Carson City Nevada News - Carson Now - Your one stop for Carson City news

Carson City, Douglas County certify elections; plus final, official results

Kelsey Penrose — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 20:24:33 +0000

by Kelsey Penrose

On Friday, Carson City Supervisors heard the official results from the 2024 General Election, and voted to certify unanimously.

Carson City Clerk-Recorder Scott Hoen and Deputy Clerk of Elections Emily Toups presented the results during the presentation, stating that a total of 31,149 Carson City residents cast their ballots this election — around 78% of active registered voters in the capital city.

According to Hoen, the majority of Democrats and Republicans turned out to vote, with a turn out of 86% and 84% respectively.

However, nonpartisan numbers were far lower, with only around 60% of nonpartisan voters coming out to vote.

The majority of voters opted to vote by mail, with 52.5% of ballots cast by mail, followed by 37.4% of voters heading to early voting. Around 3,100 voters showed up on election day, or around 10% of total voters.

Hoen did not discuss the ballot mistake that caused a reprinting of all Carson City ballots, or how much that issue had cost taxpayers. Hoen’s office told Carson Now in October that those numbers would be available once the election was over.

Statewide there were issues with potential signature mismatches, leading to ballot curing both locally and throughout the Silver State. In Carson City, a total of 227 ballots needed signature cures. Of those, 94 ballots did not receive a cure by the Nov. 12 deadline and were not accepted.

RESULTS:

President
Trump, Vance: 54.31%
Harris, Walz: 43.05%

US Senator
Sam Brown: 49.97%
Jacky Rosen: 43.68%

Congress, District 2
Mark Amodei: 53.59%
Greg Kidd: 36.15%

State Assembly, District 40
PK O’Neill: 59.87%
Katherine Ramsey: 40.13%

District Court Judge, Dept. II
Kristin Luis: 53.58%
Mark Krueger: 46.42%

State Board of Education, District 2
Angela Orr: 51.38%%
Paul “Doc” Davis: 48.62%

School Board Trustee District 5
Michael B. Walker, Jr.: 58.97%
Ashliee Saucedo: 41.03%

School Board Trustee District 7
Michelle Pedersen: 61.09%
John Henley: 38.91%

Mayor
Lori Bagwell: 56.90%
Jim Shirk: 43.10%

Carson City Supervisor Ward 4
Lisa Scheutte: 57.84%
Lucia Maloney: 42.16%

Douglas County

Douglas County also held their canvass of the vote on Friday.

Douglas voters came out in droves, with 84.3% of active registered voters casting a ballot. In total, 35,623 ballots were cast, with the majority (63%) opting to submit their ballots via mail. Around a quarter of voters turned out for early voting, while 12% chose to vote on election day.

While around 1,000 more residents voted in this presidential election than in 2020, turnout was actually slightly down when compared with total active voters. Around 88% of active registered voters cast a ballot in 2020, compared to this year’s 84%.

Only a quarter of all registered voters opted to cast a ballot during this year’s primary election, with just 11,183 ballots cast.

RESULTS:

President
Trump, Vance: 65.35%
Harris, Walz: 32.49%

US Senator
Sam Brown: 62.76%
Jacky Rosen: 33.12%

Congress, District 2
Mark Amodei: 65.44%
Greg Kidd: 29.41%

State Assembly, District 39
Ken Gray: 70.44%
Erich Obermayr: 29.56%

State Board of Education, District 2
Angela Orr: 53.4%
Paul “Doc” Davis: 46.60%

County Commissioner, District 1
Danny Tarkanian: 63.76%
Jason Gibson: 21.54%

School Board Trustee, District 3
Erinn Miller: 61.15%
Doug Englekirk: 38.85%

School Board Trustee, District 5
Melinda Gneiting 58.39%
Antoinette Casselberry: 41.61%

East Fork Swimming Pool District
Teresa Duffy: 30.21%
Allen Biaggi: 24.19%

Topaz Ranch Estates, GID
Sharon Becker: 30.60%
Jeffrey Burgess: 27.99%

Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District
John Breux: 28.73%
Benjamin Ward: 27.98%

Gardnerville Ranchos GID
David Nelson: 33.37%
James Degraffenreid: 28.78%

Indian Hills GID
Russ Siegman: 38.17%
Kathryn Ross: 35.60%

Kingsbury GID
Greg Felton 28.48%
Sara nelson 27.20%

Round Hill GID
Darin Smith: 40.39%
Gregg Rossi: 37.30%

Town of Minden Advisory Board
Marie “Mimi” Moss: 41.49%
Steven Thaler: 32.26%

Justice of the Peace East Fork Township
Laurie Trotter: 60.36%
Jeff Schemenauer: 39.64%

Justice of the Peace Tahoe Township
Michael Johnson: 58.79%
Richard Gardner: 41.21%

You can read more results on the Secretary of State’s website.

Nevada Humane Society receives $18K donation from September's Silver State Art Festival held in Carson City

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 20:05:04 +0000

By Kristy Dial

The Sixth Annual Silver State Art Festival in Carson City this September showcased over 40 award-winning artists, celebrating creativity and community. Organized by the Nevada Gourd Society, the event featured a vibrant mix of painters, photographers, gourd artists, jewelry makers, and more, along with a raffle offering nearly 100 donated items.

Thanks to the generosity of artists, businesses, and attendees, the festival raised an impressive $18,000 for the Nevada Humane Society, supporting its mission to care for animals in need.

The Nevada Gourd Society thanks everyone who contributed to the festival’s success and looks forward to welcoming the community to next year’s event!

For information on the festival and Nevada Gourd Society go here. Follow on Facebook here.

In the photo left to right:
Melissa Davis - NHS Chief Philanthropy Officer,
Laura Hickle - Nevada Gourd Society, Raffle Chairman
Kristy Dial - Nevada Gourd Society, President
Taylor Todd – NHS Community Relations Manager
Clay Johnson – NHS Director of Carson Services

Lyon County Sheriff: Human remains identified as missing Dayton man

Jeff Munson — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 19:29:05 +0000

Lyon County Sheriff's Office

The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the identification of human skeletal remains found earlier this year as those of 75-year-old Richard Shifflet, a Dayton resident who was reported missing in October 2022.

On the evening of October 3, 2022, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office received a report that Mr. Shifflet had not returned home from a walk earlier that day. Mr. Shifflet, who suffered from various health issues including dementia and a history of strokes, was classified as a missing and endangered person. The Sheriff’s Office immediately launched search efforts, issuing a Code Red Activation for the Dayton area.

Extensive searches were conducted by the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team, with support from the Regional Aviation Enforcement Unit (R.A.V.E.N.) of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. The search included ground operations and aerial surveillance utilizing infrared-equipped drones and the R.A.V.E.N. helicopter. Despite these efforts, search teams were unable to locate Mr. Shifflet.

For nearly three weeks, search operations continued with assistance from the Douglas County and Carson City Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue units. Ground searches, K9 units, and aerial support were employed, but Mr. Shifflet could not be found.

On May 27, 2024, hikers discovered potential human skeletal remains in a remote area near U.S. Highway 50 and Baldwin Lane in Dayton. The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, with support from the Nevada State Police Investigations Division, processed the scene and collected evidence. The remains were then transferred to the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office for further examination.

On November 14, 2024, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office received DNA confirmation identifying the remains as those of Mr. Richard Shifflet. At this time, no foul play is suspected; however, the cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation by the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.

The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to Mr. Shifflet’s family and friends during this difficult time. The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office at 775-463-6600 or via email at detective@lyon-county.org, referencing Case Numbers 22LY04152 or 24LY04152.

Forgotten Carson Valley settlements featured for Thursday's Frances Humphrey Lecture at Nevada State Museum

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 19:08:56 +0000

Nevada State Museum, Carson City

Nevada boasts more than six hundred ghost towns, thousands of mining camps, stage and railroad stations and mines. All too often, though, the focus is on just a handful of ghost towns, such as Berlin, Rhyolite and Belmont. Consequently, many other sites become forgotten, their ruins and history obscured in the Nevada deserts for over a century.

Ghost town explorer Tami Force will present "Forgotten Settlements of the Carson Valley" as part of the Nevada State Museum's Frances Humphrey Lecture Series this Thursday, Nov. 21, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 600 N. Carson Street in Carson City.

Force has explored Nevada and eastern Sierra ghost towns and mining camps for 25 years. Since 2020, she has actively shared her love of ghost towns through Nevada Ghost Towns & Beyond, Radio Goldfield and publications, including Nevada Magazine. Her specialties are the little-known ghost towns and long-forgotten stories of life in the Old West. She presents to various historical societies and works with non-profit groups to preserve Nevada's historical resources.

This lecture examines the forgotten settlements of Carson Valley. Who was Jack’s Valley named after? What mysteries does the cemetery contain? Why was there a war in the Pine Nut Mountains at the Buckeye Mine? How did Zirnville in Fish Springs almost become the new Virginia City? Where did Bill Zirn’s headstone originate and what was so deadly about it? Learn about these unusual ghost towns and the forgotten lives of those who lived in the Carson Valley and made Nevada what it is today.

Admission is $10 for adults, members and children ages 17 and under are free.

Go here to register.

In a time of division, Connections Central brings community together for meaningful conversations

Jeff Munson — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 17:27:07 +0000

Connections Central

Wondering how to move forward in a world of division? Silence divides us. CONNECTIONS brings us together to share our stories and meaningful conversations to build friendships and strengthen our community.

No doubt you know people who are feeling emotional or overwhelmed about our national election. People are either exhilarated or worried. And many people don’t know what to say to others — uncertain about who might agree or disagree with them. But regardless of our individual political leanings, we are all concerned because we recognize that we are becoming even further divided.

Now more than ever, we need to talk with one another, to build bridges and heal our community. It’s so important to stay involved and connected with one another. Organizations like CONNECTIONS Central have been helping people to connect with one another, to address social isolation and build a stronger sense of community.

The purpose of CONNECTIONS is to enable everyone to meet face to face and share their experiences and stories on whatever topic the group chooses to discuss — experiences that have influenced who we are and what we regard as important in our lives. It is not a space for people to argue with or try to convince one another about our beliefs or the validity of our ideas. The conversations are facilitated to ensure they stay on topic, stay positive and give everyone the chance to participate by sharing their own stories — or just to listen if they prefer.

Storytelling is one of the oldest and most effective educational traditions in the world — it is an amazing way to learn from one another. It enables us to really connect with others, to see the world through another person’s eyes and to understand other perspectives. It helps us to find our common ground. CONNECTIONS believes that we all ultimately have more in common then we have difference.

So why not come out to one of the CONNECTIONS gatherings and participate in meaningful, heartfelt conversation, and get to know and better understand others in our community - without any other agenda. It’s growing in popularity throughout Nevada and beyond! Check out our local events at connectionscentral.org. It’s free and it’s energizing.

Greater Nevada Credit Union donates $1K to Carson City Schools Foundation

Jeff Munson — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 16:30:04 +0000

Carson City School District

The Carson City Schools Foundation was pleased to accept a generous $1,000 donation from Greater Nevada Credit Union (GNCU) to support student learning in the Carson City School District. The delivery was made during the school board meeting Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024.

“Greater Nevada Credit Union has a longstanding commitment to enriching lives and strengthening communities throughout northern Nevada,” said Jon Hager, president of the CCSF. “Their support is multifaceted including in-kind and financial contributions as well as GNCU leaders and employees serving on our foundation’s board for several years.”

The monetary donation will directly benefit the foundation's initiatives, which provide resources and opportunities to students, educators and schools throughout the Carson City School District. CCSF supports programs such as classroom grants, student scholarships and innovative educational projects aimed at enhancing learning experiences.

“Support from organizations like GNCU allows us to continue providing vital resources that empower both students and educators,” Hager continued. “This donation will help us foster innovation and excellence in education across the district.”

CCSF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting community involvement and investment in the public schools of Carson City. This project is one of the many results of the “Empower Carson City 2027″ Strategic Plan – a five-year strategic plan for extraordinary schools built by the community of Carson City.

CCSF was created to increase student achievement through philanthropic investment and involvement. Established by the Carson City School District’s Board of Trustees, the foundation promotes education programs that traditional funding sources may not be able to reach.

For more information about the CCSF, please visit ccschoolsfoundation.org. To make a contribution with your credit card, click here, or you may also donate by sending a check to the Carson City Schools Foundation at P.O. Box 92, Carson City, Nevada 89702. To view an informational video, please click here.

Carson City emergency crews respond to crash at 5th Street Bridge

Jeff Munson — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 16:06:17 +0000

UPDATE 9AM: The accident has been cleared.
***
Carson City emergency crews responded Monday morning to a vehicle crash at the Fifth Street Bridge.

The incident happened at around 7:50 a.m. No serious injuries were reported. Three people were being evaluated. Traffic is tied up on Fifth Street near the bridge and was being diverted around the crash scene.

Motorists can expect delays.

Friends to All prepares to celebrate 25th year of Santa visits to senior citizens in Carson City

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 14:50:39 +0000

By Friends To All

Friends to All is dedicated to bringing joy, cheer and friendship to seniors in our community during the holiday season. Since 1999 this group has been working to meet the needs of those with limited financial resources who are home bound or in care centers with little or no family nearby. Each year 150 to 200 visits are averaged in the Carson City area.

Volunteers grouped into teams dressed as Santa Claus and Helpers make stops at the homes of seniors in our community delivering a special visit and gifts donated by individuals and businesses. The joy on the faces of those we meet when they open their door and see Santa Claus bringing a gift and having their photo taken with the jolly fellow is quite a meaningful experience!

Friends to All is seeking names and addresses of seniors who would enjoy a Santa visit this year. If you know of a neighbor or family member that would appreciate a visit during the holidays, please let us know. The holidays are often very lonely times for seniors with little family or friends nearby. The mission of the visit is to bring joy to those who are alone far too much - “Touching Hearts with a Visit”

This year visits will take place on Saturday, Dec. 14. Visit requests must be received by Dec. 1.

This event is made possible through generous donations from local businesses and members of the community. Donations of cash, crossword puzzle books (large print, if possible), slipper socks, gloves, hats, scarves, handkerchiefs, lotions, lip balm, calendars, packaged small food items such as candy, cookies, or nuts, gift cards from grocery or gift stores, salons, barbershops, or restaurants that deliver — basically anything that a senior may be able to use are appreciated.

Cash donations are used to purchase gift cards for grocery stores to be given to seniors in need. Donations are 501(c) (3) tax deductible and check donations should be made payable to Friends To All, Inc. A receipt will be provided.

Drop off locations at:
A+ Documents and Friends To All Office
411 W. Third Street (Corner of West Third & Minnesota Streets)
Carson City

Coldwell Banker Select
123 W. Second Street, Carson City

Please visit our link here to recommend a senior, volunteer, or donate.

Nevada Society of Scottish Clans hosts Robert Burns Celebration

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 14:33:26 +0000

The annual Robert Burns event hosted by Nevada Society of Scottish Clans, draws approximately 600+ attendees from northern Nevada and northern California, making it one of the largest such events of its kind on the West Coast.

The celebration includes a whisky tasting courtesy of Breakthru Beverages, dinner (including that most Scottish of dishes, haggis), presentation of the Scot of the Year, Highland dancers, and a performance by Sierra Highlanders Pipe Band.

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025

TIME: 4 p.m. whisky tasting, 6 p.m. dinner (Deadline January 14th)

WHERE: Grand Sierra Resort Ballroom

TICKETS: $100 adult , $30 child (12 & under). See https://www.nvssc.org/

The Nevada Society of Scottish Clans is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 1982 dedicated to perpetuating ancient customs, literature, music, games and dress of Scotland and its people. The Nevada Society of Scottish Clans promotes Scottish heritage through the annual dinner honoring the memory of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, sponsors Tartan Day, a summer picnic, Tartan Miniature Golf, a scholarship program and other activities. More information about the Nevada Society of Scottish Clans is available on its website at www.nvssc.org

Pine Nuts: The gift of a music box

Jeff Munson — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 01:18:32 +0000

By McAvoy Layne

As our mutual friend Mark Twain reminds us around this time of year, “The Christmas holidays have this high value: that they remind Forgetters of the Forgotten, and repair damaged relationships.” We thank you Samuel, for that reminder, ever so poignant in this particular Christmas season.

A gentleman knocked at my door recently and said, “You don’t know me, but I know you, and I have been instructed to deliver this sidewheeler.” He handed me the cutest little music box in the shape of a sidewheeler that Sam Clemens would have piloted, and added, “I hear you have a pet jay named ‘Huckleberry.’

I laughed out loud and said, “I do!” I took the sidewheeler in my hands and wound it up. We then stood raptly by as it played “Moon River,” and joined together in singing the line, “My Huckleberry Friend.”

It brought a tear to my eye, really, and I had to ask, “So who instructed you to deliver this treasure if you don’t mind my asking.”

“The Lord.” He answered solemnly.

“Then I shall take the very best care of it.” I promised.

We shook hands and he went on his way. Some days are diamonds, and this was one to be sure. Here were two strangers listening intently to a music box while smiling and sharing a refrain. I play that wonderful gift every morning while pouring my coffee and it makes me wonder what it might take for all of us to share the gift of music, somewhat like that gentleman did for me.

Might we each have a little sidewheeler music box to bequeath to a neighbor, a friend, or a total stranger? I have to believe we do; it might not be in the form of a sidewheeler, it might be in the form of a piece of pie or a Christmas wreath. And our little gift of music would not have to be “Moon River” but could cross the borders of 195 countries with music from each and every homeland.

These gifts of music could fill the air with goodwill and stop us from chasing around and biting our tails, as many of us have been prone to do of late. It might not be a music box at all. Can you whistle?

I whistle Huckleberry’s favorite song every day at Happy Hour before giving him a Beer Nut, and he goes into a touchdown dance and does everything but spike that Beer Nut to show his gratitude. It is no coincidence that Huckleberry and my favorite song is, “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.” So, allowing for a scarcity of music boxes, why don’t we take to whistling a song out the window, down the street, and across this great land of ours at the stroke of midnight, this January first, 2025. And if we cannot whistle, then let us hum.

— For more than 35 years, in over 4,000 performances, columnist and Chautauquan McAvoy Layne has been dedicated to preserving the wit and wisdom of “The Wild Humorist of the Pacific Slope,” Mark Twain. As Layne puts it: “It’s like being a Monday through Friday preacher, whose sermon, though not reverently pious, is fervently American."

Want to hear McAvoy Layne tell it? Go here for an audio version of this column.