Gusty winds and a slight chance of showers arriving Friday will turn to abundant sunshine and a gradual warm up around the Carson City area and Lake Tahoe region through Memorial Day weekend and beyond, according to the National Weather Service.

A cold front is expected to pass through northern Nevada from Thursday night into Friday. While the chance for precipitation is very low, around 10 to 20 percent, thunderstorms are possible, according to the weather service, with the Reno and Lake Tahoe areas being on tail end of the front.

Gusty winds are likely Friday. Winds will kick up overnight as the front passes, with sustained winds 30 to 35 mph and gusts to 45 mph, forecasters say. The low front is short-lived, however, and is expected to be leaving the area by Friday night.

Onto the weekend, Saturday will feature a slight warm up with dry conditions, light winds, and minimal cloud cover. This could allow morning lows in a few outlying valleys across western Nevada to drop down into the low-mid 30s and Sierra valleys into the 20s. Make sure you bring enough warm gear for any overnight outdoor excursions.

Temperatures will be near normal on Sunday and then will quickly climb above normal for all of next week, forecasters say. Tuesday through the end of the week high temperatures are forecast to be 10 to 15 degrees above average with low to mid 90s in the valleys and low to mid 80s in the Sierra, according to the weather service. Thunderstorms may become more prevalent by the end of next week and into next weekend.

For the Memorial Day holiday weekend: Carson City, Carson Valley and Dayton areas can expect breezy conditions Friday, with mostly sunny skies and daytime highs in the low 70s. By Saturday the winds should have tapered down, with sunny skies with daytime highs expected to be in the low 70s. On Sunday, the warm up in weather begins with daytime highs in the upper 70s, and on Monday, daytime highs will be in the low to mid 80s.

For the Lake Tahoe Basin, it will be sunny and breezy on Friday with highs in the mid-50s. On Saturday, daytime highs will be in the low 60s. On Sunday, high temperatures will be in the upper 60s, and by Monday in the low to mid 70s.

Carson City Health and Human Services is reporting Thursday, May 21, 2020 that there are 6 new positive cases and 9 additional recoveries of COVID-19 in the Quad-County region. This brings the total number of cases to 159, with 114 recoveries and three deaths, 42 cases remain active.

The new cases are:
• A female Lyon County resident in her 30’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
-81 Total
-26 Active
-52 Recovered
-3 Deaths
Douglas County
-26 Total
-3 Active
-23 Recovered
Lyon County
-51 Total
-13 Active
-38 Recovered
Storey County
-1 Total
-0 Active
-1 Recovery
TOTAL
-159 Total Cases
-42 Active
-114 Recovered
-3 Deaths
-5 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 (nvhealthresponse.nv.gov/).

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.

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

It’s official: Nevada junior guard Jalen Harris will forgo his senior season and stay in the 2020 NBA Draft, as first reported by Nevada Sports Net.

Harris released the following statement on his Twitter account Thursday afternoon thanking the Wolf Pack fans and announcing his plans to stay in the NBA Draft.

“Chance. That one word sums up my Nevada experience in so many ways. From the obvious basketball and culture changes… to the subtle life and attitude changes along the way. I’ve been blessed to share them with my new extended family.

Read the rest of the story here.

Whether you live here in Tahoe or can’t wait until it’s safe to visit, we’re all anxious for a return to normalcy. This time of year, that means getting boats on the Lake's beautiful blue waters — while ensuring that you, me and Lake Tahoe stay healthy.

To Keep Tahoe Blue, we must protect it from harmful invasive species. Weeds, fish and other invasive organisms can cloud the Lake’s clear waters, encourage toxic algae blooms, and damage Tahoe’s ecological balance. In short, invasive species turn Tahoe green.

To protect the Lake and public health in light of COVID-19, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is wisely following a phased approach to opening boating season, which we at the League to Save Lake Tahoe strongly support. This sound plan is the result of extensive collaboration and consideration by TRPA.

Phase 1, which is where we are today, permits boats with intact Lake Tahoe inspection seals to get their “Tahoe Only” stickers and get on the Lake. Intact inspection seals prove that boats are free of invasive species. In Phase 2, boats without a seal will have to pass through inspections, secure a “Tahoe In-Out” sticker and then be allowed to launch.

TRPA’s staged approach is the right one. State health orders and COVID-19 travel restrictions required the closure of boat inspection stations, which are the Lake’s strongest defense against invasive species. After health orders are loosened, inspection stations will open, our Lake will be protected, and things will feel closer to normal. Visit tahoeboatinspections.com for information on the status of inspection stations, marinas and launch ramps.

We’re all in this together. When we follow the guidelines and put forth the effort we can keep ourselves healthy, keep the community healthy, and Keep Tahoe Blue.

Sena Loyd, primary candidate for the Nevada State Assembly, District 40, will be the featured speaker at Monday's virtual Democratic luncheon. Sena is best known for her years of exemplary service as Carson City's library director, in recognition of which she was named 2017 Nevada Librarian of the Year. She now serves as Director of Research and Workforce Development at Blockchains, LLC.

During her tenure as director, the Carson City Library was selected as a finalist for the Institute of Museum and Library Services' National Medal, described by the Institute as "the nation's highest honor for institutions that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities." That honor put our city's library in the top 14 of America's more than 9,000 public libraries.

Sena has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from San Jose State University and a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Nevada Reno. As a Western Nevada College adjunct professor, she has taught Technical Communication, Online Course Creation and Measurement Tools and Methods. She currently serves as a member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Nevada advisory council.

Sponsored by the Democratic Men's Committee, this event is scheduled for noon on Monday, May 25, and will be held online via Zoom teleconference due to the temporary shutdown of in-person venues. Those wishing to be on distribution for a link to the teleconference can email Rich Dunn, Men's Committee Events Coordinator, at richdunn@aol.com.

The next Carson City School Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 26 beginning at 6 p.m. in the Sierra Room of the Community Center, located at 851 E. William Street.

Items on the agenda include the approval of a Nutrition Services Food Service Management Consultant, a revision to the Capital Improvement Plan, the final budget and more.

Comments will be accepted through telephonic participation or through virtual participation via email; publiccomment@carson.k12.nv.us. Comments may be made by members of the public on any matter within the authority of this Board. Please note that public comment will be taken on items marked “for possible action” before action is taken on such items, and members of the public are encouraged to comment on such items at the time they are being considered.

Although members of the Board may respond to questions and discuss issues raised during public comment, no action may be taken on such a matter until the matter is placed on an agenda for action at a meeting of the Board. In making public comment, speakers are asked to identify themselves for the record. Speakers are further asked to refrain from speaking over each other if participating by telephone. Speakers are asked to limit their comments to no more than three (3) minutes, whether in writing or oral, and to not simply repeat comments made by others.

Discussion and possible action will be held regarding an approval of Chartwells as the Carson City School District Nutrition Food Service Management Consultant for the period between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021, at a cost to the District of an administrative fee not to exceed $50,000, and a management fee not to exceed $.08 per meal. Funding is to come from the Nutrition Fund, with the option to renew annually for four years.

Andrew Feuling will present a budget preparation timeline and an introduction of topics for the public hearing on the budget for fiscal year 2020-2021, including a brief discussion.

Discussion and possible action will be held to approve the Revised Capital Improvement Plan for the district’s fiscal year 2020-2021.

Discussion and possible action will be held on the final budget, including adjustments to the tentative budget for the district’s fiscal year 2020-2021, including adoption of a resolution approving the final budget and transmittal letter.

Activities and Events:

- No School on Monday, May 25, 2020, Memorial Day Holiday; no meals will be served
- Tuesday, June 2, 2020, Pioneer High School Virtual Graduation Ceremony
- Wednesday, June 3, 2020, Carson Middle School 8th Grade Virtual Promotion on cmnewz.org
- Wednesday, June 3, 2020, last day of school for students
- Thursday, June 4, 2020, Eagle Valley Middle School 8th Grade Drive-By Promotion, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
- Saturday, June 6, 2020, Carson High School Drive-Through Graduation Ceremony at varying times

Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District encompasses the northern part of the silver state including Carson City and the counties Churchill, Douglas, Elko, Eureka, Humbolt, Lander, Pershing, Storey and Washoe, as well as a part of Lyon County.

The district has never sent a Democrat to Washington. However, there are currently seven Democrats vying for the job, opposing Republican incumbent Mark Amodei.

The candidates are as follows:

• Patricia Ackerman
• Ed Cohen
• Reynaldo Hernandez
• Clint Koble
• Ian Luetkehans
• Steven Schiffman
• Rick Shepherd

— Patricia Ackerman has lived in Minden for 18 years. She was raised in Pennsylvania by post-war immigrants who came to America after fleeing the Nazis. Her platforms include income inequality, ending Citizens Untied, rural access to healthcare and medicare for all, lowering prescription drug prices, climate change and clean energy, and more.

To learn all about Ackerman’s platforms, click here.

— Ed Cohen was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Ohio University for his undergraduate degree and the University of Southern California for his graduate degree. He began working as a marketing and communications director for a nonprofit in the justice field in 2016. From 1988 to 2016, he worked as a magazine writer and editor and communication manager and director for college and universities. From 1981 to 1987 he worked as a journalist. His policies include removing President Trump from office, immigration reform, a woman’s right to choose, public service campaigns to end gun violence, fighting climate change, and more.

To learn all about Cohen’s platforms, click here.

— Reynaldo Hernandez was born in California in 1966 and his parents moved the family to Reno in 1970. He has worked in the grocery industry for 36 years.

Hernandez does not have a campaign website or social media. However, he submitted an opinion piece to the Reno Gazette Journal on May 14, which you can read here.

— Clint Koble was born in Harvey, North Dakota. He received a bachelor's degree in political science and one in history from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, in 1974. Koble's professional experience includes working as a general manager and executive director. He is a certified speaker and has been associated with the Washoe County Democratic Party, the Nevada State Democratic Party, the Sierra Club, the NAACP, the Alliance for Retired Americans, Planned Parenthood, and the Nevada Conservation League. His platform includes protecting public lands, water rights, rural access to education and healthcare, Tribal issues, affordable healthcare, common sense gun legislation, and more.

To learn more about Koble’s platforms, click here.

— Ian Luetkehans lives in Reno and went to Reno High School. He does not have a campaign site or social media.

— Steven Schiffman earned a B.A. from the University of Miami, a J.D. from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center in 1983, and an L.L.M. from the London School of Economics in 1984. He works as a rule of law attorney and international journalist. He has worked with the United States Agency for International Development and the United Nations Development program. Schiffman is a former volunteer with the U.S. Peace Corps in Micronesia. He is a member of the New York Bar, the District of Columbia Bar, and the American Bar Association. His platforms include climate change, immigration reform, agricultural and farming policy, gun safety, public education, veterans and more.

To learn about Schiffman’s policies, click here.

— Rick Shepherd grew up in Northern Nevada and received his degree from UNR, where he later ended up teaching. He started a company called Synux Technologies in 2002. His platform includes issues such as climate change, universal healthcare, raising wages, and more.

For a full explanation of his platform, click here.

Living the Good Life Nightclub-Bistro-Lounge presents An Evening Outside with Ev.

Music and dining event by reservation-Please call 775-720-5834 or 775-841-4663 to reserve your table. Spaced seating protocols in place so please call ahead. Face masks encouraged but not mandatory.

Saturday, May 23 6:00pm to 9:30pm

For more information click here.

According to the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation’s (DETR) April 2020 economic report, employment in Nevada is down 244,800 jobs over the month and the unemployment rate rose to 28.2 percent.

This report is the first report which covers the period affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency and shows the impact of temporary business closures in the state.

"Nevada is facing record high unemployment and the sheer numbers are difficult to comprehend. I am so pleased that DETR staff is working so hard to connect Nevadans to their benefits during this time, paying out more than 80 percent of eligible claims week over week," said Gov. Sisolak. "Nevada is working diligently to get people back to work as fast as possible, in a safe and responsible manner."

DETR’s report also notes that employment is down 254,800 over the year, a growth rate of -18 percent.

Nevada’s employment dropped to levels last seen in 2013 and realized the largest over the month and year decline on record which dates back to 1990.

The State’s unemployment rate is 28.2 percent this month, up 21.3 percentage point from March and up 24.2 percentage point when compared to last April.

Nevada’s Unemployment Insurance claims saw an increase of 197,067 claims, or 1,955 percent, from the same month a year ago. Initial claims are nearly six times the previous high set in December 2008, when the State saw 36,414 initial claims.

“The numbers in this month’s report, while sobering, do not come as a surprise. Our weekly unemployment claim report has shown a significant impact to the service industry in Nevada, and estimates of unemployment in the state are in line with our data on people filing for unemployment insurance. There is no precedent for data like this, neither the magnitude of the shift nor the speed with which it has happened. Because this is largely driven by policy response designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as businesses in the state are allowed to reopen we should expect to see a corresponding decline in the number of people unemployed as Nevadans return to work” said David Schmidt, Chief Economist for DETR. “Employment shifts also show the impact of COVID-19 in the state, with an 18% drop in total employment over the year. Private sector employment saw a 20% drop and public sector employment realized a reduction of 3.2% in the state. Leisure and hospitality was, by far, the most affected industry this month and dropped to employment levels last seen in 1993, nearly 30 years ago.”

Additional April Report Highlights:

• Prior to this month, the largest over the year decline in employment was 10.3 percent in 2009 during the great recession.
• Nevada’s over the year decline in employment this month was over five percent higher than the nation.
• The industries to lose the most jobs were the accommodation and food service industry (-40.9%), the administrative support industry (-28.2%), and the other services industry (-24.8%).
• Over the year, the federal government (4.7%), as well as the finance and insurance (+0.5%) and construction (+0.1%) managed to add jobs.
• Leisure and hospitality is at its lowest employment level since November 1993.
• The unemployment rate in Nevada moved much higher than the national rate in April, rising to 28.2% on a seasonally adjusted basis, and 29.8% on an unadjusted basis; the national rate was 14.7% adjusted, 14.5% unadjusted.

Hello fellow anglers, welcome to Memorial weekend. As many may know, Inyo and Mono County lakes and rivers will not open to fishing until June 1st.

For those that will be getting out, Alpine County is open for fishing throughout the county.

The season opened on May 15th and there have been some major fish plants in the local rivers, which you can see in the reports below. I do have some very heart breaking news to let you know about.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the local kids fishing derbies will not be held this year. This would include the Sawmill Pond Derby in South Lake Tahoe and Lake Alpine.

I received a special note from the president of the Lampe Park Kids fishing derby, which I have included in this report. It reads:

After careful consultation with our committee members and local officials regarding the health and safety of everyone in our community – our children, our volunteers, our attendees and our dedicated board members – we have made the difficult decision to cancel the Douglas County Kids Fishing Derby 2020, scheduled for June 6th & 7th at Lampe Park. Following increased and overwhelming concerns about the COVID-19 virus, we felt this was the best way to proceed during such an unprecedented global situation. We are very disappointed that we are unable to hold this event for our community and supporters. But we know it’s the right decision based on the information we have today. Our team will be reaching out directly to attendees via social media and local news outlets with information about the cancellation. We look forward to bringing you Kids Fishing Derby 2021 on June 4th and 5th, as a re-imagined event that brings our children and community together in a showcase that celebrates our love of fishing!

LAKE TAHOE: Report from Gene St Denis of Blue Ribbon Fishing Charters. Sand Harbor, Cave Rock and Lake Forest boat launches will open for Tahoe-only boats this weekend. This is for boaters that only use their vessel on the waters of Lake Tahoe. Gene said he has his first charter for a long time, and can't wait to get out and fish. If you want to hook up with Blue Ribbon Fishing Charters call 530-544-6552.

CAPLES LAKE: The lake has thawed, but mother nature threw some more snow up that way this week. The resort has started putting in docks and rental boats. They are trying to open with limited capacity this weekend. The resort manager Chris Hostnik was out fishing last week and caught and lost/released an 18 pound mackinaw. For more information on the Caples Lake Resort at 209-258-8888.

RED LAKE: The lake has thawed out. I have not received any fishing reports.

BLUE LAKES: The road is open 4 miles in to the 3rd gate as of this week.

BURNSIDE LAKE, WOODS LAKE, HIGHLAND LAKES: Roads are still closed as of this week.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: The campground and boat ramp is closed until further notice. They are doing some renovating on the RV camping area. The BLM is working on getting the tent camping open soon. The fishing has been fair for shore anglers using powerbait or inflated night crawlers.

CARSON RIVER WEST FORK: Open to fishing now. Alpine County has planted the river this week with 2-6 pound rainbow trout. I would not be surprised if you hooked a bigger fish. The Hope Valley area will be the best area to fish. The canyon area waters are running very fast right now. For more information stop by the Creekside Lodge, which is now open.

EAST FORK CARSON RIVER: Open to fishing now. Alpine County planted 2-6 pound rainbows this week. Even before the plant, there were anglers catching 2 to 4 pound rainbows. The road is open all the way to Wolf Creek. For more information stop by the Carson River Resort, which is now open.

MARKLEEVILLE CREEK: Open to fishing now. Alpine county has planted this week with 2-6 pound rainbow trout. The river is running very good right now. Anglers have been using Powerbait, mice tails or small spinners.

SILVER CREEK: Open to fishing now. Alpine County planted the river this week with 2-6 pound rainbows. Use caution up this high on the river. With the snow melting, the water is fast and cold.

CAMPGROUNDS IN ALPINE COUNTY THAT ARE OPEN: Crystal Springs, Turtle Rock, Silver Creek. Carson River Resort. All other are still closed until further notice.

JUNE LAKE area report from Ernie's Ski and Tackle Shop:

MERRY “DELAYED” FISHMAS! As we all know Trout Opener in The Loop and all of Mono Co. has been delayed until Monday June 1st due to CoVid 19 responses. So if you’re like me you’re raring to go.

For us here in The Loop and your own safety please adhere to the State and Mono Co. guidelines and regulations for social distancing and wearing of masks indoors and outdoors. Info in this report is to the best of our knowledge at this time. What with the fluid and confusing CoVid situation things can change literally daily so keep up with those changes the best you can.

We highly suggest contacting the businesses listed below for updates regarding Opener.

ANNUAL JUNE LAKE LOOP MONSTER TROUT CONTEST: Ernie’s Tackle and Ski Shop will be hosting the contest as usual in a low key manner with trophies only as prizes and likely no grand finale at the end of the day. Let’s just say it’ll be for the fun of fishing and friendly competition. So do weigh in and log those fish in at Ernie’s and the lake marinas. Please note that since Grant Lake Marina will be closed any trout caught there should be taken to Ernie’s or Silver Lake Resort.

TROUT PLANTS: CDFW has been stocking randomly throughout the Eastern Sierra to move fish out of their hatcheries. All lakes in The Loop will be stocked prior to June 1st except possibly Grant Lake due to the lack of access. Since they are required to have only one person in the stock truck at a time some locations that need two people stocking with nets may not receive fish which may include Rush Creek. Mono Co. will be bringing in Desert Springs Rainbows during the week of opener to June, Gull, and Silver Lakes. Not sure about Grant Lake due to that access road being closed. Gull Lake Marina will be receiving a load of their own prior to Opener and Silver Lake Resort may depending on the Mono Co. delivery schedule. June Lake Marina typically releases Trophy Trout from their pens leading up to Opener.

FISHING CONDITIONS: The general consensus in The Loop is that fishing on Opener should be excellent. Compared to the usual opening date you’ve got lakes that have been ice free longer, warmer water temps, and warmer weather in general resulting in what should be more active fish. Rush Creek flow is what I would call perfect with no heavy run off like last year.

WEATHER: Long term forecast for June 1st is a high of 70 and a low of 43 with a 25% chance of precipitation.

ERNIE'S TACKLE AND SKI SHOP: 760-648-7756 Opening May 31st and fully stocked with all your fishing needs and advice. BIG ROCK RESORT: 760-648-7717 All facilities to open June 1st including cabins and adjacent boat ramp.

JUNE LAKE MARINA: 760-648-7726 All open June 1st including boat ramp.

GULL LAKE MARINA: 760-648-7539 All open June 1st including boat ramp.

SILVER LAKE RESORT: 760-648-7625 All open including store, cafe, cabins, RV park, and marina June 1st. Nearby Forest Service boat ramp may not be open until after June 30th as posted.

GRANT LAKE MARINA AND CAMPGROUND: No phone. According to the operator the marina and boat ramp will NOT BE OPEN for the Opener with no date set to open. The campground should be open for long term (30 days and longer) stays only.

U.S. FOREST SERVICE CAMPGROUNDS: All campground and recreation sites in The Loop including the boat ramp at Silver Lake are posted closed through June 30th. In a call to USFS offices in Bishop they may open some sites sooner but unlikely before June 1st.

NDOW FISHING PLANTING: West Walker river, Mtn View Pond, Spooner Lake, Desert Creek, Paradise Pond, Marilyns Pond, Martin Slough, Baily Pond, Mitch Pond, Davis Creek Park Pond, Hinkson Slough.

Good luck on your next fishing adventure. remember to social distance while fishing and enjoy our great outdoors. If your looking for something a little different while your out. Try the Alpine County scavenger hunt. You can get information by logging onto alpinecounty.com/events/scavenger-hunt. If you get a picture of your catch, send it to editor@carsonnow.org . I hope to see you on the waters. Good fishin, and tight lines.

Shortly after Animal Control Officers contacted Public Works for the removal of a storm drain inlet. Tiearney arrived on scene removed the drain inlet and assisted Nevada Humane Society in their duckling rescue.

Thank you to the observant resident who reported the incident to NHS and thank you NHS for your continuous efforts in protecting our neighborhood animals. If you come across a duck in distress near a storm drain please check the drain for quacking sounds.

If you hear ducklings please call Nevada Humane Society in Carson City at (775) 887-2171.

See a video of the rescue below.

State officials say they will start accepting applications on Saturday for a highly anticipated program that will offer unemployment benefits to independent contractors, self-employed people and gig workers.

Heather Korbulic, who became director of the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation about two weeks ago, made the announcement Thursday in a video press conference. The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program (PUA) was authorized by Congress in late March, but requires implementation of a separate technology module than the one behind the standard state unemployment system.

Claimants can file the claims at www.employnv.gov, but the system will not be functioning until Saturday. Questions about PUA can be directed to a new phone line that will go live Saturday: 1-800-603-9681.

Korbulic said a call center will be open both Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to handle what is expected to be a high volume of calls. Payments are expected to start flowing on or around May 23.

Gig workers, who were not eligible for unemployment benefits in the past because an employer had not been paying into the insurance system on their behalf, have been anxious for the implementation of the new program. Two people who are likely eligible for the program sued the agency earlier this week, seeking to compel the state to act more quickly.

Those who are likely eligible for the program include 1099 contract workers, those who did not work enough hours to earn standard unemployment benefits or were unemployed or going to start work but could not because of the pandemic. They must be able and available for work and have prior earnings in Nevada or a job offer to work in Nevada.

Filers need to submit a W-2 or 1099 form and documentation such as pay stubs, bank receipts or billing statements.

Benefit amounts range from $181 to $469 a week, and claims are backdated to the point of a person’s initial eligibility — as early as Jan. 27. Claimants may also be eligible for a $600-per-week benefit from the federal government on top of that amount.

Korbulic said her understanding is that people who are offered a job but refuse to go to work will not receive additional benefits, but that the state is assembling guidelines to help people understand the rules on that matter.

Staff from Alorica, a call center that has been handling general unemployment questions for the past few weeks, will stop that task effective at 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, and become the primary adjudicators of PUA claims this week.

It’s not clear how many Nevadans will be eligible for the program, but DETR Chief Economist David Schmidt said last week that it’s probably at least 70,000.

— This story is used with permission of The Nevada Independent. Go here for update to this and other stories.

Quad-County Emergency Operations Center in Carson City is reporting six new positive cases and one recovery of COVID-19 in the Quad-County region. This brings the total number of cases to 134, with 87 recoveries and two deaths, 45 cases remain active.

The new cases are:
• A male Carson City resident in his 40’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
-63 Total
-18 Active
-43 Recovered
-2 Deaths

Douglas County
-24 Total
-4 Active
-20 Recovered

Lyon County
-46 Total
-22 Active
-24 Recovered

Storey County
-1 Total
-1 Active
-0 Recoveries

TOTAL
-134 Total Cases
-45 Active
-87 Recovered
-2 Deaths
-3 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 nvhealthresponse.nv.gov/

Community-Based COVID-19 Testing for Those Without Symptoms
— 1,798 Individuals Tested
— 1,379 Results Received
— 1 Positive Test Results
— 1,378 Negative Test Results

The lab is experiencing a high volume of tests. Results from the asymptomatic community-based testing locations are taking longer than expected. CCHHS will contact those tested by phone when their results are available.
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.

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

The Sierra-Tahoe Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association is now accepting donations of items for their Annual Rummage Sale, to be held September 26,27, 2020. The proceeds from this event provides funding for the many service projects the organization offers throughout the year.

A few of these projects are the donation of winter blankets, socks, warm clothing, as well as, bus tickets for veteran transportation to and from doctor visits. A monthly meet & greet at the local VA Clinic in Gardnerville serves homemade baked goods, coffee and great conversation. In addition, the auxiliary delivers personal care items to Senior Living Centers of the community and baked goods to the Marine Warfare Base, Pickel Meadows and food items to Richard's Crossing Housing Project.

Your support is greatly appreciated, contact Carol (775) 901-6052, please leave a message. Thank You.

Rick Shepherd, primary candidate for the House of Representatives, District 2, will be the featured speaker at Monday's virtual Democratic luncheon. A native Nevadan, Rick is UNR educated and has operaed a technology company in Sparks since 2002.

On his campaign website, Rick describes himself as "a progressive candidate and a proud Bernie Sanders delegate who occupied Wall Street and stood up against institutional racism in the Reno Police Department." He says that if elected his first piece of legislation will be a Poison Pill called “Get to Work!” that will make all sitting members of congress ineligible for reelection if the government shuts down on their watch.

Rick advocates for stimulating economy growth by increasing infrastructure spending, achieving energy independence by recycling the fissile material from 7,000 decomissioned nuclear weapons to kick-start new nuclear power plants, and banning hydraulic fracturing in Nevada to prevent earthquakes and the poisoning of groundwater. He also holds progressive views on offering immigrants a pathway to citizenship, enhancing Wall Street regulation, taking action on climate change, establishing universal health care, making the tax code more progressive, and investing in education.

Sponsored by the Democratic Men's Committee, this event is scheduled for noon on Monday, May 18th, and will be held online via Zoom teleconference due to the temporary shutdown of in-person venues. Those wishing to be on distribution for a link to the teleconference can email Rich Dunn, Men's Committee Events Coordinator, at richdunn@aol.com.

UPDATE: The USGS increases the magnitude from 6.4 to 6.5 Friday morning.

UPDATE: Reports coming in from throughout the region note the quake was felt throughout northern and southern Nevada, as well as in Central and Northern California. Esmeralda County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Highway Patrol, and Nevada Department of Transportation report several areas of US95 have damage caused from the 6.4 magnitude earthquake that occurred this morning.

***

There have been multiple aftershocks in the same area, including 5.4, at around 4:25 a.m., according to the Nevada Seismological Laboratory.

We will update as more information becomes available. See the Nevada Seismological Laboratory website here.

Hello fellow anglers. Well I have some good news to share with you. Trout season in Alpine County is officially open as of Friday, May 15, 2020. The county decided to re-access its season opener from the original request of June 1. on Thursday, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife granted the request.

Now in regards to Inyo and Mono counties, their trout season is still on schedule to open on June 1, 2020. If I hear of a new date for those counties, you will be the first to know. Last week Monitor Pass was open, but Highway 4 over Ebbetts Pass is still closed 7.2 miles west of Highway 89. Which means that Silver Creek up river from the East Carson River is accessible. Here are a few other areas that are fishable and accessible in our area.

LAKE TAHOE: All boat ramps are still closed. But with talks from the TRPA, they are planning to open to Tahoe only boats in the near future. These are mainly local boat owners that have had their vessel certified and inspected previously to fish or recreate on Tahoe only. If you are planning on bringing your boat up from out of the area. You will not be allowed to launch. Note, this is in the planning stage and ramps are not open as of this date.

SILVER LAKE: The lake has thawed and the water level is up. I fished with fellow angler Tom Blotter last weekend. We got two small mackinaws and one rainbow to the boat. Talked with an angler fishing from the spillway area, he was doing well for small rainbows using powerbait.

CAPLES LAKE: The lake was icing out very fast. By now the lake should be ice free. The EID boat ramp is scheduled to open on Memorial Day weekend. But with the stay at home orders in California, that may be delayed.

RED LAKE: The lake has ice out completely. No reports on fishing as of this date. The water level is up and the lake does offer brook, rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout.

BLUE LAKES: The road is open 2 miles in to the second gate as of last weekend.

BURNSIDE LAKE: The road is closed.

WEST FORK CARSON RIVER CALIFORNIA SIDE: Open to fishing starting May 15, 2020. The river in Hope Valley is running very good for fishing from the Blue lake turn off to Sorensons Resort. The river has not been planted this week. Alpine County will begin their trout plants just before the Memorial weekend with 1,350 pounds of 2 to 6 pound rainbow trout. The waters through Woodfords Canyon area to fast right now to fish.

EAST FORK CARSON RIVER CALIFORNIA SIDE: Opens to fishing May 15, 2020. The river is running a little high and with a green tint to it. Very fishable from the upper bridge to Hangmans bridge. Alpine County has scheduled a plant of 1,350 pounds of 2 to 6 pound rainbows just before the Memorial weekend. I will not be surprised if you hook into a much larger rainbow up to 10 pounds. The Creekside Lodge will reopen on May 15.

MARLKLEEVILLE CREEK: Open to fishing May 15, 2020. The river is running very well right now. Alpine County has scheduled a plant of 450 pounds of 2 to 6 pound rainbows just before Memorial weekend.

SILVER CREEK: The flows have been fluctuating due to the snow run off. Alpine County has scheduled a plant of 450 pounds of 2 to 6 pound rainbows just before Memorial weekend.

TOPAZ LAKE: The water level is still up and the fishing has started to pick up from shore and from a boat. Green Powerbait has been most productive, while trollers have been using Rapalas or flashers and a half a worm. I have had good success with medium flasher blades and a rainbow dick slammer 18 inches behind the blades. Camping is still not allowed on the lake, the boat ramp and day use is open at the Douglas County park area.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR: The campgrounds are not open and there has not been a set date as of right now. The lake level is up and the fishing has picked up a little. remember that the lake still has 2 to 10 pound trout roaming around in there. Special note, do not let your pets swim or drink out of the lake. The blue green algae level is low but still notable. Anglers, rinse your fish off at home before freezing or consuming your catch.

PYRAMID LAKE: Fishing and recreating to the public is still closed. Only local residence will be allowed to enter the reservations land. The Paiute Tribe is working on opening the area when they feel it is safe to do so.

MASON VALLEY WILDLIFE REFUSE: the area is open to the public now for fishing. They have stocked Hinkson Slough with rainbow trout.

Hope to see you on the waters. Remember that the outside temperatures may be warm, the rivers are running with ice cold snow melt. Use caution this time of year around our rivers and streams, hypothermia can set in quickly if your not paying attention. If you get a photo of your catch, send it to editor@carsonnow.org. Good fishin' and tight lines.

CARSON CITY, NV – Finalized data from the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) show initial claims for unemployment insurance totaled 21,635 for the week ending May 9, down 6,915 claims, or 24.2 percent compared to last week’s total of 28,550.

Through the week ending May 9, there have been 462,396 initial claims filed in 2020, 440,744 of which have come in the last nine weeks.

Continued claims, which represent the current number of insured unemployed workers filing weekly for unemployment insurance benefits, rose to 324,444.

This is an increase from the previous week of 20,871 claims, or 6.9 percent. Continued claims, which lag initial claims, are expected to rise as Nevada sees elevated levels of initial claims.

The state’s insured unemployment rate, which is the ratio of continued claims in a week to the total number of jobs covered by the unemployment insurance system (also known as covered employment), was 23.5 percent in the week, the highest insured unemployment rate in state history.

It should be noted that the calculation of the insured unemployment rate is different from that of the state’s total unemployment rate.

Nationally, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 2,981,000 a decline of 195,000 claims from the previous week's revised level of 3,169,000. The national insured unemployment rate for the week ending May 2 was 15.7 percent, the highest rate in the history of the series. The national rate is reported with a one-week lag.

To file for unemployment in the State of Nevada, please use the online application available 24/7 at http://ui.nv.gov/css.html. People unable to file online may file via telephone by calling a UI Claims Call Center between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. Northern UI Call Center: (775) 684-0350; Southern UI Call Center: (702) 486-0350; Rural areas and Out-of-State: (888) 890-8211.

Claimants are highly encouraged to use the internet to file their UI claims, as it is the fastest and most convenient way to file and reserves the phone lines for individuals who are not able or do not have the necessary resources to file online.

Online filing during non-peak hours, such as early mornings, at night or weekends is also highly recommended. To continue to receive benefits, claimants must file weekly.

Online filers are encouraged to participate in the online claim filing system announced last month. The system, now operational, is organized by last names and is aimed at providing quicker results for Nevadans seeking to gain access to unemployment benefits: Claimants with last names starting with A-K are asked to file on Sundays. Last names L-R are asked to file on Mondays. Last names S-Z are asked to file on Tuesday. Wednesday through Saturday are open for all to initiate or renew claims online.

Beginning Saturday May 16th, Nevada’s Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program (PUA) will be available to Nevada workers who are self-employed, 1099 contract workers, and gig workers. For further information regarding the PUA program visit detr.nv.gov/pua. Individuals will be able to file online at www.employnv.gov or call the PUA Call Center at (800) 603-9681.

Claimants are encouraged to visit ui.nv.gov and at detr.nv.gov/coronavirus to view important announcements and access essential resources. Online tutorial videos are also available in both English and Spanish and can be viewed on the Nevada Unemployment Insurance YouTube page.

The Carson City Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division is asking for assistance in identifying a burglary/fraud suspect.

The person pictured below is believed to have obtained several thousand dollars-worth of tools and equipment from the Home Depot in Carson City, as well as other Home Depots in surrounding areas, by using stolen credit card information.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Carson City Sheriff’s Office, Dispatch (775) 887-2677, Investigation Division, Detective Darin Riggin (775)283-7853, Investigations Sergeant Daniel Gonzales (775)283-7850 or Secret Witness (775)322-4900.

Case # 2020-1096

As of 7:30 AM May 15, 2020 US95 from the US6 (Coaldale Junction) in Esmeralda County, to the US95 and Nevada 360 Junction in Mineral County is CLOSED.

Use US6 to NV360 back to US95 as an alternate route. Please use caution. The closure decision was made by NDOT.
ECSO is no longer at the scene, please forward any media inquiries to NHP or NDOT.

Esmeralda County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Highway Patrol, and Nevada Department of Transportation are currently working a traffic incident on US95 mile marker 89 within Esmeralda County north to the Mineral County line.

Several areas of the highway have damage caused from the 6.4 magnitude earthquake that occurred this morning.

PLEASE USE CAUTION and expect delays. Please be cautious of workers.

Mineral County, Nevada Mineral County Sheriff's Office