The temperatures have been blazing hot in Sparks this July, and residents may be wondering where to go to get some respite. Managed by the City of Sparks, the Sparks Marina is a public area with paved walking paths, trees, grass, and sandy beaches that surround a 77-acre manmade lake. It was formerly a gravel pit owned by a construction company and was later acquired by the … [Read more...]
Funds approved for nonprofits to develop employment opportunities
At the June 12 Sparks City Council meeting, council members voted to award both Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada and Opportunity Alliance Nevada each $179,840 to help fund their employment programs. The monies are generated from three of the City’s budgets, which include the Fund 1203 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Entitlement, the Program 130271 Grant Program … [Read more...]
Lifelong Sparks resident was city’s longest standing mayor
Last Thursday on June 1, 2023, City of Sparks’ longest-standing mayor Geno Martini died. The lifelong resident served on city council from 1999 until he became mayor in February 2005-November 2018 until the late Ron Smith took his place. He was 77. During his time with the City, Mayor Martini was instrumental in helping build out the Sparks Marina, redevelop Victorian Square … [Read more...]
Officials stress public to use caution around Truckee River this summer
A week ago, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch in the Sierra Nevada that was in place through May 30. Even though the weather has warmed up quite a bit in the region, the NWS warned that slow moving rain showers and thunderstorms moving through the Northern Nevada region will create flash flooding. Excessive snow and water runoff from the mountaintops this past … [Read more...]
Rehab project on downtown Sparks neighborhood begins this week
The City of Sparks recently began a street rehabilitation project in a neighborhood in downtown Sparks on May 30 and the project is expected to be completed by fall of this year. Sierra Nevada Construction is completely reconstructing the roadways on Wright Way, 5th Street, 6th Street, 7th Street, and E Street east of Pyramid Way between Victorian Avenue and Prater Way. These … [Read more...]
Sparks city manager keeps his job with mayor’s vote
Despite Sparks City Manager Neil Krutz’s dismal annual performance review score of 2.5 out of 6 rated in core competencies regarding leadership, professionalism, management, community relations, policy executions, and relations with the council, Krutz will continue to keep his job as City Manager. In the public comment period before the council delved into the agenda of the … [Read more...]
It’s now illegal to be a street racing spectator in Sparks
At its April 24 meeting, the Sparks City Council passed a new ordinance making it illegal to be a spectator at street races, speed exhibitions, or sideshows. Anyone caught promoting, instigating, aiding, or helping these events will be issued a misdemeanor. Before now, the Sparks Municipal Code did not have ordinances preventing people from gathering at these events, which … [Read more...]
Get involved in the community this Mother’s Day weekend
The weather is finally expected to warm up this Mother’s Day weekend, and there is plenty to do in Sparks. Whether it’s strolling around the Sparks Marina, participating in a food drive, or celebrating your mom in a unique way, here are some ideas for how to get involved in the community: Best Buddies Friendship Walk May 13 Stroll along the Sparks Marina for a worthy … [Read more...]