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Howie's Top 20 favorite Christmas movies

Christmas started early for this guy once the pandemic hit. I put my Christmas lights up over the 4th of July and for a short while started watching Christmas movies too to try and get that feel-good feeling happening. Okay, I also did it because I wanted to watch movies where no one was wearing a mask and hugging one another without fear of being exposed. I’ve always enjoyed movies for their pure escapism and who doesn’t want to escape what we’ve been through already ya know? I also like being wrapped around a movie completely.

Column: 2020 fire year highlights importance of forest health

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The new Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Deputy Forest Supervisor Danelle D. Harrison is our guest columnist and looks back, and ahead, to the health of Lake Tahoe

Looking Back

December is a special time of year when our thoughts turn to family and friends, and communities come together to celebrate the season. It also marks the end of the year. And what a year it was. Together, we experienced unprecedented events including a record-breaking wildland fire year in the Pacific Southwest Region.

South Lake Tahoe City Clerk earns Certified Municipal Clerk designation

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - City Clerk Susan Blankenship has earned the designation of Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC), which was awarded by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC), Inc.

IIMC grants the CMC designation only to those municipal clerks who complete demanding education requirements, and who have a record of significant contributions to their local government, their community and state.

Visitor bureaus start “Travel Safely, Adventure Greatly” campaign

Carson Valley and South Lake Tahoe collaboratively are welcoming visitors to the region with a travel safely, adventure greatly message. Under the cooperative marketing umbrella of the #SierraSafely campaign, the goal of the program is focused on tourism recovery for Douglas County while restoring confidence among visitors and locals in the region.

Howie’s Top 21 Favorite Halloween Pics

There are those that would say 2020 is hands down the scariest Halloween movie ever and yeah, I wouldn’t argue with that. The script for this year has certainly freaked everybody out. Add to that an election year and the advent of modern day zombies who’ve been quarantined a little too long and you have the ultimate scary flick that appears to have no ending. Are you wearing your mask? Yeah, I’d rather be scared by a movie and not real life if that’s okay?

Column: Turning lessons into transportation solutions

Autumn’s reflections have begun and Lake Tahoe’s forests and wildlife are preparing for the winter. While fall is generally a treasured time of year at the lake, a sense of uneasiness hangs in the crisp air as we brace for the next phase of the COVID crisis.

Summer was record breaking on many fronts. Businesses and agencies with major staff and budget shortages were suddenly required to manage the pandemic, following strict protocols. Trash overflowed on our pristine beaches and roadways. Follow that with more than 8,300 wildfires and 4 million acres burned in California alone.

Tahoe Douglas Rotary speaker: An Untold American Tale about Fighting Fascism in 1930s New Jersey

Event Date: 
October 9, 2020 - 12:00pm

The Tahoe Douglas Rotary Club will be welcoming screenwriter, author and executive producer Leslie K. Barry to their October 9 meeting, and the public is invited to join in the virtual event. She will be speaking about her new book, Newark Minutemen: A True 1930’s Legend About One Man’s Mission to Save a Nation’s Soul Without Losing His Own.

Barton Foundation awards $100,000 in community health grants

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Barton Foundation has awarded a record $100,000 in its annual Community Health Grant funding. This is in addition to more than $170,000 in grants given to local families and individuals from its COVID-19 Response Fund.

The 13 Lake Tahoe-based organizations that were awarded share Barton Health’s commitment to addressing the most urgent health needs in the area: mental and behavioral health, substance use, and access to care.

The organizations selected for a Community Health Grant serve the area’s most vulnerable populations and those in need:

SROs on campus in South Lake Tahoe: More than a police officer

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - School Resource Officers, or SROs, have been a recent topic of conversations in the community with some residents questioning the need for an armed officer on South Lake Tahoe campuses.

The word "resource" gives one an insight into their position - a resource for the students, and not only at school. A resource for the parents. A resource for the school district. A resource for the school.

And the job doesn't end there.

Dr. James Tarwater says goodbye to Lake Tahoe Unified School District

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Dr. James Tarwater will be bringing his 54-year career in education to a close this month as he passes the torch to the new Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) superintendent June 30.

USFS opening its Lake Tahoe campgrounds June 12

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On June 12, the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) concessionaires will begin opening developed campgrounds in the Lake Tahoe Basin. They are joined by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest who is opening all of its campgrounds in California.

Nevada group campsites and day-use areas that hold less than 50 people will also reopen. Visitor centers and California group campsites remain closed. Both the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and LTBMU offices remain closed.

South Tahoe High students organize fundraiser to pay food tab for health care workers

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Tahoe High students have started a GoFundMe account to raise funds to pay the food tab at Sprouts Cafe in South Lake Tahoe.

The "pay-it-forward” fundraising efforts began with sophomores Kaya Roberts, Claire Gurner, Sophia Aronoff, and Soleil Weed. They were working on a history project about "the change we want to see in the world" and decided to do research on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

El Dorado County extends ban of all nonessential travel to Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The current order restricting travel into the Lake Tahoe Basin has been extended by the El Dorado County Public Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams.

Originally set to expire on April 30, the ban's extension begins at 12:01 a.m. May 1.

The ban is for all nonessential travel into the El Dorado County portion of the Lake Tahoe Basin from outside the basin. Dr. Williams will review the current situation with local health care professionals at least every 14 days.

Coronavirus concerns change LTCC physical education classes and gym use

Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) took additional steps on Friday to help curb the spread of the Novel Coronavirus related to fitness classes. They sent out an email to staff and students, letting them know of closures but some do affect community members who use the gym and facilities.

For up-to-the-minute news on LTCC closures and events, visit http://www.ltcc.edu/campusresources/health-and-safety/coronavirus.php. They will be updating them as things change.

High Sierra Softball signups now underway

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Registration is now open for the High Sierra Softball League's 2020 season. Learn skills, make friends and be part of a team...and everyone plays. The league is open to players ages 5-16 - Minis age 5-8, Minors age 8-12, Majors age 12-16.

Online regular registration is open until March 21.

Registration Status: Open
Regular Registration: Saturday, February 1, 2020 - Saturday, March 21, 2020
Late Registration: Sunday, March 22, 2020 - Sunday, March 29, 2020
Program Duration: Saturday, March 28, 2020 - Sunday, June 21, 2020

Play Ball! Signups and tryouts scheduled for South Tahoe Babe Ruth

Event Date: 
March 22, 2020 - 11:00am

It’s time to sign up for the South Tahoe Babe Ruth 2020 season!

Last year, all three of the South Tahoe Babe Ruth All-Star age divisions were Nevada State Champions. Now its time to start the new season and tryouts are scheduled for March 22 and 29 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Depending on weather, tryouts will be held at Todd Fields or South Tahoe High School.

Babe Ruth is a recreational baseball league serving players born on or before August 31, 2007 and have aged out of Little League. Everyone plays.

To sign up, please use the following link:

150th anniversary of Carson City Mint celebrated with public activities, special coin

Event Date: 
February 4, 2020 (All day)

It is one thing to study history; it is another witness it. Visitors to the Nevada State Museum in Carson City this Tuesday, Feb. 4, will find themselves in history’s front row as the museum celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Carson City Mint. Just as it did 150 years earlier to the day, the Mint’s Coin Press No. 1 will be pressing silver coins, complete with the famous “CC” mint mark.

Viking Corner: This week at South Tahoe High

The students of South Tahoe High School came back from a two-week holiday vacation with motivation to finish the term and start their new year’s resolutions. Final exams are next week, Winter Formal is coming soon, and winter sports are continuing.

On Campus
Finals are next week on Thursday and Friday, which end the first term of the 2019-2020 year. While students bear down on studying, here are some of their resolutions for 2020:

Senior Nathan Carney wants to listen to a new song every day.

Viking Corner: This week at South Tahoe High

South Tahoe High School’s students get ready for holiday break. This week, leadership spreads holiday cheer, Climate Crew sets out for a conference, and basketball gets ready for another home game.

On Campus
Leadership created a spirit week leading up to the break. Each day, students dressed up according to theme of ugly sweaters, Hanukkah, ski bum, holiday character, and pajama day. Leadership and Associated Student Body are holding a holiday rally in the Blue Gym tomorrow.

Kenny Chesney coming to Lake Tahoe on Amphitheater CHILLAXIFICATION tour

STATELINE, Nev. - An early Christmas present for country music fans. Harrah's and Harvey's Lake Tahoe have announced the first act confirmed for the 2020 Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series.

Country music superstar Kenny Chesney will bring his Amphitheater CHILLAXIFICATION tour to Tahoe on July 2 & 3, 2020. Chesney’s amphitheater shows feature popular, multi-talented musician and Oakland, California native Michael Franti & Spearhead as support on the stage.

More information, including on sale dates, will be announced soon.

Movie Review: Joaquin Phoenix is brilliant as the Joker

Heath Ledger would've been proud. Joaquin Phoenix's take on the iconic character is nothing short of amazing if not brilliant in the "Joker." I had been wanting to see this film since it first started shooting knowing the cast involved but Joaquin's performance surpassed even my expectations.

Evening of three-one act comedies at Valhalla's Boathouse Theatre

Event Date: 
Repeats every day until Sat Oct 05 2019 .
October 3, 2019 (All day)
October 4, 2019 (All day)
October 5, 2019 (All day)

Immerse yourself in an evening of newly discovered comedy one-acts on stage at the
Boathouse Theatre from October 3-5 at 7:30 p.m. Deanna and Paul, Cafe D’Automatique and Funeral for a Friend, all award-winning short plays will be performed each night.

Complimentary cookies, coffee, and tea will be served in the Grand Hall prior to the third play.

Women's Soccer Team at LTCC ranked #1 in national coach's poll

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In 2018 the Lake Tahoe Community College's Women's Soccer team made an impression on coaches around the country and they became the #2 ranked Division III team during the season. Their epic season took them to the state finals.

Fast forward to this year and the 2019 Lady Coyotes made it to the number one on the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 NJCAA poll for Division III this week. Fresno City College is currently in the second spot, a team they tied during a September 20 match-up, 1-1.

Viking Corner: This Week at South Tahoe High

This week at South Tahoe High School, students found their voice about climate change and the varsity volleyball team travels to archrival Truckee in a battle for the league’s top spot.

Climate Change Strike

Last Friday, hundreds of students at STHS walked out of their classes in protest against climate change inaction. Some even marched down towards the Lakeview Commons and spoke in front of locals. Inspired by the strike, other students are coming together to find more effective ways of protest.

Viking Corner: This Week at South Tahoe High

Students of South Tahoe High School got a taste of fall this week, as the weather brought rain and wind. Homecoming Week planning began, students learned about the impact of social media, and sports teams prepared to travel this weekend.

Homecoming
The Homecoming Parade is slated for October 12. Students plan on walking from T.J. Maxx to the high school to celebrate homecoming traditions. Ms. Russel’s leadership classes expect a big crowd and a fun day before the homecoming dance that evening.

Viking Corner: This Week at South Tahoe High

South Tahoe High School had a slow week, as students began to settle in. On the other hand, the sports teams have a busy weekend.

The cross-country team is competing in a meet at the Nevada Union High School on Saturday.

“I can see great potential in everyone going forward and can’t wait to see what the team will bring to big meets, come the end of season,” said junior Carissa Buchholz, the current 3A Nevada state champion.

Viking Corner: This Week at South Tahoe High

This week at South Tahoe High School, students enjoyed a short week with Labor Day Weekend and Back-to-School night. Seniors get prepared for their last year at STHS and multiple home games wrap up the week.

On Campus

On Thursday, seniors met in the STHS theatre with school counselors to discuss graduation requirements. With Google slides filled of tips and resources, counselors took questions from seniors, helping them prepare for their final year.

Athletics

Review: Love Without Mercy, Sans Merci is another knockout from local Black Ice Theatre Company

There is theater, there is poetry, and then there is Sans Merci. There is sequence about one hour into the play Sans Merci, playing at the Duke Theater at Lake Tahoe Community College, that breathlessly and perfectly encapsulates the beauty of live theater, and it does so in shear silence. It is easy for a play to make you cry with dramatic dialogue. I have never had a play break me down to my core without a single word uttered on stage for several minutes as happens in Sans Merci.

Carol Chaplin named new chair of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority.

Carol Chaplin, the executive director of the Lake Tahoe Visitor's Authority since 2008, has been named the new chairperson of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority. The nine-member board oversees both the Reno-Tahoe International and Reno-Stead Airports.

Live Violence Free holding fundraiser at the Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena

Event Date: 
September 7, 2019 (All day)

Live Violence Free has announced their next fundraiser, An Afternoon of Peace & Harmony, that will be held at the Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys on Saturday, September 7, 2019 from 04:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Moonalice, Jerry's Middle Finger, and Jonny Mojo & Friends celebrating “The Day After”

Event Date: 
August 10, 2019 (All day)

Come Play with us and see what tomorrow brings!

Dance the day away and soak up the sunshine by the riverside THE DAY AFTER..... The day after what you ask? “The Days Between” of course! A celebration of the life and memory of beloved Jerry Garcia.

Featuring Moonalice, a Nationally touring psychedelic, roots-rock band of seasoned musicians mixing a variety of genres with extended musical improvisations that evoke a sense of adventure and exploration. With Roger McNamee, John Molo, Pete Sears, & Barry Sless

Location

The Nugget Campground
6045 Rafters Lane Placerville, CA 95667
United States

Incline Village presentation: How safe are we?

Event Date: 
July 25, 2019 (All day)

Janet Napolitano, Former Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, President of the University of California, and Advisory Board Member of Classical Tahoe, offers an insightful analysis of American security at home and a prescription for the future.

Her new book, “How Safe Are We?” is a clear-eyed, rational examination of a government office that plays a key and often misunderstood role in the lives of all Americans.

Classical Tahoe and Tahoe Environmental Research Center Co-Present A Conversation with Janet Napolitano on Thursday, July 25.

South Tahoe Babe Ruth 13 All Stars advance in the Regional Playoffs

Fresh off their Nevada State Championship win in Reno two weeks ago, the South Tahoe 13 All-Stars are now in Helper, Utah for the Pacific Southwest Regional Tournament.

On Monday, July 22 they played the Utah Beavers. South Tahoe was down by 4 - 0 in the 5th inning but demonstrated true grit and rallied back to win in the bottom of the 7th inning 5 - 4. South Tahoe now advances to play Hawaii on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.

Location

Helper, Utah
United States

Chautauqua of Duane L. Bliss and Millennium Bugs in Concert at Dangberg Historic Park

Event Date: 
July 31, 2019 - 6:30pm

The month of July will end with a Chautauqua presentation of Duane L. Bliss, as August begins with the Millennium Bugs in concert at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park.

On Wednesday, July 31, at 6:30 pm, Doug Mishler will portray Duane L. Bliss, Comstock era lumber baron of Lake Tahoe.

Location

Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park
1450 Hwy 88, Minden, NV 89423 Minden
United States

LTUSD Superintendent Dr. Jim Tarwater announces retirement

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Superintendent Dr. James Tarwater of the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) has announced he'll retire in one year.

Dr. Tarwater has been with LTUSD since 2005.

During their last meeting on June 11, the Board concluded its annual evaluation of Dr. Tarwater's performance. Though details of that evaluation are not available, they extended his contract one extra year until 2022 until they were notified of his notice of retirement.

At their June 25 meeting, the Board is scheduled to accept his retirement.

Cannabis business applicants question evaluation scores - File appeals with City of South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Two businesses that were not selected to go further in the process of vying for one of three cannabis retail store licenses have filed appeals with the City of South Lake Tahoe. They are questioning the fairness of the selection process, and one is stating that all three applicants who had the top scores evaluation scores should be disqualified. A third applicant said he is in the process of filing an appeal.

Celebrate the Fourth of July with TOCCATA-Tahoe Orchestra and Chorus's 14th Annual "BOPs" Concert!

Event Date: 
July 1, 2019 - 7:00pm

TOCCATA-Tahoe Symphony Orchestra helps you celebrate the Fourth of July with family and friends, close to home! Our 14th annual “BOPS” concert, conducted by Maestro James Rawie, is a delightful summer event that we perform in two venues at the Lake, in Reno, and in Gardnerville. Revel in full orchestra and chorus performances of patriotic favorites, be swept off your feet by great opera arias, join in a sing-along, and, if you’re the highest bidder, conduct the “The Stars and Stripes Forever”!

Entries accepted for 5th annual Lake Tahoe WordWave one-act play competition

Entries are open now for the fifth annual Lake Tahoe WordWave One-Act Play Competition, a Valhalla Tahoe event. Three winners of the play competition will each receive a $500 cash prize and a 2-night stay to see their work directed and produced as a staged reading at the historic Valhalla Boathouse Theatre at the Tallac Historic Site in South Lake Tahoe on Sept. 14, 2019.

Movie Review: John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum opens Friday

As a fan of the first "John Wick" movie I gotta tell you I didn't think any sequel would top it but boy, was I wrong! From the opening scenes 'til the end, it's non-stop action with a body count higher than the number of politicians wanting to run for president of the United States. “John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum” picks up where number 2 left off as Wick is a worldwide wanted man: wanted by every assassin with a $14 million on his head. Keanu Reeves reprises the role that he was born to play (sorry "Matrix" fans).

Free mental illness awareness training for community held at LTCC

Event Date: 
May 18, 2019 - 10:00am

A one-day training on identifying mental illness will be held on the LTCC campus on Saturday, May 18, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The title of the training is "Sometimes what hurts the most can't be seen, but sometimes what helps the most is easy to do." Special guest trainer David Woods Bartley will be speaking. He is a renowned speaker on mental health wellness, a member of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and a TedTalk veteran.

MENTAL ILLNESS DOESN’T LOOK ANY PARTICULAR WAY

Fiachra O'Regan & Sophie Lavoie - Celtic Music Series

Event Date: 
May 17, 2019 - 7:00pm

The Sophie & Fiachra Trio are headed to Carson City, Nevada for a concert on May 17, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the Brewery Arts Center.

They are a group of “musiciens sans frontières who refuse to let the Atlantic sunder their love of their own and one another’s Irish and Québecois musical traditions”.

Location

Brewery Arts Center
449 W King St Carson, NV
United States

Viking Corner: This Week at South Tahoe High

South Tahoe High School students took the week to promote end-of-year events and commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month. Testing begins, sports end and school spirit is running wild.

On Campus
STHS is taking time to observe Mental Health Awareness Month in May by sending out advice to students, including posting positive comments on social media, writing for fun, and learning a new skill. Here’s what some students plan to do:

Senior Tess Devine is attending therapy more regularly to strengthen her mental health.

"From Gershwin to Gaga" benefit concert features Anne Roos

Event Date: 
June 2, 2019 - 2:00pm

Enter the enchanting world of local GRAMMY® Award-winning harpist Anne Roos during a special benefit concert at a secluded South Shore estate nestled under the pines.

On June 2, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., treat yourself to the sounds of Roos as she plays everything from Gershwin to Gaga while covering jazz, rock and roll, movie love songs and other favorites from the 20th and 21st centuries. Anne is
known for her talented renditions of a wide range of music on the Celtic harp.

You will be treated to gourmet appetizers and wine while being entertained.

Viking Corner: This Week at South Tahoe High

This week at South Tahoe High School, students had to put their jackets back on, as the weather cooled down. A trio of students will take turns acting as student council president, and a 13-year-old partnership on the baseball pitch comes to an end.

On Campus
Students attended Industry Day on Tuesday to learn about different careers. They heard presentations from a range of companies, including the nutrition department and rehabilitation center of Barton Memorial Hospital.

Viking Corner: This Week at South Tahoe High

This week at South Tahoe High School included large amounts of caffeine-based drinks, as students crammed for semester midterms. But after today’s tests, Spring Break begins, giving some of us time to regain lost sleep. In sports, a new team is born.

Spring Break Is Here
With school out for Spring Break next week, here’s what a few STHS students plan to do:

Freshmen Maiella Riva is going to Fiji for the whole week. She is most excited about swimming with sharks and enjoying the warm weather.

Viking Corner: This Week at South Tahoe High

In School

This week started out great at South Tahoe High School with another snow day on Monday, making it three days for the year so far. With a week-long Presidents’ Day break coming up, here are what some STHS students plan to do:

Anthony LoRe, a junior, who also plays for Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy, is traveling to the Bahamas with his family for some fun on the beach.

Senior Jordyn Yochheim said she’s going to go sledding, work on her senior project, and spend time vacationing in San Diego.

Registration now open for the High Sierra Youth Softball league

Event Date: 
March 5, 2019 - 4:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Rip, run and steal this season as a player in the High Sierra Softball League. Ages 5 to 16 are welcome to play, even for those who've never played before.

Register online at www.highsierrasoftball.com or drop by two of their sign-up days on March 5 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club or on Saturday, March 23 at the South Tahoe High Gold Gym between 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

That Saturday date will also be a gear swap and skills clinic for all age groups:
Ages 5-8......9:30–10:00 a.m. - Sign-ups and 10–11:00 a.m. - Skills Clinic

Drake Niven ~ 8/2/49 - 11/7/18

Drake Niven, a long-time Lake Tahoe contractor, died on November 7 of a heart attack suffered during surgery at Carson-Tahoe Medical Center. He was 69.

He was well known in the local building community and built custom homes all around the lake. Drake was also instrumental in helping friends and neighbors re-build their homes after the Angora Fire. He just recently retired from building due to health issues.

Prescription: Nature

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Nature is healing, and a new partnership between the U.S. Forest Service and Barton Health is bringing the benefits of 154,000 acres of wellness around Lake Tahoe to the public.

"Nature is medicine, nutrition is medicine and you don't have to pop pills for health," said Nancy Laurenson of Barton Health during a recent wellness outing on the Rainbow Trail at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center.

Pulitzer prize-winning 'night, Mother opens at Duke Theatre in South Lake Tahoe

A new South Lake Tahoe theater company has hit the road running with their production of 'night, Mother, a Pulitzer prize-winning play about the relationship between a mother and daughter. Friday, August 24 is opening night and the play will run at the Lake Tahoe Community College's Duke Theatre for two weekends.

Jessie, the daughter, has moved back home after a divorce and is depressed and is done with life and wants to end hers. Her relationship with mother Thelma is explored during the 90-minute play that is full of drama, dark comedy and emotion.

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