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Lake Valley firefighter in stable condition after falling from fire truck

On Sunday, August 27, a Lake Valley Fire Protection District crew responded to a traffic collision on Highway 50 near Twin Bridges, west of Lake Tahoe.

At 3:15 p.m., as the crew headed eastbound back to their station in Meyers, a firefighter was ejected from the vehicle. According to the report, a Blue Sheet, the vehicle was going around "a sweeping left-hand curve" near the Rock Crusher area when the incident occurred.

NDOW allowing 20 black bears to be hunted; Protesters plan demonstration

On September 15, 2017 the annual Nevada bear hunt season opens, and this year 45 hunters have been issued tags to participate in the season that lasts until December 1, or until the quota of 20 black bears has been met. The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) calls this the "Black Bear Harvest."

In protest of the hunt, a "peaceful, educational" demonstration has been planned by NoBearHuntNV.org and Compassion Works International on September 16 in Reno. Participants will be meeting at the intersection of South Virginia and McCarran in front of Reno Star sculpture at 11:00 a.m.

Multiple fires start as lightning storm passes through the Sierra and Carson City

There are several lightning caused fires currently burning in the Carson City/Carson Valley area of Nevada as well as ones at Genoa Peak and Duane Bliss Peak above Lake Tahoe.

A storm system is still in the area with multiple lightning strikes.

South Lake Tahoe man sentenced to 56 months in prison

South Lake Tahoe resident Larry Martinez Guzman, aka Larry Guzman-Martinez, 33, was sentenced to 4 years and 8 months in state prison after pleading no contest to the charges of felony driving under the influence causing injury, felony assault, and hit and run.

Opinion: Confronting climate change at Lake Tahoe

For 20 years, every August we’ve paused to reflect on our collective commitment to Lake Tahoe’s restoration at the Lake Tahoe Summit. This year, with U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein hosting the event, the issue of climate change will be front and center. Climate change poses incredible challenges for Tahoe, affecting not only the health of its famously cold, clear waters, but the health of its expansive forests and what is to become of our $5 billion outdoor recreation-based economy.

No extension or new purchase agreement accepted for Kingsbury Middle School

It's back to the drawing board for the Douglas County School District (DCSD) Board of Trustees after they officially decided to not give Patrick Taylor and Lake Parkway LLC another extension in their effort to buy Kingsbury Middle School.

Citing no confidence in the buyer's ability to put a deal that can close together, the trustees voted unanimously to take the steps needed to put the old middle school back on the market.

"I think the School District made a poor decision today," Patrick Taylor of Lake Parkway LLC told South Tahoe Now. "They are very unrealistic."

Carson City fire blamed on fireworks

A 20-acre brush fire in Carson City on Thursday was caused by fireworks, according to fire officials. The fire is now fully contained.

At 3:50 p.m. August 3, fire broke out behind the Greenhouse Nursery there was immediate response from Carson City, East Fork Fire Protection, Tahoe Douglas Fire, Truckee Meadows, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Forest Service. Aircraft also flew in from Sierra Front Interagency in Minden.

Fire breaks out in mountains southwest of Reno

UPDATE 6:15 p.m.: The Whites Fire has burned 60 acres on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest’s Carson Ranger District near the Whites Creek Trailhead. The fire, burning southwest of Reno, is threatening eight structures in the Logan Meadows area.

Traffic is closed to Timberline Drive, except for local residents. There is no access to the Thomas Creek and Whites Creek Trailheads.

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Crews are responding to a new wildfire southwest of Reno off the Mount Rose Highway in the Timberline area.

Air quality issues close Bank of the West in South Lake Tahoe

8:00 p.m. update: Road construction on Highway 50 is what led to the closure of Bank of the West in South Lake Tahoe.

"Nearby construction resulted in an air quality issue at our South Tahoe Branch, which was quickly identified and is being remedied," Anita Fox, Senior Vice President of Public Relations and Corporate Communications for Bank of the West told South Tahoe Now this evening. "We anticipate re-opening the branch no later than Thursday."

In the meantime, those wishing to conduct in-branch transactions can visit the bank's Tahoe City Branch at 150 West Lake Boulevard.

New deputy for the Douglas County Sheriff's Office

During a ceremony on July 24 the Douglas County Sheriff's Office welcomed a new deputy, Kylie Shepherd.

In front of family and friends, Deputy Shepherd was administered her oath of office.

She grew up in Lyon County, Nevada and later attended Western Nevada College and obtained an Associate of Arts and an Associates of Applied Science in Criminal Justice.

Deputy Shepherd will start her service with the department in the Jail Division.

Open House at Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care

Event Date: 
July 30, 2017 - 10:00am

Once a year the public has the opportunity to explore the Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care facility. On Sunday, July 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., they will open their doors to where the wild birds and animals are rehabilitated.

For 40 years the non-profit has been serving wildlife in the Sierra and normally the only people allowed past the front door are the volunteers.

Emily's Walk for Hope to bring awareness to suicide prevention

Event Date: 
September 10, 2017 - 10:00am

In an average year, the United States will lose 44,000 people to suicide.

It is an unbearable and eye opening statistic, and the Suicide Prevention Network is trying to change that number by offering education and awareness in Douglas and El Dorado Counties, and surrounding communities.

Douglas County declared disaster area after Preacher Fire scorches 4,651 acres

Douglas County Board of Commissioners signed a Disaster Declaration today due to the lightning caused Preacher Fire which is burning seven miles southeast of Gardnerville.

The fire is currently estimated at 4,651 acres as of 6:00 p.m. on July 25. It is being managed at this time by Sierra Front Type 3 Incident Management Team (IMT) with support from East Fork Fire Protection District and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Vail Resorts pledges "zero footprint" by 2030

Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz announced today that his company has committed to zero net emissions by 2030, zero waste to landfill by 2030 and zero net operating impact to forests and habitat.

"Everything we do at Vail Resorts is driven by the spectacular natural environments where our employees, guests and communities live, work and play," Katz said in a press release. "The environment – and our stakeholders’ passion for it – is our business, and we have a special obligation to protect it."

Mapping glitch downsizes Preacher Fire to 4,651 acres burned

8:45 p.m. update: Firefighters on the Preacher Fire have gained ground on the fire and have been able to get it 20 percent contained. It was actively burning all day with single tree torching, creeping, and wind-driven runs. The total burned remains at 4,651 acres.

* * *
4:45 p.m. update: Acreage burned in the Preacher Fire is a lot less than previously reported due to a glitch in mapping. The fire, which started Monday with a lightning strike, has burned 4,651 acres.

Motorcyclist injured after running into car in South Lake Tahoe

A motorcyclist crashed into the back of a car in South Lake Tahoe Monday, sending its lone occupant to Barton Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

At approximately 6:30 p.m., a line of traffic was stopped on Highway 50 by Grocery Outlet and Motel 6. The motorcyclist didn't notice the car in front of him was stopped and crashed into it.

The driver of the car was uninjured according to South Lake Tahoe Fire Battalion Chief Tim Spencer. He did say the classic motorcycle suffered major damage.

The hometown of the motorcyclist is unknown at this time.

Preacher Fire near Gardnerville swells to 3,130 acres, evacuations in place

9:00 p.m. update: The Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) has initiated evacuations for areas east of Pine Nut Road to include Fred's Street, Sandoval, Taildragger, Bluebird, and Bar-J Roads as well as in the Sierra Spirit Ranch area including, Blue Sage Road, Badger Lane, Robinson Road and Lena Lane. In addition, Washoe Tribal Police are evacuating the Bodie Flats area in the vicinity of Courtland Avenue.

The lightning-sparked Preacher Fire burning in the Pine Nut Mountains southeast of Gardnerville has swelled to 3,130 acres according to DCSO with winds moving north.

One simple item will help save lives when on Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE - Boating, rafting, kayaking and paddling are just a few ways to enjoy beautiful Lake Tahoe, but they come with simple safety precautions and preparations to ensure that day is complete and enjoyable.

"People are very excited to get on the water," said Edwin Lyngar, Nevada Department of Wildlife's (NDOW) Water Educator. "Take safety precautions as you can't depend on luck."

Lyngar as well as both California and Nevada water safety experts were at Sand Harbor last week to inform the public about how easy it is to be safe on the water.

Two new fires in Northern Nevada in Washoe Valley and Cold Springs

11:30 p.m. update: All evacuation orders have been lifted on both the Brenda Fire and the Cold Springs Fire.

Multiple resources aggressively attacked both fires Friday, preventing them from moving through the dry hillsides.

As of tonight, Truckee Meadows Fire Department is reporting 1500-2000 acres have burned in the Cold Springs Fire.

The Brenda Fire east of Washoe Lake has burned an estimated 1200 acres and it is 10 percent contained.

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Popular South Lake Tahoe waterfront restaurant closed after water shut off

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An ongoing legal battle between the Tahoe Keys Marina and the Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association (TKPOA) has resulted in the water being shut off to all buildings at the marina.

Since the Fresh Ketch restaurant and adjacent deli are in one of those buildings, the El Dorado County Health Department shut them down due to a lack of water. A notice was also put up on the apartments in the complex advising residents of unsafe living conditions since there was no running water.

Committee to work on updated South Lake Tahoe Vacation Rental Ordinance

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - What does a win-win-win vacation home rental (VHR) ordinance look like?

It may not yet be known after today's workshop held during the South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting in front of a full house, but all sides appear to be committed to creating something that works for everyone in the community.

Cities across the country are grappling with their own ordinances for VHRs as the new trend towards vacationing centers around renting a home instead of staying in a motel or hotel.

New bike ride share program to start in South Lake Tahoe Saturday

South Lake Tahoe is about to be invaded by a fleet of 200 cutting-edge lime green "smart" bicycles. LimeBike out of the Bay Area unveiled their new dockless ride share on Tuesday, giving the public a sneak peak of what will officially start on the South Shore Saturday, July 15 for a pilot program.

"We are thrilled to be here," said Andrew Savage, Vice President of Strategic Development for LimeBike. "This will make mobility more fun."

Don't miss the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Valhalla Boathouse

If you haven't been out to enjoy music and performances at the Valhalla Boathouse Theater yet, this month is the time to do so with a full lineup for all ages.

After watching the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee on opening weekend, we highly recommend this fun musical though not appropriate for those under 13). It is a Tony Award-winning musical comedy and even though far from Broadway, the local Lake Tahoe cast made it very entertaining.

1-80 reopened with reduced lanes due to fire near state line north of Lake Tahoe

9:45 p.m. update: Interstate 80 has one lane westbound near the fire at the CA/NV state line. Both eastbound lanes are open.

The fire has burned an estimated 500-600 acres, depending on which source is used. The fire is 5 percent contained. Winds tonight are expected to push the fire back down the mountain and higher winds are expected on Tuesday.

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Magician Rob Lake returns to Lake Tahoe, treats first responders to show

International award winning magician Rob Lake has returned to the South Shore, bringing his trademark illusions to Harrah's Tahoe.

On Saturday night Lake invited South Lake Tahoe area firefighters and law enforcement to the show, along with their families (and media too).

Super Scoopers return to Lake Tahoe Airport

Two Bombardier CL415 firefighting aircraft have returned to South Lake Tahoe for their third summer, using the airport as a base once again to fight fires across the nation.

In 2015 the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) got the aircraft on a five year contract to use at their disposal. They can be used around Lake Tahoe or sent to other states, depending on the need.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue

The following are the 152 incidents the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue department responded to from June 27-July 6, 2017.

June 27
06:16 - 2600 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
09:25 - Champlain Dr at Herbert Ave - Smoke scare, odor of smoke
10:29 - 3400 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
10:46 - 4000 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury
11:29 - 3800 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury

Victims identified in fatal Kingsbury Grade crash

Carson City residents have been identified as the victim's in Tuesday night's fatal collision on Kingsbury Grade.

On July 4 at 9:26 p.m., Nevada Highway Patrol troopers responded to the scene of a head-on collision on SR207/Kingsbury about two miles up from Foothill Road. Upon arrival they found a crash involving a 2013 Ford F150 and 2012 Scion XB.

The NHP preliminary investigation shows the driver of the Scion was driving eastbound and allowed his vehicle to cross over the double yellow lines into the path of the Ford, causing a head-on collision.

South Lake Tahoe road lined with spectators for 4th of July parade

For the second year in a row the City of South Lake Tahoe hosted the annual 4th of July parade through town, bringing hundreds of spectators and participants.

Over 75 vehicle and float entries were joined by more than 200 walkers and cyclists along the route which went along Lake Tahoe Boulevard from the Y to Bijou Park. Hundreds of holiday revelers lined the street wearing red, white and blue, cheering and waving as the parade went by.

Fire closes I-80 in Sparks

Interstate 80 is closed in both directions from Patrick to Wadsworth due to wild fires and poor visibility according to the Nevada Highway Patrol. Westbound traffic is being diverted at Derby Dam and eastbound traffic is being diverted at Mustang.

The Earthstone Fire started at 1:30 p.m. Monday and it is now at 3,000 acres according to Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center.

Golden Eagle Regional Park in Sparks is closed while crews work on the brush fire near Belmar/Earthstone in Sparks.

Foothill Fire burning near Genoa Lakes Golf

7:15 p.m. update: Fire crews have halted the progress of the Foothill Fire in Douglas County near Genoa Lakes Golf Resort. Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center has updated the amount of acreage burned to 25 acres.

Winds in the area are still an issue and firefighters remain on the scene.

* * *
A grass and brush fire in Douglas County has grown to 85 acres according to Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center. Known as the Foothill Fire, it is burning in the area near the new Genoa Lakes ranch course off of Jacks Valley Road in Douglas County.

Guide to enjoying South Lake Tahoe fireworks, and helping clean up on the 5th

Event Date: 
July 4, 2017 (All day)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - To get a front row seat to one of the best fireworks shows in the country, it takes some planning. It will be crowded no matter where one goes along the Lake Tahoe shore, so pack your supplies for the day, relax, and enjoy.

Sass Talk: Cannabis, VHRs and the 4th of July

July kicks off the busiest time of the year for our city. Schools out, the temps are soaring in the valleys to the west and east of us, the roads are free of snow, and visitors from all over the world are getting away to see beautiful places and enjoy the great outdoors. For many of our businesses this is is the best time of the year. For many locals who like to play on the mountain trails and along the beach and eventually need to get to work, this is the hardest time of the year.

Visitor from Thailand identified as victim in Lake Tahoe head-on crash

The fatal head-on collision in Lake Tahoe on Highway 50 near Cave Rock Monday is the result of a drunk driver according to the Nevada Highway Patrol.

On June 26 at approximately 4:39 p.m., a black 2015 VW Passat driven by a 40-year-old female resident of Carson City was traveling eastbound on the highway at a curve. She crossed over the double yellow line and into westbound traffic where she hit a black 2017 Chrysler minivan head-on.

Another warm week in store for South Lake Tahoe but no records expected

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Records aren't expected to fall this week, but South Lake Tahoe will continue to see warm and sunny days. Winds will increase on Monday and Tuesday.

South Lake Tahoe broke records three of last seven days with all time highs of 90 on June 19, 87 on June 20 and 86 on June 21.

Records and forecast temperatures this week:
June 26 - 89 (2015) - 81
June 27 - 87 (1981) - 78
June 28 - 89 (2013) - 78
June 29 - 89 (2013) - 81
June 30 - 89 (2013) - 81
July 1 - 92 (2013) - 82
July 2 - 90 (2013) - 86

First responders and resilient community honored on 10th anniversary of Angora Fire

"It was so frustrating and only so much we could do," recalled Kit Bailey of the U.S. Forest Service during Saturday's Angora Fire First Responder Remembrance Ceremony. "Its miraculous nobody got hurt."

On the 10th anniversary of the devastating fire that destroyed 254 homes as it burned quickly through 3,100 acres in the Meyers area of the South Shore, fire responders gathered at the Lake Valley Fire Department to honor those who served that day, and to honor the resilient community that supported them.

South Lake Tahoe 4th of July Parade and BBQ

Event Date: 
July 4, 2017 - 10:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Over 75 float and vehicle entries as well as over 200 walkers will be participating in the 2nd annual City of South Lake Tahoe's 4th of July parade.

The July 4 parade will start at 10:00 a.m. at the "Y," where Highways 50 and 89 intersect, and follow Highway 50 to Al Tahoe Boulevard and end at Bijou Park where a family friendly After Party will take place immediately following the conclusion of the parade. There will be a BBQ at the party with all proceeds going to the American Legion.

Zalanta in South Lake Tahoe celebrates grand opening

The Zalanta Resort at the Village celebrated the completion of their first phase Tuesday with a grand opening and ribbon cutting for local dignitaries.

On what was formerly known as "the hole," Zalanta is the first whole ownership luxury condominium residences in the Lake Tahoe Basin since Lakeland Village was completed 30 years ago.

The 30 residences are all one-story and available in 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom units. The cheapest unit, priced at $950,000, and the most expensive at $2.125M have both sold as well as several other residences. The second phase will add another 60 residences.

American Century countdown: Blair O'Neal

LAKE TAHOE - In a game of numbers, model and golfer Blair O'Neal has several associated with her golfing career:

2 NCAA Long Drive Championships
160 yards is her average 7-iron distance
308 yards is her longest drive
270 yards is her average driving distance
1 hole-in-one

And 2 is the number of American Century Golf Championships she'll be in as of next month.

Vail Resorts CEO gives $125,000 to fund South Lake Tahoe summer kids food program

Children from the South Shore of Lake Tahoe no longer need to go hungry during the summer months. Thanks to a generous donation of $125,000 by Rob Katz, Vail Resorts CEO, and his wife Elana Amsterdam, “Summer B&B 4 Kids” will launch on Wednesday, June 21, with a focus on helping the over 50 percent of local children who are receiving free or subsidized school meals during the school year.

Harrah's and Harveys name new Vice President for their Lake Tahoe resorts

Harrah's and Harveys Lake Tahoe have announced a new addition to their staff. Christopher Joy has been named Vice President of Hotel and Food & Beverage for the resorts.

Joy spent many years living in the Reno area, having attended Reed High School and the University of Nevada, Reno. He started his gaming and hospitality career at the Silver Legacy in 1995 before moving to Las Vegas where he helped open the Aladdin as the Assistant Director of Front Office Operations, a job he held for five years.

El Dorado County Sheriff looking for gas-masked bandit

A man wearing a hard hart and full respirator walked into two banks in El Dorado County on Tuesday afternoon, making off with money from one.

At about 4:30 p.m. on June 6, the suspect pulled up to the El Dorado Hills branch of Golden One Credit Union driving a white F150. He got out and entered the bank with a gun, wearing the hard hat and gas mask along with sunglasses and a reflective green vest. For an unknown reason he left the building as quickly as he entered.

City's Parking Authority to give $50k annually for parking enforcement

The August, 2002 parking agreement between the South Tahoe Joint Powers Parking Authority (STJPPA) and Tahoe Crescent Partnership(TCP) was amended Tuesday during the South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting.

Back in the original agreement, it stated STJPPA was responsible for enforcement of the 474-space parking lot in front of Raley's (the Village Center) at Stateline because of the issues Heavenly Village caused in the center's lot.

DCSO Deputy Duffy selected as Grand Marshall for Carson Valley Days parade

Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy Teresa Duffy will lead the 107th annual Carson Valley Days parade as the Grand Marshall. The theme of the parade and festival is "A Salute to First Responders."

The Carson Valley Active 20-30 Club is organizing the event which runs from June 9 to June 11. The club wanted to raise awareness, celebrate, honor and, most importantly, say thank you to the first responders of Douglas County, those who protect the community on a daily basis.

Two deadly crashes on Northern Nevada highways

On US50 approximately five miles east of Dayton, a Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) Trooper was involved in a fatal crash at 2:40 p.m. on Monday, June 5. One person was confirmed deceased on scene. The Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper was transported via CareFlight to Renown with serious, but not life-threatening injuries.

The deceased victim of the crash is an adult male, according to a witness on-scene who performed CPR on him before paramedics arrived. His name has not been released. Family is being notified.

Douglas County seniors and community center receive generator donation

Douglas County Community & Senior Center received a 125 KW generator for backup emergency power that will allow the facility to better serve as an emergency evacuation facility. The generator will also protect 8,000 + frozen meals and $10,000 worth of food products held in the freezers and coolers in the Senior Center Dining Room kitchens during a power outage. This emergency generator will also provide power in the Douglas County Health Clinic, located inside the Community and Senior Center which services the healthcare needs of many Douglas County residents.

Lightning caused fire on backside of Kingsbury above Foothill Road

A tree caught on fire Monday afternoon after being struck by lightning. The tree and surrounding brush are still burning today and the fire has covered about one acre in steep terrain above Foothill Road in the Carson Valley southeast of Lake Tahoe.

Two engine crews hiked up to the fire and they are getting assistance from helicopter drops of water.

Fire officials kept an eye on the fire last night since hiking into the remote area was not safe for crews. They headed up the mountain Tuesday according to the Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center.

Rescue and law enforcement crews keeping busy over holiday weekend

10:30 p.m. Sunday: Updated story below:

It has been a busy holiday weekend for the South Lake Tahoe fire and police departments.

Barton offers free physicals for local athletes

Free sports physicals for boys and girls are being offered by Barton Health at South Tahoe High School on June 5.

All high school, middle school, and Pop Warner athletes from South Tahoe area are eligible to attend the June 5 event at South Tahoe High School. Physicals are scheduled at 5:30 p.m. for South Tahoe athletes, 6:00 p.m. for Pop Warner football players, and 6:30 p.m. for Whittell athletes.

El Dorado County cyclist wins 7th stage of Amgen

After cycling for seven days and 583 miles across California, Team LottoNL-Jumbo’s George Bennett (NZL) claimed the 2017 Amgen Tour of California race championship today in Pasadena with an overall time of 22 hours, 54 minutes and 38 seconds at America’s largest professional cycling stage race.

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