Wakefield met with educators, students, administrators, and school board members during the tour and said the conversations revealed both ongoing challenges and “bright spots” where strong leadership and effective interventions are improving student outcomes. He emphasized that the Nevada Department of Education will continue focusing on five strategic priorities: Strong Foundations, Empowering Pathways, Equipped Educators and Leaders, Informed and Connected Families, and Aligned Systems.

“Every day, students in our state should be building knowledge of the world, engaging with grade-level content and instruction, solving complex problems, and making progress toward their postsecondary goals,” Wakefield said. “Every action we take as a state will be relentlessly focused on making this vision true for our students.”

As part of the department’s leadership updates, Dr. Torrey Palmer began her role as Deputy Superintendent for Academics and Student Achievement on March 30. Palmer, a former Washoe County School District teacher, co-founded the nationally recognized Core Task Project focused on literacy standards and previously worked with The New Teacher Project (TNTP) on curriculum and instructional strategy efforts nationwide. Most recently, she served as assistant principal at Mater Academy of Northern Nevada. Palmer earned her doctorate from the University of Nevada, Reno, and previously competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics and World Rowing Championships.

In recognition of the Month of the Military Child, the department named 36 new schools as 2026 Nevada Purple Star Schools, honoring campuses that demonstrate strong support for military-connected students and families. “Purple Star Schools set the standard for ensuring these students experience consistency, strong relationships, and access to high-quality learning no matter where they are stationed,” Wakefield said.

Governor Joe Lombardo and Wakefield also visited Arturo Cambeiro Elementary School to celebrate Nevada Reading Week, reading to classrooms and highlighting the importance of early literacy. “When it comes to educating the next generation of Nevadans, we cannot overlook the importance of reading,” Lombardo said. “Nevada Reading Week gives us the opportunity to inspire our students and celebrate the educators dedicated to nurturing a lifelong love of reading.”

The department also announced up to $247,860 in funding to support a joint school-improvement pilot between the Clark County School District and the Clark County Education Association, made possible by Senate Bill 460. Launching in the 2026–27 school year at Desert Pines and Western high schools, along with their feeder schools, the pilot will focus on pre-K, early literacy, middle school math, and college and career readiness. The initiative aims to boost student success through added learning time, tutoring, and teacher support, and could expand to additional schools across the state.

A room full of journalists. A shooter. A manifesto. 

A country built on the tenet that we should be able to say what we want and the government won’t chop off our heads or burn us at the stake. 

That’s what used to happen in many of the places we came from. Some of the world’s greatest art, paintings, stories, and poetry exist because you couldn’t come out and say what you believed without ending up dead. You had to figure out how to make these important statements in a way that kept you safe and that you could defend – but you could get the message across, nonetheless. Embedded meaning inside acceptable subjects. 

Take the Last Supper by Leonardo – Christ at the center of everything, groups of three echoing the Trinity, and a basic, grounded human style unlike prior religious art that included glowing halos and exaggerated divinity. The master artist of the Renaissance presents deep truths in an innocent, earthy way, avoiding personal harm. 

Of course, we also have Orwell’s “Animal Farm” and “1984” in their bombastic way, warning us of the dangers of communism and government surveillance. Slightly less subtle but equally impactful are songs by Billie Holiday and Bob Dylan, who, in their prime, made statements that pushed their social commentary into the mainstream. 

If we can say what we want in this country, why then do people feel the need or utter desperation to go around shooting people – Donald Trump, Charlie Kirk, JFK, Abe Lincoln. This isn’t new and not likely to stop because we’ve evolved somehow into better-behaving humans. 

I have no answers, but it behooves us to remember the First Amendment doesn’t protect us from “yelling fire in a crowded theater,” or saying something dumb on social media that damages the credibility of the company that writes our paycheck or inspires the big guy at the bar to punch us in the face. Not protected speech, none of it. 

“My right to free speech” ends at jail, or being fired, or a blackened eye when we seek to hide behind the First Amendment. Poor decision-making is not protected by the Constitution. 

So, while we noodle the vagaries of human nature, we’ll always be right here…

…Keeping you Posted.

Rach

The annual conference, hosted by Travel Nevada from April 21-23, brought together tourism and community leaders from across the state. Fallon’s delegation included representatives from the Fallon Chamber, city leadership, and local tourism officials, reflecting one of the strongest community showings at the event.

Visit Fallon’s award recognized the city’s consistent leadership in presentations, panels, and regional planning efforts. Director of Tourism and Special Events Jane Moon and City Councilwoman Kelly Frost also spoke during the conference’s final day, representing Fallon before a statewide audience and reinforcing the city’s role in shaping tourism discussions.

Director of Tourism and Special Events Jane Moon noted that Fallon’s growing tourism efforts “would not be possible without the leadership of Mayor Ken Tedford, whose support for local tourism includes a commitment to helping it grow beyond the city and county.”

Agritourism was a major topic throughout the event. Fallon was represented directly on the panel “Agritourism: The What and the Why,” where two of the four speakers were local residents. Blane Merkley of the Nevada Department of Agriculture and Kelli Kelly of the Nevada Small Business Development Center outlined how agritourism connects agricultural production with visitor experiences. The session focused on reducing marketing barriers so producers can concentrate on their operations while still benefiting from tourism.

Conference data underscored the importance of rural destinations. Roughly 40 percent of outdoor recreation’s economic impact occurs in rural counties, even though those areas make up only a small share of Nevada’s population. For Fallon, the findings align with ongoing efforts to attract visitors through agriculture, outdoor recreation, and community events.

Travel Nevada officials encouraged rural communities to actively promote their assets to ensure they are included in statewide marketing campaigns. That message carries immediate relevance for Fallon as signature events such as the Cantaloupe Festival continue to anchor local tourism. The festival was nominated for Best Event within the Pony Express Territory, signaling growing statewide visibility.

Fallon Chamber representatives, including Executive Director Lucy Carnahan, board members Ava Case and Shania Brown, and Ambassador Jo Petteruti, participated in the Rural Roundup bus and familiarization tour ahead of the conference. The tour included stops at Rye Patch State Recreation Area, Winnemucca’s downtown murals, and the Battle Mountain Cookhouse Museum. Board member Merlene Ward joined the group in Elko.

Experience levels among Fallon attendees ranged from first-time participants to long-time conference veterans. The mix reflected both continuity and new engagement within the community’s tourism leadership.

Across the three-day event, the message to rural communities was consistent. Those that embrace their distinct culture, landscape, and people are the ones gaining momentum in Nevada’s tourism economy. Fallon’s reputation for leading that effort was evident throughout the conference and affirmed by its statewide recognition.

The Nevada Forum describes itself as “a new way for people across the state to be heard, find common ground, and turn shared priorities into legislative action.” Built on the idea that Nevadans agree on more than they often realize, the bipartisan effort responds to a growing concern that national politics and media narratives are overshadowing local conversations. 

The Forum was created to address the issue that many important state-level decisions are often made without enough direct input from residents, even though many “common sense” solutions could be reached if people had a clearer path to collaborate. The Forum’s model provides a solution by gathering public input, identifying consensus, and translating it into policy direction.

Participation in the Nevada Forum is designed to be simple and accessible. The process begins by asking users to pick an issue that matters most to them. From there, users are guided to discussions where others are weighing in on related topics. Users may then log in to participate, comment, and engage in discussions about topics they care about. The platform also allows users to explore multiple issues and contribute input across all categories. The final day to participate in these discussions is May 1, 2026.

These conversations are only phase one of the Nevada Forum’s process. After input is collected, phase two, issue voting, will give participants six votes to choose the issues that matter the most to them. Phase three moves into issue reporting, followed by phase four, which centers on deeper discussions. The final phase, issue recommendations, includes a civic assembly process where selected participants help refine proposals. This approach is designed to turn broad input into clear, actionable priorities.

The Nevada Forum is led by a bipartisan team that includes Democrat Chris Miller and Republican Greg Bailor, serving as co-chairs. The broader state team includes Republicans, Democrats, and independents, reflecting an effort to ensure a wide range of perspectives. 

The project itself was launched by actor and entrepreneur Andrew Shue, who also co-founded the nonprofit DoSomething. The broader goal of this forum is to develop a practical agenda supported by more than 70% of participants. The process is expected to end in a civic assembly of 50 to 100 Nevadans, selected to reflect the state’s political and demographic makeup, who will work alongside lawmakers to propose legislation for the 2027 legislative session.

For those interested in participating, visit nvforum.org 

Board members said the policy focuses strictly on water use, not on whether data centers are good or bad. CNRWA Executive Director Jeff Fontaine said it is often unclear how much total water these facilities use, including cooling systems, energy use, and manufacturing.

Laurel Saito, Nevada water strategy director for the Nature Conservancy, suggested adding language requiring identification of water sources. Norman Frey raised concerns about unclear sourcing and possible effects on downstream users, warning that companies could buy up water rights.

Commissioner Mancebo moved to approve the policy, adding the requirement to identify water sources, and the board unanimously approved it. Members also supported sending it to counties as a template for local implementation.

Newly appointed Nevada State Engineer Joe Cacioppo provided an update on the Division of Water Resources. Cacioppo began his role March 30 after previously working as a principal civil engineer at Resource Concepts Inc. and serving on the Carson City School Board.

He said the division faces staffing shortages and a long backlog of water rights applications. The department has about 15 vacancies and more than 2,000 pending applications, which can take months to more than a year to process.

Cacioppo said his priorities include “responsible communication… more transparency and just overall efficiency.”

Legislative issues also came up, with members outlining topics likely to surface in the next session. Fontaine said the CNRWA legislative working group is focusing on issues that can realistically move forward, including finding a funding source for water rights retirement programs that currently have no funding.

He also raised concerns about potential tax impacts tied to those programs. Fontaine said there may be interest in bringing back legislation related to non‑consumptive water use, which would require permits for uses such as geothermal systems or lithium projects, even if water is returned to the source.

The board also discussed several active working groups, including the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Natural Resources, the Nevada Water Law Working Group and a governor’s office group focused on improving efficiency and reducing application backlogs. Data centers were again mentioned as a growing concern due to the demand for both water and energy.

The board addressed monitoring, management and mitigation plans, known as 3M plans, which are used to track and respond to water impacts from projects. These plans are often required by federal agencies during environmental reviews and may also be required by the State Engineer for certain water applications.

Fontaine said 3M plans are meant to address unknown impacts but should not be used to approve projects when conflicts with existing water rights are already known. Under Nevada law, projects cannot be approved if they conflict with existing water rights, even if a mitigation plan is in place.

Members also noted that 3M plans can place a burden on existing water users and often lack clear standards.

The board approved its fiscal year 2026–2027 budget, which stays mostly the same as last year. Adjustments include increases for legal services and government affairs work as members prepare for the next legislative session.

Additional updates included a report on recent water rights applications filed with the state. The board also received an update on an appeal tied to a proposed pipeline project in Utah that would move water across basins.

Members discussed how pumping and transfers related to the project could affect groundwater levels in Nevada basins, specifically areas in White Pine County.

The board also discussed a possible shift to a flat‑fee contract for administrative services, which will be considered at a future meeting.

The next CNRWA meeting is scheduled for July 24.

The public is invited to attend and pay their respects to Hickox, who served the community for 28 years. A livestream will be available for those unable to attend at https://www.youtube.com/live/qwc9z4E8OMY.

Law enforcement agencies from across the state are expected to attend. Several agencies have arranged to assist with coverage in Churchill County, allowing local deputies to participate in the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Richard Hickox Memorial Scholarship Fund at Churchill County Federal Credit Union. Donations should be directed to the attention of Barb or Sierra Hickox.

The appointment was made during a special meeting after hearing from Chief Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills, who explained the process under Nevada law.

“We’re here this morning due to the untimely death of Sheriff Hickox,” Mills told the board. “It falls to this board … to fill that vacancy pursuant to statute.”

Mills explained that the appointment fills the position through the remainder of the term, which runs until the first Monday in January 2027. Because the primary filing period has already passed, a separate window will open in late June for candidates to file for the general election.

“There is a provision for a candidacy filing period,” Mills said. “Because we’re already past the time for a primary, that period will run later on … there’ll be an opportunity for people to file to get onto the general election.”

Commissioners chose to make the appointment during the meeting rather than delay the process.

Commissioner Matt Hyde said the decision was about continuing the leadership voters had already supported.

“Sheriff Hickox was elected as sheriff. He appointed a right-hand man, his undersheriff, and that is an extension of what the people wanted in this community,” said Hyde. “They trusted Richard to appoint his undersheriff.”

The board unanimously approved the motion to appoint Orozco, who was sworn in shortly after the vote.

Following the oath of office, Orozco briefly addressed the room, reflecting on his longtime working relationship with Hickox.

“I was here when he started. I was partners with him in investigations. Then he was my boss and partner in the administration,” Orozco said. “He will be missed, but he’s not forgotten. We’ll carry on what he started.”

Under Nevada law, the appointed sheriff will serve until the next general election, when voters will elect a candidate to the office. The upcoming special filing period will allow interested candidates to enter that race despite the standard filing deadlines having passed earlier this year.

The meeting concluded with commissioners noting the importance of keeping the sheriff’s office steady during the transition.

 “We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Nevada State Fairgrounds as we celebrate the Silver State,” said J.J. Goicoechea, Director of the Nevada Department of Agriculture.

General admission is $12 for children and $15 for adults on opening day, June 11, and includes access to the opening night concert, featuring Caleb Montgomery. Admission for June 12–13 is $7 for children and $10 for adults. Additional tickets are required for select events, including the youth bull riding competition. All-inclusive wristbands covering the full weekend and special events are also available.

This three-day event will highlight Nevada’s history, community, and agricultural roots through a variety of featured events, including the Nevada Junior Livestock Show and Sale, the University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s 4-H State Expo, Next Generation Youth Bull Riding, a Made in Nevada farmers’ market, a walking tour of Nevada, a drone show, local vendors offering food and art, and carnival rides, along with additional exhibits and activities centered on Nevada's heritage. 

“This marks the return of a celebration for communities across Nevada,” Goicoechea said. “We are creating an experience that honors tradition while giving families, businesses and visitors something to look forward to each year to come.”

For many in attendance, the message was clear—as Nevada looks toward future growth, maintaining and strengthening its mining industry remains essential.

Mining has long been a cornerstone of the state’s economy, and speakers emphasized its continued importance not only locally but also globally. Nevada plays a critical role in mineral production, supplying materials that are increasingly vital to industries ranging from manufacturing to renewable energy.

“We’re the leading producers of gold in the United States,” said Garrett Wake, the Deputy Administrator at the Nevada Division of Minerals. Wake added that Nevada is also a notable producer of silver, copper, and lithium.

Leaders stressed that the success of mining, alongside other industries, depends heavily on infrastructure. That includes transportation networks, regional connectivity, and, increasingly, the role of rural airports.

During the summit, Corey Jenkins, the secretary of the Nevada Aviation Association and airport manager for the Carson City Airport, highlighted how Nevada’s network of more than 50 public-use airports can serve as powerful economic tools, particularly in rural communities. While often viewed as limited to passenger travel or private aviation, these airports are increasingly being used to attract and support business development.

“Many people see their local airport as a playground for rich people,” Jenkins said, “but it’s also, more importantly, this business tool. And this business tool should be the primary focus of what aviation is and what it can be to the community.”

In Carson City, for example, an airport-adjacent industrial park has helped draw manufacturing companies that rely on fast, flexible transportation. Businesses operating in specialized industries, including aerospace and advanced manufacturing, often depend on aviation access to move personnel, equipment, and products efficiently.

That model, Jenkins said, could be replicated in other parts of the state.

“Y’all are the industry, y’all are the sponsors, and y’all are the beneficiaries of your communities having these airports.”

The connection between infrastructure and economic development extends beyond aviation, and for many northern Nevada residents, the most immediate concern isn’t in the air, but on the ground.

Traffic congestion in and around the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center and USA Parkway has become a growing challenge as development in Storey County continues to expand. During the summit, the Regional Transportation Commission executive director, Bill Thomas, outlined ongoing and future efforts to address those pressures.

He noted that responsibility for roadway development is shared among local, regional, and state entities, requiring coordination across multiple jurisdictions. Planned improvements include continued expansion of roadway capacity, traffic flow enhancements, and long-term planning to accommodate increasing industrial and commuter demand.

The goal, Thomas said, is for the Nevada Department of Transportation to keep pace with growth while maintaining safe and reliable access to one of the region’s most important economic hubs.

“NDOT concluded the wisest thing to do was to invest in widening Interstate 80 from four to six lanes,” Thomas said. “You can imagine, those of you who’ve driven through that canyon, it’s a real challenge. You have a river, you have a railroad track, and you have mountains. It is supposed to start next year, 2027, and they’re planning for it to be done in 2031.”

Reliable transportation routes, access to industrial land, and coordination between local governments all play a role in determining whether a project succeeds.

Summit discussions also pointed to the importance of long-term planning, including the role of federal funding in making many of these projects possible.

A’Keia Sanders, Director of the Governor's Office of Federal Assistance, spoke about ongoing efforts to identify grant opportunities and help local communities navigate the application process, noting that securing funding often requires coordination across multiple agencies and long-term planning.

Sanders said those efforts are critical in helping rural communities compete for limited resources while addressing infrastructure and economic development needs.

“There are resources at the state,” Sanders stated. “Our office is completely free. We work very closely with WNDD. Whatever money we can bring into the state of Nevada is really important.”

Through its regional economic development strategy, the Western Nevada Development District works with state and local government entities to identify both strengths and challenges across the region.

As Nevada continues to attract new industries, many at the summit emphasized that growth should not come at the expense of existing economic drivers.

Instead, the focus remains on building upon what is already working and ensuring that mining, infrastructure, and emerging industries continue to grow together.

Next week: A closer look at data center development and what it means for communities across northern Nevada.

Cacioppo outlined his main priorities as improving communication, transparency, and efficiency. He emphasized the importance of balancing Nevada’s limited water resources among competing uses. “We’re trying to make sure we’re communicating better, being more transparent, and working through applications as efficiently as possible,” Cacioppo said.

He also outlined efforts to improve how the division operates, including  digitizing records and modernizing outdated systems. The division is developing an application tracking system that will first be used internally, then made available to the public, so applicants and stakeholders can use it as a tool to follow the status of requests Additional efforts include strengthening staff training and mentorship to build experience, as well as reviewing applications earlier to identify complex cases and reduce delays. He noted that focusing on “ready for action” applications will help move simpler cases through the system more quickly.

Cacioppo provided an update on challenges within the department, including staffing shortages and a significant backlog of applications. The office has 115 employees when fully staffed, and there are currently 15 vacant positions. He said the division has also seen a drop in overall experience levels, noting that in the past many staff had years of experience, while newer employees are still building that same level of expertise. Cacioppo added that he is working to bring in additional support to strengthen the department, including bringing in previous state engineer Jason King. 

Additionally, the division is processing roughly 1,000 applications each year, while also managing a backlog of over 2,000 pending applications. Of those, roughly half are considered complex cases involving protests or legal challenges. Cacioppo said about 30% of applications are completed within six months, another 30% within a year, while others can take one to two years or longer to resolve.

Board members also provided input following Cacioppo’s update. Jeff Fontaine pointed to gaps early in the application process, while Norman Frey suggested extending timelines for applicants. Brian Gale noted the high number of extension requests, and Commissioner Perez said clearer communication and a public tracking system would help applicants and local governments better understand project status.

Cacioppo said he is still settling into the role and looks forward to addressing the challenges ahead. “Getting the opportunity to come to work for the Division of Water Resources was quite an honor,” he said.

Sarah Levy, who organized the protest, said Trotter’s recent decision to release a woman arrested on March 26, charged with 29 felony counts of alleged promotion and distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) without bail, was the breaking point, noting, “It has become a pattern, and so this was sort of the final straw.” She explained that she thought the protest “would give people an outlet or tool to practice their constitutional right and to send a message.”

Levy also said that “remaining silent would just be approving of his behaviors.” She added, “I consider that anybody who is being charged with a sexual crime against a child that in and of itself is a threat,” later noting that “children are the most vulnerable.”

Protesters attending the demonstration were asked what they hoped to achieve and what they hoped that the spectators, courts, and county could learn and take away from the protest.

Protester Tonya Freeman, who was also a 2022 candidate for County Commission, said, “To get Trotter out of office or get him aligned with what the law actually says. We need to protect children from predators, so he needs to stop this.”

Another resident, Mr. Parrish, stated, “Children are our most precious commodity, and for judges to allow them to be harmed in any way and then not punish the people that did it, there’s something not quite right about that.”

Eric Weber, another Fallon resident, said, “I’m just hoping that we can convince Judge Trotter to stop releasing people without bail that are repeat offenders. Especially with child predators.” He added, “If enough people come out here, they're going to learn that this is not something the community is going to let slide.”

Longtime Fallon resident Leonore Proctor said, “We can’t really change what the judge is doing, because of the Valdez-Jimenez v. Eighth Judicial District Court case in 2020, but the judges have discretion and he could have made his decision, and if he really doesn’t think he can, then we have to change that law. If anything, we want people to know what the law is and that it has to be fixed.” Proctor added, “They will notice that people care, and that we are watching them.”

Brandon and Michelle Cox explained that they believe Trotter has the right to hold these predators. They asked, “Why doesn’t he think they are a threat to the community? And why is he letting them go?” Michelle added, “I hope they learn that we are not okay with it.”

Matthew Winterhawk, who is running for governor in the upcoming election, came from Las Vegas for the protest. During the event, he took turns at the megaphone, encouraging passersby to protect Nevada’s children from predators.

He said that public protest is a form of civic engagement, saying “lawfare activism is a great part of it.” He noted that rural demonstrations carry particular weight, saying, “When your rurals are doing this, there's [something] vastly wrong and needs to be looked at from a leadership angle.”

When asked how he heard about the event, he said he was frequently in Fallon. “You call, you get me,” he added, “If a town calls and asks for me, I show up.” He added, “I run a grassroots campaign,” he said, noting that he was the only person running his campaign and that he focuses on direct accessibility across Nevada’s 17 counties.

As a side note, after being asked what he would say to someone who wants to run as a young governor, Winterhawk encouraged civic education and participation, urging younger generations to “learn your history, learn your paperwork, and know your rights.”

The demonstration lasted nearly three hours, with some protesters still at the megaphone at 5 p.m.

See last week’s article, “The Great Debate: Public Safety vs. Rules on Bail and OR Releases,” for Judge Trotter’s response to growing concerns about no-bail releases.

The Nevada Seismology Lab (NSL) at the University of Nevada, Reno, also reported the preliminary magnitude 5.5, with other sources indicating a magnitude of 5.7. Early magnitudes are automated estimates, and they often shift as more seismic stations report in and analysts refine the calculations

Initial reports suggest the quake was widely felt near the epicenter, though no significant damage is expected. Minor impacts, such as items falling from shelves or isolated glass breakage, may have occurred.

Communities closest to the reported epicenter, including Silver Springs, Fallon, and Fernley, likely experienced light shaking. Farther out, weaker movement may have been noticed in Sparks, Spanish Springs, Sun Valley, and Reno.

Updates are expected as monitoring agencies refine their assessments and gather additional reports from the region.

NSL reported multiple earthquakes ranging in magnitude from 2.8 to 5.4, less than 21 miles from Fallon on April 13, all within a 15-minute period, including:        

• 2.8m at 6:48 p.m., 1.2 miles southwest (SW) of Fallon
• 2.6m at 6:50 p.m., 17.7 miles SW of Fallon
• 2.1m at 6:48 p.m., 19.4 miles SW of Fallon
• 2.8m at 6:44 p.m., 17.8 miles SW of Fallon
• 2.5 at 6:42 p.m., 21.9 miles SSE of Fernley
• 2.6 at 6:39 p.m., 19.6 miles SW of Fallon
• 3.1 at 6:39 p.m., 21 miles SW of Fallon
• 3.2m at 6:36 p.m., 18 miles SW of Fallon
• 3.0 m at 6:35 p.m., 16.5 miles SW of Fallon
• 3.0m at 6:35 p.m., 19.7 miles SW of Fallon
• 3.7m at 6:34 p.m., 20.2 miles SW of Fallon
• 3.2 at 6:34 p.m., 14 miles SW of Fallon
• 2.9m at 6:33 p.m., 18.9 miles SW of Fallon
• 3.6m at 6:32 p.m., 67.7 miles SW of Fallon
• 5.5m at 6:29 p.m., 15.7 miles SW of Fallon

SNL reported an additional 26 earthquakes in the area by 7:53 p.m., SW, WSE, and northeast of Yerington, with information changing in real time.

Earthquake Tack indicated as many as 25 quakes occurred in the Fallon, Fernley, Lovelock, Silver Springs, and surrounding areas in the 24 hours preceding the larger 5.5m earthquake.

Farther out, weaker movement may have been noticed in Carson City, Sparks, Spanish Springs, Sun Valley, and Reno.

One of the most significant items involved a dispute over maintenance of Allyn Drain, off Allyn Road, where the district has been threatened with litigation by a property owner who disputes the existence and scope of a federal easement.

District staff presented historical documentation, including a 1906 dedication deed establishing a perpetual right-of-way for drains and ditches, as well as aerial imagery showing the drain has existed in its current location for decades. Staff maintained that the district has both the right and obligation to maintain the drain to ensure proper water flow.

Following discussion and a brief closed session with legal counsel, the board directed staff to proceed with maintenance as planned. The board also approved sending a formal letter to the property owner outlining its intent to clean the drain and continue operations.

“We should not be threatened by legal operations at all,” said new board member Mike Olsen, during the discussion.

The board also considered a proposed sale of district-owned property to Hiskett & Sons, LLC, through STR Land LLC, totaling approximately $273,000 for multiple parcels. While a motion to approve the sale was made, board members Mike Olsen and Abe Schank opposed. The motion did not pass as it failed to receive unanimous support, which is required under state law.

Board members then raised concerns about the appraised value and whether the district was receiving fair market return. The item was ultimately tabled for a future meeting to allow for further review and additional due diligence.

“I’m not opposed to it at all, I just feel like this is a little fast,” said board member Abe Schank.  

In contrast to the tabled land sale, the board did approve moving forward with a long-term solar lease agreement with Wildcat Renewables, LLC, for approximately 100 acres near Reno Highway. The agreement allows for a development period of up to four years at $10,000 annually, followed by a 20-year lease term at $1,100 per acre per year, with annual increases.

Under the approved motion, district leadership is authorized to finalize and execute the agreement, with final documents to be completed as negotiations are finalized.

Continuing with project updates, the board also approved a $60,800 contract with J.F. Brennan to advance the stalled Tower Rehabilitation Project. The work will focus on preparing bid documents and securing a federal Buy America waiver after costs for compliant materials increased significantly, from approximately $800,000 to more than $3 million.

Routine reports included an update from the Bureau of Reclamation and district staff on water conditions. While current storage levels are near target, officials noted the season is shaping up to be unpredictable, with early snowmelt and declining runoff expected to create fluctuating conditions.

“This year’s unusual,” said Watermaster Kelly Herwick, noting water operations may “yo-yo” throughout the irrigation season.

The meeting concluded with approval of the consent agenda and standard financial reports.

Recent public outcry in Fallon and across Northern Nevada asserts that New River Township Justice Court Judge Benjamin Trotter is not adequately weighing public safety concerns. In the past year, Trotter has granted own recognizance (OR) releases, or release without bail, in several high-level cases, including child sexual assault or gross lewdness cases and drug-related cases, and most recently a case in which a local woman was charged with 29 counts of promoting Child Sexual Assault Material (CSAM), involving children as young as newborns. This case, in particular, has intensified public concern over how release decisions are being made in serious offenses.

Opposition to OR releases is escalating as states implement expanded release policies and the public grapples with the potential risk posed by defendants released pretrial.

The 2020 Nevada Supreme Court’s decision in Valdez-Jimenez v. Eighth Judicial District Court significantly changed how bail is applied in Nevada courts. Trotter, who said he is governed by the Rules of Judicial Conduct, stated that the ruling flipped the tables on consideration of bail versus own-recognizance (OR) release.

A significant issue with the ruling is the scope of judicial discretion and how it is interpreted. Whether an OR release is granted can vary by courtroom, leading to different outcomes for similar cases and fueling ongoing debate over how to balance constitutional protections with public safety.

In response to concerns over OR releases in high-level cases, Trotter explained that prior to the decision, requiring bail was expected, and “good cause” was all that was needed to set bail at any amount. “Bail was often used as a mechanism for keeping a defendant in jail,” said Trotter.

Judges are now required to consider multiple factors when determining bail or release, including ties to the community, ability to post bail, financial resources, criminal history, history of failing to appear, and employment status. “Most of the factors to consider are provided to the judge via a pretrial release assessment done in our community by our pretrial supervision department, Court Services,” Trotter explained.

While judges must also weigh the nature of the charges, that is only one factor in the determination. “After Valdez-Jimenez, it became incumbent upon the prosecution to justify requiring bail of any sort,” Trotter said. “This decision was not a request of the lower courts but a mandate.”

That interpretation, however, is not universally shared, and has become a central point of disagreement in Churchill and surrounding counties.

Many in the community are questioning how charges involving the sexual assault of a child do not constitute a significant risk to the community, and how cases involving dozens of counts of child exploitation would not weigh more heavily in a bail decision.

According to Trotter, “Without notable justification a judge cannot set bail that is unachievable by the defendant except for murder, where bail is not required at all.” Most defendants in Churchill County courts have limited financial resources and qualify for a public defender, meaning they cannot afford high bail and are often granted OR release in Justice Court.

“If bail must be set at a reachable amount in most cases, its community protection features become limited,” Trotter explained. “In order to do otherwise a judge must state the reason he/she is not following Valdez-Jimenez… Whether a judge agrees with the decision is irrelevant; the judge must comply.” 

Another area of criticism involves the conditions placed on defendants released on OR. In some cases, supervision through Court Services is not included. In the CSAM case, the defendant was ordered to have no contact with children and was prohibited from accessing pornographic or fetish websites. Critics argue that those conditions are difficult, if not impossible, to effectively monitor, raising questions about how violations would be detected before additional harm occurs.

In Churchill County, the perceived impact of the Valdez-Jimenez ruling is playing out both in the courtroom and in the court of public opinion. Critics argue that, regardless of due process protections, including the presumption of innocence, individuals accused of high-level crimes should be subject to bail, often at higher amounts.

Former Justice of the Peace candidate and Court Services Director Brenda Ingram, said during her campaign that Trotter was too loosely interpreting the ruling. “He has interpreted the law to mean he has to release these people, and that is absolutely not the case.” 

Still, many argue the severity of the alleged crime should carry greater weight in bail decisions.

The result is an ongoing divide over how Valdez-Jimenez should be applied, and whether its interpretation is being carried out as intended, or stretched in ways that leave critical decisions dependent on the courtroom rather than the case.

Confident in his interpretation of the ruling, Trotter said he welcomes the public into his courtroom. “I would love it if people came in or jumped on zoom to watch their court.”

First, there was Democratic state Sen. Mary Gojack, who once half-joked state legislators in Carson City should take a breathalyzer test before each vote.

In 1982, Gojack pulled in 41.3 percent of the vote in her loss to Republican Barbara Vucanovich.

Gojack's loss started a string of victories for the GOP in the 2nd U.S. House District as Republicans have held the seat ever since -- for 44 years.

Then there was Democrat Jill Derby in 2006, getting 44.9 percent of the vote in a 5-point loss to Dean Heller. Derby, member of the University System Board of Regents, got almost 42 percent in her 2008 rematch with Heller.

Democrat Kate Marshall, who later won elections for Nevada state treasurer and lieutenant governor, got 36.7 percent of the vote in the 2011 special-election loss to Mark Amodei. She is running for Reno mayor in 2026.

Now, another politically-savvy Democratic woman will run for the 2nd U.S. House District seat this year -- former three-term Assembly Majority Leader Teresa Benitez-Thompson of Reno.

Benitez-Thompson, who won the title of Miss Nevada 24 years ago and was the third runner-up in the Miss America pageant in 2003, has the advantage of not running against an incumbent.

However, so did Gojack in '82, Derby in '06 and Marshall in 2011.

Current CD-2 Rep. Mark Amodei surprised many by announcing his retirement last month, saying 15 years on Capitol Hill was enough.

His decision unleashed a frenzy that saw 27 candidates file to take his place.

Benitez-Thompson sees 2026 as the year to break the GOP win streak, she said Tuesday on Nevada Newsmakers.

"When the Congressman (Amodei) announced his surprise retirement, I looked at the numbers and I thought, 'You know, what is happening out there in the landscape that is changing, changing the calculus for him to not run again?" Benitez-Thompson told host Sam Shad.

"So looking at the numbers, there's a couple of different things, and the reasons why I believe that a good Democrat can win the seat," she said.

"So first it is in the midterms," Benitez-Thompson said. "The district tends to under-perform (in midterm races).

"And so we know we can get closer than what people actually think in a midterm election," she continued. "And what's happening right now in the world and in the country makes me think that we're going to see a good Democrat be able to over-perform as well."

Benitez-Thompson did not need to mention what the War with Iran, higher gas/grocery prices, tariffs and the over-aggressive actions of federal ICE agents have done to the Trump Administration's popularity.

"We're going to see some real challenges on the Republican side and perhaps an uninspired electorate that's really frustrated with this President and frustrated with this administration and that they're going to under-perform.

"So that's the simple math that I'm looking at," Benitez-Thompson said.

Open to debate her opponents

Benitez-Thompson sees the campaign as a chance to debate her opponents and put her ideas of governance into the public conversation.

"Regardless of even winning the race, this is a chance to shape the conversation for our communities," Benitez-Thompson said.

"This is a chance to say, 'You know, there's certain topics that ought to be talked about," she continued. "There ought to be public debates between the candidates. When you have a good Democrat and a good Republican, a good Democrat can force that Republican to show up."

Benitez-Thompson was critical of Amodei for not holding a public forum since April of 2017.

"We haven't had our Republican representative in Congress at town halls in a number of years," Benitez-Thompson said. "So there's 100 percent of an opportunity to make sure that important conversation and (other) dialogs are happening in this campaign. "

Amodei, however, has continued with smaller meetings with specific constituency groups, according to reports.

Recent town-hall meetings across the nation with Republicans in Congress have become loud and abusive, perhaps prompting Amodei's decision, Shad said to Benitez-Thompson.

"And I don't necessarily disagree," Benitez-Thompson countered. "But that doesn't mean that you stop being responsive to the public and engaged with the public.

"I've been elected for a long time," said Benitez-Thompson, who was first elected to the Assembly in 2010. "I kind of know that sometimes people are going to call you names and they're going to be mad at you. And they're going to be angry with you. That doesn't mean that you stop the conversation or the dialog. In fact, that is the time to lean in.

"You have to be responsive to dissenting voices," Benitez-Thompson continued. "You have to be able to have the conversations, because as a policymaker, you have to make tough decisions. You've got to be able to explain what those decisions are and talk about your reasoning and logic for getting there. I believe there's a receptive audience who will hear you out if you do so."

Restoring cuts to federal programs

One of Benitez-Thompson's top priorities, if elected, is to restore funding for federal programs in Nevada that have been cut during the Trump administration.

Several federal programs in Nevada have faced significant funding freezes, cuts, or proposed eliminations across health, education, and environmental sectors, according to reports.

For example:
* In early 2025, billions in federal mental health grants were canceled nationwide, directly impacting Nevada's ability to support behavioral health systems.

* Funding for food-bank deliveries and programs like Home Feeds Nevada -- which allowed local producers to sell directly to food banks—was canceled in April 2025, as reported by ThisIsReno.

* More than $61 million in federal education funds for Nevada were frozen in July 2025, affecting K-12 and higher education, according to the Nevada State Education Association.

* Proposed cuts to Medicaid expansion could force Nevada to either provide $2.92 billion in additional state funding over seven years or risk 132,000 residents losing coverage, according to the Nevada Current.

"It's hit us exponentially hard," Benitez-Thompson said about Trump-era cuts to programs fostered under the Biden Administration. "So one of the things that I'm committed to as a candidate is advocating for the restoration of those dollars, especially federal-grant dollars, because those are our tax dollars that we send to Washington, D.C., that get reinvested in our own backyard.

"And when this administration cuts those dollars, that means we're not getting our own tax dollars back to work for us," she added.

One of Benitez-Thompson major concerns deals with Medicaid, a critical health-care program for those at the near- or at poverty levels.

"One of the biggest investments was on that Medicaid expansion," she said. "And that was the expansion of adults, who were typically chronically ill people, typically people who were very much in need and utilizing our emergency rooms for mental and behavioral health.

"When we expanded coverage to that population, we thought it was a great investment of our Nevada dollars and bringing in and leveraging more federal dollars to meet the needs throughout our communities," she said.

No Kidding

Shad mention Greg Kidd, the billionaire from Crystal Bay, Nv., who is also running in the Democratic primary in CD-2.

Benitez-Thompson did not take the bait.

"I'm busy focusing on talking about my experience here in the state of Nevada," she said. "I have long roots in this community, and I've been with this community through good times and bad times."

Kidd ran as No Political Party in the 2024 general election against Amodei in CD-2. He gained 36.1 percent of the vote.

He recently donated $3,500 to the Democratic Party of Washoe County.

"I love having new members in our community, and I love having new
members of our party," Benitez-Thompson said. "I just want to make sure that people know the difference in candidates between someone who's been here doing the work for a long time and then someone who's coming in more recently and ... might be talking prospectively about what they might do versus showing a good body of work and a commitment to the community."

Miss Nevada title helps build future

Benitez-Thompson's experience as Miss Nevada and her Top-4 finish at the Miss America Pageant introduced her to many female role models who helped form her later careers in social work and politics.

"So, with the program that I was in, we referred to it famously -- and Sandra Bullock has a line that a lot of us refer to -- It's a scholarship program," she said.

She was referring to Bullock's hit movie in 2000, "Miss Congeniality." It came with a 2005 sequel, "Miss Congeniality, Armed and Fabulous."

"So the idea was, how do you mentor young women, introduce them into leadership and what leadership looks like in their community," Benitez-Thompson said. "And then, get them involved in community service and provide scholarship opportunities.

"So for me, it was beneficial in many ways, not only because it paid for most
of my undergraduate education and my graduate education at the University of Michigan, but it also introduced me to people who were supporting youth and mentoring youth and sharing their leadership skills."

Benitez-Thompson earned a master's degree in social work at Michigan. She became a licensed social worker in Nevada afterwards.

"And so I worked on low-income issues affecting women," Benitez-Thompson said. "My mom was a single-mom waitress in this town. So if you had dinner back then at the Comstock or at Fitzgerald's or even Rapscallion, chances are my mom might have served you.

"And the tip that you left on the table was what she used to raise us," Benitez-Thompson said.

Despite recruitment efforts, the posting had not attracted any applicants, and the position was still unfilled in early March. During the March 4 commission meeting, Bullock implored commissioners to fill the position, as his two-month commitment as interim DA was coming to an end. “I can't keep doing it,” Bullock said. “It's fatiguing on me... I'm too old for this… If I was ten years younger, it'd be a lot easier.”

At that time, Commissioners Chuck Sayles, Joe Crim, and Connie Gottschalk discussed increasing the salary to $150,000, hoping to attract more applicants.

On March 11, during a special county commission meeting, commissioners introduced two candidates, Derrick Penney and Steve Girardot, who both shared information regarding their qualifications for the position. Additionally, Penney and Girardot stated their intention to run for Pershing County District Attorney in the upcoming election. Both are officially listed as candidates on the Nevada Secretary of State website.

After deliberating in closed session, Commissioner Sayles moved to appoint Girardot, but the motion failed for lack of a second. Commissioner Crim then made a motion to appoint Penney as district attorney, seconded by Connie Gottschalk. The motion passed on a 2–1 vote, with Sayles dissenting.

Despite the presentation of two candidates, a review of the publicly posted March 11 meeting agenda packet shows no resumes or CVs were included for public review, and no supporting materials outlining applicant qualifications were provided.

Since that time, information has come to light regarding State Bar suspensions of Derrick Penney. In January 2022, the reviewing panel concluded that he violated the rules of professional conduct, specifically issues with diligence, communication, safekeeping property, expediting litigation, misconduct, and general disciplinary matters.

In October 2018, estate proceeds of $153,863 were placed in trust for a client. Penney did not complete the probate and, by December 2020, had depleted the account to $15,061 without any funds being disbursed to the client. Further, Penney was largely unresponsive to client inquiries and to subsequent State Bar communications. However, the money was refunded to the estate by Penney, in what the review panel chairman, Kenneth Hogan, Esq., said was “several years too late.”

The State Bar issued Findings of Fact on Nov. 22, 2021, and found several aggravating factors, including dishonest or selfish motive, multiple offenses, and illegal conduct. The reviewing panel, the Southern Nevada Disciplinary Board, recommended that the Nevada Supreme Court suspend Penney from practicing law for 36 months, with all but six months stayed.

The panel also recommended conditions of full cooperation with a legal practice mentor during the suspension, no contact with client trust accounts, and completion of nine additional hours of continuing legal education. An order of suspension was filed in the Nevada Supreme Court on April 29, 2022, with an order of reinstatement filed on Oct. 19, 2023.

While on suspension, Penney was again disciplined in a case by the State Bar for violating the Rules of Professional Conduct, specifically issues with diligence, communication, safekeeping property, expediting litigation, and misconduct.

Court documents state that a client retained Penney to litigate post-conviction actions. According to the State Bar, he did not diligently litigate those matters, failed to communicate with the client and the State Bar, and failed to place the client’s attorney fees deposit into his trust account.

An order for a six-month-and-one-day suspension, to run concurrently with the first suspension, was filed in the Nevada Supreme Court on Oct. 10, 2022, with reinstatement for this case ordered on Oct. 19, 2023.

During the March 11 special meeting, when introducing himself, Derrick Penney stated he served as chief deputy at the Nevada State Public Defender’s Office, serving in White Pine County, and noted that he was a former alternate public defender in Humboldt County.

“Currently, I um am a chief deputy at Nevada State Public Defender …been with the state for two years doing that,” said Penney. “Prior to that I was Humboldt County Alternate Public Defender, so I spent a couple years in Humboldt County as well.”

However, a "Stop Order" email was sent by the NSPD office to courts and attorneys across the state on Feb. 19, stating that “Derrek Penney is no longer with the Nevada State Public Defender’s Office. As such, effective immediately, he is no longer authorized to conduct business on behalf of NSPD and/or receive information on behalf of NSPD.”

At this point, county officials have not publicly addressed Penney’s disciplinary history or employment status at the time of his appointment. County Manager Kristen Gonzalez, Commissioner Joe Crim, and DA Derrick Penney were contacted for comment. More information will be available as the story develops.

It’s a strange way to write. I’ve never quite trusted dictation. I’ve always done better with a pen in my hand or a keyboard in front of me. Even back in school, I noticed something about how my brain works—if I was standing at the board, marker in hand, I could think more clearly than if I just sat there trying to talk it out. There’s something about my fingers that helps the ideas line up.

But here we go - because typing is problematic behind the windshield. Because lately, it’s been a lot of miles.

This week, it’s another run up I-80—Fallon to Lovelock to Winnemucca—working on a grant presentation, meeting with people, talking about what we’re building. Burning up the highway.  

And here’s what we're hearing.

When we sit down and explain what we’re doing—bringing local newspapers back, rebuilding something that used to be the backbone of these communities—people are listening. You can see it happen. Their eyes light up. They remember what it felt like to have a real local paper. Something that belonged to them. Something that showed up every week and told the truth about their town.

Most people don’t need much convincing. They’ve been waiting for it.

That’s the part that’s so gratifying. It’s that moment when someone realizes, “Oh, you’re serious. You’re actually doing this.”

Not everyone sees it that way.

Every once in a while, I’ll run into someone who gives me a polite smile and a warning—don’t spread yourself too thin, don’t overdo it. Sometimes there’s a metaphorical pat on the head in there too, like this is all just a nice little project.

I listen but never take it to heart.

Because the overwhelming response is coming from the communities themselves. And they’re not skeptical. They’re grateful, engaged, and excited.

So we keep going.

Back and forth across this stretch of Nevada, learning every stop along the way. Fallon. Fernley. Lovelock. Battle Mountain. Winnemucca. These roads have always felt like home.

And that’s the point, I guess -- we're building something that belongs here.

So while we find all the good stopping spots across the wilds of Nevada, we’ll always be right here...

...Keeping you Posted.

Rach

The Fallon Youth Club started as a Boys and Girls Club in 2003. Several years later, they separated to become an independent local youth organization. The Fallon Youth Club has an after-school program and runs a full-day childcare program called the Little Clubhouse for young children, providing a safe space for kids to go outside of school. They currently serve around 400 youth, with around 100 children under age 6 at the Little Clubhouse.

The position of Executive Director has now been reorganized into three different roles: Director of Operations, Director of Programs, and Executive Development Director. The Executive Development Director will oversee strategic planning and daily operations for both the youth club and Little Clubhouse childcare programs. The role includes working closely with the board to manage budgets, track financial performance, develop marketing, fundraise, and lead community outreach efforts.

The position also requires strong communication skills to build relationships within the community and with staff, and to encourage financial participation in the club. The Fallon Youth Club is seeking a candidate with prior nonprofit experience, ideally in child care. 

Applications and job descriptions are available at the Fallon Youth Club at 324 Pennington Cir. For additional information or questions, call Myndee Darcy at 775-427-0928 or Gary Imelli at 775-426-8461.

Special Agent Mackenzie Miller with Homeland Security Investigations and a cross-deputized peace officer with the State of Nevada, submitted information for a Criminal Complaint against Hansen that included 29 counts of Promotion of Sexual Performance of Minor Less than 14 Years of Age.

Each charge is a Category A Felony punishable by life in prison with the possibility of parole after 10 years, up to $100,000 in fines, and requires 25 years registration as a Tier II offender on the Sex Offender Registry.

Promotion of Sexual Performance of a Minor is a child pornography offense, formally referred to as child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and relates to the sexual exploitation of children.

CSAM includes material depicting minor children engaging in, simulating, or assisting others to engage in sexual conduct, or images or acts where a minor is the subject of sexual portrayal.

The complaint alleges that Hansen shared 25 videos on Kik that show various portrayals of children, aged from infancy to 16 years, in sexual or sexually related acts. Kik is a legitimate messaging app that allows users to communicate using usernames rather than phone numbers, and has been referenced in law enforcement investigations due to its use in some cases involving the exchange of illegal material.

Several of the counts in the complaint allege the distribution of images that depict the sexual assault of very young children.

Hansen appeared for her arraignment via Zoom from the Churchill County Jail on Friday, March 27, before Judge Benjamin Trotter. During the arraignment, the court determined that Hansen was not public defender eligible; however, court documents state, “Due to circumstances and severity of charges [the court] appoints a Churchill County public defender.”

Churchill County Public Defender Jacob Sommer requested that Hansen be released on her own recognizance. Senior Deputy District Attorney Chelse Sanford opposed such a release, arguing that Hansen posed a flight risk and a risk to the community. On behalf of Hansen, Sommer waived her right to a preliminary hearing within 15 days.

Trotter ordered Hansen to be released without bail, on her own recognizance (OR). Such releases are generally based on a lack of criminal history, no failures to appear in court, community ties, and low risk factors, per Nevada Supreme Court guidelines in the Jimenez Ruling.

The terms of Hansen’s release include weekly contact with counsel, no criminal violations, and no new employment without approval of the court, the defense, and the state. She is also prohibited from going to any place where children gather, having children at her residence, or visiting pornographic or fetish websites.

Should she violate the terms of her pre-trial release, she will be returned to custody with a $580,000 – $20,000 per count, cash-only bail applied.

The charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

“You’re breaking me as a rancher right now,” Snow said during the committee meeting, “You’re going to take my ranch and pay me $14,000 a year … Unacceptable.”

Snow’s remarks came as concerns grew over the loss of grazing lands linked to the B-16, B-17, and B-20 range expansions, which withdrew thousands of acres that are gradually becoming inaccessible.

Approved under the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, the expansion transferred about 489,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management land to expand and modernize the Fallon Range Training Complex (FRTC) at Naval Air Station Fallon. The legislation requires compensation for lost grazing access.

For ranchers like Snow, the expansion means losing access to thousands of acres. As a result, Animal Unit Months (AUMs) have been reduced or lost. AUMs, calculated by the BLM, reflect how many animals can graze in a designated area. Simply put, lost grazing land and reductions in AUMs translate into significant operational losses.

The FRTC Final Environmental Impact Statement analyzed those losses over time, projecting economic impacts across a 100-year period. Ranchers question if 100-year losses can even be quantified, considering real-world conditions, particularly when they are dealing with immediate deficits and limited options to replace grazing land.

Which is exactly what Snow says is happening now.

During a Feb. 11 meeting between the Navy, the BLM, and impacted ranchers, the Navy explained that determining loss valuations requires ranchers to submit extensive business documentation. This includes multiple years of tax returns, W-2s, payroll, employee and wage details, asset listings, financial statements, inventory, loans, and grazing billing sheets. These records are used to calculate an accurate compensation offer based on operational loss.

Snow, a fifth-generation rancher, is one of two ranchers who have gone through the land withdrawal and re-permitting process for the B-16 range. He said in a later interview that he declined to provide all of the requested information for fear that his private financial records would be in government hands and could later be used against him, a concern he said is shared by other ranchers.

At the March 10 IEC meeting, Snow called the Navy’s offer “ridiculous” and said the process leaves him with no room to negotiate.

Snow, who doesn’t believe the valuation reflects the actual losses tied to cattle production over time, framed the compensation offer as a threat to the survival of his ranch. According to Snow, the valuator told him to invest for 100 years to get his money. “There is no ranch in 100 years,” he said, adding that the offer would ultimately put him out of business. 

In addition to the compensation concerns, Snow said he can no longer use his permit or graze his cattle, yet he must make payments on land he cannot fully use. “I don't just put these cows in the back shelf or the backyard until you figure out what you're going to do,” Snow said.

He said what he needs is the ability to replace what has been lost. “I want my money now, so I can buy another ranch and continue where I’m going,” Snow said.

Adrianne Snow, Justin’s wife and a grazing allotment holder, told the committee they submitted a counteroffer to the Navy in a very timely manner. Nine months later, on a state holiday and less than 24 hours before turnout, they received a response that said, “We received your counter or rebuttal letter,” but it was rejected. “Just because you didn't like our counter doesn't mean we don't deserve a counter.”

She questioned why extensive personal financial records were requested if the valuation was not open to adjustment. “We gave numbers, we gave reasoning, we gave backup,” Adrianne said.

“I am not a fifth-generation rancher,” she continued. “I am a daughter of a retired colonel. I grew up military, so I understand a lot more of both sides. But I don't think you guys do. I am respectfully asking you for a counteroffer.”

In response, the Navy said the compensation offers were based on a formal valuation process.

Lindsey Green, director of real estate for the Navy’s Southwest region, said that since they didn’t receive the necessary business-specific information, the analysis relies on industry averages. The valuation included both business value and grazing permit value calculated on a per-AUM basis. “The money is available in the escrow account to render payment, and we do feel that we have met the terms of the legislation,” Green said. 

Justin Snow pushed back on that approach, stating, “We shouldn't be paid on all of that business. We need to be paid on how many cows we can't sell — for years.”  

Some committee members shared concern that issues raised during the B-16 process remain unresolved.

Committee Vice Chair and Churchill County Commissioner Myles Getto said, “I keep hearing from the BLM and the Navy… ‘We've learned a lot from B-16, and we've done great things on B-16.’ It really doesn't feel like it.” Getto noted that outreach related to B-17 is already underway, while concerns from B-16 ranchers persist.   

Nevada Department of Agriculture Director J.J. Goicoechea, who also serves as IEC chair, like Justine and Adrianne, said that he would be concerned that accessing the escrow funds would constitute acceptance of the offer. 

He urged the parties to return to the table, saying, “We need to try to figure out a way to get back to the table and get it sorted... Somehow, we need to take action.”

At last week’s water users meetings held both in Fernley and Fallon, TCID staff confirmed that orders are being accepted and activity is picking up across both the Carson and Truckee divisions. Early counts show more than 200 orders already submitted as irrigators prepare for the start of the season.

Crews are beginning the physical work of getting water moving, including flushing canals and starting to fill reservoirs. Initial flows are expected to begin immediately, with water distributed through the canal network as conditions allow.

The start of deliveries follows the district’s decision earlier this month to set a 100% water allocation for the season, despite concerns about how the water supply will unfold.

As previously reported, current water conditions are being shaped by an unusual winter pattern. Early snowmelt and warm temperatures have pushed runoff ahead of schedule, meaning flows appear strong now but are expected to drop off earlier than normal, potentially by early summer.

That dynamic is already shaping how the district approaches operations this spring, moving water efficiently early while keeping a close eye on how quickly supplies decline.

During the meeting, water users raised ongoing concerns about delivery timing and system efficiency. Ernie Schank noted inconsistent delivery times and asked whether more coordinated scheduling could reduce waste and improve overall use of available water.

District staff acknowledged those challenges, saying they continue working to balance user requests with system limitations. While irrigators can request preferred delivery times, TCID emphasized that it cannot always accommodate individual schedules due to operational constraints.

Efficiency also remains a concern under the federal Newlands Project contract, which includes performance benchmarks tied to water use. Manager Ben Shawcroft said TCID is currently below the threshold needed to receive efficiency credits but is evaluating ways to improve performance moving forward.

One of the biggest changes on the horizon is a long-overdue upgrade to the district’s water ordering and accounting system. TCID announced it is preparing to roll out a new online platform that will allow users to place orders, track deliveries, and monitor account balances in real time.

The system will replace an aging database that has been in use for decades. Once launched, each water user will have an individual login, with access to all of their water rights and account information. The district expects the platform to be available within the next month and is encouraging users to sign up and move away from paper notices.

In addition to operational updates, TCID also announced that the TCID general election will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the district office to elect directors for Divisions 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7. Candidates are Wade Workman, Michael Olsen, Eric Olsen, Abrahm Schank, and Lester deBraga.

For now, the focus remains on getting water on the ground.

While early conditions have allowed for a full allocation year, the message from both district officials and federal water managers has been consistent: this will be a season to watch closely.

The Carson River Coalition and the Carson Water Subconservancy District (CWSD) will host the two‑day event, which features updates on watershed programs, new research, drought communication, groundwater monitoring, outdoor youth initiatives, and the growing role of data centers in Nevada. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. each day, and registration is $50 for both days and $30 for one. Lunch is included.

“Thoughtfully managing the Carson River helps provide clean drinking water, economic stability, and sustainable natural landscapes,” CWSD Program Manager Brenda Hunt said. “The Forum brings partners together and is an opportunity to learn about extraordinary efforts throughout the watershed.”

The Carson River Watershed stretches from Alpine County through Carson City and into Churchill County, where the river supports agriculture, wildlife habitat, and recreation. 

Professional development hours may be available for engineers, floodplain managers, and planners. Registration is available at forms.gle/Fdo3ZYVD8nFVK949A. For general inquiries, contact Kelly Nicholas at kelly@cwsd.org.

On Thursdays, we have a whole crew of volunteers who rally together to get the papers delivered around town and to Lovelock. Some Thursdays, though, we have to pull in a staff member or two to fill in for volunteers when they have the audacity to be busy, actually enjoying their retirement or some such thing. 

Last week, Sadie and Riggin pulled short straw and took a route to cover for Harry, who normally covers what we call “the money route.” This one is all the locations where the store or coffee shop keeps a can on the counter, an envelope in the cash register, or has an actual newspaper vending box. 

Those boxes have been the bane of our existence since the beginning. 

So, the master’s degree-holding 27-year-old and the Cal Poly-bound 17-year-old teamed up to make the task a little lighter and more enjoyable. These two are pretty sharp, and they enjoy healthy competition in all things around the office. They’re constantly keeping score of who answered more calls, sold more subscriptions, or hawked more merchandise in the store. 

But Heaven forbid that either one of these overachievers can manage an old-fashioned newspaper box. 

Shortly after they left, papers in hand to fulfill their route, Denice received a text that they couldn’t get into the box at Fox Peak. Something about the key wouldn’t work. Then another desperate text, and then a phone call. They did not know how to get the papers inside the box. 

Denice was puzzled as she tried to assist over the phone, “Well, don’t you have any quarters?”

There are two things at work here – first, two really smart kids completely over-thinking the mechanics of a simple mechanical device, and the evolution of society where we no longer carry cash. Of any sort, let alone change. 

Never did it dawn on this brain-trust to just insert quarters and open the door, take out the old papers, and put in the new papers.

We were all hysterical and have been laughing about this and teasing the kids all week. 

So while we spend some time making little key/change kits for all the delivery drivers, we’ll always be right here…

…Keeping you Posted.

Rach

The event, held March 17 at the airport, highlighted recent upgrades to the fixed-base operator (FBO) building and recognized the transition of airport operations to Flyin’ Tiz Aviation LLC.

Aviation businesses and supporters attended the ceremony, as well as City of Fallon Mayor Ken Tedford, council members Karla Kent, Paul Harmon, and Kelly Frost, along with Churchill County Sheriff Richard Hickox and Judge Benjamin Trotter. Yerington Mayor John Garry and Councilman Omar Lopez also came over for the celebration.

The improvements coincide with the Fallon City Council’s recent approval of a 10-year contract with Tisdale’s company, Flyin’ Tiz Aviation LLC, to serve as the airport’s fixed-base operator. Under the contract, the company will provide services previously handled by Fallon Airmotive LLC, including aviation fuel sales and maintaining staffed office space at the airport.

Flyin’ Tiz Aviation will operate out of the city-owned transient aircraft hangar known as Hangar A2, often referred to locally as the “drum hangar.” The agreement includes an initial 10-year term with the option to renew for two additional five-year terms if contractual obligations are met.

Following the council vote earlier this month, Flyin’ Tiz Aviation owner Anthony Tisdale thanked city officials and introduced members of his team, describing the transition as a significant undertaking.

During Tuesday’s ceremony, Tisdale credited the airport’s role in the community and recognized the legacy of longtime airport operator Walt Wardwell, who ran the facility for decades and whose work as a Certified Flight Instructor and aviation professional helped build the local aviation community.

“For everyone in the Fallon community that flies airplanes or has been affiliated with the airport, it would be hard-pressed to find anyone who hasn’t flown with or taken lessons from Walt Wardwell,” Tisdale said. “He taught me how to fly and taught a lot of other people how to fly.”

Tisdale said the new operators intend to build on that legacy rather than replace it.

Much of the renovation work to the airport’s facilities was completed through hands-on effort from the small team now managing operations.

“We didn’t really have the money to hire a bunch of contractors and spend a ton of cash,” Tisdale said, acknowledging the hard work of several others, including General Manager Bryanna Travis and his mother, Rochelle Tisdale. “We worked really hard to take what we had and make the best of it.”

Bryanna Travis also spoke, thanking several airport partners and aviation services operating from the facility, including Titan Fuels, Silver Sage Aviation, Frey Spray, REMSA CareFlight at Banner Hospital, Ugalde Aviation, and the Fallon Muni Flyers.

She said the airport has been working with Western Nevada College to expand aviation training opportunities and build a pipeline for future pilots. In addition, the airport plans to host a youth aviation summer camp in June through the Operation Aviation Foundation for students ages 12 to 16 interested in aviation.

“We are working on expanding our aviation training through that program and building a pilot pipeline through them,” Travis said.

Tisdale also took a moment to thank Mayor Ken Tedford.

“We really appreciate all of his support. This could not have been possible without him trusting us to take on this venture and try to make Fallon Airport a little better.”

Mayor Tedford said the improvements represent a significant step forward for the airport and for the community.

“I think it shows a lot of support for what they’re trying to do at the airport,” Tedford said. “From what Anthony and his team have done in just several weeks, we know great things are coming ahead.”

Tedford noted that city leaders and local pilots have spent years working with the Federal Aviation Administration to secure grants for runway, taxiway, and infrastructure improvements at the airport. Those grants typically follow a federal funding structure where the FAA covers about 94% of project costs and local partners contribute the remaining share.

For city leaders and airport operators, the improvements already underway signal renewed momentum at the facility and an opportunity to strengthen Fallon’s role in regional aviation.

“We’re the gateway to Fallon,” Tisdale said. “And we want people to show up in Fallon; we want them to see a nice building… and realize this is a classy place. It’s a good place to live. It’s a good place to come spend money at local businesses and to want to come back here.”