in September. Enjoy complimentary themed cocktails and snacks while dressed in your finest movie attire. The party begins at 7 pm with the doors opening for the movie at 8 pm.

Gardnerville: Movies in the Park

This week the movie in the park is Star Wars, Return of the Jedi. The movie begins at sunset.

Saturday, June 15

Carson City Farmers Market returns June 8 with even more vendors at Mills Park

The market returns from June 8 to September 28 between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Mills Park.

Chess Club for all ages at the Carson City Library

Stop by and play chess, or learn to play chess, at the Carson City Library every Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. All skill levels are welcome.

Are your kids interesting in aviation? Young Eagles offers free flights at Carson City Airport

Interested in experiencing the thrill of flight in a single engine aircraft? The Carson City EAA Chapter 403 is hosting another Young Eagles event at the Carson City Airport. This event is free and is open to kids ages 8-17 years of age.

Historic Fourth Ward School Museum hosts 4th annual Educational Kids Fair

The Fourth Annual Educational Kids’ Fair returns to the Historic Fourth Ward School Museum in Virginia City! Join us for an interactive day of exploration, fun crafts and interesting activities provided by local businesses & organizations in our Victorian Era school house museum on the Saturday of Fathers’ Day weekend.

Foodie Favorite: Taste of Downtown Carson City returns for 30th year June 15

Caboose Corner, Water Day and Jr. Railroaders at the Railroad Museum

Caboose Corner is making a stop at the Nevada State Railroad Museum, Carson City!
Come aboard for some springtime family fun, including Toy trains tables, Games, Coloring, Water activities, Steam Train rides (Individual Pricing) (Saturday and Sunday), JJs Chuck Wagon Food Truck. Beginning at 10 a.m.

Sunday, June 16

Minden Board Game Group- Carson Branch

Carson City Library in the Digitorium Sundays from noon to 3:30 p.m. All ages welcome, no registration required!

Gardnerville: Kids Day Out at Heritage Park

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Family fun, vendors, food trucks, and more.

Did we miss any? Send any family-friendly event information to kelsey@carsonnow.org, or comment below!

Chautauqua at Carson City Senior Center highlights Donner Party’s James and Margret Reed

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 20:18:50 +0000

By Carson city Senior Center

On Tuesday June 11 at 1:30 p.m., the Carson City Senior Center presents a Chautauqua performance of James and Margret Reed, hero’s and survivors of the infamous 1846 Donner Party.

The 55 minute program is free and open to everyone. Call David at 760 920 8061 for more info. The Senior Center is located at 911 Beverly Dr. Carson City.

Click flyer above for more information.

Carson City School Board to discuss civic test results, staff evaluations and more Tuesday

Kelsey Penrose — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 17:55:38 +0000

Event Date:

June 11, 2024 - 6:30pm

by Kelsey Penrose

The next Carson City School Board meeting will take place Tuesday, June 11 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Bob Crowell Board Room of the Community Center locate at 851 E. William St.

Trustees will discuss policy changes, test results, partnerships and more.

— Trustees to hear civics test results.

A senate bill passed in 2017 requires high school students to be able to pass a civics test identical to the civics portion of the naturalization test for immigrants. The presentation will cover the district’s results for the class of 2024.

— Trustees will discuss removing certain policies regarding teacher, staff evaluations.

Staff is recommending trustees remove certain policies regarding teacher and staff evaluations due to another policy adoption. Policy 314, adopted this year, includes the Nevada Educator Performance Framework as the “unified framework of evaluation” for staff.

— The proposed CCSD Community Partner Recognition Program for the 2024-25 school year will be discussed in support of the strategic plan, Empower Carson City 2027 Goal 5: A Community in Full Partnership.

According to the agenda, the district is “very fortunate to have widespread support from individuals and the business community in providing opportunities to our students and schools.” Over the past year, staff has been working to develop a standardized program of recognition for community partners along with new opportunities for partnerships. Staff will present a draft of the program to be implemented beginning in the 2024-25 school year.

— Trustees will review and possibly approve the renewal of an insurance package with Nevada Public Agency Pool for a total program cost not to exceed $952,832.26 among other package costs.

The district has been a member of the pool since 1996. The risk sharing pool provides “broad limits of coverage, risk management programs and grant funding” according to the agenda. The cost of the program has recently increased, and an evaluation of the commercial marketplace was conducted.

The full agenda can be viewed here.

Carson City man admits to making fireworks, booked for having explosive material in home, child and elder neglect

Jeff Munson — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 17:08:30 +0000

A 31-year-old man was arrested Friday for felony possession of explosive device components, two counts child neglect and two counts elder neglect among the alleged offenses, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.

Ian Ryan Figueroa was taken into custody at 12:31 p.m. in the 1900 block of Airport Road. He was also booked for suspicion of felony possession of a explosive device in public/private area and gross misdemeanor disregard for safety of person or property.

According to the booking report, Carson City sheriff's deputies were called to a domestic dispute, where the reporting party stated there was a verbal argument and that Figueroa had two pipe bombs.

When deputies and a sergeant arrived the two people, Figueroa and his girlfriend, were separated. There were young children running around crying and visibly upset.

Officers spoke with Figueroa who said he is into making fireworks in his spare time and occasionally buys materials online such as powders and capsule devices. He stated firework making has been a hobby of his but does not have a license for it or any business reason, the report states.

The man told deputies that he and his girlfriend got into an argument because he was drinking. He stated his girlfriend did not like when he drank and as a result a verbal argument began and that's when she called the sheriff's office to respond. He stated he had four shots earlier. He provided a breath test with a result of .174, according to the report.

During the investigation, officers located materials that were in a bathroom toward the back of the residence. Officers observed two large bags with different colored powders within. The bags were in the bathroom with a small backpack in front of the shower.

One bag contained white powder that was tabled "Potassium Perchlorate" and the second bag contained a grey powder labeled "Indian Blackhead Aluminum Powder." On the floor next to the bags in the open was three completed possible explosives that were cylindrical and had a green string protruding from the top, the report states.

Deputies informed all parties not to enter the residence until it was certain there wasn't a threat at the time. Officers then learned there were two elderly persons inside the house who had health issues and could not walk to exit the home, the report states. Two young children, who were upset and crying, were outside of the house with another family member, the report states.

Deputies contacted Douglas County Bomb squad for further information on the devices and powder. Deputies were advised "Potassium Perchlorate" is a precursor powder used in the making of fireworks and other highly flammable material.

Douglas officers advised when combined with other substances the powders can create extreme reactions and be highly reactive. The bomb squad advised the devices and powders separately are safe but not to combine any of them as a reaction could occur. They stated to keep the powders and devices in a safe location and away from other material. Deputies seized the powder and devices and booked them into evidence, the report states.

After all parties were interviewed and the materials were taken care of, officers returned to the suspect in front of the residence. It was apparent the powders and materials were not in a safe environment or location and the elderly people and the young children were in an unsafe situation, with the elderly and children unable to exit the residence safely, the report states.

Figueroa was arrested for the alleged crimes of possession of explosive device components/incendiary device, possession of explosive device in a public/private area, two counts felony child abuse / neglect, 2 gross misdemeanor counts elder abuse / neglect. Bail: $40,000.

In other arrests:
— A 38-year-old Carson City woman was arrested Sunday for suspicion of misdemeanor domestic battery.

According to the booking report, officers investigating the incident learned that a husband and wife were in an argument, that she had been drinking, that the husband took her marijuana vape and threw it on the roof of their home and that she hit him on his head 3 or 4 times.

The man left and took his child to a neighbor's home to avoid further issues. He stated these arguments have been an ongoing issue, the report states.

Officers spoke with the woman and could smell a strong odor of alcohol coming from her breath. She stated she had been drinking earlier that night. She said the argument started between the two because he had gone to a neighbor's home and returned home drunk.

She said he grabbed her marijuana vape pen and started teasing that he had it. She said she walked away and when she returned to the kitchen, she asked him where the pen was. She said he said he had thrown it on the roof. The woman stated that made her angry and she admitted to pushing the man first, according to the report.

She stated the man pushed her back and that she slapped him on the left side of his face with her right hand. She also admitted to hitting him on the top of his head. She stated there have been several prior domestic disputes and they have been planning on getting a divorce, according to the report.

Officers did not observe any marks on the woman or her husband, the report states. Based on the woman's statements, officers determined she was the primary aggressor and she was arrested for alleged domestic battery. Bail: $3,197.

— A 32-year-old woman, Isela Tovar Flores, was arrested Sunday, 8:21 a.m. for suspicion of felony possession to sell schedule I/II drugs, and possession of a controlled substance.

During the investigation, officers located the following: A small clear bag containing suspected methamphetamine, 3 smaller empty clear zip log baggies, 3 handwritten notes with names of people who owe the woman and who she owes. There were different names and amounts of money written. Bail: $5,000.

— A 35-year-old Carson City man, Jerome Isaac Gutierrez, was arrested for a felony fugitive from justice warrant out of Tulare County Superior Court, driving an unregistered vehicle on the road way and no proof of insurance. Bail: $50,000.

— 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.

Carson City median home price $543,975 in May, up nearly 10 percent

Jeff Munson — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 16:10:53 +0000

Sierra Nevada Realtors

Sierra Nevada Realtors on Monday released its May 2024 report on existing home sales in Washoe, Storey, Lyon, Douglas, and Churchill counties, along with Carson City.

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.

May housing market highlights include:

The median sales price for a single-family home has increased since last month in Washoe and Lyon County, as well as Carson City, but decreased in Churchill, Storey, and Douglas Counties.

The housing market currently has 9.7 percent more active inventory available across all six regions compared to last month.

There have been 632 closed sales across all six regions combined, which is 8.6 percent more than the month prior

“Understanding the dynamics of our local housing market is crucial for buyers and sellers,” said SNR president Robert Bartshe. “With the summer months beginning and the market heating up, it's important to consult with a local realtor. This will ensure you are equipped with the expertise and resources to guide you through the complexities of the market, providing you with invaluable insights and support.”

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 Carson City, Washoe, Storey, Douglas, and Churchill counties 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 June 5, 2024 and are most accurate due to the portal numbers not locking. For the most updated statistics, please contact SNR.

Carson City

In May 2024, Carson City had 46 sales of existing single-family homes, a 9.8% decrease from the previous month and a 9.8% increase from last year.

The median sales price for an existing single-family residence was $543,975, an increase of 9.9% from the previous month and an increase of 14% from the previous year.

The existing condominium/townhome median sales price in May 2024 was $305,000, a decrease of 28.1% from last month and a decrease of 3.2% from last year.

Lyon County (Includes manufactured and single-family residences)

In May 2024, Lyon County had 116 sales of existing single-family homes and manufactured properties, an increase of 28.9% from the previous month and a decrease of 1.7% from last year.

The median sales price for existing manufactured and single-family residences was $399,9950, an increase of 5.1% from last month and an increase of 9.9% from the previous year.

Douglas County

In May 2024, Douglas County had 45 sales of existing single-family homes, a decrease of 26.2% from the previous month and a decrease of 29.7% from last year.

The median sales price for an existing single-family residence was $615,000, a decrease of 7% from the previous month and an increase of 16.6% from last year.

Churchill County

In May 2024, Churchill County had 24 sales of existing single-family homes, an increase of 4.3% from the previous month and a decrease of 22.6% from last year. %5
The median sales price for an existing single-family residence was $351,000, a decrease of 8.8% from the previous month and down 2.5% from last year.

Storey County

In May 2024, Storey County had 5 sales of existing single-family homes, up 25% from the previous month and from last year.

The median sales price for an existing single-family residence was $555,000, a decrease of 6.7% from the previous month and a decrease of 10.2% from last year.

Washoe County (Excluding Incline Village)

In May 2024, Washoe County, excluding the area of Incline Village, saw 562 new listings and 418 closed sales.
The median sales price for an existing single-family residence in Washoe County was $587,000, a decrease of 3.9% from the previous month and an increase of 5.8% from last year.

The median sales price of an existing condominium/townhome in Washoe County in May 2024 was $363,000, down 0.8% from last month and 5.6% up 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 Realtor is a leading voice on the residential housing market in northern Nevada and nationally, representing more than 3,700 members.

Carson City Rotary speaker Tammy Westergard to discuss career mapping to find employment

Jeff Munson — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 15:00:21 +0000

Event Date:

June 11, 2024 - 12:00pm

By Denise Clodjeaux

Tammy Westergard, with the Nevada Governor’s Office for Economic Development, will be the speaker at the next Rotary Club of Carson City meeting.

Westergard, who serves as Senior Workforce Librarian-in-Residence, will discuss the state’s Individual Career Mapping (ICM) process. The meeting takes place Tuesday, June 11, at noon in the Brewery Arts Center’s Grand Ballroom, 449 West King Street, Carson City.

The public is invited to attend. ICM helps job seekers identify transferable skills and abilities that can help them find new employment opportunities.

The program has significant benefits in the rural communities by offering residents training and employment opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math.

Anyone interested in attending the meeting should email carsoncitynvrotary@gmail.com

Pine Nuts: Jury law and AI

Jeff Munson — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 13:40:23 +0000

By McAvoy Layne

There is nothing more pleasing to mine ear than the music of children at play, and yet that gladdening music is scarce today, as mortgages and rents push potential parents away from our mountain redoubt. Why not let AI take over the humdrum jobs, and free folks to create art, make music, author books, make babies, because at bottom that’s what we all want to do.

And why stop at eliminating humdrum jobs when AI could just as easily run legislatures, allowing our public servants to repair to the groggery to talk about their campaigns for reelection, and what a guttersnipe their opponent is, without the offensive intrusion of governing.

And while we’re at it, let’s replace the 12-person jury with AI to decide a case in minutes rather than days or weeks. As Mark Twain opined away back in 1862, “When the peremptory challenges were all exhausted, a jury of twelve men was impaneled — a jury who swore they had neither heard, read, talked about, nor expressed an opinion concerning a murder which the Indians in the sagebrush, the very cattle in the corrals, and the stones in the streets were cognizant of!”

Unless they have crawled out from under a rock, think how difficult it is today to find 12 jurors who have not already made up their minds on a case before peremptory challenges. And too, AI would not have to worry about being doxed following the verdict, as we live in an age when application of justice is oftentimes met with retaliation of injustice.

For someone who has lived much of the past 40 years in the 19th century, I am more than a little apprehensive of AI. I would rather ask a librarian than ask AI, and I will most likely go to my grave carrying this archaic preference.

Mark Twain had the ability to characterize social inadequacies such as our American justice system in one sentence.

"I have but one definite purpose in view: that is, to make enough money to insure me a fair trial, and then to go and kill Colonel Evans."

Or take this little Twain snipe from Nevada: “Our ranches here are very scattered, as scattered perhaps as lawyers in heaven.”

Much as I fear AI, I do admire the art, as illustrated above by Twain scholar Barb Schmidt.

Finally, as is our custom, we shall leave the last word to our mutual friend, Mark Twain.

“What we need now, is not laws against crime, but a law against insanity. That is where the true evil lies. We have an insanity plea that would have saved Cain ... Do you know why Cain has been branded as a murderer so heartily and unanimously in this country? Because he was neither a Republican nor a Democrat. No, the way it is now, the asylums can hold the sane people, but if we tried to shut-up the insane, we should run out of building materials.”

— For more than 35 years, in over 4,000 performances, columnist and Chautauquan McAvoy Layne has been dedicated to preserving the wit and wisdom of “The Wild Humorist of the Pacific Slope,” Mark Twain. As Layne puts it: “It’s like being a Monday through Friday preacher, whose sermon, though not reverently pious, is fervently American."

Go here for the spoken word version of this and other columns.

Northern Nevada backyards and gardens: What about peonies?

Jeff Munson — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 00:05:07 +0000

By JoAnne Skelly

What about peonies?” my friend Kristen asked me recently. She wanted to purchase some for her daughter’s new home. I love peonies, their look and fragrance. I tried to grow them years ago, but failed, probably because of their need for rich, fertile soil. They didn’t grow even with get six hours to eight hours of sun per day.

I read Carson City’s Greenhouse Garden Center & Gift Shop fact sheet on growing peonies here. Find a spot that meets the sun and soil requirements, including a 6.5 pH. Then, dig a hole 18 inches deep and wide.

Loosen the soil and mix in organic matter. The experts at Greenhouse Garden Center recommend adding ¼ cup of a 5-10-5 fertilizer to half of the soil and putting it in the bottom of the hole. This will keep the fertilizer a safe distance away from the crowns of the plants. Overfertilized plants will not bloom well.

Backfill with the remaining soil until the crown of the peony is just two inches below the surface. Tamp the soil down and water immediately after planting to further settle the soil around the roots. Keep the soil slightly moist throughout the summer to ensure prolific flowers the following year.

Greenhouse Garden Center reports that the first year after planting may not yield much in the way of growth or flowers. In fact, some growers don’t allow a plant to bloom its first year. If it does, be sure to cut the flower as soon as it fades and don’t allow it to go to seed.

You should have twice as many flowers the second year and even more the third. Always cut blooms immediately after flowering. Some varieties take a few years to bloom. Peonies bloom best from four to 10 years old and may live 20 years or more.

Peonies might fail to bloom if plants are young or planted too deeply. Or clumps may be old and need dividing. Competition with nearby trees and shrubs or growing in too much shade reduces flower numbers. Too much nitrogen encourages green leafy growth at the expense of blooms. Buds may be killed by late freezes or weather may be too hot. Soil may be too dry.

Unfortunately, ground squirrels like peony buds according to another friend, Cheryl. She told me her peonies were just getting ready to bloom, when she discovered that ground squirrels had cut off all the buds. They didn’t even eat them, just chopped them off. What a waste.

— JoAnne Skelly is Associate Professor & Extension Educator, Emerita, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. She can be reached at skellyj@unr.edu.