Partnership Carson City's annual prescription drug roundup Saturday netted 273 pounds of pills and 114 pounds of needles.

The roundup happens twice a year, one in spring and the other in fall. In addition to the events, unused medication can be dropped off for safe disposal at the Carson City Sheriff’s Office, 911 E. Musser St., Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

These annual events help protect the community with proper disposal of unused or expired prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, prescription liquids, pet medications, syringes and more. The effort is part of the federal drug round-up initiative.

“The hundreds of pounds of pills and needles makes our trash system and water supply less hazardous for all of us,” said Hannah McDonald, executive director of Partnership Carson City. “We also dispose safely to prevent misuse and abuse by yourself or others in your home.

The less the products are in the home, the less likely others have time to gain interest — reducing access reduces the opportunity for improper use by any age individual.”

In the first photo, Connie Biba, of Genoa, drops off unused medications to Ron Swirczek, a board member of Partnership Carson City. In the second photo, Carson City Sheriff’s Reserve Deputy Edgar Anaya hands out a sticker to Jonathan Urive, 6, about the importance of dropping off unused medications.

A 40-year-old Carson City woman was arrested Sunday in the 2700 block of Menlo Drive for suspicion of battery with a deadly weapon, a Carson City Sheriff's Office deputy said.

Taken into custody at 8:42 p.m. was Monica Leone Davis. The woman is alleged to have stabbed a male victim in the hand during an argument. According to the arrest report, the victim said the woman lunged at him with a knife, and he was struck in the hand in an attempt to protect himself.

The woman provided a preliminary breath test of .180 and was arrested for suspicion of battery with a deadly weapon. Bail: $30,000.

— A 29-year-old Carson City man was arrested Saturday for misdemeanor suspicion of domestic battery, a Carson City sheriff's deputy report states.

At around 11:47 p.m. deputies were called to a report of an unknown problem. Dispatch arrived at the scene and met with a man who walked out of a residence, identified himself, began crying and told the deputy to take him to jail, according to the arrest report.

The man was patted down for weapons. Deputies went to the residence, observed everything in the kitchen was disheveled, there was busted glass in the entry way and the door of the garage had been busted out at the door jamb, the report states.

Deputies learned the suspect had been drinking with a friend at local establishments and that when he returned home, there was a verbal argument, and that he became aggressive, and began throwing things in the garage and kicked the garage door open.

The victim said the suspect began pushing her, and that she ended up hitting him with a cup in an attempt to get him away from her. After that the man began breaking dishes and throwing items at her, the arrest report states.

A deputy checked the woman for injuries in which she had a large red mark on her chest, the report states. The man was arrested for suspicion of domestic battery. Bail: $3,137.

— A 47-year-old Carson City man as arrested Sunday on several outstanding misdemeanor warrant including three separate contempt of court warrants out of Douglas County, a contempt of court warrant out of Carson City and a warrant out of Dayton Township. All warrants were issued in October and November 2017. Total bail amount listed: $3,140.

— A Carson City man as arrested Sunday evening in the area of Long and Fall streets for violation of Department of Alternative Sentencing conditions. The man provided a preliminary breath test of .291. Under condition of his Alternative Sentencing agreement, he is not allowed to consume alcohol. Bail: $3,000.

— A 53-year-old Carson City man was arrested Saturday, 5:04 p.m. for misdemeanor suspicion of disorderly conduct and two counts probation violation. Bail: $6,242.

— A 26-year-old Carson City man, Misael Montalvo, was arrested Saturday for felony probation violation. Officers with Parole and Probation made contact with the man, who admitted he had consumed alcohol and cocaine at a bar on the night of Oct. 18. He was arrested for probation violation conditions and was held without bail in lieu of a hearing.

All information for the crime log (unless otherwise noted) comes from the arrest reports supplied by the Carson City Sheriff's Office, and is considered by law to be public information. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The policy of Carson Now is to name anyone who is arrested for a felony offense.

CARSON CITY — The First Judicial Court Felony DUI Program has received $30,000 in grant funding for the 2019-2020 fiscal year from Nevada Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety.

The DUI Court program operates out of the Carson City Department of Alternative Sentencing and provides an alternative to prison for felony DUI defendants.

The three to five year program has had over 60 graduates in its 11-year history and is proud to contribute to the safety of Nevada highways and roads.

The innovative DUI Court program goes beyond traditional discipline and deals with felony repeat drunk driving offenders by providing long term, ongoing accountability and rehabilitation, in addition to a conviction.

The DUI Court program is looking forward to continuing its support of the missions of the Carson City Department of Alternative Sentencing and the Nevada Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety; to promote public safety by holding criminal offenders accountable to the community and by providing an environment for rehabilitation.

For more information contact Elizabeth Lawrence, DUI Case Manager, (775) 283-7030 elawrence@carson.org.

Spent the last six weeks out on the Mississippi and Ohio, saving sinners while spreading the Gospel according to Twain. That's what I like to think, anyways. They saved me is probably closer to the truth.

Of the thousand folks I got to talk to, only one had a discouraging word … "There ain't no unhappiness like the misery of confronting reality after a cheerful, careless river cruise."

I have to agree. I shoved my TV under the bed in my stateroom aboard our paddleboat as we launched for the upper Mississippi, and only pulled it out for the Oregon-Cal game before landing in Louisville on the Ohio.

I arrived back on the grid hoping our country might have healed herself a little in six weeks, but was crestfallen to discover she was more divided in Twain, so to speak, than before. But I am thoroughly rested now, and up to the task of bringing everybody back together again with a simple bumper sticker reminder:

We all pull our pants on one leg at a time — Pass The Word!

If that message doesn't bring the country back together again I will eat my Oregon Ducks hat at halftime of the Rose Bowl on national TV, and I won't use any Worcestershire sauce to sweeten it up with. Of course I will inevitably receive a video in the mail of a guy jumping into his pants with both legs as he leaps from his top bunk, and I shall congratulate him for that feat.

The final truth, the essential truth is, at bottom we are all the same. We love our kids and want the best for them. We know college is expensive and we complain about it, but never stop to calculate how much more expensive stupidity is.

As I tell my granddaughter: Honey, money is not actually for throwing from the back of trains. Save your money, and don’t gamble. But if you do gamble, don’t split your tens. And never compound ignorance with inaudibility. If you don’t know something, speak up!

Base your fashion on what does not itch, and read good books. Mark Twain reminds us, "The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them." Today’s literature is mostly about sex and not much about raising children, whereas in life you can expect the exact opposite.

And have music in your life, make it if you can, as music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. When you are in politics you are in a wasps nest in a short skirt, as the saying is, but should you insist on a life of politics, try to bear in mind that a politician thinks of the next election; a stateswoman thinks of the next generation.
When you suffer bereavement remember, God gave us burdens — also shoulders.

Oftentimes, being with those you like is enough, but to be successful you must engage constancy to purpose. So as we used to say back in the 1830's, "Look up, laugh loud, talk big, keep the color in your cheek and the fire in your eye, adorn your person, maintain your health, your beauty and your animal spirits." And finally, always do right, this will gratify some, and astonish the rest.

— McAvoy Layne is known as the ghost of Samuel Clemens. For 30 years, and more than 4,000 performances the columnist and Chautauquan has been dedicated to preserving the wit and wisdom of “The Wild Humorist of the Pacific Slope,” Mark Twain. As Layne puts it: “It’s like being a Monday through Friday preacher, whose sermon, though not reverently pious, is fervently American.”

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit has begun closing recreational facilities around the Tahoe Basin for the winter season. Seasonal closures apply to many Forest Service recreation sites including beaches, campgrounds, picnic areas and National Forest roads.

“We’ve had a great summer season here on our National Forest lands in the Tahoe Basin,” said LTBMU Deputy Forest Supervisor, Danelle Harrison. “The warm days of summer may be over, but fall activities, such as leaf peeping, salmon watching and brisk afternoon hikes are in full swing, so we hope you get out there and enjoy all that our beautiful National Forest has to offer.”

Round Hill Pines Beach Resort closed Oct. 1, 2019. Meeks Bay Resort and campgrounds, day-use areas and beaches managed by Tahoe Recreation, a division of California Land Management, closed Oct. 13.

Campgrounds closed include Bayview, Fallen Leaf, Kaspian, Meeks Bay, Nevada Beach and William Kent. Day-use areas and beaches closed include Baldwin, Kaspian, Meeks Bay, Nevada Beach, Pope and William Kent.

Kiva Picnic Area, Blackwood Canyon, Luther Pass and Watson Lake campgrounds close Nov. 15, 2019. Camp Richardson Resort campgrounds, Eagle’s Nest and Badger’s Den, closed Oct. 6 and the RV Park closes Oct. 27. Zephyr Cove Resort Campground remains open year-round.

The Taylor Creek Visitor Center is open through October 27. For a complete list of site closure dates, visit https://go.usa.gov/xPnXQ.

Although facilities close and services end for the season, all National Forest grounds remain open year-round. During seasonal closures, services such as water, restrooms and trash collection are unavailable. When accessing these areas in winter, be sure to pack out garbage, park legally and do not block closed gates.

Specific National Forest Service road closing dates may be found here. National Forest roads generally begin closing in mid-November for public safety and resource protection.

The Brewery Arts Center, Carson City’s premiere epicenter for the arts since 1975, is thrilled to announce the line-up for their fundraiser “Evening with the Divas”, a once in a lifetime event in which four great talents take the stage at the Performance Hall for one incredible evening.

The BAC has enlisted the talent of some of the area's finest vocalists as they join together to raise money to support the various programs of the Brewery Arts Center. Cindy Sabatini, Christian Bourne, Khalilah Smith and Misty Rea will be gracing the Performance Hall Stage for one night only. Accompanied by the Phreemium, KD Sound, with special guests from Yaples Ballroom and hosted by the talented Kat Simmons, this will be an event of extraordinary talent.

“The BAC is about celebrating artists and the artistic community and we are very fortunate that these incredible performers have agreed to donate their talents to help us further that cause”, says Gina Lopez Hill the Executive Director of the BAC, “I’m such a big fan of all of them and they are so amazing, I guarantee one of the best events we’ve ever done."

The 2019 Divas are:

— Cindy Sabatini who has a passion for music and has performed in or musically directed theater productions in the Reno/Sparks/Carson City/Lake Tahoe area since moving here in 1998.

Her diverse musical background includes productions in 6 states, vocalist in classical, jazz, religious, and rock groups. Some favorite roles include Fanny Brice in "Funny Girl," Rizzo in "Grease", Sally Bowles in "Cabaret," Aldonza in "Man of La Mancha" and Ursula in "The Little Mermaid."

She currently is vocalist for two big bands — DG Kicks Band and the Let’s Dance Band — a member of the Reno Philharmonic Chorus and had the thrill of performing at Carnegie Hall! Cindy also teaches private voice and piano at “It’s All About Music” school.

She feels very blessed to have full-time employment in the music field, as Director of Worship & Music Ministries at Sparks United Methodist Church.

— Christina Bourne who was named Miss Nevada 2003 and represented our state at the Miss America Pageant. Christina obtained a Bachelors degree and Masters degree in music education from the University of Nevada, Reno.

She is currently in her 18th year teaching, and teaches general music, choir, and band at Mark Twain Elementary School in Carson City. Christina Bourne was named Carson City School District’s Teacher of the Year in 2009 and the Carson City Rotary Teacher of the Year in 2010.

She was also awarded the Light of Education Award in 2011, and most recently named Mark Twain Elementary School’s teacher of the year for 2017. Her work in volunteerism was recognized in 2003 when she was awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award in Washington, D.C. by President George W. Bush.

— Khalilah Cage is a Reno resident and a UNR Alumnus. She is a married and a mother of two children, ages 9 and 7. She is the co-founder of Shim’s Surplus Supplies Co and also the co-creator and host of “iamher” podcast which hopes to ask questions about life and create conversations amongst its listeners.

In 2019 Khalilah started her stylist business, “Styled by Kiki Cage” to help women look and feel empowered by discovering their true style. In addition, Khalilah has been singing professionally for the last 10 years. She recently joined the Board of Directors of Artown in order to further support the arts in her community.

— Misty Rea is a captivating entertainer and powerhouse vocalist. She has a 40 year stage career with a soulful and passionate style that captivates and inspires. She delivers an engaging musical experience featuring a variety of soul-compelling classical standards, jazz greats and contemporary hits.

The event is Saturday, Nov. 2 doors open at 6 p.m. for silent auction, libations and Moondance Chocolates, the theater opens at 6:30 p.m. for seating and the performance begins at 7 p.m. in the Performance Hall at 511 West King Street. Go here for ticket information.

Thank you for your support!
 For more info call the Brewery Arts Center office at 775-883-1976.

On Tuesday, Oct. 22, Carson City Parks, Recreation, and Open Space will be hosting the second annual Haunted Cemetery Tour through Lone Mountain Cemetery.

Participants will be led through various plots throughout the cemetery learning about Carson City’s famous historical figures. It is encouraged to bring water, close toed shoes, and a flashlight.

The tour starts at 6 p.m. and will last about an hour. Meet at the west entrance of the Cemetery.

There is a 25 person limit on this activity and a $5 donation to the Lone Mountain Cemetery. Participants must register online at www.carson.org/ccpr.

Carson City Fire Department and sheriff's deputies were called Monday afternoon to a traffic accident near the intersection of East Winnie and North Carson Street.

The accident was reported at around 4:25 p.m. One person was being evaluated for non-life threatening injuries. The accident involves a MedTrans van. Motorists can expect brief delays.

RENO — Wilber Martinez-Guzman appeared in a Reno courtroom Monday, October 21, 2019 as his attorneys argued for a delay in the case.
Martinez-Guzman is accused of killing a Reno couple, Jerry and Sherri David, and Sophia Renken and Connie Koontz in their Gardnerville homes within a period of 10 days in early January 2019.
Go here for the full story.

Going into Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019 more sunny skies and warm fall temperatures will continue to shine on the capital city as we prepare for the Nevada Day weekend. Ahead Tuesday include a morning walk and evening hike with Muscle Powered, a "haunted" cemetery tour at Lone Mountain, a business networking meeting at Casino Fandango and the Fat Tuesday business networking group at Carson Nugget, archery at Centennial Park and more. Enjoy the day.

Do you have an event or happening you'd like people to know about? Tell us about it by clicking here, filling out the details and we'll tell Carson City area readers about your event or happening. Not seeing your event you wish to promote? You can also submit the relevant information, also known as the "5Ws and How” to editor@carsonow.org. We will update this calendar as submissions are made.

Here's what's happening Tuesday:

— Capital City Arts Initiative Presents: Saludos Amigos. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Capital City Arts Initiative presents its exhibition, "Saludos Amigos", by artist Justin Favela at the CCAI Courthouse Gallery. The exhibition will be in the gallery from now through January 29, 2020. The Courthouse is located at 885 E Musser Street, Carson City. The reception and the exhibition are free and the public is cordially invited. The gallery is open Monday through Friday. In this installation, Favela will collage imagery from famous animated films that depict Latin American culture. Using his signature "piñata style" Favela will make large scale murals with tissue paper and glue that will break down images from films like “The Three Caballeros”, “The Emperor's New Groove” and “Coco”. These films celebrate Latin American culture but through the investigation of the imagery, Favela will highlight the exoticism and Hollywood fantasy that falsely represents an entire culture. Favela, a Las Vegas native, makes work in a piñata style exploring his identity as a Latino from Las Vegas with Mexican and Guatemalan parents. He makes his work with traditional craft materials like tissue paper and cardboard, making anything from sculptures to large scale paper installations.

— Capital City Arts Initiative Presents: Constellation. 8 a.m. The Capital City Arts Initiative (CCAI) presents its exhibition, Constellation. Nine students from the University of Nevada Reno’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program have work in the exhibit. The free exhibition is available to the public now through Dec. 10, 2019 on Mondays – Fridays, 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. The artists include Rachael Blizzard, Tessa Clawson, Josh Galarza, Robert Ibarra, Sandra Kramp, Carla Miller, Cesar Piedra, Shara Sinatra, and Amber Skilling. For more information about each artist please visit the CCAI website. The exhibition is at the Carson City BRIC, 108 E Proctor St., Carson City.

— Muscle Powered Tuesday Morning Walk at Fuji Park. 9 a.m. Come join Muscle Powered for a free, guided group walk, hike, or ride around Carson City. Muscle Powered is a local non-profit organization that promotes walking, hiking, biking and trail building. A schedule of all upcoming activities and events can be found at www.musclepowered.org/calendar. Tuesday morning's walk is at Fuji Park. Meet in the parking lot on the westside of the exhibit building at 601 Old Clear Creek Road. Dirt trail and some pavement. Morning walks start at 9 AM and are 1 to 2 miles with duration of 1 hour with usually negligible elevation gain, and frequently on paved or smooth paths. If weather conditions are bad, meet at the Multi-Purpose Athletic Center (MAC) at 1860 Russell Way.

— Nevada Day art exhibit at Nevada Artists Association gallery at the Brewery Arts Center. The annual Nevada Day Art Exhibit at the Nevada Artists Association Art Gallery will be held from October 20 - January 3, 2020. The NAA Gallery is located at the Brewery Art Center at 449 West King Street. There will be a 40th Anniversary Artists’ Reception on Sunday, Nov. 3, from 1 - 2 p.m. which is open to all. The NAA gallery is open Tuesday - Sunday from 10:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m.

— Professional Saleswomen of Nevada features Breakthrough to Brilliance: Sales Success Group Learning & Networking. 11:15 a.m. Casino Fandango, 3800 South Carson Street. Professional Saleswomen of Nevada will host Monica Marcinko who walks through an active networking class and helps dig into challenges that we might be facing to find solutions. Go here to sign up.

— Fat Tuesday Business Networking at the Carson Nugget. There will be a Fat Tuesday Business Networking event at The Carson Nugget on Tuesday, October 22, 2019. The event is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and the address is 507 N. Carson Street. We usually meet at The Alatte Coffee & Wine Bar, at the high table. Register here. Our Carson City group meets the 4th Tuesday the month (January thru October). No membership fees. Only bring your business cards. Registration is required. Attendance is Free.

— Evening Hike: Carson City Freeway Multi-Use Path. 5:30 p.m. Meet in the Multi-Purpose Athletic Center’s (MAC) parking lot at 1860 Russell Way. Please bring a headlamp and flashlight! Evening hikes are usually 1 1/2 hours or more duration and are 4-6 miles in length. If it is raining, snowing, or air quality is unsafe due to smoke, hikes will be cancelled. Check the Muscle Powered calendar or Facebook after 3:00 p/m. Contact Sharon Coates at scoates7515@gmail.com, if you have questions.

— Carson City Parks and Recreation hosts haunted cemetery tour Tuesday. 6 p.m. On Tuesday, Oct. 22, Carson City Parks, Recreation, and Open Space will be hosting the second annual Haunted Cemetery Tour through Lone Mountain Cemetery. Participants will be led through various plots throughout the cemetery learning about Carson City’s famous historical figures. It is encouraged to bring water, close toed shoes, and a flashlight. The tour starts at 6 p.m. and will last about an hour. Meet at the west entrance of the Cemetery. There is a 25 person limit on this activity and a $5 donation to the Lone Mountain Cemetery. Participants must register online at www.carson.org/ccpr

— Tuesday night archery shoots return to Carson City's Centennial Park Archery Range. 5:30 p.m. Every Tuesday evening, 5:30 to dusk, the Clear Creek Bowmen host its Tuesday Night Archery Shoots at the Centennial Park Archery Range in Carson City. Both traditional and 3D targets are available. The target range is open shooting for use at no cost. There is a $5 fee (kids 17 and under are free) to shoot the 3D animal targets. We have archery equipment, volunteers and instructors to get you started. Come on out and join us. It’s a great way to experience the world of archery. Open to all ages. For more information see http://clearcreekbowmen.com/

— Parents of Addicted Loved Ones hold meetings Tuesday evenings. 6 p.m. PAL provides education and support, at no cost, for family members (over 18) trying to save a son, daughter or family member from addiction to alcohol or drugs. By attending our meetings on Tuesdays, 6 p.m. at Partnership Carson City office at 1925 N Carson City St., you will give and receive support from others who are facing the same challenges you are.

— Empty Bowls, Open Studio. 6 to 8:30 p.m. Create an empty bowl to donate to charity, instruction will be offered to create and paint a bowl or create something on our own during open studio session. Open studio time at Ogres-Holm Pottery is free of charge and open to the public. 1215 South Carson Street.

ONGOING

— Carson Nugget, Food For Thought team up for children's winter coat drive. Carson Nugget and the Carson City based Food for Thought organization are hosting a coat drive for children now through Nov. 15. Organizers of this drive are asking for donations of new coats, for children ages 5 to 18, which will be distributed to children at the Kids Christmas Brunch, to be held Dec. 23 at the Carson Nugget Grand Ballroom. All coats can be delivered to Food For Thought, 3246 North Carson Street, Suite 118, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Established in 2007, Food For Thought is a nonprofit organization aimed at feeding hungry children on the weekend. Each Friday, Food for Thought provides a healthy bag of food to hungry children in Carson City, and parts of Douglas County, allowing these children to eat on the weekends and to arrive at school on Monday nourished and ready to learn.

— Carson City Public Works announces temporary closure of Linear Ditch Trail. Sections of the Linear Ditch Trail in Carson City will be closed starting Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019, for maintenance and cleaning. The multiuse path will be closed from the east end of the Linear Ditch, east of Fremont Elementary School and continue west to South Roop Street along Governor’s Field. Maintenance is anticipated to take up to several weeks. Linear Ditch Trail is a walking/bike path, extending from Roop Street to Fairview Drive and the Moffat Open Space access at Hells Bells Road. During the temporary closure, Carson City Public Works staff will be performing much-needed channel and drainage cleanup in preparation for the wet winter season. Rehabilitation efforts throughout the drainage system will be conducted, along with trash and debris removal. For the safety of staff and trail enthusiasts, sections of the multiuse path must be closed for the duration of the work, as there will be equipment on site, as well as exposed areas as a result of necessary digging and removal to excess sediment.

— Urgent Care hosts food drive for the Dayton area. With November approaching and Thanksgiving around the corner, Dayton Urgent Care will be collecting non-perishable items for local families now until Nov 15. Item such as boxed stuffing, gravy, canned veggies, boxed desserts, boxed potatoes, canned yams, canned soups and soup mix. In the past years we have had such a great turn out with our other drives. Food items can dropped off at Dayton Urgent Care, 901 Medical Center Drive, Dayton, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Carson City Fire Department and sheriff's deputies responded Tuesday morning to a crash involving a motorcycle and a UPS truck in the area of College Parkway and Research Way.

The accident was reported at around 6:53 a.m. The motorcycle rider sustained serious injuries and was transported to the trauma ward at Renown Medical Center in Reno.

Nevada Highway Patrol was also called. Traffic in the area is being diverted around the crash. Motorists can expect delays. The cause is under investigation.

Earlier Tuesday morning, Carson City Fire Department and paramedics responded to crash at North Carson Street and Medical Parkway. Southbound Carson Street and I-580 traffic was diverted briefly. No serious injuries were reported.

Kimberly Okezie has loved stuffed animals since she was a child, beginning with a plush koala bear that she says stayed with her into adulthood until time literally unraveled the stitching on the toy.

Now jurist for Nevada’s First Judicial District Juvenile Court in Carson City, Special Master Okezie is personally handing out stuffed animals to children in her courtroom.

“We want to help people who come into our court not feel so traumatized,” said Okezie, who has served five years as the First Judicial District Court Special Master. “We thought of the idea of giving kids something, a book or occasionally when we could, a stuffed animal.”

Then Okezie heard about the Reno Rodeo Foundation’s program, which offers books and stuffed animals to courtrooms throughout the region.

Her courtroom, in fact, just recently received its first delivery of stuffed teddy bears bearing the Reno Rodeo badge.

“We have been able to collaborate with them, and we are very thankful for the Reno Rodeo Foundation,” she said. “Court is a scary place for people, so we try to reduce that as much as we can.”

Okezie explained her love for plush toys over a delicious Mexican meal at Taqueria La Salsa in Carson City, where the special master especially enjoys savoring the restaurant’s fish tacos.

“They have Mahi Mahi, I think, and the cabbage slaw that I love,” she said. “And I love to put their salsa on top of it all!”

In between bites of the decadent fish tacos, Okezie cheerfully engaged questions thought up by Carson City area children.

What Okezie hopes readers will learn about her is that she is a very fun-loving person.

“I’m a person who likes to do fun things,” she said. “I’m out in the community riding go-carts with my family, picking out pumpkins, and going to restaurants in the community.”

The children’s first names and their questions appear below, followed by Special Master Okezie’s responses.

Allison: What inspired you to go into your field of work?

Kimberly: Ever since I was a child, when I heard sirens, I wanted to know what was happening. I wanted to be a part of that.

I always had the drive to go to law school and become a prosecutor. That was my ambition. I became a prosecutor for two years and I loved it. That then introduced me to the world of juvenile court. When the time was right and the position came open, I didn’t hesitate. I knew what I was getting into and I knew I loved making connections with people. Juvenile court provides that opportunity.

Bailey: What made you choose this area (district) of child welfare?

Kimberly: When I came out of law school, I put in applications to become a law clerk. I thought that would be a really great position to start off a law career on.

I interviewed with Judge (James T.) Russell. He offered me the position. Once I met him and his staff, I knew this was the right position for me. And from that day, I have spent a majority of my career here in Carson City.

I absolutely love the people I work with, I love this community, I love the stakeholders that come in and participate. The hearts of the people here are big, and that’s what I appreciate and respect about this area.

Zyler: Why do you want to help kids?

Kimberly: When I accepted this position, I had a lot of people say to me, “how could you do that? How could you work in that field?”

My perspective is, why not? People need somebody to listen to them, and especially children.

I know this is a corny statement, but children are our future. They truly and literally are.

What I saw as a prosecutor was a cycle with families coming into and out of the system. When you have a child come into the system, remain in that system and then become an adult, something has to help end that cycle.

Given the opportunity to work with children, why not? If you can make a difference in a child’s life, there’s not much that’s better than that.

Nicole: What is your favorite color?

Kimberly: I remember being asked that question in elementary school and I thought then that I don’t have an answer to that question, because I like all colors. I still feel the same way. For the sake of this question, though, I would choose UNR (University of Nevada, Reno) blue.

Johnny: What’s your favorite pizza combo?

Kimberly: Barbecue chicken with barbecue sauce, red onions, and cheddar cheese.

Kaelyn: What do you like on your hotdog?

Kimberly: I like ketchup, sweet pickle relish, shredded cheddar cheese and tomatoes.

Gage: If you could trade bodies with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

Kimberly: I like where I’m at in my life and I love what I do, so that’s a hard question to answer. For fun, though, I would be Batman, because I would get to drive cool vehicles and use cool toys. I’d also be able to make a difference.

Kory: What is your favorite part of your day?

Kimberly: I have a two-part answer. My favorite part of the work day is being in court and making that connection with a family and child. Reunifying a child back with their family is my absolute favorite part of any work day.

My favorite part of the day away from work is just before bedtime. I read at night to my child. It’s that time of the day when nothing else is going on except for that book you are diving into and sharing. There is a calm in the house at that time. It’s a cuddly, warm, family time.

Anonymous: What was your favorite subject in school?

Kimberly: My favorite subject in college was anthropology. I loved it so much that I almost changed majors. What I loved about it was studying people and trying to understand different cultures.

Ally: If you couldn’t be a Judge, where would you be and what would you be doing?

Kimberly: If I couldn’t be a judge, I would most likely go back to being a prosecutor. I’d still be in law. It’s funny because you consider these things when you apply to law school and whether you get in or not. I initially thought about being a marriage and family therapist, so it’s all about people for me! I was actually accepted into the MFT program at UNR, but then I was also accepted into law school.

Anonymous: What do you love most about Nevada?

Kimberly: Nevada is my home. I was born and raised here in Nevada. My mom always told me, once a desert dweller always a desert dweller. I love how open it is here.

When I want trees and forest, I can get there by going just up the road. This place just has everything. The catchphrase “Home Means Nevada” has always been that way for me. My family has been here for generations.

Anonymous: What are your favorite activities to do for Halloween and Nevada Day?

Kimberly: We go to the Nevada Day Parade, and we love that. We carve and decorate pumpkins, cookies, and put up decorations for Halloween. I love to start baking around that time. We have a Halloween Party at my sister’s house. We set up a little grave yard and lots of decorations. We have a pinata for the kids and pumpkin decorating, just a lot of fun stuff.

Okezie said she was thrilled with the questions thought up by children and she hopes her answers help them get to know her a little bit better.

“Thank you to the kiddos and families that took the time to submit their questions,” she said. “I really enjoyed each of the questions.”

We’d love to hear from children and their families in the community. Email us at casacclunch@gmail.com with questions for our guests.

Please remember the questions should be the sort you would ask a person when you want to know them better. We will not field questions related to child welfare issues, and we prefer no questions about the professions of those we interview. All questions submitted will be screened and selected for taste and appropriateness.

Our second guest will be Mark Beguelin, a children’s attorney for Washoe Legal Services. I’ll take a lunch break with Mark and find out more about him! Please submit your questions for Mark by Friday, Nov. 1, 2019.

CASA of Carson City is a local non-profit organization that provides volunteer guardian ad litem services to child welfare clients in Carson City and Storey County. Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are the voices of children who cannot speak for themselves in family and juvenile court. As dedicated community volunteers, they advocate for the best interests of these children.

For more information on CASA of Carson City and to learn about becoming a volunteer guardian ad litem, visit www.facebook.com/pg/CASAofCC, email casaofcc@earthlink.net, or call (775) 882-6776.

CASA of Carson City holds information hours periodically throughout the year, so please check the organization’s Facebook events calendar and www.carsonnow.org for upcoming dates.

Good morning seekers! Let's get right into it, we're getting down to the wire. Here's the beginning of Week Three with Clue 11!

Seek to find your own fortune of up to a $1,000 cash prize.

The first clue is as follows:

Four distinct spaces
Within the division
Examine each one
Looking for your vision

And the second clue:

Originally vulnerable
The Feds on a mission
Now they're defended
As perceptions transition

The third clue:

Copious and researched
Join the hunt
For this dweller
And come out in front

The fourth clue:

While there may be three
Generally they're of no aid
Because they do not
Contain this year's crusade

The fifth clue:

The southeast is a match
For both your destination
And Edington so don't let
The impact crater your elation

The sixth clue:

East of Eden
His holdings were broad
After immigrating
The rail earned him applaud

The seventh clue:

Link brick and ox
With hay and shoes
Plus medicine and education
From which you must choose

The eighth clue:

Eleanor V.’s husband
Gets all the fame
Her career and maturity
Deserves the same

The ninth clue:

For these dry kidneys
All should be grateful
They play a nurturing role
And now may be fateful

The tenth clue:

A lone prince sharing
A president’s name
Claimed the number
Fifteen for his fame

And now the eleventh clue:

1000 wasn't enough
But don't be weary
Follow the eponym's lead
A new home is necessary

Clues will be given daily, Tuesday through Saturday, so keep your eyes peeled, and happy hunting! See the Nevada Day Treasure Hunt web page here.

To learn more about the Nevada Day Treasure Hunt, click here.

A 34-year-old man was arrested for multiple misdemeanor offenses, court warrants and a gross misdemeanor charge of possession of a dangerous drug without a prescription, a Carson City sheriff's arrest report states.

According to the booking report, officers were advised Saturday by a reporting party that a man was on vacant property that had been involved in a fire investigation and that he was seen leaving the location in a white truck.

A Carson City Sheriff's Office sergeant met with the driver of the vehicle in the area of Sherman Lane and Sneddon Way. The man advised to the officer that he had multiple warrants for his arrest. A computer checked showed four warrants, three from Reno Municipal Court, two warrants for contempt, one warrant for violation of a suspended sentence and a warrant for failure to appear on a traffic citation out of Sparks.

The man was detained. He had a large knife on his side and a knife clipped on his back pocket. Deputies checked for weapons and recovered two additional pocket knifes from his right pocket. Also located was a broken burned glass pipe, used for smoking narcotics, from his pocket. He was arrested.

A records check on the vehicle was done. It was also learned the man was driving on a revoked license. During the investigation, the plates on the vehicle did not match the vehicle. A check of the VIN returned showing the license plate as fictitious. During inventory of the vehicle officers located a prescription drug bottle that contained four pills. The drug was a prescription only drug and the suspect did not have a prescription, the report states.

Total bail amount listed for the warrants, prescription drug, paraphernalia, registration and vehicle offenses: $8,947.

— A 28-year-old Carson City woman was arrested Monday for a misdemeanor contempt of court warrant issued March 11, 2019 out of Carson City Justice Court. Bail: $314.

— A 25-year-old Dayton man was arrested Monday, 8:59 p.m. in the 7000 block of Highway 50 East for a misdemeanor violation of suspended sentence warrant issued Oct. 11, 2019 out of Carson City Justice Court. Bail: $3,000.

— A 29-year Carson City woman was arrested Monday, 8:05 p.m. for misdemeanor suspicion of probation violation. According to the arrest report, deputies were dispatched to a Bourgogne Street address for a report of an intoxicated subject. Dispatch advised the woman was on alternative sentencing with a "no alcohol" clause.

Deputies made contact with the woman, who had a strong odor of alcohol on her breath. She provided a breath sample of .285. Alternative Sentencing was advised and wanted the woman to be arrested for probation violation. Bail: $3,000.

All information for the crime log (unless otherwise noted) comes from the arrest reports supplied by the Carson City Sheriff's Office, and is considered by law to be public information. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The policy of Carson Now is to name anyone who is arrested for a felony offense.

New coats and jackets are in needed and are being collected for the McKinney-Vento Students in Transition Program run through the Carson City School District.

Jackets, coats and hoodies are being sought for alll sizes, youth to adult. Drop off new coat and jacket donations now until the end of the month at the following locations:

- Professional Development Center, 618 West Musser Street

- Vitalant (previously United Blood Services), 256 E. Winnie Lane
Mondays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesdays and Fridays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

For more information or questions, please contact the McKinney-Vento Students in Transition Program office at 775-283-1526 or 775-283-1537.

This year, the fan-favorite Cecil the Serpent of Walker Lake will be returning to Carson City for the first time in decades to participate in the Nevada Day parade this Saturday.

Let the residents of Scotland have bragging rights to the Loch Ness Monster because the citizens of Mineral County know that we have our own celebrity living right  here.

Many believe that the Walker Lake Serpent came to be in the 1960’s but that is far from the truth. Stories handed down by generations of Native Americans report of two living in Walker Lake, being of human form; one man, one woman. Children were told not to make fun of them.

Other legend talks of when Lake Lahontan began to dry up and a pair of serpents were forced apart. The male made his way to what would become Walker Lake and the female made her way to Sand Mountain outside of Fallon. Legend states that when the drifting sands of the dunes begin, it is the lady serpent whimpering for her beloved.

Many Native Americans have called the serpent — Toagwa.

From Native American folklore to the first European explorers to make their way to the West, reports of a large monster lying on the banks of Walker Lake have been documented in newspapers throughout Nevada.

The first reports of such came in a letter from Reuben Strathers to the Esmeralda Union on Oct. 3, 1868. It stated that he and a friend had killed a monster on Mt. Brawley near Aurora. 

The animal had a head in shape not unlike that of the crocodile, with fore-feet near the neck, a tail of enormous length, which lay perfectly quiet, with only the body-part moving. It’s body was said to be covered in scales, glistening in the morning sun.

The party shot arrows at the animal and killed it. As they approached the unknown animal, “The stench became overpowering and sickly,” and they estimated the length at fifty-six feet.

Before Mineral County was carved out of Esmeralda County, residents began to claim homesteads at Walker Lake. The editor of the Walker Lake Bulletin began publishing accounts of a monster on Aug. 1, 1883. He stated that the Native Americans who were encamped by the lake “were awakened by a horrible soul-shrieking screech. Looking out, they plainly discerned two monster serpents fighting. The battle continued for some time and finally extended to dry land, where one of the ghoul reptiles was seriously wounded.”

His version began years of stories in a variety of newspapers. The Reno Evening Gazette would report in 1909 that, “You cannot hire an Indian to go out into the lake any distance.” The Native Americans like those who frequent the lake today, probably know of the treacherous waves that come rolling in from the north. 

Jack McCloskey, a past editor of the Mineral County Independent and Hawthorne News would also write about the fabled sea serpent, calling her Sallie.

He printed a picture of the serpent wound up in a rock cave and mentioned, “It is know that there are underground springs feeding into the lake and it is common belief that there is an underground outlet.” This outlet is the connection between Pyramid Lake and Walker Lake that so many speak of.

To date, it is as fabled as the serpent, himself.

In August of 1930, a serpent was verified by many habitants of Mineral County, as members of the American Legion Post of Hawthorne manufactured a serpent with the aid of boats and materials to greet delegates to the Legion convention.

With the help of then prominent citizens such as Walter McKeough, Al Hughes, Harvey Dondero, Arlen Boerlin and Donald Grant, a water pageant was staged at Navy Beach telling the old traditions of the sea serpent. 

The story would play out that a young Native American woman would be given as a sacrifice to the serpent due to the tribe having suffered severely from drought. The chief would call on Lahontan, the spirit of the water, for his counsel.  Lahontan called to their negligence of the spirits during the times of plenty and told them of the old customs and their fathers making sacrifices to the serpent.

The serpent would disappear for sometime after that first initial sacrifice, but would later resurface, just like the tales.

May 1964 would see the resurfacing of “Cecil the Serpent”. A large floating creature that was much like he is today in structure but was painted black with psychedelic polka dots of many colors.

He caught on fire in 1966 due to some overzealous fireworks.

After his close call with fire gods, Cecil decided it would be best to ‘land lock’ himself.

Once on land, Cecil has become a main parade attraction each year. Powered by a 1966 Department of the Navy cargo pick-up that had been wrecked at the base, Cecil was constructed by depot employees from wire, burlap and fiberglass.

He now graces Armed Forces Day parades and each Mineral County High School Serpent Homecoming game with his large 90-foot frame.

On October 31, 1965, he stole the hearts of many Nevadans as he slithered his way down the streets of Carson City in his first Nevada Day celebration where he won both the Governor’s Revolving Trophy and the Community Trophy. The smoke breathing serpent has delighted many people and citizens who have been able to bring their children back to Hawthorne each third weekend of May to enjoy the sights and sounds of Cecil from their childhood.

Known to put fear into the hearts of many children and dogs alike, Cecil will once again grace Main Street with his low, eerie moans and his smoke breathing nostrils. 

Now a senior citizen, Cecil was in need of some major upkeep and with the help of SOC LLC., this geriatric serpent made his debut in the 67th Armed Forces Day parade after much needed structural and cosmetic work have been accomplished.

This year, Cecil will uncave himself from his lair so that the large beast can be a delight to you and your families in Carson City after several mysterious decades.

Living in social times, Cecil now has his own Facebook page where he encourages his friends to upload new and old photos.

Each childhood has special memories that make your journey home a special one. Cecil is one of those memories that must be shared with your family.

When you see him slithering down the street and hear a little child screaming, you will reflect back and remember, “That was once me.”

The Nevada Day Parade is Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Go here for more information about the 2019 Nevada Day Celebration.

A Virginia company is contacting local businesses in Carson City asking for “sponsorships” for materials to benefit Carson High School. However, according to Carson City School District, this company has no real affiliation with the school nor the district.

One business in Carson City received a solicitation claiming they were working with Carson High School’s varsity football team to sell posters. After further correspondence with the Carson High School Athletic Director’s office, it was determined that this solicitation was false and likely a scam.

The company, calling itself “All About Sports” is asking local businesses to send checks or credit card payments to the company’s address in Midlothian, Virginia. Last year in September, a similar scam by “Game Day Media” or “Sports Media Marketing” targeted businesses in Carson City claiming affiliation with the Carson High School Cheer Team. Similar news reports across the country have been made claiming these nefarious companies are misleading local businesses into giving them money for schools that they have no formal relationship with.

“It is sad that there are scammers falsely representing our schools in misleading the good will and generosity of our business community,” said Marc Rodina, vice principal at Carson High School. “We have made a concerted effort to establish strong relationships with numerous businesses across northern Nevada, and it hurts deeply when our partners are targets of fraudulent activity.”

The Carson City School District further cautions the community to confirm the legitimacy of a third-party-vendor through the individual school sites. Individuals or business interested in supporting sports teams at Carson High School should contact the Athletic Director’s Office at 775-283-1900.

Statewide, jobs increased by 3.2 percent, a gain of 45,200 new jobs added since September of last year. The Reno metropolitan statistical area added jobs at the rate of 6.0 percent during the same period, while Carson City grew by 3.6 percent and Las Vegas, 2.1 percent.

All three metro areas had faster employment growth rates than the national rate of 1.4 percent.

These percentage changes represent an increase of 1,100 jobs in Carson City, 14,800 in Reno and 21,100 jobs in Las Vegas.

Compared to August, these areas experienced increases of 100 jobs in Carson City, 5,500 jobs in Las Vegas, and 1,100 jobs in Reno.

All of these changes are seasonally adjusted to show underlying trends in employment.

September’s unemployment rates declined when compared to the same month in 2018 within all the state’s MSAs and in all but Esmeralda and Eureka counties. When compared to August, all MSAs, counties, and cities showed declines in unemployment with the Reno MSA reaching 2.9 percent.

For comparison, Humboldt, Eureka, White Pine, and Elko counties had unemployment rates ranging from 2.5 percent to 2.7 percent. The highest county unemployment rate was Nye at 5.1 percent, and the lowest was Eureka at 2.5 percent.

All published cities and combined regional areas showed decreases compared to September last year and August this year with Elko City reaching the lowest city rate of 2.5 percent.

“In September, Nevada marked 12 consecutive months leading the nation in job growth over the year, and that growth is reflected in the state’s local areas," said David Schmidt, Chief Economist, for Nevada’s Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation. "All the state’s metropolitan areas added jobs over the year at a faster pace than the national average of 1.4 percent."

Additionally, following normal seasonal trends unemployment rates declined in all our counties, metropolitan areas, and cities compared to August this year.

Unemployment rates also declined in all but two counties compared to September last year.

"The Silver State continues to experience low unemployment rates and employment growth in communities around the state, which should continue to promote opportunities for Nevada’s workers,” said Schmidt.

Additional September 2019 Economic Report Highlights:

Job Growth in September (Seasonally-Adjusted):

Carson City increased 100 jobs over the month, and is up 1,100 jobs over the year (3.6 percent).

Reno added 1,100 jobs over the month and 14,800 over the year (6.0 percent).

Las Vegas is up 5,500 jobs over the month and is up 21,100 over the year (2.1 percent).

All three of the metro areas have employment growth rates higher than the national growth rate of 1.4 percent.

Unemployment: Las Vegas: 4.0 percent; down 0.5 percentage point from August, and down 0.8 percentage points from a year ago. Reno: 2.9 percent; down 0.4 percentage point from March, down 0.5 percentage from this time last year. Carson City: 3.6 percent, down 0.3 percentage point from March, and down 0.6 percentage point from a year ago.

Since September 2018, 15 of 17 counties showed decreases in unemployment with Eureka and Esmeralda showing increases of 0.2 and 0.3 percent respectively.

Nine counties had decreases in unemployment when compared to March. Carson City, Esmeralda, Lander, Lyon, and Mineral at 0.5 percent; Churchill, Clark, and Elko at 0.1 percent; and Douglas county at 0.4 percent.

Eureka has the states lowest unemployment rate at 2.5 percent, and Nye had the highest at 5.1 percent. On a city level Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Sparks, and Reno had decreases in unemployment on a monthly and annual basis.

Additionally, Boulder City, Elko City, Fernley City, and Mesquite City also had over-the-month and year decreases.

Not employed rates are returning to 2008 levels in all counties. Not employed is defined as the percentage of individuals over the age of 18 who reside in the community and are ready, willing, and able to be employed but are unable to find employment. The not employed rate differs from the unemployed rate in that unemployed includes individuals 16 years of age and up, the report states.

In an examination of earnings data from the Census Bureau’s Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics Program, female earnings are 78 percent of males in Carson City, the highest statewide, while the state average is 73 percent, according to the report.

See the report breakdown here:

Nevada Sub-State Labor Market Overview September 2019 by Carson Now on Scribd

Nevada quarterback Malik Henry will not suit up for the Wolf Pack for the foreseeable future.

Head coach Jay Norvell announced that Henry will be taken off the field in order to focus on academics and life outside of football.

Redshirt freshman Carson Strong and fifth-year senior Cristian Solano will prepare for the starting quarterback position when Nevada plays at Wyoming on Saturday, Oct. 26.

Read the rest of the story here.

St. Peter's Episcopal Church in downtown Carson City at the corner of Telegraph and Division streets will host its annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Items available include hand-crafted notecards, hand-made apparel, accessories, and items for the home. Raggedy Ann dolls and Christmas bears will provide unique gifts.

Holiday decor and ornaments will adorn the centerpiece Christmas tree. Gently used china, silver, and quality tableware will fill Classic Treasures.

The Food Room will be overflowing with homemade treats including preserves, cookies, cakes, breads, and candies. A large selection of jewelry, both crafted and gently used, will also be available. Pampered Pets will offer stylish dog coats, beds, pet placemats, and homemade treats.

Raffle tickets will be on sale for “Dreams of Green Gardens,” this year’s originally designed quilt, pieced and appliquéd in traditional patterns suggesting garden, growth, spring renewal.

Decorated shopping areas inside this historic 150-year-old church present a warm, festive beginning to the holiday season. The Sierra Saxophone Quartet will play from the Sanctuary balcony from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Come and enjoy it all!