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

Spring plants available at Washoe Valley state nursery; plus Mother's Day plant sale in Carson City

Jeff Munson — Sun, 05 May 2024 23:11:56 +0000

By JoAnne Skelly

Nevada Division of Forestry state nursery is open for business beginning Thursday, May 9. When we first bought our home in 1988 with its 2.5 acres, there were some poplars, pines, blue spruce, willows, and grass, but little else. I soon discovered the state nursery and filled the yard with flowering shrubs and other plants. I added lilacs, sand cherries, golden and Nevada currants, sumacs, Apache plumes, and incense cedars.

Our lot size met their one-acre minimum requirement. In addition, since my goal was to enhance the environment for birds and other wildlife, I met their criteria of what their plants can be used for. I knew that their native and adapted plants, although small on purchase, would actually quickly outgrow much larger containerized plants. NDF grows plants for Nevada in Nevada, and they are hardy.

The purpose of NDF’s state nursery program is to provide native or adapted plants to help private landowners as well as public land management agencies put in conservation plantings for windbreaks, shelter belts, erosion control, food and cover for wildlife, post-fire restoration, and riparian restoration.

Plants purchased at the nursery must be used for these purposes rather than simply as landscaping materials. To buy at the nursery, a lot must be one acre or more in size or combined with a next-door neighbor so both lots combined to one or more acres. In addition, the property must be outside the designated urban area of Carson City or in unincorporated areas of other counties.

Perhaps you have a slope that needs erosion controlled. NDF can guide you on picking plants that will work and give you advice on how to plant and grow them. Do you need a windbreak? They can help you do that successfully too. Do you want to enhance wildlife habitat with travel corridors, nesting sites, food, and escape cover? You can get the right plants at NDF.

The Nursery, located at 885 Eastlake Boulevard in east Washoe Valley, opens Thursday, May 9 through Saturday, May 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. After May 11, they will only be open on Thursdays and Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. through June.

For a plant list go to washoenursery@forestry.nv.gov. Prices of their larger sized stock are a 1-gallon is $9, a 2-gallon is $17.50, and a 5-gallon is $22.75. They do sell smaller stock as well. They will take your empty growing containers except for 6-packs, flats, or trays.

Editor's Note: Also noteworthy is the annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale on Saturday, May 11 at The Greenhouse Project in Carson City, located behind Carson High School at 1111 Saliman Road.

Participants will be able to select a number of nursery plants ranging from vegetables and fruits to landscape plants, all grown specifically to adhere to our high desert climate.

All proceeds from the plant sale support The Greenhouse Project, which provides educational opportunities for both students and community members while growing organically-grown produce for those in need within our community.

In addition to the plant sale, there will also be craft vendors, face painting, a raffle and more. The fun begins at 8 a.m. and continues through 2 p.m. For more information, including how to become a vendor or a volunteer go here.

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

Pine Nuts: Mark Twain Days 3-day festival returns to Carson City beginning Friday

Jeff Munson — Sun, 05 May 2024 22:50:46 +0000

Event Date:

Repeats every day until Sun May 12 2024 .

May 10, 2024 (All day)

May 11, 2024 (All day)

May 12, 2024 (All day)

By McAvoy Layne

We’re back, bigger and better than ever! Please welcome the second annual Mark Twain Days, May 10-12. For a listing of events take a gander at the website here.

You will find something of interest or my name’s not Mark Twain, or used to be anyways. And this year Virginia City is joining in on the fun along with Carson City. Wow!

You can also check out the official Mark Twain Days lineup, events, activities and more in this 24-page program here, which can also be found at the BAC and other favorite places.

The driving force behind last year’s Inaugural Mark Twain Days, my hero, Debra Soule, has handed the reins to Nevada Arts & Culture Program Manager, Eric Brooks, and the BAC’s Valerie Moore. You might want to pass along this year’s Mark Twain Days mementoes to your grandkids, as they will be worth their weight in gold come 2124.

Last year everybody sported a mustache, even the ladies. This photo above captured many of us in time.

When I returned home from last year’s extravaganza I slept face down in my white suit for 12 hours.

So what might Mark Twain have to say?

“At last we disembarked in the Silver-Land, Nevada. This was in August of 1861, and back then, Carson City was the most uninhabitable place on earth. Nothing grew there; even the birds when they flew over, carried their own provisions. But we climbed into the foothills and looked back on Carson City nestled in that flat sandy desert, and surrounded by such prodigious mountains that they seemed to expand your soul, until you felt yourself spreading into a colossus, and in that instant, you were seized with a burning desire to stretch forth your hand, put Carson in your pocket, and walk off with it.”

Somewhat retired now, I hope to visit as many events as possible to shake a few hands, slap a few backs, and thank everybody I can for honoring the Father of America’s Literature, who took his pen name right there in Carson City. That pen name would appear the next day in Virginia City’s Territorial Enterprise as the byline, Mark Twain.

“The publisher of the Enterprise, Joe Goodman told me when I hired on, ‘Sam you have but one responsibility here. Get your facts straight. Then you can distort them as much as you like.’ I learned in Virginia City, a good lie can travel twice around the globe before the truth gets its boots on. But our little 'quaints' were obvious sagebrush humor, and Nevada was built on tall tales. We had three kinds of stories back then, ‘Stretchers,’ that stretched the truth beyond the horizon of fact, ‘Lifters,’ that actually lifted the furniture, and ‘Powder Burners. Here lately I’ve stopped lying all together since the amateurs have taken over the field.”

So young and old, let us get out and celebrate the fact that America’s best loved author got his start in the Great State of Nevada. And should you see this old Codger wandering aimlessly around the grounds, do take a picture with him and pass it along to your grandkids. It might be worth an extra scoop of ice-cream come 2124.

— 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."

Listen to the spoken word version of this and other McAvoy Layne columns here.

Nevada Author at Mark Twain Days

Sun, 05 May 2024 22:17:57 +0000

By Sandie La Nae

Nevada Author, Sandie La Nae will be selling her Carson City and Virginia City books the three days of the Mark Twain Days, May 10, 11, and 12.

Dates and Places:
Friday, May 10 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. For purchase: books written about Virginia City and noted comstock persona, at the Territorial Enterprise Mark Twain Museum located at 53 South C Street, Virginia City, NV

Saturday, May 11, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. For purchase: books written about Carson City, area historic buildings, and noted persona, at the Brewery Arts Center 449 W King Street, Carson City, NV.

Sunday, May 12, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Once again at the Territorial Enterprise Building in Virginia City, NV.

The weekend of May 10, 11, 12 the museum is offering tours, docent talks, exhibits, Author Sandie La Nae, and the appearance of "Nellie Mighels Davis," "Snowshoe Thompson" and "Mark Twain."

Steven Saylor is the Director of the Territorial Enterprise Mark Twain Museum.

Dayton man, little league coach arrested for possession of child pornography

Jeff Munson — Sun, 05 May 2024 21:24:18 +0000

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office arrested a Dayton man Saturday for possession of child pornography. During the investigation, officers also learned the man was a local little league coach.

Mark Prudente was taken into custody following an investigation and booked for possession of child pornography.

Dayton deputies with the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence Saturday in Dayton for a report of child pornography.

Deputies investigated the incident and images and videos of prepubescent children engaging in sexual acts were discovered on electronic devices within the residence, according to a news release from LCSO.

The devices located with the child pornography belonged to Mark Prudente of Dayton. He was arrested and booked into the Lyon County Jail for possession of child pornography with a total bail amount of $120,000.

Furthermore, it was discovered that Prudente is a coach for the Silverada Little League in Dayton, coaching juvenile females.

No evidence collected contained illegal images of possible players on his team, however the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office believes the community, and parents should be aware of this matter. An Emergency TPO was granted overnight banning Prudente from the little league.

If you have any information in reference to this investigation, please contact Deputy J. Tafelmeyer at (775) 463-6620 and reference Case number 24LY01738. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900.

Mrs. Carson City America competes in Mrs. Nevada America Pageant, advocates for Cycle Breakers

Jeff Munson — Sun, 05 May 2024 20:04:11 +0000

Mrs. Carson City America, Kassandra Tapia, is set to grace the stage of the Mrs. Nevada America Pageant, scheduled to take place on June 9, 2024, in Las Vegas. She is proudly representing the Capital City, and she aims to not only showcase her poise and grace but also advocate for her powerful platform, Cycle Breakers.

Cycle Breakers is a personal platform that Kassandra Tapia created, reflecting her personal journey of overcoming adversity and breaking harmful generational cycles of poverty, addiction and abuse.

"Competing in the Mrs. Nevada America Pageant is not just about showcasing outer beauty; it's about using this platform to shed light on important issues and inspire positive change," says Mrs. Carson City America. "Cycle Breakers is more than just a platform I created for a pageant; it's a way of life for me. It's my mission to empower others to break free from harmful generational cycles."

The Mrs. Nevada America pageant system also partners with the Victoria’s Voice Foundation, fitting in with her platform. Victoria’s Voice foundation spreads awareness and provides training around drug abuse especially among teens, and how naloxone education can save a life. Learn more at victoriasvoice.foundation here.

In addition to advocating for her platform, Mrs. Carson City America sees this opportunity to shine a spotlight on the Capital City and its unique charm. “Carson City holds a special place in my heart, and I am excited to share more about this gem of a city with our Southern Nevada friends.”

As the journey to the Mrs. Nevada America Pageant unfolds, there are a few ways you can support our Mrs. Carson City America. Starting May 1st, individuals can show their support by participating in the People's Choice Award, voting for Mrs. Carson City America.

You can visit MrsCarsoncityAmerica.com to vote! Proceeds will go to Victorias Voice Foundation, the other will go to her nonprofit of choice Love Is Respect, a national resource that aims to disrupt and prevent unhealthy relationships and intimate partner violence by empowering young people through inclusive and equitable education, support, and resources.

For more ways to support Mrs. Carson City America and to learn more about her platform, please visit MrsCarsonCityAmerica.com.

Statewide 'Smokey Reading Challenge' launched in Carson City at Nevada State Library

Jeff Munson — Sun, 05 May 2024 18:38:25 +0000

By Cynara Medina

As part of Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday celebration, the Smokey Reading Challenge is underway. Launched this morning at the Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records in Carson City, the program is designed to engage children across Nevada in an exciting reading journey to learn about wildfire prevention, forests, and careers in natural resources with Smokey Bear.

Throughout the state, the Nevada Division of Forestry is supporting local libraries with special visits by Smokey Bear to promote the summer reading program while emphasizing Smokey’s critical wildfire prevention message.

"We are thrilled to kick off the Smokey Reading Challenge here at the Nevada State Library," said Mike Strom, Navada State Librarian. "We look forward to working with the Nevada Division of Forestry and Smokey Bear to promote participation in this reading program, which will provide children throughout Nevada with the opportunity to discover the joy of reading. We encourage Nevadans to visit their local public library to learn more about the Smokey Reading Challenge and other summer reading program opportunities."

“The Nevada Division of Forestry is excited to partner with libraries across Nevada in the Smokey Reading Challenge. There’s no one better than the iconic Smokey Bear to educate young readers on how to prevent wildfires and protect our forests and natural resources” said State Forester, Kacey KC. “In the state of Nevada, 6 out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans. Through this wildfire prevention education, we hope to prevent those fires from occurring.”

This year, the Collaborative Summer Library Program has named Smokey Bear as its Summer Reading Champion. As the champion, Smokey will be the focal point of a #SmokeyBearReads campaign, encouraging the public to share pictures of themselves reading with Smokey in their favorite adventurous spots on social media.

Since its inception in 1944, the Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention campaign has stood as the longest-running public service advertising campaign in U.S. history. With Smokey Bear’s image protected by U.S. federal law and administered by the USDA Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters (NASF), and the Ad Council, the campaign has educated thousands of Americans about their role in preventing wildfires. More information about Smokey Bear and wildfire prevention tips can be found at www.smokeybear.com.

The Nevada Division of Forestry is a division within the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The Nevada Division of Forestry protects and enhances Nevada’s ecosystems and communities through natural resource stewardship and wildfire management.

The Nevada State Library, Archives, and Public Records (NSLAPR) is a vital resource for information, literacy, and preservation in Nevada. Serving as the institutional memory of state government by preserving and providing access to original records that document the history of Nevada’s government, the State Library offers unique resources to Nevada’s citizens, local governments, libraries, state agencies and businesses. These resources include a full range of information and reference services; library planning and development; and services designed for citizens with disabilities.

NSLAPR has partnered to distribute promotional materials supplied by the USDF in libraries and communicated with Nevada’s public libraries about the USDF resources like the free public library toolkit. Nevada State Library has also formed a strong working relationship with Nevada Division of Forestry to promote and encourage the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge as well as Summer Reading Programs statewide.

Nevada Jeep Club volunteer Washoe Valley cleanup nets 450 pounds of trash along roadway

Jeff Munson — Sun, 05 May 2024 16:45:42 +0000

Submitted to Carson Now

The Nevada Jeep Club held their first Washoe Valley Cleanup on Saturday, May 4 and collected more than 450 pounds of trash along Highway 395.

Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful provided trash bags, gloves, pickers and vests for the event. O'Reilly's Auto Parts in Carson City allowed the club to utilize their garbage bins to throw away the trash collected and The Fox Brewpub chipped in and donated a drink for all those who participated.

"The club had tremendous support today," said Nevada Jeep Club founder Matt Bruback. "It's important we all do our part to keep our local community and trails clean."

To learn more about upcoming community cleanups and Jeep events visit the Nevada Jeep Club's Facebook page.

Carson City Jazz and Beyond festival to be highlighted at Leisure Hour Club presentation

Sun, 05 May 2024 16:30:30 +0000

By Dan Neverett

The Carson City Leisure Hour Club members continue celebrating the organization’s 127th year with a presentation on the upcoming Jazz and Beyond festival.

At the club’s dinner meeting on Thursday, May 16, Cherie Shipley, a member of the event planning committee, will talk about the annual Jazz and Beyond festival, how it formed, and the impact it has had on the community. Jazz and Beyond is scheduled for August 16 to August 25, 2024.

Ms. Shipley is a vocalist/entertainer, who performs several styles of music with area bands and throughout the U.S. She is lead singer with the Take This (jazz combo) and the Sagebrush Rebels band (country-western). She has led Live Open Jazz Jam Sessions at Living the Good Life Bistro and Sassafras in Carson City and sung as guest soloist with the Carson City Symphony and the Mile High Jazz Band. Ms. Shipley participated as a performer with the Jazz & Beyond - Carson City Music & Art festival for several years and joined the Steering, Performance, and Promotion Committees in 2014.

The Leisure Hour Club, established in September of 1896, is Carson City’s oldest continuously meeting social organization. The organization is focused on its goal of promoting knowledge on important issues, science, music and literature. Its motto of "Let knowledge grow from more to more" comes from Tennyson’s poem In Memoriam.

Information for individuals interested in joining the organization or attending the dinner meeting can be obtained by contacting the club at 775-302-8820 or email: lhcreservations@gmail.com. Dinner meeting reservations are required and must be made prior to 5 pm on Sunday, May 12.

Partnership Carson City offers 5-week series in May to promote mental well being

Jeff Munson — Sun, 05 May 2024 15:45:16 +0000

Partnership Carson City

Partnership Carson City has launched “Rediscovering Your Mental Health Series,” a five-week program aimed at promoting mental wellness during Mental Health Awareness Month this May. Each week, participants will have the opportunity to learn new skills and techniques to enhance their mental well-being and foster a healthy community.

This series, running weekly throughout May, features a diverse lineup of speakers and workshops covering a range of topics relevant to mental health. From mindfulness and meditation to suicide prevention and healthy living, each session offers valuable insights and practical tools for participants to incorporate into their daily lives.

The series takes place at Partnership Carson City at 1925 N Carson St, Carson City, with a maximum capacity of 25 participants per session. An RSVP is required to secure a spot in each class.

The schedule for the series is as follows:
May 8: Kadie Zeller - Mindfulness and Meditation
May 15: Office of Suicide Prevention - Suicide Prevention 101
May 22: Linda Lang - Mindful Life Skills incorporating basic sewing skills
May 29: Denali - Healthy Recipes for a Healthy Body

For more information and to RSVP, please contact Samantha Szoyka at 775-841-4730 or via email at samantha@pcccarson.org. Visit Partnership Carson City online for more information.

Meanwhile, as part of Mental Health Awareness month, Partnership Carson City and Office of Suicide Prevention Northern Nevada are holding a free workshop May 15 that focused on suicide prevention training.

Partnership Carson City is committed to promoting mental health education within our community and developed a five-part series to support Mental Health Awareness month titled, “Rediscovering Your Mental Health Series.”

Suicide Prevention Training will be held at Partnership Carson City, 1925 N Carson St. on Wednesday, May 15 at 5 p.m. There's no cost or fee. Register by clicking here.

For more information, visit Partnership Carson City online here.

Bike Month is back in May with events throughout Carson City

Kelsey Penrose — Sun, 05 May 2024 14:54:29 +0000

by Kelsey Penrose

Time to dust off those ten-speeds Carson City, because May is Bike Month in the capital city!

Carson City’s Muscle Powered hosts bike month each year in addition to their year-round volunteerism.

“Muscle Powered is building a community where walking and biking, for transportation or recreation, are a way of life,” a spokesperson wrote.

Let's take a look at all the bike-themed events in Carson City throughout May in honor of Bike Month:

Sunday, May 5

The first event is happening this Sunday, May 5, with a Tour of Carson.

The Tour of Carson is a 27-mile paved route created by Bike Habitat owner Denis Coyne who, last year, “graciously handed this popular and beloved event to Muscle Powered, and we are excited to continue his tradition,” a spokesperson wrote.

The tour kicks off (and ends) from Shoe Tree Brewing Co. located at 1496 Old Hot Springs Rd., at 9 a.m. Both traditional and e-bikes are welcomed; the event is not a race but rather a group ride, and helmets are encouraged.

In addition, Francisco’s Catering will be on site with tacos and quesadillas for hungry riders.

For more information and to register, click here.

Tuesday, May 7
Ladies MTB Ride from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. which is held weekly on Tuesdays. The ride leaves from Foothill Drive in Carson City. For more information call ride leader Chelsea Kincheloe at (775) 309 9748.

Sunday, May 12
Weekly Sunday Social Road Bike Ride
Leaves 9 a.m. from Fremont Elementary School located at 1511 Firebox Rd.
Different rides ranging from 15-30 miles and 2-3 hours depending on weather and riders. No drop, which means we will wait for everyone to catch up at rest stops. Average 10-12 mph. Rides loop back to the school. 2 -3 hours usually. Social rides, not a race. Questions and to get on ride contact list? Contact Bob Bondiett at bobbondiett@musclepowered.org or bbondiett@yahoo.com.

Tuesday, May 14
Ladies MTB Ride from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. which is held weekly on Tuesdays. The ride leaves from Foothill Drive in Carson City. For more information call ride leader Chelsea Kincheloe at (775) 309 9748.

Wednesday, May 15
Ride of Silence will leave at 7 p.m. from McFadden Plaza located at 223 W 3rd St. This worldwide event honors cyclists who have died after being struck by a vehicle while riding. Find out details and sign up here: https://musclepowered.wildapricot.org/event-5693300

Friday, May 17
Bike Party and West Side Cruise takes place at the White House located at 402 E Telegraph St. from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fun for the whole family with raffle prizes and drink specials. A portion of proceeds will go to Muscle Powered.

Saturday, May 18
Kids to Park Day at Mills Park is an annual, nationwide day of outdoor play promoted by the National Parks Trust. This year the event takes place at Mills park, located at 1111 E. William St. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you’d like to volunteer, set up a booth or activity, or donate a prize to the Junior Ranger Olympics, contact the Park Ranger Office at parkrangers@carson.org or (775) 283-7035.

Sunday, May 19
Weekly Sunday Social Road Bike Ride
Leaves 9 a.m. from Fremont Elementary School located at 1511 Firebox Rd.
Different rides ranging from 15-30 miles and 2-3 hours depending on weather and riders. No drop, which means we will wait for everyone to catch up at rest stops. Average 10-12 mph. Rides loop back to the school. 2 -3 hours usually. Social rides, not a race. Questions and to get on ride contact list? Contact Bob Bondiett at bobbondiett@musclepowered.org or bbondiett@yahoo.com.

Tuesday, May 21
Ladies MTB Ride from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. which is held weekly on Tuesdays. The ride leaves from Foothill Drive in Carson City. For more information call ride leader Chelsea Kincheloe at (775) 309 9748.

Sunday, May 26
Weekly Sunday Social Road Bike Ride
Leaves 9 a.m. from Fremont Elementary School located at 1511 Firebox Rd.
Different rides ranging from 15-30 miles and 2-3 hours depending on weather and riders. No drop, which means we will wait for everyone to catch up at rest stops. Average 10-12 mph. Rides loop back to the school. 2 -3 hours usually. Social rides, not a race. Questions and to get on ride contact list? Contact Bob Bondiett at bobbondiett@musclepowered.org or bbondiett@yahoo.com.

Tuesday, May 28
Ladies MTB Ride from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. which is held weekly on Tuesdays. The ride leaves from Foothill Drive in Carson City. For more information call ride leader Chelsea Kincheloe at (775) 309 9748.

For more information, please visit https://www.musclepowered.org/