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Sweepstakes scammer sentenced for defrauding elderly

A California woman was sentenced to 130 months in prison for her role in a half-million dollar Costa Rica-based “sweepstakes fraud” scheme that victimized hundreds of U.S. residents.

Patricia Diane Clark, 57, of Sacramento, California, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Clark was also ordered to pay $642,032 in restitution and to forfeit the same amount jointly and severally with her co-defendants.

CHP holding DUI checkpoint in South Lake Tahoe Friday

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will be holding a sobriety checkpoint somewhere in the eastern portion of El Dorado County on Friday, August 14 between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m.

A team of CHP officers will be staffing the checkpoint. They will control traffic at the checkpoint to evaluate driver’s sobriety and hand out literature warning of the dangers of drinking and driving. Driver license checks will be conducted and appropriate enforcement action will be taken.

South Lake Tahoe teen airlifted to Renown after bicycle accident

An 18-year-old male was airlifted to Renown Medical Center on Tuesday afternoon after being hit by a car on Ski Run Blvd.

The teen, who had recently moved to South Lake Tahoe, was riding his bike southbound near Spruce Drive just before 4 p.m. when he made a left hand turn into the path of a northbound car driven by a South Lake Tahoe woman.

The unidentified cyclist hit the front of the car on the driver's side. He was airlifted with undisclosed injuries.

The driver of the car was uninjured and is cooperating with police.

South Lake Tahoe radio station cancels Rush Limbaugh

KOWL 1490 AM has pulled the plug on Rush Limbaugh. The South Lake Tahoe radio station was one of the original affiliates to carry the show, stemming from the host's days in Sacramento, CA.

The nationally syndicated show will be off the air as of this week.

New Vice Principal ready to make mark at South Tahoe High

The first thing Justin Zunino will have to do is exchange all of his purple clothing for a wardrobe in blue and gold as he starts his new job as Vice Principal at South Tahoe High.

Well, maybe that will be the second thing, first will be buying a home.

Zunino and his wife Nicole are moving to South Lake Tahoe from Oroville, CA where he worked for 17 years, 13 of which were spent teaching and coaching baseball at Oroville High School and the rest as the Vice Principal. Nicole was the school's counselor.

Flag to fly at half-staff in Placerville for Hallenbeck

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors’ thoughts and prayers are with the Hallenbeck family for the loss of their son and brother, U.S. Forest Service Firefighter Michael “Mikey” Hallenbeck.

“Our hearts are saddened by the loss of Michael," said The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors. "We are indebted to Michael for his service in keeping the citizens of El Dorado County safe. Thank you for your dedication to our community.”

Never too early to plan for Polar Express on the V & T Railroad

Tickets to board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride via the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, the annual Carson City family holiday tradition, go on sale online beginning August 20. (www.vtrailway.com)

Forests grapple with 8,500 gun incidents

Perched around a secluded campfire in the Rocky Mountains, Glenn Martin jerked forward, said, "Ow," and died. The wayward bullet that struck him in the national forest has campers and other users calling for changes in recreational shooting policy.

Martin, 60, died July 3 in the Pike & San Isabel National Forest, 30 miles southwest of Denver. The 3.1-million-acre forest holds the record for the most gun-related violations reported in the country, a review of federal records by the USA TODAY Media Network shows.

Candlelight vigil at Sierra-at-Tahoe for fallen firefighter

Sierra-at-Tahoe will hold a candlelight vigil for Michael Hallenbeck on Wednesday, August 12 at 7 p.m. The 21-year old U.S. Forest Service firefighter lost his life on Saturday while fighting a lighting-caused fire south of Echo Summit.

Hallenbeck, known by friends and family as Mikey, was a Sierra-at-Tahoe employee for the past two seasons and a local firefighter for the U.S Forest Service.

“His flame burned bright,” friends speak of Hallenbeck. “Thank you for your
brave, courageous soul.” Hallenbeck is considered a local hero who could “make

Former Marine becomes newest Douglas County Deputy Sheriff

Ignatius Kyeremeh was sworn in as a Douglas County Deputy Sheriff on Monday, August 10 during a ceremony in Minden, NV.

Kyeremeh completed several months of testing and evaluation consisting of a physical agility test, oral interview, extensive background investigation, psychological evaluation, polygraph examination, and medical exam. He will begin his career with the department in the Jail Division.

Deputy Kyeremeh served in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years achieving the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. He is married with 2 children.

Overnight roadwork to affect travelers on U.S. 395 south of Carson City

The Nevada Department of Transportation will begin overnight work to apply a top sealant coating to U.S. 395 between south Carson City and Gardnerville.

Learn about the birds of Lake Tahoe at Lake of the Sky Amphitheater

Join Tahoe Heritage Foundation and Tahoe Institute for Nature Science on Friday July 14 for "Birds of Lake Tahoe" and the "Tahoe Big Year." This event will be held at Taylor Creek Visitor Center at 8:00 p.m. and is open to the public. There is a $5.00 donation to the Tahoe Heritage Foundation.

History Hunt: Nine original street lights remain in Genoa

While many may not know the name of Lillian Virgin Finnegan, they probably know the Genoa Candy Dance.

Lillian is the woman who started the Genoa Candy Dance in 1919 to raise money to purchase street lights for the town. The dance was held at the Raycraft Hotel, and Lillian and other Genoa women made candy to serve at the dance. In the years that followed, the annual dance continued as a way to raise money to pay the town's electric bill for the street lights. It was considered the "Big Event of the Season" by the people in the Carson Valley, Reno and surrounding communities.

Lake Tahoe road work schedule for August 9 - 15

LONG-TERM PROJECTS
State Route 89 (Placer County): Work continues on a $70.1 million project from Tahoma to the "Y" junction with State Route 28 in Tahoe City on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore that will upgrade storm water drainage and treatment systems, add curb and gutter, resurface and realign the road, add new left-turn pockets and widen shoulders on a 9-mile stretch of the highway. Completion is expected in fall 2016.

Six ways Burning Man will be different this year

Burning Man is always changing, and this year is no exception.

Some of this year's changes are pretty major, however, and have both attracted applause and criticism from invested Burners and other groups who are tied in some way to Burning Man.

Since last year's Burn, here are some of the changes in how the event operates:

1. No for-fun drones

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county.

The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at press time and the story will be updated when provided.

8/2

8:26 a.m. - Possession of Marijuana for Sale - Third Street - 24-YEAR-OLD MALE SUBJECT ARRESTED FOR TRANSPORTATION AND POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA FOR SALES.

Firefighter dies while fighting blaze near South Lake Tahoe

8:00 p.m. update 8/9/15

The 21 year-old firefighter who died in Saturday evening as he was working on the Sierra Fire has been identified as Michael Hallenbeck of Shingle Springs, CA.

Hallenbeck was a member of Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) Organized Crew 36.

Kaleb James Martin Curtzwiler

Study: Most teens start school too early in morning

Most teens start school too early in the morning, which deprives them of the sleep they need to learn and stay healthy, a new study says.

The American Academy of Pediatrics last year urged middle schools and high schools to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. in order to allow teens — who are biologically programmed to stay up later at night than adults — to get the recommended 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep each night.

Source of mysterious booms in El Dorado County uncovered

Mysterious booms have plagued the residents of El Dorado County in California for some time now. While some have speculated what the cause of these booms has been, it's remained a mystery until now.

Residents have reported that the booms aren't as crisp as a gunshot, and instead sound more like an aerial bomb. A few have speculated that it could be the result of work occurring in an underground mine.

Bike at Night event in South Lake Tahoe gaining in popularity

Event Date: 
August 15, 2015 - 7:00pm

While many bicycle enthusiasts enjoy riding the dirt trails of South Lake Tahoe, there is now a new way to enjoy the ride: in the dark. You've heard of Critical Mass...now it's Critical Glow, Tahoe style.

Tahoe Games Bike Nights have quickly become the "go-to" family friendly event at the Lake Tahoe Golf Course. They are cross-country bike races on a custom-made illuminated set of trails, 6 miles in all.

Ride the fairways, sand traps and into the rough as the race takes riders over bridges, along the river and back to the clubhouse.

Smoke from California fires fills Lake Tahoe basin

Smoke from fires burning in Northern California has moved into the Lake Tahoe basin, Reno and Carson City.

The air in Reno reached the unhealthy range at 4 p.m. on Saturday with a 151 air quality index.

There is no single fire contributing to this, rather many large wildfires and wildfire complexes in northern California.

Rebirth and rebranding of Reno/Sparks will affect Lake Tahoe

Once considered rundown and dirty, Reno, as well as neighboring Sparks, is experiencing a staggering rebirth. Only eight percent of their economy now comes from the gaming and tourism industry, with the remainder coming from a boom of the relocation of manufacturing and distribution companies.

What is evident is that the Reno of today is not the Reno of 25 years ago. It isn't even the same Reno of four years ago.

Mountain Bike Festival in Meyers this weekend

Event Date: 
August 8, 2015 (All day)

The 3rd Annual Meyers Mountain Bike Festival is going on Saturday and Sunday, August 8th and 9th in the parking lot of Divided Sky It brings together the biking community, especially those that enjoy bicycles on dirt in beautiful Lake Tahoe.

It is full of events from rides and demos of equipment to a BBQ and Beer Garden.

SATURDAY - AUGUST 8

Sign Ups @ Dirt Lot - Corral Trailhead bottom - 8 a.m.
Demos/Shuttle - 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
After Party @ The Divided Sky

SUNDAY - AUGUST 9

Parade entries needed for City of South Lake Tahoe's 50th Anniversary

The City of South Lake Tahoe invites the community to participate in the City’s 50th Anniversary Parade on Saturday, September 19, 2015. This will be a unique opportunity to showcase organizations, service groups, athletic teams, schools, etc. while joining with the entire community in celebrating 50 years of South Lake Tahoe history. The theme of the 2015 parade is Past, Present and Future.

Full moon hike at Van Sickle Bi-State Park

Members of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association will be Van Sickle Bi-State Park on August 29 to watch the sun set and the moon rise. They will begin their hike traveling uphill through the historic park and watch as the moon rises from the East over Daggett Summit and passes over the Carson Range.

This hike is for TRTA members only and is limited to the first 15 people to sign up for the free evening.

Judge orders Runnels Automotive to remove vehicles

Long considered a nuisance in South Lake Tahoe, the abandoned cars being stored at Runnels Automotive in South Lake Tahoe must be removed following a ruling by El Dorado County Superior Court Judge Daniel Proud on Thursday.

The Judge issued an order granting the City of South Lake Tahoe’s application for abatement to remove the abandoned vehicles stored at the automotive shop located at 986 Emerald Bay Road, which is the corner of Highway 50 and Lake Tahoe Blvd commonly known as the "Y."

Douglas County Sheriff looking for suspect in another Ulta Beauty theft

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying this person of interest in a theft that occurred at Ulta Beauty at 911 Topsy Lane in Douglas County.

On July 11, 2015 at approximately 1:00 pm, a female suspect was seen removing merchandise from the shelves and tampering with the wrappers.

She is believed to be white, approximately 5'4", with dark hair in a bun. The female suspect has a tattoo on her face next to her left eye and on her arms.

South Lake Tahoe pair arrested on felony drug trafficking charges

Two from South Lake Tahoe were arrested Thursday on felony drug trafficking and other charges after a traffic stop led to the discovery of methamphetamine and heroin, a Carson City sheriff’s deputy said.

Elizabeth Gosh, 30, and Kyle Leake, 48, were taken into custody at 7:04 p.m. and booked into Carson City Jail. According to the arrest report, deputies with the Carson City Sheriff’s Office Special Enforcement Team were patrolling in an unmarked car and observed a white two door sedan with California plates run through a solid red strop light at the intersection of Roop and Long streets.

Power back on in South Lake Tahoe

Update: Power was been restored to the 35 businesses affected by Friday's power outage in the Bijou area at 3:25 p.m.

Liberty Utilities had originally said power would be back up at 5 p.m.

The cause has not been released as of yet but it had to do with underground wiring.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

The following is a recap of activity the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to from July 27 to August 2, 2015. They responded to 284 calls during the 7 day period.

Calls Resulting in Arrests:

7/27

Spousal Abuse in the 4100 block of Pine Ave
Violation of Court Order in the 900 block of Modesto Ave
Spousal Abuse in the 3600 block of Pioneer Trail
Warrant in the 900 block of Park Ave

7/28
Drunk in Public in the 2200 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Battery in the 1000 block of Echo Rd

Lightning to bring critical fire danger to Lake Tahoe

As another round of thunderstorms heads for for the Reno-Tahoe area, forecasters are warning of lightning strikes that could start dangerous wildfires.

The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch for the greater Lake Tahoe Basin and California’s Mono and Alpine counties from late Thursday afternoon through late Thursday night as an area of low pressure approaches that could bring dry thunderstorms.

South Lake Tahoe community exceeds water conservation goals

When Governor Jerry Brown told the residents of the state to cut back their water usage, he had the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) tell each region how much to cut back. That benchmark in South Lake Tahoe was 20%.

For the past three months, residents have cut much more than that. In May, water use at South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) was down 34%, followed by 24% in June and 27% in July. This is on top of the 27% reduction in water use that the district's customer have accomplished since 2007.

Updated fire plan to be presented at Lake Tahoe Summit

An updated Lake Tahoe Basin Community Wildfire Protection Plan will be presented to the public during the Lake Tahoe Environmental Summit on Monday, August 24, 2015. This new Community Wildfire Protection Plan was collaboratively developed by the 18 member organizations of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) and is the culmination of a three-year planning effort.

Police Chief Brian Uhler: Monthly report to the community

Community Outreach: The “Meet the Police” outreach campaign is going well. As a reminder, Coffee with a Cop happens on Thursdays and ends on August 27th. The Police Open House was well attended and we look forward to doing it again next year.

Douglas County Sheriff seeks public's help in locating missing teen

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating a 15-year-old runaway.

Savannah Stewart reportedly ran away on July 29, 2015 and hasn't been seen since.

It is unknown where she could be and the investigation has stalled.

South Lake Tahoe Chiropractor to adjust inmates at San Quentin

Dr. Joshua Welch of South Lake Tahoe will be joining a dozen other chiropractors in giving inmates adjustments at the 11th Annual San Quentin TRUST Health Fair on Saturday, August 21. TRUST stands for Teaching Responsibility Utilizing Sociological Training.

John Muir, Yank Clement, Julia Bulette and Kit Carson visit Valhalla

Event Date: 
September 20, 2015 - 5:00pm

The Lake Tahoe Historical Society is bringing historical characters back to life in their "Chautauqua at Lake Tahoe 2015" on September 20 at 5 p.m. in the Valhalla Grand Hall.

Experience Mrs. Tevis, John Muir, Yank Clement, Julia Bulette, Charley Parkhurst and Kit Carson as you've never imagined.

Last year's sold out event in the Boathouse Theater was so successful the Historical Society decided to move into a larger venue and add dinner to the evening.

Olympic course designers creating South Lake Tahoe BMX park

The company that has built the BMX tracks for three Olympics, 40 World Cups and 10 World Championships is in South Lake Tahoe to build the Bijou Bike Park. Alex Fowler of Elite Trax, Inc has been in Rio de Janeiro building the track for the 2016 Summer Olympics, but he is much happier being in South Lake Tahoe creating what bicycle enthusiasts have been envisioning for year.

Lakeview Lookout plan unveiled to the public

It's been almost a year since the 5,400 square foot Alta Mira Building was torn down in South Lake Tahoe in order to provide open space, improve water quality and remove blight.

Seven inmates injured in Carson City prison fight

A fight between two inmates Tuesday at the Warm Springs Correctional Center in Carson City resulted in one of the prisoners being flown by Care Flight to a Reno hospital after he was shot by guards with rubber pellets, according to the Nevada Department of Corrections. Six others were injured.

Star Guide: Perseid meteor shower peaks August 11-14

August is prime time for meteor watching in the northern hemisphere. The Perseid meteor shower reigns king during the warm evenings of midsummer, attracting stargazers to dark sky locations in hope of catching a glimpse of a falling star. This year is especially good since there will be no moon to wash out the celestial fireworks.

Coffee With a Cop: Meet with Chief Brian Uhler

Event Date: 
August 6, 2015 - 8:00am

The community has had an opportunity all summer to meet with the South Lake Tahoe Police Chief, Lieutenants and Sergeants this summer during their "Coffee With a Cop" series which is held ever Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Starbucks near Stateline.

These meetings give locals and visitors the chance to meet the officers and help shape our policing efforts in South Lake Tahoe. People are encouraged to stop by and share what’s going on in your neighborhood, what you are concerned about, and of course they’re happy to hear good news as well.

History of Lake Tahoe Mountain Biking at Meyers Mountain Bike Festival

South Lake Tahoe mountain bike pioneer, Gary Bell, owner of Sierra Ski and Cycle Works, is sponsoring a History of Lake Tahoe Mountain Biking Exhibit at the Meyers Mountain Bike (MTB) Festival on Sunday, August 9, 2015.

“I want to help people understand the roots of Tahoe mountain biking, and how it’s evolved over the past three decades,” says Bell.

Location

Divided Sky Restaurant
Hwy 50
United States

Soroptimists hold 45th Annual Wine Tasting

The Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe invites the community to their 45th annual “An Evening of Food & Wine Tasting” on Friday, October 16, 2015 at MontBleu's Convention Center. Enjoy incredible wine from Northern California’s top wineries and sample a wide variety of delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts from the South Shore’s finest restaurants.

New South Lake Tahoe VHR ordinance goes into effect October 1

A new vacation home rental (VHR) ordinance will take effect in South Lake Tahoe on October 1, 2015.

The new ordinance will require all homeowners who want to rent out their homes to get it inspected by the Zoning Administrator prior to being issued a license. Since the real estate community told City Council that not having a permit prior to escrow may cause homeowners to lose sales, the current homeowner may now get it inspected prior to the sale in order to take as much uncertainty away from sales as possible. This inspection will be valid for one year.

Body of missing San Francisco teacher found near Slate Mountain

Update 8/7/15: The body found off the OHV Trail west of Slate Mountain in the El Dorado National Forest was positively identified today as 45 year-old Edward Cavanaugh of San Francisco. The identification was done by a forensic odontologist, who compared Cavanaugh’s dental records to the upper and lower jaw bones found near his motorcycle. The cause of death is still under investigation.

Music and craft beer tasting poolside at 968 Park

968 Park Hotel is going to have a craft beer tasting event on Saturday August 15th at 5 p.m. at their outdoor pool facility which features a bar, stage and cabanas. The craft beer tasting will be followed by the much anticipated return of San Francisco’s Dirty Cello. Both events are free to the public.

LTCC hires Nancy Harrison as new Foundation Chair

Lake Tahoe Community College leadership and the LTCC Foundation’s Board of Directors have hired a new Executive Director of the LTCC Foundation and College Advancement. After completing the interview process, the Foundation directors and LTCC Superintendent/President Dr. Kindred Murillo selected Nancy Harrison for the position.

Reward offered in $3,762 theft at Ulta Beauty in Douglas County

A reward has been offered to anyone with information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of three suspects in the theft of $3,792 in merchandise from the Ulta Store in the Carson Valley.

On July 3, 2015, at approximately 7:30 p.m., three Hispanic females (late teens to early twenties) entered the store with what appeared to be empty handbags. The suspects walk directly to the shelves and quickly removed approximately $3,762.00 worth of make-up. The suspects concealed the make-up in the handbags and exited the store, making no attempt to pay for the merchandise.

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