SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It is amazing how far simple praise on a job well done can go. Praise is one of the simplest and most powerful tools to engage and motivate a student, and something that happened ten years ago shows that praise and recognition can be life-long.

On a windy day, embers from a fire can fly for miles. The U.S. Forest Service says, “During windy conditions, embers can be carried long distances, causing spot fires and home ignitions far from a wildfire.”

Clearing out 75 percent of the forest will not save our homes and families from wildfire ember ignitions. “Attempts to alter vegetation before fire comes, or to suppress fire when it ignites, are not keeping communities from burning in fast-moving fires,” according to Beverly Law, Ralph Bloemers, Nancy Colleton, and Mackenzie Allen.

What’s most likely to save our homes and lives?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The weather will be clearing just in time for the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration at Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe. The vibrant spirit of Mexico comes alive for locals and visitors to join in the festivities. From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Mexico with live music, delectable cuisine and irresistible drink specials creating the perfect ambiance for a memorable Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Highlights of the Event Include:

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Valhalla Tahoe kicks off its 2024 season with a living history presentation, “The Reno Cure,” at the Boathouse Theater on Friday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. Reno has long been known as “The Biggest Little City,” but it wasn’t just the introduction of legalized gambling in 1931 that brought the town its fame.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Traffic is currently being held at both Echo Summit and Donner Summit due to spinouts and travel issues. The forecast storm is living up to its potential and there are chain controls on US50, I80, SR89, SR88, and other roads.

This is a fast-moving storm and road controls should be gone overnight.

For current road information in California, visit https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ and in Nevada, https://www.nvroads.com/.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Multiple crews responded to a wildfire on the north end of Fallen Leaf Lake Friday evening. At approximately 6 p.m., USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit DIV 1 & Engine 342, CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit, and South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue were on the scene of a fire that was reported at one-half acre in size.

By about 10 p.m., what was named "The Leaf Fire" was contained with a fuel break completed around the fire.

The cause is under investigation.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe High School Scholarship Night was recently held, and 193 scholarships totaling $326,850 were awarded to over 80 students.

was contributed by the community to the following students:

A Student Who Serves Scholarship - Anthony Pantoja
Active 20-30 Club Hangtown #43 of Placerville Scholarship - Emmie Fiel
AspireKids Scholarships - Addie Menke, Janasia Bransgard, Olivia Hall
Assistance League of Sierra Foothills Scholarship - Sadie Beall

STATELINE, Nev. — The Tahoe Chamber has named the finalists for this year's Blue Ribbon Awards which recognize businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions to the South Tahoe community.

The awards ceremony is on Thursday, May 16, at the Tahoe Blue Event Center.

"Local businesses and organizations play a crucial role in enhancing the vibrancy of our community, serving both residents and visitors," said Chris Proctor, chairperson of the Tahoe Chamber. "It is important for us to acknowledge their contributions annually as a sign of our appreciation and support."

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury has returned a four-count indictment on Thursday against Anton Andreyevich Iagounov, 38, of South Lake Tahoe, charging him with falsely impersonating a federal officer on multiple occasions.

The U.S. Attorney's office said Iagounov pretended to be a federal law enforcement agent by creating false investigative documents, which purported to be sent by a federal agent, in an attempt to obtain government documents and other sensitive information.