From its beginnings in 1963, South Lake Tahoe residents envisioned a hospital and then built it with their time, energy, contributions and commitment. At times, they “literally” put hammer-to-nail to create the first-ever year-round health care facility at Lake Tahoe – Barton Memorial Hospital. In doing so, these committed individuals and families ensured a better future for future generations and 50-years-later we invite our community to celebrate the hospital’s dedication, growth and future.

A pilot and two passengers escaped injury Wednesday after a plane crash northeast of Spooner in the Kings Canyon area, Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong confirmed.

The passengers of the aircraft were taken by Carson City Fire and Rescue to the staging area at the Kings Canyon Trailhead where they signed statements with the Carson City Sheriff's Office. Both declined comment. An official at the scene said the three had taken a flight to celebrate the birthday of a 23-year-old female passenger and that both passengers were shaken and didn't wish to speak. It is believed but not confirmed the flight originated from Lake Tahoe.

The governors of California and Nevada have agreed to renew a bi-state partnership to preserve, protect and enhance Lake Tahoe through the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Compact.

Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval and Calif. Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced Tuesday an agreement that renews the partnership, which has been under threat of repeal.

The City of South Lake Tahoe has been awarded a competitive grant from the State Water Resources Control Board through the Proposition 84 Stormwater Grant Program (SWGP).

A total of $42 million was available for Round 1 Implementation projects throughout the State that are designed to reduce and prevent stormwater contamination of rivers, lakes, and streams. The City was one of the 37 applicants to make it through the first round of the application process, and one of only 24 applicants selected for funding.

A Las Vegas man was sentenced to 5 years and three months in prison for defrauding a Lake Tahoe investor of more than $2.9 million, according to the U.S. Justice Department.

U.S. District Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr. sentenced Jed Baron, 55, of Las Vegas, on Friday, May 10 to prison for wire fraud related to the investment scheme, according to a news release.

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors honored Mark Divittorio for helping to rescue a family last month when their car plunged into the South Fork of the American River.

On Thursday, April 4 the Lemler family was traveling along Highway 50 when their vehicle left the roadway and ended up submerged and on its side in the American River. The three young daughters managed to escape to the roof of the vehicle. Mr. Lemler remained trapped inside the vehicle while Mrs. Lemler worked to keep his head above the water.

A Carson City woman whose friends and family reported her missing has returned home and is safe, according to her father. The woman was reported missing after she did not return from Lake Tahoe on Sunday, her father said.

The Lake Tahoe Community College Writers’ Series is proudly hosting a celebration for the publication of the college’s literary journal, The Kokanee, Wednesday, May 15 at 8 p.m. at the LTCC library.

The event will feature short readings from student and faculty authors. Authors reading from their work will include Frank Riley, Cece Cummins, Harper Dial, Bonnie Turnbull, Marcela de Lira Astorga, Karen A. Terrey, Ryan Row, and Alec Holmes. The event is free and open to the public. The Kokanee will be available for purchase.

A $7.3 million road improvement project has begun on a half-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 50 in South Lake Tahoe, Caltrans announced.

The project spans from Ski Run Boulevard to Wildwood Avenue and will allow for the collection and treatment of stormwater runoff, in addition to adding Class II bike lanes, ADA-compliant sidewalks and pedestrian lighting. Other features include a new intersection signal, landscaping and streetscaping. Shoulders will be widened to six feet.

The State Water Resources Control Board on Tuesday approved certification of a water quality management plan that allows regional planning and water quality agencies to balance infill development needs and environmentally protective policies focused on improving Lake Tahoe clarity.

The South Lake Tahoe Police Canine Association is looking for an exciting new logo for the upcoming K-9 Trial in October 2013. We invite you to participate in our logo design contest. Please plan on submitting your creative design today and the submissions deadline is June 30, 2013.

The winning logo design will be printed on the backs of our T-shirts, sweatshirts, trophies and other K9 Trial paraphernalia. This is a wonderful opportunity to give your design idea public attention and a published portfolio piece.