Lake

It was an eventful year around the Carson City region notwithstanding the limitations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's some notable stories that were not pandemic related that happened in 2020.

Law enforcement around Carson City and Northern Nevada will be in "saturation" mode throughout the day and into the new year looking for suspected DUI drivers.

With the closing of 2020 the new year will bring in a parade of winter storms for the Sierra, Carson City area and western Nevada, according to the National Weather Service.

Carson City area casinos had a 1.83 percent increase in gaming revenue this November compared to November 2019, while casinos in the Stateline area of Lake Tahoe saw gaming revenue jump 23.75 percent, according to figures released Tuesday by the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

Most of us might agree, 2020 was the annus horribilis of our lifetime. But just as the darkest cloud has a silver lining, 2020 has offered one thing about which we can all brag and be proud. I can't think of what that one thing might be just now, though it does occur to me that learning how to cut our own hair might be a thing to celebrate and be genuinely proud, unless of course you're a barber.

Carson City and Douglas County are again participating in a statewide Christmas tree recycling effort. As in previous years, Christmas trees can be placed curbside on your regular trash collection day or taken to one of several drop off locations.

Every winter, Carson Valley becomes a nesting ground for bald eagles, golden eagles, falcons, hawks, owls and other wildlife as they congregate to the region. Carson Valley’s expansive open space and cattle ranches provide habitat for the wintering birds of prey.

PBS Reno is excited to announce Season 5 of its award-winning local production, "Wild Nevada," has been picked up for national distribution by American Public Television. The first episode will be available to participating PBS member stations around the country on March 10, 2021.

UPDATE: Heading into the Christmas holiday weekend, the weather pattern for the Carson City region is expected to change beginning Christmas Day with periods of rain, snow and gusty winds into early next week, according to the National Weather Service.

Hello fellow anglers and Merry Fishmas. I think we are all looking forward to the new year to begin. Jan. 1, 2021 will be a welcome sight, so we may begin a new year. At 6:32 a.m., Topaz Lake will officially open for the 2021 fishing season.

On a picturesque lakefront property with mountain views sits Reno’s new independent living retirement community, Mountain Lakes Estates Retirement Living, 765 South Meadows Drive. The active lifestyle community completed construction and recently welcomed its first residents.

A cold front is expected to bring light snow showers and wind beginning late Monday night that may impact the Tuesday morning commute, according to the National Weather Service.

That colorful fish looks pretty in that store aquarium, and you cannot help but think how much your friend or loved one might enjoy such a pet, but the Nevada Department of Wildlife is hoping you will stop and think about the animal’s future before laying down your hard-earned cash.

In other words, consider what is going to happen to that pet if it is no longer wanted.

Meals on Wheels Carson City received a generous $7,000 grant from the Caesars Foundation to help feed homebound seniors in our local community.

Additionally, 336 cookie tin gifts were donated from Harrah’s and Harveys Lake Tahoe to deliver just in time for Christmas!

Carson City is pleased to offer Christmas Tree Recycling in cooperation with Capital Sanitation/Waste Management, Inc.

As in previous years, Christmas trees can be placed curbside on your regular trash collection day or taken to one of the drop off locations. Trees will be chipped in the springtime and used as mulch. This program continues to be a huge success.

Please remove all decorations, lights, tinsel and bases prior to recycling; if the tree is longer than six feet, cut the tree into pieces.

The first of its kind Lake Tahoe Commemorative Coin was minted this month on historic Carson City Mint Press No. 1 and less than 300 of the limited-edition coins are still available for the public, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, said Tuesday.

Senior Shania West decided early that she wanted to graduate as a Pioneer Panther, and chose to attend Pioneer High School for all four years. She thought that it would be a good fit for her and she has no regrets. And, now with those years nearly behind her, Shania is looking forward to achieving her goal of going to college.

A winter storm is expected to move into the Sierra late Wednesday into Thursday morning bringing up to a foot of snow above 7,000 feet and wind, rain and snow showers on the valley floor.

Weather and conditions permitting, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team will continue prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin. California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts are scheduled to burn hand piles and smoke may be visible.

NEW WASHOE CITY — Enjoy some holiday cheer at Washoe Lake State Park with a sparkling drive-through festival of lights. Campground Loop B will be decorated with a jolly display of twinkling lights and holiday scenes. Stay warm and merry as you listen to your favorite holiday music while driving through the campground, enjoying the cheerful decorations.

A winter storm has begun to move through the Carson City region Sunday bringing snow to the Sierra and snowfall to the valley floors, according to the National Weather Service.

Hello fellow anglers. A very Happy Fishmas to you all. The weather is finally changing into winter coldness, but hopefully we will get some precipitation to boost up our snow pack for a long spring and summer runoff and a good fishing experience for 2021.

The Sertoma Coat Drive is in full operation for its fourth year of collecting and distributing clothing to the people in the community who are without warm outerwear. With 19 blue barrels in Carson Valley and 7 in Carson City, everyone who wants to donate new and gently used coats, blankets, and warm outerwear is finding a donation spot.

A series of fairly weak weather systems will move into western Nevada through the weekend that may break down the persistent dry pattern, bringing in breezy conditions with slight chances of very light snow showers Friday night into Saturday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team may continue prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin. California State Parks, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts are scheduled to burn if conditions and weather allow. Smoke may be visible.

Nevada Indian Commission Commissioner Lori Pasqua will be honored with a posthumous Bachelor of Arts degree by the University of Nevada-Reno at its winter commencement on Saturday. Her family will accept this honorary degree on her behalf.

The next Carson City Board of Supervisors meeting will be Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020 beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Bob Boldrick Theater at the Carson City Community Center located at 851 E. William Street.

On the agenda for discussion includes an increase in water rates, the replacement of 32 city vehicles, water purchases and more.

MINDEN — After consultation with the Douglas County Officials, the Towns, public safety agencies, and Douglas County Emergency Management it was determined in-person public holiday events at the Towns of Gardnerville, Genoa, and Minden, as well as the 25th Annual Parade of Lights hosted by the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce have been cancelled.

Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team members will continue prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin, weather and conditions permitting. California State Parks and Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District are scheduled to burn hand piles on the east and west shores. Smoke may be visible.

This beautiful reflection of Slide Mountain on Washoe Lake was photographed Saturday by Carson Now reader Deb Taylor.