Two Pioneer High School student’s families have been affected by a tragic fire that happened Wednesday, May 16 at a Pheasant Drive apartment in Carson City. The families of Alexis Trujillo and Antonio Trujillo who attends Eagle Valley Middle School and Jordan and Theodore Leyva have been displaced following this incident.

We at PHS are asking our wonderful community members to come out and join us on Tuesday, May 22 at Pizza Factory on Hwy 50 in Carson City. Pizza Factory has generously offered to donate a portion of all proceeds made throughout the day to these families to help with all expenses both families will have.

Thankfully the Trujillo family was not injured in the tragedy. Theodore is currently in ICU at Renown Hospital in Reno. If it wasn’t for the quick thinking of his brother Jordan, entering the building to save his family, the outcome could have been much different. See the story here.

We want to thank our community in advance for taking the time to stop by Pizza Factory to help our families in a time of need.

Firehouse Subs has also been kind enough to hold a fundraiser evening for them. On Wednesday, May 30, 2018 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. a portion of all purchases will be donated to the families.

Both Pizza Factory and Firehouse Subs are located at 3120 Highway 50 East in Carson City.

Each day, Nevada Humane Society has dozens of cats and kittens arrive at the shelter. This time of year, those numbers are especially high — and right now your help is needed as the supply of cat and kitten food is running critically low.

“This is our busiest time of year for kittens here at Nevada Humane Society” said Betsy Aguiar, Community Director for NHS. “We have incredible community members who help to foster and care for the kittens, in addition to the plethora of cats we see here at the shelter. One thing these cats and kittens have in common is the need to fill their tummies.”

Specific food needs include:

There are thousands of kittens that go into Nevada Humane Society’s Foster Program each summer — a program that allows them to grow big and strong while being socialized during their first weeks of life in a temporary home. Nevada Humane Society provides foster families with all of the needed supplies — including cat and kitten food. In addition, the increasing number of cats during this time of year adds to the demand for adult food.

If you can help, donations may be delivered daily, between 11am and 6:30pm, in Reno to 2825 Longley Lane or in Carson City to 549 Airport Road. Food can also be shipped via Amazon (use AmazonSmile to benefit us too!) or Chewy.com. For adult cat food needs, click here and for kitten needs, click here. Food should be shipped to the Reno location.

Visit www.nevadahumanesociety.org for more information.

According to the report, Carson City was up 800 jobs over the year or 2.7 percent job growth. As for unemployment, Carson City is 5.2 percent, down 0.1 percentage point from a year ago, according to DETR's figures.

“This latest data shows the economic consistency in the labor force statewide released last week, with that growth distributed throughout the state. While this growth was fastest in Reno at 4.2 percent, Las Vegas still added over 29,000 jobs over the year with growth in manufacturing and construction industries," said David Schmidt, Chief Economist, for Nevada’s Department of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation. "Unemployment continues to show improvement, with the unemployment rate down in 12 of 17 counties and initial claims for unemployment benefits down in 13 of 17 counties over the year.”

Year-over-year employment increase persists in the state as a whole, while unemployment remained constant at 4.9 percent.

Additional April 2018 Economic Report Highlights:

Job Growth In April (Seasonally-Adjusted):

— Las Vegas gained 1,600 jobs over the month and 30,500 over the year (3.2 percent).

— Reno added 800 jobs over the month and 9,500 over the year (4.1 percent).

— Carson City was up 800 jobs over the year (2.7 percent).

Unemployment:

— Las Vegas: five percent; down 0.3 percentage point from a year ago

— Reno: 3.9 percent; down 0.4 percentage point from a year ago

— Carson City: 5.2 percent; down 0.1 percentage point from a year ago

— April unemployment rates ranged from 2.9 percent (Eureka) to six percent (Lyon).

— Elko, Eureka, Humboldt, and Washoe counties all had unemployment rates below four percent, the lowest such rates in the state.

— Las Vegas and Reno continue to realize record highs in employment.

— Information for 2016 shows personal income in Nevada reached $119 billion, up 1.7 percent from a year ago.

— Las Vegas (up 2.3 percent) and Reno’s (up 1.9 percent) average personal income growth has exceeded that for the State in 2016.

— The Reno-Sparks area was the top goods exporter in Nevada in 2016, shipping $2.4 billion worth of goods abroad.

Washoe (plus-3,000) experienced the largest increase in job posting volume over last year, totaling 15,200 ads year-to-date.

See the PDF below for the full report.

April Employment Data for Nevada by Carson Now on Scribd

LeAnn Morris, Ph.D., lead technology integration specialist with the Carson City School District, recently earned the Certified Education Technology Leader designation by passing a rigorous certification exam. There are only four CETLs in the state of Nevada: two in the Carson City School District and two in the Washoe County School District.

Raymond Medeiros, director of innovation and technology, is the other CETL designee in the Carson City School District.

The CETL certification, awarded by the Consortium of School Networking (CoSN), signifies that an individual has mastered the knowledge and skills needed to bring 21st century technology to the K-12 school systems.

“Earning the Certified Education Technology Leader certification demonstrates a commitment to bringing 21st century learning to our nation’s schools,” said Keith Krueger, CAE, chief executive officer of CoSN. “Because of the CETL recertification requirements, certified leaders pledge to stay current in this ever-changing field of education technology.”

To become certified, the candidate must have demonstrated experience in the education technology field and pass a comprehensive two-part examination based on the 10 skill areas in CoSN’s Framework of Essential Skills of the K-12 CTO. Once the CETL certification is earned, the ed tech professional must complete 60 hours of professional development activities every three years to maintain the designation.

Founded in 1992, CoSN is the premier professional association for school system technology leaders and its mission is to empower educational leaders to leverage technology to realize engaging learning environments. CoSN is committed to providing the leadership, community, and advocacy tools essential for the success of these leaders.

With more than 28 years of teaching experience all in the Carson City School District, Dr. Morris began her teaching career as a 1st grade teacher at Mark Twain Elementary School (1990-1994). She later served as the technology teacher at Fritsch Elementary (1994-1999), Carson High (1999-2002) and Empire Elementary (2002-2012). She also led the WNCC-CHS High Tech Center from 1999-2002.

Dr. Morris recently earned her Ph.D. in education with an emphasis in educational technology from Walden University in Minneapolis, Min. (online) and also holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in educational technology from Lesley University in Cambridge, Mass. (outreach in Reno, Nev.). She earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood elementary education from the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyo. Dr. Morris was also a Governor Appointed Member to the Nevada State Commission on Education Excellence 2008-2010 and was selected as the Nevada State Teacher of the Year in 2008 among other accolades and awards.

With more than 20 years of experience in information technology. Mr. Medeiros began his career as a computer technician in Carson City (1996-2001). He started and continues to own an IT service company, in northern Nevada (2005 to present). He joined the Carson City School District as a network engineer in 2002 and was promoted last year as director of the innovation and technology department.

Mr. Medeiros earned his bachelor’s in information technology management from Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, Utah (online) and maintains numerous IT certifications.

Nancy Clarke of Carson City is one of two Nevada Artists Association members who's art is being featured in the NAA Gallery at the capital city's Brewery Arts Center.

The NAA's Landscape Show opened on May 5 and will run through June 15, 2018. Clarke's art works are perfectly themed for this show as her creations are truly unique in capturing northern Nevada's mountains, lakes and rivers. Her paintings are done in oil on canvas.

Susan Christopher, of Reno, is also featured, exhibiting large paintings in her own abstract style. The NAA is made up of over 100 local and regional artist, many are also exhibiting in this exhibit.

The Gallery is located at 449 West King Street, in the BAC complex. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and all art is for sale.

CARSON CITY — One couple is taking the meaning of "sharing a life together" to another level. Jessie and Katia Perez’s career choices line up perfectly.

A common desire to help others led the young couple to pursue admission into Western Nevada College’s nursing program three years ago. Jessie graduated with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing in 2017 and Katia received the same degree at the WNC’s commencement ceremony on Monday, May 21.

In order to make their career aspirations come true, Katia and Jessie moved from their comfortable surroundings of Las Vegas, leaving behind friends and family to make a new life in Carson City.

“When we moved from Las Vegas we weren’t used to a smaller town and it felt kind of depressing with no friends and family here,” Jessie said.

But the fact that they had each other and a common goal made the transition easier.

“The nursing program is a demanding program where you have to spend extra time studying and doing homework, and most of the time you feel you don’t have time to do something else,” Katia said. “The idea of being always busy and living in a place where you do not know anybody and adding the adaptation to new weather was challenging. I can say that we spent a lot of time together during this program studying! Surviving nursing school was possible for both of us because we are really supportive to each other.”

At the height of their hectic schedules, the couple bought a large calendar so they could pinpoint when they would have time for each other.

“At the beginning was hard, because Jessie was always busy with school, and we did not have a lot of free time for us, but after he graduated it’s been getting better. Now, he has more free time to go out,” she said. “I believed the keys of our relationship during nursing school are love and communication because we always knew what was happening to us, and what things we had to do every day, so we were really supportive of each other.”
Being a year behind Jessie has created some benefits for Katia. Jessie’s familiarity with the coursework and professors has enabled him to help Katia during her final year of nursing school.

“Since we got almost the same professors I was able to let Katia know the most important things to focus on when testing and also provide some tips on how to get prepared and perform during clinical rotations,” Jessie said.
With their unusual back-to-back graduations in nursing, they are thankful and appreciative to the mentors responsible for preparing them for their chosen careers.

“We are extremely impressed and thankful by the nursing faculty staff that really take their jobs seriously and push you to the edge so you can grasp and apply nursing in its best way,” Katia said. “WNC’s nursing program taught us that we can be a better person and make a difference every day. Also, all the stressful moments during the nursing program were worth it at the end of the day because we grew up as a couple. Now, we know if we are passing through difficult times, we are going to be there to overcoming it together.”

Katia developed a passion for health care because she saw how rewarding the profession was for her mother. Her mother worked as a primary physician in Mexico and served as a caregiver for Katia’s great grandparents.
Jessie decided that he wanted a career devoted to helping others despite previously earning associate degree in business that didn’t spark a passion professionally.

“We are caring, compassionate and hard workers, and the nursing degree offered us the opportunity to care and help others, and we plan to do it for the rest of our lives,” Katia said.

Since graduating, Jessie is working full time at Renown South Meadows Medical Center in Reno, as well as per diem in Behavioral Health Services at Carson Tahoe Health. He also has “time” to take classes from Nevada State College to work toward his bachelor’s degree so he can someday become a nurse practitioner. He recently learned that he has been named a recipient of the DAISY Award, which honors extraordinary nurses.

Katia plans to start working toward her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing through Nevada State College in the fall and continue with classes to become a nurse anesthetist.

Their experiences over the past three years have strengthened their friendship and love for one another.

“We felt stronger as a couple because this three years in school together put us into difficult times with not having a full-time job for either of us, busy schedules with little free time for each other,” Katia said. “But, most importantly, is that we both discovered that working as a team we can reach any goal and moving to Carson City to get into nursing school has been one of the best decisions in our lives.”

Western Nevada College recognized 41 associate degree nursing graduates during the nursing program’s traditional pinning ceremony on Monday, May 21 at the Carson City Community Center.

In addition, WNC’s nursing program honored 10 students for their academic excellence. The students are:
Alyssa Buchanan, Anna Craig, Alexis Weaver, Kylee West-Woodford and Nicole Williams received the National Student Nursing Association Outstanding Student Award; Buchanan and Marjorie von Nordeck were presented with the Nurse of Achievement Award; Craig, Hillary Arnaud and Alannah Bradley shared the Spirit of Nursing Award; Daniel Lear took home the Top Academic Student Award; and West-Woodford and Megan Martinez received the Associated Students of Western Nevada Outstanding Student of the Year Nursing Award.

Lear was also recognized for being named the recipient of the Regents’ Scholar Award earlier in the year.

WNC Nursing graduates included:
Carson City
Kaitlyn Barrett, Annie Butler, Carolyn Carlson, Alexandra Dodge, Maria Elieff, Brenda Luquin, Omar Maldonado, Katia Perez

Dayton
Alannah Bradley, Alfredo Dominguez, Amanda Pace, Shawna Stanford, Nicole Williams

Fallon
Precious Achuff, Desiree Reeves, Rayanne Sorensen, Marjorie von Nordeck, Heather Weatherford

Fernley
Shawna Craig

Gardnerville
Hillary Arnaud, Anna Craig, Doran Cushing, Amelia Edwards, Daniel Lear, Megan Martinez, Daron Overturf, Holly Sentell, Carly Talia

Incline Village
Michelle Harrington

Minden
Michelle Clarke, Tatiana Parker, Alexis Weaver

Reno
Alyssa Buchanan, Victoria Green, Rochelle Mikkelson, Paige Soares, Kylee West-Woodford

Virginia City
David Laine

Washoe Valley
Brettanie Drapeau

Yerington
Hailey Loll

Zephyr Cove
Steve Baranek

A 52-year-old Gardnerville woman was arrested Tuesday in the area of South Carson and Eagle Station for suspicion of felony DUI with a prior third felony DUI conviction, a Carson City sheriff’s deputy said.

Ramona Faye Madore was taken into custody in the area of South Carson and Eagle Station at 8:50 p.m. She also faces misdemeanor charges of failure to maintain a single lane of traffic, driving an unregistered vehicle, no proof of insurance, not having a license and failure to obey a traffic control device.

According to the arrest report, Carson City Dispatch had received several calls for a possible DUI driver in an unlicensed silver Oldsmobile sedan. Officers located the vehicle, which had failed to stop at a stop sign to turn north on South Carson Street.

When the vehicle stopped at a stopped light at South Carson and Clearview, the light turned green and the vehicle crossed the intersection and was halfway in the No. 1 and No. 2 lanes, according to the arrest report. The deputy made a traffic stop at Eagle Station.

The driver rolled down her driver’s side window and passenger side window. Officers could smell an odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle, the report states. As she spoke she was slurring her words. She was asked how many alcohol beverages she had consumed. The woman replied two and said she consumed them at her home in Gardnerville.

She also said she had got off work at around 2:30 p.m. and had four single shots of vodka between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., the arrest report states. She was asked if she would be willing to participate in field sobriety testing. The woman said she was not fit to drive, the arrest report states.

The officer asked if she still wanted to participate. The woman replied “It doesn’t matter.” Due to rain, the field sobriety test was decided to take place at the detention center. The arresting deputy was able to obtain a preliminary breath test with a result of .184, the arrest report states.

At jail she was asked if she would participate in field sobriety testing. She again replied “it doesn’t matter.” She was escorted into the jail for evidentiary testing where she gave samples of .153 and .159. She also submitted to blood testing. Her criminal history showed a conviction for third DUI in August 2010. Bail: $21,105.

In other arrests:
A 33-year-old man was arrested Tuesday for suspicion of felony possession of heroin and methamphetamine, misdemeanor resisting a public officer and possession of drug paraphernalia, a Carson City sheriff’s deputy said.

Timothy Matthew Jenkins was arrested at 11:14 p.m. in an open field at the northwest corner of State and William streets after a brief chase with a deputy, who injured his right knee in the foot pursuit.

According to the arrest report, a deputy was called to the area of Millennium Terrace and Molly Drive for a report of a suspicious vehicle.

The officer located the vehicle and two people inside. When the officer asked for the identification of Jenkins and a female inside the pickup, the individuals began to move items from the front area of the truck, leading the officer to believe the two were either searching for a weapon or hiding drugs.

The officer ordered the man to exit the vehicle and to sit on a nearby curb. The man then ran from the officer and fell halfway down a hill toward a construction area. The officer attempted to gain control of the man, who got up but then tripped and fell on a sand berm. The man attempted to push himself up with both arms multiple times. The officer struck the man to make him stop resisting and he was placed into handcuffs.

During a search of the man, the officer located a jewelry box with 9 individually wrapped black tar substances identified as heroin that were wrapped in plastic wrap. Inside the man’s right front pocket the officer located a piece of tin foil that was covered in black tar residue.

Another deputy responded to the area in an attempt to make contact with the woman who was also in the truck but she had left the scene. The deputy brought his K9, which positively alerted on the vehicle. Inside the truck deputies located methamphetamine and more heroin. Bail: $4,774.

In other arrests:
A 17-year-old Carson City male was brought up on felony charges that will be tried in adult court, according to the arrest report.

Jose Pacheco was moved Tuesday from the Carson City Juvenile Detention Center to Carson City Jail on felony charges including four counts assault with a deadly weapon, carrying a concealed weapon and threats. He also faces a misdemeanor battery charge.

Details of the First Judicial District Court order into the criminal matter are forthcoming. Check back for updates.

— A Carson City man was arrested Tuesday, 11:17 a.m. in the area of Washington and Anderson streets for a misdemeanor failure to appear warrant. Bail: $3,000.

— A 48-year-old woman was booked on a misdemeanor failure to appear in traffic court warrant out of Reno Township Justice Court. Bail: $100.

— A 21-year-old Carson City man was arrested Tuesday for suspicion of two counts misdemeanor violation of a temporary protection order.
According to the arrest report the man was served a temporary order of protection for domestic violence on May 8, 2018.

The temporary order of protection clearly states the adverse party is prohibited from directly contacting the applicant. On May 21 and May 22, the suspect had made or attempted to make four calls to the victim’s personal cell phone. Bail: $2,274.

— A 33-year-old Carson City man was arrested early Wednesday morning, 1:53 a.m. in the 900 block of North Carson Street for misdemeanor being an ex-felon failing to register. Bail: $242.

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 — Riverview Elementary in Dayton is one of nine schools statewide picked as a designated STEM School, the Governor's Office announced this week.

The Advisory Council on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and the Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology announced the official designation of Riverview and eight others schools:

- Dorothy Lemelson STEM Academy, Reno

Dayton's Riverview Elementary School received recognition Monday from Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval and the STEM Advisory Council.

“Designated STEM schools exemplify the best STEM instruction in Nevada. I am impressed with the vision and leadership of the principals and teachers of these schools,” Gov. Sandoval said in a news release. “The knowledge and skills these children learn will benefit them throughout their lives no matter the careers they choose.”

The STEM Council, together with OSIT, developed the official Governor’s STEM School Designation based on national best practices to provide schools with a blueprint for integrating STEM into daily classroom instruction.

Designation as a Governor's STEM School denotes that the school meets the highest standards of STEM instruction and is a model for schools around the state. For parents and the community, the designation also communicates the level of high-quality STEM education that can be expected at the school. These nine schools will be added to the eight schools designated in last year’s inaugural class.

"The Governor's STEM Schools exemplify the core concept that STEM education is more than just the individual STEM subjects, but also how these subjects are taught and integrated with other subjects,” STEM Council Co-Chair Mark Newburn said.

“In Nevada and across the nation, STEM jobs are growing faster than non-STEM jobs, and they pay nearly 50 percent more,” OSIT Director Brian Mitchell said. “These schools are models for all of Nevada’s schools in preparing students with the problem solving, critical thinking, and teamwork skills needed for careers in the new Nevada.”

All K-12 schools in Nevada are eligible to apply for the designation. Schools submitted an application that described their curriculum practices, learning environment, STEM instruction and integration, leadership, and stakeholder engagement.

Following a review of the applications, schools hosted a site visit by members of the STEM Council, OSIT, and other stakeholders to showcase their STEM practices. Designated schools will receive a 10-foot banner and a digital seal that can be used on a website and other electronic communications. Schools that applied, but did not receive the designation, will be paired with a STEM School for mentorship so that they can reapply for the designation in the future.

The mission of the Nevada STEM Advisory Council is to increase student interest and achievement in the fields of science, engineering, technology, and mathematics, leading students to rewarding careers in the New Nevada economy. The STEM Advisory Council is charged with identifying and awarding recognition to students and schools throughout Nevada that excel in STEM.

UPDATE 2:48PM: The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Douglas County, Carson City, Central Lyon County and southern Wash County until 3:30 p.m.

At 2:38 p.m. a severe thunderstorm was located near Gardnerville moving north at 20 mph. The storm was bringing 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. Hail damage to vehicles is expected, according to the weather service. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, fencing and trees.

Dust storms may also result in serious accidents. Stay indoors and bring your pets indoors.

The first storms are most likely to form between 1 and 4 p.m. south of Highway 50 including Douglas, Alpine and northern Mono counties.

Between 4 and 7 p.m., these storms could become more intense and widespread as they build northward across the Lake Tahoe Basin, Carson City and Reno areas.

Later this evening between 7 and 10 p.m., the greatest thunderstorm threat continues shifting northward into Lassen County and far northwest Nevada, including Susanville.

These storms will be capable of producing heavy rainfall, ponding on roads during the afternoon commute, and localized flash flooding.

For the Thursday afternoon commute the weather service advises motorists to allow extra time for travel and keep extra distance between vehicles. If you're planning outdoor activities, watch the sky for developing thunderstorms, and head indoors if you hear thunder.

Hail up to 1 inch diameter and wind gusts of 45 mph or greater, along with frequent cloud to ground lightning are also likely with the stronger storms.

With thunderstorms and the potential of localized rain, hail and wind across the region this afternoon, the Nevada Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to drive safely. There are approximately 2,000 crashes every year across the state due to unsafe driving in wet and snowy conditions, such as driving too fast or passing in an unsafe manner.

Motorists traveling during inclement weather should check nvroads.com of dial 511 before driving for updated state road conditions. It is also critical to slow travel speeds when driving on wet roads.

When roads are wet from rain, water over the roadway reduces your vehicle’s tire traction. Add to that the fact that rain can reduce or impair a driver’s view of the road, and it’s easy to see that driving in the rain needs to be treated with extra caution.

— Only travel in heavy rain when necessary, and always leave extra time to safely reach your destination
— When getting into the car during rainy conditions, wet shoes may slide from pedals. Dry soles of shoes on vehicle carpeting or rubber matting if possible
— Be aware and avoid flooded areas--never attempt to cross running or flooded water
— Buckle up
— Turn on headlights to see and be seen
— Defrost windows if necessary, both before and while driving
— Reduce speed. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not rainy conditions
— By Nevada law, wipers must be on while driving in rain or snow
— Keep additional distance from other vehicles
— Watch carefully for other vehicles and pedestrians
— Turn off cruise control to reduce hydroplaning
— Brake earlier and with less force, and turn slower, than you would in normal driving conditions
— Do not slam on brakes. Apply steady pressure on ABS-equipped vehicles and pump the brakes if necessary on non-ABS vehicles
— If vehicle begins to skid, steer in direction of slide and slowly remove foot from accelerator

And finally, temporarily pull off the road to a safe location if you have difficulty seeing the roadway or other traffic.

Carson High School students Kalysta Branco, Sara Knight, Catheryn Linkul, Jessica Preston and Jenaya Meyer along with Carson City resident Autumn Cuellar were each recently awarded a $2,000 scholarship from Greater Nevada Credit Union.

Cuellar currently attends the University of Nevada, Reno; Branco, Knight, Meyer and Preston plan to attend the University of Nevada, Reno and Linkul plans to attend California State San Marcos.

Since 1999 Greater Nevada Credit Union (GNCU) has awarded more than $320,000 in scholarships. This year GNCU received 108 scholarship applications, and 28 students were selected to receive $2,000 each for the 2018-2019 school year.

“Our passion to help more people live greater inspires us to provide scholarship opportunities to those who are pursuing a postsecondary education,” said Greater Nevada President/CEO Wally Murray. “We expanded the program this year through additional scholarship opportunities for adults over age 25 so they can also continue their academic pursuits.”

The scholarship program, sponsored and administered annually by Greater Nevada Credit Union, is available to Greater Nevada members and their families. Scholarships are awarded based on each applicant’s financial need, academic performance, community involvement, and educational and career goals.

The scholarships can be used for tuition, course registration, special classes or laboratory fees, room and board, textbooks and class materials. In addition to the 28 recipients, five alternates were named in the event that one or more of the winners is unable to enroll and attend school on a full-time basis during the 2018-2019 school year.

To learn more about Greater Nevada Credit Union and its annual scholarship program visit gncu.org or call (775) 882-2060.

It is time to gather up the family and gear and head to your favorite recreation spot. Memorial Day weekend is the kick off for the summer, and traditionally it is a very busy weekend on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Forest visitors can enjoy biking, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, and many more recreations activities this summer.

With its 6.3 million acres, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is the largest national forest in the lower 48 states. The Forest has 40 campgrounds, 14 picnic areas, and 46 trailheads throughout Nevada and portions of eastern California. The public can also visit the Forest’s two visitor centers: Galena Creek Visitor Center in Reno and the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway in Mount Charleston, Nev. In addition, there are 24 wilderness areas, 1,698 motorized trails, and 1,872 non-motorized trails to explore.

The public should keep in mind that while most recreation sites on the Forest are accessible, some recreation facilities, roads, and trails may be wet and muddy due to recent snowmelt and rainfall. To ensure public safety and prevent resource damage, the Forest urges the visitors to refrain from driving or hiking on soft, muddy roads or trails and choose more hardened designated routes until ground conditions change. Proper and responsible use of the Forest’s road and trail systems are important to ensure roads and trails remain in good condition for all visitors.

Persons may be held criminally and/or civilly liable for any resource damage they cause. The public is asked to report any resource damage they may find by contacting their local Ranger District office.

Forest users planning to use livestock on National Forest lands are permitted to use only certified weed free straw, hay, or pellets. The Forest is also asking equestrians to stay off higher elevation trails until conditions become dryer.

Memorial Day weekend is a time to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. However, it is important for forest users to celebrate responsibly and to be careful with fire. The Forest is encouraging visitors to follow several fire safety tips for safe celebrating this holiday:

— Do not leave campfires unattended.
— Clear vegetation and dry debris down to bare soil within 10 feet around your campfire.
— Be sure to completely put out campfires, leaving the site cold to the touch.
— Make sure lighting and heating devices are cool before refueling.
— Ensure cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco pipes are fully extinguished when not in use.
— Use caution when operating vehicles in close proximity to vegetation.
— Spark arresting devices must be properly installed and maintained on all internal combustion engines.
— Also, before venturing onto the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, please pick up a map with the appropriate level of detail for your planned activities:

For motorized travel: Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) are available at all Forest Service offices, and may be downloaded here. In addition, the MVUM can be downloaded to a mobile device, such as an iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch or Android (4.0.3 or newer), directly through the Avenza PDF Maps Mobile App. Go here for detailed instructions.

For hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding: Topographic maps are recommended. Visit the US Geological Survey for online purchases: https://store.usgs.gov/.

Forest visitor maps and wilderness maps: Are available at all Forest Service offices. Visitor maps are also available online at: https://www.nationalforestmapstore.com/.

For additional information on how to obtain a MVUM or other maps or on the status of Forest campgrounds, trails, and roads during this Memorial Day weekend, please contact any of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest’s offices located by clicking the second photo box.

Mr. Appliance of Reno. Appliance repair and installation. Sierra Home Services LLC. 775-690-3298. 795 Jacks Valley Road. Carson City, NV 89705.

The nationally-ranked Western Nevada FC Coyotes will put both its number one ranking and its 10-game United Premier Soccer League unbeaten streak on the line this Saturday as they host San Leandro United FC at the Moana Recreational Sports Complex in Reno. Kickoff is currently set for 4:45 pm.

Neither club played last week as they both were granted byes into the quarterfinals of the Wild West Conference Cup. The Coyotes last played Real San Jose in California and came away a 2-1 winner on Nick Tunic’s game winner in stoppage time.

The Coyotes, based in Northern Nevada's Carson City, currently play in the Wild West Conference of the United Premier Soccer League, a fourth division national league within the United States Soccer Federation. The UPSL currently has 168 teams playing across the country.

Coyotes head coach Ian Hill commented on how well organized San Leandro is this season. “San Leandro is a well-coached side that is well-organized and they have not conceded a lot of goals,” Hill said. “They will definitely be a challenge for us. We will need to be disciplined and focused on getting the victory. Our transition game will be paramount in the match. I have no doubt that we will bring out best.”

Hill also mentioned the importance of the fans coming out to support the team this weekend. “We’re really looking for fans to turn out and support us,” Hill said. “We invite everyone to come and see the number one UPSL team in the nation – the Western Nevada Coyotes.”

Anibal Echeverria, who has scored 4 goals and had 4 assists since joining the club, said the team is ready to get back onto the pitch. “We are rested and ready to go!” Echeverria said.

Tickets for Saturday’s match are $5 for adults with kids under 12 being admitted free. The first 100 tickets sold for the game will also be entered into a drawing for an autographed jersey. Tickets can be purchased by hovering over the “Shop” link and clicking on “Tickets and More” on the team’s website.

Visit www.westernnevadafc.com for information on the Coyotes.

Participants in the annual Battle Born Trail Series: Fire Up for Firefighters Multi-Hour Event in Washoe County raised $5,823.40 for the Nevada Local Assistance State Team Program, also known as Nevada LAST.

The run, hosted by University of Nevada Cooperative Extension’s Living With Fire Program, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management and Desert Sky Adventures, was part of Nevada Wildfire Awareness Month.

Nevada LAST, the Nevada division of the federal LAST Program, is a collaborative effort among local, state and federal firefighting entities. The proceeds of the run will help their efforts to support families’ needs during times of loss or recovery of injured or fallen firefighters.

“Unfortunately, Nevada has experienced firefighter fatalities,” said Shawn McEvers, division chief of training and administration for the Sparks Fire Department and chairman of the Nevada LAST Team. “With all the agencies involved and promoting Wildfire Awareness Month, having this event is a win-win for everybody involved. It was impressive to see the turnout from participants, to families and kids.”

The event was at Bartley Ranch Regional Park in Reno and had a variety of fire engines and displays of educational information, along with a visit from Smokey Bear.

The public had a chance to cheer on the runners, visit with firefighter representatives, and enjoy Nevada’s outdoor beauty.

“We are thankful to the Bureau of Land Management as the major sponsor for the event and to all those runners who participated,” Living With Fire Program Senior Manager Sonya Sistare said. “Not only did we raise funds for Nevada LAST, but participants also had the opportunity to visit with local fire agencies and learn how to prepare for the next wildfire.”

Nevada Wildfire Awareness Month activities are a collaborative effort by local, state and federal firefighting agencies; Cooperative Extension; and many others.

This year’s theme was “Prepare Now! Wildfire Knows No Season” to encourage Nevada communities to prepare their homes and families for wildfire throughout the year.

Cooperative Extension’s Living With Fire Program, which began in 1997, teaches homeowners how to live more safely with the wildfire threat. The program has received numerous national awards, and been credited with spurring actions that have saved many homes.

For more information about Living With Fire, visit the Living With Fire website at http://www.livingwithfire.info/, or contact Jamie Roice-Gomes at University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, roicej@unce.unr.edu or 775-336-0261.

Honor Flight Nevada, a nonprofit organization that takes Silver State veterans to Washington, D.C. so they may visit memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices, held its Memorial Day pancake breakfast at Atlantis Casino Resort in Reno Monday.

Among those attending from Carson City were Don Quilici and Mike Curtis, both 2017 Honor Flight Nevada attendees. Quilici is a veteran of the Korean War. Curtis is a veteran of the Vietnam War.

RENO — In addition to navigating pristine wild rivers and dirt roads, big-fish wrangler Zeb Hogan of Nat Geo WILD’s “Monster Fish” show also had to navigate a maze of dangerous military zones in order to tell the story of his travel and research in the remote and wild Salween River that runs through China, Thailand and Myanmar.

Hogan, who hosts the show – now in its seventh season – has been on remote sections of the Amazon and the Nile and on every continent except Antarctica studying Monster Fish, freshwater fish that grow to at least six feet long and more than 200 pounds. He had heard reports of catfish the size of pickup trucks and fish species found nowhere else on Earth. How could he resist a trip to the Salween?

“This was my first trip into Myanmar,” Hogan said. “It was unknown and potentially dangerous territory, a super remote stretch of river — wild, healthy river cut off from the outside world.”

For Hogan, it was well worth it. It was his first time catching and handling a 5-foot-long 100-pound Giant Goonch catfish in wild, fast-flowing rapids. In all, he found a half-dozen species of monster fish, including pink-purple carps that grow to over 100 pounds and Great White Sheatfish, a type of powerful and aggressive catfish capable of making acrobatic leaps to capture prey. It was his first time fishing at night from a traditional Myanmarese 'floating house’ and fishing with local bamboo poles and fish traps.

It was also his first time dealing with armed military to gain access to a river.

“This was especially tough because we had to negotiate with soldiers holding machine guns and rocket launchers,” Hogan, an assistant professor and conservation biologist in the University’s College of Science, said. “We worked with different factions to get access to sections of the Salween River that have been cut off from the outside world for almost 50 years due to conflict between the military and local ethnic groups. It’s also a refuge for some of Asia’s biggest fish. I was excited to hear about and hunt for some monsters in this wild and remote region, even though it was monsoon season.”

A New Threat
The Salween is under a new threat. With hundreds of dams under construction in Asia, it’s hard to find any major rivers left unscathed or undammed. The Salween is one of them.

Seven dams are proposed for the largely untouched river, which runs 1,750 miles from the Tibetan Plateau in China and empties into the Andaman Sea on the northern edge of the Indian Ocean, making it even more important for Hogan to study and to document the huge fish that inhabits the waters. From China, the Salween runs through Myanmar and along the border of Thailand.

The new season of the Nat Geo WILD series “Monster Fish with Zeb Hogan” premieres for 2018 with this episode, followed by five other new shows, packed with adventure.

On June 8, “Zeb Hogan Special: Monster Fish: Hammerhead Invasion“ will air, with Hogan travelling to the Bahamas to solve some mysteries about the elusive and endangered Great Hammerhead shark, including why every November they show up en masse to the waters surrounding the tiny island of Bimini, home to some of the most shark-infested waters on Earth.

He teams with renowned shark scientist Tristan Guttridge and his state-of-the-art Shark Lab to investigate. Using cutting-edge marine research technology to look for answers, Zeb and the Shark Lab team wrestle, satellite tag and track the 400-pound hammerheads.

Facing new dangers, this time underwater and not from armed soldiers, Hogan scuba dives with sharks — without a cage — including the 12-foot long hammerhead, large bull sharks and a boat-sized tiger shark. In his latest adventure, to the Sea of Cortez off the coast of Baja California, Hogan finds, swims with and studies the world’s largest fish, the Whale Shark. Whale sharks are not whales, and can reach lengths of 46 feet and can weigh up to 12 tons. On his journey, Hogan encounters thousands of jumping devil rays, massive whales, and endangered turtles before coming face-to-face with the giant fish.

A 10-hour marathon of previous shows begins at 10 a.m. on June 1, bringing binge-watching viewers on trips to the Nile, the Amazon, Laos and other regions around the world. The new episode begins at 9 p.m. June 1.

The Whale Shark episode will air in November 2018 along with a special highlighting the importance of local experts and fishermen to Hogan’s quest to find big fish. In the November show, he travels to the Sea of Cortez in search of the whale shark in hopes of uncovering the hidden secrets of the aquatic paradise. On his journey, he encounters thousands of jumping devil rays, massive whales, and endangered turtles before coming face-to-face with a giant.

Other shows include:
“Monster Fish with Zeb Hogan: Notorious B.I.G’s” on Friday, June 15 at 9 p.m. Hogan searches for monster fish with the worst reputations to find out if they live up to the bad hype. Electric eels of the Amazon are rumored to pack enough power to kill a human. Invasive snakeheads are known for ravaging native Florida fish species. Fierce-looking alligator gars are suspected to be gobbling up prized bait fish in Louisiana. The giant Goonch in India is even thought to have killed a person. He goes to the source to find out if these fish really are the monsters they seem.

“Monster Fish with Zeb Hogan: Eating Machines” on Friday, June 22 at 9 p.m. In this episode, Hogan looks for big fish with killer appetites. Ravenous piranha, invasive flying carp and even a catfish that eats pigeons are eating their way to giant proportions.

10-year Anniversary
This season is the 10-year anniversary of the show, which first aired on the National Geographic Channel and has aired on Nat Geo WILD for the past several years. Since the beginning, he has produced nearly 40 of the one-hour documentaries over seven seasons, many based on his research at the University.

“It's hard to believe we've been doing the show for 10 years,” Hogan said. “The first show we did featured the world's largest freshwater fish, the Mekong giant catfish, and was based on my doctoral research in 2004; and we called it the Megafishes Project. The latest show on the world's largest fish – the whale shark – was just filmed this month.”

Hogan has filmed in more than 30 countries on six continents, including on the "River of Doubt" a tributary to the Amazon in Brazil – which was explored by Theodore Roosevelt in the early 1900s, the Kenai River in Alaska, the Mekong River in Asia and the Murray-Darling River in Australia. His work encompasses 10 of Earth's most diverse freshwater ecosystems – ecological treasures – including World Heritage Sites, Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance and United Nations Environment Program Biodiversity Hotspots.

He also has established, and works to establish, conservation programs in the areas he studies to help protect the fish. For example, partly as a result of Hogan’s work with the governments of Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos, capture of the Mekong giant catfish is now restricted in those countries. He’s also helped communities in the United States create conservation programs to help protect fish habitat.

The show, televised in North America, Asia and Europe, offers a mix of science, adventure and exploration around the world. A schedule, videos, photos and more information about the Monster Fish shows can been seen on the Nat Geo WILD website.

Hogan has been on faculty at the University of Nevada, Reno since 2006 and is an assistant research professor in the University’s College of Science, part of the Aquatic Ecosystems Analysis Laboratory in the Biology Department and a member of the University’s Global Water Center. He is a National Geographic Explorer and was named a National Geographic Fellow in 2011.

He was a visiting Fulbright scholar at the Environmental Risk Assessment Program at Thailand’s Chiang Mai University, has served as a World Wildlife Fund senior freshwater fellow and is the United Nations Convention on Migratory Species Councilor for Fish.

— Mike Wolterbeek is a Communications Officer for the University of Nevada, Reno. He can be reached at mwolterbeek@unr.edu

An 18-year-old man was arrested early Tuesday for possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and speeding, a Carson City sheriff’s deputy said.

According to the arrest report, a deputy made a traffic stop on a vehicle going 51 mph in a posted 35 mph zone on South Carson Street.

While speaking to the driver, of Reno, and a 17-year-old passenger in the vehicle, the officer could smell a strong odor of marijuana.

The officer asked the driver if he had been smoking marijuana. The driver admitted to smoking approximately 5 hours prior. The deputy asked if there was any marijuana in the vehicle. The man handed the officer a ziplock bag containing a grinder, multiple rubber containers and concentrated THC wax pressed between sheetings of paper.

The driver voluntarily submitted to field sobriety tests and it was determined he was not impaired. Another deputy made contact with the 17-year-old and located drug paraphernalia and approximately 1.3 ounces of marijuana in his possession.

The driver was arrested for misdemeanor possession of concentrated THC, possession of drug paraphernalia, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and speeding. The 17-year-old passenger was also arrested for possession of more than 1 ounce of marijuana. Bail for the 18-year-old: $2,603.

In other arrests:
— A 48-year-old Carson City man was arrested Monday, 10:57 p.m. for being a drunken pedestrian. According to the arrest report, the man was walking in the middle of the roadway on Winnie Lane. He provided a preliminary breath sample of .308. Bail: $72.

— A 32-year-old female transient was arrested Monday, 4:18 p.m. for misdemeanor violation of a suspended sentence warrant. Bail: $1,000.

— A Reno man was arrested Monday, 11:30 a.m. for a misdemeanor probation violation warrant issued May 2, 2018 out of Carson City Justice Court. Bail: $3,000.

— A Carson City woman was booked into jail Monday, 11:30 a.m. for a misdemeanor violation of conditions warrant issued Feb. 13, 2018 out of Carson City Justice Court. Bail: $1,000.

— A 34-year-old Carson City man was arrested Sunday, 3:45 a.m. in the area of Industrial Park for misdemeanor disorderly conduct and a parole and probation hold.

According to the arrest report, deputies were called to the area at 3:21 a.m. for a report of a man on the ground in the middle of the roadway. The officer located the man, who did not respond or acknowledged the deputy’s presence.

Paramedics were called. He was uncooperative with them as well. When the deputy attempted to help the man get up, the man took a swing at the deputy and said “don’t touch me,” the arrest report states.

The man then got up and told paramedics and the deputy “f**k that, you’re not going to disrespect me.” The man’s demeanor diminished to open hostility and he was arrested for disorderly conduct. He provided a preliminary breath test of .145 and was taken to jail. Bail: $242.

— A 56-year-old Carson City man was arrested Sunday, 4:19 p.m. at Walmart in the 3200 block of Market Street for suspicion of petit larceny and a department of alternative sentencing violation. The man allegedly attempted to steal a bottle of Coke and Smirnoff vodka. Loss prevention provided CCSO deputies a DVD of the incident, a copy of the receipt for the stolen times, and photos of the stolen items, valued at $13.67. Bail: $3,352.

— A 35-year-old Carson City man was arrested Monday, 12:11 a.m. in the area of Nye Lane for two counts misdemeanor suspicion of domestic battery.

The man allegedly became angry at his ex-girlfriend who took his keys away from him so he could not drive because he was intoxicated. The man allegedly tackled the woman, and punched her with closed fists to the back of the head and on her back, the arrest report states.

The man then allegedly slapped his sister-in-law across the face with an open hand when she attempted to calm him down. The suspect’s brother intervened and punched him in the face to subdue him and held him to the ground until law enforcement arrived, the arrest report states.

The suspect blew a .232 preliminary breath test and was arrested. Bail: $6,274.

— A 25-year-old Carson City man was arrested Sunday, 5:57 p.m. in the area of Fairview and Saliman streets for misdemeanor suspicion of a second DUI, basic speed, driving on a suspended license, and failing to maintain a lane of traffic.

According to the arrest report, a sheriff’s deputy made a traffic stop on a vehicle confirmed by radar going 45 in a 30 mph zone. The officer could smell an odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle and asked the driver if he had been drinking. The driver replied he had one 24-ounce beer. The driver agreed to field sobriety tests and showed clues of impairment. He provided a preliminary breath test of .135. Bail: $3,483.

— A 25-year-old Carson City man, Joshua Curtis Chandler, was arrested Sunday, 4:01 a.m. in the area of Fifth and Saliman streets for felony suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor DUI.

According to the arrest report, deputies were dispatched to the area for a possible drunk driver and a man who was slumped over the front seat in a white sedan.

The officer located the vehicle, observed the driver in his seat slumped over, and unresponsive to knocks on the windows. The vehicle was running, the lights were on and the engine was revving due to the driver’s foot being on the gas pedal.

The officer opened the door and turned off the vehicle. The driver woke up, stepped out of the vehicle and spoke with the officer, who could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from him. The driver consented to field sobriety tests and showed signs of impairment. He provided a preliminary breath test of .133.

At the detention center the man denied voluntary consent for evidentiary testing. A judge granted a search warrant for a blood draw.

During a custodial search of the man, deputies located a small bag of a white powdery substance identified as cocaine, the arrest report states. Bail: $3,637.

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.

Firehouse Subs in Carson City will hold a community fundraiser Wednesday for the families of Pioneer High and Eagle Valley Middle School students who were displaced in a May 16 structure fire at a Pheasant Drive apartment that burned four residences.

The families of four of the students have been displaced following this incident. The schools are asking community members to join them today, Wednesday, from 4 to 9 p.m. at Firehouse Subs, 3120 Highway 50 East in Carson City. A portion of all purchases will be donated to the families.

A similar fundraiser was held last week at Pizza Factory, which also donated a portion of proceeds made throughout the day to these families to help with expenses.

The families of Alexis Trujillo and Antonio Trujillo and Jordan and Theodore Leyva have been displaced following this incident as has the family of Alex Lavelle.

Thankfully the Trujillo family was not injured in the tragedy. Theodore was in ICU at Renown Hospital in Reno. If it wasn’t for the quick thinking of his brother Jordan, entering the building to save his family, the outcome could have been much different. See the story here.

A new scholarship through the Western Nevada College Foundation honors the memory of Michael Albert Dugan. The Mike Dugan Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually to a Fallon, Churchill County or rural student to be used toward materials for online or Fallon campus classes.

“This scholarship will honor Mike’s passion for education, talent for teaching and his love of books,” said Ginny Dugan, Mike’s wife of 39 years.

Following a successful 22 years with the United States Navy as an air traffic controller, Dugan returned to school and earned his master’s degree in speech communications from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Soon after, he launched his second career at the Western Nevada College Fallon campus teaching public speaking, oral communication and cinema as art and communication. Dugan soon became a student favorite, twice earning the distinguished award of WNC Instructor of the Year.

“Mike was a good friend and a great instructor. He was well-liked by his students and fellow teachers. He never took himself too seriously. He always had a joke and a smile to make you feel good,” said Bus Scharmann, Churchill County commissioner, a member of the WNC Institutional Advisory Council and former dean of the WNC Fallon Campus.

Dugan was an avid reader and especially loved science fiction novels. He also had a talent for technology and was among the first of WNC instructors to take advantage of distance-learning techniques. He later authored a technical manual on the subject.

“Mike would love knowing that, through these scholarships, his legacy will allow students easier access to the materials they need to be successful in college,” said Ginny, also a former Western Nevada College employee.
Each year, the Mike Dugan Memorial Scholarship will award a student $500 to help with their book and classroom material expenses.

WNC Foundation scholarship applications have increased by 20 percent year over year, creating a greater need for student scholarship support than ever before.

“The Mike Dugan Memorial Scholarship is very generous and much needed. Mike was important to the Western Nevada College Fallon campus. It’s wonderful to see him remembered in this way,” said WNC Acting President Mark Ghan.

For information on contributing to the Mike Dugan Memorial Scholarship, contact WNC Foundation at 775-445-3239, visit wnc.edu/foundation to make an online donation or send a check made out to the WNC Foundation in care of Angela Viera, Western Nevada College Fallon Campus,160 Campus Way, Fallon, Nevada 89406.