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.

There's no word yet on casino openings in Carson City, Carson Valley, Reno or at Lake Tahoe. We will update as that information becomes available.

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.

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 of you know, Inyo County is closed to fishing until June 1st. But on May 22 the Mono County Board of Supervisors wrote a letter to the CDFW director Charles H Bonham, requesting the reopening of fishing season earlier then their previous request. As of May 23rd, Mono County is now open for the 2020 fishing season, right along Alpine County that opened on May 15th.

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.

Two 23-year-old New Mexico men and a 26-year-old Carson City man were arrested in the 5000 block of Carson River Road for felony possession of or receiving stolen property.

According to the report, Stephen Henderson, Daryne James Deck and Terrance Dale Shields were arrested after deputies were dispatched to the Carson River Park to meet with the theft victim.

The victim had reported their kayaks stolen on May 18 and told deputies they had been located. The man said that a man was sitting in one of the kayaks at the boat launch.

Deputies went to the boat launch and observed a man, later identified as Stephen Henderson, sitting in a kayak drinking a beer. Deputies asked who else was with him and he stated his brother and a friend.

There were a total of three kayaks and they had been spray-painted.

Henderson told deputies his brother and friend had gone down river to drop off a truck. He said they were planning on floating the river and fishing.

Deputies asked where he had gotten the kayak he was sitting in and he stated he had brought it from New Mexico with him. Deputies asked him about the other two kayaks and he stated they belonged to his brother and that he “has had them for a while.”

Deputies asked what his brother’s name was and he said it was Terrance Shields, and that they weren’t blood brothers “just really close friends and I consider him my brother.”

Deputies asked if he knew what Shields’ birthday was, and he told them. Dispatch advised Shields had a warrant out for his arrest.

As deputies were talking to Henderson, Shields walked up and deputies asked him about the kayaks. He said he had purchased them and he had receipts to prove it.

While deputies were talking to the pair, the victim came up and said that the third subject, later identified as Deck, had entered a blue car and left the area. The victim had taken a photo of the third subject and his vehicle.

Deputies took Shields into custody on the warrant issued out of Carson City Justice Court on Jan. 22, 2020 with a bail amount of $1,000 cash only.

Deputies asked the victim to come and identify the kayaks. The victim stated all three of the kayaks were the ones they had reported stolen on May 18. Each of the kayaks were damaged on the carrying handles.

The red, white and blue kayak had the carry handle still attached but it was cut, the lime green tandem kayak was damaged and one of the carry handles had been completely removed, and the kayak had been spray painted and a swastika was graffitied inside of the kayak.

The third kayak was also damaged and had been spray painted with a swastika graffitied inside, and one of the carry handles had been removed.

Henderson was also taken into custody and the fishing gear and paddles were taken into custody as evidence. Deputies asked where Deck may have gone, and Shields told them probably to Shields’ apartment, and gave them the address.

Deputies did not locate Deck at the apartment. However, later that evening dispatch advised Deck had called and wished to speak with deputies. He said he was at the apartment and deputies arrived.

Deputies spoke with Deck and asked where he had gone after dropping off Shields, and he said he had gone down Deer Run Road looking for the other two in the kayaks. Deputies asked if he saw the patrol cars when he arrived, and he said he had, but that he thought they were fish and game wardens as they didn’t have fishing licenses.

Deputies asked where they got the kayaks from, and he said he had found them down by the river on a sandy bank on Tuesday, May 19 at around 6:30 p.m. Deputies asked why he took the kayaks and he said he thought they were abandoned. He said they loaded the kayaks into Shields’ truck and took them back to his apartment.

He was taken into custody for stolen property.

Bail for Henderson: $10,000

Bail for Shields: $11,000; $1,000 cash only

Bail for Deck: $10,000

— A 21-year-old Carson City man was arrested in the 3400 block of Airport Road Thursday night on a warrant for felony theft and felony possession of a credit card without the cardholder’s permission.

According to the report, Brian Llamas Aranda was arrested after deputies went to the residence to serve the warrant issued out of Carson City Justice Court on May 6.

He was detained without issue and was cooperative.

Bail: $7,500

Just after 1 p.m. a fire was reported at the old Sears building on North Carson Street in Carson City in between Parkway Plaza and the old Sears building.

According to the reporting party, a cigarette was seen smoking and the reporting party was unable to get it fully extinguished.

Firefighters on scene reported they located smoking leaves in the parking lot and they extinguished them.

Douglas County Board of County Commissioners will be conducting a Special meetings on May 26 and 27, 2020 to discuss the possible adoption of the FY 2020-21 Final Budgets for Douglas County; Douglas County Redevelopment Agency; the Towns of Gardnerville, Genoa, and Minden; and the Tahoe-Douglas Transportation District.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and anticipated shortfalls in revenue, the County will discuss reductions in personnel and services and supplies across all departments.

To view the agenda for the meeting click here.

Douglas continues to provide access to Board of County Commissioner meetings online, livestreamed through YouTube. Click on the following link to watch the livestream of the Board of County Commissioners meeting:

May 26, 2020 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyBAZq3bX50&feature=youtu.be

May 27, 2020 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYLHsRP5HqY&feature=youtu.be

The process for public comment is available in two formats; written comment or by phone. Although the public comment phone line can accommodate multiple incoming calls at once, if a member of the public should get a busy signal, please call back. Because of the possibility for a high volume of telephone calls, there could be an increased potential for technical difficulties. Citizens are therefore strongly encouraged to submit their public comments in writing prior to the date and time of public meeting.

Public Comment can be submitted in the following ways:

• To offer public comment before the Board meeting, members of the public may submit public comments online through the County’s public comment form by clicking on the following link: https://www.douglascountynv.gov/government/board_of_county_commissioners...

• Blank public comment forms will also be available in the alcove of the Historic Courthouse (1616 Eighth Street, Minden, Nevada) and completed forms may also be left at the drop box at the same location.

• Written public comments may also be mailed to the Douglas County Manager’s Office at Post Office Box 218, Minden, Nevada 89423, but all public comments must be received prior to the date of the meeting if the comments are to be included in the supplemental materials.

• All written public comments that are received prior to 4:00 PM the day before the Board meeting will be compiled and will be added as supplemental material for the County Commissioners and the public to review prior to the meeting.

• Any written public comment received the day of the Board meeting will be compiled and added as supplemental materials to the County’s website and distributed to the Board of Commissioners within 24 hours after the meeting.

• To make public comment during the Board meeting, the public must call 775-783-6007 and leave a voice message which will be played for the Board of Commissioners and public when public comment is announced. Although the public comment phone line can accommodate multiple incoming calls at once, if a member of the public should get a busy signal, please call back. When leaving a voice message, members of the public should begin their public comment by stating and spelling their full name and whether he or she favors, opposes or has no opinion on the agenda item under consideration.

• Public comment is limited to three minutes per person and will only occur at the beginning and end of the Board meeting. Public comment will not be taken on each agenda item during the meeting.

Members of the public may call the County Manager’s office at 775-782-9821 to obtain help making public comment.

According to a letter sent to parents from Carson High School, summer school registration is now open for any student who has failed a core class and would like to retake a course.

The letter is as follows:

Summer school will be in an online format only, so please consider how your student has done with online school for the last quarter before enrolling him or her.

The cost of summer school will be $150 per half credit. There will be a reduced rate for students on free and reduced lunch or with economic hardships.

If you would like to sign your child up for summer school, please email his or her counselor. If you have questions, please call the Counseling Office at 283-1915.