A new chapter. A second chance. A sense of purpose. These sentiments are echoed among many of the grandparents who participate in the Sparks-based Foster Grandparent Program of Northern Nevada, which places senior citizens in schools and youth programs throughout the region to help mentor children. Almost 100 grandparents impart their wisdom and love to thousands of children … [Read more...]
Nevadans begin switch to Real ID when getting driver’s licenses
If you don’t have a Real ID, getting through security checkpoints for a domestic flight or visit to a federal building or military base may soon become more difficult. As deadlines loom for states to implement Real ID standards, many U.S. residents may find that their standard license or ID are not enough to prove their identity without a secondary form of … [Read more...]
Sparks Police Officer of the Year: Detective Benjamin Russell
Since he was a child, Detective Benjamin Russell always knew that he wanted to be a police officer, and his hard work and dedication were recognized when the 10-year law enforcement veteran received one of the top awards given by the Sparks Police Department. Russell was presented with the peer-nominated Officer of the Year award, along with a Certificate of Commendation, at … [Read more...]
Sparks-based company wins regional innovation competition
The International Milk Bank, a Sparks-based company and future commercial breast milk provider, has been named the regional winner of the Small Business Administration’s 2016 InnovateHER Challenge, a national competition. Eight competitors competed in the local InnovateHER Challenge competition, hosted by the CUBE at Midtown, a startup community center and business incubator … [Read more...]
Student leader honored 50 years after his death
Memories of Mike Ingersoll remain strong, even 50 years after his death. Retired Reed High School Principal Tim Griffin fondly recalls his friend’s sense of humor and penchant for pranks. Ingersoll made a cast to put on his leg and would walk with a pair of crutches to avoid participating in mandatory ROTC drills at the University of Nevada, Reno. “He had that kind of … [Read more...]
Valdo Renucci Recalls the Days of Hitching Posts, Homemade Wine
For 94 years, Sparks resident Valdo Renucci has witnessed his community grow from a small ranching community into a city with a population of about 95,000. Throughout that steady growth and change, the World War II veteran and past city councilman has always lived within the same three-block area. When Renucci was growing up, most residents worked for the Southern Pacific … [Read more...]
Veterans Day: A simple thank-you goes a long way
This Veterans Day, millions of active duty, reserve and retired military veterans across the United States and overseas will be honored for their dedication, sacrifices and bravery on behalf of the nation. Celebrated on Wednesday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day is a time to thank those men and women for their service and to give respect to all those who have worn the … [Read more...]
Councilwoman reflects on city changes as term winds down
When Julia Ratti first won a seat on the Sparks City Council in 2008, she hoped to focus on the urban core and making Sparks a more environmentally-friendly city. However, those goals were delayed as the city faced bigger challenges brought on by the economic recession. “There were all those wonderful things that I wanted to do, but the reality is that the crash timed … [Read more...]