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...]
Army veteran Sam Brown announces U.S. Senate race bid at Sparks event
By Gabby Birenbaum and Noel Simms The Nevada Independent Retired U.S. Army Capt. Sam Brown is entering Nevada’s 2024 U.S. Senate race, with the institutional backing of Senate Republicans. Brown, who made his announcement public at a Monday afternoon event at Bragg Crane Service in Sparks, pitched himself in a statement to The Nevada Independent as the best candidate … [Read more...]
Lombardo push to curtail remote work delayed as state pivots to new office park
By Jacob Solis The Nevada Independent Just a day before an executive order effectively ending widespread work-from-home policies for state workers was set to take effect, an internal memo suggests a full return to the office could take between six and 12 months of additional time. In January, Gov. Joe Lombardo’s second-ever executive order called on the state’s … [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...]
Audit calls for Washoe County elections overhaul, but some question the review itself
By Noel Sims The Nevada Independent An 80-page external audit calling for an overhaul of the Washoe County Registrar of Voters office — citing a lack of staffing, adequate training, communication and security in the county’s elections — was the topic of discussion at a contentious Friday meeting of the county’s audit committee. Several mistakes during the 2022 … [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...]
A home away from home for veterans seeking medical care
By Tim Lenard The Nevada Independent Just across the street from the Reno Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, the Veterans Guest House opens its doors to anyone with military affiliation in town seeking treatment. CEO Sylvia Froslie said she likes being next to but independent from the VA. It affords them flexibility in who they can serve. “We don’t care about … [Read more...]
After pandemic shutdown, Sparks based roller derby team back on track
By Tim Lenard and Joey Lovato The Nevada Independent The bleachers were packed at an indoor soccer arena in Sparks last month where the Sierra Regional Roller Derby (SRRD) team hosted their first home bout since 2019 against the Faultline Derby Devilz. The team came away with a win. For Coach Megan Jackson, victory was almost secondary. “I couldn’t have asked for … [Read more...]