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Monday, July 13, 2026 at 6:46 AM
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County begins demolition of old jail building

County begins demolition of old jail building
Demolition began Monday on the old Lyon County jail and public safety complex.

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

Lyon County began demolition Monday of the old county jail and public safety complex to provide additional parking for county facilities.

Lyon County and the City of Yerington moved into and occupied the Public Safety Complex in Yerington in 1976. The facility originally was built as a 20 bed jail and a 4 bed juvenile detention facility and housed the Sheriff's Office, Police Department, 9-1-1 Dispatch and Mason Justice Court.

In 1980, the jail was double bunked, taking capacity to 40 beds. In 1988, juveniles were no longer allowed to be housed near adult prisoners, and in 1990 Lyon County built additional cell blocks, taking the bed count to 56 inmates. Around the same time 9-1-1 Dispatch was moved across the parking to the facility where it is currently located.

In 2013, the jail, sheriff's administration, Third Judicial District Court and Walker River Justice Court moved into the new Justice Complex right behind the public safety complex. At that time, the county considered options for the old facility, including demolition or use as a storage facility for the Sheriff’s Office. It has been occupied by the Yerington Police Department until it recently began sharing space with the Sheriff’s Office while awaiting a remodel of the building that formerly housed the Lyon County Information Center.

Lyon County manager Jeff Page said the demolition will enhance parking for the library, Human Services and Justice Complex and provide the Sheriff's Office with better access to their facilities and evidence storage.


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Comment author: Sheena Nash Comment text: After the trivia night is over, I would love for you to print the questions. I grew up in Fernley and would be interested to see how many answers I know. The coin is beautiful. Congrats on 25 years as a city! Comment publication date: 6/22/26, 1:38 PM Comment source: City of Fernley planning 25th anniversary celebration with three days of community events C Comment author: Carl C. Hagen Comment text: Maybe there is more to this story than what is reported, but it seems to me that the businesses that are causing this problem ought to be paying for this, or at least a major portion of it. Why does the County have to pay the whole bill? Just my opinion. Comment publication date: 5/7/26, 10:26 AM Comment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-ramp Comment author: Alan Reeder Comment text: Great guy, laughed easily, had fun with his students, enjoyed our time together at FHS! Comment publication date: 4/23/26, 10:23 PM Comment source: Howard David Jackson Comment author: Jack & Nancy Cook Comment text: Wonderful man. Created a precious family with Linda. Will always respect and admire his contribution to teaching at FHS. Comment publication date: 4/18/26, 10:27 AM Comment source: Howard David Jackson Comment author: JeffDickerson Comment text: Very well reported, even though our motion was denied. Comment publication date: 4/15/26, 11:05 AM Comment source: Judge allows Fernley City Council to proceed with corrective agenda item in Lau expulsion case Comment author: Todd fossum Comment text: Hi my name is todd fossum i'm clarence's stepson, I was wondering if he had any siblings. I think he said he had a sister that just survived cancer. If she can get ahold of me or any buddy, my number is 916. 3 4 3 1 1 7 7.Thank you have a blessed day Comment publication date: 1/16/26, 4:33 PM Comment source: Clarence L Shields
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