The Carson City School District is pleased to announce Ms. Christina Bourne and Ms. Jennifer Chandler have both been nominated and will have the opportunity to compete for “Nevada State Teacher of the Year.” The two were nominated because both have earned accreditations as National Board Certified Teachers. The winner and finalists of the state recognition will be announced later this summer in August.

The prestigious program focuses public attention on excellence in teaching. To be eligible, Bourne and Chandler needed to be nominated by colleagues. Once nominated, they were eligible and invited to submit an application. This application required three letters of recommendation: one from the site administrator, one from a parent or student and one from a colleague. The state selection committee also required copies of each teachers’ previous evaluations. The application involves a number of essay style answers to questions about the applicant's teaching and views on issues facing education.

After all of the applications were received, the state selection committee narrowed the field. Those who moved forward had phone interviews followed by face to face (ZOOM) interviews and later a 5 to 7-minute keynote address about “How teacher leadership can be leveraged to retain high quality educators in Nevada.” Both Bourne and Chandler have advanced to the final stage of the process. And now we wait until the announcement in August!

The mission of the Nevada Teacher of the Year program is to celebrate excellence and strengthen the teaching force by honoring and recognizing exceptional teachers on a school, district, state, and national level. Being named Nevada Teacher of the Year is not only an award, but also an honor – one that comes with an enormous responsibility: that of representing the entire profession in Nevada.

The 2021 Nevada Teacher of the Year will make connections with schools, colleges, universities, organizations related to education, the legislature and stakeholders around the state to elevate teachers, classrooms and the teaching profession. They are an educational leader, a mentor and an ambassador. As a spokesperson for Nevada’s roughly 27,000 educators, the Teacher of the Year is a resource on the state of education in Nevada.

A 48-year-old Carson City woman was taken into custody Tuesday for suspicion of multiple crimes including burglary, using a stolen credit card, suspected child neglect and drug possession, a Carson City sheriff's report states.

Karen Harral was taken into custody in the 300 block of South Pratt Street after a detective was at the residence investigating a burglary.

A subsequent investigation led to her arrest where she is suspected of the following felony offenses: child abuse and neglect, possession of a controlled substance, burglary, and obtaining use of a credit card without the owner's consent. She also faces charges of obtaining under false pretenses, a gross misdemeanor, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to the booking report, a CCSO detective briefed Carson City Sheriff's Office Special Enforcement Team officers that a child lived at a Pratt Street residence in which the mother, who was being investigated in a burglary and credit card theft case, was suspected of using drugs.

During the investigation, the woman gave officers consent to search her purse where they located methamphetamine paraphernalia and meth residue, the report states. The woman then admitted to officers she had used meth earlier that morning inside the residence in a hallway closet.

A SET deputy trained in the field of drug-endangerment involving children met inside the residence with the Department Child and Family Services and the child, who opened the closet door, which led to the discovery of meth and paraphernalia in plain sight, according to the report.

A telephonic search warrant of the residence was granted by a Carson City judge. Deputies located the meth, which was in plain sight, along with a glass plate with a line of meth on it, a dollar bill rolled up and a plastic card.

The plate with a line of meth was located inside a hallway closet, four feet, 8-inches off the ground and within reach of the child, the arrest report states.

The woman was also arrested for suspected crimes associated with burglary and unlawful uses of credit cards. She admitted to using credit cards inside a wallet without permission, including purchases at a smoke shop, where she bought Steel Reserve malt liquor, a bottle of Captain Morgan Rum, a lighter, a Monster Energy drink and a Pepsi. She also used the cards at two other convenience stores and a fast food restaurant, the arrest report states.

According to the report, the woman told CCSO investigators that she found a wallet outside of Walmart. She admitted using the cards in the wallet to make purchases and said that she then put the purse with the credit cards in a post office box. The victim told officers they received word from the post office that they had the purse and credit cards. This was confirmed by CCSO investigators. Bail: $40,000.

— A 27-year-old South Lake Tahoe woman was booked on a felony fugitive from justice warrant issued earlier this year. Meagan Rene Turkington was booked at the Carson City Jail for a misdemeanor violation of probation warrant issued in June 2018. A further check during the booking process and deputies learned she had the felony fugitive warrant issued on May 11 of this year out of South Lake Tahoe Superior Court.

She's being held without bail on the felony warrant; $3,000 cash bail on the Carson City probation violation warrant.

— A 56-year-old Carson City man was booked into jail Tuesday on a misdemeanor probation violation warrant issued in December 2019. 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.

Hello Carson City! It has been a while since we’ve had a Pet of the Week, which isn’t necessarily bad! Our shelters have been relatively empty thanks to the shutdown.

However, we have a special boy to introduce you to today. Meet Capone!

Capone is an 11-years-young Pit mix and was found abandoned in Ash Canyon and came to the shelter as a stray.

Capone is a little shy at first but with a lot of love and butt scratches and many tennis balls, he would make an awesome addition to your family!

He is an older dog though and like many old timers he doesn’t appreciate little kids yanking on him and screeching in his ear. An adult home is preferred or with kids over 15. Families with children under 12 will not be considered.

He would also prefer to be the only dog in the home. More attention spent on him, thank you very much!

Let’s hear from sweet Capone himself!

"I'm just an older fella that wants to spend my time chewing on some tennis balls while laying by your side.  Even though I am older, I am still very playful and active, but don't get me wrong I absolutely LOVE my nap times!  If you are looking for a loyal lad that just wants to chill, ask about me today!"

You can learn more about Capone by making an appointment to visit with him at the Carson City branch of the Nevada Humane Society located at 549 Airport Road. Give them a call at (775) 887-2171.

Carson City Kiwanis supports local causes serving children, youth, elderly and disabled. Focused on this mission, the club hosts an annual Bingo and Pasta Feed to support the Carson City Senior Citizen’s Center Meals on Wheels program. Unfortunately, like many other local events, the club was forced to cancel the April 2020 fundraiser due to COVID-19.

Carson City Kiwanis intends to continue its mission despite COVID-19. Carson City Kiwanis has set up a link on its website to accept donations for the Meals on Wheels program. One hundred percent of the proceeds received will be donated to the Carson City Senior Citizen’s Center to support the local Meals on Wheels program.

Carson City Kiwanis asks the community members who would normally partake in this event to donate a minimum of $10. However, donation amounts can be modified up to $500 for those that would like to donate more.

To donate, please go to https://carsoncitykiwanis.square.site/product/meals-on-wheels-donation/4... and use your credit/debit card.

Please make checks payable to Carson City Kiwanis and write in the memo: Meals on Wheels. Checks can be sent to P.O. Box 922, Carson City, NV 89702-0922.

This virtual event will be held online until June 7, 2020, at which time donation amounts will be totaled and donated to the Carson City Senior Citizen’s Center. Carson City Kiwanis is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Donations are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions in accordance with Code section 170.

For more information, please call (775) 400-2650, email service@carsoncitykiwanis.org, or send us a direct message on our Facebook (facebook.com/carsoncitykiwanis) or Instagram (@carsoncitykiwanis).

A new item was placed on the Carson City Board of Supervisor’s agenda for the meeting happening tomorrow, Thursday May 20, which is in reference to the potential hiring of additional firefighters through the SAFER Grant.

Agenda item 27A reads: The SAFER Grant provides funding for three years to hire additional firefighter/paramedics providing 100 percent of the total cost of salary and benefits based on a first year (entry level) firefighter/paramedic.

According to the agenda the SAFER Grant was created to provide funding directly to fire departments to help them increase or maintain the number of trained front line firefighter / paramedics available in their communities.

The grant is funded through FEMA, said Carson City Fire Chief Sean Slamon, and it exists to aid in meeting the standards for firefighter staffing recommended by the National Fire Protection Association.

“The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), recommends 15-17 firefighters arrive to a reported house fire within 9 minutes from the dispatch time,” said Slamon. “The standard also recommends four firefighters are assigned to each engine company. Currently, Carson City Fire does not meet that standard. Our fire engines are staffed with three firefighters and we respond with a total of fourteen firefighters to a reported house fire.”

Slamon said they are requesting nine additional firefighters through the SAFER grant.

“The nine firefighters will allow us to assign four firefighters to our three fire engines,” said Slamon. “National studies have shown that four firefighters per engine can complete emergency tasks on the fire scene 25 percent faster than three firefighters.”

If awarded, the nine new firefighters would also be utilized to cover vacancies that occur when firefighters are off because of vacation leave or injury. The additional firefighters will reduce overtime costs by approximately $300,000 per year, said Slamon.

The deadline to apply for the SAFER Grant is May 27, and it is a highly competitive grant that fire departments throughout the country will be applying for, according to Slamon.

“We have added a basic life support ambulance to our staffing levels two years ago but they are not firefighters and only respond to Medical Calls,” said Slamon. “We have not increased the number of firefighters on duty in over ten years, during that time call volumes have increased by over 50 percent. While we continue to provide excellent service, the addition of nine firefighters will help us maintain that excellent service as our call volume continues to increase.”

You can read the Board of Supervisors agenda and supporting materials by clicking here.

As baseball awaits for a potential return, rule changes to Major League Baseball could benefit Reno Aces slugging first baseman Kevin Cron.

The MLB and MLB Players Association have discussed a bevy of changes to the shortened 2020 season during the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest proposal includes adding the designated hitter to the National League and expanding from a 40-man roster to a 50-man roster, to ensure teams have enough players for the season.

Read the rest of the story here.

Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe is reopening over the Memorial Day weekend and having a four-day locals-emphasis celebration after being closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic. The event has been scaled back from previous years as city and state officials grapple with phase 2 reopening, which allows second-home property owners living outside the area to return to the California side of South Lake Tahoe, but not allowing for non-essential travel and visitors.

South Lake Tahoe city officials sent a reminder Wednesday advising California second-home property owners living outside the area are allowed at South Lake Tahoe for Memorial weekend but officials also noted that non-essential travel and visitors are not allowed.

“We love our visitors and recognize how much they contribute to this City and this economy,” said South Lake Tahoe City Manager Joe Irvin, “We just know how important it is to get things open safely, and we all understand we are stronger together and safer apart right now.”

Meanwhile, at Stateline on the Nevada side, the casino core remains closed. There are some restaurants and shops that have opened between Zephyr Cove and Stateline and those are seeing an uptick among among locals, second home owners and vacation home renters.

Campgrounds throughout the Lake Tahoe basin are closed for overnight camping. All National Forest beaches, trails and trailheads are open, but parking areas, restrooms and trash service are not, so visitors should plan accordingly and be prepared to pack out anything they bring in and use, said Lisa Herron, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. Campgrounds and resorts will open at some point after Memorial Day weekend. A date has not yet been established.

The Memorial Day Holiday is typically one of the biggest weekends in the City of South Lake Tahoe, which is on the California side. Although second homeowners are now welcomed back in the city limits to their property’s, lodging is not available to citywide short-term renters or patrons at this time, officials said.

“We would love nothing more than to welcome everyone to Tahoe right now, but that’s not the safest way to bring people back to South Lake,” said Irvin, “We need to be responsible and make sure we are doing our part to keep our neighbors safe and Tahoe safe, while adhering to the Governor’s Stay at Home Orders.”

At Heavenly Village on the California side, any business will be good business.

"We are excited to have the village open and operating," said Heavenly Village VP Gary Casteel, Jr. "I cannot stress the level of excitement I have received from our tenants to safely re-open. A special thank you to mayor pro-tem Tami Wallace for all of her support in the re-opening.”

Most retail shops and restaurants will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. over the weekend.

Restaurants opening include Basecamp Pizza, Azul, Gunbarrel Tavern, California Burger, Fire and Ice, and Driftwood Cafe. A number of retail shops are also set to open.

Heavenly Village management said safety is their number one priority and the Village has multiple state-mandated safety protocols in place including social distancing designations, sanitizing stations, signage, and hand washing stations. Social distancing and face masks are encouraged.

On March 19, 2020, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-33-20 directing all residents immediately to heed current State public health directives to stay home, except as needed to maintain continuity of operations of essential critical infrastructure sectors and additional sectors as the State Public Health Officer may designate as critical to protect health and well-being of all Californians.

“The City promotes responsible behavior and wants people to be responsible to themselves and their neighbors as we go through this time,” Irvin said, “Keep proper social distance, wear a mask if you can, and make sure you’re doing your part to not spread this virus and helping to keep Tahoe safe.”

For more information on COVID-19 and California's response visit the California Department of Public Health's website here.

CARSON CITY, Nev. — Furthering its mission to support the nonprofit arts industry, the Nevada Arts Council will award nearly $400,000 in emergency relief grants funded by the CARES Act through the National Endowment for the Arts.

These noncompetitive, nonmatching grants will be awarded in amounts from $1,000 to $10,000 based on need and in the order they’re received. The application window opens June 1 and closes June 15.

“The Nevada Arts Council is honored to be able to provide operational relief support to Nevada’s nonprofit arts organizations through these CARES Act funds. As of May 20, 96 percent of these organizations have had to cancel events, they have experienced a loss in attendance of 528,582 patrons and have seen a total financial loss of $3,157,140,” Nevada Arts Council Executive Director Tony Manfredi said. “These funds come at a time when these organizations need it most and will allow the creativity, innovation, and inspiration of the arts community to continue to uplift us while contributing to the economic stability of our state.”

At a May 1, 2020, board meeting, the Nevada Arts Council Board approved $291,000 to be granted to the agency’s 50 operational grant recipients, and $100,750 in first-come, first-served funding for other arts and cultural organizations not already NAC grant recipients.

CARES Act grants must be used for salary support, artists’ fees or contractual personnel, or facilities costs such as rent and utilities and may not be used for capital improvements, debt reduction, or re-granting. Full eligibility guidelines and instructions on how to apply can be found here.

For more information on the Nevada Arts Council’s mission and programs, visit www.nvartscouncil.org.

The Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer and summer vacations. The Carson City Sheriff's Office wants to wish travelers in and around Carson City a safe and happy summer by reminding everyone of the importance of buckling up, even for those short trips around town.

The Carson City Sheriff's Office will be joining forces with other law enforcement agencies statewide starting May 20 through June 2 for our annual “Click It or Ticket” campaign. This event aims at enforcing seat belt use to help keep travelers safe as they drive to their destinations.

Nevada Revised Statute 484D.495 outlines the safety belt usage requirements for the state of Nevada including requirements for children and passengers.

Whether you are on a back country road or the interstate, in a small car or a large truck, driving across country or just across town, buckle up every time and make sure your passengers are buckled up as well. Seat belts save lives.

Please drive safely, remember to buckle up and watch out for others.

Carson City Health and Human Services is reporting Wednesday, May 20, that there are 3 new positive cases and 2 additional recoveries of COVID-19 in the Quad-County region. This brings the total number of cases to 153, with 105 recoveries and three deaths, 45 cases remain active.

New cases are:
— A male Douglas County resident in his 60’s

Carson City Health and Human Services is working to identify close risk contacts to prevent further spread of the disease. Due to medical privacy requirements and to protect their identity, no further information about the cases will be released.

Carson City
-77 Total
-25 Active
-49 Recovered
-3 Deaths

Douglas County
-26 Total
-4 Active
-22 Recovered

Lyon County
-49 Total
-16 Active
-33 Recovered

Storey County
-1 Total
-0 Active
-1 Recovery

TOTAL
-153 Total Cases
-45 Active
-105 Recovered
-3 Deaths
-4 Hospitalizations

Gender and age break down of the cases by county is available at https://gethealthycarsoncity.org/novel-coronavirus-2019/

Statewide numbers can be found at the Nevada Health Response website at https://nvhealthresponse.nv.gov

Community-Based COVID-19 Testing for Those Without Symptoms
— 1,798 Individuals Tested
— 1,798 Results Received
— 1 Positive Test Results
— 1,797 Negative Test Results

All the results from the asymptomatic community-based testing locations have been received. CCHHS is working to contact individuals.

For those who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have questions, call the Quad-County COVID-19 Hotline 7 days a week, 8 am to 5 pm. Spanish speakers are available.

The phone number is (775) 283-4789.

For updates and more information on COVID-19 visit https://gethealthycarsoncity.org/novel-coronavirus-2019/

The Carson City School District is pleased to announce six high school seniors (four from Carson High School and two from Pioneer High School) who have shown exceptional academic prowess. The valedictorian and salutatorian honors represent the students who have earned the highest and second highest ranks, respectively, among their graduating class.

The Carson City School District wants to thank all the educators, employees and peers who have helped each of these students during their time at Carson and Pioneer High Schools. The district also wants to thank the families of each student for their support and guidance during the entirety of their educational careers. Congratulations to all the graduates in the Class of 2020.

In the photo left to right are: Kai Chen, Ava Covington, Maryn Myler, Sailor Mueller, Sydney Miller, Lucia Shindell.

Carson High School Valedictorian:
Kai Chen will be attending Duke University with a full four-year scholarship worth over $320,000 from the national Questbridge program, starting in August. With a GPA of 5.65, he has taken 16 AP classes and 2 college level math classes at WNC. As an English Language Learner student, Kai has quickly managed his transition to Carson High School, currently taking both of the AP English Classes that CHS offers.

Throughout his high school career, he has taken numerous leadership roles, which includes Founder of Math Club, Vice President of National Honors Society and Key Club Secretary. His commitment to community service is also laudable; since his sophomore year of high school, he has dedicated roughly 750 hours in assisting students who struggle academically through volunteer tutoring in the CHSolutions program.

Carson High School Salutatorian:
Ava Covington fell in love with learning at an early age and has been fortunate to have had gifted and caring instructors who helped cultivate that love throughout her education in Carson City Schools. She is an artist, musician and writer, and in high school she explored her broad interests in many activities, including Cross Country, Philosophy Club and Mock Trial.

Ava views knowledge as an instrument to effect positive change upon people and the environment, and she is attending a university to study geophysics and astronomy. She plans to teach someday with hopes to carry on the tremendous influence her education has had on her, both as a female and as an inquiring mind.

Carson High School JumpStart Valedictorian:
Maryn Myler has completed an Associates degree through the Carson High School Jumpstart program through Western Nevada College. She will be attending Brigham Young University in Idaho in the fall, where she will be pursuing a Bachelor of Music Education. In 2021, after she turns 19, she plans on serving an 18-month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. After that, her dreams are to have a family of her own, teach music and become a published author.

Carson High School JumpStart Salutatorian:
Sailor Mueller said “JumpStart has given me a great opportunity to advance my education.” In the future, she plans to continue with Western Nevada College and earn a degree in Network Administration. After that, she would like to work for a volunteer organization called the LDC, which assists with disaster relief and worldwide construction projects.

Pioneer High School Valedictorian:
Sydney Miller earned the status of Valedictorian at Pioneer High School for the class of 2020. Sydney earned a 3.9 GPA at PHS, is graduating early as a junior and already earned her Associate of Arts degree from Western Nevada College. She earned her honors high school diploma and a college degree in three short years! She plans to continue at WNC for her Bachelor’s Degree in social work in hopes to eventually work in crisis intervention.

Pioneer High School Salutatorian:
Lucia Shindell earned the status of Salutatorian at Pioneer High School for the class of 2020. Lucia has acquired a 3.86 GPA at PHS and will also be graduating early as a junior. Lucia is currently very close to earning an Associate of Arts degree and will continue her studies at University of Nevada Reno, in the fall of 2020. After UNR, she plans on transferring to a different school to finish her Bachelor’s degree. She is not sure where she is headed after UNR, but she would like to go to UC Berkeley, UCSC or Stanford. Lucia hopes to study psychology, criminal science and international studies and in the future, she would like to become a diplomat or a FBI criminal psychologist.

It is hard to believe that two months ago we were all going about business as usual, going to the mall, to the gym, seeing family and friends and having dinner together at our favorite restaurant. Now, with life in lockdown, the way forward feels uncertain and bleak. We are faced with a pandemic we didn’t see coming, which has caused an economic crisis and cost many lives. This is particularly difficult to think about when you consider those most affected are the elderly and people with pre-existing medical conditions.

Navigating this pandemic has been an incredibly difficult experience for many people. Taking care of your mental and physical health can be a challenge. It’s times like these when we are all susceptible to depression and anxiety. What better time than now to consider the importance of mental health on all of us. What can we do to help ourselves, our loved ones and people we know who suffer from mental health conditions?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and I believe there is no better time to acknowledge a few subtle, yet meaningful ways we can improve our own outlook and uplift those around us. Here are some things we can do for ourselves and as a community that can bring joy and optimism during these uncertain times.

Connect with your loved ones. Remember that social distancing doesn’t have to mean social isolation. Schedule a virtual “hang-out” with Skype, Facetime, Zoom or simply pick up the phone and call friends and family members. If you are feeling isolated and alone, it is important to reach out to those you love. Simply connecting with others can transform the way we feel.

Be mindful and stay active. Stress, anxiety, and depression can wreak havoc on our immune systems. Practicing mindfulness can immediately calm your mind. Take a few minutes to focus on your breathing and come back to the present moment. Mindfulness does not take long and can be done in small increments throughout the day, depending on how you feel. Going for a walk around the block has the power to improve your mind, body, and soul. Consider ways to utilize your living space or backyard to remain active and move around. There are also online resources available to guide you through a yoga class, strengthening workout, or exercise of your choice.

Take a break from checking the news and find time to focus on yourself. As we do our part to stop the spread of the virus and protect ourselves, it is important to stay informed about current safety precautions including CDC and local guidelines. However, obsessively checking the news may only increase anxiety. One of the biggest setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is our limit on regular activities and schedules. Try to change your perspective from being “stuck inside” to having more time to focus on yourself and your loved ones. Focusing on what you can control can ease feelings of isolation and distress.

Schedule a Telemedicine appointment. If your feelings of depression, anxiety, or other related issues become unmanageable, there are Behavioral Health professionals available to help via phone or video chat. This service allows patients to seek assistance without having to leave home.

Contact Crisis Call Center (CSSNV). For those experiencing dark moments, amplified by the reality of the world right now, Crisis Call Center provides 24/7, free, confidential support. Reaching out to CSSNV can provide hope, connect you with local resources and offer counseling to those in crisis. Please call Crisis Call Center at 1-800-273-8255 or text “CARE” to 839863 if you or a loved one could use immediate help.

As you care for yourself, focus on the things you can do to improve your mental health. Maintain hope for the future and remember to cherish your relationships with friends and connections to family. Take care of each other. As we usher in a new normal and adjust to the challenges of life with COVID-19, these connections have the power to ease our fears and brighten our lives each and every day.

The Toastmasters program helps learners find their path to leadership by giving speeches, leading teams, and guiding others to achieve their goals in a supportive atmosphere.

The Kit Carson Club is an organization dedicated to the education and self-improvement of interpersonal communication skills.

The club is open to anyone, and they invite you to be their guest to experience how members improve their speaking and listening skills in an atmosphere of fellowship and fun.

Learn how the benefits of becoming a member will enhance your career, strengthen your family life and improve your networking abilities.

The Kit Carson Club meets every Tuesday at 6:30 a.m. Via Zoom please call 775-885-7579 or email for the link. Our email is kitcarsontm@yahoo.com.

When we are able to meet in person we are at the Black Bear Diner, 900 S. Carson St., Carson City. A delicious breakfast is complimentary for first-time guests.

CARSON CITY — The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles is preparing to reopen after shutting down on March 16, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a reopening date has not been set. All full-service DMV offices remain closed.

“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the COVID-19 emergency. The DMV thanks you for your continued patience,” said Director Julie Butler. “We’re releasing our plan well in advance so everyone will know what to expect. We’re going to serve motorists with the most pressing needs first and ask others to use alternative services or hold off from visiting a DMV office.”

The DMV's reopening plan focuses on the safety of employees and the public and is predicated on a three-step process: Go online first, wait if possible, and be prepared if you do have to come into the office. While the DMV offices are closed, the DMV encourages you to complete common transactions like vehicle registration renewals online.

The DMV will be offering only services that directly impact a person’s ability to drive during the first 30 days after its reopening. Initially, the Department will offer only the following:

· Driver’s license suspension or revocation reinstatements

· Driver’s license knowledge tests

· License or ID for customers with no form of valid ID

· Original vehicle registration of recently-purchased vehicles not eligible for online registration

· Vehicle movement permits

· Title transfers

· Renewals of documents that expired prior to March 16

· Transactions involving bad debt with the Department

· Commercial Driver License services (where available)

· Dealer Services, Fleets, Motor Carriers, Registration Services and Occupational License Renewals

Driving skills tests for non-commercial licenses will not be offered until a later time due to social distancing requirements.

Only walk-in customers will be accepted during the first 30 days. Appointments will not be available in the metropolitan offices. All previous appointments are canceled.

Customers should visit the DMV website, dmvnv.com, before visiting an office. Customers should follow the guidelines posted for three general groups:

· Do it online or at a kiosk - it is more important than ever to use the DMV’s alternate services

· It can wait – An automatic 90-day extension on expired documents is in effect. Other transactions that can wait include personalized plate orders, new resident licensing and registration and Real ID upgrades

· Be prepared if you do come in – Visit the website, gather all necessary documents and have forms filled out in advance

In the metropolitan offices in Carson City, Henderson, Las Vegas and Reno, DMV staff will be walking the lines outside the offices using the same three steps outlined above. Customers who can use alternate services or wait until a later time will be directed to do so. Those who are served may be asked to wait outside in their vehicle until called.

Only customers and necessary assistants will be allowed into the buildings. Rural offices will allow only ten customers inside at one time. The DMV will make limited exceptions for customers with disabilities and those who lack online access.

DMV staff will be wearing face masks and asks customers to do so as well. The department will observe all current CDC and Nevada Department of Health and Human Services guidelines on social distancing, building occupancy and cleanliness. Sneeze shields have been installed.

The DMV staff will be brought back to work beginning May 26 for training and to work on backlogs prior to reopening.

“The DMV has created a thoughtful, phased approach to reopening that is fair to all and, most important, keeps customers and staff alike as safe as possible,” Butler said. “We’re looking forward to reopening to serve Nevada’s motorists.”

As public lands and recreational areas begin to gradually reopen in Nevada, public officials are reminding residents and visitors to recreate responsibly by continuing to take precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19. With the Memorial Day weekend approaching, it is critical for everyone to practice responsible recreation to protect themselves and others in accordance with Gov. Sisolak’s Stay Safe to Stay Open initiative.

As the summer season gets underway and we spend more time in Nevada’s great outdoors, please remember that our public lands belong to all of us and we all share the responsibility of protecting each other, our natural places, and the communities that serve as the gateway to Nevada’s outdoor recreation opportunities.

Just as you would at the grocery store or other public venue, please practice social distancing and wear a face mask when crossing paths with other outdoor recreationists, be it in the parking lot or out on the trail. And — as always — please be mindful and respectful to “leave no trace” while enjoying Nevada’s natural wonders. It is more important than ever to follow all regulations, including fire restrictions, and leave nothing behind — whether it’s dog waste, your picnic trash, or the mask you brought with you.

Nevada’s amazing outdoor spaces can provide solace and healing during these trying times, but to protect one another, we need to follow some common-sense rules and courtesies when we recreate outdoors. Stay within small household groups, always carry a mask and sanitizer, and remember to prioritize the health of fellow recreationists and the local community, as well as the pristine condition of Nevada’s natural resources.

Seven rules for Nevadans looking to get outside:

— Protecting the health of you and your fellow Nevadans should always be your top priority. Bring a mask whenever you recreate and put it on when approaching other groups. Practice social distancing and maintain at least six feet of space.

— Prevent wildfires by following Nevada-wide fire restrictions. Check this website for details on fire bans before you venture outdoors. Avoid target shooting in non-designated areas and other high fire-risk activities. Keep a shovel, fire extinguisher, and at least five gallons of water readily available in the event of an unintentional fire start. Our firefighters and first responders thank you for using extra precaution during these trying times.

— Avoid crowded trailheads and parking lots. Have a back-up plan if your favorite spot is too crowded. Remember, those State Parks and federal recreation areas that are open are operating under limited staffing and capacity, including day-use only limitations at most sites.

— Know before you go. Check land management agency websites before venturing out to recreate. Many of these places are closed right now to protect public health. Nevada State Parks are open for day-use only, and on-site museums, visitor centers, and gift shops are closed until further notice.

— Practice Leave No Trace principles. Pack it in, pack it out. Protect your fellow outdoor recreationists. Protect our shared natural resources.

— Be prepared. Many facilities, including restrooms, remain closed. Be self-sufficient by bringing in your own food, water, and trash bags.

— Public gatherings, events, and camping in developed sites are still banned. Group-use areas, both day use and overnight camping, remain closed at all Nevada State Parks and at many local and federal recreation sites.

For all State of Nevada recreation sites, please remember to visit the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website and follow @NevDCNR on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest updates on public lands closures, re-openings, and other pertinent information. Join the conversation using #RecreateResponsibly. Additionally, please visit parks.nv.gov and follow @NVStateParks on Facebook for the latest information on Nevada State Parks.

Although most retail businesses in the state were allowed to open May 9 to in-person service with extra precautions as part of the state’s “Phase 1” reopening, casino resorts were noticeably excluded.

Gov. Steve Sisolak will determine when gaming can resume, but it will be up to the state’s Gaming Control Board and Chairwoman Sandra Douglass Morgan to decide how that happens. Regulators are requiring companies submit reopening plans that incorporate some baseline health and safety measures.

While gambling is at a standstill — losing the state general fund an estimated $160 million in gaming taxes this fiscal year and costing the state countless more dollars in economic activity — gaming regulators have taken some preliminary steps toward reopening.

Last week, licensed operators received a notice allowing them to open on-site restaurants within specific guidelines. The Nevada Gaming Control Board scheduled an informational workshop for May 26 to hear from state and health officials about readiness for reopening and possibly take action.

Many companies have publicly released details about how they’ll do things differently once they reopen. Here’s what we know about the plans of some of the largest casino companies in Nevada. If you have suggested updates, send an email to michelle@thenvindy.com.

Casino Companies

MGM

Properties: Mandalay Bay, Delano, Luxor, Excalibur, New York-New York, Park MGM, Aria, Vdara, Mirage, Bellagio, MGM Grand

Reopening date: Unknown. The New York-New York is accepting room reservations with check-in dates as early as June 1.

Details: CEO Bill Hornbuckle said on an earnings call last month that the company won’t open all resorts at once, but will start with a few catered to different price points.

He pointed to mid-priced New York-New York and higher end Bellagio as the likely first two.

“Then from there we’re talking about what other properties should open, if any, at that point in time,” he said, according to USA Today.“We’ll go slow. We’ll be responsive and responsible.”

The company announced on Twitter that free parking will be available at resorts after they open, a shift from a recent move to charge for self-parking.

Status of employees: In early April, MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle said the company has furloughed about 60,000 employees — the vast majority of its workforce outside of Macau.

Hornbuckle said in an interview with CNBC’s Contessa Brewer that the company has 82,000 employees worldwide. About 13,000 work in Macau, and 69,000 don’t.

“It’s been devastating,” Hornbuckle said about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Upon news of the state-mandated closures, MGM Resorts announced it would pay employees for two weeks and pay health insurance premiums through August. Many of the furloughed employees are on unemployment.

Caesars Entertainment

Properties: Caesars Palace, Harrah’s, LINQ, Paris, Bally’s, Flamingo, Planet Hollywood, The Cromwell

Reopening date: Unknown. Caesars Palace is taking reservations for hotel stays with check-in as early as May 29.

Details: Caesars-owned casinos elsewhere in the country are starting to open, including properties in Arizona and Louisiana, but no date has been provided for Nevada casinos.

“Our casinos are beginning to reopen around the country,” the company said on its website."The precise date casinos are permitted to open will vary from state to state and is dictated by government or tribal officials in each jurisdiction.”

Last week, the company said it would be opening up resorts in phases based on customer demand. Caesars CEO Tony Rodio said Caesars Palace would be among the first to reopen, according to 8 News Now.

Status of employees: Caesars Entertainment announced April 2 that it was furloughing about 90 percent of its employees in 13 states. The company employs about 64,000 workers in its U.S. and international resorts.

It paid employees for the first two weeks of the shutdown and is paying employee health insurance premiums until June 30 or when employees return to work. Many employees are drawing unemployment benefits.

Wynn Resorts

Properties: Wynn, Encore

Reopening date: Unknown. Officials project late May.

Details: CEO Matt Maddox told employees in a video May 6 that he thinks the company could be ready to reopen by the end of May.

“We’ve been working very closely with the state and local officials, as well as the gaming control boards, to contemplate when it would be safe for when to begin to reopen,” he said in the video posted on Twitter. “While I can’t guarantee that we’re going to be opening at the end of May, it is really dependent on the science and the data coming out. We are preparing for that eventuality.”

Status of employees: Employees have been paid throughout the shutdown and will continue to be paid through the end of May, Maddox said on the video. There are about 15,000 employees covered by the pay extension.

Las Vegas Sands

Properties: Venetian, Palazzo

Reopening date: Unknown. The Venetian is taking reservations for arrivals starting June 1.

Details: As part of a phased reopening, the Venetian resort will be the first to reopen, followed by the Palazzo, the company announced Tuesday. The company said it will be performing COVID-19 testing on employees over a two-week period to prepare for welcoming guests again.

The company is launching a “Share the LOVE” program which donates a free night at The Venetian to a frontline “community hero” or first responder for every room night booked through the program.

Status of employees: Las Vegas Sands plans to continue paying its estimated 9,300 workers until its “anticipated reopening in June,” according to a company statement.

Station Casinos

Properties: Red Rock, Green Valley Ranch, Palace Station, Sunset Station, Boulder Station, Santa Fe Station, Texas Station, Fiesta Rancho, Fiesta Henderson, Wild Wild West, Wildfire casinos

Reopening date: Unknown. Hotels are taking reservations for stays beginning June 1.

Details: CEO Frank Fertitta III, who leads the company that focuses on locals rather than tourists, said in early May that the first properties to reopen would be Red Rock Resort in Summerlin, Green Valley Ranch Resort in Henderson, Santa Fe Casino in North Las Vegas, Boulder Station, Palace Station, Sunset Station, and the company’s smaller Wildfire properties, according to CDC Gaming Reports.

Another four casinos, including Palms, Fiesta Henderson, Fiesta Rancho, and Texas Station, would reopen at an undetermined date “once we have a chance to assess how our business is performing in a post-COVID-19 world.”

Status of employees: Station Casinos had committed to paying its employees through the much of the shutdown, but announced May 1 that it would need to do layoffs. Fertitta said employees would still be paid through May 16.

According to notifications that Station Casinos filed with the state, the layoffs were expected to affect 6,434 of its 14,000 employees.

Boyd

Properties: Aliante, Gold Coast, Sam’s Town, Suncoast, The Orleans, California Hotel, Fremont Hotel, Main Street Station

Reopening date: Unknown. The Aliante is taking reservations for stays beginning June 1.

Details: Boyd started reopening casinos in Louisiana and Mississippi on May 20 and 21.

The company said in a press release on May 18 that it would provide updates on additional reopenings as information becomes available.

“We are optimistic that we will be able to reopen most of our properties over the next several weeks, and we look forward to offering our guests a safe and enjoyable entertainment experience,” said Keith Smith, Boyd Gaming’s president and CEO.

Status of employees:

Boyd paid staffers during the shutdown through April 10, and maintained their health coverage through June 30 or when they return to work, whichever arrives sooner. But they put most of their workers on unpaid furlough.

“Implementing furloughs was a last resort for us, but a necessary step to protect our company, especially given the current lack of visibility regarding property re-openings,” Boyd President and CEO Keith Smith in a statement.

Boyd has about 25,000 employees at 29 properties in 10 states.

Blackstone

Properties: The Cosmopolitan

Reopening date: Unknown. Customers can make room reservations for stays starting June 4.

Details: On its website, the casino says it “will remain temporarily closed until further notice.” The resort will discontinue parking fees but will keep its resort fee when it reopens, according to Eater Vegas.

Status of employees:

The Cosmopolitan paid full-time employees through mid-April and extended health benefits through June 30, but announced in early April that it was furloughing most of its employees through the duration of the shutdown, according to KSNV.

This story was used with permission of The Nevada Independent. Go here for updates to this and other stories.

The Boys and Girls Club of Western Nevada announced that it will be continuing with its 10-week summer program, providing a space for school-aged children during the summer months.

"Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Nevada will be providing a safe, clean and positive space for kids to spend this summer," said Club Director Matt Sampson. "The Club will be providing a 10-week summer program from June 1 to August 7."

The program will operate Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

"This year’s summer program has been designed with social distancing and CDC guidelines in mind all while being able to still provide the same fun, engaging and positive summer that our community is used to," said Sampson.

The cost for the program is $85 per week, which includes three meals per day, up to 11-1/2 hours of engaging and hands-on programming in seven different core areas, a weekly take-home virtual club experience and a clean and safe environment to spend their summer, said Sampson.

Limited spots are available for this weekly program so for more information on how to register your child for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Nevada Summer Program or for questions regarding summer please contact the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Nevada at (775) 882-8820 or email them at info@bgcwn.org.

The Carson Educational Support Association would like to thank the following businesses for sponsoring and donating to our educational support staff banquet. Although the banquet was canceled due to the Covid 19 pandemic, prizes have been given to the CESA members who won Classified of the Year.

The association consists of paraprofessionals, secretaries, clinical aides, nurses, custodians, skilled maintenance workers, bus drivers and attendants, nutrition workers, deaf and hard of hearing interpreters, library media technicians, and IT workers.

We would like to ask that you please support and patronize these local businesses:

Les Schwab Tire Center, Carson City
The Union eatery, Taphouse and Coffee, Carson City
Carson Nugget Hotel & Casino, Carson City
Rustically Divine, Carson City
Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint, Carson City
Silver Oak Golf Course, Carson City
Micasa Too restaurant, Carson City
Greenhouse Garden Center and Gift Shop, Carson City
Michael Regan, Artist and Jewelry, Carson City
Yogurt Beach, Carson City
Chili's, Carson City
Roger's Carpet One, Carson City
Carson Valley Inn Hotel & Casino, Minden
Reno Rodeo Association
Reno Air Races Association
Reno Aces baseball
Reno 1868 Football Club
Board and Brush Creative Studio Reno
Need 2 Speed indoor Kart racing Reno
Garwoods Grill & Pier, Carnealian Bay, Calif.
Riva Grill, South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Caliente restaurant, Kings Beach, Calif.
Bar of America Restaurant, Truckee, Calif.

Thanks to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recent $3 billion purchase and distribution of agricultural products under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Nevada’s two regional food banks began distributing food from the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box program this week.

Food Bank of Northern Nevada plans to distribute 345,000 pounds of produce throughout its service area, which includes more than 145 partner agencies in a 90,000 square mile area across northern Nevada.

“We are excited to help get these resources to those who need it right here in our service area,” said Nicole Lamboley, president & CEO of FBNN. “So many families are struggling right now and fresh food is at a real premium.”

In southern Nevada, Three Square will be responsible for distributing up to 1,760,000 pounds of food each month —ranging from produce, dairy products, meat and eggs — to Clark, Lincoln, Nye and Esmeralda Counties, giving southern Nevada’s largest food bank the potential to double their distribution.

“Food insecurity was a very real problem in southern Nevada before the pandemic and is now at an all-time high due to the shutdown and rising unemployment rates,” said Larry Scott, chief operating officer at Three Square Food Bank. “Since implementing our emergency response plan in mid-March, Three Square’s weekly food distribution went from 1 million pounds to 1.3 million pounds — the equivalent of 250,000 meals per week. Thanks to this program and the incredible support from the Nevada Department of Agriculture, Three Square can continue to provide nourishing food, life’s most basic essential, to community members in need during this difficult time.”

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) provides support and facilitation to aid local implementation of federal assistance programs bringing food to vulnerable populations.

“We are so pleased to work with partners like Three Square and the Food Bank of Northern Nevada on programs like this that help Nevada’s families and farmers,” NDA Director Jennifer Ott said.

Members of the community and alumni PHS staff donated a special gift for students at Pioneer High School.

Conny and her son Jason Hernandez, delivered a Red Bud tree and granite rock with a plaque dedication to the Pioneer High School class of 2020.

The donated items were the official kick off to the landscaping that the school has planned to finish from the new building completed last year in March.

The school plans to finish the courtyard with more trees, benches, pathways, peace pole, and bridge over a dry creek bed.

Students in the PHS Project Lead the Way engineering classes will design and build aspects of the courtyard to help improve their school in the upcoming school year.

When completed, this internal courtyard environment will be an outside area for students to eat lunch and enjoy the outdoors when they return to school.

Special thanks goes to the Hernandez family for initiating this school project for our graduating seniors! An invitation to PHS students and families will be sent in the fall for the dedication ceremony when the courtyard is completed.