Ice Skating

Reno Ice, the region's first and only NHL-regulation sized ice rink, has officially opened.

Wildlife was seen doing what wildlife does recently at Empire Ranch Golf Course in Carson City. This duck was seen ice skating on a frozen pond.

The weather forecast calls for partly sunny skies to continue today and mostly sunny skies on Thursday. By Thursday night into Friday, winds are expected to pick up, bringing in a slight chance of rain and snow showers.

For winter enthusiasts eager to explore South Tahoe’s vast outdoor winter wonderland, tourism officials recommend advance planning, mid-week stays, and securing reservations early for desired attractions and dining. To help visitors plan a safe, healthy winter adventure, Tahoe South offers updated information on its website at “Know Before You Go” and Responsible Recreation with all current state and county health protocols.

The Reno Ice project, a $9.5 million indoor ice skating facility in south Reno, will break ground on phase one in March, the group announced Friday.

Do you have children in the Carson City School District? Then most likely this month you’ll be attending at least one holiday concert as December seems to be the most musical month of the year for Carson City kids.

Hello fellow anglers. I am happy to say, the winter solstice has come and gone. Meaning, each day now brings one minute longer of daylight. But as we all know, that does not mean it will get any warmer soon. Down here in the Minden and Carson Valleys we've experienced an average of 7 to 10 degree mornings.

Following a recent report from Carson Now about the indefinite closure of the Arlington Square ice skating rink, many community members were upset and others wanted more information. We decided to reach out to Jennifer Budge, Carson City’s Parks and Recreation Director to help explain the details and clear the air of any confusion or rumors that may be circling on social media.

Following eight seasons of skating and in need of approximately $100,000 worth of new equipment and repair, the Arlington Square Ice Rink in downtown Carson City will not be in operation this winter, according to city officials.

Ice skaters have until 10 p.m. tonight to enjoy the Arlington Square Ice Rink set up in the parking lot between Robinson and Spear streets in downtown Carson City.

Wintery Sundays are almost asking for hot chocolate and ice skating. Head down to Carson Lanes for their Bowling ‘Golf’ Tournament and see how well you can maneuver 18 lanes with varying oil patterns. Classic movie lovers are in for a treat as Galaxy Theater offers two viewings of the 1952 favorite, ‘Singing in the Rain.’ Grab some friends or your special someone for ‘Bostyx’ featuring David Victor formerly of Boston. You’ll find this great concert in the Performance Hall at the Brewery Arts Center.

SUNDAY:

The snow has finally stopped falling and now it’s time to go play in it. What’s on your weekend fun list: snowmen and skiing or a toasty fire with a good book? If you need some help deciding, check out my list below. You’ll find great live music, including some special concerts at the Brewery Arts Center, karaoke for those over 21, and the opening weekend performances of ‘The Lion King, Jr.’ Keep reading and go have some fun.

SATURDAY:

It’s winter break for all the schoolchildren, and thankfully the Arlington Square Ice Rink opens every day at 10 a.m. A few hours of ice skating is sure to wear them out. The Carson City Library is sponsoring a winter read-a-thon for those who would rather stay bundled up warm and cozy. Dance away those holiday calories at High Sierra Swing Dance Club’s weekly ‘night out’ get together at El Charro Avita. The Firkin and Fox has all-ages karaoke if you’re ready to sing something that isn’t a Christmas Carol.

MONDAY: Kwanzaa

Tonight’s the night! With one flip of the switch all of downtown joins in the Christmas Spirit. The Silver and Snowflakes Festival includes carols, sleigh rides, hot chocolate, and of course, the lighting of the Capitol. Don’t forget to head to the First Presbyterian Church for the Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser. You’ll get a handmade, hand painted ceramic bowl to keep and lots of yummy food to keep you warm. The talented kids of Wild Horse Children’s Theater hit the stage for opening night of ‘Elf Jr.

This week's It's Your City with Cortney Bloomer features Ronni Hannaman, executive director of the Carson City Chamber of Commerce to discuss the Silver and Snowflake Festival of Lights this Friday, Dec. 2 and several other events planned for the holidays.

Dozens of skaters took to the fresh, new ice opened to the public at Arlington Square Saturday for the winter season.

Carson City's ice skating rink has returned to Arlington Square at the corner of W. Robinson St. and N. Carson St. Opening day will be Saturday, Nov. 26, with three session times to choose from: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

For more than a quarter century, Carson City’s own Silver and Snowflake Festival of Lights has rung in the holiday season for residents and visitors of the Nevada state capital.

Who do you want to see in the Super Bowl? Cheer on your favorite Sunday as the New England Patriots battle Denver and the Carolina Panthers take on the Arizona Cardinals. Sunny skies make for a perfect day for ice skating at Arlington Square Ice Rink in downtown Carson City. Feeling creative? Grab the kids and head to Van Gogh and Vino for an all-ages painting party.

SUNDAY:

• Nevada Artists Association Art Exhibit featuring Bob Hickox and Photography by Chas. H. McDonnell, III at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-5pm)
• Arlington Square Ice Rink (Sessions 10am-1pm, 2pm-5pm, 6pm-9pm; $7/$5 kids, $3 Skate Rental)
• Bingo fundraiser for Meals on Wheels at the Carson City Senior Center (doors 11am, 12:30-4pm; $10, must be 21+)

Hello fellow anglers, there's a lot going on in our local fishing world, despite the weather. With Topaz Lake opening up and the higher lakes having good ice on them this year.

I've had as many reports this last week as I would in the middle of May. Before we get to our reports, I would like to do a little education about ice conditions in our area. Our local weather temperatures have been extremely cold during the end of last year and into this year.

What better way to spend winter break then at the Arlington Square Ice Skating Rink at the corner of W. Robinson and N. Carson streets. Take advantage of extended hours Dec. 21 through Jan. 4.

The clock is ticking for last minute shoppers. Luckily, Carson City has great options for everyone on the list. Telegraph Square in downtown will be hopping with a Santa parade, vendors, and a pirate ship, in addition to great shops. The Brewery Arts Center is hosting a weekend-long art sale with one of a kind options throughout the campus. Art is a great gift, and making it is even more fun. Carson City Pottery is holding an open house today; a gift certificate for a pottery class is perfect for all skill levels.

SATURDAY:

I love Carson City. Our downtown makes every season special: flower baskets in the summer, daffodils in springtime, the changing leaves of autumn, and winter means the Nevada Christmas tree at the Capitol. Tonight is the night when the light switch gets flipped. Join Santa and our community tonight at the annual Silver and Snowflakes tree lighting. Enjoy carolers, hot cocoa, and more in Telegraph Square during the Christmas Faire. Don’t miss the talented members of Wild Horse Children’s Theater: they’ll be singing at 4 p.m.

This week's It's Your City with Cortney Bloomer looks to Friday night's annual Carson City holiday traditions: The Christmas tree lighting at the Nevada State Capitol Building and the Empty Bowls Project. Cortney talks with Robin McGregor of the Empty Bowls Project, which benefits Friends In Service Helping, also known as FISH and with Ronni Hannaman, executive director of the Carson City Chamber of Commerce.

See the video below.

This week's It's Your City with Cortney Bloomer looks to Friday night's annual Carson City holiday traditions: The Christmas tree lighting at the Nevada State Capitol Building and the Empty Bowls Project. Cortney talks with Robin McGregor of the Empty Bowls Project, which benefits Friends In Service Helping, also known as FISH and with Ronni Hannaman of the Carson City Chamber of Commerce about the tree lighting.

With ideal cold weather conditions and the holiday season now underway, children, teens and their families laced up their skates Friday and put the blades in motion for the opening of the Arlington Square Ice Skating Rink in downtown Carson City.

Friday, Dec. 4 and Saturday, Dec. 5 are evenings filled with fun. The annual tree lighting, Empty Bowls, and a Christmas Faire return to downtown to kick off the season. The Holiday Crawl on Saturday begins a new Carson City tradition.

The snow has begun to fall in the Sierra and Carson City anxiously awaits the return of the Arlington Square Ice Skating Rink at the corner of W. Robinson and N. Carson Streets. The day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 27, kicks off the season with three skate sessions to choose from: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

You have to adapt to changes in life or you won't survive, a Lake Tahoe area ski resort management executive and Tahoe South stalwart John Rice told business leaders this week at a Lake Tahoe Community College forum.

"Change is happening, Clearly we're in a drought, whether it's here for short term, or long term, time will tell," said Rice, the vice president and general manager of Sierra-at-Tahoe, long considered one of the nation's best managed, economically and environmentally efficient ski resorts. "The ski industry has the most to lose in a drought."

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada and Northern California. This report is for the week of Feb. 11, 2015 and beyond.