Red Tees

1^st Gross: Jana Garner, 93

1^st Net: Kathy Kennedy, 67

2^nd Net: Nancy Newton, 80

Purple Tees

Gross: Verl Ely, 91

Net: Sandi Sewchok, 85

Low Puts: Kathy Kennedy, 33

Closest to Hole #7: Linda Garrett, 17'11"

Chip-ins: Nancy Newton, #12

Registration will be available for advanced manufacturing courses such as ELM 110: Basic Electricity and ELM 134: Programmable Logic Controllers I. The courses offer pathways to skills certificates, a Certificate of Achievement and AAS technical degree.

Prospective students can meet with advisors and Student Services representatives for on-site registration assistance; test out the robotic controller and take a preview tour of the new facility and future classrooms.

For more information, contact Center Coordinator April Holman at (775) 546-1445 or april.holman@wnc.edu. 

A Dayton Elementary School teacher was arrested Aug. 5 and accused of sexually abused two former students.

Shaun Sanchez, 40, was arrested on a warrant issued by Dayton Township Justice Court on Aug. 5 charging him with three counts of lewdness with a child under the age of 14. Bail was set at $300,000.

he Lyon County Sheriff's Office said it began an investigation in February 2026 after a former student reported that Sanchez had sexually abused him while he was an elementary school student. During their investigation, detectives identified a second former student who independently reported similar acts allegedly committed by Sanchez several years earlier. 

LCSO said detectives investigated both reports and found multiple similarities between the two students’ accounts. Based on the evidence they found, detectives submitted the a request for a warrant. The warrant was issued Aug. 5 and Sanchez was taken into custody without incident later that evening.

Anyone with information or who believes they may have had inappropriate contact with Shaun Sanchez, is encouraged to contact the Lyon County Sheriff's Office Investigations Division at (775) 463-6600 or by email at detective@lyon-county.org. 

Stephen Lafever, 55, was arrested July 17 after deputies conducted a traffic stop in the Fernley area and identified him as a passenger in the vehicle.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, investigators determined Lafever, a registered Tier III sex offender, had failed to report a vehicle to which he had regular access. The investigation also found Lafever had prior convictions for sex offender registration violations.

He was booked into the Lyon County Jail on one count of violation of sex offender registration requirements, subsequent offense.

Edward Milton Gilbert Jr., 58, was arrested July 20 after investigators determined he had allegedly failed to update his registration after obtaining new employment and acquiring a new vehicle. Both changes are required to be reported under Nevada law, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Gilbert was booked on one count of prohibited act by a sex offender, first offense.

The task force arrested two additional Fernley residents the following week for allegedly failing to complete their required annual registrations.

Verdon Ahmad Davis-Deloney, 22, a registered Tier III sex offender, was arrested July 28.

Johnny Lee Lawson, 71, also a registered Tier III sex offender, was arrested July 29.

Both men were booked into the Lyon County Jail on one count each of prohibited act by a sex offender, first offense.

The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office said its Sex Offender Task Force conducts routine compliance checks and investigates suspected registration violations involving offenders who live, work or attend school in Lyon County.

Anyone with information about a registered sex offender who may not be complying with registration requirements may contact the task force at SOTF@lyon-county.org.

Freddy was born on June 24, 1976, in Fallon, Nevada, to Victoria George and Ronald Dean Rogne. He spent his childhood growing up in Fallon and Fernley, where he built the strong work ethic, adventurous spirit, and genuine love for people that would define his life. He worked as a paving foreman, taking great pride in his work and never shying away from hard labor.

Freddy had a passion for the outdoors and loved hunting, fishing, motocross, and spending time at the lake. He could fix just about anything and was always the first to lend a helping hand to someone in need. Whether it was stopping to help someone stranded on the side of the road, pulling his boat alongside yours just to say hello, or showing up when someone needed him most, Freddy never hesitated to put others before himself.

More than anything, Freddy loved his family. His greatest joy was being surrounded by the people he loved, sharing stories, laughter, and making memories that will be cherished forever. He also enjoyed sitting around with friends, enjoying a cold beer, and making everyone around him laugh.

Freddy was truly larger than life. He had a remarkable way of making everyone feel seen and valued. Whether it was a warm hug, a genuine compliment, asking about your family, or simply flashing his unforgettable smile, he made every interaction meaningful. His enthusiasm was contagious, his sense of humor unmatched, and his heart immeasurably kind.

He wasn’t just someone people knew, he was someone people remembered. He could make friends with complete strangers, light up any room he entered, and leave people smiling long after he was gone. Even through his own struggles, Freddy always made sure those around him were okay. He understood the importance of showing up for others, and he did so with his whole heart.

Those who knew Freddy will remember his spunky personality, his outgoing nature, his quick wit, his unmistakable laugh, and his smart-aleck sense of humor that could brighten even the darkest day. He was an old soul with a heart of gold, and his love for life, his family, and his community was evident in everything he did.

Freddy is survived by his beloved wife, Melissa Rogne; his children, Briana Gonzalez (Andrew), Dalton Chard, and Shelby Strasdin (Hayden); his cherished grandchildren, Presley, Maxton, Swayzee, and Banx Gonzalez, Briar Strasdin, and expected grandson, Brody Strasdin; his mom, Brenda Rogne; his mother, Victoria George; his siblings, Bobby Rogne, Amy Nichols (Stewart), and Mindy Fisk; aunts and uncles he was very close to; many cousins who were more like siblings; nieces and nephews; extended family members; and countless friends who became family throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Dean Rogne.

Freddy’s passing leaves an unimaginable void in the hearts of all who knew him. His kindness, generosity, laughter, and unwavering love for others will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched. There truly will never be another Freddy.

A Celebration of Life was held on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Fallon Convention Center, 100 Campus Way, Fallon, Nevada. Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Freddy’s extraordinary life, share memories, and honor the man who made such a lasting impact on so many. A potluck reception will follow the service.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing that love like Freddy’s never truly leaves us. His legacy will live on in every story told, every laugh shared, every helping hand offered, and in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love him.

The new indictment charges Delshay Astor with first-degree murder within Indian Country, elevating the initial charge of second-degree murder brought against him in May 2026. The filing also names a second defendant, Joel Christy, charging him with one count of accessory after the fact.

According to allegations in the superseding indictment, Astor murdered Anna Scott, and Christy assisted Astor and another individual to hinder and prevent the apprehension of Astor and the other individual. The indictment does not name the other individual.

“While these new charges reflect the expanding scope and strength of our ongoing investigation, our primary focus today remains exactly where it belongs, on Anna Marie Scott, her family, and everyone who loved her,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “Our office, alongside our partners in law enforcement, will continue to work tirelessly as this case moves toward trial until justice is fully served.”

According to allegations in the superseding indictment, on or about Feb. 2, 2022, Delshay Astor, with premeditation and malice, shot Anna Scott on the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony. The superseding indictment also alleges that Christy, knowing that the offense had been committed, assisted Astor and another individual in order to prevent their apprehension, trial and punishment.

Scott, 23, who was a member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, was shot and killed, and her body was put into her car and set on fire. Her body was found inside a burned vehicle on southbound Interstate 580 the following day. The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office later ruled her death a homicide.

Despite many pleas for information by Scott’s family and friends, very little information about the case was provided by law enforcement over the next four years, until the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Astor’s indictment and arrest in May 2026.

“We hope the arrest of a second subject on charges of aiding and abetting brings some measure of relief to the family of Anna Scott after many years of awaiting justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto of the FBI Las Vegas office. “The FBI, alongside our law enforcement partners, specifically the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, the Reno-Sparks Tribal Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service, remain committed to combating violent crime in all its forms on tribal lands and throughout the state of Nevada.”

During his initial appearance and arraignment in U.S. District Court in Reno on July 27, Christy pleaded not guilty. Astor pleaded not guilty to the charge of second-degree murder on June 3, but an arraignment and plea on the superseding indictment was set for Aug. 3.

If convicted, Astor faces a statutory minimum penalty of life imprisonment. If convicted, Christy faces a statutory maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. A jury trial has been scheduled for Sept. 29, 2026. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI and Washoe County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. The U.S. Marshals Service also assisted with operational support. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Brister is prosecuting the case.

All information for the arrest report is provided by the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office and is considered by law to be public information. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Blancaflor Delvalle
Area: Fernley
Bail: $2,500
Charges: Possess Schedule I, II controlled substance less than 14 grams (1st or 2nd offense)

Alyce Volberding
Area: Dayton
Bail: $1,140
Charges: DUI (1st)

Travis Paulos-Ivanich
Area: Mason Valley
Bail: $0
Charges: Court commitment

Verdon Davis-Deloney
Area: Fernley
Bail: $5,000
Charges: Prohibited act violating sex offender registration (1st)

Daniel Askins
Area: Dayton
Bail: $1,245
Charges: Failure to appear on traffic citation

Michael Blackburn
Area: Mason Valley
Bail: $27,280
Charges: Failure to appear after bail, felony crime; Failure to appear after bail, misdemeanor crime

Johnny Lawson
Area: Fernley
Bail: $5,000
Charges: Prohibited act violating sex offender registration (1st)

Zackery Anderson
Area: Fernley
Bail: $630
Charges: Assist other agency — hold

Che Butler
Area: Fernley
Bail: $1,205
Charges: Operate vehicle without or tamper with breath interlock device; Operate unregistered vehicle/trailer/semi

William Silveira
Area: Silver Springs
Bail: $1,275
Charges: DUI (1st); Fail to maintain lane/improper lane change/use signal

Jayden Ketelaar
Area: Mason Valley
Bail: $3,980
Charges: Failure to appear after bail, misdemeanor crime; Failure to appear on traffic citation

Carina Beltran
Area: Fernley
Bail: $17,710
Charges: Possess Schedule I, II controlled substance less than 14 grams, (3rd+ offense); Conspiracy to obtain/use another person’s ID to avoid/delay prosecution; False statement to/obstruct public officer; Operate unregistered vehicle/trailer/semi; Drive with suspended driver license; Operator proof of insurance required

Lawrence Grimes
Area: Mason Valley
Bail: $42,990
Charges: Criminal contempt — failure to obey court order; Possess Schedule I, II controlled substance 28 grams but less than 42 grams; Possess to sell Schedule I/II flunitrazepam/GHB (1st); Use/possess drug paraphernalia; Fail by convicted person to comply with NRS 179C requirements; Open alcohol container in vehicle; Possess/consume marijuana in public place/marijuana store/vehicle

Marylu Valdivia
Area: Dayton
Bail: $1,645
Charges: Assist other agency — hold; Display fictitious vehicle registration/plate/title; Drive with suspended driver’s license

Shah Faramarzina
Area: Dayton
Bail: $1,140
Charges: Resist public officer

Mariah Tsosie
Area: Fernley
Bail: $0
Charges: Misdemeanor civil custody for alcohol abuse endangering self/others

Ellen Blanco-Mink
Area: LYSO
Bail: $1,150
Charges: Assist other agency — hold

John Hale
Area: Silver Springs
Bail: $0
Charges: Failure to appear after bail, felony crime

Sean Ketscher
Area: Dayton
Bail: $5,000
Charges: Prohibited act violating sex offender registration (1st)

Jason Dominguez
Area: Fernley
Bail: $1,000
Charges: Battery

Gerard Splain
Area: Dayton
Bail: $3,140
Charges: Domestic battery (1st)

James Gresham
Area: Fernley
Bail: $7,260
Charges: Possess Schedule I, II controlled substance less than 14 grams, (3rd+ offense); Drive without driver’s license; Operate unregistered vehicle/trailer/semi; Owner proof of insurance required; Use/possess drug paraphernalia

Bob Gwilliam
Area: Dayton
Bail: $850
Charges: Failure to appear on traffic citation

Nicholas Gregg
Area: Fernley
Bail: $500
Charges: Assist other agency — hold

Judson Kownslar
Area: Fernley
Bail: $1,800
Charges: DUI (1st); Drive without driver’s license; Open alcohol container in vehicle

Zachary Anderson
Area: Dayton
Bail: $2,210
Charges: Criminal contempt

Dominique Reyes
Area: Fernley
Bail: $265
Charges: Failure to appear on traffic citation

Jason Eldridge
Area: Fernley
Bail: $1,495
Charges: Resist public officer; Open alcohol container in vehicle

Michael Romine
Area: Fernley
Bail: $1,255
Charges: DUI (1st); Stop/stand/park vehicle on highway

That may not, on its own, be such an odd admission, but it feels like it to me because, no matter how much I’ve tried, I can’t play to save my life. Even the simplest chords or melodies I hear seem out of reach any time I pull out my guitar or sit at the piano and try to imitate what I’ve just heard.

Not only that, but to say I can’t sing is a huge understatement. Even when I give myself enough of a pass to try, using the rationale of making a joyful noise, there is nothing at all joyful about the sounds that come from my throat or the reactions of anyone who hears them.

So, I’ve thought, maybe I could give writing lyrics a try. After all, I’ve always loved to write.

When everyone else in middle and high school would moan and complain every time we were assigned to write a book report or essay, I would dive into that assignment with enthusiasm. Usually, that meant spending all of my homework time on that one project, getting nothing done for any other class.

But somehow, writing prose has never translated into writing poetry or song lyrics, at least for me.

Despite all that, no matter what I’m doing, there’s always a soundtrack running in my head, and almost everything that happens within sight or earshot, or that triggers an emotion, ties in somehow to music, even if it’s just a single line in a lyric or a melody instead of an entire song.

That’s what has always been so frustrating about my complete inability to play or sing.

I love sports as much as I love music, but even though I wasn’t a very good player, I could at least do the fundamental things.

I might not have thrown 100 miles an hour, but I could stand on the mound and throw the ball right to the catcher’s glove. I could walk out onto a basketball court and hit a reasonable percentage of shots from the 3-point line, even if I might not have been able to get that shot off in a game against a better athlete. I might not run a 10-second 100-meter dash, but I could run 100 meters.

But music? When I sit at a piano or hold my guitar, the only similarity between the sound I can make and that of a musician is simply because the vibration is the same no matter who hits the key or strums the strings.

Worse yet, there is no similarity at all between what I hear in my head and the sound I can make the piano or guitar produce.

But lately, I’ve come to the realization that I don’t love music despite my inability to create it. I love it because I can’t.

I’ve concluded that my complete lack of talent is why I appreciate even more the magic that others create with those keys, strings and voices.

That’s why, when someone asks me if I play any musical instruments, I say, “Yes. I play the radio, and I’m awesome at it.”

The board voted 5-0 to return the draft to staff for additional work. Although portions of the motion were difficult to hear because of overlapping conversation in the meeting recording, commissioners clearly identified residential setbacks, cooling systems, air quality, emergency generators and differences between smaller data centers and hyperscale facilities as areas requiring additional attention.

The workshop was held as Lyon County faces increasing interest from data center developers and prepares to consider a separate zoning application for the proposed Monarch data center in Mason Valley.

Community Development Director Gavin Henderson said data centers are currently treated under county code as warehouses, a classification that does not adequately address their electrical demand, cooling systems, backup generation, battery storage and other operational characteristics.

The proposed ordinance would require data centers to obtain conditional use permits in Lyon County’s light industrial, heavy industrial and service industrial zoning districts. That would allow each proposal to be reviewed individually based on its size, location, infrastructure needs and potential effects on surrounding properties.

Henderson said the county examined ordinances and development standards used in several major data center markets, including communities in Virginia, Arizona and Pennsylvania.

“We want to be ahead of the future applications before they come in,” he said.

The draft would require developers to submit detailed site plans and studies addressing electricity demand, noise, traffic, water, wastewater, emergency response, landscaping, fiscal impacts and eventual decommissioning.

The electrical study would have to identify the project’s anticipated demand at each phase of development, available transmission and distribution capacity, necessary infrastructure improvements, construction timelines, costs and potential effects on customer electric rates.

Developers would also be required to document coordination with the applicable utility provider.

Jeff Brigger, vice president of business development and programs for NV Energy, told commissioners the utility is experiencing unprecedented demand from large projects.

NV Energy currently has requests totaling approximately 22,000 megawatts of new electrical demand, Brigger said. By comparison, the utility’s statewide peak demand in 2025 was approximately 8,500 megawatts.

Much of the requested new demand is being driven by data centers, he said.

Brigger said NV Energy is proposing a new large-load electric service agreement through its integrated resource planning process. The proposed agreement would require major customers to make long-term commitments and pay for the generation, transmission lines, substations and other infrastructure needed to serve them.

“The customers that create the need for new infrastructure are responsible for those costs,” Brigger said.

Commissioners asked whether existing Lyon County residents could face blackouts, brownouts or higher rates because of large data center loads.

Brigger said the proposed agreements are intended to protect existing customers from cost shifts and stranded investments. He also said major data centers are generally served directly through high-voltage transmission infrastructure rather than the distribution systems serving homes and small businesses.

Water was another central issue throughout the workshop.

The proposed ordinance generally prohibits evaporative, adiabatic, open-loop and other water-consuming cooling systems. Evaporative or hybrid systems could be approved only if they use treated effluent or reclaimed wastewater as their exclusive water source and the developer secures a binding supply agreement lasting at least 20 years.

The draft also requires a water and sewer impact assessment examining demand through full buildout, potential effects on municipal systems and groundwater, wastewater generation and any infrastructure upgrades needed to serve the project.

Several residents argued that developers should be required to prove they hold valid and sufficient water rights before receiving zoning or land-use approvals, rather than before construction permits are issued.

Representatives and members of the Walker River Paiute Tribe and Yerington Paiute Tribe raised concerns about downstream effects, senior tribal water rights and the lack of formal tribal consultation.

Stacy Hicks, a member of the Walker River Paiute Tribe, said land-use approvals should not be granted before developers establish that they have legally secured sufficient water.

“You give developers a green light to play a dangerous game of build now, litigate water later,” Hicks said.

Marlene Begay, also a member of the Walker River Paiute Tribe, said water transfers may remain listed under the names of farmers or other existing rights holders, making them difficult for the public to identify.

“We went to court for 40 years for our water rights, and we’re going to protect those water rights,” Begay said.

Commissioners spent considerable time discussing the proposed setbacks between data centers and surrounding property.

The draft requires a minimum 150-foot setback between data center buildings and residential zoning districts or existing homes. Substations would be required to remain at least 200 feet away, while battery storage systems and natural gas power facilities would require 250-foot setbacks.

Commissioner Dave Hockaday called the proposed residential distances “absolutely unacceptable” and suggested they should be doubled or tripled.

Commissioners also discussed adjusting setback requirements based on the height and scale of a facility, allowing greater distances to substitute for some wall or screening requirements and positioning buildings between homes and noisier equipment to create an additional buffer.

The draft allows data center buildings up to 75 feet tall and requires a 50-foot landscaped buffer and a decorative wall or opaque fence at least 10 feet high along residential boundaries.

Residents argued that a 10-foot wall would do little to screen a 75-foot building or protect nearby homes from noise, emissions or light.

Several also said the ordinance should distinguish between smaller facilities and hyperscale campuses rather than applying one standard to every data center.

The draft’s noise limits are 65 decibels during daytime hours and 60 decibels at night, measured at the property line. The standards mirror existing Lyon County industrial noise limits.

Developers would be required to provide a noise study before approval and complete a second test before receiving a certificate of occupancy. Mechanical vents and exhaust systems would also be directed vertically to reduce lateral transmission of noise.

Residents said those standards do not adequately account for continuous low-frequency sound, vibration or the quiet background conditions common in rural areas.

Commissioners asked staff to consider whether noise, setbacks and other requirements should increase with the size or height of a facility.

The proposed ordinance also regulates battery energy storage systems, emergency generators and natural gas power plants serving data centers.

Battery systems would be required to comply with national fire, building and electrical standards and receive approval of a management plan addressing fire prevention, thermal runaway, ventilation, spills and emergency response.

Natural gas generation could be treated as an accessory use if it is located on the data center campus, primarily serves the data center and does not exceed 125% of the facility’s maximum electrical demand. Larger or commercially operated power plants would require separate approval.

Emergency generators would be required to meet the highest federal emissions tier identified in the draft, and routine testing would be limited to between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Commissioners asked staff to strengthen the language addressing generator emissions and determine whether the ordinance should require additional pollution controls or equivalent technologies.

The ordinance also requires developers to submit a decommissioning plan and provide financial security equal to 150% of the estimated cost of removing battery systems, natural gas generation, solar equipment and other specialized infrastructure.

Commissioners questioned what would happen if a data center reduced operations but did not close entirely, if the building were converted to another use or if contamination were discovered after the county released the financial security.

Staff said those issues are not fully addressed in the current draft and could be considered in the revised version.

Public testimony was sharply divided.

Many residents called for a one-year moratorium on data center approvals and urged commissioners to delay consideration of the Monarch project until the ordinance is completed.

Others supported data center development but said the county should impose strong, measurable and enforceable standards.

Representatives of the Nevada Data Center Alliance, Comstock Inc., electrical workers and other business interests cautioned against regulating data centers more strictly than other industrial uses unless the differences are tied to measurable impacts.

Several industry speakers also warned that technology is changing quickly and encouraged the county to regulate outcomes such as water consumption, noise and emissions rather than requiring or prohibiting specific technologies.

A recurring concern throughout the meeting was whether the proposed Monarch project would be subject to the new ordinance.

Residents argued that the project has not received final approval and should be required to comply with the same standards as future data centers. Others said applications already submitted may be reviewed under the rules in effect at the time of filing.

The board did not clearly resolve that question during the workshop.

Staff will now incorporate the board’s direction and public comments into another version of the ordinance, which will return through the county’s formal ordinance process with additional opportunities for public review.

The dinner will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. inside the Community Response & Resource Center and Boys & Girls Clubhouse. Proceeds will support the foundation’s work and plans for additional buildings around the resource center.

The Community Response & Resource Center serves as a gathering place and support hub for Fernley residents, bringing community organizations and services together in one location.

The fundraiser will be followed by a free public concert, giving residents an opportunity to remain at the center for an evening of music and community celebration.

Additional information about the dinner, including the event date, menu and ticket details, was not included in the announcement.

In his ruling filed July 29, Judge Leon Aberasturi affirmed the order issued Feb. 27 in Canal Township Justice Court dismissing the charge against Lau on the grounds that he was not brought to trial within 60 days of his arraignment. Aberasturi ruled that there was nothing in the record indicating Lau waived his right to a speedy trial or was responsible for any of the delays in the case.

Following his arrest in August 2025, legal proceedings against Lau involved multiple court transfers and motions to dismiss over several months. Judge Derek Dreiling ultimately dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning the charge could not be refiled. District Attorney Steve Rye then filed his appeal of the dismissal on March 9.

Lau was arrested Aug. 18, 2025, after a construction worker alleged that Lau had grabbed the sunglasses off his face and punched him during a dispute over traffic control around a construction project in the area of Shadow Lane and U.S. 95A. The construction worker, Chester Patterson, signed a citizen’s arrest form, and Lau was taken into custody later the same day by sheriff’s deputies after they questioned him at his home.

On Aug. 20, 2025, Fernley City Attorney Aaron Mouritsen filed a motion to transfer the case to Canal Township Justice Court, followed by an amended motion to transfer on Aug. 27 to send the case to Walker River Justice Court.

An arraignment hearing was held Sept. 17, 2025, in Walker River Justice Court. A prosecutor was not present at that hearing, and a pretrial hearing was scheduled for Oct. 14, 2025. That hearing was continued until Nov. 13, 2025. On that date, the prosecutor and Lau’s attorney stipulated to transfer the case back to Fernley Municipal Court because the case did not meet the requirements for transfer.

On Jan. 13, Fernley Municipal Court Judge Lori Matheus, who is also the Canal Township justice of the peace, entered an order recusing herself and assigning Senior Judge Derek Dreiling to preside. Lau was arraigned in Municipal Court by Dreiling on Jan. 22 and appointed counsel.

Rye said Lau invoked his right to trial for the first time at the Jan. 22 arraignment, and a trial was scheduled for March 13.

Attorney Lauren Gorman, representing Lau, filed two motions to dismiss the case, on Jan. 30 and Feb. 16. In the Jan. 30 motion, Gorman argued the case should be dismissed on the grounds that Lau was not brought to trial within 60 days of arraignment, the delay was not attributable to the defendant and the state could not demonstrate good cause.

On Feb. 12, Rye filed an opposition to the motion to dismiss in response to the motion filed by Gorman on Jan. 30, arguing that Lau did not invoke his right to a speedy trial at the Sept. 17 arraignment in Walker River Justice Court.

In her second motion to dismiss on Feb. 16, Gorman argued that the 60-day trial right is mandatory unless it is waived by a defendant and is not something that needs to be invoked.

In issuing his ruling, Aberasturi said that because Lau was a city councilman at the time, it was appropriate for a judge other than Matheus, the Fernley Municipal Court judge, to hear the case, but he said transferring the case to another court was the wrong remedy.

“Prosecuting a sitting city council member created conflicts for the Municipal Court and the City Prosecutor under their respective legal ethics,” he said. “Transferring the matter to an unrelated court would have created an ideal solution. However, as determined below, Nevada law did not provide that option due to the limited jurisdiction of the Municipal Court.”

Aberasturi said none of the delays were caused by Lau.

“But the mistake in the big picture, frankly, I think weighs against the City, because when they knew that the proper venue was in Canal Township, nothing happened from December to almost mid-January,” the judge said. “I don’t think there’s a ton of negligence here, but what’s troubling to the Court is after it was ordered returned to Canal Township, nothing happened.”

Aberasturi said the record presented to Dreiling did not indicate why the requests for continuances were made, and court dockets did not indicate any basis for the length of time requested for the delay.

“The lack of a clear record also supports the trial court’s determination that the City of Fernley did not provide good cause to receive additional delays,” Aberasturi said.

Deputy Superintendent Stacy Cooper said the proposal, Policy INIB, would activate classroom cameras any time a substitute takes over a room.

“Recording will be required wherever a substitute teacher takes over a classroom, allowing for improved monitoring for the safety and well-being of our students and staff,” she told the board.

Last April, a substitute teacher was arrested and accused of choking two students, an incident that raised public attention about classroom safety, although trustees did not reference that case during their discussion.

Cooper said classroom cameras would be turned on at the start of the day and shut off at the end of the day. She said recordings would be stored on district IT systems and accessed only through a formal help desk ticket submitted to the IT department.

“Nobody has the opportunity to review the video surveillance unless an incident has actually occurred in the classroom and it warrants an investigation,” she said.

Trustees asked for clarity on who can authorize access to footage. Cooper said administrators would work with her office to submit an IT ticket when a complaint or student behavior incident requires review. She added that the district would follow FERPA and union rules regarding privacy.

Several trustees voiced support, noting concerns about classroom behavior when substitutes are present. Trustee Sherry Parsons said the policy could help deter misconduct.

“I think it will probably help behavior in the classroom, which I think, with substitutes, sometimes is a problem,” she said.

The district is also preparing to allow full-time teachers to request continuous recording in their classrooms. Superintendent Tim Logan said some teachers have already asked for that option, but union agreements currently prevent universal recording.

He said teachers may voluntarily sign permission forms to enable cameras in their rooms.

“I think they found that it’s more comforting to know that there is protection when kids act out and there’s misbehavior, and it was caught on film,” Logan said.

Board members discussed how the system would function when substitutes move between multiple classrooms in a day, and Logan acknowledged that coverage may not be perfect.

“Some of those shared rooms where you have six different teachers throughout a day, it’s probably going to be a little more complicated, but we’ll do our best to try to capture all of it,” he said.

Cooper said substitutes would be informed upon arrival that they may be recorded, which she hopes will serve as a deterrent to negative behavior.

Logan said substitute teachers he has spoken with told him they like the idea and would use it to deter student misbehavior by informing the class that the room is being filmed.

“There is an interest out there to protect themselves, and this is the way to do it,” Logan said.

Trustees also asked whether administrators should have direct access to footage.

LCSD Executive Director of Operations Harmon Bains said that would require significant infrastructure changes and expense.

The board directed Cooper to add language specifying that recordings can only be viewed through a formal IT request initiated by district-level administration. Trustees then approved the first reading with that amendment.

“We are taking baby steps with this,” Logan said. “Right now, I’d rather have substitute teachers and teachers feel confident that people are not just viewing this video willy-nilly.”

The revised policy will return for a second reading at a future meeting.

Great Basin Gas Transmission Company plans to build on its existing approximately 898-mile natural gas transmission system. The expansion would include construction of about 200 miles of new pipeline, as well as one new compressor station. The project would be located entirely within northwestern Nevada, including areas near Fernley.

According to the company’s website, it also plans to abandon approximately 142 miles of existing pipeline once the new project is in service. This includes about 124 miles of 16-inch-diameter steel pipeline near Winnemucca, 8 miles of 16-inch-diameter steel pipeline installed in 1989 and 10 miles of 8-inch-diameter pipeline installed in 1964. Additionally, two compressor stations near Pershing County would be abandoned.

The project timeline outlines the steps expected to be completed each year. In 2026, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission pre-filing process is expected to begin, along with public open houses and environmental and cultural field surveys. The FERC National Environmental Policy Act environmental review process would also begin, and the company plans to submit an application to FERC.

In 2027, the FERC environmental review process is expected to continue. Construction could begin in 2028, pending approval. The project is expected to be in service by Nov. 1, 2028.

They don't like saying how old they are, and they'd just as soon let the day slip by without anyone making a fuss over another year passing.

I suppose I understand that.

But I've also reached the point where I see birthdays a little differently.

We have too many friends our age who didn't get another one, who didn't make it this far.

One of my dearest friends and I used to tease each other relentlessly about our ages. Whenever she'd get a little saucy with me, I'd remind her that she would always turn the next decade before I did. "Yeah," I'd say, "but at least you'll be 40 before me." But she died at 39.

Now I'm looking at 57.

Those numbers stopped feeling like something to avoid and started feeling like something to appreciate. Every birthday is a gift. The alternative isn't much of a plan.

The last couple of weeks have reminded me of that more than ever. We've lost some really good people. People who should still be here telling stories, making us laugh, and giving us grief. Their absence has a way of making another birthday feel especially sweet.

This summer we've spent a lot of time with family, and I've caught myself looking at my parents in a way I never have before.

I remember them when they were younger than I am now. When they seemed to know everything and could solve every problem. As a kid, you assume your parents have life all figured out.

Then one day you realize they were just kids themselves, doing the best they could.

And now somehow I've become the age they were when I looked up to them, while they were looking up to their own parents.

Life has a funny way of doing that.

Today I'll head to Lake Tahoe, where my family has gathered on Aug. 4 for the past 17 years. We'll celebrate on the same beach where my mom grew up, surrounded by the people who matter most.

I am grateful, for another year, for my family, for old friends, for new adventures, and for the privilege of this work that lets me spend every week visiting with all of you.

So today I'll celebrate another birthday. Publicly. Just like I have for the past 57 years.

Because every one of them is worth celebrating.

Thank you for letting me share this little corner of your week. Thank you for reading, for encouraging us, and for believing in what we're building together.

We're grateful for every opportunity, every conversation, and every one of you.

And we'll always be right here…

...Keeping you posted.

Rach

The event is intended to help pet owners make sure their animals can be identified and returned home if they become lost.

Dog owners may have their pets microchipped for $15, cash only, or by donating an unopened 10-pound bag of pet food. Free checks will also be available for pets that already have microchips so owners can confirm the chips are working and that their contact information is current.

The event will also include food trucks, local vendors and family activities.

Scheduled vendors include JT Ranch, Electric Snow, Three Happy Hounds, The Classy Pet, Elaine King and Reynolds Photography.

Fernley Animal Control is still accepting additional vendors, although space is limited.

Anyone interested in reserving a vendor space may call 775-784-9850 or email jmurdock@cityoffernley.org.

Organizers said they hope the event will become an annual community tradition while helping more lost pets find their way home.

The district reported 47 medical calls during the week, along with seven traffic collisions, seven public assists, seven false alarms or good-intent calls, two hazardous-condition calls, one brush fire and one odor investigation.

North Lyon Fire also provided mutual aid to neighboring agencies on four incidents and received mutual aid assistance six times.

District officials said those partnerships help ensure the closest available resources respond when emergencies occur, improving service across Fernley and surrounding rural areas.

As summer traffic increases, the district is also reminding drivers to watch carefully for motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians.

Drivers are encouraged to slow down, stay alert and look twice before turning, changing lanes or entering an intersection.

North Lyon Fire serves Fernley and nearby rural communities around the clock

Hosted by the City of Fernley and the Lyon County Sheriff's Office, the free annual event is part of a nationwide initiative that encourages positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Families can enjoy free hot dogs, interactive activities, and the opportunity to meet local first responders while exploring a variety of public safety demonstrations and displays. Planned attractions include a SWAT vehicle, K-9 demonstrations, Drone Team presentations, community vendors, and resource booths highlighting local organizations and services. According to the event flyer, attendees can also check out fire trucks, squad cars, and helicopters, and enjoy music from Biggest Little Radio.

Whether you're new to Fernley or have called the community home for years, National Night Out offers a chance to meet neighbors, learn about local resources, and celebrate the partnerships that help keep the community safe.

Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to attend. 

Working alongside the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, an inmate work crew recently joined city staff to remove nonnative elm trees, clear weeds, pick up trash and complete other cleanup efforts at the 11-acre property at 2310 Farm District Road.

While site improvements continue, city officials say the project will be developed in phases as funding, volunteers and resources become available. One of the first priorities is bringing irrigation water across the nearby drainage ditch to the property before garden plots can be established. The city is also pursuing grant opportunities to help fund future improvements.

Officials are encouraging residents, local businesses, nonprofits and community organizations to join the effort by volunteering, donating materials or resources, or partnering with the city as the project moves forward.

“Our goals are to continue cleaning up the property, bring water service to the site and begin building a beautiful community garden that everyone can enjoy for years to come,” the city said in a recent update. “Together, we’re growing more than a garden; we’re growing a stronger community.”

Those interested in supporting the project or learning more about volunteer opportunities can contact Jessica Murdock at jmurdock@cityoffernley.org.

Cross was named the NACTE Administrator of the Year, an award recognizing administrators who expand and strengthen career and technical education opportunities for students.

Kuntz, who is also an affiliate faculty member at Western Nevada College, was honored as the 2026 New Teacher of the Year. Since starting at Fernley in 2020, Kuntz has built innovative health science programs that include emergency medical technician and community health pathways, expanded dual-credit opportunities through WNC and developed work-based learning experiences with North Lyon Fire.

Under her leadership, students have achieved a 100% pass rate on both the National Registry EMT certification exam and the Certified Community Health Worker credential, while program enrollment has grown by nearly 30%.

Kuntz, a former X-ray technologist at St. Mary’s Hospital, began teaching in 2020 after earning her master’s degree in education. She taught English for two years before moving into health science, then earned her EMT certification and instructor credentials to launch Fernley’s EMT program. She later added a dual-credit public health course in partnership with Western Nevada College.

Kuntz said she modeled the EMT program after one created by Elaine Adams, a teacher in Fallon who earned her certification during the COVID-19 pandemic to bring the course to her school.

“When I found out the health science teacher had brought an EMT program there, I said, ‘I could do that,’” she said. “I went to the administration and asked if it was something I could do, and they said absolutely. I’ve been really fortunate because the Lyon County School District has been very supportive.”

The EMT program is now entering its fourth year, and the public health program is entering its third. Both allow students to graduate with industry-recognized certifications that qualify them for immediate employment in medical or community health settings.

Kuntz said the programs also help students determine whether the medical field is right for them.

“Every year I have one kid who gets halfway through and realizes this is absolutely not what they want to do,” she said. “And that’s great — I’m glad they figured it out now and didn’t pay for an EMT course outside of high school.”

Cross nominated Kuntz for the award and wrote a letter of recommendation detailing her accomplishments, but said he does not know who nominated him.

“Honestly, I wanted to recognize her for all the hard work she did to get the EMT program off the ground,” he said.

Cross said he was especially surprised to win when he saw the list of nominees. He was one of seven statewide nominees, including principals from CTE-focused high schools and the College of Southern Nevada. Fernley High School was the only traditional high school represented.

The selection committee noted Fernley High School’s broad CTE catalog, which now includes 14 programs. Under Cross’s leadership, work-based learning participation grew from 63 to 436 students, and credential attainment reached 437 students.

His development of “Career Trees,” expanded dual-credit options and efforts to build a K-12 career pipeline were cited as examples of high-impact CTE practices.

“I didn’t set out to make CTE my thing,” Cross said. “What I did set out to do is try to make education relevant and practical, so students see why they’re here and understand the value in it.”

Cross said Kuntz’s work reflects the district’s goal of giving students practical, relevant pathways.

“She had to get additional certifications and become an EMT instructor, which is not an easy task,” he said. “She built those programs from the ground up.”

Kuntz said she did not know she had won the award, or what the award was, until she received a text from Cross while on vacation.

“I was honored, very surprised. It was totally unexpected,” she said. “And the longer I sat on it, the more I realized this was a Nevada recognition. I think that’s pretty special. Very honored.”

Silver Stage High School counselor Paige Walker was presented with the Counseling and Career Development Professional Award. Windi Altemeyer, who leads the certified nursing assistant program at Fernley, Dayton, Yerington and Silver Stage high schools, was also nominated.

“We had to do it because we were baling hay and stuff like that,” she said. “I’d rather do that than anything else.”

About 20 of the community’s 67 residents, including some in memory care, took at least one ride. When a visitor remarked on the joy on one resident’s face after a loop, Tomassetti said she was happy the other residents were having fun.

The event was made possible by the company’s leadership team, volunteer drivers David and Alex Russell, and powersports dealership Ridezilla, which donated the RZR for the occasion.

“We’re blessed that we can play a major part in doing this,” MacLean said.

She said the Ageless Dreams program is rooted in the organization’s mission, values and principles, which she called its MVPs: caring people performing acts of kindness and ensuring residents are respected, served and cared for.

After her last ride, Tomassetti sat in the shade and talked about her life, her pony and how beautiful the desert is while a few of her neighbors took one last loop.

When MacLean asked whether she wanted to go on one more ride or was ready for lunch, Tomassetti shook her visitor’s hand and stood up to head inside. Her dream had been fulfilled, and now a hamburger was waiting for her.

Football teams were permitted a two-day heat-acclimation period July 27 and 28, during which players practiced in shorts and helmets. Three noncontact practice days were allowed July 29-31, with contact practices in pads allowed to begin Aug. 1.

All other fall sports were allowed to begin practice Aug. 1. The soccer and volleyball teams are scheduled to begin tryouts Monday, Aug. 3.

The first possible day for football scrimmages is Aug. 6, and the first possible day for games is Aug. 13. Players must participate in 10 practices before becoming eligible to play in games.

Fernley is scheduled to participate in a football scrimmage at Bishop Manogue on Aug. 7 and open the season against Coral Academy of Science-Reno on Aug. 14 at Damonte Ranch High School.

The Vaqueros’ first four games are on the road, with trips to Bishop, California, on Aug. 21; Elko on Aug. 28; and Sparks on Sept. 4. Fernley will play its home opener against South Tahoe on Sept. 11.

The boys and girls soccer teams also begin their seasons Aug. 14 at a tournament in South Lake Tahoe.

Full schedules for Fernley’s other fall sports teams have not yet been posted.

The volunteers spent the morning planting roses, native grasses and other landscaping, pulling weeds, refreshing planting beds with mulch and staining the park’s existing split-rail fence.

The work was part of an ongoing partnership between the city of Fernley and the Comstock Youth Group, bringing young volunteers together with city staff and community leaders to improve a public space used by Fernley families.

McKay, who participated in the project, praised the young people for their work ethic and willingness to serve the community. She later reported enthusiastically during the Fernley Rotary meeting about the group’s efforts and the amount of work they completed during the project.

City officials said the annual project is intended not only to improve the park, but also to give young people an opportunity to take part in meaningful community service.

After the morning’s work, the volunteers gathered for a barbecue lunch sponsored by the city as a thank-you for their time and effort.

The improvements included both immediate cleanup and longer-term maintenance. New plantings added color and drought-conscious landscaping, while fresh mulch will help retain moisture and reduce weeds. Staining the split-rail fence will help preserve it and improve the park’s appearance.

The city thanked the Comstock Youth Group, McKay and city employees who volunteered for the project, pointing out that projects like the Picetti Park cleanup show what can happen when public employees, volunteers and local organizations work together on a practical goal.

By the end of the day, the results were visible: cleaner planting beds, new landscaping, a restored fence and a public park better prepared for residents to enjoy.

The ceremonies include a chaplain-led service, a three-volley rifle salute, the folding of the flag, the playing of taps and “Amazing Grace,” and an escort to the interment site. The Patriot Guard Riders parade the colors from the columbarium wall to the pavilion to begin each service.

The Veterans Coalition honored 10 veterans during the July 23 unaccompanied service. They were (U.S. Army) Michael Anderson, PV1; Walter Baker (rank not listed); Paul Burke, SP4; Alan Hobeck, SP4; (U.S. Navy) Richard Cotter, CS3; Raymond Baldwin, ME3; Thomas Taylor, SMT2; (U.S. Marine Corps) Dell Moon, CPL; Ronnie Thrash, PFC; and (U.S. Air Force) Donald Lindstrom, SSGT.

The coalition created the unaccompanied program in 2008 to stand in for families who are unable to attend or who were never notified of a veteran’s death. The cemetery regularly receives cremated remains from across the country, often sent by distant relatives contacted by mortuaries seeking a final resting place.

The Nevada Veterans Coalition Honor Guard is made up of volunteer veterans and nonveterans who provide military-style services for all interments at the cemetery. For unaccompanied veterans, the coalition asks community members to attend and serve as family.

Yet much of Northern Nevada’s growth begins with the powder made there.

Cement from the plant is used in concrete for roads, bridges, industrial buildings, homes and mining operations across Nevada and the surrounding region. The facility employs approximately 120 people and supports truck drivers, mechanics, contractors, equipment suppliers and other businesses needed to keep a major industrial plant operating around the clock.

Jared Kupcak, Nevada Cement's project manager, recently spoke to members of a local Rotary club, said one of the first things people misunderstand is the difference between cement and concrete.

Nevada Cement does not manufacture the sidewalks, bridge decks or foundations residents see across the region. It produces the fine powder that binds those structures together.

“We just make the glue powder,” he said.

Cement is an ingredient in concrete, much as flour is an ingredient in a cookie. Ready-mix companies combine cement with water, sand, rock and other additives to create concrete designed for a particular use.

A residential sidewalk may require a different mixture than a bridge, highway or industrial foundation. The cement is the binding ingredient that allows the mixture to harden into an artificial stone capable of carrying enormous loads and enduring years of traffic and weather.

The Nevada Cement plant began operating in 1964 and is now a subsidiary of Dallas-based Eagle Materials.

The plant was originally part of Centex Materials, a name longtime Fernley residents may remember. More than six decades later, the facility remains an established part of the local economy, but it is also an aging industrial plant facing questions about its future.

The plant operates 24 hours a day for most of the year. Shutting it down is neither quick nor inexpensive. Its enormous kilns can take about a day to reach operating temperature and another day to cool.

“It doesn’t close for Christmas,” Kupcak said.

Planned shutdowns generally occur only for major maintenance.

The operation includes employees who handle incoming materials, monitor production, maintain mechanical and electrical systems, manage quality control, oversee safety and environmental compliance and handle sales, finance and administration.

Approximately seven employees work each operating shift, while maintenance, electrical, management and support employees generally work during the day.

The work can be hot, dusty, noisy and physically demanding. Employees work around extreme temperatures, heavy equipment and powerful mechanical systems. Kupcak said safety is discussed daily, with the company reviewing injuries, unusual work and incidents to determine how they can be prevented.

“You can’t have a good plant if people are getting hurt all the time,” he said.

Cement production begins with limestone, which supplies roughly 80% of the raw material used in the process.

Nevada Cement historically mined limestone from hills south of the plant. As that source has been depleted, the company has increasingly relied on other Nevada deposits, including mining areas near Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 95 and in the Relief Canyon area near Lovelock.

Limestone alone is not enough. The plant must carefully combine sources of calcium, silica, alumina and iron while limiting unwanted concentrations of magnesium, sulfur and alkalis.

Clay comes from the Flanagan area north of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation. Silica-bearing material is mined south of Fernley, and gypsum used near the end of production comes from the Empire area. Kupcak said nearly all of the plant’s raw materials, with the exception of iron, come from Nevada.

The raw material is crushed into pieces smaller than an inch and placed in a ball mill, a large rotating cylinder filled with steel balls. As the cylinder turns, the balls tumble and grind the material into an extremely fine powder.

That powder enters one of the plant’s rotary kilns. Each kiln is approximately 400 feet long and 11 feet in diameter. It rotates on a slight incline, slowly moving the material toward a flame at the lower end.

Gas temperatures in the burning zone reach approximately 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit, while the material itself is heated to about 2,500 degrees.

At that temperature, the ingredients undergo chemical changes and form a new mineral product called clinker. The dark, rocklike clinker is cooled and ground again with gypsum, limestone and other materials to create finished cement powder.

From beginning to end, the process is a careful balance of chemistry, temperature, timing and grinding.

“You have to get the right components just right, grind them just right and then burn them just right,” Kupcak said.

Nevada Cement supplies ready-mix producers serving construction projects throughout the region. Gold mines also use cement to produce concrete and shotcrete, a spray-applied material used to stabilize underground mine surfaces and other excavated areas.

Cement from the Fernley-area plant was used in major regional infrastructure, including portions of Interstate 580 and the Galena Creek Bridge between Reno and Carson City, Kupcak said.

Concrete pavement generally costs more initially than asphalt but can last longer under heavy traffic. That durability can be important on interstate highways, freight routes and mountain passes where lane closures and repeated resurfacing create additional economic costs.

Kupcak cautioned, however, that failed pavement is not necessarily the fault of the cement or concrete. Road performance also depends on engineering, drainage, compaction, reinforcement, aggregate quality, joint placement and construction practices.

“It’s a whole bucket full of variables that can make the concrete fail,” he said.

The plant’s economic impact extends beyond its approximately 120 direct employees.

A cement operation relies on trucking, mining, welding, electrical work, heavy-equipment repair, construction, engineering, environmental consulting and specialized maintenance.

“We spend a fortune on maintenance,” Kupcak said.

The plant also buys fuel, electricity and services, while its employees earn and spend wages in surrounding communities.

Its location gives Fernley residents an opportunity to hold industrial, mechanical and technical jobs close to home rather than commuting to Reno, Sparks or the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center.

That local-workforce connection is increasingly important as Interstate 80 traffic worsens and employers compete for workers.

Kupcak said the plant needs to hire at least six additional employees, but recruiting can be difficult. Industrial work requires people able to manage physical demands, irregular hours, heat and complex equipment. The plant also competes with warehouses and other facilities offering climate-controlled working conditions.

At the same time, experienced industrial workers are approaching retirement, threatening to leave a skills gap in manufacturing, mining and the trades.

Kupcak said employees with farming backgrounds often adapt well because they are accustomed to hard work, equipment, changing conditions and practical problem-solving.

Cement is essential to modern construction, but producing it requires significant energy and creates substantial carbon dioxide emissions.

The plant burns fuel to generate the high temperatures required in the kiln. The chemical conversion of limestone also releases carbon dioxide during production, meaning even replacing fossil fuels would not eliminate all emissions.

Nevada Cement primarily uses coal, with some natural gas and petroleum coke, Kupcak said.

Cement kilns can also use alternative fuels, including wood waste, tires, railroad ties and fuel derived from material that might otherwise enter a landfill.

The company must also control pollutants including nitrogen oxides, sulfur compounds and mercury. The plant uses ammonia injection, hydrated lime and activated carbon, and its emissions are subject to state and federal monitoring. Nevada Cement holds a Class I air-quality permit through the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.

Kupcak acknowledged that the plant’s early history did not reflect modern environmental expectations. Newspaper accounts from the 1960s and 1970s described dust and limited pollution controls that he called embarrassing by today’s standards.

The plant now operates under significantly more extensive collection, monitoring and reporting requirements.

The largest question is what comes next.

The facility was built when industrial plants were designed with far less attention to energy efficiency. Its older equipment requires large amounts of electricity and fuel.

The plant can consume roughly 12 megawatts of electricity, Kupcak said, an industrial load he compared with a significant portion of Fernley’s overall demand.

Eagle Materials is modernizing its Mountain Cement operation in Laramie, Wyoming. That project will give the company information about the cost, permitting, construction and operation of a modern cement facility.

Nevada Cement could eventually be considered for a similar investment, although no Fernley project has been formally announced.

A replacement facility could cost more than $400 million. Modern equipment could substantially reduce fuel, electricity and water consumption while improving reliability, production capacity and emissions performance.

“We really need to look at modernizing,” Kupcak said. “At some point, something needs to happen here.”

The alternative is greater reliance on imported cement.

Northern California already depends heavily on cement arriving through ports, much of it manufactured overseas. Eagle Materials operates an import terminal in Stockton and brings some imported material by rail to help meet demand the Fernley plant cannot supply on its own.

Imported cement can be manufactured overseas, placed on ships and transported across the Pacific at a cost low enough to compete with domestic production.

But it does not create the same Nevada jobs, local purchases or supply-chain activity as a plant operating here.

Nevada Cement’s case for modernization is therefore larger than preserving one industrial site. It is about whether the material needed to build the region’s roads, bridges, mines, homes and businesses will continue to be produced by Nevada workers using largely Nevada-sourced materials.

“We would rather it be a facility that uses Nevada materials and Nevada people,” Kupcak said. “We’re trying to do something that maintains the local economy.”

Every bridge, warehouse, highway and foundation begins with raw materials most people rarely consider.

In Fernley, much of that work begins behind the Nevada Cement sign, where Nevada rock is crushed, ground, heated and transformed into the powder that holds a growing region together.

Fernley lost its first game 16-3 to Magnolia Little League from Seattle, Wash., on July 24.

The biggest moment for the team came the next day, when Fernley bounced back to beat Blue Mountain LL from Heppner, Ore., 12-2.

Blue Mountain had defeated Fernley 17-1 at last year’s regional, and after Saturday’s loss to Fernley, went on to win the consolation bracket.

“That was a huge victory for us,” manager Sarah Parale said. “They played at the top of the game and to be able to beat that team was really good.”

The game against Oregon started an hour-and-a-half late because the previous game went long. After winning that game, Fernley had a two-hour break before playing Hawaii’s Gold Coast LL from Waimea/Kamuela, where they lost 14-11.

“Coming back after that win to do it again physically was pretty hard,” Parale said. “They pushed through, but that definitely was one of our toughest days there.”

After Hawaii scored five runs in the top of the first inning, Fernley answered with seven in the bottom half, then added two more in the second inning and led 9-5. Hawaii scored a run in the fourth and six in the fifth to take a 12-9 lead. Fernley rallied for two runs to get within 12-11 before coming up short.

“We were close, we were ahead the whole entire time,” Parale said. “Just couldn’t hang on there at the end. But that day was physically and mentally tough.”

In the consolation bracket, Fernley was eliminated with a 10-7 loss to Abbott-O-Rabbit LL from Anchorage, Alaska, on July 26.

Alaska put Fernley on its heels from the outset, scoring seven runs in the first inning. Fernley chipped away at the lead with two runs in the second and fourth innings and three in the fifth to get within 9-7.

“That was rough, and I’ve got to say even though we lost that game, the way they handled that to come back was super amazing,” Parale said.

The tournament also offered experiences beyond the field. Opening ceremonies allowed players to meet teams from other states. They attended a dinner, listened to a guest speaker who had played Little League softball in Arizona, played Division I softball, and is now a coach, traded pins with players from other teams, and ended the night with a dance party where Hawaiian players taught dances to the Nevada team.

“It’s a huge boost of confidence for them to look around and say, ‘We were the 13 players from Nevada,’” Parale said.

The team had less than two weeks to prepare after winning the state tournament in Battle Mountain, leaving families scrambling for travel plans, uniforms, fundraising and logistics. The community stepped in immediately.

“We asked for sponsorships, and the girls did a lemonade fundraiser for a couple of days,” manager Sarah Parale said. “We had people we don’t know stopping by and donating money just to help the families and the girls come down here and play.”

Businesses contributed. The city contributed. Individuals donated without being asked. Parale said every time she checked social media, she saw messages from Fernley wishing the team luck.

“We wouldn’t have been able to make this trip without the people who donated,” she said. “It takes a lot.”

The team also needed new uniforms to represent Nevada at regionals. With almost no time to spare, they connected with a vendor in Las Vegas who had made shirts for the state tournament the previous year. She produced the uniforms quickly enough for the team to pick them up on the drive south.

“It’s a big puzzle piece to put together,” Parale said.

Most families traveled by car, forming an informal convoy down the highway. Only one family flew. The rest made the long drive in the July heat.

Parale said she tries to make sure the players understand what the community did for them.

“That’s one thing I keep trying to instill in the girls, realizing what the community has done so they can actually come down here and do this,” she said.

The support didn’t stop once the team arrived. Parents endured triple-digit temperatures, long delays and extended days at the field.

“It was a struggle for our fans just sitting in that heat,” Parale said.

To make the trip possible, Fernley showed up for its kids financially, emotionally, and physically. And the players noticed.

In a tournament defined by heat, delays and tough competition, Fernley’s biggest advantage may have been the people back home.

In a recent Message of the Week, Sheriff Brad Pope shared several reminders to help prevent heat-related illnesses, encouraging everyone to drink water throughout the day, even before feeling thirsty, and to avoid alcohol, sugary drinks, and excessive caffeine when spending extended time outdoors.

The Sheriff's Office also recommends wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing, taking cool showers or baths when needed, and seeking shade or air-conditioned spaces during the hottest parts of the day. Outdoor work and exercise are best scheduled for the early morning or evening hours, and residents should wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat when spending time in the sun.

Pet owners are reminded that hot pavement can quickly burn animals' paws, while everyone is urged never to leave a child, adult, or pet unattended inside a parked vehicle, even for a short time. The Sheriff's Office also encourages residents to check on older family members and neighbors twice a day during periods of extreme heat.

As summer activities continue throughout the region, the Lyon County Sheriff's Office encourages residents to follow these simple precautions and enjoy the season safely.

Kelly Brye, owner of Nursery King & Gifts LLC in Fernley, recently shared tips on selecting and installing synthetic turf, noting that proper preparation beneath the surface is one of the biggest factors in how long an artificial lawn will last.

According to Brye, a quality installation begins with excavating several inches of existing soil before adding compacted base rock and decomposed granite to create a stable, well-draining foundation. Skipping those steps, he said, can lead to poor drainage, uneven settling, and premature deterioration of the turf.

Brye also encouraged homeowners to consider the quality of the turf itself. Higher face-weight products generally contain more fibers, making them softer underfoot and more durable over time, though they typically come at a higher cost.

Another common mistake, he said, is improper seaming. Because synthetic turf is manufactured in wide rolls with the fibers running in a single direction, sections must be installed consistently. Rotating one piece can create noticeable color differences, even when the material is identical. Factory edges should also be trimmed before joining sections to produce cleaner seams.

For pet owners, Brye said specialized infill products can help reduce odors, while cooling infills are available for homeowners concerned about hot summer temperatures. Regular brushing with a power broom helps keep the blades standing upright and redistributes the infill for a more natural appearance.

Nursery King & Gifts carries a variety of synthetic turf products for residential landscaping, pet areas, and backyard putting greens. Brye said the business also continues to offer natural sod options for homeowners who prefer living grass.

For more information on installation or product advice, contact Nursery King & Gifts LLC at (775) 835-4095 or visit the business at 785 U.S. Highway 95A South in Fernley. Regular product and educational updates are also posted on the company's Facebook page.

The fundraiser will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Summit Church Fernley's Base Camp, 150 E. Main St., with proceeds helping fund childcare for the organization's upcoming meetings.

Fernley MomCo is a new Christ-centered ministry launching this fall through Summit Church Fernley. The group is designed to provide friendship, encouragement, and support for mothers in every season of motherhood through meaningful relationships, mentorship, and opportunities to grow in faith together.

Organizers said the yard sale will feature donated items from local families and community members, with all proceeds going toward making the program more accessible by helping cover the cost of quality childcare during meetings. Community members who would like to support the effort are also welcome to donate items for the sale.

The fundraiser is being coordinated by Victoria Olivier and Abigail Knudsen, along with the Fernley MomCo leadership team and volunteers from Summit Church.

Registration is now open for moms interested in joining the new group. Organizers say mothers of all ages and stages are welcome, whether they are raising newborns, school-age children, or teenagers.

For more information about Fernley MomCo or to register, visit summitnv.org/fernley.

We are building this plane as we learn to fly it.

This past month has been lesson after excruciating lesson, and when I use the word “humbly,” I do so with great weight.

While talking with The Intern the other day, trying to solve yet another self-inflicted situation and reaching a level of intense discouragement, I received a profound life lesson for which I am deeply grateful.

Riggin is our intern, and we’ve had the pleasure of his company, his help, his sense of humor, and the opportunity to cheer for his many life successes over the past two years. We are better for having known him. We’ve also tried to give him a real job title several times, but the joy on his face when he introduces himself at meetings and events as “The Intern” is simply one of life’s great pleasures.

We were trying to solve a computer problem, and I was apologizing for slowing his progress on a task because of my lack of technical ability and generally causing the situation we were trying to fix.

He said to me, “Listen, you’re running a successful newspaper conglomerate and have a lot going on.”

To which I snorted coffee out my nose and said, “This is hardly a success.”

That young man, in all the naïveté of youth and optimism, just shrugged and said, “It’s the long game, Rachel.”

Indeed. Some days longer than others.

So while we enjoy these last couple of weeks with The Intern as he readies to leave the nest and head off to college, we’ll always be right here, hoping one day he’ll come back to us as our corporate lawyer, and of course we’ll be...

...Keeping you Posted.

Rachel