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Local Forest Service employee wins national award

Joy Barney was recently honored for her dedication to the U.S. Forest Service's educational programs in the Lake Tahoe basin.

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) Conservation Education Program Specialist was awarded the Gifford Pinchot Pacific Southwest Region Interpreter and Conservation Educator of the Year Award. Named in honor of the first Chief of the Forest Service, the annual award is a national honor given to Forest Service employees for achievement in environmental interpretation and conservation education.

South Lake Tahoe Police warn of possible illegal dental activity

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department has received unspecific information about someone in South Lake Tahoe performing basic dental work without a proper dental office or licenses. A check with two local dentists indicates that some people have needed dental repair work after receiving substandard dentistry possibly occurring in someone’s kitchen. It appears that such activity would function as a “cash” business and prey on the vulnerabilities of the poor.

The police department asks:

New Loop Road plan addresses community's concerns

Another key part of the continuing revitalization of South Lake Tahoe was unveiled to the local community Tuesday evening during an open house presented by the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD). What was once known as the "Loop Road" project has evolved into what is being called the "Community Revitalization Plan."

Family of six rescued from snowy cliff in El Dorado County

A father and his five children were rescued by the California Highway Patrol after becoming stranded in a wooded and snowy area of El Dorado County for hours, according to officers.

The family of six went on an off-road excursion about 8 a.m. in the Ice House Reservoir area, but realized they were lost soon after.

The Elk Grove father named Ed called the CHP about 2:30 p.m. and told them that his pickup truck had begun sliding toward a cliff, and that he had been holding the brake pedal with both feet for some time to prevent it from going over the edge, the CHP said.

Kudos: STPAL appreciative of volunteers and donations

The South Tahoe Police Activities League (STPAL) would like to extend a thank you to the many community members, organizations and volunteers that made it possible to offer positive alternative activities to the youth of South Lake Tahoe this past summer.

STPAL reached over 60 local middle school-aged kids with the opportunity to learn lifelong skills in mountain biking, skateboarding, and golf alongside positive adult role models.

Unique South Tahoe High fundraiser helps basketball teams and needy children

Many of us have contributed to local school sports teams by buying candy bars, raffle tickets or attending fundraiser dinners, but how many of us have bought soap for ourselves, provided for a needy child in Africa at the same time we're also supporting the teams?

13th Annual Tahoe Adventure Film Festival starts tour in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
December 11, 2015 - 7:30pm

Marking thirteen years of adventure sports cinematography and culture, Tahoe Adventure Film Festival (TAFF) is the annual gathering of the who’s who of outdoor adventure set in a hypnotic theatrical show of go-go dancers, DJs, and dramatic action imagery by Aurora Photos. It’s where the industry’s best filmmakers premier their latest adventure sports films one night only hosted by festival creator and swashbuckler, Todd Offenbacher. This year's festival in South Lake Tahoe will be on Friday, December 11, 2015 at MontBleu Resort at 7:30 p.m.

Schedule for South Lake Tahoe's decorated fire truck released

The South Lake Tahoe Fire Department has released the schedule for their 2015 decorated Christmas engine. All of the fun runs nightly from December 10 to 24 barring any weather issues or emergencies.

The truck leaves Fire Station 2 at 5:00 p.m. nightly.

Thursday, December 10.....Keys/Venice
Friday, December 11.......Glenwood
Saturday, December 12.....Keys Blvd / State Sts
Sunday, December 13.......South Y /Tata
Monday, December 14.......Barton / Tahoe Island
Tuesday, December 15......Al Tahoe Blvd

Save the life of this week's "Pet of the Week" by adopting her

Once again, the pet of this week is Heavenly, a sweet female Pit who is about 2 years old. She is good with people and well behaved. Heavenly does, however, have a lot of energy!

She would be best in a home with no other female dogs and no cats.

Heavenly needs to find a home very soon. She is at risk of being put down very soon, so if you're interested, please visit her at the El Dorado County Animal Services, 530-573-7925.

For Spay-Neuter services and other support, call the Lake Tahoe Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at 530-542-2857.

South Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard and weather report for Tuesday

Tuesday's Conditions:

Heavenly - Groomed conditions. 8% of their terrain is now open which means 400 acres, 8 lifts and 22 runs are open. No new snow in the last 24 hours. The base depth is 22". Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. West wind around 10 mph.

Sierra-at-Tahoe - Groomed conditions on 17 of their 21 open trails. 5 lifts are open.
Broadway Terrain Park and Burton Progression Park are open. No new snow in the last 24 hours. The base depth is 10" and the summit is 20". Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. West southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

One dead, four injured, and five cars damaged in crashes at SR88 and Mottsville Lane

Two separate accidents at the intersection of SR88 and Mottsville Lane on Friday night left one woman dead and three injured.

Gardnerville resident Janis Hill, 64, died when her BMW entered the intersection at the same time as a Ford Taurus driven by 22-year-old Holly Ducoing of Carson City. The two cars collided and then hit a Honda SUV driven by Minden resident Robin Owens, 64, who was stopped at the intersection.

Hill had been traveling eastbound on Waterloo Lane and Ducoing was southbound on SR88 approaching the intersection with Mottsville Lane.

STPUD explains benefits of snowmaking during a drought

Winter has arrived in the Tahoe Basin with very welcome early snow events and freezing night time temperatures, allowing snowmaking operations to commence to help open ski resorts early. Given California’s drought and the District’s request for continued water conservation, one may wonder about the wisdom of using water for snowmaking.

Another El Dorado County home invasion robbery nets pot and cash

There have been two home invasion robberies in El Dorado County in the last nine days, and in both cases the thieves were after money and marijuana.

On November 28 at 1:15 a.m., sheriff's deputies responded to a home invasion robbery in the 3000 block of Winter Creek Road in Mount Aukum. The unidentified male caller said his wife was the victim and she was home alone. He went home and met deputies there.

Change the world while shopping at Zawadisha Bazaar in Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
December 5, 2015 - 10:00am

Zawadisha's annual Holiday Bazaar is back again, and this time in a new location. Join them at the Blue Angel Cafe on Saturday, December 5 to knock out your holiday shopping while helping to change the world at the same time. The event will be held in the loft upstairs at the restaurant located at 1132 Ski Run Blvd. from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Entrance is free and all ages are welcome.

Remember loved ones at "Light up a Life"

Event Date: 
December 17, 2015 - 6:00pm

The community is invited to gather and celebrate the memory of loved ones in a non-denominational ceremony on Thursday, December 17 at 6:00 p.m.. in the North Room at Edgewood Tahoe. Light up a Life is hosted by Barton Health’s Hospice staff annually to honor family members and friends we have loved and lost.

New HR director at Hard Rock brings years of local experience

Jan Garcia has been hired as the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe’s director of human resources.

Prior to joining the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe, Garcia served as human resources manager for Edgewood Companies. She has fourteen years of experience in the gaming industry, having served as regional director of human resources for Herbst Gaming, Inc., and director of human resources for both Caesars Lake Tahoe and the Reno Hilton.

Gaming revenues down on the South Shore and in state

Revenue for casinos on the South Shore continue to slide according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board who released their gaming revenue figures for the month of October today.

Income before expenses and taxes was $18,213,338 for Stateline casinos.

Net revenue for local casinos is down 3% when compared to figures from October, 2014, bringing their fiscal year total to 14.99% lower than the same period last year.

In the state of Nevada, casinos as a whole experienced a net loss of 2.85%, leaving the fiscal year totals almost even with the the prior year. Their "win" is $887,577,506

South Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard and weather report for Monday

Monday's Conditions:

Heavenly - Groomed conditions. 8% of their terrain is now open which means 400 acres, 8 lifts and 22 runs are open. No new snow in the last 24 hours. The base depth is 22". Partly sunny, with a high near 32. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Sierra-at-Tahoe - Groomed conditions on 17 of their 20 open trails. 6 lifts are open.
Broadway Terrain Park is open. No new snow in the last 24 hours. The base depth is 10" and the summit is 20". Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. West southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Santa arrives by helicopter at annual tree lighting in Meyers

Event Date: 
December 4, 2015 - 5:00pm

The Meyers Community Foundation will hold the 5th Annual Tree Lighting on Friday, December 4 in front of the Divided Sky and Downtown Cafe at 5 p.m.

Meet in the parking lot for popcorn, hot chocolate and other goodies provided by Sierra-at-Tahoe as the decorated Lake Valley fire truck will be on hand to flip the light switch on the big tree.

Santa Claus will be arriving by Cal Star helicopter (weather and circumstances permitting).

The event is free and open to the public.

Man arrested after felony domestic assault in South Lake Tahoe

A man from Canyon Lake, Texas is sitting in a Carson City jail on suspicion of felony domestic battery with strangulation after attacking his girlfriend at the Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge in South Lake Tahoe.

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.

11/22

12:22 a.m. - DUI Alcohol or Drugs - Lake Tahoe Blvd - 55-YEAR-OLD MAN ARRESTED

11/23

No Report

11/24

Lake Tahoe road work schedule for November 29 - December 4

There is no road work scheduled for the South Shore this week. Here are the current projects around the lake:

Interstate 80 (Placer County) from Brace Road to Magra Road: Work continues on a $36 million project to increase the vertical clearance of nine bridge structures in south Placer County to 16 feet, 6 inches. The vertical clearance will be increased on seven structures by lifting the existing bridge deck and the other two will have the roadway below dug down. More information on the project is available at www.raise80.com

Lake Tahoe's Festival of the Trees begins Wednesday

Event Date: 
December 2, 2015 (All day)

Lights, trees, action! Lake Tahoe community members and visitors are invited to celebrate the holiday season at the seventh annual Festival of Trees and Lights.

The family-friendly festival runs from December 2 through December 6 at MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa. This year, all proceeds will support prevention programs and trauma services for Barton Hospital’s Level III Trauma Center.

Fernley man arrested for string of burglaries; WCSO offers home safety tips

Washoe County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a burglary suspect in Caughlin Ranch early this morning after the suspect attempted to elude deputies who were investigating a series of home and vehicle burglaries.

At approximately 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 28, 2015, deputies responded to the area of Longknife Road and Caughlin Parkway on a report of a vehicle burglary that had just occurred. Deputies canvassed the area and identified two burglarized vehicles. Deputies also discovered that the suspect had used garage door openers to enter and burglarize the residences.

It's cold outside! Warmer temps and chance of snow in Lake Tahoe forecast

Residents and visitors in South Lake Tahoe are waking up to some very chilly temperatures with 0 degrees on the thermometer. Clear skies and no snow expected through Wednesday.

Forecast for South Lake Tahoe from the National Weather Service:

Today - Mostly sunny, with a high near 33. East wind around 5 mph.

Tonight - Mostly clear, with a low around 8. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Sunday - Sunny, with a high near 35. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming east in the afternoon.

Sunday Night - Mostly clear, with a low around 12. South wind around 5 mph.

Fatal crash at Highway 88 and Mottsville in Douglas County

GARDNERVILLE, Nev. — Emergency crews responded to the scene of a fatal traffic accident at Highway 88 and Mottsville that occurred at 6:28 p.m. Friday.

One person was killed and four people were injured in the accident, which was reported at 6:28 p.m., according to Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Duncan Dauber. It was the second serious crash at the intersection Friday.

Three vehicles — a red Ford Taurus, a silver BMW and a white Honda SUV — were involved in the accident.

Ask Hopeful Henry: Should I give my dog bones?

This week we had a request for help from a family whose 10 month old German Shepard got his muzzle stuck in a knuckle bone purchased from a pet store. He had eaten out the center of the bone and the bone became lodged onto his jaw. After the owner tried for an hour to remove the bone it became apparent that an emergency vet appointment was need. The bone had broken his tooth and was causing extreme pain. Alpine Animal Hospital was nice enough to squeeze them in right away and was able to remove the bone with a minor surgery.

Increased law enforcement for Click-it or Ticket campaign in Nevada

Douglas County and Lyon County Sheriff's Officers are joining law enforcement from around the state in a Click It or Ticket campaign to remind motorists that seat belts save lives and that failing to buckle up can result in costly ticket fees.

Douglas County deputies get specialized training

Sheriff Ron Pierini recently announced the graduation of two Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputies from the State of Nevada Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Law Enforcement Academy.

Douglas County Deputies Matthew Sampson and Steven Kimbrell graduated from the academy on Thursday, November 19, 2015, after attending the academy for four months. The P.O.S.T. academy is located at the State of Nevada Stewart Training Facility, in Carson City, Nev.

Alumnus returns to the South Tahoe High gym to attempt his 500th career win

His framed photo still sits high on the wall of the gym at South Tahoe High, one that highlights his being awarded the 1983-84 MVP award for Northern Nevada high school basketball players.

Drew Hibbs lead the South Tahoe High basketball team back then, and now he is returning to his old stomping grounds as the coach of two-time California State basketball champion Foothill High School Mustangs, the Sacramento Bee Coach of the Decade, and a coach looking for his 400th career win.

Kudos: South Tahoe Sober Grad night thanks supporters

The South Tahoe High Sober Grad Night Task Force would like to thank the following businesses and individuals who helped make our annual event for the graduating seniors such a success! The kids loved the evening and it couldn't have been made possible if you weren't a part of it.

Michael P. Sheehan, March 12, 1970 - November 21, 2015

Michael P. Sheehan passed away on Nov. 21, 2015. He was the beloved son of David J. and Elizabeth A. (nee Bitzel) Sheehan; loving brother of Kerry DiBiagio and her husband Mark; cherished uncle of Molly and Anthony DiBiagio. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

There will be a private service and interment. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society, 8219 Town Center Drive, Baltimore, MD 21236. Ruck Towson Funeral Home

Prescribed burns to continue in Lake Tahoe basin next week

North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, the Nevada Division of Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service will continue widespread prescribed fire operations beginning the week of November 30, 2015.

Operations are planned for the following areas:

57 acres on urban lots on the west side of Incline Village. Smoke expected to travel North/Northeast/East.

28 acres off Fairway Drive near Tahoe City. Smoke expected to travel North/Northeast/East.

105 acres in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park north of Spooner Lake. Smoked expected to travel Northeast.

Be safe this winter - Be prepared

Winter is here and that means more family and friend gatherings inside the home. Whether in the kitchen, near the fireplace or stove, it’s always a good idea to brush up on home safety tips.

Before we gather around the fireplace or stove, remember these important safety tips:

• Have a qualified professional install stoves, chimney connectors, and chimneys.
• Stoves should have the label of an independent testing laboratory.
• In wood stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood. In pellet stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood pellets.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue incidents

The following is a list of all 911 calls received by South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) from November 1 to November 23, 2015.

November 1, 2015: 3 calls: 2 EMS calls, 1 alarm system malfunction.

November 2, 2015: 15 calls: 4 EMS calls, 1 EMS psych transfer, 1 interfacility transfer, 1 water or steam leak, 1 vehicle accident with injuries, 1 motor accident with no injuries, 1 accident without injuries, 1 fire alarm activated with no fire, 1 electrical wiring problem, 1 dispatch canceled enroute, 1 unauthorized burning, 1 no incident found

Reno man dies in single car accident on Kingsbury Grade

A 52-year-old Reno man died Wednesday night in a single vehicle accident on the Carson Valley side of Kingsbury Grade, a Nevada Highway Patrol trooper said.

The victim was driving a Budget truck westbound when, for an undetermined reason, the vehicle went off the side of the road, hitting a wall. The crash is being investigated as a possible medical issue, said Trooper Dan Lopez.

Traffic was reduced to a single lane in both directions as part of the crash investigation.

Happy Thanksgiving

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. ~Melody Beattie

Happy Thanksgiving to our readers, their families, friends and loved ones.

El Dorado County schools chief gets $125,000 to resign after two DUI arrests

El Dorado County schools chief Jeremy Meyers received a $125,000 buyout package this month for resigning after being arrested twice on suspicion of drunken driving.

In exchange for stepping down Nov. 14, Meyers will receive a lump sum payment equal to his salary through June 2016 – $114,821 – minus taxes and other withholding items, according to a copy of the agreement obtained late Monday through a Public Records Act request. The El Dorado County Office of Education also will pay Meyers a lump sum of $10,930, equal to his medical, dental and life insurance benefits through June.

Plan for heavy traffic during Thanksgiving holiday

Anyone on the roads today noticed a big influx of travelers, both inside the Tahoe basin and on the state's highways.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) advises motorists that experts are predicting a slight increase in all methods of travel nationwide, with about 47 million people traveling either by car or airplane for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Man jailed in South Lake Tahoe last year arrested in SF for alleged child abduction

A man arrested in South Lake Tahoe one year ago has been charged in last week's attempted kidnapping of a toddler who was riding on a MUNI bus in San Francisco with his mother.

On November 17, 2015, 45-year-old Sudesh Singh allegedly grabbed the one-year-old boy as his mother was waiting on a bus for a transfer slip. Singh ran onto the bus and took the child, put him into his arms and ran away, according to officials.

The mother chased after them and freed the screaming toddler from Singh, who was a stranger to both of them, police said.

South Lake Tahoe Police looking for man who robbed teenager

A 16-year-old South Lake Tahoe boy was walking on the bike path behind the Motel 6 on Monday, November 23 when he was robbed by a man who came out of the bushes. The teen was on the path at 1:30 p.m. when the suspect had his hand in his trench coat pocket, simulating a gun, and pointed it at the boy. The suspect demanded money and the young victim, who believed the man had a gun, gave him what he had. The teen was unharmed in the incident.

The unidentified suspect left the area on foot.

The victim described the suspect as:

-White male adult, between 6’00’’ and 6’03’’

Winter Wonderland - Holiday Open House

Event Date: 
December 10, 2015 - 5:30pm

Cozy up by the fire with us and enjoy an evening of appetizers, Blue Moon beer, wine, cocoa, and live acoustic music while you shop discounted prices on Keep Tahoe Blue gifts for the holidays. Give a gift while giving back! Bring an old t-shirt with you and recreate it into a Keep Tahoe Blue keepsake or gift.

Thursday, December 10
5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
League to Save Lake Tahoe office
2608 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe

RSVP by Tuesday, December 8 at keeptahoeblue.org/rsvp or 530.541.5388.
Please carpool as space is limited.

Location

League to Save Lake Tahoe
2608 Lake Tahoe Blvd
United States
38° 55' 34.9176" N, 119° 59' 2.49" W

$17M Indian tribe construction scheme involved condo in South Lake Tahoe

Darrell Hinz was the trusted construction manager hired by the United Auburn Indian Community to complete its Indian Hills Road office project.

Instead, Hinz became enmeshed in a fraud scheme that federal investigators determined would ultimately suck $17 million out of the project in fraudulently inflated invoices.

The money ended up paying for luxuries that included a $70,000 BMW, a condo in South Lake Tahoe and a new swimming pool.

Snow in Lake Tahoe forecast for the next week

Ski resorts, local businesses, visitors and residents welcomed several inches of snow during Tuesday's storm, lending hope that the winter will be a good one for both outdoor sports and the South Lake Tahoe economy.

Heavenly Mountain Resort is reports 8" of new snow and they will have almost half of their runs open Wednesday. Sierra-at-Tahoe received 9" at the base, 10" at the summit and will have five lifts and 13 trails open. Over at Kirkwood, they received 16" of new snow and have four of their 15 lifts open.

Go Local and Win - Shop in South Lake Tahoe this season and win

Shoppers buying locally in South Lake Tahoe between November 28 and January 1 might be taking home more than a gift for someone on their list this season.

"Go Local and Win" is a campaign by the Tahoe Chamber to encourage people to shop in town and not off the hill. By doing so, not only will they support local businesses, they can also win prizes each week.

Lake Valley Fire's Christmas Engine schedule for December

The Lake Valley Fire Protection District has released their schedule for their decorated Christmas Engine. The South Lake Tahoe Fire Department's schedule will be released at the end of next week.

December 11 – Echo View Estates, Tahoe Mountain Road, Mule Deer Circle
December 12 – Lake Tahoe Blvd from Boulder Mountain Drive to Grizzly Mountain Drive
December 13 – West side of North Upper Truckee from Zuni Street Highway 50, Chiapa Drive
December 14 – East side of North Upper Truckee from Grizzly Mountain to West San Bernardino Ave.

Talking turkey: Fabulous brine and a unique barbecue twist

For years I thawed my turkey, covered it with butter and herbs and foil, and popped it into the oven, always afraid to steer away from what I knew worked.

That was, until I watched Emeril Lagasse on Good Morning America about ten year ago. Now, its all about the brine!

The first year I tried the brine I had the recipe all written out and followed it closely, but since then I improvise with whatever is in the kitchen cupboards.

Since this is Tuesday there is still time to do a brine, but you need to hurry.

December Members Meet Up Luncheon

Event Date: 
December 15, 2015 (All day)

Join Tahoe Chamber and its ambassadors at the Members Meet Up Lunch, an intimate networking session exclusive to chamber members. This monthly event offers members the opportunity to introduce themselves and their businesses to a dynamic group of professionals.

Each month Tahoe Chamber will choose a local restaurant to host these networking events. This month's restaurant will be The Timbers at Lakeside Inn & Casino! The lunch will be in the Timber Topper room.

RSVP as soon as possible, as these events are capped at 25 people.

$15 for Members
$30 for Non-Members

Location

Lakeside Inn and Casino - Timbers Restaurant
Stateline, NV 89449
United States
37° 5' 24.864" N, 95° 42' 46.4076" W

Several Lake Tahoe skiers named to U.S. Alpine Ski Team

Several skiers from the Lake Tahoe area were announced to the 2015/16 US Alpine Ski Team, including Olympians Julia Mancuso, Travis Ganong, Tim Jitloff and Marco Sullivan. Even though Mancuso was name to the team she will miss out on the season due to hip surgery, but has her sights set on the 2018 Olympics in PyeongChang.

Men's A Team

David Chodounksy (Crested Butte, CO; Crested Butte Ski Team) 6/25/1984
Travis Ganong (Squaw Valley, CA; Squaw Valley Ski Team) 7/14/1988
Tim Jitloff (Reno, NV; Park City Ski Team) 1/11/1985
Ted Ligety (Park City, UT; Park City Ski Team) 8/31/1984

Reminder: All fourth graders get free tree permits and park passes in Lake Tahoe

President Obama established "Every Kid in a Park," a program which gives free entry to all USFS parks in the country to all fourth grade students.

In Lake Tahoe, all students signed up for the program also get a free Christmas Tree permit from the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit as supplies last.

Fourth graders need to present the paper voucher or Every Kid in a Park pass at the USFS office located at 35 College Drive in South Lake Tahoe.

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