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Road Beat: Review - 2022 Acura MDX does many things well

A value-laden proposition, this luxury offering from Acura does lots well, but rarely anything amazing.

Beckwourth Complex Fire doubles in size Saturday: 55,091 Acres and 8% contained

Intense fire growth occurred (approximately 16,365 acres) during the day in the Beckwourth Complex. It has now burned 55,091 acres in Plumas and Lassen counties north of Lake Tahoe. Containment dropped to eight percent.

Lightning caused both fires in the complex, Sugar and Dotta. The Dotta Fire started by lightning on June 30, 2021 in the area of Dotta Canyon on the Beckwourth Ranger District of the Plumas National Forest. On July 2, 2021 the Sugar Fire started by lightning west of Sugarloaf Peak on the Beckwourth Ranger District of the Plumas National Forest.

Smoltz, Del Negro, Wagner and Sorenstam top the leaderboard in Tahoe; Steph tied for 6th

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Some familiar names from the world of sports and entertainment are on top of the leader board after round two of the American Century Championship at Lake Tahoe. Former pitcher John Smoltz eagled the 18th hold to take the lead at Edgewood Tahoe after a 26-point second round for a total of 51 points. He’s looking for his first win in 11 tries at the American Century Championship.

NHL Hall of Famer Mike Modano has a very rare albatross during American Century Championship

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - Most golfers will never have one, and its never happened during the 32-year history of the American Century Championship. NHL Hall of Famer Mike Modano pulled off the almost impossible albatross - three below par on the par 5 18th hold at Edgewood Tahoe on Friday.

How clear is Lake Tahoe? Annual report shows 2020 low clarity at 50 feet, high at 80 feet

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Lake Tahoe’s water clarity measurements, which are indicators of the health of the watershed, averaged 62.9 feet through 2020, the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) announced today.

Lake Tahoe’s clarity peaked in February 2020 when it was deeper than 80 feet. It was at its lowest in mid-May when it measured at slightly more than 50 feet. These readings were within the average range of the last decade. Average clarity in 2020 was just slightly better than the previous year’s average of 62.7 feet.

Beckwourth Complex Fire grows 10,000 acres - almost 25,000 acres burn, 10% containment

The fires burning in the Beckwourth Complex have now consumed 24,525 acres and it is 11 percent contained.

The Sugar Fire within the Complex had significant fire growth yesterday (approx. 10,000 acres). SW wind alignment (plume dominated) and receptive fuels were the contributing factors of fire spread and intensity. Fire behavior included wind driven runs, group torching and long-range spotting. The weather will become hotter and dryer with a forecasted heat wave this weekend. Fuel moistures remain critically low, and relative humidities as low as 10%.

Coffee with the Mayor series starts July 14

Event Date: 
July 14, 2021 - 9:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe Mayor Tamara Wallace is hosting the first of the Coffee with the Mayor series on July 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the Aspen Room of the Recreation Center. Mayor Wallace will discuss the latest on the 56-Acre Master Plan and share more about Parks Make Life Better Month events.

Staff will be on hand to answer questions. Coffee will be provided.

The SLT Recreation & Swim Complex is located at 1180 Rufus Allen Blvd., South Lake Tahoe.

14-year-old victim of hit-and-run crash in Incline Village - possible witnesses sought

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - A 14-year-old boy is recovering from substantial injuries he received in a hit-and-run crash in Incline Village on July 2.

Detectives from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) and their Major Accident Investigation Team are seeking information from the public regarding the crash that occurred around 9:45 p.m.

Next South Lake Tahoe Community Blood Drive scheduled for July 23

Event Date: 
July 23, 2021 - 12:00pm

The next South Lake Tahoe Community Blood Drive will be on Friday, July 23 from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the South Lake Tahoe Parks & Recreation gym.

To schedule an appointment please go to donors.vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFM062 or call Vitalant at 866-822-5663.

• Must be 16 years old to donate & there is no upper age limit.
• 16 year olds require a signed Vitalant parent consent form.
• Fully vaccinated donors do not need to wear a mask.
• Please bring a photo I.D.
• Eat well and drink plenty of water prior to donating.

Sierra Tahoe Children's Theater starts July 19 in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Don’t miss the opportunity to have your child be part of Sierra Tahoe Children’s Theatre program this summer in South Lake Tahoe. They will be working on acting, singing, dancing, auditioning and theater skills under the direction of Nannette Niven and Marcia Sarosik.

Past participants are currently performing in college and professional productions.

Don't miss this youth theater workshop July 19-29, wrapping up with a performance on July 29, and/or July 30. Auditions will be held on Tuesday, July 13 and Wednesday, July 14.

Curry family having fun playing golf together at Lake Tahoe this week

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - The Curry family is in Lake Tahoe to play in the 32nd annual American Century Championship. Dad Dell, and sons Steph and Seth played at Edgewood Thursday and took time at the end of the day to meet with the media.

A large group of San Francisco Warrior fans followed the "Curry Boys" during their round.

"The Bay is awesome. Fan base is awesome. It’s a great place to play and great place to live," said Steph Curry.

Series of aftershocks after 6.0 quake 20 miles south of Topaz Lake

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A long, rolling earthquake Thursday afternoon startled people for miles around the epicenter about 12 miles south of Topaz Lake/20.5 miles south of Markleeville.

Golfing fans and those on the course over at Edgewood were all caught off guard, not expecting to feel an earthquake.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) says the 3:49 earthquake was a 6.0 magnitude, the University of Nevada Reno seismology lab logged it at 5.8 m.

As of 6:30 p.m., there have been 58 aftershocks, the largest a 4.5 magnitude.

Defending champ Mardy Fish looking forward to having fans back at the American Century Championship

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - More of the invited celebrities for the 32nd American Century Championship have arrived, and hit the course at Edgewood Tahoe Wednesday. Many were paired with guests from Harrahs and Harvey's.

Thursday will be the Pro/Am with players paired again with amateurs from the public, or other groups of celebrities.

Retired professional tennis player, and Olympic silver medalist, Mardy Fish won the tournament in 2020, and is back in Tahoe to try for a repeat performance.

Beckwourth Complex Fire sending large plume of smoke north of Lake Tahoe

The lightning-caused Sugar and Dotta fires have been combined into the Beckwourth Complex, burning in the Plumas National Forest north of Lake Tahoe. The large plume of smoke seen from South Lake Tahoe on Wednesday looked like a huge fire and closer than its current 60 miles away. The fires are burning north of the community of Beckwourth and north of the Feather River.

Mama bear and her three cubs at Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There have been several recent reports of a mother bear and her three cubs hanging out from the Pope Beach area to the Tahoe Keys. This video, sent to us from Nick, shows them frolicking on the shore at Pope Beach on July 6.

People should know they should never approach bears, no matter how cute them appear, never feed them and be "bear aware" when in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Black Bear Encounters from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife

COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations on the rise in El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Since Friday, 54 more residents of El Dorado County have tested positive for COVID-19, with one more resident passing away. There are currently seven hospitalizations, three residents are in the ICU.

According to El Dorado County Public Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams, the testing process to see which of the new cases is the Delta or another variant is very slow, about six weeks.

Volunteers remove nearly 1,500 pounds of trash from Lake Tahoe beaches

For years volunteers have joined beach clean-up efforts for the day after the 4th of July fireworks. With no displays over the lake this year, the League to Save Lake Tahoe’s annual July 5 Keep Tahoe Red, White and Blue Beach Cleanup still took place.

Tahoe’s beaches were still blanketed in morning shadows when volunteers began plucking cigarette butts, bottle caps and beach toys out of the sand early on July 5. By noon, 235 enthusiastic volunteers had removed 1,456 pounds of litter from ten Tahoe beaches and their surrounding areas.

NHP: Reno woman dies in Douglas County crash, driver arrested for suspected DUI

The Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) says a Redding, California man was arrested on several charges after his passenger died in a crash in Douglas County on June 26, 2021.

At approximately 6:13 p.m., NHP troopers responded to a fatal crash at SR-88 and Mile Marker 7 in Minden. Their preliminary investigation shows that a black 2010 Mazda CX-9 was traveling southbound on SR-88 when the driver allowed the vehicle to cross the centerline and exit the paved roadway.

The Mazda continued down an embankment, struck a fence, and overturned.

Body of California man found at bottom of cliff near Eagle Falls at Lake Tahoe

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - A 67-year-old Moraga, California man died at Lake Tahoe on July 3, 2021.

Emergency crews responded after calls were received from near the Bayview area of Emerald Bay.

They found Bryan James Temple at the base of a rocky cliff on SR-89 near Eagle Falls, according to the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO).

The EDSO spokesperson said he cannot confirm the manner of death or that he fell to his death.

This story will be updated if any other details are released.

Skimming device found on ATM at South Lake Tahoe branch of Bank of America

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A skimming device was found Tuesday on the walkup ATM machine at Bank of America on Lake Tahoe Blvd. Detectives from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) responded to the South Lake Tahoe branch after being notified by the bank manager that an ATM service technician found the device that had been placed on the ATM within the past two weeks.

Teenager dies in Lake Tahoe after falling off boat near Secret Cove

UPDATE 7/7/21: The Washoe County coroner has identified the victim in Monday's boating incident as Myles Kawashima of Greenbrae, California. The cause of death has been determined as drowning.

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - A 17-year-old boy died at Lake Tahoe Monday night after boating with friends near Secret Cove on the Nevada side of the lake.

Body of missing Douglas County teen found at Lost Lakes

ALPINE COUNTY, Calif. - The Alpine County Sheriff's Office has announced they located the body of 17-year-old Haydn Miguel of Minden, Nevada.

On July 3, 2021, deputies were dispatched to a reported missing camper in the area of Lost Lake, located in the Eldorado National Forest. Sheriff's deputies along with Search and Rescue (SAR) Volunteers responded and searched the immediate area for Haydn. They continued their search on July 4 with search teams from around Northern California who responded to Alpine County's request for mutual aid.

Douglas County and South Lake Tahoe law enforcement kept busy over the 4th

The 4th of July was another busy one on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe, with large numbers at the beaches, on the trails and on the roads.

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) responded to 293 calls for service that resulted in 54 traffic stops and 15 arrests between July 2 and July 5, 2021.

The arrests:
32-year-old male for Resisting, Obstructing, Delaying Law Enforcement
26-year-old male for Felony Vandalism, Resisting, Obstruction
39-year-old male for Felony Domestic Battery with Serious Bodily Injury
48-year-old male for Public Intoxication

El Dorado County Sheriff's report

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that only pertain to the South and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma, and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at the time of the story.

Last Week's Log: http://southtahoenow.com/story/06/28/2021/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

Added to that report
6/27

TERC Talk - It’s the small things that really matter

Lakes are always in motion. Whether you're kayaking, paddleboarding or simply floating, you may have felt currents or seen waves moving across the surface. Are these motions important for lake health? Surprisingly these specific motions have little effect on the biota, the clarity, or the water quality. The motions that really matter are the tiniest motions, known as turbulence.

Turbulence:
Helps phytoplankton and attached algae take up nutrients
Transports oxygen into the sediments
Allows clarity-impeding fine particles to aggregate together and settle quicker

Hot week ahead for Lake Tahoe Basin - Above average and possible record high temperatures

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - located in southern Nevada. The proximity of the building high and projected 500mb heights greater than 595mb will promote hot daily temperatures that will approach, and may exceed, daily records. It should be noted that July is climatologically the hottest time of year, and even approaching daily records will likely lead to heat and heat related health impacts for the region, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

Crash closed US-50 over Echo Summit

UDPATE 7/7: More details on the 4th of July crash on Echo Summit are available. The 20-year-old female driver of a Nissan Versa was heading eastbound on US-50 at about 5:50 p.m. when, for unknown reasons, crossed over the center double-yellow line into oncoming traffic. Heading west at that time was a 41-year-old male from Clovis driving a Chevy Avalanche. The Versa driver hit the Avalanche and had to be extricated from her vehicle and transported by Calstar to Renown Hospital where she later succumbed from her injuries.

East Fork Fire at 1,136 acres, 45% contained

Saturday Update: As of this afternoon all established containment lines around the East Fork Fire are holding. There was no visible smoke on the most recent fly over. Crews continue to check and secure containment lines and are expected to be on scene for a few more days. The East Fork Fire has burned 1,136 acres and is now 45 percent contained.

Red Hawk Casino plans 75k square-foot expansion and hotel

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The operators of the Red Hawk Casino in Shingle Springs have submitted the required documents for review of a 75,000 square-foot entertainment center to be developed above the northern half of the existing parking garage.

The state of California currently has Tribal-State Gaming Compacts with 75 Tribes, 63 of them operate 66 casinos. One of those is the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians who operate the Red Hawk Casino in Shingle Springs, El Dorado County.

Column: Properly preparing for a ride

Lake Tahoe features some of the best mountain biking in the country, including the famous Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Flume Trail and many others built and maintained by the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA). Mr. Toads is best known for its challenging rock gardens and steep terrain, best suited for an advanced mountain biker. While not technically challenging, the Flume Trail features exposed areas next to cliffs which can be intimidating, but the views are second to none.

Red Flag Warning issued for Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service in Reno has upgraded its previous fire weather watch to a Red Flag Warning. This will be in effect from 11:00 p.m. Saturday, July 3 to 11:00 a.m. Sunday, July 4 for Lake Tahoe, Truckee and nearby counties.

No flames of any kind are allowed in the Lake Tahoe Basin during the warning - no barbecues, no fire pits, no campfires.

Instagram story leads to rapid response on Lake Tahoe beach

TAHOE VISTA, Calif. - Thousands of white polystyrene (also known as Styrofoam) balls, each the size of a fish egg, was the last thing Alison Toy and her husband expected to see blanketing the beach at Moon Dune on Tahoe’s north shore during an evening walk. Toy quickly spotted the source of the pollution – a butterfly-shaped plush float toy with a burst seam – floating amid the trash on Tahoe’s blue waters. After trying and realizing it was impossible for two people to clean up the spill by hand, she quickly shared several photos to Instagram.

Could this be the answer to overflowing trash cans in South Lake Tahoe?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Trash is an ongoing issue in communities around Lake Tahoe. No matter how many times the trash cans and dumpsters are picked up on busy days, there is garbage waiting to fill them.

South Lake Tahoe is experimenting with what could be a game-changer in the world of trash - solar powered trash compactors.

Four EC-ecube Labs Clean Cube 240L Receptacles have been installed ahead of the busy 4th of July weekend, two at Lakeview Commons on the upper plaza, and two at Conelley Beach behind the Beach Retreat.

Letter: We need universal fire rules in Lake Tahoe Basin

I have lived in South Lake Tahoe on both the Nevada and California side for 3.5 years. Prior to this I was in Summit County Colorado, Florida and grew up in Upstate NY. I have A LOT of outdoor knowledge and experience in my life I am 40-years-old). I was a Physical Education teacher for 9 years and have been a lifeguard for 25. I moved here and lived in my 11x7 camper for 2 winters. Ok enough about me I just wanted to establish some merit.

Weekly recap of COVID-19 for counties around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - This is a weekly COVID-19 report for areas around Lake Tahoe.

El Dorado County has announced 51 new cases of COVID-19 since last Friday: 6 from Pollock Pines/Camino/Kyburz, 18 in El Dorado Hills, 4 in Diamond Springs/El Dorado, -1 in North County, 6 in Greater Placerville, 15 in Cameron Park/Shingle Springs/Rescue, 0 in South County, -1 in Lake Tahoe region. Awaiting address confirmation from the count: 4. Total now awaiting address confirmation: 83.

Tickets added to Boathouse Theater's Murdered to Death

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Valhalla Tahoe opens additional seats for the second week of Murdered to Death, the popular play showing at the Boathouse Theater. July 2 and July 3 shows are sold out.

Find out Whodunit in this hilarious spoof on Agatha Christie style murder mysteries. This play is sure to get you laughing and leave you guessing!

20 tickets have been added to each show:
July 6-9, 7:30pm
July 11, 2:00 p.m. Matinee

Masks Required for Non-Vaccinated

Column: Don’t let alcohol ruin your summer fun

Summer in Tahoe is a perfect setting for outdoor activities with family and friends. For some, drinking alcoholic beverages is part of the fun-in-the-sun experience. But excessive alcohol consumption and summer activities don’t mix.

According to the CDC, alcohol relates to 70% of water recreation deaths and 48% of pedestrian fatalities. Alcohol decreases inhibition and impairs mental and physical capabilities, judgement, balance, and vision. It decreases reaction time and increases fatigue. Alcohol can lead to tragic consequences on the water, on the road and in the outdoors.

MontBleu Resort & Spa to undergo name change to Bally's Lake Tahoe

STATELINE, Nev. - The final approval has been received by the owners of MontBleu Resort & Spa on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe, and the name of the 43-year-old casino and hotel will be changing to Bally's Lake Tahoe.

The Douglas County Commissioners unanimously approved the name change on the liquor licenses and business license during its meeting on Thursday. Licenses held with the county were held in the name of Columbia Properties, LLC dba MontBleu and will now be in the name of Premier Entertainment Tahoe, LLC, dba Bally's Lake Tahoe.

East Fork Fire burning east of Woodfords now over 500 acres

UPDATE 6:30 p.m. 7/2/21 - The lightning-caused East Fork Fire is currently 10 percent contained at 565 acres with 170 personnel on scene. Today Firefighters are focusing on working in tandem with aircraft to secure the line. The fire is burning in and around Cottonwood Canyon in steep, rugged and inaccessible terrain.

Firefighters are expected to be on scene through the weekend. Please stay out of the area of Horseshoe Bend on the East Fork of the Carson River, where firefighters are working.
* * *

Key to having a safe holiday weekend at Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Most of the counties around Lake Tahoe are reaching out to the public to alert them of fire rules, the fact that personal fireworks are illegal to possess and use in the Lake Tahoe Basin, and ways to have a safe 4th of July weekend both on the water and off.

Due to the volume of celebrants within the Stateline casino core, Nevada Beach and Zephyr Cove areas throughout the weekend, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents and visitors to be safe and mindful of the laws surrounding their festivities.

Weekend wildflower and tree hikes at Carson Pass

The El Dorado National Forest Interpretive Association is having two flower walks and one tree walk at the Carson Pass this July 2-4. All hikes will begin at the Carson Pass Information Center on SR-88. They are all open to the public, free of charge.

On July 2 and July 4 at 10:00 a.m., join the Wildflowers Hike. The walk will go through lupine and many other flowers at Carson Pass on the way to Frog Lake. The walk is along an easy path and will take about 2.5 hours. The leader of the "relaxed walk" is Lu B.

Clean Up The Lake named nonprofit of the year for California District 1

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Clean Up The Lake has announced Senator Brian Dahle named Clean Up the Lake as California’s 1st Senate District Non-Profit of the Year for 2021.

The dream of Clean Up the Lake, nearly two years in the making, was to remove trash accumulating in by scuba and around Lake Tahoe to reduce pollution to one of the most pristine and recognized lakes in the United States.

Three tips to save water this 4th of July

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The 4th of July is South Lake Tahoe’s busiest weekend of the summer. With weekend revelers arriving to celebrate Independence Day, water demand increases. In the face of record breaking temperatures and the worst drought in decades, this stresses water supply.

Live at Lakeview returns to South Lake Tahoe August 5

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Live at Lakeview music series returns this summer for five free events starting on August 5 and wrapping up September 2.

The City of South Lake Tahoe, On Course Events, and Tahoe Wellness Center
are hosting the popular concerts on Thursdays evenings.

The series will begin on Thursday, August 5 with the 84th show headlined by Boot Juice, a seven piece folk band with a horn section, three-part harmonies, and dual guitarists.

Live at Lakeview is a free weekly concert series that began in 2012. The

Stephen Curry added to American Century Championship at Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - The American Century Championship taking place at Lake Tahoe in just one short week at already had one of the strongest fields in its 32-year-history, but an announcement today just make it stronger.

Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warrior's perennial all-star, three-time NBA champion, and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, is returning to the tournament along with his dad Del and brother Seth.

With his participation in the Tokyo Olympics uncertain until recently, Curry hadn't been on the roster of players which now nears 90 celebrities.

Lake Tahoe History Talks on the beach each Tuesday this summer

Event Date: 
July 6, 2021 - 7:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe and the Lake Tahoe Historical Society have teamed together to bring weekly history talks to the beach this summer!

Every Tuesday during the months of July and August, join them at Lakeview Commons for an hour filled with Lake Tahoe history fun, presented by long-time locals, authors, and historical characters. The events are free but donations are accepted, and some of the speakers might have books available for purchase. These programs are for all ages and Tahoe Tessie's Beach Bites will be open late for this event.

Road Beat: Review ~ 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata is eternal fun

Getting long in the tooth? Perhaps, but the latest Miata from Mazda is still as fun as always!

Douglas County VHR waitlist period open July 1 - 31

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - With the new Vacation Home Rental (VHR) ordinance in Douglas County to start July 15, the process to apply for a permit will start July 1.

The County commissioners approved significant changes to the VHR program on June 3, placing a cap of 600 permits for the rentals. The County is anticipating the demand for permits will exceed the total number of the permits available and has established a waitlist application process to generate a list of property owners who may qualify to receive a permit.

South Lake Tahoe's Leah Marino youngest women's hockey player to be drafted

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Wanting to keep up with her big brother, Leah Marino stepped on the ice as a hockey player at the age of 5, and now 15 years later, she is the youngest person to be drafted in the National Women's Hockey League (NWHL).

On Tuesday night, Leah went in the third round of the draft and will don a Toronto Six uniform when the season starts this fall.

The 20-year-old Marino was born and raised on the South Shore and attended the Lake Tahoe Environmental Science Magnet School, South Tahoe Middle School, and South Tahoe High School.

188 tons of debris collected during Clean Tahoe's $5 Dump Day

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Residents lined up at the annual $5 Dump Day on June 12, getting rid of the unwanted mattresses, televisions, furniture, and other unused items hanging around their homes.

505 people went through the event, bringing with them 376,000 pounds of debris, Even though 150 fewer vehicles went through the line than in 2019 (2020 was canceled), 43,000 more pounds of debris was collected.

Other trash details:
Refrigerators Decommissioned: 15
E-Waste Recycled 3,240 lbs.

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