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Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 12:30 AM

Gray, Carmona urge governor to allow rural counties to reopen

Gray, Carmona urge governor to allow rural counties to reopen
Storey County Commissioner Jay Carmona and Lyon County Commissioner Ken Gray

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

Lyon County Commissioner Ken Gray and Storey County Commissioner Jay Carmona together sent a letter to Governor Steve Sisolak this week asking him to allow rural counties to begin reopening.

Gray and Carmona had the letter hand-delivered to Sisolak Monday, in which they say the best approach to open things back up is to let local officials decide.

Carmona said they gave the letter to Sisolak Monday, hoping he’d have time to consider it before his scheduled press conference Thursday. However, the press conference was bumped up to Tuesday and they aren’t sure whether Sisolak had the chance to read it before the speech in which he announced his tiered criteria for businesses and government offices to reopen.

“The economy in Nevada is on the brink and while it’s imperative we do what we can to keep COVID-19 infections and deaths down, we cannot ignore the many lives affected by these closures,” Carmona said in a Facebook post announcing the letter. “From business owners to employees, the impact is far and wide.”

In the letter, the outlined that while roughly 15 people out of every 1,000 population have become infected, while in Lyon County, that number is about 2 in every 10,000, and Storey County does not yet have a confirmed infection.

“Based on the above information, we ask you to allow rural Nevada to begin to reopen at the discretion of their respective Boards of County Commissioners, relying on the input of medial and public health professionals as well as the needs of their citizenry,” the letter states. “The approach you have taken with the prolonging of the “one-size fits all” restrictions is no longer necessary or in the best interests of our great state. And quite frankly, many are becoming less willing to cooperate as patience is running out with the “one size fits all” approach.”


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Comment author: PFB Comment text: Why can't you guys find competent contractors.. For a large municipal facility like the indoor-outdoor Fernley Swimming Pool located at 300 Cottonwood Lane, a complete ground-up commercial build or major structural renovation typically spans 6 to 12 months or longer when factoring in large-scale engineering, public municipal permitting, specialized commercial HVAC/roofing, and health department inspections. The current renovation has been- The Fernley Swimming Pool has been closed for approximately six to seven months since late February 2026 for a major roof replacement and facility renovation. Now you sat October. Soooo 8 months for a new roof. The picture shows no other renovations. Comment publication date: 9/17/26, 7:14 PM Comment source: Electrical problem delays Fernley pool opening Comment author: P Comment text: Relative of the Mayor is to over see this site. Anyone who knows Fernley KNOWS this is more of the who you are related to and know business in this town. VOTE THEM ALL OUT AND THE CALIFORNIA TRANSPLANTS. Comment publication date: 9/16/26, 10:31 PM Comment source: Lift Station Failure Released Untreated Sewage Comment author: Christopher Walsh Comment text: Could you look into the strong recurring smell around Fernley? It smells like sewage and it can be bad enough that people don’t want to be outside or open their windows. It would be helpful to get an investigative journalist help the Fernley residents get a clear answer from the City, NDEP, and any involved facilities. I was really disappointed that the smell was not disclosed by my realtor when I moved here. I enjoy Fernley and am seeing the improvements that are being made. With Appreciation Comment publication date: 9/12/26, 2:49 PM Comment source: Sewage spill near City of Fernley Municipal Well 9 Comment author: Alicia Euresti Comment text: We are all so blessed to have Pastor Matt and Mrs. Regina in this town. They have become a major part of pur family and our children adore them. Thank you both for all you do for qll of us. We love you!!!! Comment publication date: 9/6/26, 9:24 PM Comment source: Fascinating Fernley: Meet Your Neighbors at Living Faith Food Pantry Comment author: R Conley Comment text: Is the deputy receiving any additional training or reinforcing prior training? Comment publication date: 9/5/26, 10:08 AM Comment source: Inmate escapes from Fernley substation Comment author: Kayla Allen Comment text: Suzie was a wonderful woman. I was pleased to call her my "godmother" as she helped me to become a better version of myself. I think about her a lot. Comment publication date: 7/10/26, 8:31 PM Comment source: Susanne Lynn Foster