Sparks City Council honored two athletes and a longtime business owner at Monday’s meeting. Sparks High School’s James Renfrow (first image) and Justice Mesa (second image) were recognized for their football accomplishments and track and field achievements during the 2018-19 school year. Renfrow was also commended for earning a football scholarship to the University of Southern … [Read more...]
Washoe County School Board fires superintendent after 6-1 vote
After a special meeting that lasted over three hours, the Washoe County School Board fired Superintendent Traci Davis on Monday. Hundreds of people showed up to the Washoe Country School District Board Administration Building for the July 1 meeting to vote on whether to terminate Davis’s employment or not. The parking lot was full by 7 a.m. and people streamed into the … [Read more...]
Krall sworn in as new police chief of Sparks
Monday marked a new beginning at the Sparks Police Department as new chief Pete Krall was sworn in to office at the city council meeting. Krall began his new job recently, and has had a busy first week getting up to speed on his new responsibilities, but he is excited and more than ready to take on the role. Krall started his career in law enforcement in August 1994 first at … [Read more...]
New fire chief excited to lead department into the future
Following Chris Maples retirement, the City of Sparks has named a new fire chief who plans on finishing out the rest of his career with Sparks Fire. New Fire Chief Jim Reid has been with the fire department for more than 22 years and has ideas for how to keep the community safe and secure during Sparks booming growth. Sparks Fire recently announced that it will be hiring … [Read more...]
Reed grads brought together by desire to help others
On a warm, sunny morning with graduation just a week away, Natalie King-Shaw and Emilee Keppelmann graciously greet me at Reed High School where they take some time to share their accomplishments and reflect on their four-year experience of being Raiders. The two seniors are graduating on June 12 and while they are excited, it’s a bittersweet ending for this chapter of … [Read more...]
A Day to Remember
John Byrne photos/Tribune The annual Memorial Day service at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley was held on Monday as veterans, family members and friends remembered those who have fought for our country and honored those still fighting. Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak was on hand and spoke to the large crowd that attended as others placed flowers on graves … [Read more...]
Italian eatery a hidden gem in the heart of Downtown Sparks
Walking along Victorian Square, a small sign out in front of the Blind Onion points upstairs to Pietro’s Famiglia, next to Sparks Museum. Arriving an hour before the restaurant opens, the sharply dressed Richie Ballerini is doing sound checks and owner Pietro Ochoa takes a moment from doing prep work in the kitchen to chat. Ochoa started serving delectable Italian food out … [Read more...]
More Sparks roads set for facelift this summer
The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) hosted an open house at the Sparks Library May 8 to seek preliminary feedback on the rehabilitation projects happening on four sections of Sparks roadways and showcase the plan as it finalizes its design phase. This rehabilitation project, named Sparks Consolidated 19-01, will improve the stretches between: 15th Street from C … [Read more...]