By Carly Sauvageau The Nevada Independent Though experts predict 2024 could finally see more stable rents after rapid cost increases in recent years, many Nevada tenants are still feeling the strain as rents continue to outpace what is affordable for a person earning the median income in Nevada. After rents fell in late 2022 for the first time since the COVID-19 … [Read more...]
Lombardo says Nevada teachers should not be allowed to strike
By Rocio Hernandez The Nevada Independent Gov. Joe Lombardo is opposing an initiative by the Clark County teachers union that would allow Nevada public school teachers to go on strike. Under Nevada law, strikes by public employees — including teachers — are illegal. The governor’s opposition, which he expressed during The Nevada Independent’s IndyTalks event … [Read more...]
Contract awarded for new Victorian Square art piece
The Sparks Arts and Culture Advisory Committee recently chose sculptor Jim Gallucci to design and install a public art piece to be installed in Victorian Square this upcoming October. The project is part of the Together We See Sparks creative placemaking plan that was approved by the city council in May 2020. In June 2023, the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee voted on two … [Read more...]
If enrollment drops, what happens to funding for Nevada’s colleges and universities?
By Jacob Solis The Nevada Independent Last September, the Board of Regents in charge of the state’s public higher education system received a presentation that, if correct, suggested enrollment trends that could upend Nevada’s higher education budgets within the next decade and force steep cuts. But the doomsday scenario doesn’t seem to worry the state’s top higher … [Read more...]
Sparks Heritage Museum celebrates the City’s119th birthday on Friday
On March 15, 1905, the City of Sparks was created when then Governor John Sparks signed a bill to mark its existence. On March 15, 2024, the Sparks Museum will be celebrating the city’s 119th birthday at 5:30 p.m. with cake, the Mayor’s Exhibit, and the launch of the Sparks History Map. Inside the museum, the Mayor’s Exhibit pays homage to every mayor that has represented … [Read more...]
Alf Sorensen Community Center pool reopens after upgrades
The City of Sparks has completed several projects at the Alf Sorensen Community Center and is resuming all water activities beginning this week. “We would like to thank everyone for their patience as we made the necessary upgrades to keep our facility properly maintained for our community,” said Nancy O’Connor, Parks and Recreation Director. “We are thrilled to welcome back … [Read more...]
Snowpack jumps 30 percent after massive weekend storm
By Amy Alonzo The Nevada Independent A massive early March storm has all but restored the snowpack across Nevada to median levels after what started as an abysmally low snow year in many locations. The multiday storm that shuttered highways, delayed openings of schools and government buildings and prompted forecasters to issue blizzard warnings dropped 30 percent of … [Read more...]
Sparks City Council meeting highlights
The following are highlights from the February 26, 2024, Sparks City Council Meeting. Announcements, Presentations Council approved: Public Hearings … [Read more...]