The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County is beginning construction on the West Fourth Street Downtown Project this week. The project will enhance safety, accessibility, and the overall streetscape within the corridor. Enhancements for pedestrians will include wider sidewalks and improved lighting, as well as ADA compliant ramps at key locations and … [Read more...]
Children removed from the house; Sparks obtains conviction for child abuse
Sparks, NV – On May 1, 2025, Sparks Police Department (SPD) responded to a Sparks apartment complex to investigate a report of suspected child abuse involving a 3-year-old girl that was reported by the school nurse of a local elementary school. The nurse observed extensive bruising on the child’s right arm, which appeared to be in varying stages of healing, and chipped … [Read more...]
Dennis Donato, 1952 – 2025
Dennis Donato 73, of Sparks, NV passed in his home on August 17, 2025. Born to the late Emil and Rosita Donato on July 25, 1952, in Brooklyn, NY. Dennis was best known for his love of Harleys, football and his remarkable green thumb, he had a contagious smile, a heart of gold and the best laugh, which touched the lives of everyone he met. He found joy in simple moments … [Read more...]
Nevada gasoline down 22 cents a gallon over last year
No news is good news for drivers as gas prices stayed on track this past week, with the national average returning to $3.16 after a few dips. Meanwhile, Nevada gas prices dropped a penny to an average of $3.73. That’s down 22 cents since last year when Nevadans were paying $3.95 per gallon. With crude oil prices remaining steady, there’s no indication gas … [Read more...]
Reno public radio joins regional news bureau
NPR is joining the Mountain West News Bureau to create a regional newsroom that brings together public media organizations across seven Western states, including KUNR Public Radio. This collaboration advances the NPR Network’s mission to deliver journalism that helps people make well-informed decisions for their families and their communities. The new regional newsroom … [Read more...]
Why the sub-teacher shortage at WCSD?
By Bob Chidester Special to the Sparks Tribune After teaching middle school for 20 years full-time in the S.F. Bay Area, I retired, and my wife and I moved to Sparks. The Washoe County School District (WCSD) has daily shortages of dozens of substitutes. For the past 6 years, I have successfully substituted in a dozen WCSD middle schools. For almost that entire … [Read more...]
2017 Reed grad fixes Navy subs
GROTON, Conn. - Petty Officer 1st Class Victor Ventimilla, a native of Sparks, Nevada, is training sailors to continue the U.S. Navy’s 125-year tradition of service under the sea. Ventimilla graduated from Edward C. Reed High School in 2017. The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Sparks. “Growing up, I worked a lot with my … [Read more...]
Word games to belittle achievements
Sherman R. Frederick/Properly Subversive This may seem like a minor writing point, but it’s significant, and it is happening right now in the mainstream media. News organizations have taken to substituting the president’s name for what would generally be called actions taken by the federal government. Consider the alleged civil rights violations at Columbia and the … [Read more...]