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

Rebecca Reno
Area: Fernley
Bail: $3,775
Charges: Use or possession of drug paraphernalia; False statement to or obstruct a public officer; Drive with a suspended driver's license; Operate an unregistered vehicle, trailer, or semi; Owner proof of insurance required

Raul Ortega
Area: Fernley
Bail: $20,390
Charges: Possession of Schedule I or II controlled substance less than 14 grams, (1st or 2nd); Obtain or possess a credit or debit card without the cardholder's consent; Use or possession of drug paraphernalia; Resist a public officer; Drive without a driver's license

Cameron Cook
Area: Fernley
Bail: $29,700
Charges: Obtain or use another person's identification for harmful or unlawful purpose; Possession of Schedule I or II controlled substance less than 14 grams, (1st or 2nd); Drive with a suspended driver's license; Use or possession of drug paraphernalia; Failure to appear on a traffic citation; Felony arrest of a fugitive from another state, complaint, or warrant

Michael Bouchet
Area: Silver Springs
Bail: $3,640
Charges: Possession of Schedule I or II controlled substance less than 14 grams, (1st or 2nd); Use or possession of drug paraphernalia

Ezequiel Mendoza Ayala
Area: Dayton
Bail: $80,640
Charges: Possession of Schedule I or II controlled substance less than 14 grams, (1st or 2nd); Violation of a domestic violence extended protective order, (1st); Felony arrest or surrender to custody by a bail surety or agent; Violation of a domestic violence temporary protective order

Andres Galeno
Area: Dayton
Bail: $3,755
Charges: Possession of Schedule I or II controlled substance less than 14 grams, (1st or 2nd); Use or possession of drug paraphernalia; Operate a vehicle with expired registration or plates

Shannon Pattison
Area: Mason Valley
Bail: $0
Charges: Court commitment

Dianne Cutting
Area: Fernley
Bail: $3,140
Charges: Domestic battery, (1st)

Elizabeth Holguin
Area: Fernley
Bail: $1,140
Charges: DUI, (1st)

Zachary Crowder
Area: Dayton
Bail: $5,000
Charges: Violation of sex offender registration, (1st)

Alberto Figueroa
Area: Fernley
Bail: $5,475
Charges: DUI, (1st); Owner proof of insurance required; Non-resident driving when privilege is suspended, revoked, or canceled; Operate an unregistered vehicle, trailer, or semi; Failure to maintain lane or improper lane change or use of signal; Basic speed 11 to 20 miles per hour over the posted limit; Drink alcohol while driving or in physical control of a motor vehicle; Resist a public officer; Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle

Rudy Garcia
Area: Fernley
Bail: $3,140
Charges: Domestic battery, (1st)

Jonathon Gonsalves
Area: Dayton
Bail: $3,140
Charges: Domestic battery, (1st)

Robert Weathers
Area: Dayton
Bail: $5,000
Charges: Violation of sex offender registration, (1st)

James Macaluso
Area: Fernley
Bail: $2,500
Charges: Unlawful occupancy of real property

Berben Walker
Area: Mason Valley
Bail: $1,380
Charges: DUI, (1st)

Joel Sanchez
Area: Fernley
Bail: $5,000
Charges: Failure to appear after bail, felony crime

Sean Ringer
Area: Fernley
Bail: $6,140
Charges: Violation of sex offender registration, (1st); Resist a public officer

Meet Scott Price. Scott is a Harley-Davidson enthusiast from the Bay Area, and he looks the part. To be honest, he’s a bit gruff, and his outward appearance is slightly intimidating. He is direct and unapologetic about his chosen lifestyle. Asked if he was married, he replied matter-of-factly, “Only once. Girlfriends? Hundreds.” And you can see why. The dude’s got swag!

Once you get to know him, you realize this isn’t your stereotypical biker. He is an astute businessman. Scott funded his passion for motorcycles by opening and running a chain of high-end body shops servicing exotic vehicles in California. To this day, he personally maintains nine Harleys should he decide to take a spin.

Scott also has a heart. Around 1987, he and like-minded Harley fans founded the Rip City Riders in Petaluma, California. This motorcycle club does not sow mayhem; it sows generosity and kindness. To this day, Rip City Riders arranges an array of events that appeal to the biker community. The profits from those events fund a variety of charitable causes, including the Polly Klaas Foundation.

Lovely Shirley Cole is an artist specializing in photography. Like other artists of her time, Shirley was inspired by ecological themes. She enjoyed capturing all kinds of images but found herself drawn mostly to animal subjects.

Shirley’s contemporaries and circle of friends included world-renowned landscape photographer and environmentalist Ansel Adams. In February 1984, Shirley was among the many high-profile guests at Mr. Adams’ 82nd birthday party.

Married for 58 years, Diane and Butch spent a lifetime building businesses. Northern Nevada natives, the couple established a successful Snap-on Tools franchise that was the envy of competitors near and far. Ever attracted to new challenges and opportunities, Diane and Butch changed streams. They spent the next half of their working lives owning and operating an ice cream parlor/delicatessen. So impressive was their cuisine, customers actually requested Diane’s autograph!

Last but certainly not least, introducing the charismatic GR! The beautiful young girl seen in the photograph water-skiing remains a dynamic woman who continues to meet life with gusto. A single mother in a time when it wasn’t particularly fashionable, GR successfully competed in a new industry that today is still not entirely welcoming to women. Despite searing competition, GR grew a data consulting firm from the ground up. Additionally, she served as chief executive adviser for the Northern California Fire District.

With time, life has taken on a different hue for these remarkable folks. Today is about enjoyment. Diane has taken up pottery, cross-stitch and bingo. Butch loves to cook and garden. To build up strength and stamina to support his next big ride, Scott swims as often as possible. Shirley can be found enjoying any number of community activities, while GR lights up every room she enters with her quick wit and electric smile.

While all take satisfaction in their distinguished lives and careers, all agree that their families and solid relationships are their most enduring source of happiness and pride. At the end of the day, isn’t that the truest measure of success for our journey through life?

Operation Not Forgotten, now in its fourth year, surged investigative resources nationwide from April 1 through Sept. 30. The effort supported 548 case investigations, a 59% increase from 2025, and resulted in 118 arrests, 41 individuals charged federally, 25 child victims identified or located and 72 weapons recovered. FBI agents conducted 990 interviews and 232 search operations, with arrests up 123% and federal charges up 52% over last year.

“Operation Not Forgotten sends a loud and clear message that our long-forgotten partners in Indian Country are forgotten no more,” FBI Director Kash Patel said.

Patel called this year’s surge the bureau’s largest commitment to Indian Country in its history, noting more than 500 cases worked during the six-month period. He noted that since he took leadership of the bureau, the FBI has followed through on its pledge to support tribal nations by deploying 400 agents dedicated to Indian Country, embedding 30 Safe Trails Task Forces and expanding its Voices Not Forgotten program. Under that initiative, the FBI has quadrupled its reward offerings to at least $25,000 for information associated with homicides, kidnappings and missing persons in Indian Country.

The case involving Scott was among those charged during the surge. In July, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Delshay Astor with her alleged murder on the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony in February 2022. The indictment also charged Joel Christy with assisting Astor in avoiding apprehension. They are scheduled to stand trial in April 2027.

Other examples of cases charged during the surge include:

District of Wyoming: 18 individuals indicted for violent crimes and child abuse offenses on the Wind River Indian Reservation, including U.S. v. Jose Benito Ocon, arising from an August 2025 homicide near Riverton, and U.S. v. Darlynn Sheree Seminole, involving allegations of severe physical trauma inflicted on a 10-year-old.

District of Minnesota: Four cases charged involving violent and sexual offenses in Indian Country, including U.S. v. Courtney John Barrett Sr., indicted Sept. 22 on two counts of sexual abuse of a minor.

District of Montana: Charges filed against Michael Plentybuffalo in the death of Shann Nomee, who went missing in January 2024 and was later found deceased north of Lodge Grass. In a separate case, Lance Crookedarm was charged with a May 2026 violent assault and nonfatal strangulation.

District of Arizona: At least four cases charged, including violent assaults, an arson and aggravated sexual abuse of a minor under 12 on the Navajo Nation, as well as an additional assault on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation.

The FBI also highlighted progress under Operation Steadfast Promise, launched in 2026 as a broader surge addressing violent criminal threats in Indian Country. Since April, the operation has opened more than 1,200 new investigations, obtained charges against 678 subjects, made more than 700 arrests, recovered 2,260 weapons and made 140 drug seizures.

The FBI also emphasized its Voices Not Forgotten webpage, which includes a searchable map of Indian Country cases where public assistance is sought. In August, the bureau established a minimum reward of up to $25,000 for publicly advertised cases involving homicides, kidnappings and missing persons in Indian Country where the FBI has jurisdiction.

The FBI encourages anyone with information related to unresolved violent crimes in Indian Country to contact their local FBI field office or submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov.

Including, on certain days, myself.

Because knowing how our government works is something we all need to keep working at. And if we expect the next generation to carry on this experiment in self-government, somebody has to show them how.

In his article, “How Kids Can Rescue Civics Education,” Carson describes a civics competition through his American Cornerstone Institute’s Little Patriots program. The idea is to get elementary school students learning about our founding, our Constitution, and the responsibilities of citizenship.

It got me thinking about what children learn about government when nobody is giving them a lesson. What is it kids learn from watching us?

If their introduction to public life is grown-ups calling each other idiots on the internet, we probably should not be surprised when they decide politics is something unpleasant people do on their phones.

If they hear us complain about every decision the school board makes, but never see us read an agenda or attend a meeting, what have we taught them about participation?

And if we insist that everyone who disagrees with us must be either stupid or dishonest, how exactly are they supposed to learn to govern alongside people who think differently than they do?

In “Federalist No. 10,” James Madison explained that differences of opinion and competing interests are part of human nature. Eliminating those differences would require destroying liberty or somehow making everybody think alike. Neither was an acceptable solution. His argument was for a republic designed to control the harmful effects of factions.

Which means learning to be a citizen includes learning that other people get a say. Even when they are wrong. Even when we are absolutely certain they are wrong.

And occasionally, after we have listened and checked a few things, we may discover they had a point.

This is where civics gets a little harder than memorizing the three branches of government.

Although we should probably know those, too.

We need to understand who has the authority to make a decision. What limits apply to that authority. How representatives are chosen. How laws are changed. And what we can do when we believe our government has made a mistake.

The First Amendment protects speech, religious liberty, a free press, peaceful assembly, and the right to petition government for a redress of grievances.

Those are tools people can use. Children ought to see us using them thoughtfully.

A child does not have to be old enough to vote to learn how to ask a good question.

Why is that road closed? Who decides what happens at the park? Where does the school get its money? Why can’t the mayor just change that rule?

There is a civics lesson waiting inside every one of those questions. And we don’t have to know every answer. “I don’t know. Let’s find out” might be one of the most useful things we can say.

We can pull up an agenda together. Read a newspaper story and talk about which facts are established and which questions remain unanswered. Look up a provision in the Constitution instead of relying on what somebody said it means.

We can also let children watch us disagree without being cruel, correct a mistake without making excuses, and lose a vote without deciding the whole system should be burned down.

Schools should have an essential role in teaching civics, but families and communities bear responsibility for that work too.

We are raising future voters, school board members, county commissioners, jurors, and neighbors. They are watching how we handle the responsibility.

What are we teaching them?

On Oct. 15, all 320 Fernley Intermediate School sixth graders traded their desks for outdoor learning stations led by people from across northern Nevada.

There were bows to shoot, fishing casts to practice and gold-panning techniques to try. Along the way came lessons in science, wildlife, safety, taking care of the land and the work people do around them. But the day was also about something closer to home: a community supporting its kids — and each other.

About 15 teachers and 45 exhibitors and volunteers helped make it happen. Custodians and other school staff pitched in, too. Breakfast welcomed the visiting exhibitors before a day of sharing their knowledge. Jessie Weller, a sixth-grade teacher, has helped organize the event and recruit exhibitors for the past 10 of the 13 years it has been held.

Jessie emphasizes that it takes a team. The smooth-running day reflects work shared across the school and with its community partners. After a morning welcome from the principal, Mrs. Pulsifer, students headed out to rotate through the stations. Students from special resource classes joined in, too.

Some lessons called for concentration and a steady hand. Nevada Department of Wildlife staff taught archery and fishing casts and brought wildlife skulls and hides for students to examine. Nevada Bighorns Unlimited supplied an inflatable archery range. Archery also gave students a way to understand kinetic energy by seeing it in action. Pull back the bow, release the arrow and watch stored energy become motion. A classroom idea suddenly has somewhere to go.

Gold panning brought density lessons to life. At the Northern Nevada Gold Panners Association station, students learned how lighter material washes away while heavier, denser material stays behind. They could see why the technique works while learning about the area's geological history. Those activities gave teachers something to build on later in classes. Instead of asking students only to imagine a process, they could now refer to something the children had tried themselves.

A new station this year became one of Mr. Weller's favorites: the Tahoe Rim Trail Association. Students saw a 55-pound backpack, unpacked its contents and then packed everything back in, learning what goes into preparing for time on the trail. They also explored an idea that might have been new to them: being good stewards of the land. What does that mean? Caring for it. Enjoying the outdoors comes with a responsibility to look after the places we visit.

Other exhibitors offered different ways to explore Nevada's natural world. Nevada Audubon introduced bird identification and local ecology. Safari Club International brought its mobile sensory trailer for a hands-on experience. Yerington Bees introduced beekeeping, native pollinators and their connection to agriculture.

Johnni Archuleta brought miniature cows from Fallon and shared information about livestock care. Then there were the people whose work involves keeping others safe. A Naval Air Station Fallon K-9 team demonstrated the training, discipline and working roles of military dogs. Lyon County Search and Rescue covered emergency response, safety skills and community rescue operations. The Nevada Department of Transportation brought heavy equipment, giving students a close look at the machinery and an introduction to civil engineering careers.

Together, the stations opened windows into both work and recreation. A child who likes animals might become curious about wildlife biology or livestock care. Someone who enjoys being outdoors might want to learn more about search and rescue. Heavy equipment might prompt questions about how roads are built and maintained. An interest does not have to become a career to matter. Fishing, archery, hiking and other outdoor activities can become hobbies children carry into adulthood.

Just ask Jessie Weller, who is a bow hunter, fly fisherman and teaches NASP hunter safety classes from the National Association of Safety Professionals. And that's not all. Jessie is also a NW Nevada hunting guide. He says that the outdoors is like a church for him in terms of how he feels there, as well as something that helps his overall outlook, gets him to exercise and is his real hobby. Helping children discover those interests is part of the Outdoor Day purpose.

The day also creates a shared experience. Students from different classrooms return having tried some of the same unfamiliar things. They have something new to talk about, and teachers have experiences they can draw on in future lessons. What is density? Oh right, it's the way gold and heavy materials sink, not float.

Research offers support for learning outdoors. A review of 147 studies from Frontiers in Public Health (2022) reported benefits including greater student involvement, stronger teamwork and some academic improvement. The studies varied in quality, so the findings are promising rather than a guarantee. But Nevada teachers and students see value in outdoor time, too. In a 2024 survey conducted for the state's outdoor education effort, 97% of responding classroom teachers said being outdoors improved their students' mood. Eighty-one percent of students agreed. They felt better after being outside.

For all the activities, the day's strength was the people behind them. Teachers, custodians, school staff and visiting exhibitors worked together to keep things running smoothly. People enjoyed being part of it. This was a community supporting its kids — and each other. Everyone brought something to share, and 320 sixth graders got a chance to discover something new that might just change their lives.

The contest, held in conjunction with the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo, Oct. 21-24, drew 46 teams and 182 competitors from across the country. Teams qualified for the national competition by winning their respective state contests.

The Livestock Evaluation Career Development Event tests students' knowledge of animal agriculture and their ability to evaluate livestock for breeding and marketing purposes. Competitors evaluate beef cattle, swine, sheep and meat goats, assessing the animals' physical characteristics, quality and desirable traits.

Students must also demonstrate their decision-making and communication skills by explaining and defending their evaluations using industry terminology. The competition is designed to develop practical skills that can be applied to livestock production, agricultural business and other careers in the livestock industry.

Awards were given on a gold, silver and bronze scale. Three Fernley students earned silver individual emblems, while one earned bronze.

Arianna Walker received a silver emblem and finished 59th overall. Ainsley Blackorby earned silver and placed 83rd, while Dylan Viehland earned silver and finished 105th. Jayde Thomas received a bronze emblem and placed 168th.

Fernley High School FFA adviser Sydney Botts said the students spent more than two years preparing to compete at the national level and represented Fernley High School and Nevada FFA well.

“We had an incredible week and are very proud of our students,” Botts said. “They have worked very hard for over two years to qualify and compete at this level, and we are proud of the way they have represented FHS and Nevada FFA.”

The event will transform the park into a holiday village filled with decorated, lighted Christmas trees sponsored by local businesses, organizations, churches, families and individuals.

The display will be open to the public from Nov. 23 through Jan. 3, with the lights remaining on around the clock. Visitors can walk through the park during the day to enjoy the decorated trees or return after dark to see the holiday lights.

Organizers are inviting community members to sponsor a tree for $300. Each sponsorship includes a live Christmas tree approximately 5 to 7 feet tall, a custom stand, a sponsor or decorator sign and electricity throughout the event.

Sponsors may decorate their trees to represent their business or organization, honor someone special or remember a loved one. At the end of the event, sponsors may take their trees home or donate them to Main Street Fernley.

Official decorating days are scheduled for Nov. 21 and 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

Decorations must be family-friendly and nonbreakable, and only LED outdoor lights will be permitted. Each tree is limited to one electrical plug, and participants must bring a labeled, 15-foot outdoor-rated extension cord.

The competition will include awards and ribbons for decorated trees, with online voting for the People's Choice Award.

The People's Choice winner will be announced at the City of Fernley's tree-lighting celebration Dec. 5, following the Fernley Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade.

The tree selected as Best Overall Tree will receive a free tree sponsorship for the 2027 Prancer's Path competition.

The holiday display will remain open through Jan. 3, with tree undecorating and removal scheduled for Jan. 2 and 3 from noon to 3 p.m. each day.

Businesses, organizations and individuals interested in sponsoring a tree are encouraged to sign up now. For information or to reserve a tree, call 775-240-4785 or email shannon@electricsunnv.net.

Updates will also be posted on Main Street Fernley's Facebook and Instagram pages.

Lyon County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Mitch Brandingham opened his report by describing an incident earlier that afternoon at the Fernley substation, where deputies arrested a registered sex offender who had reportedly failed to register for approximately three and a half months.

Brandingham said the man became combative when deputies attempted to take him into custody, resulting in a struggle in the substation lobby.

The incident prompted Brandingham to explain how the Sheriff's Office monitors registered sex offenders throughout the county.

He reported that Lyon County currently has 280 registered sex offenders, although the department was still working to determine how many reside within Fernley city limits.

Brandingham said deputies regularly arrest individuals who fail to comply with registration requirements, which may contribute to public perceptions about the number of offenders in the area.

"For the most part, we don't have a lot of issues with these people, but they do come up from time to time," he said.

The department recently sent letters reminding registered offenders of their obligations and warning that failure to maintain their registrations could result in arrest.

With Halloween approaching, Councilman Ryan Hanan asked about restrictions affecting registered sex offenders during trick-or-treating.

Brandingham said requirements vary depending on an offender's classification, but the Sheriff's Office recommends that registered offenders turn off their porch lights and refrain from participating in Halloween activities. He encouraged parents to consult the state's sex offender registry and the Sheriff's Office app for information about offenders in their neighborhoods.

Title 16 revisions moving forward

Building Official Charity Burkel reported that the city has completed the fourth and final workgroup meeting on proposed revisions to Title 16 of the Fernley Municipal Code, which governs development and land-use regulations.

Burkel said the completed version of the proposed code will be presented to the City Council at its first meeting of the new year, Jan. 6, 2027.

"We will be heavily advertising that and look forward to everybody's input," Burkel said.

The revisions have been developed through meetings involving city staff and community representatives.

City staff also reminded residents about an Oct. 27 public open house at the Fernley Community Response and Resource Center to gather input on the city's comprehensive plan update.

Only one member of the public attended the previous open house Sept. 1, according to the staff report.

The comprehensive plan will guide decisions about future growth, land use, infrastructure and development throughout Fernley.

Infrastructure projects approved

The council unanimously approved its consent agenda, including several contracts and agreements for city infrastructure.

Among the largest was a contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates for up to $348,900 to complete preliminary design work for the Gustafson Bridge Replacement Project.

The council also approved an additional $59,000 for engineering services associated with East Cedar Street improvements, including water infrastructure replacement and street improvements between Hardie Lane and U.S. 95A.

Another amendment increased the authorization for rehabilitation of altitude valves and associated check valves serving the Sage and Ricci water tanks from $21,200 to $50,980.

The council approved an $86,250 grant agreement with the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to develop an off-highway vehicle trail plan for city land in south Fernley.

The grant requires no local matching funds and will pay for planning, mapping and identifying potential trails, access points and improvements. Work is contingent on completion of the federal land conveyance process.

The consent agenda also included approval of a contract for legal services associated with establishing the Fernley Power District.

Housing and community development

During council reports, Hanan and Councilman Albert Torres discussed the Oct. 8 groundbreaking for Ryder Homes' Wilson Landing development, attended by Gov. Joe Lombardo.

Torres said the project includes 37 homes, with another 20 homes planned nearby. He also mentioned a proposed multifamily development north of Main Street that could include approximately 200 townhomes.

In response to public concerns about evictions, Torres said the city works with the Sheriff's Office and Lyon County Health and Human Services to connect residents experiencing difficulty paying rent with available assistance.

Torres also announced that the Fernley Convention and Tourism Authority will accept grant applications Nov. 1-30 for projects promoting tourism during the first half of 2027.

Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Nov. 30, with funding decisions expected at the authority's Dec. 14 meeting.

Mayor Neal McIntyre reminded residents that City Hall will close at 4 p.m. Oct. 29 and remain closed Oct. 30 in observance of Nevada Day.

He also announced that the city's annual Spooktacular will be held Oct. 31 from 4 to 7 p.m. at City Hall.

This year's event will move the popular trunk-or-treat activities to the rear parking lot and introduce the Teal Pumpkin Project, offering nonfood treats for children with food allergies or other dietary restrictions.

Tony

Oh, my goodness, my college picks were solid last week, going an impressive 3-0, all winning easily. We won’t talk about the NFL. There is an interesting slate of games this week in both college and the NFL. Remember, please don’t listen to me and lose your money.

Florida vs. Georgia (-10.5): The world’s largest cocktail party is back, just not in Jacksonville. Florida is one of the biggest wild cards this season. Play well one week, look like crap another. Georgia has its sights set on a national championship. Georgia 38, Florida 20

Nevada (+22.5) at UCLA: N-E-V-A-D-A, Nevada! Look at the boys up on North Virginia Street. There are signs of life for the Wolf Pack. UCLA is ranked No. 7 in the nation and has been one of the biggest surprises of the season under first-year head coach Bob Chesney. The weather could be iffy. UCLA 31, Nevada 21

Northwestern (+3.5) at Oregon: What was set to be one of Oregon’s best teams has cratered into a season to forget. Oregon’s season was over when Dante Moore was hurt on the brutal hit against USC in September. It has been disfunction ever since. The nerds go into Eugene and beat the party school. Northwestern 28, Oregon 21

Cardinals at Cowboys (-7.5): How bout them Cowboys! Are they fully back? We will see. However, the Cardinals are the Cardinals and Dallas should easily win. One of these days, the Cowboys’ defense will actually play up to their ability. Just run the ball. Meanwhile, Arizona is the same old story. Cowboys 31, Cardinals 13

Bears at Seahawks (-3.5): This very well could be a preview of the NFC Championship. These are two of the better teams in the NFL. The Bears’ Caleb Williams is the real deal at QB. Seattle is one of the toughest places to play and their defense is elite. If this game was in Chicago, it could be the opposite outcome. Seahawks 24, Bears 20

Ravens at Bills (-3.5): Will the real Baltimore Ravens team please raise your hand. What is going on? Where is Lamar Jackson? Do you play him? Is he completely healthy? We have no answers to those questions. The Bills are the better team and playing at home. Bills 28, Ravens 17

Last week

College: 3-0

NFL: 0-3

Season

College: 11-16

NFL: 7-12-1

Robert

East Carolina (-4 ½) over Temple: After Temple lost 38-31 to Charlotte two weeks ago, Temple head coach Casey Keller called it the single most embarrassing game of his career. Charlotte was 0-6 and had scored 55 points in five games against FBS opponents, averaging 217 yards per game, but got 449 yards and those 38 points against Temple. Maybe the Temple players are equally as embarrassed, but that defense also gave up 505 yards the week before to UConn and 536 to Toledo. East Carolina has blown leads and lost in overtime two consecutive weeks. I’m not high on the work of new offensive coordinator Jordan Davis so far, but I am high on the leadership of head coach Blake Harrell and I believe the Pirates play their best game of the season here. 

San Diego St. (-2 ½) over Washington St.: Freshman QB Stone Saunders got his first start last week and the Aztecs scored 49 points in a 56-49 loss to Colorado St. So why am I laying 2 ½ with a team that just gave up 56 points? Partly because, if you discard a game against Duquesne, Washington State hasn’t scored 56 points combined in any two games this season. Running back Lucky Sutton is back for the Aztecs after missing a couple games; youngster Javion Kinnard has emerged as a good RB2 and now that the Aztecs found someone who can complete a pass, I think they’re undervalued. The Cougars don’t run or pass well and the Aztecs will keep them winless against FBS opponents.  

Fresno St. (+6) over Oregon St.: This very well could be a fool’s errand, betting against a 5-2 Oregon St. team that is 6-1 against the spread, with the only non-cover coming by a half-point against Washington St. I really like Oregon St. coach Jamarcus Shepherd, and it’s possible they’re just going to steamroll the rest of the new Pac-12, at least until they run into Boise St. in a couple of weeks. But the best team they’ve beaten is Montana, and the forecast calls for rain Saturday night in Fresno. QB Braden Atkinson had astounding numbers as a freshman last year at Mercer and even better this year at OSU, but if he can do it in the rain in a hostile road setting and win by a TD or more, then I’ll tip my cap.

Lions (-3 ½) over Vikings: Just like almost everyone expected, the last unbeaten team is the one with Kyler Murray at quarterback. Of course, they’re only 24^th in the NFL in scoring and 29^th in yards per game, but they’ve done it by allowing only 12 points per game. But nothing stays the same in the NFL for long. An early Lions’ score, a couple of Kyler Murray interceptions, and nobody is undefeated anymore.

Raiders (+1 ½) over Jets: Coming off of four consecutive losses, the Raiders have a fever, and the cure is more cowbell. Oops, sorry, I mean the cure is facing the Jets. Got a little carried away there watching some old YouTube videos. Even in a couple of their defeats, the Raiders have been feisty, and facing the feeble Jets offense should be just what the Raiders need to get back in the W column.

Chiefs (-1) at Broncos: The Chiefs got smacked by a Seahawks team that had lost two consecutive games and was playing in front of its frenzied 12s in prime time. But now they’re back in the AFC West they have dominated until Mahomes’ injury wrecked last season. 

Last Week

College: 2-1

NFL: 2-0-1

Season

College: 15-12

NFL: 14-6-1

The council voted 4-0 on Oct. 21 to discontinue the litigation following a September ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that upheld the federal agency's environmental review of the canal project.

The decision brings to a close a lengthy legal effort by the city to challenge the Bureau of Reclamation's evaluation of how canal lining could affect groundwater supplies and the surrounding environment.

David Rigdon, an attorney with Taggart & Taggart who has represented the city in water matters, told council members that the latest ruling leaves Fernley with few realistic legal options.

"We've been fighting a litigation battle with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for many years now over the environmental impact statement that they did with regards to the lining of the canal," Rigdon said.

The dispute centers on the Truckee Canal, which carries water from the Truckee River toward Lahontan Reservoir as part of the Newlands Project. Water that seeps through the canal's unlined sections also contributes to groundwater recharge in the Fernley area.

Following a 2008 canal breach that flooded hundreds of Fernley homes, the Bureau of Reclamation developed a project to improve canal safety, including lining sections of the canal to reduce seepage and strengthen the system.

Fernley challenged the federal environmental impact statement, arguing that the agency had not adequately evaluated the consequences of reducing seepage, including potential effects on groundwater, vegetation, water quality and land subsidence.

The federal district court ruled in favor of the Bureau of Reclamation in January 2025, and the city appealed.

On Sept. 14, a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit upheld that decision, finding the agency had sufficiently examined alternatives, environmental consequences and mitigation measures under the National Environmental Policy Act.

The appeals court acknowledged the city's concerns about groundwater but concluded that the agency's analysis satisfied federal environmental review requirements.

The ruling did not establish that canal lining would have no effect on groundwater. Rather, the court determined that the Bureau of Reclamation had met its legal obligations in evaluating the project.

Rigdon told council members that a U.S. Supreme Court decision issued while Fernley's appeal was pending had also made it more difficult to challenge federal environmental reviews.

"Unfortunately, during the middle of that appeal to the Ninth Circuit, the United States Supreme Court came down with some precedent that pretty much changed the way these types of cases are argued and tilted the scales pretty heavily in the government's favor," he said.

With the appeal denied, Rigdon outlined three remaining possibilities: asking the three-judge panel to reconsider, requesting a broader review by the Ninth Circuit or petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case.

He advised against pursuing any of them.

"We believe we've really gotten as far as we can go," Rigdon told the council, recommending that the city end the litigation.

Councilman Albert Torres, who said he has been involved with the issue throughout his more than seven years on the council, agreed that continuing the case was unlikely to produce a different result.

"I think that we are really done," Torres said. "And I hate to say that because I hate to give up."

Rigdon said he had worked on the city's canal-related legal matters for approximately 14 years, dating back to the period before the environmental impact statement was developed.

"It's been a long, long road here, and like you, I really hate to give it up, but we really are kind of at the end of the road," he said.

Councilman Ryan Hanan also expressed frustration with the outcome. He recalled attending mediation sessions and meetings with the Truckee-Carson Irrigation District as the city sought to address its concerns.

"I agree that we've exhausted all avenues that are appropriate," Hanan said.

He also emphasized the importance of reviewing any future projects affecting the canal.

"I hope that any future projects that are on that canal, that happen in that corridor, go through the necessary environmental reviews," Hanan said, adding that the city should have opportunities to present evidence and raise questions about additional work.

Torres made the motion to stop the litigation, Hanan seconded it, and the council approved the motion unanimously.

The decision ends the city's pursuit of further appeals in this case, but it does not eliminate the underlying questions about the long-term effects of reduced canal seepage on Fernley's groundwater.

Those concerns remain part of the city's broader water-management challenges as Fernley continues to grow.

Sometimes all it takes to make something happen is somebody deciding to get started.

That's exactly what Teresa Morros and her husband, John, have done at the corner of West Main Street and U.S. 95A in Fernley, where a growing band of volunteers, local businesses and community members has been transforming a neglected stretch of roadside into something the community can be proud of.

And they've done it with donated materials, volunteer labor, a whole lot of shoveling and the occasional expensive lesson.

What started as Teresa's idea to bring a little love back to Main Street has turned into a community project, complete with decorative boulders, benches, trash cans, decomposed granite, recycled artificial turf and custom lighted metal artwork.

No elaborate committees or lengthy meetings. Just people willing to show up, bring what they can and get their hands dirty.

The work has been coming together over the past several weeks, with Teresa posting regular updates on social media, celebrating each addition and thanking volunteers along the way.

One particularly exciting day brought the arrival and installation of decorative lighted poles, along with another load of decomposed granite, commonly called DG.

Of course, not everything has gone according to plan.

As Teresa explained in one update, John accidentally left his tailgate down and lost his impact wrench. Nearly $500 later, he was finally able to finish securing the poles.

But even a missing tool couldn't dampen the enthusiasm.

"One step, one shovel, and sometimes one expensive lesson at a time!" Teresa wrote.

Among the most noticeable improvements is the addition of artificial turf, much of it recycled or reclaimed material donated for the project.

Kelly Brye, Tatiana Marquis, and Colter, along with their crew, tackled the installation, turning dirt and rock into a much more inviting green space. Senior Floor Technician Crispin Garcia helped with some particularly long seams.

In another example of the community spirit behind the project, Tracey Ebert-Roque happened to drive by while volunteers were spreading four cubic yards of DG. Rather than continue on her way, she pulled over and spent more than two hours helping shovel and rake.

It's that kind of spontaneous generosity that has kept the project moving.

Michelle Moffitt of Twisted Steel has contributed her artistic talents, creating distinctive metal pieces that add character to the site. Gopher Construction provided a generous discount on DG, stretching the project's resources further.

Marcel Wagner of the Fernley Chamber of Commerce has spent considerable time behind a shovel, while John Morros has handled many of the day-to-day details, keeping the worksite organized and making sure everything comes together.

Dana Uhlhorn has been another regular supporter, although Teresa joked that his one-handed shoveling technique might be better suited to cheering everyone else on.

Others who have contributed time, materials or assistance include Eric and Kellie Flodman of Cardin Realty and Silver Spur, Katie Gillespie of eXp Realty, Frank Gillespie, Fernley City Council members Ryan Hanan and Albert Torres, Dalton from the City of Fernley, Tori Solberg of Water Heater Mafia and David from Because I Can, who traveled from Spanish Springs to lend a hand.

Concrete has been poured, benches and trash cans installed, decorative lighting added and sections of turf completed. But Teresa isn't finished yet.

In fact, she has a few more surprises planned.

More improvements on the way

In December, a special custom piece created by Twisted Steel will be installed. Teresa knows exactly what it is, but she's keeping the details under wraps.

"I'm like a little kid wanting to tell everyone what it is, but I promised to keep it a secret!" she wrote.

The final phase will focus on the area surrounding a tree and incorporate some of Fernley's railroad history.

Plans include a custom bench featuring scenes from the Southern Pacific Railroad, two additional decorative light poles and an arrangement of colorful steel flowers surrounding an ornamental lighted orb.

Teresa hopes to have the bench completed by the end of 2026, with the remaining improvements finished in early 2027.

The group also plans to launch an engraved paver campaign in early November, allowing residents, families and businesses to leave a permanent mark on the project.

For $80 per paver, donors can honor a loved one, commemorate their family or simply show their Fernley pride.

Teresa has also been mindful of the long-term upkeep. With synthetic turf, DG and metal artwork, the improvements are intended to require little maintenance. The property owner has agreed to help keep the trash cans emptied and provide occasional care for the landscaped areas.

A reason to stop in Fernley

And if anyone wonders whether all this work is making a difference, Teresa has a story about that, too.

On Sunday, she and John were driving by the project when they noticed an RV parked nearby. A couple had backed up to the newly landscaped area, pulled out their lawn chairs and settled in on the grass.

Naturally, Teresa had to stop and say hello.

The couple explained that they were traveling across the country and had stopped in Fernley to do their laundry. While waiting, they spotted the inviting green space and decided to sit outside and enjoy the afternoon.

They told Teresa they had driven through Fernley before but had never felt inclined to stop until now.

"Talk about putting a HUGE smile on my heart!" Teresa wrote.

And really, isn't that the whole point?

A little patch of green, some beautiful artwork, a comfortable place to sit and suddenly two travelers who might otherwise have driven straight through town are stopping to enjoy Fernley.

Not bad for a project that started with an idea, a few shovels and some neighbors willing to help.

As Teresa put it, "We're bringing some love back to Main Street, Fernley!"

The City Council voted 4-0 on Oct. 21 to approve Bill 394, creating the Fernley Power District. Councilman Albert Torres made the motion, and Councilman Ryan Hanan seconded it.

The idea is to get electricity to large businesses as much as 10 years sooner than NV Energy can supply it, with private investors paying for the system. But council members spent much of the discussion on another question: Who should be in charge?

The bill passed with the developer's requested three-member governing board for the power district. The council also directed staff to bring back an amendment proposing two additional members at a later date.

What would the district do?

The district would be a municipal electric utility, with its initial service area in the Victory Logistics District.

Its work could include generating electricity, moving it through power lines, delivering it to customers and storing it for later use.

Bob Sweetin, an attorney representing Mark IV Capital, described approximately $600 million in electric infrastructure, the plants, lines and equipment needed to provide service.

Sweetin said private investment and payments from large businesses using the power would cover those costs. The plan, as presented, would not use city money or put the expense on existing NV Energy customers.

"The real box I want to hit here [is] $0 cost to ratepayers or the city of Fernley," Sweetin said.

He explained that the ordinance is designed to prevent the district from pledging city credit or using city tax revenue or bonds without returning to the council for approval.

For residents, that is a central point: The businesses needing the new power would pay for the system serving them.

Why build a separate utility?

Timing was one of the main reasons offered.

Sweetin said a separate district could get electricity to new businesses by November 2028, compared with what he described as 2038 at the earliest through NV Energy.

"That's a decade, right?" Sweetin said. "So, you advance development, large-scale development by a decade."

For a company deciding where to build, having land is only part of the picture. It also needs enough electricity to open its doors and keep operating.

The presentation also stressed having more certainty about power prices. Long-term agreements could help businesses plan their costs over a 20-year period, while giving the city more predictable franchise fee revenue.

Those were reasons offered for moving ahead. The district still has to turn its plans into financing, contracts and a working electric system.

What could Fernley gain?

One benefit discussed was money coming into the city through a franchise fee, a payment for the utility's right to operate here.

The proposal includes a 1% fee for customers using more than 10 megawatts of power, while smaller customers would pay the city's standard franchise fee of 5%.

A megawatt is a measure of electric power. Businesses requiring more than 10 megawatts might include data centers, large manufacturing operations, distribution facilities and major cold-storage warehouses.

Sweetin said the 10-megawatt threshold was selected to distinguish large industrial electricity users from smaller commercial customers.

He estimated the franchise fee could bring Fernley approximately $3 million in its first full year of operation in 2029, increasing to about $23 million annually by 2032 if the district reaches its projected development levels.

Hanan said the potential revenue could transform the city's ability to fund public projects.

"We would have the resources to do projects that large every year at full buildout," Hanan said, referring to the approximately $20 million cost of the city's community center. "This changes the entire dynamic of the city of Fernley."

Those figures are forecasts, rather than money already available to spend. The amount would depend on how many customers arrive, how much electricity they use and how the district grows.

Who would run it?

The proposed three-member governing board drew questions from Councilman Joe Mendoza who also serves as a battalion chief at the North Lyon County Fire Department and the President of the North Lyon Firefighters Association, Local 4547.

The plan gives Mark IV Capital, the developer of Victory Logistics District, one nomination. A power-generation partner would nominate another member, and the city would nominate the third. The City Council would approve all appointments.

Mendoza asked for five members, with three city nominees and two from the private partners.

"I would like to see a five-person board with additional nominee from the city for a public utility district and maybe another nominee from other entities or stakeholders within the city," Mendoza said.

He questioned whether the proposed structure gave the private interests too much influence over a municipal utility.

"My interest is the future of the city, our constituents and not your investors," Mendoza told Sweetin.

Sweetin explained that the companies would have the right to nominate members, but the council would have the final say on appointments. Once appointed, members would serve as public officials, with obligations to the district rather than the companies that nominated them.

Attorney Paul Lipparelli, who reviewed the proposed ordinance for the city, also addressed the ethics concerns.

"These people who serve on the board after they're nominated by the various parties and after they're confirmed by the City Council will become public officers under the state ethics law," Lipparelli said.

He said the state's conflict-of-interest requirements would prevent employees with direct financial ties to the companies doing business with the district from serving on its board.

City Attorney Aaron Mouritsen acknowledged that the city had initially raised concerns about the governing structure. He pointed to the Raftelis consultant report, which concluded that limitations on the city's authority might be necessary to provide assurances to investors financing the project.

Sweetin argued that changing the board's structure during the meeting would affect the ordinance as noticed in the public record and could affect the financing arrangements being developed for the utility. He suggested approving the ordinance as presented and considering changes through a later amendment.

Hanan supported moving forward, saying the district represented a significant opportunity for Fernley. He questioned whether giving the city three seats on a five-member board would provide a fair balance for the private investors financing the infrastructure.

"I think this is a ginormous win for the city of Fernley," Hanan said.

Torres agreed that the city should continue examining the board's composition but favored establishing the district first.

"I think we're at the decision point and I think what we do is we legislate this," Torres said. "We approve it as written tonight ... and we bring it back after the new year for the amendment asking for a total of five board members."

The council ultimately voted unanimously to approve the ordinance with the three-member board. The motion also directed staff to bring back an amendment proposing two additional board members.

The work ahead will determine how the district operates, who serves on its governing board and when it can begin delivering electricity.

Following a hearing on Aug. 11, Third Judicial District Court Judge Leon Aberasturi ruled that the City Council violated the Open Meeting Law when it expelled Lau on March 4 because the agenda item for the meeting did not expressly identify expulsion as a potential action.

The judge’s written order on that ruling was filed Oct. 15. However, attorneys representing the City of Fernley and Lau disagreed on whether that meant Lau remains expelled because the ruling did not address the action taken by the council on an agenda item at the April 15 meeting for corrective action regarding the Open Meeting Law.

City Attorney Aaron Mouritsen had previously told The Fernley Reporter that the judge did not address the April 15 agenda item because it was not included in any of the previous pleadings in the case and was not before the court for a ruling.

That agenda item did expressly list expulsion as a potential action. But in a motion filed Oct. 16, attorney Jeff Dickerson, representing Lau, argued that “the City assured the Court that the proposed corrective action would not affect Lau and would change the status quo only by permitting the Attorney General to decline prosecution.”

Lau’s motion asks the judge for clarification and enforcement of the prior orders, consideration of judicial estoppel and an order to show cause if the court determines that the city acted contrary to a sufficiently clear restraint. Judicial estoppel requires consideration of whether the same party took positions in judicial proceedings, successfully asserted the earlier position, advanced a totally inconsistent later position and did not take the earlier position through ignorance, fraud or mistake.

The motion also cites a statement released by the city on Oct. 16 saying: “Stan Lau remains expelled from the Fernley City Council. The City Council took corrective on the open meeting law language on April 15th. The Judge did not rule that the second corrective expulsion action was inappropriate. The issued order from the Third Judicial District affirms the City Council's ability to expel its own members for just cause and therefore the corrective expulsion remains in effect.”

Lau’s motion argues that the city took one position to agendize corrective action, succeeded in its corrective action to avoid prosecution, but now advances a totally inconsistent later position.

“The City should be estopped from now asserting its position that is totally inconsistent with its prior position,” the motion states.

On Oct. 19, Lau filed a supplemental exhibit regarding the motion, a letter dated the same day addressed to Dickerson from Sean Lancaster, an attorney representing the city through POOL Pact, which stated that the City of Fernley would not permit Lau to sit as a member of the City Council at its Oct. 1 meeting or any meeting thereafter and that the city would have Lau removed if he attempted to take a seat on the City Council at that meeting.

Lau requests that the judge issue an order requiring the city to state the legal and factual basis on which it claims the April 15 vote independently authorizes his continued exclusion from the council and seeks a determination on whether the city has a lawful, independently effective April basis for excluding him.

Dickerson said he expects the issue to be resolved before the City Council’s Nov. 4 meeting, and if not, by the Nov. 15 meeting.

Lau’s term as councilman ends when the City Council completes its canvass of the results of the Nov. 3 general election in December.

A medical helicopter based in the heart of Fernley is bringing emergency care closer to residents of northern Lyon County and surrounding communities, and Saturday, local firefighters, medical crews and residents gathered to celebrate the new service.

North Lyon Fire and Battle Born Medevac hosted an open house and official ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 24 at Fire Station 61 on East Main Street, recognizing the partnership and the community members and businesses who helped make the new helicopter base possible.

The helicopter, known as Battle Born Medevac 3, began operating from Fernley on Aug. 7. Its arrival marked a significant change for local emergency responders, who previously had to wait for air ambulances dispatched from other communities when critically ill or injured patients needed rapid transportation to a hospital.

The new base places a critical care helicopter and medical flight crew at the fire station, providing a resource for emergencies throughout the Interstate 80 corridor and surrounding rural communities.

For Fernley, where heavy traffic between the city and Reno can delay ground ambulance transportation, having a helicopter nearby can make an important difference.

“Providing the highest level of emergency medical care to our community requires strong partnerships,” North Lyon Fire Chief Brian Bunn said when the base opened in August. “By working alongside Battle Born Medevac, we are improving access to lifesaving resources, reducing response times and ensuring critically ill and injured patients have faster access to definitive medical care.”

The partnership between North Lyon Fire and Battle Born Medevac has been in development for several months.

Bunn first discussed plans to establish a helicopter base at Station 61 during a March meeting of the North Lyon County Fire Protection District Board of Directors. The board approved the agreement with Battle Born Medevac in June.

Under the arrangement, Battle Born Medevac stations a pilot, flight nurse and paramedic at Station 61, where the crew can respond to emergencies without first traveling to Fernley from another community.

Battle Born Medevac CEO Joey Loehner explained the difference during the June fire board meeting.

“We are flying here a lot obviously, but we're coming from Yerington, so with requests, dispatch, launch and flight time it's 27, 28 minutes average response time total, start to finish, to land here, versus now we'll be physically here,” Loehner said.

The helicopter is equipped for advanced medical care, including specialized equipment and whole blood products that may not be available in a traditional ground ambulance.

The estimated flight time from Fernley to Reno is approximately 12 minutes, providing another transportation option for critically ill patients when minutes matter.

The Fernley base is Battle Born Medevac's third helicopter location, joining operations in Yerington and at East Fork Fire Protection District Station 12 in the Carson City area.

The Fernley helicopter serves a regional area that includes Lyon, Churchill, Storey, Pershing and portions of Washoe counties, with additional coverage extending to communities such as Pyramid Lake, Lovelock and Gerlach.

Because it serves the broader region, the aircraft may sometimes be responding to another emergency when needed locally.

The Fernley helicopter operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, according to Rural Medevac Alliance, the organization operating Battle Born Medevac.

Saturday's celebration also recognized the local businesses, public agencies and individuals who helped construct the new helipad behind Station 61.

North Lyon Fire credited Fernley City Councilman Albert Torres, Sanchez Landscaping, American Ready Mix, the City of Fernley Public Works Department and the Nevada Department of Transportation's District 2 with contributing time, materials and resources to make the project possible.

The fire district said the contributions helped establish an important resource for the community while supporting the partnership between local emergency responders and the air medical service.

The new base also allows firefighters and flight crews to work more closely together, coordinating emergency responses and participating in joint training.

“Both agencies view this as a true partnership,” Loehner said when the base opened. “Being co-located at Station 61 allows us to train together more frequently, strengthen relationships between our crews and ultimately provide even better service to the communities we protect.”

North Lyon Fire continues to manage emergency medical responses within its district, with the helicopter available when air transportation is needed.

Saturday's open house gave residents an opportunity to see the medical helicopter up close, tour the fire station, meet firefighters and flight crews, and learn more about the services available in Fernley.

The American Red Cross Nevada Chapter, Nevada State Fire Marshal's Office and Lyon County Emergency Management joined Battle Born Medevac and North Lyon Fire for the event, visiting with residents and sharing information about their work.

Fernley Grocery Outlet donated 50 pumpkins for children attending the open house to take home for Halloween.

North Lyon Fire particularly appreciated the donation, noting that it gave children who might not otherwise have had a pumpkin an opportunity to take one home.

Families spent the afternoon exploring equipment, talking with emergency responders and learning more about the work the agencies do throughout the year.

In a statement following the event, North Lyon Fire thanked the businesses, agencies and residents who participated and helped make the celebration possible.

“Events like this remind us that the fire service is about so much more than responding to emergencies. It's about building relationships, fostering trust, creating connections, and being an active part of the community we serve,” the district said.

The ribbon-cutting marked the formal celebration of a service that is already operating in Fernley, providing another important emergency medical resource for residents and travelers throughout northern Nevada.

Michigan State at UCLA (-14) It has been a very long time since the team that plays in the Rose Bowl has been the best team in Los Angeles. The Bruins are starting a new QB after losing Nico Iamaleava to injury. The long trip does no favors to the Spartans.

UCLA 34, Michigan State 10

Vanderbilt at Kentucky (-11): Kentucky, a football school. It sure looks like it. What kind of alternate universe are we in? Vandy is nowhere near what it was last year.

Kentucky 41, Vanderbilt 17

USC at Wisconsin (+3): Just because I can’t stand USC and Lincoln Riley. Wisconsin is better than most think. The Trojans will have trouble going on the road.

Wisconsin 27, USC 21

Colts at Vikings (-6.5): This should be an easy win for Minnesota, right? The Colts just fired their GM and the coach could be next. The owner is on the sideline, taking notes on who’s naughty or nice.

The Vikings are one of the three undefeated teams left. Hopefully, Minnesota doesn’t turn into Minnesota.

Vikings 30, Colts 13

Rams at Raiders (04.5): The Rams were supposed to go undefeated; They were the best team ever. How has that gone for them? Sean McVay is waiting for the season to end to get into the Monday Night Football booth.

Meanwhile inside the Death star, is it time to bring in Mendoza to play QB for the Raiders. A 3-0 start has quickly turned bad. Rams win but not by the spread.

Rams 24, Raiders 23

Packers (+3) at Lions: You can flip a coin on this one. What Green Bay team shows up? What Detroit team shows up? The Packers are playing just a bit better now and get Josh Jacobs back and that should help. If the real Lions show up it could be bad. I am hoping that     doesn’t happen.

Packers 27, Lions 24 

Last week

College: 1-2

NFL: 1-2

Season

College: 8-16

NFL: 7-9-1

I’d suggest you shoot at different distances so you know where your bullet is landing. For instance, 50 yards, 100 yards, 200 yards. and 300 yards. That way you’ll know right where to aim, especially important if all you have is a head or neck shot. (As a side note this year, I zeroed my rifle in at 200 yards so I can hold right on at 50-300 yards and have a clean kill).

I shoot a lot of Hornady ammo. On my box of ammo, it tells me that if my shot is 1.7” high at 100 yards. that it will be dead on at 200 yards., -7.2” at 300 yards., -20.5” at 400 yards. and -40.7” yards. at 500 yards. You can also find the ballistics on their website. 

 Of course, every rifle shoots a little different and I can only assume extreme altitude differences will alter things as well. So, I’d advise using all of these factory charts as a starting point but verify everything for yourself. (In the end, I always check with Ron Spomer at RonSpomerOutdoors for all of my ballistic questions).

One thing we encounter out West in the wide-open spaces where we sight in our rifles is the wind. Not only does that affect our bullet flight and our ability to hold still but if we don’t have our target tacked on a stable base it can be moving big time which totally messes up our group.

I finally made a solid 2x4 portable frame that works great and is super stable. It is semi compact and easy to throw in the truck when I go out shooting. See the picture if you want to make one.

Below: I'd advise you type out a ballistic chart, laminate it and tape to the stock of your rifle. I go to RonSpomerOutdoors for all of my ballistic questions.

The next big item you have to have is a stable shooting bench. I used to use a card table but I got a Caldwell stable table and love it. It folds up so it is easy to store in your garage. Then you’ll need sandbags to shoot off of. I have a variety of sizes so I can get a perfect rest. There are also bags with little Styrofoam balls in them so you can squeeze them to get the proper elevation when shooting.

If you’re sighting in a larger sized rifle with a lot of recoil, after a couple of shots, you’re going to be flinching. Especially so if you have multiple rifles to shoot or are testing ammo from multiple manufacturers and doing a lot of shooting.

I am freshly aware of this since I drew a good bull tag down in the Owhees and am not bow hunting this year but am going to be using my .338 Win. Mag with some Hornady 240 gr. ammo.

If you’re just shooting a couple of shots to ensure that your rifle is on sight then no biggee but this year I’m totally recalibrating my scope. Plus, I’m then testing it at different distances. A day of that will pound you.

But have no fear, outdoorsmen came out with a cure-the Caldwell Lead Sled. In a nutshell it is a cradle that you set your rifle in. In the old days shooters laid bags of bird shot on the sled to weigh it down so it didn’t kick as much. Most shooters quickly transitioned to just laying their heavy sandbags on the sled.

So, for years, no, decades the lead sled saved shoulders but then about 8-years ago Caldwell came out with something they named the Hydrosled. You fill it with water which is where it gets its weight from. It is super user friendly. I carry a couple of water jugs out to the range and fill it up.

I’m reminded of how handy the Hydrosled is since I went out yesterday shooting to make one last little tweak. So, we now have a lot more aids than we did when I was a kid. Take advantage of them.

Tom Claycomb is an outdoor enthusiast that writes a bi-monthly column for Great Basin Sports.

Below: This is a simple and easy to make target holder but super stable.

The Lakers beat Excel Christian 25-10, 25-9, 26-24 on Oct. 20, then lost in five sets to Coleville on Oct. 22. Stats or scores of the individual sets were not reported. 

Against Excel Christian, Josie Lara and Aiyana Collins led the attack at the net. Lara had nine kills and Collins added seven. Chylie Querta had four kills and Evelyn Mix had three as the Lakers had a total of 27 in the match.

Despite the loss to Coleville, the Lakers won the tiebreaker for the No. 2 seed, but the two teams will face each other in the semifinals of the single-elimination tournament at 1:40 p.m. on Saturday. The winner faces Smith Valley or Sage Ridge in the championship match at 4 p.m. 

The champion and runner-up from the West League tournament advance to the NIAA Class 1A State Girls Volleyball Tournament Nov. 5-7 at Sierra Vista High School in Las Vegas.

Turning yards into points when it mattered most, Fernley punched its playoff ticket and ended Dayton’s season with a gritty 27-16 winner-take-all victory.

Both teams came into the game in the same situation, win and make the playoffs, or lose and the season was over. This time, in a game with no safety net, the Vaqueros didn’t fall.

Jayden Esparza ran for 220 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries, Jayse Jones also ran for a score, Elijah Devold added another 92 yards on the ground on his nine carries.

But it was Isaid Solis who made the play of the game, and considering the stakes, maybe of the season. With the Vaqueros leading 13-8 and Dayton facing second-and-12 from its own 23-yard line with about a minute and a half left in the first half, quarterback Abel Russell threw a short, seemingly safe pass to Silas Lokey near the sideline. As Lokey caught the ball and started to run, Solis stripped the ball from Lokey’s hands and took it 25 yards the other way for a strip-6 touchdown that put the Vaqueros up 20-8 at the half.

The Vaqueros extended the margin to 27-8 on a touchdown run by Jones with 9:20 left in the fourth quarter.

But very little has come easy for the Vaqueros this season, and Dayton’s Duke Evans made sure it didn’t Friday night either. Evans returned the kickoff following Jones’ touchdown 75 yards for his own score. 

The Vaqueros recovered Dayton’s onside kick but fumbled the ball back to the DustDevils two plays later. Dayton drove the ball to the Fernley 22-yard line, but a touchdown run from there by Duke Evans was called back because of a holding penalty. Three plays later, another Dayton touchdown, a 29-yard pass from Russell to Diego Enriquez, was called back by another holding penalty.

On third and long, Kole Miller sacked Russell, and because Russell’s helmet came off on the play, he had to sit out the next play. This time Miller sacked Mike Reitman, and the Vaqueros took possession of the ball and were able to run out the clock.

While the Vaqueros ran only 39 offensive plays in the game, they averaged 8.6 yards per rush and Devold completed his only pass attempt for 34 yards, to Keaunue Tolliver.

Sloan said that ability to control the ball for long stretches and limit the opponent’s time of possession is the formula that makes the Vaqueros a scary underdog in the playoffs.

The Vaqueros are the No. 6 seed in the playoffs, and will play at Spring Creek at 7 p.m. Friday, a place they’ve lost five consecutive times, including 42-7 earlier this season.

But after that game coach Anfernee Sloan said the Vaqueros struggled with handling adversity and didn’t play with enough intensity. 

“It’s hard to beat a team twice in the same season,” he said. ““I guarantee it’s going to be a different kind of game this time.”

Chavez won the boys race with his time of 19:12.17. Redstone finished fifth in the girls race with a time of 25:31.

The Lakers are scheduled to compete this Friday at the 2A North Region Meet at Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno.

Seniors for football and cross country will be honored and Homecoming royalty will be announced and the Parade of Class Floats will take place during halftime.

After the NIAA investigated a fight during the previous week’s game between Owyhee and Coleville, both teams were required to forfeit their next game. The Lakers were scheduled to play at Coleville on Oct. 22.

The forfeit gave the Lakers their second win of the season. Pyramid Lake is now 2-6 overall and 2-5 in the Northern 1A.

The Vaqueros were scheduled to host Incline, the No. 8 seed, Tuesday night in the first round. The winner of that match advances to Friday’s semifinals at South Tahoe to face either South Tahoe or Fallon at 5 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.

Fernley finished the regular season 9-1 in the Northern 3A West and as part of a three‑way tie with Truckee and South Tahoe for first place. Truckee earned the No. 1 seed with a 2-1 record against Fernley and South Tahoe, and Fernley claimed the No. 2 seed because it won the head‑to‑head match with South Tahoe.

The Vaqueros closed the regular season last Thursday with a four‑set win over Dayton, 25‑22, 25‑11, 22‑25, 25‑18.

Trista Menesini led with 16 kills, and Emma Masters added 15. Fernley’s back row handled a heavy workload, finishing with 66 digs. Jocelyn Escartin had 15 of them, Alauna Escartin added 14, Masters had 11, and Menesini recorded 10. Alauna Escartin also finished with 32 assists.

Fernley finished the season with a 4-13-1 overall record, including 3-2-1 in crossover games against the West Division to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2023.

The Vaqueros were scheduled to open the postseason Tuesday at 3:45 p.m. against Truckee. The winner advances to Friday’s regional semifinals at Lowry to play the winner of the quarterfinal between Fallon and North Tahoe.

The Vaqueros had six shots on goal, including four by Harrison O’Donnell, and goalkeeper Travis Lyle made eight saves. Fallon led 1-0 at halftime, then pulled away with two goals in the second half.

The Vaqueros finished the season 0-10 in the Northern 3A East and 0-20 overall, but coach Angel Muniz said the team continued to compete despite a difficult season.

“The boys fought a good battle but fell short,” Muniz said. “Unfortunately, we had a rough season this year, but even with all these losses these boys stayed positive and kept pushing till the end. I’m proud of them and watching their progress throughout the season. I look forward to seeing this team continue to grow.”

Danny grew up in Fernley, and graduated valedictorian from Fernley High School in 1983.

In high school, he was known for his passion for football, and an outgoing personality, which caused him to spend a lot of time in the principal's office in grade school. Because of his love for the game, he tried out for a pro team but was rejected for being too small. He enrolled in pre-med, and worked at Washoe Medical Center, hoping to get any position on the medical staff of any pro football team.

Danny leaves behind a daughter Riley, and her two daughters; a son, Chase; his sister, Nancy, his sister Kaylene (and her husband Rick), and his brother Rick (and his wife Harriet); his nieces and nephews, Shanna, Nelson, Selena, Shane and Troy; and several cousins.

Danny will be remembered fondly by his family and loved ones. He will be deeply missed by those whose lives he touched.

Danny, rest in peace, forever remembered, and always loved.

Low Gross: Patty Liljeberg, 80

Low Net: (3-way tie) Linda Garrett, Val Montgomery and Bonnie MacQuarrie, 55

Closest to Pin #7: Linda Garrett. 13'3"

Closest to Pin #11: Rita Hanifen, 22"4"

Fewest Putts: (Tie) Val Montgomery and Bonnie MacQuarrie, 28

Most Putts: (Tie) Karen Holcher and Rita Hanifen, 35

considered by law to be public information.                    

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

Benton Bond
Area: Silver Springs
Bail: $1,640
Charges: Resist public officer; Criminal contempt; Fail to appear after bail on gross misdemeanor crime; Felony arrest for violation of condition of parole; Resist public officer

Danny Sobieralski
Area: Silver Springs
Bail: $10,000
Charges: Violation of sex offender registration, (1st)

Kayla Hansen
Area: Mason Valley
Bail: $2,310
Charges: Trespass, not amounting to burglary; Use/possess drug paraphernalia; Resist public officer

Donald Wells
Area: Silver Springs
Bail: $24,780
Charges: Possess Schedule I, II controlled substance less than 14 grams, (1st or 2nd); Driver disobey peace officer, damage property; Resist public officer; Use/possess drug paraphernalia

Wesley Blackwell
Area: Fernley
Bail: $3,640
Charges: Possess Schedule I, II controlled substance less than 14 grams, (1st or 2nd); Use/possess drug paraphernalia

Geoffrey Meudt
Area: Mound House
Bail: $192,280
Charges: Burglary of a motor vehicle, (1st); Attempt burglary of a business, (1st); Possess burglary tools; Destroy property of another, $250 - $5k; Conspiracy to commit crime; Own/possess gun by prohibited person; Buy/possess/receive stolen property, $1200 but less than $5k; Possess/sell/transfer/receive firearm without serial number, (1st); Possess more than 1 ounce/less than 50 pounds marijuana/more than 1/8 ounce/less than 1 pound concentrated cannabis; Sell/transfer gun by unlicensed person without background check (1st); Possess Schedule I, II controlled substance less than 14 grams, (1st or 2nd); Burglary of a structure; Use/possess drug paraphernalia; Convicted person fail to register with law enforcement within 48 hours

Keith Watrous
Area: Dayton
Bail: $1,695
Charges: Fail to appear on traffic citation

Jimmy Currier
Area: Mason Valley
Bail: $0
Charges: Court commitment

Ezequiel Mendoza Ayala
Area: Dayton
Bail: $640
Charges: Drive with revoked driver's license

Thomas Metzger
Area: Mason Valley
Bail: $0
Charges: Court commitment

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

Michael Fox
Area: Fernley
Bail: $200,000
Charges: Possess Schedule I, II controlled substance 42+ grams; Conspiracy to violate Uniform Controlled Substances Act, (1st); Owner/possess gun by prohibited person; Use/possess drug paraphernalia

Cheyann Hatler
Area: Fernley
Bail: $100,000
Charges: Possess Schedule I, II controlled substance 42+ grams; Conspiracy to violate Uniform Controlled Substances Act, (1st)

Steven Frey
Area: Silver Springs
Bail: $7,500
Charges: Violation of sex offender registration, (1st) (2 counts)

Robert Heberle
Area: Silver Springs
Bail: $1,560
Charges: Drive without driver's license; Owner - proof of insurance required; License plates improperly displayed

Michael Sanchez
Area: Dayton
Bail: $18,640
Charges: Possess Schedule I, II controlled substance less than 14 grams, (1st or 2nd); Burglary of a motor vehicle, (1st); Burglary of a structure; Use/possess drug paraphernalia

Stephanie Heberle
Area: Silver Springs
Bail: $2,500
Charges: Possess Schedule I, II controlled substance less than 14 grams, (1st or 2nd)

Lena Young
Area: LCSO
Bail: $0
Charges: Court commitment

Destiny Malsbury
Area: Fernley
Bail: $1,140
Charges: Resist public officer

Lemuel Rosier
Area: Mason Valley
Bail: $4,170
Charges: Fail to appear after bail, misdemeanor crime

Steven Farwell
Area: Mason Valley
Bail: $13,640
Charges: Attempted forgery; Perjury, make false/unqualified statement in declaration; Unlawful act by person registering to vote; Resist public officer

Marie Esteem
Area: Mason Valley 
Bail: $2,310
Charges: DUI, (1st); Open alcohol container in vehicle

Tristan Merrow
Area: Silver Springs
Bail: $1,610
Charges: DUI, (1st); Fail to maintain lane/improper lane change/use signal; Open alcohol container in vehicle

Ricky Lo
Area: Fernley
Bail: $1,975
Charges: DUI, (2nd); Drive with revoked driver's license; Fail to decrease speed or use due care

Donald Schragl
Area: Silver Springs
Bail: $5,000
Charges: Violation of sex offender registration, (1st)

Some older adults decide to sell their family home and put the proceeds toward a new lifestyle. Especially if longtime friends, neighbors and beloved family members have moved out of the area, this can be a desirable choice.

Independent living communities are popping up across the United States. Prices vary by location and community. Fernley has no independent living communities; in Reno and Carson City, monthly costs range widely, starting at around $3,500.

This could be an especially good choice for healthy older adults who are social by nature. Depending on the community, rent may include housekeeping, utilities, some meals and local transportation. Many also offer a full calendar of social activities to enjoy with new neighbors.

For those considering selling their home because they need help with daily activities, an assisted living community may be an option.

Fernley Estates is elegant, impeccably clean and, as the name suggests, right here in town. During my visit, the atmosphere was warm, welcoming and friendly, with kind, respectful and efficient staff ready to help. One resident described it as “like living on a cruise ship.”

Residents range in age from 65 into their 90s. The community offers 50 units, including studios, deluxe studios, and one- and two-bedroom apartments. Each has a private bathroom and kitchenette. Residents bring their own furniture to create a familiar, comfortable apartment decorated to their taste.

Abby Ferguson’s official title is sales and marketing director. She could easily be called Fernley Estates’ goodwill ambassador. She clearly believes in the mission and cares deeply about the residents, their families and her coworkers.

During the tour, Ferguson proudly pointed out the community’s amenities. She said the monthly apartment rate includes three meals a day with menu choices, utilities, housekeeping, laundry service, local transportation and a variety of entertainment options. Residents enjoy movie nights, card clubs, crafts, visiting musicians and entertainers, field trips, holiday events, discussion groups and more. Monthly apartment rates start at around $4,500.

Assistance with personal care carries an additional charge. According to Ferguson, Fernley Estates has eight levels of care, determined through a point system. Level One is for residents who need minimal assistance, with higher levels reflecting more extensive needs. Care costs increase accordingly.

Families should ask what services each level includes, how residents are reassessed and what circumstances could require a move to another care setting. The availability of additional assistance can provide reassurance, but it is important to understand the community’s limits.

Fernley Estates also has a 16-bed memory care unit. For families of residents living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, having memory care on-site may provide an option if their loved one’s needs change. Families should ask about availability, admission requirements and additional costs.

According to Ferguson, Fernley Estates does not accept Medicaid.

The monthly costs are substantial. Still, when comparing options, it helps to consider the expenses that may be replaced by the apartment rate: meals, utilities, home repairs and yard maintenance.

No need to replace that washer or dryer. And the roof? Not their problem.

For those who sell their homes, property taxes and homeowners insurance on that property also go away. Owning and maintaining a car may become optional.

That does not mean assisted living will cost the same as staying home. The comparison depends on current household expenses, the apartment selected and the amount of personal care needed.

Taking Social Security, pensions, savings and proceeds from a home sale into account may make a move possible. The important question is whether those resources can cover both today’s costs and potential increases in care expenses.

If you are considering independent or assisted living, do your homework. Compare what is included in the monthly rate, what costs extra and how fees may change. Options in Reno and Carson City may also be worth exploring.

In the next installment of this series, we will look at Golden Years Castle Homes-Fernley and a variety of services available to Fernley’s older adults.

The proposed changes would remove time-of-day restrictions and allow operation for up to 16 hours daily and 5,840 hours annually. The application also includes changes to processing equipment descriptions and pollution-control systems.

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection has made a preliminary determination to issue the renewed and revised Class II permit. According to the agency, the proposed changes would not cause or contribute to violations of federal or state air-quality standards.

The public comment period runs Oct. 22 through Nov. 21. Comments will be considered before a final permit decision.

The draft permit and supporting documents are available at ndep.nv.gov/posts/category/public-notices/air. Written comments or hearing requests may be emailed to aircomments@ndep.nv.gov or mailed to Tanya Soleta, NDEP Bureau of Air Pollution Control, 901 S. Stewart St., Suite 4001, Carson City, NV 89701.

Pool manager Patrick reported that the systems appear to be operating correctly, although some functions still need to be fully verified.

The pump is circulating and filtering water, chemicals are beginning to feed into the system, and the water is being heated.

Patrick also reported a change in the water’s color after the systems restarted. He attributed it to accumulated debris returning from the piping to the main pool and said he expected normal filtration and chemical treatment to clear it. Additional treatment may be needed if rust residue is involved.

State health officials have been notified that the pool is ready for inspection, but an inspection date had not been confirmed at the time of the update.

No reopening date was provided.

We want to express our sincere gratitude for your incredible support and participation in making our fundraising event such a success! Your presence, enthusiasm, and generosity have made a significant impact, and we are truly humbled by your commitment to our cause. 

 We appreciate all the businesses that donated to our raffle/event:

Kiln-time Pottery Studio

Furr-Nley's pet spa

Tillie's and Crew Sourdough 

All Points Bar & Grill 

Puppy Clips and Pets

Papa Murphys

Wingers

Steve's Ice Cream

Las Palmas

Pizza Factory

Stella Jones

Thank you,

 Nan Leija