Fernley defeated Elko in the first two games of a best-of-three series June 21 and 22 to claim the district title and advance to the state tournament, scheduled for July 9-12 in Battle Mountain. Fernley will be joined by District 1 champion Sparks Centennial and District 2 champion Moapa Valley.

Fernley's 12U softball team also reached the District 3 championship game but fell to Walker River. The league's 10U team finished 1-5 in tournament play.

Several players on the juniors team returned from last year's squad that won both the District 3 and state championships before finishing fourth at the West Regional Tournament in Tucson, Arizona. Others were members of last season's 12U district championship team.

"I think the best part is that they've all been playing together within Fernley, against each other in league and on our Blaze travel team and together in All-Stars, since they were 10," manager Sarah Parale said. "They know each other, they know how each other works. They play really well together."

Fernley opened the championship series with a 4-1 victory over Elko.

Nevaeh Leija struck out 11 batters while allowing five hits and one run to earn the win.

Elko took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning, but Leija scored on a wild pitch in the bottom of the fourth to tie the game. Jaelyn Smythe later scored on a passed ball to give Fernley a 2-1 lead. Fernley added one run in the fifth inning and another in the sixth to secure the victory.

In Game 2 on June 22, Kendall Sanchez drove in three runs and Leija added two RBIs to lead the offense. Lilly Nicholas and Sanchez combined to limit Elko to one run on four hits while recording 12 strikeouts in a 13-1 victory that clinched the district championship.

Fernley's 12U team went 5-1 in pool play, defeating Battle Mountain 18-0, Hawthorne 19-2, Ruby Mountain 4-2, Elko 9-2 and Silverada 22-0. Their lone loss came against Walker River, 10-8.

The performance earned Fernley the No. 2 seed in bracket play, where it defeated Silverada 16-1 and Ruby Mountain 12-2 before falling to Walker River 12-4 in the championship game. Fernley led 4-3 after three innings before Walker River rallied with two runs in the fourth and six more in the fifth.

Fernley's 10U team opened tournament play with a 15-7 win over Walker River before dropping games to Elko (21-6), White Pine (17-12), Battle Mountain (11-1) and Mucc Mountain (16-7). Fernley was eliminated with a 14-4 loss to Elko in bracket play.

Fernley 12U roster: Hayven Robb, Rayven Johnson, Emma Geddes, Amelia Huerta, Paisley Gililland, Aria Parker, McKylee Minoletti, Mari Tarantino, Teagan Boyer, Jayda Welles, Lyric Thrower and Olivia Acree.

Fernley 10U roster: Allison Rain-Dini, Aubri Dunn, Abigail Kramer, Livia O'Neill, Nova Quintero, Ava Quintero, Raelee Bourgette, Kierra Stephens, Rylie Stephens, Paislee Cassinelli, Sheryln Noseep-Potts and Meliyah Mitchell.

Conaster represented Team Nevada in bowling. A veteran of the 2015 World Games in Los Angeles, she is known for her outstanding sportsmanship and positive attitude. When she’s not competing, she enjoys arts and crafts and reading.

Goodson brought 15 years of Special Olympics experience to Team Nevada and competed in track and field. A silver medalist at the 2023 World Games in Berlin, she is known for her leadership, positive attitude and ability to connect with others. A certified Global Messenger, she is passionate about encouraging fellow athletes to reach their full potential. When she’s not competing, Goodson enjoys fishing, hiking, walking and spending time with family.

Goodson competed in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter races. She earned a silver medal in the 100 meters and a bronze medal in the 400 meters.

Conaster earned a second-place medal in her division of the team competition, a sixth-place ribbon in singles and a seventh-place ribbon in mixed doubles.

"We are proud to have Brittany and Brandy representing Team Nevada at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games," said Terrence Thornton, CEO of Special Olympics Nevada. "Having athletes from communities across Nevada come together as one team is a testament to the strength of our Special Olympics family."

Red Tees
1st: Sandy Corsi, 34
2nd: Bonnie MacQuarrie, 34
3rd: Jana Garner, 35

Purple Tees
1st: Val Montgomery, 35
2nd: Verl Ely, 37

Low Putts: Karen Holcher, 26

Birdies: Cheri Grutkowski, holes No. 10 and No. 11

Closest to Hole No. 7: Jana Garner, 4 feet, 5 inches

Closest to Hole No. 11: Sandy Corsi, 13 feet, 6 inches

Chip-ins: Rita Harifen, No. 10; Cheri Grutkowski, No. 11

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Fernley Planning Commission
Second Wednesday of the month, 5 p.m.
Fernley City Hall, 595 Silver Lace Blvd.
Next meeting: July 8

Fernley Senior Citizen Advisory Committee
Second Friday of even-numbered months, 9 a.m.
Fernley City Hall, 595 Silver Lace Blvd.
Next meeting: Aug. 14

Lyon County Commission
First and third Thursday of the month, 9 a.m.
Lyon County Administrative Complex
27 S. Main St., Yerington
Next meeting: July 16

Lyon County Planning Commission
Second Tuesday of the month, 9 a.m.
Lyon County Administrative Complex
27 S. Main St., Yerington
Next meeting: July 14

Lyon County Library Board of Trustees
Fourth Tuesday of the month, 9:30 a.m.
Locations rotate among the county's five libraries.
Next meeting: July 28

Lyon County School District Board of Trustees
Fourth Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m.
Locations rotate among attendance areas.
Next meeting: July 28

North Lyon County Fire Protection District Board of Trustees
Second Thursday of the month
195 E. Main St.
Next meeting: July 9

Fernley Swimming Pool General Improvement District
Third Tuesday of the month, 5:30 p.m.
300 Cottonwood Lane
Next meeting: July 21

Subscribe today – online or print. Get the paper mailed to you once a week or read the online version every day. Subscribe here.

As I sat down to jot down some thoughts, of course at the last minute before we went to print, the only thing that came to mind was the opening of Star Trek when I was a kid: "Captain's Log, Stardate 74268.2..."

That first week, I wrote about how we stumbled our way through learning design and layout, figuring out how to run the printer, getting the papers mailed and how grateful we were for the incredible support from our community as we worked to "Keep you Posted."

This week, as we officially add ownership of the Fernley Reporter to our growing family of publications, I find myself feeling that same gratitude all over again. We simply couldn't do this without the continued support of our readers, advertisers and subscribers, or without the remarkable team that shows up every week willing to do whatever it takes to keep local journalism alive.

For those of you who are new to Fallon Media Co., we've recently added the Lovelock Review Miner, Humboldt Sun, Battle Mountain Bugle and Nevada Rancher to our group, returning the former Great Basin Sun to individual community newspapers rather than one regional publication.

We're also in the process of bringing all of these publications, along with the nationally distributed quarterly RANGE magazine, under one parent organization: Range Media Company.

We're doing everything we can to strengthen our digital presence and keep pace with the many ways people consume news today. But we're sentimental enough to believe there's still something special about a printed newspaper, something that can't quite be replaced by a screen. Holding the paper with your morning coffee is a tradition worth preserving, even when it's not always the easiest path.

As we take the reins of the Fernley Reporter, we do so with tremendous appreciation for our friend Robert Perea, who launched the publication online in 2016 and kept it going through years of hard work. We also want to recognize Tony Erquiaga, who will continue building the publication's sports coverage. In November 2024, we partnered with Robert to bring the Reporter into print. Now that partnership has evolved into full ownership, and with it comes the responsibility of guiding the newspaper into its next chapter.

Beginning next week, all five of our community newspapers will be published under the Great Basin Sun postal permit, allowing us to take advantage of mailing efficiencies and continue publishing legal notices. Each newspaper will remain its own local edition, with community news leading the way while sharing a statewide Section B featuring stories from across Nevada.

Don't worry. Your local news isn't going anywhere. Each community will continue to have its own voice, and we genuinely want to hear what you think as these changes roll out.

Most importantly, we'd like to thank our advertisers and subscribers. They make this work possible. Local journalism exists because local businesses choose to advertise and local readers choose to subscribe. If you visit one of our advertisers, let them know you saw them in the paper. It truly does make a difference.

As we work through the growing pains of adding another newspaper while continuing to chase the stories that matter most, we'll keep doing what we've always done.

Keeping you Posted.

Or Reported.

Or Minered.

Or Bugled.

Or Sunned.

Whatever the paper, our mission remains the same.

Rach

Rachel Dahl is a sixth-generation Nevadan who owns Fallon Media Co. and publishes The Fernley Reporter, The Fallon Post, and now The Pershing Post, local community newspapers focused on providing “An Oasis in the Rural Nevada News Desert.” She also publishes an online, rural news site called the Silver State Chronicle. She raises chickens and English Angora rabbits, spinning their wool into yarn. In her spare time, she is learning to knit.

• A.C.E. Party Connection, balloon delivery service
• M&G Construction, general contracting services
• Solum Construction Inc., general contractor
• OSR Holding Company LLC, commercial roofing contractor
• Buddy's Window Cleaning & Services, window washing, screen cleaning and construction cleanup
• Hodgepodge Corner, handmade resin, cement and rock art
• Yvonne Evans, nail technician
• Van Diepen Enterprises LLC, doing business as Ecological Engineers, pest control services and weed management
• National Data and Surveying Services, traffic data collection
• MBA Architecture–Clark, Fong Ltd., doing business as OneStudio D+A, architecture and interior design firm
• Greenlawn Care Landscaping, lawn care and maintenance

Stay current with all the local news from Fernley and receive our weekly newsletter updates along with breaking news alerts by signing up here: put me on the mailing list!

Red Tees

Gross: Jana Garner, 73

Net: Paula Reed, 53

Purple Tees

Gross: Verl Ely, 76

Net: Sandi Sewchok, 68

Closest to Hole #7: Bonnie MacQuarrie, 41'10"

Low Putts: Jana Garner, 29

Chip-Ins: Nancy Newton, #1

The discussion stems from concerns raised by Fallon-area farmer Norm Frey, who has repeatedly questioned whether water users in the Newlands Project are receiving the full amount of water associated with their rights when losses occur between district delivery points and the farm.

At the June 2 TCID board meeting, Wathen explained that under the Alpine Decree, the federal court decree governing the Carson River system, water rights are tied to the land and historically have been viewed as being delivered to the property receiving the water.

"We've always said it's the property lines," Wathen said during the presentation while discussing how delivery has traditionally been evaluated.

The issue is particularly important in the Newlands Project, where water is often conveyed through a combination of district-owned canals and laterals as well as privately maintained ditches before reaching fields.

Frey argued that some irrigators have gradually lost part of their usable water supply because measurements are taken before water travels through long stretches of ditch.

"We do not get our 2.99 delivered to the land," Frey told the board.

Wathen acknowledged the complexity of the issue, noting that water losses can vary significantly depending on ditch conditions and whether facilities are publicly or privately maintained. In cases where water travels through private ditches, he said it becomes difficult to determine how much loss should be attributed to the delivery system and how much responsibility rests with the landowner to maintain the ditch.

The debate followed concerns raised during the May board meeting and was addressed during a broader presentation on the Alpine Decree during the June meeting. The decree governs water rights on the Carson River above Lahontan Reservoir.

Wathen explained that the decree established irrigation duties ranging from 4.5 to 9 acre-feet per acre upstream of Lahontan Reservoir depending on land classification, while lands within the Newlands Project operate under a 2.99 acre-foot consumptive use standard.

The decree also divides the Carson River into a series of independently regulated segments. When river flows become insufficient to satisfy all water rights, the Federal Watermaster administers deliveries according to priority dates within each segment.

Wathen emphasized that the decree is designed to maximize beneficial use of water while recognizing historical practices such as rotations, return flows and reuse of water throughout the river system.

Former TCID President Ernie Schank told the board that attempts were made years ago to impose stricter federal-style measurement requirements on upper Carson River users. He said many irrigators opposed the idea because they feared it would lead to increased litigation and costly disputes over every measurement and diversion.

"We were just going to make the pockets of the lawyers rich," Schank said, recalling concerns that stricter regulation would lead to continual lawsuits.

The conversation returned to the issue later in the meeting when board members discussed whether TCID should adopt a formal policy defining where deliveries are measured. Board members ultimately chose not to take action, with General Manager Ben Shawcroft recommending the issue remain under discussion rather than becoming a formal policy matter at this time.

Director Davy Stix argued that removing terms such as "headgate" and "takeout" from the discussion simplifies the issue.

"We should be able to deliver to somebody's property line," Stix said. "What happens after that, it's on their dime."

No action was taken by the board regarding water measurement policies. However, the discussion highlighted ongoing questions about where water deliveries should be measured within the Newlands Project and how those practices align with the historical administration of water rights under the Alpine Decree. Board members agreed to leave the matter under discussion rather than pursue a formal policy change at this time.

In addition, the school is also looking for a head girls track coach, assistant boys basketball coach and an assistant cheer coach.

Knutson was hired in April to replace Luke Babbitt as the new head coach at Bishop Manogue. Babbitt resigned after the past season, saying he wanted to spend more time with his children.

At the time, Fernley Athletic Director Paul Sullivan said he was not going to post the job opening until all coaching vacancies for the upcoming fall season had been filled.

In replacing Knutson, Fernley will be trying to replace the coach who led the Vaqueros to the longest period of sustained success in program history, with four consecutive state tournament appearances, including two straight trips to the state championship game. The Vaqueros went undefeated in league play three times in four years, compiling a 38-2 league record.

"That kind of sustained excellence comes from a coach who puts the team, the school and the standard above everything else," Sullivan said.

Lyon County School District does not treat coaching as part of a regular teaching contract. Under the district’s negotiated agreement with the Lyon County Education Association, coaching positions are separate contracts from a teacher’s base salary. Coaching positions are posted and must remain open for at least seven days. Licensed teachers receive first consideration before positions are opened to the public. If no licensed teacher is hired, the job is then posted publicly.

Sullivan said he will be looking for a coach with a championship pedigree and big-game experience who can use scouting and film study to break down opponents’ tendencies and gain an edge on the competition.

Neal McIntyre: 1,730 (44.44%)

Tim Bickerton: 927 (23.81%)

Alexis Colosi: 713 (18.31%)

John Barchie: 338 (8.68%)

Lawrence Ruiz: 185 (4.75%)

City Council Ward 1

Debbie Skinner: 366 (42.17%)

Ryan Hanan: 363 (41.82%)

Gregory Barrett: 139 (16.01%)

City Council Ward 3

Alisa Rhyno: 275 (46.37%)

Ryan Cross: 152 (25.63%)

Roy Edgington: 132 (22.26%)

Danaya Izarraraz: 34 (5.73%)

School Board Trustee District 2

Michael Moore: 5,488 (48.63%)

Pete Chapin: 3,005 (26.63%)

Darin Farr: 2,792 (24.74%)

County Commission District 2

Scott Keller: 5,262 (63.48%)

Davy Stix: 3,027 (36.52%)

Lyon County Commission District 5

Micah Triplett: 4,083 (49.89%)

Cole Mortensen: 2,405 (29.39%)

Mark Jones: 1,035 (12.65%)

Mark Phillips: 661 (8.08%)

The Secretary of State’s Office said unofficial election results will be updated through June 19, or until county and city canvasses are complete. The Fernley City Council was scheduled to canvass the vote at its June 17 meeting, and the Lyon County Commission was scheduled to conduct its canvass at its June 18 meeting.

In nonpartisan races, the two candidates receiving the most votes advance to the general election in November unless one candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote.

In partisan races, only the candidate receiving the most votes advances. If there is no candidate from another party, the primary winner will run unopposed in the general election.

That is the case in both Lyon County Commission races. Because no Democrat filed for either seat, Keller in District 2 and Triplett in District 5 will both be unopposed in the general election.

As of June 12, Keller had received 5,262 votes (63.48%) to 3,027 votes (36.52%) for challenger Davy Stix. In District 5, Triplett had 4,083 votes (49.89%). Cole Mortensen was second with 2,405 votes (29.39%), Mark Jones was third with 1,035 votes (12.65%) and Mark Phillips received 661 votes (8.08%).

In the City of Fernley races, Mayor Neal McIntyre’s bid for a second term appeared headed to the general election against Tim Bickerton. McIntyre led the race with 1,730 votes (44.44%), while Bickerton was second with 927 votes (23.81%). Alexis Colosi was third with 713 votes (18.31%), John Barchie received 338 votes (8.68%) and Lawrence Ruiz had 185 votes (4.75%).

The Fernley City Council Ward 1 race was the closest contest of the primary election and will feature incumbent Ryan Hanan against challenger Debbie Skinner in the general election. Skinner held a three-vote lead as of June 12, with 366 votes (42.17%) to 363 votes (41.82%) for Hanan. Gregory Barrett was third with 139 votes (16.01%).

In Ward 3, where incumbent Stan Lau was expelled from the council and unable to run again because of term limits, Alisa Rhyno advanced to the general election with 275 votes (46.37%) and will face either Ryan Cross or Roy Edgington. Cross was second as of June 12 with 152 votes (25.63%), but Edgington was close behind in third with 132 votes (22.26%). Danaya Izarraraz finished fourth with 34 votes (5.73%).

In the Lyon County School Board District 2 race, the general election will be between Michael Moore and Pete Chapin. Moore led with 5,488 votes (48.63%), while Chapin received 3,005 votes (26.63%). Incumbent Darin Farr received 2,792 votes (24.74%).

Incumbent Tom Hendrix was unopposed in District 1, and the District 6 race did not appear on the primary ballot because only two candidates, Kallie Day and Vince Spoon, filed for the seat.

Total voter turnout in Lyon County was 28.96% as of June 12. Of 43,963 active registered voters, 12,732 ballots were cast. Nearly two-thirds of those ballots, 8,090, were submitted by mail. Early voting turnout was 2,306, while Election Day turnout totaled 2,336 voters.

The city is pursuing federal and state funding for the project, including through the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the city is required to identify and consult with all parties, including historical groups, preservation nonprofits, neighborhood associations and citizen groups, to determine whether construction could affect historic properties in or near the plant site.

The city’s East Wastewater Treatment Plant is located about four miles east of downtown between Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 50A. It treats wastewater collected across the city and discharges effluent to the Fernley Wildlife Management Area.

All proposed construction will take place within the plant’s existing site on an industrial parcel. The city plans to build a mechanical treatment system; switch to an on-site sodium hypochlorite generation system using salt to treat water instead of the chlorine solution currently in use; and design infrastructure to reuse treated wastewater. The project will also deactivate open waste ponds that have operated since 1988.

During a City Council meeting last August, Christine Brandon, executive director of the Western Nevada Development District, said the upgrades and improvements would support a city population of about 65,000 residents. She also said improving the quality of the effluent leaving the plant would allow the city to sell it to industrial users instead of allowing it to flow to the wildlife management area.

At that meeting, the council voted unanimously to proceed with the design, planning and prioritization of the recommended Phase 1 improvements to the wastewater treatment plant at a projected cost of about $10.3 million. Phase 2 improvements, anticipated to be needed by 2031, are expected to cost approximately $17.1 million.

The review’s Area of Potential Effect (APE) covers the 55-acre plant site and several adjacent public parcels, including the Fernley Wildlife Management Area, which receives treated water from the facility. Local groundwater, the TCID Canal and the Truckee River are also included in the review area.

The city is inviting historical societies, preservation nonprofits, neighborhood associations and interested individuals to participate in the review process. Separately, the city initiated government-to-government consultations on May 13 with seven regional Native American tribes, including the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and the Walker River Paiute Tribe.

Written comments and consulting-party requests must be submitted by the June 27 deadline to Grant Administrator Trisha L. Livingston at 595 Silver Lace Blvd., Fernley, NV 89408, or by email at tlivingston@cityoffernley.org. Full project documents and engineering reports are available upon request.

The partnership brought volunteers, city crews and an inmate work crew together for just over five hours, removing roughly 300 square feet of debris and unwanted materials from the site.

Officials said the work marks the beginning of a longer effort to turn the property into a community space that will support educational programs, recreational activities and family-friendly events.

Waste Management donated a dumpster for the cleanup, allowing crews to remove debris quickly and responsibly.

The city also thanked the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office and the inmate crew for contributing labor to the project. Additional cleanup days are expected as planning continues for the garden and pumpkin patch.

Career & Technical Education Certification: Omar Adame Padilla; Krista Adams; Demery Alldredge; Ryan Asher; Gunnar Beemer; Irene Brown; Kaydence Brown; Eli Chambless; Aislinn Christopher; Lexi Coclich; Ashlynne Cumming; Emily Diaz; Dominick Dietrich; Cameron Dockery; Jasmine Flores; Anthony Galdarisi; Kaleb Gardiner; Mariah Gomez; Nazario Gregg; Velei Hale; Ariq Hall; Abigail Herrington; Elliott Jorgensen; Leeland Ketelaar; Julia Kubik; Madison LaCroix; Levi Lanka; Joseph Lash; Hung Loi; Aleenah Lopez; Otto Lynch; McKenzie Marsh; Ariana Marshall; Justice Martell-Artiaga; Riley McCullar; Destiny McDearman; Felicity Mercado; Alexander Mergell; Ruben Montes-Sanchez; Oscar Morales Pano; Dylan Moss; Shaheerah Muhammad; Cadence Nordman; Jiovani Paredes Rosas; Lincoln Parker; Donald Parsons; Anakin Pochop; Danny Porter; Bailee Pulley; Mya Richardson; Alfonso Robledo; Salvador Rosas Ayala; Rachel Rosas; Alyssa Sandate; Audrina Soliman; Kenneth Soonwing; Olivia Stetson; Haley Stevenson; Taylor Tollestrup; Holly Vanden Brink; Brett Vanderkelen; Moses Vasquez Vega; Arianna Walker; Alina Williams; Issabella Wolverton; Robert Woolsey; Sophie Workman; Trista Wyant; Colette Yablonovsky

Northern Nevada Trades Council: Eli Chambless; Lexi Coclich; Jayden Dominguez; Anthony Galdarisi; Nazario Gregg; Kaden Haumann; Leeland Ketelaar; Otto Lynch; Isaiah Mutte; Jose Ramos; Salvador Rosas Ayala; Aleigha Sam; Mason Smith; Kenneth Soonwing; Issabella Wolverton

Secretary of State NYA Awards: Trista Wyant; Robert Woolsey

Lions Club Most Improved: Ceara Howe; Landon Cruz

Fernley Elementary School Scholarship: Rachel Rosas; Riley Schultz; Jiovani Paredes Rosas; Andrew Peterson

East Valley Elementary School Scholarship: Brett Vanderkelen; Robert Woolsey; Ashlynne Cumming

Cottonwood Elementary School Scholarship: Jackson Hohnholz; Jiovani Paredes Rosas

Robert Z. Hawkins Scholarship: Olivia Stetson

Gil & Alice Clements Scholarship: Riley Schultz

Dennis Pierre Zubieta Scholarship: Jackson Hohnholz; Sheldon Jacobson; Rachel Rosas; Jiovani Paredes Rosas

Diana Wagner Scholarship: Sheldon Jacobson; Bodie Parsons; Robert Woolsey; Justice Martell-Artiaga

Rodger W. Denn Memorial Scholarship: Sheldon Jacobson

Marjorie Washburn Scholarship: Jackson Hohnholz; Robert Woolsey

Alyce McCracken Memorial Scholarship: Riley Schultz

Fernley Youth Football/Cheer Scholarship: Riley McCullar; Aleenah Lopez

Jessica Davis Memorial Scholarship: Robert Woolsey

Kelli Russell Memorial Scholarship: Angeline Stopani Barrios

Knights of Columbus Scholarship: Jiovani Paredes Rosas; Joseph Perkins; Robert Woolsey

Rural Nevada Counseling Scholarship: Gunnar Beemer

Greater Nevada Credit Union Scholarship: Rachel Rosas

LCAA Scholarship: Sheldon Jacobson

LCCSEA Scholarship: Andrew Peterson

LCEA Scholarship: Donald "Bodie" Parsons

Rotary Club Scholarship: Sheldon Jacobson; Riley Schultz

Fernley Chamber of Commerce Scholarship: Jackson Hohnholz; Sheldon Jacobson

FHS Booster Scholarship: Jackson Hohnholz; Lauren Smith; Riley McCullar; Bodie Parsons; Sheldon Jacobson; Riley Schultz; Jiovani Paredes Rosas; Rachel Rosas; Mason Smith

Military - U.S. Army: Claire Wilcox; Matthew Walker Coghlan; Trista Wyant; Shaheerah Muhammad; U.S. Air Force: Cadence Nordman; U.S. Coast Guard: Issabella Wolverton; U.S. Navy and Marine Corps: Rylle Svenningsen; Nicholas Romero; Cyrus Trujillo

Principal’s Award: Jackson Hohnholz

Fan of the Year: John Grace

Triathlete for Four Years: Brody Jones; Joseph Machado; Andrew Peterson; Bodie Parsons

Iron Woman: Justice Martell-Artiaga

Iron Man: Bryce Dunagan-Stephens; Riley McCullar

Brian Beaty Award: Brody Jones

Magna Cum Laude: Cadence Nordman; Mariah Wagoner

Summa Cum Laude: Krista Adams; Ashlynne Cumming; Abigail Herrington; Jackson Hohnholz; Logan Kallas; Levi Lanka; Joseph Lash; McKenzie Marsh; Ariana Marshall; Alexander Mergell; Oscar Morales Pano; Jiovani Paredes Rosas; Rachel Rosas; Olivia Stetson; Brett Vanderkelen; Alina Williams; Robert Woolsey

This year’s graduating class includes 30 members who received advanced diplomas, 58 who received college and career-ready diplomas and 90 potential recipients of the Millennium Scholarship. There were 11 members of the National Honor Society, two Magna Cum Laude graduates and 17 Summa Cum Laude graduates.

The idea that ordinary people become heroic by pushing through challenges and showing up for one another anchored all three student speeches.

Student Body President Jackson Hohnholz tied his remarks to the song, specifically the lyric, "Don’t the best of them bleed it out while the rest of them peter out."

Hohnholz recalled a car ride with his mother during his freshman year when the song came on. She told him it was her favorite Foo Fighters song because it reminded her of high school. He said when he got home and listened closely to the lyrics, he realized their meaning.

"I challenge you to do one thing, and that is to be a hero," Hohnholz said. "Because the true heroes in life aren’t the people who are extraordinary, but the ordinary people who refuse to peter out, even when it is the most difficult."

Salutatorian Abby Herrington followed by framing graduation as growth rather than achievement.

"Over the last four years, we've learned so much more than what was written in our textbooks," Herrington said. "We’ve learned how to adapt when things don’t go according to plan. We’ve learned how to overcome challenges. We've learned how to keep moving forward, even when things get difficult."

Herrington told the graduates she is grateful for the opportunities Fernley High School provides students. For her, she said, that included earning her Associate of Science degree and becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant while still in high school.

"It gave us chances to explore interests, build confidence and take meaningful steps toward our futures before we ever walked across the stage," she said.

Herrington said everyone has encountered someone who questioned their abilities, whether it was another person or their own inner voice.

"Success doesn't belong only to the people who have everything figured out. If that were true, none of us would be here today," she said. "Success belongs to the people who keep going, even when they're uncertain. It belongs to the people who get knocked down and stand back up. It belongs to the people who choose not to let setbacks define them."

She reminded students that their potential is not determined by the opinions of others.

"Don't let fear decide what you're capable of," Herrington said. "Don't let failure convince you to quit, and don't let someone else's limitations become your own."

She ended her speech with a question.

"If you stop listening to every voice that told you what you couldn't do, what would you be brave enough to become?" she asked. "Congratulations, Class of 2026. I can't wait to see where your answers take you."

Valedictorian Bobby Woolsey took that idea a step further, reminding graduates that everyone is living life for the first time.

"As we do anything for the first time, we're bound to make a couple of mistakes, so as you go forward, try not to be too hard on yourself or others," he said. "I just feel that it's important to keep the fact in mind that we're all new to this."

He also told them not to let people talk down to them or force them to abandon their way of thinking.

"If they were so much better than you as they suggest, why are they in the same room as you?" he asked. "Why are they not in some place you can't even comprehend?"

Woolsey said self-doubt is the foremost reason people do not accomplish what they set out to do.

"All of us are capable of more than we may think, and we can achieve goals that we haven't even thought of yet," he said. "We just have to get there."

He urged graduates to slow down, leave a little early, take the scenic route to their destination and surround themselves with people who want to see them succeed.

"Just because somebody wasn't there on the first day doesn't mean they can't be a Day One," he said. "And the opposite is obviously true. Just because someone has been in your atmosphere for a good amount of time doesn't mean they have the right to pollute your mind with ideas that are going to lead you both to ruin."

In addition, Brody Jones was honored as this year’s winner of the Brian Beaty Award and was one of four winners of the school’s Tri-Athlete Award, along with Joey Machado, Andrew Peterson and Bodie Parsons. That award honors athletes who played three sports all four years of high school.

Fernley High School teacher John Grace was presented with the school’s Fan of the Year Award.

Martell Artiaga won the Iron Woman Award, while McCullar and Dunagan-Stephens were the co-winners of the Iron Man Award.

To qualify for the Iron Man and Iron Woman awards, student-athletes must letter in three sports for all four years of high school, be impact players for four years in three sports and have been recognized on postseason All-League and All-State teams multiple times. They also must maintain a 3.5 grade point average or better, be in good standing with school attendance and behavior, and display school spirit by supporting activities in which they are not directly involved.

Martell Artiaga played volleyball, basketball and track for four years each. In volleyball, she finished her career with 356 kills and 123 blocks. She also was named first-team All-League in basketball as both a junior and senior and was the team’s second-leading scorer as a senior. In track and field, she was an eight-time state qualifier in six different events and was named First Team All-State twice. She is the school record holder in the 100-meter hurdles and was a member of the school-record 4x100 relay team.

McCullar competed in football, wrestling and baseball. He was a three-year starter and captain in football and received All-League honors as a sophomore, junior and senior. He is a two-time state champion wrestler and ranks second in school history with 183 wins. In baseball, he was first-team All-State twice, including being named League MVP in 2025, and is the school’s career record holder for hits (155), stolen bases (89), RBI (106), runs scored (142), doubles (33), triples (15) and walks (54).

Dunagan-Stephens is the school’s all-time leading scorer in boys basketball with 1,562 points. He ranks second in assists (351) and rebounds (558) and was a team captain who helped lead the Vaqueros to three league championships and two state runner-up finishes as a four-year varsity player.

In football, he was a three-year starter at quarterback, earning second-team All-League honors in 2024 and honorable mention recognition in 2023 and 2025. In track and field, he qualified for the state meet in three events as a senior and eight events during his four-year career.

The Brian Beaty Award goes to the senior athlete who has achieved the most despite limitations or obstacles. It is named after former Fernley football player Brian Beaty, who overcame injuries throughout his career to become a starter and an All-League player as a senior before later being killed in a car crash. His name has become synonymous with hard work, dedication and perseverance, and the award honors current Fernley athletes who demonstrate those qualities.

In recognizing Jones as the winner of the Brian Beaty Award, Athletic Director Paul Sullivan said Jones was coachable and trusted by his teammates. He competed in football, wrestling and baseball. In football, he earned first-team All-League honors as a senior. In wrestling, he qualified for the state tournament as a junior and served as a team captain as a senior. He finished his baseball career by earning honorable mention All-League honors.

Parsons, Peterson and Machado received awards for participating in three sports during all four years of high school. Parsons played football for three years and cross country for one year, along with four years of basketball and four years of track and field. Peterson participated in football, basketball and track, while Machado competed in football, basketball and baseball.

Fernley High School teacher John Grace was honored as the 2025-26 Fan of the Year. He is a familiar presence at sporting events as both a spectator and game helper and created the wooden plaques that were presented to this year’s award winners.

According to a criminal complaint filed June 3, Jeremy Barrett, 40, is charged with one count of open murder with the use of a deadly weapon, one count of battery with the use of a deadly weapon and one count of assault with a deadly weapon.

The criminal complaint charges that Barrett shot the victim, Richard Hightower, in the back; poked, prodded or struck the victim with the gun; and brandished or threatened another person with a firearm.

A bail hearing and status conference scheduled for June 9 in his case was continued to June 30.

James Karol, 44, is charged with one count of principal to open murder with the use of a deadly weapon and one count of principal to battery with the use of a deadly weapon.

The criminal complaint against him charges that he shot the victim and battered him with the gun, or aided and abetted in the commission of the acts.

A bail hearing in his case was held June 9, and a status conference was continued until July 7.

According to the Lyon County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to the 1600 block of Burger Road on the report of a shooting. They arrived to find Hightower suffering from a single gunshot wound. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses said Hightower had been involved in an altercation with two men moments before the shooting, and both men fled the area.

Karol and Barrett were arrested separately on the evening of June 1, a few hours after the shooting.

Amodei announced that all 20 of his Community Project Funding Requests, totaling more than $29 million, were accepted following the House Appropriations Committee’s release of the FY27 bills for Interior and Environment; Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies; and Commerce, Justice and Science.

Amodei said the request for $1 million for the City of Fernley’s Highway 50 Looping Water Mainline project was approved. The project will extend a water main along U.S. 50A from Nevada Pacific Boulevard to Julia Lane.

All development east of Nevada Pacific Parkway is currently served by a water main along Farm District Road. That line is considered a "dead end" main, meaning water can only flow in one direction with no circulation.

The project provides essential redundancy, fire-flow reliability and hydraulic stability in a high-growth, high-traffic regional corridor and will provide a reliable drinking water source for the community surrounding Farm District Road.

Amodei said a request for $1 million for the replacement of the Gustafson Bridge was also approved.

The funds will be used to replace the failing, weight-restricted bridge over the Truckee-Carson Canal, which will be able to service heavy vehicles such as emergency fire and rescue trucks.

Other recipients approved for funding included the City of Yerington for water and sewer rehabilitation projects and Lyon County for the South Plant Effluent Pumping Improvements project and rehabilitation of a sewer lift station.

"I'd like to give a special thanks to the subcommittee chairs and their staff for carefully reviewing every submission and determining the projects I submitted to improve NV-02 met all qualifications," Amodei said. "These investments will bolster our police force and enhance public safety. They will maintain quality drinking water for our communities and rehabilitate our waterway infrastructure. They will also support our pro-growth goals by advancing initiatives that improve the efficiency of our roads, schools and airport."

Fernley became an incorporated city on July 1, 2001. The anniversary events offer an opportunity to celebrate the community’s history and recognize the people who helped build the city and look ahead to the future.

The celebration is scheduled to begin with a special community ceremony from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. featuring the unveiling of the new sculpture at the Main Street Art Park, presentation of city awards, and recognition of Fernley's longest-standing resident. The city will also present a commemorative 25th Anniversary coin to the resident who has lived in Fernley the longest.

A Historic Tour at City Hall will be held from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., where visitors can explore Fernley's history through displays and exhibits while purchasing commemorative merchandise and anniversary coins.

The city's Historic Scavenger Hunt will begin and continue throughout the celebration.

Additional activities are being planned, including a community Wine Walk hosted by the Boys & Girls Club, with details to be announced.

The Historic Scavenger Hunt continues throughout the day on July 2. The Rotary Club of Fernley will host the Miss Fernley Pageant from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Fernley High School, showcasing local talent and community pride.

At 7 p.m., McHoppers Brew Pub will host a special Fernley Trivia Night, featuring questions focused on Fernley's history, people and milestones.

On July 3, the final day of the celebration begins with a Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring local vendors, artisans and community organizations. The Historic Scavenger Hunt will conclude at the end of the day.

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Main Street Fernley will host a Poker Walk, encouraging participants to visit local businesses while enjoying the anniversary festivities.

The celebration concludes with Food Truck Friday at the Community Response Resource Center (CRRC) from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., featuring food vendors, entertainment and community gathering opportunities.

The business, owned by local entrepreneur Kelly Brye, held a soft opening on June 12 and welcomed customers throughout its first weekend of operation.

According to the company's social media posts, Nursery King & Gifts offers flowers, vegetables, roses, hydrangeas, ornamental grasses, desert-friendly plants, soils, compost products, and locally made metal yard art.

Brye said the idea for the nursery grew from a desire to provide Fernley residents with a locally owned garden center.

"Fernley doesn't have anything," Brye said in a video posted to the business's Facebook page. "We're 26,000 strong, going to be 50,000 in a couple of years. We need an independent nursery where you get good customer service, great plants that are designed and grown for our area."

The nursery has partnered with Nevada-based Full Circle Compost to supply soils and compost products and is also featuring metal artwork from local artist and welder Salvador. During opening weekend, the business reported selling several pieces of the handcrafted artwork.

Nursery King & Gifts is also encouraging local contractors and service providers to leave business cards at the store, creating a community resource board for customers seeking services such as landscaping, concrete work and yard maintenance.

According to the business, additional plant shipments are already on order as customer requests come in. Fruit trees are not yet available but are planned for future inventory.

The nursery is currently open seven days a week, with Sunday hours listed as 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Twice over the weekend I needed to make a quick trip to the grocery store, and both times I found empty parking spaces right up front. That’s something that only happens in the summer, when people would rather park farther away under the shade of a tree.

I was in a hurry, so I grabbed an empty spot, but when I came out, I realized that sometimes a front-row parking spot is a psychological trap. The longer walk across scorching asphalt isn’t pleasant, but it beats the heck out of getting back into a car that’s as hot as a pizza oven and feels even hotter than that after leaving the air-conditioned grocery store.

The sound of lawn mowers at 6 a.m. is another sign. A couple of my neighbors decided to get their yard work done early to beat the morning heat. That’s a perfectly reasonable idea, except that I do a significant chunk of my writing late at night, and the roar of a lawnmower that early in the morning was pretty disappointing. Even more so when it happened again the next day, after another neighbor apparently decided the first one had a pretty good idea.

After holding out as long as I could, I finally turned on my air conditioner last week. I’m rarely home during the hottest part of the day, so walking into the house after the sun has already gone behind the hills and finding that it’s cooler outside than in my living room finally forced me to admit defeat.

Despite that, I’ve always preferred the heat of summer to the cold of winter. Evenings are my favorite time of day anyway, but especially summer evenings that feel like a reward for getting through a hot day.

Considering we’re already more than halfway through June, and school this August starts two weeks earlier than it did last fall, this summer will be shorter even if the thermometer says otherwise.

So I will appreciate every ice-melting moment of it while I can, because it will be icy again way too soon.

Red Tees

1st: Paula Reed, 80

2nd: Shane Miller, 81

Purple Tees

1st: Sandi Sewchok, 83

2nd: Verl Ely, 80

Birdies: Paula Reed, #11; Shane Miller, #14

Closest to Hole #7: Kathy Kennedy, 13'

Closest to Hole #11: Ava Case, 17'

Chip-Ins: Paula Reed, #11; Shane Miller, #14

Low Putts: Jana Garner, 32

Jim was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, and was lovingly adopted by Robert and Hazel Jenne, who raised him with the values of hard work & integrity. 

After graduating from Sparks High School, Jim began his career with Aerojet Rocketdyne before dedicating the final 30 years of his working life to the Southern Pacific Railroad, where he earned the respect and friendship of countless coworkers. Over the years, Jim called many Nevada communities home, including Hazen, Sparks, Washoe Valley, Fernley, and Battle Mountain, always carrying with him a deep appreciation for the state's rugged beauty and open spaces.

Jim married Leanice Harp in 1962, and together they raised their two sons, Robert and Alan and later welcomed Danielle into their family. In 1995, Jim married Shelly Golden, and together they shared 30 wonderful years of marriage. Through their union, Jim was blessed with two additional daughters, Andrea and Krissi, whom he loved as his own.

A proud patriot, Jim served six years in the United States Air National Guard. He was also a devoted member of Fernley Masonic Lodge No. 34 F. & A.M., where he valued the fellowship, service, and lifelong friendships he found among his fellow Masons.

Jim's heart truly belonged to the great outdoors. Whether he was hunting big game or chukkar, casting a line while fishing with family and friends, or tending to his garden at home, he found peace and happiness in nature. Those who knew him will remember his stories of hunting trips, his love of Nevada's wilderness and the quiet joy he found beneath an open sky. He especially loved the time spent hunting with his sons.

Above all else, Jim's greatest pride and deepest joy were his children and grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather whose steady presence, wisdom, and unconditional love shaped the lives of those around him. His family was the center of his world.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Shelly Jenne of Battle Mountain, Nevada; his children, Robert Jenne (Becky) of Reno, Nevada; Alan Jenne (Cory) of Pleasant Valley, Nevada; Danielle Aubrey Gray (Wade) of Silver Springs, Nevada; Andrea Golden of Wilder, Idaho; and Krissi Tucker (Bob) of Battle Mountain, Nevada. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Nathaniel Jenne, Alyssa Jenne, Colton Jenne, Jacob Tucker (Keyra), Avry Tucker, and Gabriel Golden; and a great-grandchild, Jordan Taylor Gray.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Hazel Jenne as well as his grandson Taylor Warren Fairfield. 

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Agape Hospice and Palliative Care in Battle Mountain, Nevada, whose kindness and support allowed Jim to spend his final days comfortably at home, surrounded by the people he loved most.

Jim's legacy will live on through the family he cherished, the friends whose lives he touched, and the memories made in the mountains, fields, and waters of the outdoors he loved so dearly. He will be deeply missed and remembered always.

A Celebration of Life service to honor Jim will be announced at a later date. Family and friends are invited to join in remembering and celebrating a life well lived.

The group includes state champions, school record holders, and some of the most accomplished athletes in school history.

Sheldon Jacobson, Oregon Tech basketball

Along with teammate Bryce Dunagan-Stephens, Jacobson finished his career as one of Fernley’s most accomplished basketball players.

He scored 1,474 career points, ranking fourth in school history, while adding 325 assists, third all-time, and 544 rebounds, fifth all-time.

A team captain, he helped lead the Vaqueros to a 38-2 record in Northern 3A East play during his four varsity seasons, including three league championships and two state runner-up finishes.

“I met the coaches when I was a freshman or sophomore,” Jacobson said. “I kept sending tape, and finally they took a look at it and then it kind of took off. It never went to the next step with any other college.”

Bryce Dunagan-Stephens, Yuba College basketball

Dunagan-Stephens graduates as Fernley’s all-time leading scorer with 1,562 career points.

He also ranks second in school history with 351 assists and 558 rebounds.

A team captain, he was part of three league championship teams and two state runner-up squads.

He also earned all-league honors as a quarterback in football.

Dunagan-Stephens said he knew Yuba College was the right fit after visiting the campus and working out with the team in April.

“I did very well and I liked the team, and the coaches,” he said. “It’s not too far away and my parents could come watch me.”

Although he received interest from NCAA Division III programs, he chose the junior college route with hopes of transferring later.

“I’d rather go for two years and grind and then transfer out,” he said.

He plans to study business.

Riley McCullar, University of Montana Western football

McCullar is a two-time state wrestling champion and the second-winningest wrestler in Fernley history with 183 victories.

He also played four years of varsity baseball and holds eight school career records, including hits (155), stolen bases (89), RBI (106), and runs scored (142).

Still, football remained his passion.

A three-year starter and team captain, McCullar earned all-league and all-state honors at wide receiver and safety.

“My love for the game has just been unlike any of the other sports I’ve played,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to go play football somewhere.”

McCullar plans to earn his real estate license this summer while pursuing a finance degree with a minor in business management.

Keeshawn Love, University of Montana Western football

Love leaves Fernley as the school’s all-time leader in rushing yards (5,948), touchdowns (51), and points scored (196).

A four-year starter and three-year captain, he earned first-team all-North honors three times and was named the 2025 3A All-North Offensive MVP and 3A State Offensive MVP.

Love said proximity to home played a major role in his decision.

“The one thing I like about Montana is that it’s close,” he said. “A couple of the other schools that offered me were so far away that my family wasn’t going to be able to visit.”

He plans to major in psychology.

“I want to turn that into social work and become a case worker,” he said.

Leeland Ketelaar, Lassen College basketball

Ketelaar made one of the biggest improvements in the basketball program in recent years.

After scoring just eight points as a junior, he scored 173 points as a senior and improved his shooting percentage from 33% to 48%.

He earned all-tournament honors at the Legacy Classic and credited offseason training and travel basketball for his development.

“It was definitely a focus of improving my skills over the summer and just trying to play against people that we don’t play against in the league, bigger people, taller, faster,” Ketelaar said.

“I’m going to try and perform really good in the two years I have there and try to transfer to a four-year college.”

Ketelaar plans to study business.

Joseph Perkins, Rocky Mountain College track and field

Perkins placed third at the state cross country championships and earned first-team all-state honors twice.

He holds Fernley’s school record in the 5K with a time of 16:20 and is a six-time state qualifier in track and field.

He graduates holding school records in the 800 meters, 1,500 meters, 4x800 relay, and 4x400 relay.

Perkins plans to compete in cross country and run the 400- and 800-meter events at Rocky Mountain College.

He chose the school because it offered both his desired academic major and athletic opportunities.

“I liked how the team was very close-knit and the coach is willing to work with me for whatever events I wanted to try and do,” he said.

“I’ve always had the dream of running in college and I started realizing that my sophomore year of track that I had a really good chance of going to college to run.”

Perkins plans to major in aeronautical science.

Taylor Tollestrup, UNLV softball

Tollestrup compiled one of the most decorated softball careers in Nevada history.

A member of Fernley’s 2025 state championship team, she was named Nevada 3A MVP in both 2025 and 2026 and earned first-team all-state honors three times.

She holds numerous Nevada and 3A career records, including hits (251), runs scored (246), doubles (59), triples (28), walks (91), and home runs (35).

Tollestrup said UNLV became her choice after the school offered her following a tournament in Southern California.

“I like the coaches down there and the campus was nice,” she said. “And it’s not cold down there.”

A shortstop at Fernley, she said she is willing to play wherever coaches need her.

“Just hopefully play,” she said.

Lauren Smith, Taft College softball

Smith helped Fernley win the 2025 state championship and the 2026 regional title.

She earned all-league honors as an outfielder and finished her career with 38 stolen bases.

“I always imagined myself playing for the high school because I’ve been playing since I was 5, but I never really thought it would go farther than that,” Smith said.

“So realizing that I could, like my junior year I started getting super excited. And committing really brought that dream to come true.”

Smith said Taft College immediately became one of her top choices after coaches reached out to her.

“When they contacted me, it was straight to the top of the list,” she said.

She plans to major in education and become an elementary school teacher.

Janessa Robinson, Grays Harbor College softball

Robinson played a key role in Fernley’s 2025 state championship season and the team’s 2024 state runner-up finish.

She earned first-team all-league and all-North honors in 2026 and ranks fifth in Nevada 3A history with 46 career pitching victories.

Robinson threw 783 postseason pitches during Fernley’s 2025 championship run.

She said years of preparation helped her handle that workload.

“My mom told me if I wasn’t going to put in the work outside of practice, then I couldn’t be pitcher,” Robinson said.

“So I had to pitch every single day at home just to work to where I am today.”

Robinson originally committed to a college in Alabama but later chose Grays Harbor because it was closer to home and reminded her of the environment she enjoyed at Fernley.

She plans to major in human services and become a sports psychologist.

Justice Artiaga, Rogue Community College volleyball

Artiaga finished her volleyball career with 356 kills and qualified for state competition eight times in track and field.

She competed in six events at the state meet and holds school records in the 100-meter hurdles and 4x100 relay.

She also helped Fernley’s girls basketball team reach the state tournament in each of her four seasons and earned first-team all-league honors as a senior.

Although most of her college opportunities came in track and field, Artiaga chose volleyball.

“I like the whole team aspect of volleyball,” she said. “When I went there, I stayed the night with a few of the girls at their apartments and it was just a very family-like team.”

She received interest from schools across the country but ultimately chose a school closer to home.

“Ultimately I wanted to stay closer to home, but far enough to where I didn’t have to see them every day,” she said.

Artiaga plans to study biology and hopes to become an anesthesiologist assistant.

Following a career in government service in Washington, D.C., Doyle and her husband relocated to California before moving to Reno in 2013. Since arriving in Nevada, Doyle has been active in Republican politics and women's political organizations.

After joining Republican Women of Reno in 2013, Doyle served as the organization's president from 2018 to 2020.

She has also held several leadership positions within the Nevada Federation of Republican Women, serving four years as recording secretary before being elected Northern Director. Doyle is currently serving her second term as Northern Director and will have completed eight years of service in that role by the end of her term.

The meeting will be held at the Fernley Senior Center.

A light meal will be served at 6 p.m., with the meeting scheduled to begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.

Commissioners unanimously approved adoption of the 2024 International Fire Code and Northern Nevada amendments, updating county development regulations to reflect current fire-safety standards.

County staff said the code cycle is updated periodically to address evolving safety requirements.

During elected officials’ reports, Lyon County Sheriff Brett Pope discussed the recent homicide investigation in Fernley that required the deployment of approximately 35 deputies to locate and apprehend two suspects.

Pope said the large-scale response will likely place additional strain on the sheriff’s overtime budget as the county approaches the end of the fiscal year.

Commissioners praised the sheriff’s office for keeping residents informed throughout the investigation through public updates and notifications.

County Facilities Director Douglas Homestead also provided an update on planned improvements in Fernley.

The county is creating a secured parking area behind the Fernley Library for use by the sheriff’s office and Fernley Justice Court.

The project includes fencing, grading, tree removal and installation of gravel.

Homestead said the work is expected to be completed before July 1.

County Manager Andrew Haskin reported that Lyon County continues to meet regularly with Fernley city officials.

Haskin said he recently met with Mayor Neal McIntyre as part of ongoing monthly discussions between the county and city to address shared concerns and coordinate future projects.

During community announcements, Lyon County Human Services Director Dr. Shayla Holmes said the county’s annual Kids Day in the Park program will stop in Fernley from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 25 at Out of Town Park.

The free event is one of four summer programs being hosted throughout Lyon County.

The meeting concluded with routine reports from commissioners, department heads and advisory boards.

All information for the arrest report is provided by the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office and is considered public information under Nevada law.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Christopher McCann
Area: Mason Valley
Bail: $270,000
Charges: Robbery with a deadly weapon; battery on a protected person resulting in substantial bodily harm, enhancement and violation of probation; battery.

Janell Marshall
Area: Fernley
Bail: $1,375
Charges: First-offense DUI; speeding 11-15 mph over the posted limit; failure to yield at a stop sign, yield sign or controlled intersection.

Sarah Wood
Area: LYSO
Bail: $715
Charges: Hold for another agency.

Christopher Peters
Area: Fernley
Bail: $4,110
Charges: Transporting or receiving explosives resulting in substantial bodily harm; driving with a suspended license; failure to provide proof of insurance; displaying a fictitious registration, plate or title; failure to yield at a stop sign, yield sign or controlled intersection.

Tyler Mynear
Area: Dayton
Bail: $1,275
Charges: First-offense DUI; failure to maintain lane, improper lane change or failure to signal.

Michelle McIver
Area: LYSO
Bail: No bail listed.
Charges: Failure to appear after bail on a felony offense.

Richard Garcia
Area: LYSO
Bail: $1,255
Charges: First-offense DUI; failure to dim headlamps.

Diane Polke
Area: Fernley
Bail: $3,640
Charges: First-offense DUI; possession of a dangerous drug without a prescription.

Robert Harris
Area: Fernley
Bail: $35,000
Charges: Battery with a deadly weapon; aiming a firearm at a person; carrying a concealed weapon without a permit.

Tyson Pearce
Area: Dayton
Bail: $1,055
Charges: Driving with a revoked license; failure to obey a stop sign at a controlled intersection.

Amanda Cagle
Area: Fernley
Bail: $3,120
Charges: Failure to appear on a traffic citation, two counts.

Michael Vernacchio
Area: Fernley
Bail: $5,000
Charges: Criminal contempt for failure to obey a court order; failure to appear after bail on a felony offense.

Daryl Barnes
Area: Fernley
Bail: $940
Charges: Hold for another agency.

Ashley Klos
Area: Fernley
Bail: $1,000
Charges: Criminal contempt.

Vincent Martinez
Area: Fernley
Bail: $20,000
Charges: Assault with a deadly weapon; felony arrest for violating probation or conditions of a suspended sentence.

Jeremy Barrett
Area: Fernley
Bail: No bail listed.
Charges: Open murder with a deadly weapon.

Sheri Hubert
Area: LYSO
Bail: No bail listed.
Charges: Criminal contempt.

James Gresham
Area: Fernley
Bail: $20,858
Charges: Intent to utter a fictitious bill, note or check; possession, receipt or transfer of a stolen vehicle; offering a false instrument for public filing; hold for another agency.

Edward Marks
Area: Fernley
Bail: $36,140
Charges: Domestic battery with a deadly weapon; possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance under 14 grams; possession of a dangerous drug without a prescription; resisting a public officer.

Tyler Bray
Area: LYSO
Bail: No bail listed.
Charges: Court commitment.

Robert Walters
Area: Fernley
Bail: $8,070
Charges: Failure to appear on a traffic citation, two counts; failure to appear after bail on a misdemeanor offense, two counts; possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance under 14 grams.

Jackson Smith
Area: LYSO
Bail: $5,640
Charges: Conspiracy to elude or fail to stop for law enforcement; resisting a public officer; felony arrest for violating probation or conditions of a suspended sentence; hold for another agency.

Kyle Landa
Area: Fernley
Bail: $5,000
Charges: Violation of sex offender registration requirements.

Allen Strickland
Area: LYSO
Bail: $1,000
Charges: Criminal contempt for failure to obey a court order.

Mary Cunningham
Area: Dayton
Bail: $2,500
Charges: Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance under 14 grams.

Seth Ramsay
Area: Fernley
Bail: $2,500
Charges: Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance under 14 grams.

James Karol
Area: Fernley
Bail: $27,500
Charges: Open murder with a deadly weapon; assault with a deadly weapon; destruction of another person's property valued between $250 and $5,000.

Heidi Heil
Area: Silver Springs
Bail: $10,000
Charges: Violation of an extended protection order for stalking or harassment.

Max Sapp
Area: Mason Valley
Bail: $10,280
Charges: First-offense domestic battery; battery; violation of sex offender registration requirements.

Sean Two Hearts
Area: LYSO
Bail: $22,420
Charges: Failing to stop for a peace officer while endangering people or property; first-offense DUI; reckless driving; possession of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Ronya Moore
Area: LYSO
Bail: $4,000
Charges: Failure to appear after bail on a felony offense; failure to appear after bail on a misdemeanor offense.

Giovanni Sanchez Hernandez
Area: Fernley
Bail: $1,255
Charges: Driving with a revoked license; displaying a fictitious registration, plate or title.

Dillon Thompson
Area: Silver Springs
Bail: $10,000
Charges: Possession, receipt or transfer of a stolen vehicle.

Gary Mann
Area: Fernley
Bail: $7,030
Charges: Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance under 14 grams; possession of drug paraphernalia; driving without a license; operating a vehicle with expired registration; possessing or consuming marijuana in a vehicle on a public roadway.

Laysia Johnson
Area: Silver Springs
Bail: $10,000
Charges: Possession, receipt or transfer of a stolen vehicle.

Michael Ryan
Area: LYSO
Bail: $11,140
Charges: Indecent or obscene exposure by an adult to a minor or vulnerable person; lewdness in the presence of a minor or vulnerable person; use of or being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Eric Briscoe
Area: Fernley
Bail: $1,275
Charges: First-offense DUI; failure to maintain lane, improper lane change or failure to signal.

Michelle Eriksen
Area: Mason Valley
Bail: $7,280
Charges: Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance under 14 grams; possession of drug paraphernalia; resisting a public officer; attempting to destroy or conceal evidence.

A standing-room-only crowd of nearly 200 residents filled the council chambers and lobby during a City Council code-enforcement workshop June 4, while an estimated 70 to 80 people attended an open-house-style discussion June 6 hosted by Mayor Neal McIntyre and Building Official Charity Birkel.

With public sentiment overwhelmingly opposed to the draft ordinance in its current form, residents asked McIntyre during the June 6 meeting to place an item on a future council agenda to set aside the proposal and begin developing a new plan.

“All I can do is present it to council and say the majority of the public, this is what they want,” McIntyre said. “I can do that. We’ll go back to the drawing board, and I will put on the agenda to bring the Title 16 forward, not for action, but for discussion and let everybody know where we’re at as far as this document goes.”

Under Fernley’s form of government, the mayor votes only to break a tie.

“What I do is meet with the councilpersons and try to convey to them what the public wants,” McIntyre said. “It’s up to the council that votes to make these changes.”

Near the conclusion of the June 4 workshop, a resident asked the council to make a motion to table the proposal.

City Attorney Aaron Mouritsen responded that the workshop agenda was for discussion only and that taking action would violate Nevada’s Open Meeting Law.

The June 4 workshop began with a presentation by Code Enforcement Officer Beth Engbrecht, who said the purpose was to provide information and gather public input on the draft ordinance.

Engbrecht explained that violations under the city’s current code are treated as criminal misdemeanors and can carry penalties of up to $1,000 in fines and six months in jail.

Under the proposed ordinance, enforcement would shift from criminal penalties to a civil process using administrative citations, civil penalties and cost recovery for city cleanup or abatement efforts when violations are not voluntarily corrected.

Engbrecht also said members of the code-enforcement department and Mouritsen visited Henderson on April 15 to review how that city addresses issues such as homeless encampments, stagnant water and other nuisance concerns.

Birkel said Henderson was selected because it was the first Nevada city to convert its code-enforcement system from criminal to civil enforcement.

She also said the intent was for the ordinance to be complaint-based, meaning investigations would begin only after the city receives a complaint from a resident.

During the June 4 workshop, 27 residents spoke in person and several others participated via Zoom.

Nearly all comments expressed opposition to the draft ordinance or specific provisions within it.

Some residents objected to individual sections of the proposal, while others argued the city should not regulate activities occurring on private property.

Others pointed to deteriorating roads, park maintenance concerns, limited city services and sewage issues as priorities they believe should be addressed before additional regulations are considered.

“You want to put restrictions on us, but yet you don't want to follow same restrictions and that needs to change,” resident Ken Sypher said. “If you're going to take care of Fernley, then take care of Fernley, fix Fernley first. If you're not, then get off our backs.”

During her comments, resident Nicole Guthrie asked how many people in attendance supported the proposal.

According to Guthrie, only two people raised their hands.

“You say you work for the people and you’re taking feedback,” she said. “There’s your feedback.”

Residents voiced similar concerns during the June 6 discussion.

Several said that if the ordinance remains complaint-based, property owners should be informed who filed the complaint against them, citing the Sixth Amendment right of an accused person to confront their accuser.

The prevailing sentiment at both meetings was that the city and neighboring residents should not interfere with how property owners use their own property.

“If you build a fence out of pallets because that’s all you can afford, let it be,” resident Don Maguin said. “It’s not hurting you. It helps that guy.”

The Lyon County School District Board of Trustees issued a Notice to Proceed on April 28 when it unanimously approved a $4,088,629 guaranteed maximum price agreement with CORE Construction.

CORE Construction will manage the project under the construction-manager-at-risk delivery model, working with the district during design and guaranteeing the project will be completed within an agreed-upon maximum price.

Under a guaranteed maximum price agreement, the district will not pay more than the approved amount unless the project scope changes. Any costs above the guaranteed maximum price are the responsibility of the contractor.

The project includes three primary components: a new single point of entry at the front of the school, a complete renovation of the culinary classroom, and reconfiguration of the commons and cafeteria areas.

Executive Director of Operations Harman Bains told trustees the final project cost came in “meaningfully above” the district’s original estimate of $2.5 million.

Bains said the increase was largely driven by the need to redesign the culinary space after district staff and consultants determined the original layout would not support an effective instructional program.

District facilities staff, curriculum personnel, Paul Cavin Architects, Grace Design and CORE Construction all reached the same conclusion during the design process.

“In order to present something that would actually be meaningful and useful for not only Fernley High School, but for the staff to teach in it and the students to learn in it, we had to readjust what we were envisioning for that kitchen,” Bains said.

To better understand program needs, district staff toured culinary programs with similar square footage at other schools.

Those visits showed Fernley’s kitchen would require additional student workstations and a layout that allows instructors to demonstrate techniques while students work at their own stations.

The revised design includes four additional stoves, four new ventilation hoods, expanded roof work, a larger grease-trap system and additional utility improvements.

Bains said those changes accounted for most of the increase in project costs.

He noted that this is the district’s first culinary program designed from the ground up and that additional planning was required to create a space that reflects real-world restaurant operations.

The project also includes significant storefront construction as part of the new single point of entry.

Bains said storefront materials have become increasingly expensive in Northern Nevada and are subject to lengthy delivery timelines, contributing to overall costs.

He noted that the planned entrance project at Dayton High School faces similar challenges.

The project will also reconfigure existing interior space.

The current cafeteria contains several partitioned offices that do not extend to the ceiling.

Those offices will be relocated to the commons area near the old gym using a similar layout.

The cafeteria area will then be converted into classrooms with full-height walls.

District officials have not yet designated specific programs for the new classrooms and intentionally left the space flexible for future needs.

According to the construction schedule, CORE Construction will use Microsoft Project Professional to manage scheduling and provide monthly updates.

Work will generally occur from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The schedule includes allowances for anticipated weather delays, with additional time extensions granted only if delays exceed those projections.

The district expects substantial completion of the single-point-of-entry, entrance and commons areas by Sept. 1, allowing those portions of the building to be used shortly after the start of the school year.

The first day of the 2026-27 school year is Aug. 20.

The culinary renovation is expected to reach substantial completion by Oct. 16.

Bains said the revised design was developed to ensure the facility is both functional and meaningful for students and staff.

The layout will allow students to work at individual stations while maintaining clear visibility of instruction through live demonstrations and overhead cameras that project onto classroom screens.

Dayton High School Assistant Principal David Palmer, a former culinary arts instructor, said the video system is necessary because it is unsafe for a class of 25 to 28 students to crowd around a cooking demonstration.

The board’s approval of the guaranteed maximum price allows CORE Construction to move forward with procurement and scheduling ahead of the planned June 12 construction start date, which coincides with the final day of the school year.

The district will monitor progress through monthly schedule updates and coordinate with CORE Construction on any adjustments needed because of weather or material delivery timelines.