The City of Sparks recently launched a new mobile app called My Sparks, which streamlines the process for residents to put in service requests (like alerting the city to potholes, graffiti, or abandoned cars), receive notifications, and easily access the most highly requested information. The My Sparks app is free and easy to download through the Apple Store or Google Play … [Read more...]
Heavy snow and rain fell across Nevada this month. Are we still in a drought?
By Daniel Rothberg The Nevada Independent Over the past few weeks, storm after storm has rolled through the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Great Basin, dropping much-needed rain and heavy snow from Reno to Elko. But despite all the welcome precipitation, the state still faces drought conditions after back-to-back dry years. As with much of California and the West, … [Read more...]
New free-standing ER opens in Spanish Springs
Last week, the City of Sparks celebrated the completion of the new Northern Nevada Medical Center ER located off Oppio Ranch Parkway and Pyramid Way. Sparks City councilmembers, Mayor Ed Lawson, the city attorney, and NNMC staff all took part in the ribbon-cutting before touring the brightly lit, brand new interior. NNMC’s new ER will be open 24/7 to accommodate a variety of … [Read more...]
RTC seeks input on Sparks transit route improvements
The Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County has been busy in the last few weeks as it continues work on the Oddie Wells Project and working on improvements to its public transit system. The RTC is looking to redesign its transit routes to better serve its users, and is proposing to implement a few changes to the Sparks route system as soon as this coming May. The … [Read more...]
In Congress, a push to keep hundreds of millions flowing to Tahoe for clarity, restoration projects
By Gabby Birenbaum The Nevada Independent With the authorization that allows federal funds to flow to the Tahoe Basin set to expire next year, Nevada’s congressional delegation and Tahoe stakeholders are hopeful they can pass a re-authorization this year. The Lake Tahoe Restoration Act (LTRA), first passed in 2000 and re-authorized in 2016, established a $300 million … [Read more...]
Sparks City Council meeting highlights
The following are highlights from the January 23, 2023, Sparks City Council Meeting. Announcements/ Presentations • City Manager Neil Krutz announced the following committee vacancies: Applications will be accepted for each of these committees until Friday, February 3, 2023, at 5 p.m. Applicants are encouraged to apply at: www.cityofsparks.us/getinvolved. Council … [Read more...]
Tesla announces $3.6 billion investment in electric semi-truck manufacturing in Sparks
By Gabby Birenbaum The Nevada Independent Tesla intends to invest $3.6 billion in battery and electric semi-truck manufacturing in Sparks, expanding the company’s presence and the clean energy industry in Nevada, the White House said Tuesday. The Sparks plant will ramp up production of the Tesla Semi, a Class 8 semi-truck entirely powered by electricity. CEO Elon Musk … [Read more...]
Former fire chief seeks $440k in damages as city prepares to name replacement
Following the termination of former Sparks’ Fire Chief Mark Lawson late last year, Lawson’s legal team has demanded that the City of Sparks reimburse him for $441,218.83 to allegedly cover lost wages, damage to his reputation, legal fees, health insurance, and unused leave. Lawson didn’t act as the city’s fire chief for very long…after the Sparks City Council approved his … [Read more...]