By Amy Alonzo The Nevada Independent Historic mining towns, Nevada’s famous dark skies, Indigenous American languages and early 20th Century motor courts all share something in common — they are threatened and, in some cases, in danger of disappearing. Preserve Nevada, the first statewide advocacy organization geared toward protecting Nevada’s cultural, historical and … [Read more...]
Sparks City Council meeting highlights
The following are highlights from the February 12, 2024, Sparks City Council Meeting. Announcements Council approved: Council held public hearings and: … [Read more...]
After delays, lawmakers release $56 million to fund educator raises at 7 districts
By Rocio Hernandez The Nevada Independent An interim legislative committee on Thursday approved about $56 million to fund additional raises for teachers and support staff at seven school districts, including three whose representatives returned before lawmakers for a second time after they faced application issues, questions on their plan for raises or tardiness at a … [Read more...]
KTMB announces monthly Saturday cleanups; first one will be March 2
Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful (KTMB) is kicking off Saturday morning monthly cleanups in Washoe County, giving more opportunities for the community to get involved in preserving the Truckee River and recreational spaces that surround it. The first cleanup will be held on Saturday, March 2 at the Oxbow Nature Study Area in Reno from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then the second one … [Read more...]
Sleeping in vehicles, on sidewalks a misdemeanor in Sparks
By Carly Sauvageau The Nevada Independent Sleeping on a sidewalk or in a vehicle on public property is now a criminal misdemeanor in Sparks after the city council voted unanimously Monday to approve an ordinance change. The ordinance, initially passed in August 2023 without much public outcry, was brought back to council members after city staff said the law needed … [Read more...]
‘I have something to give back:’How Washoe County’s interim registrar went from ice cream to elections
By Carly Sauvageau The Nevada Independent Cari-Ann Burgess’ favorite ice cream is vanilla soft serve mixed with a blue raspberry slushie, a concoction she consumed nearly every day while managing an ice cream shop in Ocean Isle Beach, a seaside town in North Carolina. This idyllic moment provides a stark contrast to her new reality: elections. Burgess was appointed to … [Read more...]
Much of Nevada started 2024 with an abysmally low snowpack. Odds of it recovering are slim
By Amy Alonzo The Nevada Independent Last winter, 32 atmospheric rivers — intense storms that carry moisture from the tropics — blew over California and into Nevada, dropping voluminous snow and rain. The atmospheric rivers brought record snowfall to much of Nevada and a reprieve from three consecutive years of drought. After more than two decades of nearly continuous … [Read more...]
Valentine’s Day events in Rail City
February 14th is a day when love is in the air to offset the cold temperatures, and there’s no better time to express your affection than by taking your loved ones out on the town. Here are some fun happenings going on in Sparks to celebrate Saint Valentine: Valentine’s Cards for Seniors Sparks residents Rikki Melanaphy, Jose “Chava” Espana, and Donald Abbott and heading … [Read more...]