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

WNC to celebrate 53rd commencement Monday in Carson City and Thursday in Fallon

Jeff Munson — Sun, 19 May 2024 16:11:08 +0000

Event Date:

May 20, 2024 - 10:00am

Western Nevada College

Western Nevada College is celebrating its 53rd commencement class with traditional commencement ceremonies on Monday, May 20, in Carson City and Thursday, May 23, in Fallon.

"This is the most exciting day for me as we celebrate our graduates! I am pleased we can offer ceremonies in Carson City and Fallon," said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe, who will deliver opening remarks at both ceremonies. "Our graduates have worked hard to reach this point and they and their families have made sacrifices in order to reach this milestone. I am so pleased to say 'CONGRATS' to each of them!"

The Carson City ceremony begins at 10 a.m. in Marv Teixeira Pavilion in Mills Park. Captain Shane Tanner of the Naval Air Station Fallon will provide the commencement address to the Class of 2024. Associated Students of Western Nevada (student government) President Suzanna Stankute, who is graduating with an associate degree for the second straight year, will deliver a message to the Class of 2024.

Three days after the Carson City commencement, WNC will celebrate its graduates in Fallon. The Venturacci Gym will host the ceremony starting at 9 a.m., with Captain Tanner providing the commencement address. Stankute will also speak to the Class of 2024.

WNC is providing a livestream of the Carson City ceremony at wnc.edu/live.

For more information about graduation at WNC, go to wnc.edu/admissions/graduation.

Carson City area road report for week of May 20-26

Jeff Munson — Sun, 19 May 2024 14:37:20 +0000

Here is the Carson City area road report for the week of May 20-26, 2024. Closures are expected at the following locations due to road and utility work:

2nd Street between Carson Street and Curry Street will be closed to westbound traffic from April 8, 2024 to June 30, 2025 for construction.

Lane restrictions are expected at the following locations due to road/utility work:
— Carson Street between Adams Street and Park Street will have reduced southbound lanes from Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

— The bike lane on Carson Street, south of Stewart Street, will be closed from Monday to Thursday, 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Car traffic will not be affected.

— Stewart Street between Park Street and John Street will be closed to southbound traffic on Thursday, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. Follow detour.

— William Street between Roop Street and Saliman Road will have shoulder work on the eastbound side of the street. The bike path will be closed and trucks will be entering and exiting the roadway from Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Elsewhere, beginning Monday, May 20, single lane closures will take place on U.S. 395 south of Gardnerville in Douglas County as the Nevada Department of Transportation begins roadway repaving as part of a continuing highway improvement project.

Beginning May 20 through August, single lane closures will take place on one-mile sections of U.S. 395 from the Nevada-California state line to Ray May Way between 6a.m.-8p.m. weekdays. Traffic flaggers and pilot cars will alternate directions of traffic through the work zone. Reduced work zone speed limits will be in place.

Motorists should anticipate travel delays of up to 30 minutes, and are reminded to drive safely and follow all traffic signage. The road work schedule is subject to change based on weather and other factors.

NDOT will reconstruct the aging roadway surface of U.S. 395 between the Nevada-California state line and Ray May Way. Two inches of aging roadway surface will be removed and repaved with nearly three inches of new asphalt.

As part of the project, the existing northbound passing lane near Pine Valley Road will also be extended by approximately one and a half miles, providing additional designated passing opportunities.

The existing 55mph speed limit on some sections of the roadway will also be updated to 65mph. With the vast majority of drivers traveling well over the currently-posted 55mph speed limit, the speed limit modifications are aimed at further harmonizing average travel speeds and reducing the potential of unsafe passing and other crashes related to incongruent travel speeds.

Two speed feedback signs will also be installed to help motorists ensure that they are not exceeding a safe speed. Using radar, these signs display vehicle travel speeds back to the motorist, along with the posted speed limit.
The project represents an approximate $21 million investment in preserving and enhancing U.S. 395 south of Gardnerville.

Brief shoulder and single lane closures have periodically been in place since early March as crews made initial roadside improvements.

Commercial Vehicles Prohibited on State Route 431 May 21-23 as Truck Escape Ramp Undergoes Maintenance

Commercial vehicles with air brakes will be prohibited traveling westbound over State Route 431 (Mt. Rose Highway) as the truck escape ramp in Incline Village is temporarily closed for maintenance May 21-23.

The truck escape ramp on westbound SR 431 near Second Creek Drive in Incline Village will be closed 24/7 May 21-23 for maintenance. Commercial vehicles with air brakes will be prohibited from traveling westbound over Mt. Rose Highway further than the Mt. Rose ski area. The commercial vehicle closure is a safety precaution to prevent trucks traveling down the mountain potentially encountering brake issues while the ramp is closed for maintenance. Trucks will be allowed traveling eastbound from Incline Village to Reno.

The truck ramp uses a series of six pre-tensioned drag nets to catch the front grill of runaway vehicles and help safely absorb the impact to slow, then ultimately stop, the vehicle. The asphalt surface of the truck ramp is heated to ensure that snow or ice does not hamper use of the nets during winter months.

The truck escape ramp is one of multiple escape ramps across Nevada. The ramps are located adjacent to steep downgrades for out-of-control vehicles to slow and stop away from other vehicles more safely. Any vehicle experiencing braking problems can use a truck ramp.

Avoid Needing a Truck Escape Ramp
— Have your vehicle serviced and maintained regularly.
— Use provided brake check areas located near mountain summits and tops of steep grades to verify that your equipment and vehicle is in proper working condition.
— Be familiar with the road and grades and load your vehicle accordingly.
— Operate your vehicle on downgrades using recommended gears and speeds to help avoid excessive brake temperatures.

If You Must Use a Truck Escape Ramp
— Use a truck escape ramp if you are having difficulty slowing your vehicle or experience brake loss.
— Enter in line with the ramp and as close to center as possible.
— Contact Nevada DOT after you have used a Nevada truck escape ramp.
— Contact a tow truck company after you have used a truck escape ramp to remove your vehicle, and have any faulty vehicle brakes repaired before driving again.

Don’ts of Using a Truck Escape Ramp
— Do not avoid using a truck escape ramp for fear of possible damage to your vehicle. Damage to vehicles from gravel beds is negligible compared to the potential damage caused by not using a truck escape ramp.
— Do not try and drive out of the ramp yourself. Trying to drive out may only cause further damage to your vehicle.
— Do not wait in your vehicle while it is in the truck ramp.
— Do not use the truck escape ramp paved entry as a rest stop or parking area. Runaway vehicles are traveling at very high speeds and have limited ability to avoid parked vehicles in their path.

1884 Carson City Morgan Silver Dollar Raffle Highlights the Tin Cup Roundup at the Nevada State Museum

Sun, 19 May 2024 13:47:47 +0000

Friends of the Nevada State Museum

An 1884 Carson City Morgan silver dollar donated by Northern Nevada Coin is being raffled by the Friends of the Nevada State Museum. The raffle will highlight the Tin Cup Roundup fundraiser planned for Saturday, September 21 (5 to 8 pm). Proceeds from the raffle and the event will support the restoration of a 1967 Chevrolet pickup truck for the State Museum.

In the 1960's to 80's the Nevada State Museum had a 42-foot trailer which served as a mobile museum. This trailer travelled all around the state bringing museum exhibits to every county in the state. The Museum still has one of the original pickups which pulled this mobile museum. This 1967 Chevrolet step-side pickup has sat dormant since that time. The Friends of the Nevada State Museum are fundraising to bring this pickup back to life!

Raffle tickets for the Morgan silver dollar are $5 and are currently available at the Nevada State Museum admission desk. They will also be available the night of the event. All proceeds support the Friends of the Nevada State Museum, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization.

Carson City Man Arrested for Manufacturing Explosives

Kelsey Penrose — Sun, 19 May 2024 01:18:14 +0000

Carson City Sheriff’s Office

On May 18, 2024, at about 0050 hours, Carson City Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle
driven by Christopher Gorham. A drug-detection canine was used to conduct a sniff of the vehicle. Deputies searched the vehicle and located drug paraphernalia along with an explosive device.

Members of the Tahoe-Douglas Bomb Squad arrived to assist with rendering safe the explosive,
which was detonated at the scene of the traffic stop. A search warrant was obtained for Gorham’s
apartment in the 2000-block of College Parkway in North Carson City. Additional drugs,
paraphernalia, and explosive materials were located at the residence.

A document was located at the residence which contained the names and identification numbers of
two Northern Nevada police officers, along with an ingredients list for building another explosive
device. This document was co-located with additional explosive materials.

The Tahoe-Douglas Bomb Squad, along with the Nevada National Guard: 92nd Civil Support Team
(WMD) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation assisted in the investigation and rendering safe of the
suspect’s apartment and vehicle.

Christopher Gorham is being held at the Carson City Detention Center on the following charges:
1) Attempted Acts of Terrorism
2) Manufacturing a Destructive/Explosive Device
3) Conspiracy to Violate the Uniform Controlled Substances Act
4) Possession of a Controlled Substance
5) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Mr. Gorham is being held on a $250,000 bond.

Anyone with information regarding Mr. Gorham is requested to contact the Sheriff’s Office or Secret
Witness at (775) 322-4900 or visit www.secretwitness.com.

Catmandu 10-year Anniversary Celebration, Fundraiser happening June 29

Sat, 18 May 2024 22:20:07 +0000

by Linda Buchanan, Founder and Executive Director

Over the last 10 years, Catmandu has helped more than 2700 cats and kittens have a better life through rescue, adoption, education, assistance programs and a cage-free sanctuary. To mark the occasion and raise money to continue their lifesaving efforts, Catmandu is having a celebration/fundraising event from 6-9 pm on Saturday, June 29th at the Carson Events Center.

The party will include an Italian buffet dinner, a door prize valued at $250, a raffle and silent auction of many fabulous prizes donated by local businesses and individuals, as well as a program highlighting the past, present and future of Catmandu. Tickets are $65 each and are available through the website CatmanduCC.org

Catmandu opened its doors in 2014 with little more than founder Linda Buchanan’s dogged determination to provide much needed help and housing to northern Nevada’s homeless and at-risk cats and kittens. She had no experience running a non-profit or rescue, next to no money, and less than a handful of dedicated volunteers. It was a hard road, but she made it work.

Using cheap, free, recycled and scavenged materials she and her tiny band of supporters created a cage-free haven for cats that was designed to meet their physical, mental and emotional needs. It became a kitty paradise and a haven for cats in need. Over the years, little by slowly they made improvements to the facility and the cat areas. A major makeover in 2023 replaced the leaky roof, disintegrating floors and damaged walls; fixed the wear and tear caused by 10 years of heavy cat usage; gave the interior a much needed coat of new paint; and added amazing murals donated by local artist Patty Beardsley.

Catmandu is beyond grateful to the community for all its support. Numerous volunteers over the years have given their time, energy, and effort to care for the cats; keep the place clean and functional; and improve the facility. Donors large and small have generously given to keep the doors open and provide for the many needs and expenses of the cats and Catmandu.

On behalf of the many cats helped in the past and those that will be helped in the future, Catmandu extends it’s heartfelt thanks to everyone that has cared enough to help.

If you would like to join in the celebration and help the kitties at the same time, please visit the website https://CatmanduCC.org and purchase your tickets today. Meow! Means Thank You.

Click on the flyer in the second photo for more information.

Carson City Park Rangers join Jack's Valley Elementary students for Camp Read a Lot

Kelsey Penrose — Sat, 18 May 2024 19:47:33 +0000

Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space

Thank you Jack's Valley Elementary School for inviting the Carson City Park Rangers to participate in Camp Read A Lot!

Students learned amazing facts about our feline and canine neighbors, mountain lions and coyotes!

Did you know that mountain lions can leap up to 40 feet in a single bound?

Did you know coyotes are known for their incredible communication skills, using a variety of vocalizations like a yip, bark, growl and howl to convey different messages?

Are you interested in the Carson City Park Rangers presenting at your school? Email parkrangers@carson.org for more info!

Deputies investigating discovered pipe bomb during traffic stop

Kelsey Penrose — Sat, 18 May 2024 16:46:36 +0000

Deputies are investigating a pipe bomb that was discovered during a traffic stop early Saturday morning.

Deputies and the bomb squad been on scene at University Heights apartments since around 3 a.m. according to witnesses.

This is a developing story. Updates to follow.

ICYMI: Hot Air for Hope Balloon Festival happening May 17-19 at Lampe Park in Gardnerville

Kelsey Penrose — Sat, 18 May 2024 15:40:00 +0000

Event Date:

Repeats every day until Sun May 19 2024 .

May 17, 2024 (All day)

May 18, 2024 (All day)

May 19, 2024 (All day)

by Kelsey Penrose

The 2nd annual Hot Air for Hope Balloon Festival is returning May 17-19 at Lampe Park in Gardnerville. This is a free community event that benefits the Center for Hope and Healing.

“The Center has worked to support grieving families for the past 12 years, to start the healing process as they navigate the loss of their loves ones,” a spokesperson for the event wrote. “With the help of our community, the Center for Hope and Healing is proud to offer peer support groups, free of charge, to children, teens, adults and families in Douglas, Carson, Lake Tahoe and surrounding communities.”

In addition to a number of balloons, there are several food trucks, entertainment, craft vendors, non-profit booths, and much more!

There are dozens of vendors, performers and booths, all of which can be viewed here.

Friday

On Friday, May 17 the fun begins at Lampe Park at 5 a.m. with the opening of the park, and at 6 a.m. the national anthem will be sung followed by the Flag Balloons Launch.

at 6:15 a.m., the rest of the balloons will begin to launch carrying media, veterans and first responders.

The “Fire it Up, Carson Valley!” event begins at 6 p.m. Friday at Lampe Park with the opening of food trucks and vendor booths which will remain open until 10 p.m.

Balloon pilots will begin arriving around 6:45 p.m. for a public meet and greet, and at 7:30 p.m., pilots will prepare baskets to “fire it up!” candlestick and chip shot style.

Saturday
The park will open again at 5 a.m. with food trucks on site from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Arts, crafts and food booths will open at 5:30 a.m. and will also be on site until 3 p.m.

The national anthem and flag balloons launch will take place at 6 a.m., followed by the rest of the balloons launching at 6:15 a.m.

From 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., experience tethered balloons, performers and entertainment throughout the day!

Sunday

The park will open at 5 a.m. and food trucks will be on site from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The national anthem and flag balloons launch will take place at 6 a.m. followed by the rest of the balloons launching at 6:15 a.m.

Weather permitting, tethered balloons will be available at 7:30 a.m.

For more information, please visit https://www.hotairforhope.com/ or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hotairforhope

Carson City’s Catmandu's Cat of the Week: Piglet

Sat, 18 May 2024 03:41:38 +0000

Linda Buchanan

They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression. That is my biggest problem. I do NOT make a good first impression.

My reaction to people I don’t know is to hiss and run away. If I don’t know you, you aren’t touching me! It’s unfortunate, but it’s just the way I am.

People don’t believe that once I am comfortable with someone I am a very sweet cat that loves pets and attention. Once you are my friend, I will happily sit on your lap and keep you company. It just takes me awhile to get to that point with someone new.

Did I mention I am a big, handsome neutered guy who is up-to-date on all his shots? I am short-haired, basically a tabby but with lots of beautiful white fur on my chest, legs and face. I have big green eyes and am a very good-looking guy.

I have good inside manners as I am an indoor only cat.

One important point is that I am not a fan of other cats, even though I lived with them in the past. I definitely do best as your one and only feline. I have never been around dogs and would likely be pretty afraid of a resident canine.

The other problem I have is that I am 12 years old. Cats live an average of 15-20 years, so I likely have several good years left. However, I am definitely a senior and most people want a kitten or someone who is younger.

On the plus side, that makes me eligible for the senior 2 senior foster program. It is a wonderful program for people 55+ and cats 10+. The program provides support to the person that takes me home, as well as subsidized vet care through All Creatures Mobile Vet Hospital.

How did I end up Catmandu you ask? Well. My first owner adopted me as a tiny kitten. I lived with her for 10 years.

When she died in January 2022, I came to Catmandu with 3 other cats. I went to a senior foster in July 2022 and was quite happy until tragedy struck once again. She died unexpectedly in November 2023 and I came back to Catmandu once again.

I have been here ever since.

I am waiting for someone that is willing to overlook my initial unfriendly reaction and give me the time I need to get comfortable with them in a new home. If that might be you, please come and meet me at catmandu.

Boys and Girls Club to open Wray Family Clubhouse in Minden

Kelsey Penrose — Sat, 18 May 2024 01:35:18 +0000

On Friday, the Boys and Girls Club of Western Nevada announced its expansion into Minden.

“We are so incredibly honored to announce the brand-new Wray Family Clubhouse opening in August of 2024 in Minden,” a spokesperson wrote.

The location will serve around 350 kids and include a Smart Start Center for daycare and preschool.

“This Clubhouse was brought to life with the help of Lois Wray and her family who generously donated the building to us so we can transform it into a community hub for our children. We are so grateful for Lois and her generosity; it means the world to us and our community.”

The clubhouse is located at 990 Ironwood Drive in Minden.