Beginning Wednesday, the Carson City Green Dining District will feature a special program to help customers support local businesses while reducing their environmental footprint.

With the closure of nonessential business and other proactive COVID-19 measures, businesses have had to come up with creative ways to stay afloat. Many restaurants have shifted their focus from in-house dining services to offer more takeout options.

While these to-go programs allow customers to enjoy local foods from the comfort and safety of their own home, the packaging waste of these take away meals is starting to add up.

The restaurant members of the Carson City Green Dining District have a plan to offset their packaging waste: customers can skip the plastic eating utensils and opt to bring home reusable bamboo utensils instead.

The nonprofit greenUP!, organization behind the Green Dining District, explained:

“We wanted to find ways to give back to our hardworking Green Dining District members while also lessening our footprint on the environment,” said Donna Walden, Board President. “Remaining vigilant to waste reduction and sustainability will contribute to the long-term health of our community.”

120 reusable bamboo utensil kits, donated by the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection, will be distributed to Green Dining restaurants by greenUP! These will be available to 120 customers who support the Green Dining restaurants.

All the customers have to do is visit a participating GDD restaurant, scan a QR code on their phone, and play a quick edu-game to learn about plastic pollution. The 5-question game will teach customers quick facts about plastic usage and production, which have reached a global all-time high.

When customers show their score to the GDD restaurant, they are eligible to receive a bamboo utensil kit with their purchase. The 4-piece kits include a bamboo spoon, fork, knife, and pair of chopsticks, all bundled in a convenient carrying case made from post-consumer recycled plastic materials, to be used again and again with favorite to-go meals.

Participating restaurants include: Cucina Lupo, Gather, Scoups Ice Cream and Soup Bar, So Juicy, Squeeze In, and The Union. For updates about the Reusable Utensil promo, please visit the greenUP! website at https://greenupnow.biz or follow greenUP! on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

GreenUP! is seeking more restaurants to join the program during 2020. Interested restaurants may contact info@greenupnow.biz or call Sierra at 775-343-8499 to engage.

GreenUP! is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides environmental education for businesses helping Nevada cut down on waste, reduce valuable resource consumption, and fight climate change in an environmentally safe and cost-effective manner.

This Friday, May 22 at 4 p.m. Casino Fandango’s award-winning Duke’s Steak House in Carson City will reopen to the public. As part of phase one reopening, the Nevada State Gaming Control Board is allowing restaurants inside casinos to open provided certain industry-specific criteria are met; Duke’s will be one of the first to reopen in Northern Nevada.

In adherence with policy, customers may not access the restaurant through the casino floor, instead, they must enter through the Grand Ballroom entrance on the southwest side of the building across from the parking garage.

After extensive training and preparation, management and staff at Duke’s will closely follow the Governor’s office health and safety recommendations. Prior to entry, the temperatures of both guests and Team Members will be taken with an infrared, no contact thermometer. If someone registers a temperature of 100 degrees or higher they will not be permitted inside the building. So patrons have peace of mind as to the health of Casino Fandango Team Members, each will have a daily health check, with masks and wristbands issued after each test.

To ensure social distancing guidelines are followed, marks on the floor will help customers maintain space between themselves and others, and dining area seating has been moved to accommodate six feet of separation. The bar will be open, but no sitting or standing will be allowed in the bar area. Also, disposable menus will be discarded after each use.

For many years, Duke's has been recognized as one of Northern Nevada's premier dining establishments and is consistently voted BEST Steak in Carson City. It has always been Duke’s priority to ensure guests have the best dining experience possible and that is still the number one goal. State directives do require that all customers must make advance reservations. Duke’s reservations can be made by calling (775) 886-1664. Hours of operation are 4pm-9pm, Wednesday-Sunday.

“We are very excited to welcome guests back to enjoy our great food and our extensive wine selection. Casino Fandango and Duke’s Steak House are part of the community and we understand that the safety of Nevadans comes first, this is why we are very proud to be one of the first to reopen and bring some joy to our residents,” said Court Cardinal, President and General Manager of Casino Fandango.

Due to social distancing guidelines, happy hour will be not available, and because the Casino Management System can not be activated during this phase, points and/or coupons cannot be redeemed at this time.

Western Nevada College, working with a core of performers from the Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company, has created a virtual choir — Broadway Rising! — to share the power and beauty of Broadway during these times when live performance is no longer possible.

Since WNMTC's most inspiring experience on stage was “Les Misérables” in fall of 2013, it seemed fitting to select “One Day More” from that musical as the musical theatre company’s first project.

“It moved everyone in the cast, crew, orchestra and audience so deeply that I thought it only fitting that this be our first project,” said Stephanie Arrigotti, a producer and director for WNMTC. “Several of the soloists in this number were the leads in our 2013 production.”

The production staff for the virtual choir includes Arrigotti as the producer and artistic director; Judy Monson, vocal director; Tristan Selzler, music technician; and Tara Burke, graphic artist.

“Kudos to Judy, Tristan and Tara for their commitment and tenacity working through this new art form,” Arrigotti said.

To listen to “One Day More” from Broadway Rising!, go here.

Broadway Rising! has 39 people in the choir from several states and Canada. In the fall, WNC will expand these university-transferable offerings to include a virtual singing and dancing musical theatre ensemble, “That’s Entertainment,” that will open with "One" from “Chorus Line.” Both of these performing arts courses are open to all without audition.

“If you'd like to perform with us, we'd love to welcome you,” Arrigotti said. For more information, contact Stephanie.Arrigotti@wnc.edu.

Carson City Health and Human Services is reporting Tuesday, May 19, 2020 that there are 5 new positive cases and 1 additional recovery of COVID-19 in the Quad-County region. This brings the total number of cases to 150, with 103 recoveries and three deaths, 44 cases remain active.

The new case is:
• A female Lyon County resident in her 70’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
-75 Total
-23 Active
-49 Recovered
-3 Deaths

Douglas County
-25 Total
-3 Active
-22 Recovered

Lyon County
-49 Total
-18 Active
-31 Recovered

Storey County
-1 Total
-0 Active
-1 Recovery

TOTAL
-150 Total Cases
-44 Active
-103 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 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.

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

A magnitude 5.0 earthquake was recorded near Tonopah early Wednesday morning, according to the Nevada Seismological Laboratory. It was an aftershock to Friday's 6.5 earthquake.

The latest aftershock happened at around 5:36 a.m. 28 miles west-northwest of Tonopah. It was followed by several smaller quakes, according to the Laboratory.

On Friday, May 15, a 6.5 earthquake shook the region, and was felt throughout the Carson City and Lake Tahoe region, as well as southern Nevada and central and northern California.

Friday's earthquake at 4:03 a.m. was followed by hundreds of aftershocks.

President Donald Trump threatened in a tweet Wednesday morning to withhold federal funding from Nevada should it proceed with its mostly mail primary election, alleging that the state’s decision to do so is “illegal,” though he didn’t offer any specifics about why he believes that is the case.

Trump said in the tweet, which he also directed at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and acting budget director Russ Vought, that the mostly-mail election would result in voter fraud and is tantamount to an effort by the state to “cheat in elections.” The state’s Republican Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske announced in March that next month’s primary election would be held almost entirely by mail, with limited opportunities for in-person voting, because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“State of Nevada ‘thinks’ that they can send out illegal vote by mail ballots, creating a great Voter Fraud scenario for the State and the U.S. They can’t! If they do, ‘I think’ I can hold up funds to the State. Sorry, but you must not cheat in elections. @RussVought45 @USTreasury,” Trump tweeted.

The plan for a mostly mail election has been subject to several legal challenges from both sides of the political spectrum, including one from Texas-based True the Vote, a conservative voting monitoring group. A federal judge blocked the group’s first lawsuit on the grounds that it lacked standing.

It filed an amended complaint a week ago challenging an agreement between Clark County election officials and national Democratic groups that makes some concessions, including sending ballots to both inactive and active registered voters. In the rest of the state, ballots will be mailed only to “active” registered voters who have verifiable addresses, although both categories are eligible to vote.

A hearing on that is scheduled for Friday.

Republican National Committee chief counsel Justin Riemer said on a press call on Monday that the party plans to ask the Nevada attorney general’s office to investigate “potential issues” associated with mailing absentee ballots to inactive voters.

A group of Democratic-affiliated organizations, including the Democratic National Committee, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and the progressive political nonprofit Priorities USA, had also initially sued against the all-mail primary, though they dropped their legal challenge after Clark County election officials agreed to expand in-person voting sites.

Officials from the Nevada secretary of state’s office and Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak’s office did not immediately respond to early morning messages seeking comment.

Trump has also threatened to withhold federal funding from Michigan over its plans to send mail-in voting applications to all voters in the state.

For information on why Nevada has opted for a mostly-mail election and what safeguards election officials are implementing to prevent voter fraud, read this Q&A with Wayne Thorley, deputy secretary of state for elections.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.”