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Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 10:20 PM

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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C Comment author: Carl C. HagenComment 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 AMComment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-rampComment author: Alan ReederComment text: Great guy, laughed easily, had fun with his students, enjoyed our time together at FHS!Comment publication date: 4/23/26, 10:23 PMComment source: Howard David JacksonComment author: Jack & Nancy CookComment 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 AMComment source: Howard David JacksonComment author: JeffDickersonComment text: Very well reported, even though our motion was denied.Comment publication date: 4/15/26, 11:05 AMComment source: Judge allows Fernley City Council to proceed with corrective agenda item in Lau expulsion caseComment author: Todd fossumComment 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 dayComment publication date: 1/16/26, 4:33 PMComment source: Clarence L Shields C Comment author: Carl HagenComment text: So just curious, what is the point of a franchise agreement if it is not exclusive?Comment publication date: 12/15/25, 4:18 PMComment source: Council approves non-exclusive franchise agreement for waste collection
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