Fernley City Council
1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 5 p.m.
City Hall, 595 Silver Lace Blvd.
Next meeting May 6

Fernley Planning Commission
2nd Wednesday of the month at 5 p.m.
City Hall, 595 Silver Lace Blvd.
Next meeting May 13

Fernley Senior Citizen Advisory Committee
2nd Friday of even-numbered months at 9 a.m.
City Hall, 595 Silver Lace Blvd.
Next meeting May 8

Lyon County Commission
1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 9 a.m.
Lyon County Administrative Complex
27 S. Main St., Yerington
Next meeting May 7

Lyon County Planning Commission
2nd Tuesday of the month at 9 a.m.
Lyon County Administrative Complex
27 S. Main St., Yerington
Next meeting May 12

Lyon County Library Board of Trustees
4th Tuesday of the month at 9:30 a.m.
Locations rotate between the five county libraries
Next meeting April 28

Lyon County School District Board of Trustees
4th Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
Locations rotate between each attendance area
Next meeting April 28

North Lyon County Fire Protection District Board of Trustees
2nd Thursday of the month
195 E. Main St.
Next meeting May 14

Fernley Swimming Pool General Improvement District
3rd Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m.
300 Cottonwood Lane
Next meeting May 19

The master plan amendment changed the land use designation from GR (General Rural) to (I) Industrial, and the zoning change rezoned the property from GR20 (General Rural, 20-acre minimum lot size) to (I) Industrial.

During earlier public comments, a man who said he was a longtime project manager for electrical generating projects cautioned the council that such a large electrical plant may have severe noise impacts on nearby residences.

Dave Snelgrove, a planning manager for Bowman Consultants representing Mark IV Capital, showed an aerial view of the site looking south and indicated that the closest residential properties are about two-and-a-half to three miles away, on the south side of U.S. Highway 50A.

The 109-acre triangular-shaped power plant parcel is located directly adjacent to I-80 on the west, Bureau of Land Reclamation land to the east, and City of Fernley land containing the Victory Logistics Planned Development to the south. The parcel was annexed into the city in mid-December by a unanimous vote of the city council.

Councilwoman Felicity Zoberski asked whether any workforce housing is planned within the industrial area. Mark IV Capital Vice President of Entitlements Scott Barnes said workforce housing is part of the North Fernley Plan the company will be working on this spring and would be separated from the industrial development by the freeway.

In earlier comments about the proposed power plant, Barnes said the power plant would serve large power users in the Victory Logistics District many years before NV Energy would be able to provide that service.

Arts Plumbing, LLC, Reno, Plumbing contractor  

High Desert Electric, Inc., Gardnerville, Electrical contractor 

Case Craft Construction LLC, Fernley, Contractor  

Gary Lawless dba/HandyMan Hands, Fernley, Handyman  

Panelized Structures, Inc., Modesto, CA, Contractor  

RVE, Inc. dba/RVi Planning + Landscape Architecture, Reno, Business specific professional  

Padgett and Son's LLC, Sparks, Contractor  

Fusion Sign & Design LLC, Las Vegas, Contractor  

Los Placoso, Fernley, Restaurant/Fast Food 

Imperfectly Perfect, Fernley, Hobby/Crafter, Sewing  

F.E. Moran, Inc. Fire Protection, Champaign, IL, Contractor  

Calyn Wright dba/The Wright Touch,  Fernley, Massage Therapist  

Spanish Springs Plumbing, LLC, Sparks, Contractor  

Moore Construction LLC dba/Striker Construction LLC, Sparks, Contractor  

BD Investments, LLC, Reno, Property Rentals  

Eugene Victor Erickson dba/E V Erickson, Fernley, Surveying services  

STC Netcom Inc. dba/Centerline Communications LLC, Loomis, CA, Contractor 

Duffy Road currently curves through two Victory Logistics parcels north of Nevada Pacific Parkway before joining with Conner Drive and passing under Interstate 80. It is that portion of Duffy Road that was approved for abandonment.

A new road, called Innovation Drive, was proposed adjacent to and southeast of the two affected parcels, running from Nevada Pacific Parkway to Conner Drive, in order to continue the connection with the I-80 underpass, where Duffy Road retains its name on the other side of the freeway.

Longtime resident John Duffy requested that the new roadway tentatively named Innovation Drive instead be named Duffy Road to retain the name of his family, which has been in the city since the 1930s, and to maintain continuity.

After a brief recess, Councilman Joe Mendoza asked if retaining the Duffy Road name was acceptable to Mark IV Capital, the developer of Victory Logistics District. Mark IV Capital Vice President of Entitlements Scott Barnes said the new road had been labeled Duffy Road during the planning process, but Lyon County insisted the name should be Innovation Drive to prevent confusion for emergency responders.

“We do see the importance of the local heritage,” Barnes said, adding that Mark IV is willing to keep the Duffy Road name as long as the fire department agrees and the city supports that name change when it is presented to Lyon County.

The council voted unanimously to approve the road abandonment on the condition that the new roadway between Nevada Pacific Parkway and Conner Drive be renamed Duffy Road.

A temporary public access easement and maintenance agreement will allow continued public access across the abandoned section of Duffy Road until the new section of Duffy Road is completed and accepted by the city, according to a staff report.

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.

ADRIANA CARDONA
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $4,780
Charges: Unlawful use of emergency phone number (911); resist public officer; false statement to/obstruct public officer

MICHAEL WHITESIDE
Area: Dayton
Bail amount: $2,280
Charges: Contribute to delinquency/negligence of minor; obstruct/hinder/interfere with public officer

ROBBIE WENDT
Area: Dayton
Bail amount: $1,895
Charges: Drive with suspended driver license; owner – proof of insurance required; license plates improperly displayed

ALEXANDRIA ERDEI
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $3,140
Charges: Domestic battery, 1st

MARK HARRIS
Area: Mason Valley
Bail amount: $10,000
Charges: Violation of stalking/harassment EPO

NICKALAS RICHARDSON-HAINES
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $640
Charges: Drive with revoked driver license

DANIELLE BROWN
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $46,445
Charges: Possession of schedule I/II controlled substance 42+ grams; use/possession of drug paraphernalia; drive without driver license

SHELDON PHELPS
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $4,135
Charges: DUI (2nd); resist public officer; open alcohol container in vehicle

MICHAEL MORENO
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $1,895
Charges: DUI (1st); driver disobey peace officer; fail to yield at stop/yield sign or controlled intersection

TRAVIS GUMATAOTAO
Area: Silver Springs
Bail amount: $2,500
Charges: Criminal contempt

TAMMY COX
Area: Dayton
Bail amount: $2,280
Charges: Obstruct/hinder/interfere with public officer; contribute to delinquency/negligence of minor

MICHELLE SCOTT
Area: LYSO
Bail amount: $20,000
Charges: Battery by prisoner/probationer/parolee on first responder

RONALD MILLER
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $3,530
Charges: DUI (1st); reckless driving; disregard safety (1st) – enhanced/work zone

ROCK ROGERS
Area: LYSO
Bail amount: $6,280
Charges: Domestic battery, 1st (2 counts)

RICKY ARSON
Area: LYSO
Bail amount: $3,140
Charges: Domestic battery, 1st

JOSHUA FINE
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $2,750
Charges: Drive with suspended driver license; buy/possess/receive stolen property < $1200; display fictitious registration/plate/title; operate unregistered vehicle/trailer/semi; owner – proof of insurance required

KANAAN BOWMAN
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $309,205
Charges: Driver disobey peace officer, endangering persons/property; reckless driving, disregard person/property safety (1st); basic speed – 41+ mph over posted limit; driver fail to obey traffic control devices; follow too closely; fail to yield at stop/yield sign or controlled intersection; fail to wear safety belt/shoulder harness; drive with suspended driver license; owner – proof of insurance required; operate vehicle with expired registration/plates; fail to possess/surrender driver license; resist public officer

ERIC STILLWELL
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $1,140
Charges: DUI (1st)

MANUEL MORALES-GAMEZ
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $1,280
Charges: Non-resident drive when privilege suspended/revoked/cancelled; driver disobey peace officer

KATIE KISSEL
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $12,030
Charges: DUI (1st); reckless driving with disregard safety person/property (1st) – enhanced – pedestrian safety zone; felony arrest fugitive from other state/complaint/warrant; court commitment

LINDSAY RIDDLE
Area: Silver Springs
Bail amount: $3,140
Charges: Domestic battery, 1st

FRANCISCO DAMIAN PLASCENCIA
Area: LYSO
Bail amount: $1,795
Charges: DUI (1st); open alcohol container in vehicle; basic speed – 46–50 mph over posted limit

CARLOS SCOTT
Area: LYSO
Bail amount: $2,385
Charges: DUI (1st); fail maintain lane/improper lane change/use signal; drive with suspended driver license; operate unregistered vehicle/trailer/semi; possess/consume marijuana in public place/marijuana store/vehicle

MICHAEL JOHNSON
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $1,395
Charges: DUI (1st); basic speed – 1–10 mph over posted limit; fail maintain lane/improper lane change/use signal

Kessler is facing charges of attempted murder with the use of a deadly weapon, battery with a deadly weapon causing substantial bodily harm, and discharging a weapon where persons might be endangered. He was arrested following the shooting Jan. 7 in the parking lot of the Fernley Village Marketplace, in front of Steve’s Homemade Ice Cream. The criminal complaint alleges that Kessler attempted to kill the victim by shooting him eight times. The complaint states that the victim suffered a fractured femur, internal bleeding, and other substantial injuries.

Deputies were dispatched to a report of the shooting at 6:48 p.m. on Jan. 7. Kessler was arrested at the scene, and the victim was transported to Renown Regional Medical Center by Care Flight.

A not guilty plea was entered by the court during a bail/arraignment hearing in Justice Court on Jan. 9.

During the status conference on April 14, attorney Joey Gilbert, representing Kessler, and Deputy District Attorney Samantha Edmondo both told the court they are still reviewing evidence and are not seeking to rush the case.

Gilbert told the court a use-of-force expert had been on scene the previous weekend as part of the defense’s investigation.

“Eventually I’d like to sit down with the state and discuss a proposed offer,” he said. “We’re in no hurry. Mr. Kessler is doing everything the court asks him to do, and we have no problem accommodating the state.”

Judge Matheus said she agreed.

“As long as we’re in communication and compliance is good.”

The work stems from damage caused by a 2024 windstorm, which forced the district to plan a full roof replacement. Construction began in mid-February, and contractors estimate they can finish the interior portion by May 31, leaving a narrow window to refill, heat and prepare the pool while exterior work is being finished in time to reopen by June 14, the day after the end of the school year.

Project Superintendent Tom Estes of SB Builders, Pool Director Patrick Daniel and Pool Board President Suzanne Prouty said the surprises only became visible after construction crews removed the acoustic ceiling tiles and exposed decades-old materials and systems that had been hidden from view.

Those surprises ranged from systems that no longer met current standards to structural elements that didn’t match the original plans.

Estes said crews began the project by removing the acoustic ceiling tiles and the hangers that supported them, which exposed abandoned ductwork that had been left in place and hidden above the drop ceiling. Because the remodel will feature an open industrial-style ceiling, all unused ductwork had to be removed.

Estes said crews have since framed new 2½-inch walls along both sides of the pool to hold insulation, cement board and new electrical and security conduit. A temporary storefront opening was installed to move equipment and materials in and out of the building, and a buffer zone was created around the pool edge to protect the finished cap along the top of the pool wall, known as the coping, and scuppers, which are the openings that carry overflow water into the gutter system.

When crews removed the interior ceiling panels, they found that a layer of material shown in the original design documents between the insulation and the external roof was missing.

“When they opened up the roof, it was just a complete surprise,” Daniel said.

The demolitions also revealed electrical wiring and fire-alarm components that no longer met current code requirements. Estes said the outdated wiring and fire-alarm components are being replaced as part of the interior work, and electricians are installing new conduit and cabling to bring the entire system up to current code. He said the upgrades won’t affect the overall schedule but had to be addressed while the ceiling was open.

“The biggest shock was the electric and the fire,” Prouty said. “Having to redo everything, we did not expect that.”

Estes said once the ceiling was opened, the work shifted from demolition to rebuilding the systems that had been exposed.

“It’s part of the process of, basically, you kick open the door and you get rid of the cosmetics, and you see the old bones,” he said. “You’ve got a good situation, but you’ve got to update everything before you can put the skin back on.”

All of that came after a separate problem surfaced even before construction began. The pool was scheduled to stay open through Feb. 16, but on Feb. 13, Daniel told the contractors during a meeting that he could drain the pool using the pool’s circulation pump.

“I left that meeting, walked into the back of the building and said, ‘Wow, it's really quiet back here,’” Daniel said. “Nothing was running.”

The pump failure forced the pool to close three days early, and staff spent President’s Day weekend trying to find another way to drain the pool so construction could begin that Tuesday.

The pool uses a two-pump system, with one pump running and the other serving as a backup. But Daniel said one of the pumps was already inoperable.

“When the working pump stopped, we just had two broken pumps,” he said.

Daniel said one pump will be replaced and the other will be refurbished to serve as the backup, and he hopes the upgraded system will last a decade.

Despite the setbacks, Estes said the work remains on schedule. He hopes to finish the section of the roof over the pool area before May 31, which would give staff time to get the pool ready to open by June 14. Prouty said the work on the portion of the roof over the offices can be completed while the pool is open.

“We’re still sticking to the schedule as designed, and whatever hiccups come through, we’ll meet that situation head-on and keep going forward,” he said.

Prouty said it will take about two weeks to refill the pool, heat it to the proper temperature and balance the chemicals.

“We're literally filling 170,000 gallons with a garden hose,” Daniel said. “So it takes days.”

The district will also replace some of its lifeguards after being closed for four months.

“We’ve lost staff that went off to college or whatnot, so we’ll be looking at hiring probably five to 10 junior employees to make up for that,” Daniel said.

When the project is finished, Estes hopes the next crew that works on the building won’t find similar surprises behind the walls.

“We’re updating everything so the next person who takes this on gets something better than we found,” he said.

The facility, developed by the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, will serve children from six weeks to five years old and is expected to accommodate 70 to 80 additional children once completed.

Lyon County Commissioner Rob Jacobsen emphasized the urgency of the need. In Lyon County, only about 10 percent of licensed childcare demand is currently being met, leaving many families without reliable options.

“This is a daycare desert,” he said during the ceremony, noting that limited childcare access directly impacts workforce participation and family stability.

The new center will be located adjacent to the existing Boys & Girls Club site, creating what organizers described as a “one-stop” location for families with children of different ages. Parents will be able to drop off both school-aged children and younger siblings in a single place, reducing daily logistical challenges.

Club officials said the expansion reflects a broader shift in how the organization serves the community.

“We’re not just an after-school program anymore,” said Oscar Padilla, area director of the Boys & Girls Club. “We’re becoming a comprehensive support system for families.”

The early learning center will offer structured curriculum for all age groups, including infants, toddlers, and pre-kindergarten students, with a focus on preparing children for success in school.

City officials highlighted another key aspect of the project: it is being built entirely through private fundraising and donor support, with no cost to taxpayers.

“This represents an investment in our children, our families, and our future,” said Neal McIntyre.

The project has been years in the making, spanning multiple city administrations and requiring coordination between local government, nonprofit leadership, and private partners. Construction is expected to begin immediately following final permitting, with crews scheduled to break ground the day after the ceremony.

Community leaders say the impact will extend beyond childcare alone. Early childhood education is widely recognized as a key factor in long-term academic success, and local educators noted that children who enter kindergarten prepared are significantly more likely to succeed.

Organizers also pointed to future plans for the site, including additional community facilities such as a gymnasium, as part of a larger vision to expand services in Fernley.

For now, the focus remains on getting the early learning center built and open to families.

“This is a big step forward,” Padilla said. “And it’s just the beginning.”

Representatives from CareSource, Bren Oscarson-McClean and Deb Whittaker, explained their program. One of the state’s new managed care organizations, Oscarson-McClean and Whittaker outlined expanded benefits, community investment commitments, and a new approach to rural healthcare delivery for local business and community leaders.

CareSource, a nonprofit insurer founded in 1989, is new to Nevada but serves more than two million members nationwide. Company representatives emphasized a community-based model, with staff living in the regions they serve and working directly with residents to navigate care.

“We’re not just billing insurance,” Whittaker said. “We’re trying to fill the gaps that people face in their everyday lives.”

That approach includes a range of “value-added” services beyond traditional medical coverage, such as transportation to appointments, workforce assistance, housing and food support, and home visitation programs for mothers and infants.

One of the more notable commitments: CareSource pledged to reinvest 10 percent of its profits into Nevada communities—well above the state’s required 2 percent—along with a minimum of $500,000 directed specifically toward rural areas.

The company is also partnering with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club to help cover program access for eligible families and is offering expanded transportation options, including mileage reimbursement for family members or community drivers, an effort aimed at addressing one of rural Nevada’s biggest barriers to care.

But alongside those opportunities, local attendees raised concerns about the rollout.

Healthcare providers and community members described confusion over which doctors are currently accepting CareSource patients, with some reporting gaps in specialty care, including dermatology.

“There were hiccups,” one attendee said, noting that some patients were transitioned into the new system before provider networks were fully established.

CareSource representatives acknowledged the challenges, pointing to ongoing contracting efforts with providers and encouraging community members to report gaps so they can be addressed.

In some cases, the company said it can arrange “single case agreements” to allow patients to continue seeing needed specialists while contracts are finalized.

The shift comes as Nevada moves from a traditional fee-for-service Medicaid model to a managed care system, a change intended to improve coordination of care and address long-standing disparities, particularly in rural areas such as Fernley, where access to specialists, transportation, and support services has historically been limited.

Whittaker said the long-term goal is to build stronger local systems by working directly with community organizations, healthcare providers, and residents.

“This is a step in the right direction,” she said. “We’ve been asking for something like this in rural Nevada for a long time.”

For now, both providers and patients are adjusting to the new system, working to balance expanded benefits with the realities of implementation. For more information, visit the CareSource website at caresource.com/nevada/ or contact bren.mcclean@caresoruce.com for Lyon County. For Humboldt, Lander, and Pershing counties, the contact is debra.whittaker@caresource.com. 

Use any brand or grade of all-purpose flour you have on hand. If you are buying flour for this recipe specifically, try to buy the unbleached variety. The double-pack available at Costco is very highly rated. I used the cheapest Great Value variety available and still achieved impressive results.

You can make this loaf in a Dutch oven or by using the “inverted method,” where the ball of dough is placed on a flat cast iron skillet with another iron skillet placed upside down on top. Either way, the idea is to trap steam from the dough, which gives the loaf that crunchy golden crust.

When first assembling, the wet dough ball should have the consistency of messy mashed potatoes — gloopy. Later, make sure to score the top of the dough ball just before baking so the loaf rises up instead of out. If you do these two things, you will end up with a loaf that looks like you made a trip to an artisan baker.

You might think the convenience justifies the price, but this recipe takes only a few minutes of your time and four ingredients. No kneading required, and your house will smell delicious. Making two of these personal loaves a week could save you $215 a year over buying from the big-box. Any way you slice it, that’s a lot of dough.

Ingredients

1 Dutch oven or cast iron skillet and pan
Parchment paper
Mixing bowl

1.5 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup water
1/4 tsp instant yeast (1/2 tsp if using active dry)
3/4 tsp salt

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl until they form a sticky ball.
2. Cover the dough ball and leave on your counter for 12–18 hours. It should double in size and get bubbly.
3. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
4. Place the Dutch oven or iron skillets into the oven for at least 30 minutes until thoroughly hot.
5. Scrape the dough ball onto a piece of parchment paper lightly dusted with flour.
6. Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven or cast iron from the oven and drop the dough ball into or onto it, parchment paper and all.
7. Bake covered for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the lid and bake uncovered for 5–8 minutes, until the crust is golden in color.
9. Remove from oven and let cool completely before slicing, about 1 hour.

Development Coordinator Jessica Murdock said the first event last year had about 35 exhibitors.

“Based on the results we had, I’ll probably be bringing it back for our third annual Business Expo,” she said. “We want to continue to facilitate these connections so that we continue as a community, and with the city of Fernley growing, we're all going to see the growth. We might as well all grow together.”

Murdock said the idea for the expo came from the city’s 2024 business survey.

“I proposed organizing a business expo and opening it up to everyone, whether they have a storefront or not, whether they have a Fernley business license or are coming from Reno, Fallon, Sparks or Carson,” she said.

Last year’s expo drew more out-of-town businesses than this year’s, which she said became “truly more of a local business event.”

At 15-6 in league play and in third place entering this week, the Vaqueros could finish as high as second if they sweep Elko and Dayton sweeps Spring Creek, or as low as fifth if they go winless this weekend.

Elko leads the league with a 20-1 record, while Spring Creek is 17-4. Behind the Vaqueros, Wooster and Dayton are both 14-7. Wooster will be at home this week for three games against Fallon, which is in sixth place at 10-11.

The top eight teams qualify for the regional tournament, which opens May 1-2 with the top four seeds hosting a best-of-3 series. The winners of those four series will advance to the double-elimination tournament the following weekend.

Spring Creek took two of three games in Fernley last week, giving them a tiebreaking advantage if the two teams finish with the same record.

Spring Creek won Friday’s game 9-2, then Saturday the teams split a pair of one-run decisions, with Fernley winning the first game 4-3 and Spring Creek returning the favor in the second, 5-4.

“Friday was a bad day of baseball for us, and Saturday was a day of great baseball from both teams,” Fernley coach Thomas Chapin said.

Spring Creek broke Friday’s game open with all nine runs in the third and fourth innings, while the Vaqueros couldn’t capitalize with runners on base.

“We really got beat with two strikes,” Chapin said. “Whether it was pitching with two strikes or hitting with two strikes, we didn’t execute and win those battles. Hitters going down on bad pitches and pitchers giving too good of pitches to hit.”

Vaquero batters made hard contact through the game, starting with a home run by Vance Swindlehurst in the first inning and three doubles among their other nine hits. They also had several hard-hit balls that Spring Creek turned into outs.

Nikko Pryor had four of Fernley’s 10 hits, including two doubles, but Fernley was unable to string multiple hits together.

In Saturday’s first game, Sidnny Clark singled to score Nikko Pryor with the winning run with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning. Spencer Pryor delivered the tying run with a single that scored Swindlehurst.

“When we came around with the middle of our order up in the bottom of the seventh, I had a lot of confidence we could win it,” Chapin said. “And Spencer delivers a huge game-tying hit and is followed up by Sidnny with his second walk-off of the season. Just great stuff.”

But in the second game Saturday, it was Spring Creek’s McCoy McArtor who singled in the winning run in the top of the seventh.

Fernley led 4-1 after scoring three runs in the second inning, but the Spartans chipped away with a run in the third, two in the fifth to tie it 4-4 and then won it in the seventh.

“We were able to exploit their defense early with small-ball bunts, but our offense just stalled after that,” Chapin said.

Five of Fernley’s seven hits in the game came in the first two innings.

With two of the three games coming down to the final pitch, the Vaqueros got a preview of what the playoffs might look like, especially if they can advance past the first round.

“We played a good team, but we’re only going to keep playing good teams,” Chapin said. “We’ll focus on fixing our approaches and clean up some other things and prepare for a big series with Elko.”

That was the message delivered during last week’s Fernley Builders Association meeting, where Northern Nevada Development Authority Executive Director John Cassinelli outlined a growing pipeline of industrial projects and the challenges that come with them.

Cassinelli said the NNDA is currently tracking nine active projects in the Fernley area, eight in manufacturing and one in distribution, with the potential to bring an estimated 3,800 jobs to the region if completed.

“We’re on the brink of things taking off,” he said. “It’s just getting them across the finish line.”

But the biggest obstacle may not be attracting business, it’s where the workforce will live.

Workforce housing dominated much of the discussion, with builders, real estate professionals, and developers pointing to a growing mismatch between job creation and available housing.

Cassinelli said prospective employers are increasingly asking where workers will be able to live, particularly as housing costs rise across Northern Nevada.

“We’re talking thousands of jobs,” he said. “Where are those employees going to live?”

Local real estate data presented at the meeting showed continued pressure on the market, with limited inventory and homes selling quickly, often within about 11 days, leaving little room for new buyers to enter the market.

At the same time, builders said rising costs, particularly fuel and materials, are expected to push construction prices even higher in the coming months.

Diesel prices nearing $7 per gallon are already driving up concrete and transportation costs, one builder noted, adding that increases are likely still ahead.

The combination of high demand and rising construction costs is creating what attendees described as a “tight” housing environment, with rental shortages also becoming more pronounced.

Beyond housing, infrastructure limitations continue to shape development decisions across the region.

Cassinelli addressed concerns about Lyon County’s sewer capacity, particularly in the Dayton area, clarifying that the issue is not treatment capacity but disposal of treated water during winter months.

While permits are still being issued, larger projects have slowed as the county works through solutions, including additional infiltration basins.

He also pointed to broader infrastructure constraints, including power availability and transportation.

Regional discussions are ongoing around potential highway improvements, including future Interstate 80 impacts and long-term bypass planning. Increased traffic and limited alternative routes remain a concern for both residents and developers.

Power capacity is another growing issue, with Cassinelli noting that energy infrastructure may already be lagging behind projected demand.

“We’re behind,” he said, adding that long-term planning needs to accelerate to support incoming projects.

Among the projects under consideration are data centers and advanced manufacturing facilities, both seen as major economic drivers.

While data centers have raised concerns about water usage, Cassinelli said newer designs use significantly less water than traditional agricultural uses and rely on closed-loop systems that minimize environmental impact.

“These can be good projects for us if we do them right,” he said.

He explained that a recent report from the Carson Water Subconservancy District says downstream flows on the Carson River below Dayton are higher than they were despite the housing developments.

“Why… there is less ag irrigating going on. Just take a few of those alfalfa fields out of the equation, that will offset and increase the water even though we build homes there. Something to think about.”

The NNDA is also working on workforce development efforts, including partnerships tied to regional training programs, as companies look for assurance that labor needs can be met locally.

Cassinelli, who also serves as a Lyon County commissioner, said regulatory and zoning challenges can sometimes deter potential projects before they gain traction.

He emphasized the need for a more business-friendly approach, particularly when companies are evaluating multiple locations.

“I don’t want to send the message that we’re turning people away,” he said.

Efforts are underway to improve outreach and proactively recruit businesses, rather than relying solely on inbound inquiries.

For local builders, the conversation reinforced both opportunity and uncertainty.

On one hand, the scale of potential development suggests long-term demand for housing and construction. On the other, rising costs, infrastructure limitations, and regulatory hurdles could slow progress if not addressed.

Several attendees noted that while the region may be in a strong position for growth, timing will be critical.

“I think we’re in the right place at the right time,” he said. “We just can’t mess it up.”

Lindberg told members the most reliable way to ensure their ballot is counted is to return it directly to a county polling location or drop box, because recent changes in rural mail service have made it harder for the Postal Service to postmark ballots on time.

She said the Postal Service no longer makes evening pickups at collection boxes, so ballots dropped after about 8:30 a.m. won’t receive a same-day postmark.

“Please bring those back to us, because we cannot guarantee that those are going to be postmarked appropriately” she said.

Every active registered voter in Nevada is mailed a ballot unless they have opted out by submitting a Mail Ballot Preference Form to their county clerk’s office. Lindberg urged voters who don’t want to vote by mail to opt out of receiving a mailed ballot.

“I totally appreciate mail out ballots for anybody that wants one, but there is so much waste in the mail out ballot process and I think it also affects the integrity of the election because we have all these ballots out,” she said.

For those who do vote by mail, Lindberg said a ballot tracking process called Ballot Scout allows voters to track their ballot once it is scanned at the post office. She said the system only works when USPS scans a ballot, but she said the Postal Service does not guarantee consistent scanning or postmarking. She also said many of the delivery problems occur on rural routes now handled by contract carriers, which she believes contributes to inconsistent service.

Lindberg said she has reported more than 200 complaints about things like ballots being delivered to the wrong address, and one instance where a husband and wife received one ballot, but the other was returned to the Clerk’s office as undeliverable. She said has raised those concerns with the Secretary of State’s Office, USPS officials and U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto.

“She is going to take on the fight about trying to hold them accountable,” Lindberg said.

Her other major concern is automatic voter registration at the DMV, which she said makes it harder for counties to maintain accurate records because people who have not voted in years are added to the rolls and often move without updating their information.

“The biggest threat to democracy in my eyes is automatic voter registration,” she said. “We're registering people that will never vote, have no intention on voting, nor do they take the time to figure out who the best candidates are. So that worries me.”

The Vaqueros beat Dayton 14-1 last Friday and swept Saturday’s doubleheader with 8-3 and 5-2 wins.

Fernley scored eight runs in the top of the fourth inning on Friday, after coming up empty the first time through the lineup against Dayton pitcher LaSade Conti.

A grand slam by Grace Chapin was the biggest blow, making it 5-0, and a double by Ximena Rodriguez drove in two more.

Fernley put the game away with five more runs in the sixth inning.

In Saturday’s first game, the Vaqueros trailed 2-0 until Emma Masters tied things up with a two-run double in the top of the fourth. Chapin homered to lead off the fifth, and Rodriguez hit a two-run shot later in the inning that put Fernley ahead 7-2.

In the second game Saturday, Leija and Masters both had RBI-doubles to stake the Vaqueros to a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Pitcher Janessa Robinson made it 4-0 with a single that scored two runs in the fourth inning, giving her a cushion she protected by allowing just one hit and no walks.

“Our pitchers threw great again and then our defense played great,” coach Diane Chapin said. “I think we had a double play in each game.”

While Dayton’s record doesn’t reflect it, Conti is one of the best pitchers and hardest throwers in the Northern 3A. Chapin said having some success against Conti was a boost to the confidence for some players, particularly younger ones who hadn’t faced that type of pitching before.

“I think it helps them down the line knowing what they need to do to make the adjustments,” Chapin said. “Everybody had at least one or two successful at-bats against her.”

The Vaqueros were scheduled to finish league play this week with a three-game series against Fallon on Tuesday and Wednesday, before heading to Susanville for a tournament on Friday and Saturday.

Finishing the season in Susanville has become a tradition for the Vaqueros, and Chapin believes it helps her team prepare for the playoffs by facing good teams with tough pitchers.

“Having eight games in five days this week gets us ready for a run in the postseason,” she said. “We’ll face good teams with some good pitching and fine tune some stuff.”

But sometimes a little is too much, like the metaphorical straw that broke the camel’s back. It’s never straw that breaks the camel’s back, it’s whatever else has been piled on there before that was already just the weight of a straw away from the breaking point.

That’s how it works. You can adeptly handle one crisis after another, absorb blow after blow, and start feeling invincible. Then a little annoyance that you probably wouldn’t even otherwise notice becomes too much.

At least in my case, that’s because the big stuff commands all the attention. That’s the stuff that requires a plan, or at least provides a warning. But the next thing you know, some unexpected little detail, or task, or notification pops up. The annoyance, the frustration is usually not because of the issue itself, but because of the surprise.

When you’re trying to protect yourself from a big punch, you don’t brace for a tap on the shoulder, but that’s the one that knocks you down.

That’s what breaks the camel’s back.

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The high priority project in the city’s water master plan and capital improvement plan is expected to cost $3.5 million next fiscal year and another $2.6 million in fiscal year 2027–28.

The city is seeking low-cost financing or grants from the Nevada State Revolving Fund (SRF) to help fund the project, according to an earlier staff report from the utilities department.

The proposed project would extend a water main along Highway 50A from Nevada Pacific Parkway to Julia Lane at the golf course in the Desert Lakes subdivision.

All development east of Nevada Pacific Parkway is currently served by a water main along Farm District Road. That line is considered a “dead end” main, meaning water can only flow in one direction with no circulation. This could cause water quality problems with water stagnating in the line if it is not consumed rapidly enough, the staff report noted.

The line can be flushed to dispose of stagnant water and bring fresh water into the system, but flushing is described as “a costly expense of labor and wasted water.” In addition, if a dead-end water main needs to be shut down for repairs, users downstream from the repairs will lose water service until the main is repaired and put back online, according to the report.

The city is seeking the grant through NDOW’s Wildlife Heritage Program, which provides funding for projects that benefit Nevada wildlife. The proposed fishing pond park will benefit wildlife by supporting trout, sport fish, geese, ducks and others, according to the city staff report.

In a March 26 budget planning session, Michele Rambo, planning director, requested $500,000 in funding to complete Phase I of the park project in the 2026–2027 fiscal year, hoping to complete the first phase by next spring.

In that meeting, she said the entire Phase I costs would be about $650,000, with $500,000 coming from the city budget next year, about $72,000 in savings from the already allocated $100,000 for the park’s design, and $100,000 from the NDOW grant.

There would also be an unknown amount of volunteer time, materials and equipment by the local construction community to help lower costs, she said.

The first phase of the project would consist of creation of the pond, a parking area, walkways to get to the pond and restrooms, Rambo said.

The preliminary design submitted to NDOW for the park shows the completed park with several horseshoe pits, pickleball courts, tennis courts, basketball courts, beach volleyball courts, a section for archery, a picnic/party pavilion, restrooms, a small park and 132 parking spaces.

The change was prompted by a recent change in state law. Such development is already allowed in commercial zoning districts, subject to the issuance of a conditional use permit (CUP).

However, the amendment would remove the CUP requirement in accordance with Assembly Bill (AB) 241, recently passed by the legislature and signed by the governor, which took effect last October, according to a city staff report.

AB 241 provides that multi-family and mixed-use developments, meaning development of commercial and multi-family uses in the same project, typically with commercial uses on the ground floor, would be allowed by right on properties zoned for commercial use, according to the staff report.

The amendment would remove the CUP requirement in the city’s Neighborhood Commercial (C1), General Commercial (C2) and Tourist Commercial (TC) zoning districts, the staff report noted.

The bill also declares any state or local regulations in conflict with the provisions of AB 241 to be void.

The only comment during the public hearing on the matter came from Councilwoman Felicity Zoberski, who expressed some concern about noise complaints from residents in a mixed-use development, such as maybe an apartment over a bar or something similar, asking that future residents in such a development be made aware of that possibility.

The meeting will be held at the Fernley Senior Center on April 21. A light meal will be served at 6 p.m. and the meeting will start promptly at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend but RSVPs are requested by emailing katierbaker25@gmail.com.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Jackson; his mother Hazel (Cypert) Jackson; his three sisters, Helen (Jackson) Grey, Nola-Faye (Jackson) Bryen, and Nonie (Jackson) Humested. 

He is survived by his wife, Linda (Blake) Jackson and their children: Tregg (Kennedy) Jackson, Shannon (Michael) Matheson, and Blake (Wendy) Jackson. 

Howard met Linda while attending East Central University, where he earned dual bachelor’s degrees in biology and geography, along with a minor in chemistry. They were married on May 14, 1966, in Coalgate, Oklahoma, where they began a lifetime of love and shared memories. Their journey together took them to Albuquerque, New Mexico; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Houston, Texas, before they finally settled in Fernley, Nevada in 1978.

In Fernley, Howard worked at Nevada Cement, Eticam, and eventually Fernley High School, where he discovered his true calling and a passion for teaching. He dedicated himself to his students and community until his retirement in 2016, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of countless young people.

Howard’s family will forever remember the warm and joyful home he helped create, one filled with laughter, love, and traditions. His grandchildren will always cherish memories of Fourth of July “water parties,” Christmas Eve gatherings, and the many special days spent with their beloved “Cookie.” To his family, Howard was a role model, a steady presence, and a source of inspiration. Known for his kindness, dedication, and unwavering family values, Howard touched the lives of many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. A gathering to celebrate Howard’s life will be held at the Clubhouse at The Golf Club at Fernley, on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. 

His family is grateful for the love and support they have received and encourages everyone to share their memories of Howard, whose presence made the world a little brighter.

Fernley beat Spring Creek 14-2 last Friday, and 10-0 and 8-1 in a doubleheader on Saturday to improve to 6-3 in the Northern 3A East. The Vaqueros had been tied with Elko and Fallon at 3-3 before last weekend, but Fallon beat Elko in two of three games. Fallon is now 5-4, with Elko 4-5. Lowry leads the league at 8-1 after sweeping Dayton last weekend.

Lowry beat Fernley twice in the first league series of the season, so the Buckaroos would win the tiebreaker if they finish with the same league record.

“If we keep doing what we’re supposed to do and someone else can beat them, great,” coach Diane Chapin said. “If we can stay in the two-seed, that’s also nice because you get the bye into regionals and end up on the other side (of the bracket). It’s not a bad place to be as a two.”

In last Friday’s game, pitcher Janessa Robinson held Spring Creek to two runs on three hits.

“She grew great, kept them off balance and hit her spots,” Chapin said. “They didn’t get anything consecutively.”

Taylor Tollestrup went 4-for-4 with a two-run home run and drove in four runs.

In Saturday’s first game, the Spartans opted to pitch around Tollestrup, and she walked three times and was hit by a pitch.

Bella Leija and Emma Collins were the beneficiaries, with runners on base each time they came to the plate. Leija had two hits and drove in three runs, and Collins drove in four runs with a pair of doubles.

“Others stepping in and hit the ball,” Chapin said. “We didn’t have a ton of hits, but we had a ton of baserunners because we were getting on base by walks.”

Emma Masters pitched a shutout, allowing two hits with five strikeouts and five walks.

In the second game Saturday, a run-scoring double was the biggest blow as the Vaqueros scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning. In the third inning, the Vaqueros were primed to blow the game wide open with the bases loaded and Tollestrup coming up, but the Spartans elected to intentionally walk her and force in a run instead. Fernley led 4-0 into the sixth inning, where Tollestrup hit a home run to lead off the inning, Rodriguez tripled in a run, and the Vaqueros scored twice more on a passed ball and a fielder’s choice.

This week the Vaqueros are scheduled to play in Dayton, with a single game Friday at 3 p.m. and a doubleheader Saturday starting at 11 a.m. Dayton is 2-7 in league play, but all three of its losses against Lowry last week were one- or two-run games, and one was in extra innings, and pitcher LaSade Conti is one of the best in the league, leading the league with 93 strikeouts.

“You know you’re going to face her probably two out of three games, if not all three,” Chapin said. “So we’ll just have to be ready to come out and hit the velocity and hopefully keep our defense doing what they’ve been doing.”

775 Preservation Services LLC, Fernley 

Atwell, LLC, Southfield, MI 

Backflow and Foilage Pros, LLC, Sparks 

Books Dunn Right LLC, Fernley  

Border States Industries, Inc., Fargo ND 

Braemar Construction LLC, Elko  

CBG Midwest, LLC, Winston-Salem, NC 

Crave LLC & Associates, Sun Valley NV 

D.F. Osborne Construction, Inc., Topeka, KS 

Di Amante Nails, LLC, Fernley NV  

Honey Don't List Cleaning & More LLC, Fernley 

Laxalt Law Group, Ltd., Reno 

Matrix Design Group, Inc., Denver, CO 

MJP Fabrication and Mechanical Services, Fernley 

Prayers and Petals LLC, Fernley 

Shane Duitsman, Fernley 

Summit Overhead Door, Sparks 

Texas Republic Signs, Houston, TX 

The Wandering Page NV, Fernley 

Titan Plumbing, LLC, Reno 

Tori Nicholas, Fernley 

Victory Glass LLC, Reno 

Tate Snyder Kimsey Architects, LTD (TSK) will lead the effort, serving as the main consultant leading overall project management, and Kimley-Horn (KH) will assist TSK with all non-architectural services, according to a staff report on the item.

The scope of work in the contract is to prepare a comprehensive evaluation and long-range planning effort covering all major city-owned facilities, including city hall, the chamber of commerce, the Community Response and Resource Center, the historic Fernley-Lassen Train Depot, the shop and fleet yard on Cottonwood Lane and other public works and utility department buildings, the staff report said.

Cody Wagner, chairman of the Fernley Community Foundation, first raised the cost issue during public comment, saying though he understands the need to plan, with this amount of money he would prefer that the city would actually do some things rather than plan for things.

Councilwoman Felicity Zoberski said she had some of the same concerns about the cost when the item came up for consideration.

Bill Denis of TSK responded by saying such a plan is “a really important tool” for a city experiencing the kind of growth that Fernley is experiencing. It shows “how the city can meet the demands of its growth over five, 10 or 20 years without overextending yourselves economically,” he said.

Public Works Director Barry Williams said the city is in the position it is in today because of a lack of planning, with the city having outgrown its maintenance facilities 10 years ago and now outgrowing city hall as well.

He said having a plan means not having to defer maintenance or come up with large sums of money because the city did not plan for certain maintenance or expansion activities.

Councilman Joe Mendoza asked that if the city has to expand city hall, why not spend the $800,000 on expanding city hall rather than planning to do it.

Williams said that to expand city hall, the city needs to know what to expand, whether the public works department, the planning department, or maybe even a new department that might be considered.

“This gives us a high level view of what to look for and what to expect in the future,” Williams said.

TSK Architects will assess existing facility conditions, space adequacy and operational efficiency, identify deficiencies and project future needs based on population and staffing growth over 5-, 10- and 20-year horizons, according to the staff report.

The work includes developing conceptual improvement options, cost estimates, phased implementation strategies and evaluation of potential funding sources. The facilities master plan is expected to be completed and adopted by this December, the staff report said.

The council approved the facilities master plan contract with TSK in a 3-1 vote, with Mendoza opposed.

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

Ryan Seilhymer
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $48,480
Charges: Felony arrest for violation of conditions of parole; Assist other agency–hold; Conspiracy to elude, evade or fail to stop on sign; Possession of schedule I/II controlled substance less than 14 grams, 1st or 2nd offense; Possession of burglary tools; Use/possess drug paraphernalia; Resist public officer

Juan Leyva
Area: LYSO
Bail amount: $3,640
Charges: Manufacture/import/possess/use dangerous weapon, 1st offense; Use/possess drug paraphernalia

Michelle Mosley
Area: Mason Valley
Bail amount: $1,140
Charges: DUI (1st)

Lewis Adamson
Area: Dayton
Bail amount: $5,995
Charges: Possession of burglary tools; Motorcycle/moped headlamps illumination violation; Driving with suspended driver’s license; Resist public officer; Use/possess drug paraphernalia

Frederick Panke
Area: Dayton
Bail amount: $4,780
Charges: DUI (1st); False statement to/obstruct public officer; Destroy property of another $250–$5,000

Aaron Hon
Area: Mason Valley
Bail amount: $0
Charges: Court commitment

Courtney Sammons
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $9,780
Charges: Possession of schedule I/II controlled substance less than 14 grams, 1st or 2nd offense; Distribution of controlled substance exam content; Use/possess drug paraphernalia

Adam Reigle
Area: LYSO
Bail amount: $0
Charges: Failure to appear after bail, felony crime

Gabriella Moran
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $54,700
Charges: Escape by felony prisoner; Prevent/dissuade reporting crime causing prosecution/arrest; Battery on protected person; Domestic battery (1st offense); Resist public officer; Assault

James Pitcher
Area: Mason Valley
Bail amount: $4,780
Charges: Possession of schedule I/II controlled substance less than 14 grams, 1st or 2nd offense; Use/possess drug paraphernalia; Possession of hypodermic device

Jesse Vasquez
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $495
Charges: Assist other agency–hold

Alexandria Erdei
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $3,140
Charges: Violation of domestic violence EPO (1st offense)

Lauren Ragsdale
Area: Silver Springs
Bail amount: $1,140
Charges: DUI (1st)

Kodie Wilson
Area: LYSO
Bail amount: $1,275
Charges: DUI (1st); Fail to maintain lane/improper lane change/use of signal

Brian Dick
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $1,500
Charges: Driving with revoked driver’s license; Driving with suspended driver’s license; Failure to obey traffic laws

Robert Robinson
Area: LYSO
Bail amount: $69,280
Charges: Grand larceny of motor vehicle (1st offense); Possession of schedule I/II controlled substance less than 14 grams, 1st or 2nd offense; Use/possess drug paraphernalia; Driving with suspended driver’s license

Jourdyn Dennis
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $2,445
Charges: Failure to appear on traffic citation; Assist other agency–hold

Sergio Torres
Area: Dayton
Bail amount: $3,640
Charges: Possession of schedule I/II controlled substance less than 14 grams, 1st or 2nd offense; Use/possess drug paraphernalia; Felony arrest for violation of conditions of parole

Jocelyn Luna Zavala
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $21,760
Charges: DUI (3rd); Fail to yield at stop/yield sign or controlled intersection; Fail to wear safety belt/shoulder harness; Driving with revoked driver’s license; Proof of insurance required; Open alcohol container in vehicle

Gabriel Sanches
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $445
Charges: Assist other agency–hold

Rodney Nickell
Area: Mason Valley
Bail amount: $1,440
Charges: DUI (1st); Basic speeding 1–10 mph over limit; Open alcohol container in vehicle

Robert Bass
Area: Dayton
Bail amount: $12,160
Charges: Obtain/use personal ID of another to avoid/delay prosecution; Driving without driver’s license; Operating unregistered vehicle/trailer/semi; Proof of insurance required; Felony arrest for violation of probation/conditions of suspended sentence; Assist other agency–hold

Randy Dotson
Area: LYSO
Bail amount: $5,000
Charges: Obtain/possess credit/debit card without cardholder’s consent

Lillian Carr
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $26,495
Charges: Possession to sell schedule I/II, flunitrazepam/GHB (1st offense); Use/possess drug paraphernalia; Possess/consume marijuana in public place/marijuana store/vehicle

Kanaan Bowman
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $15,000
Charges: Violation of stalking/harassment EPO

Nicole Seegmiller
Area: Dayton
Bail amount: $3,640
Charges: Possession of schedule I/II controlled substance less than 14 grams, 1st or 2nd offense; Use/possess drug paraphernalia

Hunter Smith
Area: LYSO
Bail amount: $3,140
Charges: Domestic battery (1st offense)

Christopher Wagner
Area: LYSO
Bail amount: $4,130
Charges: DUI (1st offense); Fail to maintain lane/improper lane change/use of signal; Open alcohol container in vehicle; Unlawful act by prisoner regarding bodily fluids

Ronald Scott
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $40,500
Charges: Discharge gun within structure/vehicle in prohibited area; Own/possess gun by prohibited person

Mariah Taggart
Area: LYSO
Bail amount: $3,140
Charges: Domestic battery (1st offense)

Charles Simons
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $4,510
Charges: Possession of schedule I/II controlled substance less than 14 grams, 1st or 2nd offense; Use/possess drug paraphernalia; Driving with suspended driver’s license; Operating unregistered vehicle/trailer/semi; Fail to obey stop sign

Travis Self
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $4,265
Charges: DUI (2nd); Possession of gun under influence of alcohol/drugs; Driving without driver’s license; Operating vehicle with expired registration/plates; Fail to maintain lane/improper lane change/use of signal; Open alcohol container in vehicle; Fail to wear safety belt/shoulder harness

Raymond Manning
Area: Fernley
Bail amount: $2,135
Charges: DUI (1st); Open alcohol container in vehicle; Minor in possession of alcohol in public

Remedios Hilario
Area: Dayton
Bail amount: $1,900
Charges: DUI (1st); Driver disobey peace officer; Basic speed 11–15 mph over posted limit

Seth Osborne
Area: Mason Valley
Bail amount: $0
Charges: Court commitment

Fernley Planning Commission
2nd Wednesday of the month at 5 p.m.
City Hall, 595 Silver Lace Blvd.
Next meeting May 13

Fernley Senior Citizen Advisory Committee
2nd Friday of even-numbered months at 9 a.m.
City Hall, 595 Silver Lace Blvd.
Next meeting May 8

Lyon County Commission
1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 9 a.m.
Lyon County Administrative Complex
27 S. Main St., Yerington
Next meeting May 7

Lyon County Planning Commission
2nd Tuesday of the month at 9 a.m.
Lyon County Administrative Complex
27 S. Main St., Yerington
Next meeting May 12

Lyon County Library Board of Trustees
4th Tuesday of the month at 9:30 a.m.
Locations rotate between the five county libraries
Next meeting April 28

Lyon County School District Board of Trustees
4th Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
Locations rotate between each attendance area
Next meeting April 28

North Lyon County Fire Protection District Board of Trustees
2nd or 3rd Thursday of the month
195 E. Main St.
Next meeting May 14

Fernley Swimming Pool General Improvement District
3rd Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m.
300 Cottonwood Lane
Next meeting April 21

Deputies in Storey County were alerted at about 11:11 a.m. to a stolen vehicle out of Washoe County traveling near I-80 and Lockwood. Dispatch advised the driver was also a suspect in a domestic battery case and might be armed.

A Storey County deputy spotted the vehicle heading east on I-80 and exiting near Patrick before continuing onto Waltham Way in TRIC. The deputy attempted a traffic stop, and the vehicle initially pulled over. When the deputy ordered the driver to get out, he refused and sped away, deputies said.

The deputy pursued as the driver fled south on USA Parkway at a high rate of speed, running multiple traffic lights and driving recklessly. The suspect then left the roadway and entered private property, ramming through two locked gates.

Deputies lost sight of the vehicle on an unpaved road. Nevada Highway Patrol and the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist. The vehicle was found about a half-mile from its last known location, and deputies soon spotted the driver walking nearby.

Deputies gave several commands for the man to stop and show his hands. He refused and ran, still not displaying his hands. Because he was reported to be possibly armed and continued to ignore commands, LCSO deployed a K9 to apprehend him.

The driver, identified as Earl Houlden, 41, of Sun Valley, was taken into custody. He was medically evaluated and cleared before being booked into the Storey County Detention Facility on charges of: resist public officer (misdemeanor); two counts of driver evade, elude or fail to stop on signal of peace officer, endangering other person or property (felonies); reckless driving with disregard for the safety of persons or property (misdemeanor); destroy or injure real or personal property of another, value $5,000 or greater (felony); destroy or injure real or personal property of another, value $250 or greater but less than $5,000 (gross misdemeanor); and trespass, not amounting to burglary (misdemeanor).

The team of Dylan Veihland, Arianna Walker, Jayde Thomas and Ainsley Blackorby won First High Team, while Blackorby won First High Individual and Walker was the Second High Individual.

Fernley also had teams competing in Milk Quality and Products, Horse Evaluation and Floriculture.

In addition to the competition, members participated in workshops like meat cutting, range Olympics and drones.

At a March 30 meeting, Fire Chief Brian Bunn told the board the district is developing a public-private agreement to establish an air medical transport base behind the station. He said worsening traffic on Interstate 80 between Fernley and Reno as well as long waits for mutual-aid helicopters are delaying care for patients who need rapid transport.

“This is a tool to help get our critical patients to definitive care in a timely manner, and not sit in traffic for two to three hours just trying to get to a facility,” he said.

Bunn said the plan includes a helipad with radio-frequency controlled lighting that can be turned on during a helicopter’s approach or departure. Contractors, city officials and the Battle Born Medevac CEO were scheduled to conduct a site visit to determine placement. Bunn emphasized that an agreement would come back to the board before anything is finalized.

The proposed agreement was scheduled to be considered by the board on April 9, but the item was tabled because the district had not yet received complete legal review of the agreement.

Bunn said the district was still waiting on legal opinions but asked the board to consider a special meeting so Battle Born Medevac could begin hiring staff if the agreement is approved.

“I’d actually like to get it done sooner than later,” he said. “They would have to onboard three more nurses, three more paramedics, and they need some time frame to do that because we’d be looking at firing this thing up June 1st.”

Bunn said having a helicopter based in Fernley would dramatically shorten response and transport times.

“It doesn’t fix our overarching problem of staffing, but when we have those critical patients, instead of waiting 30 minutes to 60 minutes for a helicopter, they’re spooled up and we get them to Renown in a seven-minute flight,” he said.

Board member Jay Rodriguez said the addition would be a major step for the community.

“I think it’ll be really cool when that day comes to Fernley,” he said. “Having a helicopter is going to be amazing.”

The board tabled the item as requested and scheduled a special meeting for April 27 at 6 p.m.

The quake, centered just southeast of Lahontan Reservoir, was widely felt in Silver Springs, Fallon, Fernley and surrounding areas. Residents as far away as Sparks, Spanish Springs, Sun Valley, Carson City, Reno and Lake Tahoe also reported light shaking.

Lyon County Emergency Management activated coordination efforts with local public safety agencies, utilities, school districts and healthcare facilities shortly after the quake. As of Monday night, no major damage had been reported to critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, transportation systems or utility services.

“Out of an abundance of caution,” the county said, response crews would conduct detailed damage assessments over the next several days to check roads, bridges, water systems and other essential services for issues that may not be immediately visible.

The county also advised residents to inspect their homes for damage such as gas leaks, broken utilities or structural issues that may not be immediately noticed.

The United States Geological Survey initially measured the quake at magnitude 5.5, while the Nevada Seismological Laboratory (NSL) reported a preliminary 5.5 as well, with some automated systems listing it as high as 5.7. Early magnitudes often shift as more seismic data is analyzed.

The quake occurred at a shallow depth of about 5.6 miles (13 km), contributing to the widespread reports of shaking.

The main quake was followed by a burst of seismic activity. As of Tuesday morning, NSL reported hundreds of aftershocks in close proximity east of the southern end of Lahontan Reservoir.

Earthquake Track also indicated as many as 25 quakes in the Fallon, Fernley, Lovelock and Silver Springs areas in the 24 hours preceding the larger event.

Monitoring agencies are continuing to refine magnitude estimates and gather reports from across the region. Lyon County officials said they will release updates as assessment teams complete their evaluations.