Western Nevada College is encouraging eligible students to enroll in its College Readiness Education for Students in Transition (CREST) program before the Aug. 5 enrollment deadline. The free program helps students with disabilities build the academic, personal and career skills needed to successfully transition to college and the workforce. The program is funded through the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR). WNC's Disability Support Services currently has nine students enrolled for the Summer 2026 cohort and is seeking at least three more participants to meet the program's minimum enrollment requirement.

Students may qualify if they:

• Have a documented disability;
• Are between the ages of 16 and 21; and
• Plan to enroll in additional Fall 2026 classes at Western Nevada College.

The three-week program provides students with a supportive introduction to college while helping them develop confidence, independence and practical skills for future success. 

Participants receive one college credit for CEP 121, with tuition, supplies and a loaner laptop fully covered through DETR funding. CREST also offers personalized academic support, peer connections and opportunities to explore career pathways through hands-on learning experiences. 

Program highlights include:

• Orientation: Aug. 6, 10–11 a.m., Carson City campus
• Classes: Aug. 10–27, Monday through Thursday, 9–11:30 a.m.
• Hybrid instruction with two in-person and two Zoom class sessions each week
• Educational field trips to the Nevada Legislature, JAC bus system, Liberty Dogs and Carson Tahoe Hospital.

“Our goal is to give students the tools, confidence and support they need to succeed in college and beyond,” said Susan Trist, director of Disability Support Services at Western Nevada College. "CREST helps students become comfortable navigating the college environment while building skills that will benefit them throughout their education and careers.”

Interested students and families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. For more information or to determine eligibility, contact Susan Trist at susan.trist@wnc.edu or 775-445-4459.

Among those honored was Fernley Reporter Editor Robert Perea, who was named an Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Northwest Nevada in recognition of his ongoing service to the community.

Perea also received the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow recognition, one of Rotary International's highest honors.

The recognition was presented through a contribution made by club founder and chair Suzanne Prouty, who used her accumulated Paul Harris recognition points to honor Perea.

"When you give, you are credited with points," Prouty explained. "One thousand dollars equals 1,000 points. I can then use my points to honor someone else as a Fellow. He does so much for the community."

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition is named for Rotary founder Paul Harris and is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities or who are honored through contributions to The Rotary Foundation, which supports humanitarian, educational and peace-building projects around the world.

Rotary clubs bring together business and community leaders to address local needs through volunteer service, scholarships, youth leadership programs and international humanitarian efforts.

The newly chartered Rotary Club of Northwest Nevada plans to focus on service projects benefiting communities throughout the region while joining Rotary's worldwide network of more than 1.4 million members. They meet at 5:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at the Ranch House inside the Silverado casino.

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

Karita Kennedy
Area: Mason Valley
Bail: $640
Charges: Criminal contempt

Benton Bond
Area: Silver Springs
Bail: $10,920
Charges: Felony arrest for violation of conditions of parole; Resist public officer; Criminal contempt (Failure to obey court order)

Mickey Laughlin
Area: Fernley
Bail: $6,400
Charges: Basic speed 11 to 20 mph over limit; Drive w/suspended driver’s license; Violation of ignition interlock conditions

Jennifer Mace
Area: LYSO
Bail: $3,865
Charges: DUI (2nd); Drive w/canceled driver’s license; Operate unregistered vehicle/trailer/semi; Possess/consume marijuana in public/store/vehicle; Open alcohol container in vehicle

Sarah Wood
Area: Fernley
Bail: $940
Charges: Failure to appear on traffic citation

Nicole Randolph
Area: Fernley
Bail: $10,000
Charges: Failure to appear after bail (misdemeanor crime); Criminal contempt

Sarah Thomas
Area: Dayton
Bail: $12,000
Charges: Obtain/use personal ID of another to avoid/delay prosecution; Assist other agency, hold

Stephanie Reeves
Area: Dayton
Bail: $4,280
Charges: Possession of Schedule I/II controlled substance under 14g (1st or 2nd); Use/possess drug paraphernalia; Drive w/suspended driver’s license

Ilene Christy
Area: Fernley
Bail: $21,140
Charges: Own/possess gun by prohibited person; Use/possess drug paraphernalia

Jerry Coveau
Area: Fernley
Bail: $10,000
Charges: Domestic battery by strangulation

Jason Seleski
Area: Dayton
Bail: $3,140
Charges: Domestic battery (1st)

Kimberley Radai
Area: Fernley
Bail: $2,030
Charges: DUI (1st); Reckless driving, disregard person/property safety (1st)

Charles Rodriguez
Area: Silver Springs
Bail: $6,140
Charges: Possession of Schedule I/II controlled substance under 14g (3rd+ offense); Use/possess drug paraphernalia

Ryan Smith
Area: Mason Valley
Bail: $1,630
Charges: Failure to appear after bail (misdemeanor crime); Assist other agency, hold

Amanda McIntosh
Area: LYSO
Bail: $7,500
Charges: Possession of Schedule I/II controlled substance under 14g (1st or 2nd)

Zackery Standen
Area: Fernley
Bail: $3,035
Charges: Possess/consume marijuana in public/store/vehicle; DUI (1st); Minor in possession of alcohol; Possess 10 oz or less marijuana

Austin Baker
Area: LYSO
Bail: $0
Charges: Court commitment

Marla Manning
Area: Dayton
Bail: $3,755
Charges: Felony arrest for violation of probation/conditions of suspended sentence; Possession of Schedule I/II controlled substance under 14g (1st or 2nd); Use/possess drug paraphernalia; Operate unregistered vehicle/trailer/semi

Andrew Kuha
Area: Fernley
Bail: $4,135
Charges: Handicap parking placard violation; DUI (2nd); Resist public officer

Michael Farley
Area: LYSO
Bail: $0
Charges: Court commitment

Dennis Milich
Area: Silver Springs
Bail: $6,140
Charges: Possession of Schedule I/II controlled substance under 14g (1st or 2nd); (2 counts) Use/possess drug paraphernalia

Barbara Godoy
Area: Dayton
Bail: $1,555
Charges: DUI (1st); Fail to yield at stop/yield sign or controlled intersection

Adrian Fretter
Area: Fernley
Bail: $1,780
Charges: Drive w/revoked driver’s license; DUI (1st)

James Johnson
Area: Fernley
Bail: $1,335
Charges: DUI (1st); Basic speed 11 to 20 mph over limit

Brady Bethel
Area: Fernley
Bail: $23,390
Charges: Window tint violation; DUI (1st); Drive w/revoked driver’s license; Use/possess drug paraphernalia; Open alcohol container in vehicle; Own/possess gun by prohibited person

Clay Diemert
Area: Fernley
Bail: $3,775
Charges: DUI (1st); Fail to maintain lane/improper lane change; Allow child abuse/neglect (endangerment, 1st)

Brandon Silva
Area: Fernley
Bail: $38,640
Charges: Grand larceny of motor vehicle (1st); Possess/receive/transfer stolen vehicle; Possession of Schedule I/II controlled substance under 14g (1st or 2nd); Use/possess drug paraphernalia

Mandi Langley
Area: Dayton
Bail: $240
Charges: Assist other agency, hold

Dariel Soto
Area: Mason Valley
Bail: $1,780
Charges: Drive w/suspended driver’s license; DUI (1st)

Brant Movius
Area: Dayton
Bail: $3,640
Charges: Possession of Schedule I/II controlled substance under 14g (1st or 2nd); Use/possess drug paraphernalia

Janelle Pierce
Area: Dayton
Bail: $500
Charges: Failure to appear after bail (misdemeanor crime)

Jason Devine
Area: LYSO
Bail: $0
Charges: Failure to appear after bail (felony crime)

Katelyn Tagge
Area: Silver Springs
Bail: $3,140
Charges: Domestic battery (1st)

Jason Estep
Area: Fernley
Bail: $4,140
Charges: Domestic battery (1st)

Michael Thurman
Area: Fernley
Bail: $3,140
Charges: Domestic battery (1st)

Krystal Judd
Area: Fernley
Bail: $23,140
Charges: Domestic battery (1st); Child abuse or neglect (1st)

Yahaira Lomeli Reynaga
Area: LYSO
Bail: $1,555
Charges: DUI (1st); Overtake on left side/left turn in prohibited zone

Rodrigo Moreno Cabrera
Area: Dayton
Bail: $670
Charges: Assist other agency, hold; Drive w/o driver’s license; Display fictitious registration/plate/title

Zachariah Wright
Area: Silver Springs
Bail: $640
Charges: Felony arrest, fugitive from other state/warrant; Assist other agency, hold

Sammy Plasch
Area: Fernley
Bail: $0
Charges: Felony arrest, fugitive from other state/warrant

Joline Eyster
Area: Fernley
Bail: $2,225
Charges: DUI (1st); Fail to decrease speed/use due care; Reckless driving, disregard person/property safety (1st)

Mack Miessner
Area: Fernley
Bail: $5,135
Charges: Possession of Schedule I/II controlled substance under 14g (1st or 2nd); Nonresident driving privilege suspended/revoked/canceled; Owner, proof of insurance required; Use/possess drug paraphernalia; Operate vehicle w/expired registration/plates

Mary Hawes
Area: LYSO
Bail: $0
Charges: Court commitment

Andres Blanco Fuentes
Area: Fernley
Bail: $14,960
Charges: Reckless driving (1st); DUI (1st); Driver disobey peace officer; Open alcohol container in vehicle; Use/possess drug paraphernalia; Possess/consume marijuana in public/store/vehicle

Patrick Ball
Area: Dayton
Bail: $1,140
Charges: DUI (1st)

Cody Perris
Area: Dayton
Bail: $3,000
Charges: DUI (1st); Fail to change name/address on driver’s license; Operate vehicle w/o Nevada registration; Open alcohol container in vehicle; Operate vehicle w/expired registration/plates; Basic speed 31 to 35 mph over limit

Mark Sanders
Area: Mason Valley
Bail: $1,140
Charges: DUI (1st)

Cortney Bear
Area: LYSO
Bail: $2,750
Charges: DUI (1st); Drive w/suspended driver’s license; Operate unregistered vehicle/trailer/semi; Owner, proof of insurance required; Basic speeding 30 to 40 mph over limit (Enhanced/Work zone)

Stefan Benally
Area: Mason Valley
Bail: $890
Charges: Assist other agency, hold

Angela Trousdale
Area: Fernley
Bail: $1,190
Charges: Fail to yield at stop/yield sign or controlled intersection; DUI (1st)

The next morning, I leaped out of bed, pain forgotten. Showered, dressed and morning chores complete, I was ready for a great day at work. But two hours in, I was seized by bone-crushing exhaustion.

“Ridiculous.” I slept well. Fueled by stubbornness and an old-school work ethic, I downed a cup of black coffee, sucked up a 5-hour Energy drink and slogged through the day.

Actually, I slogged through the week. Lunch hour became a longed-for oasis. I slept. After work, I dropped into bed like a sack of overcooked potatoes. But ever optimistic, I just knew revitalization was right around the corner. But none came.

My co-workers were apparently watching my decline with some dismay. The Lord blessed me with enthusiasm for just about everything, but at that time my enthusiasm was limited to naps. Usually, I am happily buzzing about the place. Rarely do I sit. But now, chairs beckoned me. Gingerly, I would take a seat in each one I passed and hope no one would catch me nodding off. But they did.

My boss’s concern scared me into visiting urgent care. The tests for COVID-19 and flu, along with the EKG, showed a perfectly healthy woman. But the lung X-ray? It seemed that the pesky pain under my armpit was caused by my left lung filling with infection.

You could have dropped me with a feather when I was told I had pneumonia! I had none of the symptoms one associates with a lung condition. No cold, no cough, no real shortness of breath. If I had a fever, I didn’t recognize it. I was only starting to get a tad winded by the time I got to urgent care.

Treated with a heavy round of antibiotics, I quickly rallied. But not everyone does.

As a practitioner of the “know your enemy” philosophy, I immediately started researching pneumonia. Here’s what I learned: In general, pneumonia is a leading cause of death from infectious disease for people over 60. Atypical pneumonia, the kind I seem to have had, is often less severe than other types but can lead to serious complications, particularly among immunocompromised seniors.

It may present an array of oddball symptoms that look nothing like what one might expect from pneumonia. A sufferer may or may not experience headaches, muscle aches, joint stiffness, loss of appetite and my favorite possible symptom, confusion. Go ahead. Add insult to injury.

Many folks over 60 are of hearty stock. We have spent lifetimes muscling through “inconveniences” like perceived minor health concerns. While the increasing vulnerabilities presented by getting older are annoying, avoiding peril is possible.

Maybe we can’t stop Father Time, but we can combat the old coot’s disturbing assaults by exercising humility when confronted by some new limitation. If it feels wrong, face it: It’s wrong.

By acknowledging suspicious symptoms, we could be sparing ourselves and, just as importantly, our loved ones, an avoidable calamity. If I’ve learned nothing else from atypical pneumonia, there’s no shame in yelling uncle and visiting a health care professional when things feel off.

Sonia Hedrick and her husband Jerry arrived in Nevada just over a year ago. A South Florida native, Sonia is captivated by the landscape, climate, history and overall “vibe” of Lyon County and specifically, Fernley. Sonia truly enjoys meeting people and has found some of the most interesting people she has ever met right here in our area. She looks forward to introducing readers to their neighbors in her upcoming contributions to the Fernley Reporter.

The Fernley Planning Commission reviewed two preliminary versions of a proposed data-center ordinance during its July 8 meeting. No ordinance was approved, and commissioners did not choose between the two versions.

Planning Director Michelle Rambo emphasized that the drafts are only a starting point in a longer process that will include additional research, meetings with industry representatives and regulators, and opportunities for public participation.

“We are not here tonight to approve anything,” Rambo said. “This is a very preliminary rough draft.”

Rambo said city officials know data-center developers are looking at Fernley, although the city has not yet received a formal application.

“We have several that are on the horizon,” she said. “However, we do not actually have any submitted applications yet.”

The city is attempting to establish its requirements before those applications arrive rather than revisiting its development code after projects are already underway. Rambo said staff hopes to have an ordinance ready for possible approval by the end of the year but does not intend to rush the process.

The two drafts contain many of the same operating and development standards but differ in where data centers could be considered.

Under the first version, a data center could be proposed on industrially zoned property through a conditional use permit and development agreement.

The second would create a data-center overlay district. A developer would first have to obtain a zoning-map amendment placing the overlay on the property before seeking a conditional use permit and development agreement.

The overlay process would give the City Council an additional opportunity to decide whether a particular property is appropriate for a data center, rather than allowing the use to be considered throughout the city’s industrial zones.

Rambo said that distinction may be important because Fernley has industrially zoned land near downtown and the railroad tracks that may not be suitable for a large data center.

The preliminary ordinance would apply to data centers with a total electrical design capacity greater than 20 megawatts or water use exceeding 50 gallons per minute on an annualized basis at full buildout.

A covered project would be required to submit detailed information about its water demand, electrical needs, backup power, noise, lighting, utilities, grading, landscaping and emergency-response plans.

The draft proposes at least 1,000 feet between a data center and residentially zoned property, but Chairwoman Garvin and Vice Chair McCullar both called for a greater separation.

Garvin said the setback should at least match standards applied to casinos near residential property and that data centers should be located “as far away as possible.” McCullar said the distance should be pushed “as far as humanly possible” to protect residents.

Commissioners also called for broader public notification. Garvin said information about proposed data centers should be distributed citywide rather than only to property owners within the mailed-notice radius. Commissioner White suggested allowing residents outside the immediate area to sign up to receive mailed notices because not everyone relies on social media for city information.

The ordinance could require closed-loop cooling or another water-efficient cooling system. It could also require noise-dampening equipment, landscaping and screening, and the placement of taller buildings toward the center of a site.

Commissioner Susan White said the city should not write the ordinance so narrowly that it prevents developers from using a future technology that is more efficient than today’s closed-loop systems.

White also asked the city to consider noise and air-quality standards for backup generators. She said developers should be responsible for specialized emergency-response training if a project creates hazards that Fernley firefighters are not currently equipped to handle, such as fires involving large battery systems.

Commissioner Robert Flores asked staff to examine how many permanent jobs data centers create after construction is complete and how their economic contribution compares with warehouses or other industrial development.

Data centers can occupy substantial amounts of industrial land, Flores said, and the city should understand what it receives in return.

He also raised questions about whether the buildings could be converted to other uses if changing technology makes a data center obsolete.

Commissioner Cody Wagner called the issue one of the most significant matters to come before the commission during his tenure.

Wagner suggested requiring annual reports showing each facility’s actual water and power use, noise levels, emissions, wastewater impacts and chemical use. He also questioned whether a developer could avoid the ordinance by splitting one large project into several facilities falling below the proposed power or water thresholds.

Other ideas raised during the discussion included requiring dedicated power generation, limiting the amount of data-center capacity approved in a single year, capturing waste heat for other uses, requiring renewable-energy systems, prohibiting private wells and establishing a community-benefit fund.

Rambo said many of those ideas will require additional legal and technical research.

During public comment before the discussion began, Scott Barnes, vice president for entitlements for Mark IV Capital and the Victory Logistics project, told commissioners that the proposed ordinance would not apply to Victory.

Barnes said the project has vested rights under a development agreement and planned-development handbook approved by the city in April 2024.

He also said the preliminary drafts contain technical and substantive errors and urged the city to conduct further review and public outreach before advancing an ordinance.

During the commission’s later discussion, Rambo confirmed that Victory has its own development agreement and planned-development handbook containing project-specific standards.

“They have their own zoning code, basically,” she said.

Rambo said Victory is the city’s only existing industrial planned development that could potentially accommodate a data center under its current handbook.

That means Fernley could adopt a detailed ordinance governing future data-center applications while a data center within Victory may be evaluated under standards negotiated before the new ordinance was written.

Commissioners expressed concern about that possibility and asked whether the city could expect Victory and other future data centers to meet similar requirements, including providing their own power supplies.

Rambo said additional research is needed to determine what the city can require.

The draft ordinance itself does not address how its provisions would interact with previously approved development agreements.

Amanda Berry-Jones, director of business development for the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada, urged the city to protect water resources and residents’ quality of life without making Fernley less competitive than surrounding communities.

She said newer data centers may use considerably less water than older facilities and encouraged the city to require demonstrated water efficiency rather than mandate one particular cooling technology.

Berry-Jones also said Nevada’s large-load electrical requirements are intended to prevent the costs of serving major power users from being shifted to existing ratepayers.

She recommended that the city hold a dedicated workshop involving NV Energy, water providers, data-center operators, environmental regulators and other stakeholders before selecting one of the two regulatory approaches. EDAWN offered to help organize the workshop.

Fernley resident Justina Yellowhair urged the commission to independently investigate potential health and environmental impacts, including chemicals, air emissions and contamination risks.

She said financial benefits should not outweigh protections for residents and natural resources.

Rambo said she expects to meet with Storey County representatives and data-center operators in August and tour an operating facility. She also plans separate discussions with regulators and others involved in overseeing the industry.

Commissioners gave staff numerous issues to research but did not formally endorse either the industrial-zone approach or the overlay district.

The drafts will return for additional review after staff completes more research and incorporates direction previously provided by the City Council.

Red Tees 

1^st Gross: Patty Liljeberg, 92 

2^nd Gross: Jana Garner, 97 

1^st Net: Rita Hanifen, 72 

2^nd Net: Linda Garrett, 74 

Purple Tees 

1^st Gross: Verl Ely, 92 

1^st Net: Karen Holcher, 89 

Birdies: Verl Ely, #15 

Closest to Hole #7: Patty Liljeberg, 7'8" 

Low Putts: Verl Ely & Rita Hanifen, 32 

Chip-Ins: Meris Lowe, #7; Verl Ely, #15 

The Wigwam restaurant was closed after a portion of its ceiling collapsed because of water damage, according to Fernley Building Official Charity Birkel.

Birkel said the Nevada State Health Department made the initial decision to close the restaurant. The city then closed the entire establishment to prevent employees or customers from entering the kitchen beneath the damaged ceiling.

“The ceiling had some significant water damage, and it was a safety issue having people walk under it,” Birkel said in an email to the Fernley Reporter.

A contractor quickly obtained a building permit, completed the repairs and received approval from the city to remove the red tags, she said.

McDonald’s was also temporarily closed by the Nevada State Health Department. Birkel said the restaurant responded immediately and was apparently reopened within about four hours, although she referred questions about the exact timeline to state health officials.

Neither closure was initially ordered through Fernley’s regular complaint-based code-enforcement process. Still, the highly visible incidents come as the city reports a sharp increase in complaints and continues debating how broadly its enforcement authority should reach.

During a July 8 presentation to the Fernley Builders Association, Birkel said the city received 132 code-enforcement complaints in June alone.

Since January, Fernley has logged 618 cases. Birkel said the city previously received approximately 660 complaints during an entire 12-month period.

That means the city has already received nearly a typical year’s worth of complaints during the first half of 2026.

Birkel said one resident filed approximately 27 complaints involving properties with similar alleged violations after the city acted on a separate complaint.

The volume raises questions about whether the rise reflects worsening property conditions, increased public awareness or a system that can be driven by repeated complaints from a small number of residents.

City officials have also held four public workshops on a proposed rewrite of Fernley’s code-enforcement rules. The proposal reportedly runs 47 pages and has drawn significant opposition from residents concerned about property rights, enforcement discretion and the potential reach of the new rules.

Birkel told builders the city has also received support for the proposal, although some supporters have been reluctant to speak publicly.

“Unfortunately, because of the mob mentality with the negative comments, people are afraid to speak up,” Birkel said.

The remark highlighted the increasingly tense debate over the proposed ordinance. Critics have questioned whether the city is attempting to regulate too much private-property activity, while city officials have argued that clearer rules are needed to address unsafe and neglected properties consistently.

Birkel said she had been directed to review the proposal and remove provisions already covered elsewhere in city code. A revised version is expected to return for additional public discussion.

The building department’s workload extends beyond complaint investigations. In June, the city received 51 building applications and issued 45 permits, collecting approximately $49,000 in fees.

The department also completed 628 inspections, including six business-license inspections, and reported no disaster-assessment callouts during the month.

Those numbers show a department handling both routine development activity and a rapidly increasing enforcement caseload.

The distinction matters in the cases involving the Wigwam and McDonald’s. Both closures involved immediate health or safety concerns, and both businesses were allowed to reopen after the problems were corrected.

The broader code-enforcement debate involves something different: how the city responds to complaints about private property, how much discretion officers should have and how far local regulations should extend beyond clear threats to public health and safety.

As the revised ordinance moves forward, the central question will be whether Fernley can address genuinely dangerous conditions without creating an enforcement system that is overly broad, complaint-driven or burdensome for residents and businesses.

The district is accepting applications on a continuous basis for entry-level and lateral candidates in the following classifications:

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

• Firefighter/Advanced EMT

• Firefighter/Paramedic

According to the district, annual salaries begin at approximately $60,541 for EMTs, with Firefighter/Advanced EMT positions ranging from $71,131 to $87,330 and Firefighter/Paramedic positions ranging from $78,724 to $96,652, depending on qualifications and experience.

Applicants must hold a current National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification or a Nevada EMS license.

Testing is scheduled for Aug. 1-2 and Oct. 3-4, with additional testing dates to be announced. The district also offers flexible testing dates upon request.

Fire district officials encourage individuals interested in public service and emergency response to apply.

More information and application materials are available through the North Lyon County Fire Protection District's online application portal by scanning the QR code.

Michelle Barney, who also serves as president of the Fernley Chamber of Commerce, presented data from the Northern Nevada Regional Multiple Listing Service. She said the median sales price for a single-family home in Fernley was $425,000 in June, up 2.4% from June 2025 but down 1.6% from May.

The market recorded 38 closed sales during the month, a 2.7% increase from a year earlier and a 35.7% jump from May.

Homes reached contract in a median of 10 days, compared with a considerably longer period a year ago. Sellers received a median of 100.2% of their list price, while the median sale price per square foot reached $258.

Fernley had 54 active listings at the end of June, representing about 1.4 months of housing supply.

The figures point to a market that remains competitive despite higher interest rates and affordability concerns. Barney cautioned, however, that list-price figures do not capture all of the concessions builders or sellers may provide to complete a sale.

Those incentives can include interest-rate assistance, appliances, landscaping and other buyer-specific concessions.

Barney said the MLS does not currently provide a reliable way to measure those incentives and asked builders to consider sharing information that could be included in future market reports.

“We’re getting very close to the price,” Barney said of the relationship between list prices and sale prices, while acknowledging that concessions may affect the true economics of the transaction.

Year-to-date figures showed a median Fernley sales price of $419,900 through June, up 5% from $399,900 during the same period in 2025.

There were 197 closed sales during the first half of the year, down 4.8% from 207 a year earlier.

The year-to-date median time to contract fell from 28 days to 12 days.

The median price per square foot increased from $243 to $251, while new listings declined 17.3%, from 284 during the first half of 2025 to 235 this year.

Barney also offered preliminary figures on newly built homes, saying county records appeared to show 41 new homes sold between Jan. 1 and June 30. Those homes had an average sale price of approximately $523,000 and averaged about 2,122 square feet.

She cautioned that the new-construction report was still being developed and asked builders to help verify the numbers.

Members also discussed growing interest in attached single-family homes, duplexes and multifamily housing and asked whether those categories could be tracked separately in future reports.

Following the market report, Fernley Builders Association Vice President Derek Kirkland outlined several priorities being followed by the association’s Government Affairs Committee.

Kirkland said the association is working toward a formal partnership with the Builders Association of Northern Nevada. The groups are discussing a memorandum of understanding that would define how they could work together and what each organization would receive from the partnership.

He said the larger association could give Fernley builders more influence at the state level and provide experience addressing development problems already encountered in Reno and Sparks.

Kirkland identified sewer, water, transportation and electrical capacity as the most pressing barriers facing new development in Fernley.

“Almost every project I know that I’ve worked on has had some sort of infrastructure issue,” he said.

Those problems can require multimillion-dollar improvements, delay projects and ultimately contribute to higher housing costs, Kirkland said. The city does not have enough money to independently correct every deficiency, making cooperation among government agencies, developers and builders necessary.

The association plans to become more involved in the city’s infrastructure planning, participate in public meetings and support grant applications and lobbying efforts for priority projects.

Kirkland said the immediate need is for builders and developers to review new plans, submit comments and take part in public hearings.

He also said the association is watching whether limited fire district resources could begin delaying or preventing development approvals.

Kirkland described similar problems in the Reno area, where projects were sometimes burdened with expensive conditions intended to address fire-service concerns. He said such conditions can slow development and add costs, particularly when requirements are not practical or legally enforceable.

The association also plans to follow upcoming elections, potentially interview candidates and work with the Fernley Chamber of Commerce on candidate events.

Members were encouraged to submit questions and issues they want the Government Affairs Committee to raise with candidates.

Building Official Charity Birkel reported that the city received 51 building applications in June and issued 45 permits, collecting about $49,000 in permit fees.

The department completed 628 inspections, including six business-license inspections, and had no disaster-assessment callouts during the month.

Birkel said code enforcement has become an increasingly large part of the department’s workload.

The city received 132 complaints in June and had logged 618 cases since the beginning of January. In previous years, she said, the city received about 660 complaints over an entire 12-month period.

A revised version is expected to return for further public discussion. (See expanded code enforcement story on page xxx.)

Mayor Neal McIntyre briefly updated builders on recent changes at City Hall.

He said Barry Williams has been named chief operating officer and will oversee city operations.

The city is continuing its search for a chief development officer who would oversee planning, building and engineering functions.

McIntyre said dividing responsibility between senior officials could provide more focused oversight than relying on one city manager to supervise all city departments.

He also noted that Ward 3 remains without representation while litigation involving the vacant council seat continues.

Kirkland said the builders association expects to become more active in city planning and infrastructure discussions over the next six months to a year.

“We’re at a critical time,” he said. “This group is going to become more and more involved and play a much bigger role in some of these issues.”

Fernley housing by the numbers

June 2026

• Median sales price: $425,000
• Closed sales: 38
• Median days to contract: 10
• Median list price received: 100.2%
• Median sale price per square foot: $258
• New listings: 46
• Active inventory: 54
• Months of inventory: 1.4

Year to date

• Median sales price: $419,900
• Closed sales: 197
• Median days to contract: 12
• Median list price received: 99.8%
• Median sale price per square foot: $251
• New listings: 235

Wilson was sworn in last week during the regular board meeting and said he plans to continue campaigning for the seat.

“This appointment does not replace the election, and I will continue campaigning to earn your vote this November,” Wilson said in a statement. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to begin serving our community immediately while the voters ultimately decide who will hold the seat moving forward.”

Wilson said he is approaching the position with humility and a commitment to listen, learn and make informed decisions on behalf of firefighters, taxpayers and the community.

“I don’t take this opportunity lightly, and I look forward to getting to work,” he said.

The district’s board also includes Chairman Paul Murphy, Vice Chairman Debbie Skinner, Treasurer/Secretary Alyssa Roemer and Director Christine Sullivan.

As a creature of routine, it always amazed me how quickly I feel disconnected whenever my routine is disrupted. It makes me realize how much of my normal life seems to run on muscle memory and how much more difficult it is to regain it than it is to lose it.

My mind keeps drifting back to a basketball game in Winnemucca a couple of years ago. It was one of those classic, high-stakes matchups between the Fernley and Lowry girls. Fernley boys coach Cade Knutson joined Big Mike and me at the top row of the bleachers for a halftime radio interview during the girls game. When the buzzer sounded for the second half, the stands were so packed that Cade was literally trapped and had to wait until a timeout just to find a path to the floor.

While he was stranded up there with us, a technical foul was called against Lowry and a Fernley player who was a very good free throw shooter stepped up to the line.

Shooting technical free throws is a psychological anomaly in basketball. It is usually the only time a player is completely alone on the floor, in a game where everything revolves around navigating physical bodies.

On the air, I commented that for many players, shooting technical foul shots is much more difficult than normal free throws because it’s so far out of the natural flow of the game. Cade disagreed, arguing that he loved the feeling of going to the free throw line by himself on the road and shutting up the crowd by hitting two shots.

But sure enough, the shooter missed both shots.

Because a technical foul also means the shooting team gets possession, Fernley got the ball back and the same player was fouled on the next play. This time, with players lining the lane for the free throws, she sank both shots.

That’s a pretty long-winded way of describing how getting out of routine can affect concentration, confidence and performance.

I’m dealing with some sense of that after coming back from vacation last week, coupled with the fact that I’m not stepping back into the same routine, but working to create a new one.

The good thing is, the vacation served as a mental reset, not just an escape. I took my brother on a fishing charter, and the catching was actually as good as the fishing. Between us, we caught 10 trout and three bass, watched a bald eagle cut through the sky and spotted a doe and two fawns tracking us from the shore while our guide spun tales about the lake and the history of the area.

It was a great disconnection from the daily grind, and it happened just in time.

Believe it or not, we’re only two weeks away from the beginning of official practices for fall high school sports, and games begin only two weeks after that. I thought I was ready for all of that before. Now I know I am.

The third time was the charm, as Fernley won its second consecutive state championship and will advance to the West Regionals July 23-29 in Tucson, Arizona.

“It was definitely fun,” coach Sarah Parale said. “We lost one, but we were able to come back and beat them in the championship. So that worked out.”

The final was tight from the start. Ella Parale, the first batter of the game, led off with a home run, and Fernley added another run to take a 2-0 lead in the first inning, only to see Centennial answer with a two-run home run of its own in the second.

“It was back and forth the whole time,” Sarah Parale said. “They were a good team. The girls had to fight, for sure.”

Fernley went ahead again, 3-2, in the fourth inning, but Centennial answered an inning later with three runs. Trailing 5-3, Fernley’s last rally put the team ahead by two, and the dugout erupted, but only briefly because Centennial was the home team.

“They were going crazy, but we were all on edge,” Parale said. “We had three outs to go, and that was when we were all on the edge of our seats. That inning was crazy for sure.”

Parale said the emotional swings were constant.

“Emotions were high, and we had to ride the roller coaster,” she said. “They did so well doing that. Just kept it strong the whole time.”

Fernley opened the tournament with a 7-4 win over Moapa Valley on July 9. Nevaeh Leija drove in three runs with a double in the sixth inning that put Fernley ahead 7-3. Smythe drove in two runs in the first inning to stake Fernley to an early lead.

In its second game on July 10, Fernley lost 6-0 to Centennial, but the team bounced back on July 11 to beat Moapa Valley again, 9-3, to earn the rematch with Centennial for the championship.

The difference between Friday’s loss and Sunday’s win, Parale said, came down to belief.

“I don’t know that everybody’s confidence was there in the game we lost,” she said. “But yesterday, everybody’s confidence was there. They kept their composure and kept believing they could win. It was definitely a team effort.”

For the players who were part of last year’s run, Sunday’s win means a return trip to Arizona for the regional tournament. Parale said the excitement started immediately, and so did the logistics.

The team now has only a short window to organize travel and raise money to get all 12 players and as many families as possible to Arizona.

“The girls are all super excited,” she said Monday. “This morning has already started with getting down to the details of how we’re going to get everybody there.”

This morning as I worked in the dark early morning, vaguely aware of the world slowly glowing to life, that smell of rain and sagebrush flowed through the open windows, soothing my soul with peace. How is a smell so peaceful?

It couldn’t be helped, the front porch was calling as the sky glowed rosy gold and I stepped out into the cool morning surrounded with the essence of the desert, clean and sharp and strong, almost tinged with a vague turpentine from the greasewood. Walking over to feed the goats, I noticed the tamaracks had bloomed when I wasn’t looking. Their puffy, silvery branches full of flowers and pollen, adding to the serenity.

The goats were so excited for breakfast in their damp, curly new coats. They were sheared recently and have grown out long enough that their new curls were affected by the humidity, springing into beautiful silky loops like mine does at the ocean. Black, red, and a pretty soft white, they were so pretty I couldn’t help but imagine what sweaters would look like made from each one of them.

What a blessing to have this distraction in the midst of what has been an incredibly difficult little stretch of growing pains with the papers and magazines and, and, and...

Lately I’ve begun to wonder why in the world I have all these animals when I need to be focused on business. Between the rabbits in their new fancy pens and the chickens who won’t quit hatching new babies and the goats and the emus, honestly what have I done. I used to be able to do chores in about seven minutes, now it's easily 20 or more depending on what kind of dilly dallying I do and who looks like they may want some attention.

One of my friends said once that women have pets because we need something to need us. My hair bristled at that silliness when I heard it and my very nature resisted what I thought was a stupid notion.

This morning that thought came back to me as I wandered around the Boyer Bunny Ranch in awe of nature, of all the pretty plants and the pretty animals and the shockingly beautiful smell that made everything so much more, enhanced and enchanted. It struck me that I have pets because they’re beautiful and they bring me great joy and they bring me back from this crazy, tumultuous business we’re building to basics. To the things that are real and I love them.

So while we work our fingers to the bone and enjoy all the little pieces of life along the way, we’ll always be right here...

...Keeping you Posted.

Rach

The report states that the train, consisting of 159 loaded and 21 empty freight cars, was traveling eastbound at 43 mph when it struck the broken rail, damaging the rear locomotive and derailing the first 30 cars. According to the report, the train was traveling faster than the maximum authorized speed for that section of track.

The train included two cars containing hazardous materials, but they were not among the 30 that derailed. There were no injuries, and the report states the engineer and conductor had both been on duty for 1 hour and 55 minutes when the derailment occurred.

Total damage was estimated at $2,897,558.

CRISTYN SCHULTZ – Area: Dayton; Bail: $6,630; Charges: Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance (less than 14 grams, first or second offense); destroying/concealing evidence; use or possession of drug paraphernalia; possession/consumption of marijuana in a public place, marijuana store or vehicle; improper use of restricted/center lane.

STEVEN HOFFICERMANN – Area: Silver Springs; Bail: $920; Charges: Criminal contempt, failure to obey court order.

MICHELLE MOSLEY – Area: Mason Valley; Bail: $3,140; Charges: Domestic battery (first offense).

WESLEY BLACKWELL – Area: Fernley; Bail: $3,140; Charges: Possession of marijuana (more than 1 ounce, less than 50 pounds; concentrated cannabis more than one-eighth ounce, less than 1 pound); driving with a suspended driver's license.

EVA AVENDANO – Area: LYMH; Bail: $0; Charges: Assist other agency, hold.

TONY WEATHERMAN – Area: Dayton; Bail: $30,000; Charges: Preparing, advertising or distributing pornography involving a minor.

CHRISTOPHER CAIL – Area: Fernley; Bail: $2,350; Charges: DUI (first offense); operating an unregistered vehicle/trailer; owner, proof of insurance required; open alcohol container in vehicle.

NANCY PICCOTTI – Area: Fernley; Bail: $10,540; Charges: DUI (first offense); headlamps not illuminated when required; driving with a suspended driver's license; operator, proof of insurance required; displaying fictitious vehicle registration/plate/title; false statement to/obstructing a public officer.

RONALD NIGRA – Area: LYSO; Bail: $4,540; Charges: Resisting a public officer; criminal contempt, failure to obey court order; assist other agency, hold.

RYAN GILL – Area: Fernley; Bail: $1,290; Charges: DUI (first offense); basic speed, 11-15 mph over the posted limit.

KANEMAH ARNCE – Area: Mason Valley; Bail: $5,000; Charges: Criminal contempt, failure to obey court order.

SHANNEL GRIFFIN – Area: LYSO; Bail: $2,680; Charges: Criminal contempt, failure to obey court order; battery.

AARON KOLLER – Area: Fernley; Bail: $6,140; Charges: Battery on a protected person; intimidating a public officer/others; resisting a public officer.

MELISSA TURNER – Area: Dayton; Bail: $315; Charges: Criminal contempt.

ANTHONY AROZ – Area: Dayton; Bail: $36,140; Charges: Attempted murder with a deadly weapon; battery with a deadly weapon; possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance (less than 14 grams, first or second offense); obtaining a hypodermic device by fraud or forgery; use or possession of drug paraphernalia.

WILLIAM SMART – Area: Dayton; Bail: $1,140; Charges: Driving with a revoked driver's license.

COLLEEN SPOHR – Area: Fernley; Bail: $12,560; Charges: Domestic battery (second offense); resisting a public officer.

LUCIO FONSECA-RAMIREZ – Area: Silver Springs; Bail: $40,000; Charges: Felony arrest for violation of probation or conditions of suspended sentence; mayhem; battery resulting in substantial bodily harm.

DUSTIN HOFFICERMANN – Area: Fernley; Bail: $890; Charges: Reckless driving with disregard for the safety of persons/property (first offense).

JOSHUA SCHULTZ – Area: Mason Valley; Bail: $0; Charges: Court commitment.

FELIPE ROSAS – Area: Fernley; Bail: $17,490; Charges: DUI (first offense); driving with a revoked driver's license; basic speed, 11-20 mph over the posted limit; open alcohol container in vehicle; improperly mounted headlamps.

KODY JUDD – Area: Fernley/LYSO; Bail: $0; Charges: Criminal contempt.

EMORY PAUL – Area: Dayton; Bail: $1,140; Charges: Duty to stop at an accident involving attended vehicle/property damage.

PHILLIP THOMAS – Area: Dayton; Bail: $1,140; Charges: DUI (first offense).

EVANGELINE O'ROURKE – Area: Dayton; Bail: $1,780; Charges: Assist other agency, hold.

TERRANCE DEL ROSARIO – Area: Fernley; Bail: $1,000; Charges: Assist other agency, hold.

BRYAN GODINEZ HERNAND – Area: Mason Valley; Bail: $1,255; Charges: Failure to maintain lane/improper lane change/use of signal; DUI (first offense).

JAMES KUNZE – Area: Fernley; Bail: $5,940; Charges: Felony fugitive from another state, complaint/warrant; resisting a public officer; use or possession of drug paraphernalia; driving without a driver's license; operating an unregistered vehicle/trailer; owner, proof of insurance required; possession of burglary tools.

MARIO VELADOR – Area: Fernley; Bail: $1,995; Charges: DUI (first offense); tail lamp violation; owner, proof of insurance required.

JOANNA RAMIREZ – Area: Dayton; Bail: $3,140; Charges: DUI (first offense); tail lamp violation; owner, proof of insurance required.

Rick Nelson, senior vice president of Northern Nevada for Mark IV Capital, recently joined Nevada Newsmakers host Sam Shad to discuss the project’s expanding scope and what it could mean for Fernley, Lyon County and Northern Nevada.

Nelson described Victory as a 4,700-acre development with room to expand, supported by infrastructure that is being installed before many of the future businesses arrive.

“We’re bringing in power. We have water. We’re rebuilding the Nevada Pacific Parkway, we’re putting a bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad, and we’re laying out all of this buildable land,” Nelson said.

That strategy is central to Mark IV’s approach. Rather than asking companies to wait years for roads, utilities and other improvements, the company is installing much of the infrastructure in advance.

Along approximately 4½ miles of roadway, future users will have access to water, sewer, storm drainage, telecommunications, natural gas, electricity and fiber at the curb. That allows businesses to connect directly to existing infrastructure rather than extending services across undeveloped land.

Nelson said the site’s relatively flat terrain also gives Victory an advantage. Much of the property sits on an ancient lakebed, reducing the amount of rock removal and grading required before construction can begin.

“When a business comes in and looks at its cost to build, it is more economical for them to do that,” he said.

Mark IV expects to invest more than $400 million in infrastructure over the next five years, Nelson said. Private investment by companies locating in the district could reach into the billions of dollars, particularly as data center and advanced manufacturing projects move forward.

Microsoft has already purchased a large portion of the property and is working through its master-planning process. Nelson said two other major developers were also evaluating property at Victory at the time of the interview.

Those projects could become important milestones for the district, he said, demonstrating that the infrastructure and land are ready for development and helping attract additional businesses.

Victory is also evolving beyond its original identity as a logistics park. Nelson said Mark IV is considering shortening the name from Victory Logistics District to simply Victory, with separate areas dedicated to logistics, innovation, advanced manufacturing and retail.

Transportation improvements are another major part of the plan.

Mark IV is rebuilding Nevada Pacific Parkway to create a stronger connection between Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 50A. The roadway is being designed as a six-lane corridor and will include a bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.

Nelson said Mark IV has been coordinating with the Nevada Department of Transportation throughout the design process so the road can eventually be dedicated to the state.

The company is also developing rail infrastructure beneath the future bridge.

The road project is expected to take approximately 18 months once construction begins.

Power availability may be one of the most important elements of Victory’s long-term development.

Nelson said Mark IV is working toward creation of its own power district and plans to develop a 1.8-gigawatt natural gas generation facility. The company is also evaluating geothermal and solar resources and could consider small modular nuclear reactors if they become available in Nevada.

A natural gas pipeline is being developed with Great Basin Gas Transmission Co., with completion anticipated in late 2028, according to Nelson.

The proposed power district would provide large industrial users with a more predictable source of electricity while creating franchise-fee revenue for the City of Fernley.

“We’re going to build our own power with our own district and our own generation,” Nelson said.

Workforce development is advancing alongside the physical infrastructure.

Mark IV has partnered with Western Nevada College to support vocational training in fields such as electrical work, heating and air conditioning, welding and commercial driving. Nelson said the training programs can also be tailored to the needs of specific companies locating in the district.

That workforce will be needed not only for construction but also for the long-term operation and maintenance of the businesses expected to locate at Victory.

“The construction alone is three or four years,” Nelson said. “Those jobs are actually going to continue” as additional projects are developed.

Mark IV’s plans extend north of Interstate 80, where the company is designing a large master-planned community Nelson referred to as North Fernley.

The long-term concept calls for housing for approximately 25,000 people, along with schools, parks, civic areas, retail development, medical facilities and other services. Nelson said Mark IV is working with the Lyon County School District on planning for a high school and additional schools.

“We plan to double the size of Fernley,” Nelson said.

Water will remain one of the most significant constraints on that growth.

Nelson said the city has enough water to begin development, but long-term expansion will require additional conservation, treatment and reuse. Mark IV is exploring systems that could combine groundwater, surface water and highly treated effluent, allowing millions of gallons per day to be returned to the system for reuse.

Nelson emphasized that the project is a long-term undertaking rather than a short development cycle.

Mark IV intends to remain involved in Fernley for decades as the industrial district, transportation network and residential areas are built out.

“This is the 25-year vision,” he said. “We’re not leaving Fernley.”

For the city, the project could bring construction activity, jobs, utility franchise fees, permit revenue, property taxes and broader commercial growth. It could also bring significant pressure on roads, schools, water systems and other public services.

Nelson said the city is now at a point where it must prepare for rapid growth and make deliberate decisions about infrastructure, civic facilities and future development.

“They’re on the cusp of moving forward in a rapid way,” he said.

The full Nevada Newsmakers interview is available through the program’s online and YouTube platforms.

Former Acting City Manager Lydia Altick provided an update on the 2014 Fernley Lands Bill during a meeting of the Nevada Legislature’s Interim Public Lands Committee, held at Fernley City Hall on June 26.

The legislation, included in the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act, directed the Bureau of Land Management to convey approximately 9,779 acres of federal land to the city.

Eight parcels included in the first phase were formally conveyed to Fernley on May 30. The process began about five years ago.

The newly conveyed parcels are located throughout the Fernley area, including land across from the Meadows at Inglewood and Pioneer Crossing Casino, with frontage along both sides of U.S. Highway 50.

Other parcels are east of the Fox Peak and Donner Trails subdivisions, north of the Fernley 5 subdivision, around Fernley High School, west of the city and Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial cemeteries, and south of the Truckee Canal and east of U.S. Highway 95A.

Two parcels are farther east along Highway 50 beyond the golf course. The easternmost parcel includes the site of an existing geothermal lease.

Although the land is now under city control, its use is initially restricted by the federal Recreation and Public Purposes Act. That means the property must generally be used for parks, recreation, public facilities or other approved public purposes.

The land cannot automatically be sold or converted to housing, commercial or industrial development.

To use any of the property for economic development, the city must ask the Department of the Interior to remove the federal government’s reversionary interest. The city must then pay for an appraisal and purchase that interest from the BLM at fair market value.

Altick said Fernley has begun that process for the easternmost parcel associated with the geothermal lease.

Before land can be conveyed, the city must also complete a series of studies and reports, including cultural-resource surveys, biological inventories, mineral-potential studies and environmental reviews. The city pays the BLM’s administrative expenses associated with the transaction and must provide a development plan showing how the property will be used.

The first phase required about five years to complete, but officials expect the second and final phase to move more quickly.

The city initiated the second phase in May 2023. It includes 15 additional parcels designated in the 2014 legislation.

The BLM has completed a categorical-exclusion review under the National Environmental Policy Act and is preparing the documents and boundary surveys needed to issue the patents transferring the land.

Studies conducted during the second phase identified a segment of the California National Historic Trail. A historic-preservation treatment plan may be required to address possible effects before the property is conveyed.

The review also included botanical, fire and fuels, hydrology, water-right and grazing inventories. According to the city’s presentation, the parcels have few water sources, are largely unsuitable for grazing and contain no BLM-authorized range improvements.

The city’s current plan calls for passive recreation on the second-phase parcels.

Altick said city officials have been told the remaining properties could be conveyed within eight to 12 months. Once that transfer is completed, the city will have received all the land authorized under the 2014 Fernley Lands Bill.

During questioning, Sen. Ira Hansen asked whether the transfer would give Fernley enough room to accommodate expected growth over the next several decades.

Altick said the city believes it will.

Fernley has completed planning work for areas southwest of the city and north of Interstate 80 and is now working on a south-area plan covering land east of U.S. 95A and south of the canal.

Altick also said the city’s working relationship with the BLM has improved during the past two years after the agency experienced staffing shortages and personnel changes.

A BLM representative later told the committee that the phase-two parcels are part of the checkerboard pattern of federal and private ownership north of Fernley and along the Interstate 80 corridor. The agency is drafting the final patent documents and completing boundary surveys.

The city’s land-transfer effort may also be supported by a broader Lyon County proposal.

The Lyon County Commission approved a resolution June 6 supporting a new county lands bill. The proposal includes support for the Fernley Economic Development Act, along with 2,747 acres proposed for direct conveyance from the BLM to the county and another 3,989 acres identified for possible future conveyance.

County officials said during the hearing that the land could support roads, water and wastewater systems, communications, workforce housing and economic development.

According to the county presentation, the county hopes to have the proposal ready for consideration by Congress in January. Officials said early discussions with Nevada’s congressional delegation have been encouraging.

Mayor Neal E. McIntyre opened the ceremony by inviting Fernley’s first mayor, David Stix, to say a few words.

“Thank you,” Stix said.

“Well, THAT was a few words,” McIntyre replied, drawing laughter from the crowd.

The lighthearted exchange set the tone for a celebration centered on Fernley’s people and the strong sense of community that has carried the city through its first quarter-century.

Brandi Jensen recognized several longtime residents, including Almeda Collins, born in 1926, who was honored as Fernley’s oldest resident but was unable to attend.

Oscar Thomas, 99, joined the ceremony by phone. Thomas, a World War II veteran who served in the South Pacific, briefly addressed those gathered before concluding simply, “Thank you very much.”

Victoria Macantiar was recognized as Fernley’s longest consecutive resident.

“I would have been born here if there was a hospital,” she said. “Surely I will die here because there is a cemetery.”

Regina Brush also shared memories of her life in the community.

“I think I have had the best life here in Fernley,” Brush said.

McIntyre noted that Brush had been his elementary school teacher. He recalled that when boys were excluded from the regular choir, Brush started an extracurricular boys’ choir so they would have a place to sing.

The ceremony also recognized the winners of the city’s Best Photo Contest. Jessica Stranger won for her photograph, “4th of July,” and Richard Jackson was honored for his “Depot Photo.”

Jessica Murdoch and April Hommes were recognized for their leadership in planning the city’s 25th anniversary events.

The celebration also looked toward Fernley’s future with the unveiling of pieces of new public artwork planned for the city’s roundabout.

Jim and Michelle, owners of Twisted Steel, displayed an eagle and bighorn sheep that will be incorporated into the completed installation.

Michelle said she thought about “structure, strength, and how individual pieces connect to make something special” while creating the artwork, a description that also reflected the community being celebrated.

The roundabout concept has been approved by the Nevada Department of Transportation and is expected to be installed this fall. The finished project will include landscaping, plants, a 9-foot bronze stallion, an eagle, a bighorn sheep and a cowboy hat.

McIntyre closed the ceremony by thanking city staff members, volunteers and organizers who helped make the anniversary celebration possible.

“The story of Fernley is still being written,” he said. “Great things are happening in Fernley.”

The Fernley Youth Football League took first place in the organized sports groups category, while Fernley Performing Arts won the drill, cheer, dance and band category.

Family Business — We the People received first place for decorated float or trailer. The Nevada Veterans Coalition won the veterans category, and Logos Christian Academy placed first among service-based organizations.

Lickety Split Express Car Wash won the business category, while the Great Basin Gun Hawks took first place in the novelty and miscellaneous category.

Altick had also served as acting city manager during a period when Fernley lacked permanent leadership in the position. Her departure came on June 30, the last day of the fiscal year, as the city moved toward a new organizational structure that changes how top-level staff are arranged and supervised.

Councilman Ryan Hanan said that he had not been provided a full public explanation for Altick’s termination, including whether it was related to performance, restructuring or another cause.

Barry Williams, who was hired as the public works director originally, is now serving the city as the chief operations officer.

The departure of Altick deserves scrutiny as the city works to reorganize its administrative offices. That reorganization comes on the heels of an independent workplace investigation that found Councilman Albert Torres had engaged in a sustained pattern of demeaning, confrontational or intimidating conduct toward city employees.

The investigation was completed on Feb. 12 by attorney Timothy Sutton of Sutton Law & Consulting Group. Sutton interviewed eight witnesses, reviewed city policies and examined recordings of several council meetings.

Using a preponderance of the evidence standard, meaning the investigator found the allegations more likely than not to be true, Sutton concluded Torres had violated the city's employee bullying policy and council rules requiring elected officials to treat employees with dignity, courtesy and respect.

The report said the conduct harmed employee morale, affected participation in meetings and diminished confidence in the city's governing process. Torres declined to participate in the investigation, calling it frivolous and retaliatory, but requested a copy of the completed report.

Despite those findings, the council never publicly considered possible discipline against Torres. The matter appeared on the March 4 City Council agenda and called for discussion of Torres' competency, character or alleged misconduct, including the results of the Sutton investigation. Possible actions listed on the agenda included censure, removal from boards or committees, expulsion or a request for resignation.

But before the council reached the item, Councilman Joe Mendoza moved to remove it from that meeting and "any and all future meetings." Councilwoman Felicity Zoberski seconded the motion.

Torres voted in favor of removing the item. The motion passed 3-2, with Zoberski, Torres and Mendoza voting yes and Hanan and Councilman Stan Lau voting no. Because the motion passed by a single vote, Torres' participation determined the outcome.

Hanan questioned during the meeting whether Torres should be allowed to vote on an item concerning allegations against him.

According to the minutes, Torres cited Nevada's ethics law and acknowledged the matter affected his personal character or competence. He said, however, that he did not believe a reasonable person in his position would have his independent judgment materially affected and announced that he would vote.

Hanan objected, stating Torres should refrain because the matter directly concerned his character and competency. No motion to reconsider was made.

Nevada's ethics statute generally addresses gifts, loans, significant financial interests and commitments in a private capacity. Whether Torres' vote violated that law has not been determined by the Nevada Commission on Ethics or a court.

But regardless of the narrow legal question, the governance issue remains: Torres cast the deciding vote to prevent the council from considering an investigation that substantiated workplace policy violations against him.

That unresolved matter is now in the background of Altick's departure.

According to Hanan, Altick was not told that her work was deficient or given an opportunity to correct alleged shortcomings before the city decided to end her employment. He also said she had previously received positive evaluations.

The Fernley City Council will hold a regular meeting on July 15 at 5 p.m. at City Hall, 595 Silver Lace Blvd.

The newly protected 1,627-acre Lower Carson Ranch on the eastern edge of Dayton is transitioning to state park land, opening 4.5 miles of the Carson River for public recreation, including water access, fishing and hiking. The transfer from Western Rivers Conservancy creates new recreational green space for hiking and exploring along the lower Carson River.

Portions of the land were part of the California and Pony Express National Historic Trails in the late 1800s and early 1900s. During the 1940s, part of the property operated as “Break-A-Heart Ranch,” a divorce ranch owned by Richard Conklin. Because Nevada’s lenient divorce laws required a person to physically live in Nevada for only 42 days, residents of other states often stayed in boarding houses in Reno or Las Vegas, or on “divorce ranches” that mostly catered to wealthy women from the East Coast.

Dorothy and Joseph Chaves purchased the upper portion of the Break-A-Heart property in 1961 and operated it as a cattle ranch. They sold the eastern portion of the property in 1972 and kept the western portion, which includes what is now the park, until 1999.

Nevada State Parks worked with Western Rivers Conservancy, a nonprofit organization, to acquire the property. Funding was made possible through a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, a Conserve Nevada grant awarded to the Nevada State Parks Foundation and a donation from the former landowner.

The land will be used to create a new state park and open the riverfront to the public while conserving important riparian habitat for fish and wildlife.

The new park is not yet open to public access. Fort Churchill Road, which passes through the property, is open to the public as a county road. Before opening, Nevada State Parks will complete a master plan for the park and develop amenities, which may include trailheads, trails, restrooms and picnic areas.

The planning process will include opportunities for public input on access points, amenities and the long-term management of the park.

The public is being invited to help name the park through an online survey at parks.nv.gov. The naming process is open to all members of the public, and Nevada State Parks encourages participation from individuals, families, community organizations and visitors who have a connection to Nevada's public lands.

“This new State Park is an investment in Nevada’s future and a commitment to preserving the natural beauty that makes our state unique,” Gov. Joe Lombardo said. “By protecting this remarkable landscape and expanding public access, we are ensuring that future generations of Nevadans and visitors alike can experience, explore and appreciate this special place for years to come.”

The Carson River originates in the Sierra Nevada south of Lake Tahoe and flows 236 miles across the Great Basin before reaching the Carson Desert.

Lower Carson Ranch includes extensive riparian habitat, green pastures and upland sagebrush steppe. It is a ribbon of green in an otherwise arid landscape and an oasis for a rich assemblage of fish and wildlife. Fish species in this stretch of the river can include largemouth and smallmouth bass, as well as channel and bullhead catfish, mountain whitefish, Lahontan redside shiner and Tahoe sucker. Other wildlife includes mule deer, waterfowl, bobcat, mountain lion, wild turkey and neotropical songbirds. The property lies approximately six miles upstream from the Carson River Delta Important Bird Area.

“Opening a new state park will provide access to water and green space for people in Reno, Carson City and Dayton, and outdoor classroom opportunities for a neighboring elementary school,” said Susanna Danner, a project manager for Western Rivers Conservancy.

Parents and guardians should first confirm that their student is eligible for district transportation under school district policy. Families must then complete a separate transportation application for each student.

The district noted that updated routing technology has changed some walk zones to better reflect current policies. As a result, some students who previously qualified for bus service may no longer be eligible. Submitting an application does not automatically guarantee transportation.

Once a student is approved and assigned to a route, families will be able to view route and schedule information through the LCSD My Ride K-12 app. Bus assignments and schedules are expected to be available in the app beginning Aug. 10.

The app also provides real-time bus notifications, including estimated arrival times, boarding notices and delay alerts. Registration information and app links are available through the Lyon County School District.

Initial reports from North Lyon Fire personnel indicated that a mortar exploded before launching, causing multiple fireworks to detonate on the ground.

North Lyon Fire Battalion Chief J.T. McCoy said the cause of the malfunction was unknown.

“Three small brush fires ignited when the malfunction occurred and were quickly brought under control and extinguished,” McCoy said.

He said no North Lyon Fire personnel or fireworks staff members were injured.

Because fireworks are unsafe to dismantle once they have been loaded, the show resumed after a delay of about 45 minutes, once the brush fires had been extinguished

Hosted by the Rotary Club of Fernley, the event brought together young contestants, families, volunteers and local businesses for an evening focused not only on crowns and sashes, but on confidence, community service and friendship.

The program celebrated Fernley’s first 25 years as an incorporated city while looking toward the young people who will help shape its future.

Contestants participated in talent presentations, onstage interviews and runway walks before a panel of community judges. The interview portion gave the young women an opportunity to speak about their character, goals, role models and ideas for making Fernley a better place.

Questions encouraged contestants to talk about kindness and inclusion, community service and the people who have influenced their lives. Younger contestants were asked about their favorite things about Fernley and ways they have helped others without being asked.

Organizers reminded the contestants that the pageant was about more than appearance.

“This is where we get to learn who they are beyond the stage,” the audience was told as the interview portion began.

The judges considered confidence, communication skills, personality and the thoughtfulness of each contestant’s answers.

A slideshow presented during the program highlighted the friendships formed throughout the pageant experience. Organizers described the photographs as more than snapshots, but memories of contestants encouraging one another, laughing together and building a sense of sisterhood.

The pageant was made possible through the work of volunteers, sponsors and community businesses, including All In Graphix, Kelley Kibble, Silver Spur, Bliss Salon, Kim Barney, Kara Barney, Brain Injury Nevada, the Because I Can Foundation, Blood, Sweat and Shears and Cristin Hurd.

The Rotary Club of Fernley organized the event as part of its mission to bring people together through community service and leadership. The club’s motto, “Service Above Self,” was reflected throughout the evening as organizers thanked the many people who donated their time, resources and talents.

The program concluded with the presentation of contestants and the crowning of the 25th anniversary Miss Fernley titleholders.

The evening offered a fitting tribute to Fernley’s anniversary, honoring the community’s past while encouraging a new generation of young leaders to step forward with confidence, kindness and a commitment to service.

Before commissioners began addressing agenda items, several residents used the public comment period to urge the county to pause new data center development until additional research could be completed. Speakers raised concerns about water consumption, electrical demand, noise, wildlife impacts, environmental effects, and the pace of industrial growth. Multiple residents requested a temporary moratorium on future data center approvals while further study is conducted.

Although no standalone agenda item focused specifically on data centers, public concerns about the facilities remained a recurring theme throughout discussions involving electrical infrastructure and long-term industrial development in northern Lyon County.

Among the meeting's most significant actions, commissioners approved the creation of the North Lyon County Power General Improvement District, a new entity intended to provide electric service within the Northern Nevada Industrial Center. According to county documents, the district is designed to furnish electric power for future industrial users while operating independently from county finances, with infrastructure funded by private development rather than local tax dollars.

The board also approved a conditional use permit for NV Energy's Greenlink Nevada transmission project, a major electrical transmission corridor extending from Mason Valley to the Dayton area. County staff described the project as an important component of Northern Nevada's expanding electrical infrastructure.

Health and human services initiatives also occupied a significant portion of the meeting.

During a Board of Health session, officials presented a proposed legislative concept that would expand the types of licensed behavioral health professionals authorized to discharge patients from mental health crisis holds. Human Services staff said the proposal is intended to improve patient care while helping rural hospitals better utilize limited behavioral health resources amid persistent workforce shortages.

Commissioners also received updates on projects being considered through Nevada's Rural Health Transformation funding. Among the proposals discussed were replacement of South Lyon Medical Center's aging boiler system, expansion of telehealth services, development of a dialysis center in Silver Springs, improvements to facilities owned by the Silver Springs Stagecoach Hospital District, and a new mobile dental clinic through the Healthy Communities Coalition.

One behavioral health item, the county's 2026 Opioid Use and Misuse Community Needs Assessment, was ultimately postponed to allow commissioners additional time to review the document before taking formal action.

Additional business included approval of multiple state and federal grant awards supporting behavioral health, crisis intervention, child abuse prevention, and community services programs; contracts for county utilities projects; appointments to county boards and commissions; and improvements to county parks.

In later discussions, due to recent flooding and mudslides in the Stagecoach area, the board adopted a resolution declaring an emergency. The declaration is intended to assist Lyon County in pursuing state and federal resources for recovery efforts.

While commissioners completed business across more than two dozen agenda items, the repeated calls from residents for greater scrutiny of industrial development underscored a growing public conversation about how Lyon County should balance economic growth with infrastructure capacity, environmental stewardship, and community planning.

As large-scale industrial and energy projects continue to move through the county's approval process, those questions appear likely to remain at the forefront of future commission meetings.

We have the statewide, rural paper put together today and printed for each community as Section B of each local edition. And what an effort by this scrappy little team.

I’ve said it before when there were just two of us, and I’ll say it again as we’ve expanded and added to the “family…”

Never before had there been a batch of people so good and so willing to just make things work.

We thought we were ahead of the game and mostly done with the new section first thing this morning, but then as we were proofing, someone said, “Why do we have yadda yadda and not blah blah blah…”

It was then off to the races to correct and add because, of course, everyone agreed. All hands on deck working together to make it happen.

The whole thing makes me just a little emotional.

Part of me thinks everyone just thinks I’m crazy and sort of annoying, like a demanding mom, but the other part of me is watching these group texts we have running, one for each paper, and I’m just amazed watching them all work. We have the designer and the person running production and a crew of proofreaders and the team writing the stories, and from time to time one will cross over between papers with a story that fits or a photo or help with a caption.

If you didn’t know better, looking in, you would think it perfectly choreographed through the chaos. They have a way of making it look easy.

Which, if you had been here a half hour ago watching and remarked on the process, probably would have gotten you banished or kicked in the shin.

So, as we add one more paper and we continue to perfect our processes and we manage to somehow all keep speaking to each other, we’ll also be right here…

…Keeping you posted.

Born on July 8, 1930, in Gary, Indiana, to Roy and Evelyn Ranger, Eleanor spent her childhood in Millersville, Tennessee, and later in Highland, California, where she grew into the woman whose life would be defined by her devotion to God, her family, and serving others.

On July 25, 1952, she married Charles Richard Johnson. Together they shared nearly 74 years of marriage, a remarkable testament to enduring love, unwavering commitment, and faithful partnership.

Eleanor enjoyed a successful 22-year career as a top-performing sales associate in the JCPenney Jewelry Department. She was admired not only for her professionalism and work ethic but also for her warm smile, gracious spirit, and genuine care for everyone she met.

Gifted with many talents, Eleanor found great joy in creating things with her hands and sharing them with those she loved. She was an accomplished seamstress who lovingly made countless outfits for her family and a gifted cross-stitch artist who created more than 200 beautiful personalized bookmarks for family, friends, and even strangers in need. She was also a dedicated puzzler and a master baker whose beautiful desserts became a highlight of church gatherings, family celebrations, and visits with friends.

Eleanor loved cooking, traveling, and singing in the church choir. One of her greatest joys was gathering her family around the table after church on Sundays to enjoy one of her home-cooked meals, always followed by one of her unforgettable desserts. Whether through a home-cooked meal, a handmade gift, a beautiful dessert, or a kind word of encouragement, Eleanor had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel loved, welcomed, and valued.

In 2006, Eleanor and Charles moved from Reno to Fernley, Nevada, where they became active members of Fernley First Baptist Church. Eleanor faithfully served her church family by co-leading the choir and organizing numerous fellowship and social events. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, and her joyful spirit, servant's heart, and steadfast faith left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Eleanor is survived by her devoted husband, Charles Richard Johnson; her daughters, Jeanette Holt, Vivian Bowman, and Gwendolyn Johnson; her sister, Phyllis Summerville; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren, all of whom will forever cherish her love, guidance, and example.

While her family grieves her passing, they also celebrate a life beautifully lived and the faith that sustained her throughout her 95 years. Her kindness, generosity, and quiet strength will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know and love her.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, July 15th at Fernley First Baptist Church.

Owner Juanita Gaeta recently introduced her family to the community on social media, sharing that she, her husband and their 5-year-old are lifelong Northern Nevadans who are in the process of making Fernley their home. Gaeta said the family has spent the past six months remodeling the restaurant and has been encouraged by the warm reception they've received from local residents.

"I come from a real estate background, but restaurants and food are my true love," Gaeta wrote, noting she has worked in the restaurant industry since she was young. Her husband, who works in construction, has been leading the renovation of the building.

The restaurant will be managed by Julian Carvajal, another Northern Nevadan with more than 20 years of restaurant experience.

According to Gaeta, the family is excited to become part of the Fernley community and hopes to earn the support of local residents as they open their doors. The business is also hiring and expects employee training to begin soon.

The City of Fernley recently welcomed the new business, saying it is excited to see another restaurant choose Fernley and noting that the familiar location will receive a fresh new chapter.

Founded in 1993 in Bountiful, Utah, WINGERS has grown from a single restaurant into a regional franchise known for its signature wings, handcrafted sauces, burgers, salads and casual family-friendly atmosphere.

Gaeta has indicated the restaurant is targeting a July 13 opening, pending the completion of final improvements and approvals.

Wally graduated high school in 1970 and enlisted in the United States Air Force that same year. He proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1978. Following his military service, Wally built a remarkable 38-year career in mining, working at Basic in Gabbs, FMC Gold in Gabbs, Coeur Rochester in Lovelock, and Marigold Mine in Valmy. His work ethic, loyalty, and dedication earned him the respect of coworkers and lifelong friends across Nevada’s mining community. 

Family was the center of Wally’s world. He is survived by his devoted wife Susan; daughter Linda Sue (Cary) Hilton; sons Christopher (Alena) Dummar, Daniel (Kori) Dummar; and adopted children Sam (Brian) Christy, David (Kayla) LeFevre, and Steven LeFevre. Wally was blessed with 24 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him immense joy. He is also survived by two brothers: Steven (Kitty) Dummar, David (Goni) Dummar and two sisters; Brenda (Andy) Stinson, Zelma (Steve) Sparling, and countless nieces, nephews and many friends who cherished his humor, kindness, and steady presence. 

Wally loved the outdoors and found peace in Nevada’s wide-open spaces. He spent countless days hunting, fishing, and sharing adventures with family and friends. He also enjoyed evenings at the casino, playing cards, laughing, and making memories with the people he loved. 

Wally lived a life defined by loyalty, hard work, and deep love for his family. His legacy will continue through the stories shared, the traditions passed down, and the many lives he touched. 

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.