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SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County.

Most traffic-interfering work will be restricted from 6:00 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8 due to the Labor Day holiday.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe Refuse Transfer Station at 2140 Ruth Avenue is currently closed due to a hazmat (hazardous materials) situation. South Lake Tahoe Police and Fire Rescue are currently at the scene and Hazmat crew is on their way from Placerville.

If anyone is waiting for a dump truck to come to their home there is a delay. Trucks were able to get to many homes but if they are full they are unable to empty their load at the station and return to neighborhoods.

Jeanette Tillman of South Tahoe Refuse said a couple of employees were transferred to the hospital.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

8:30 p.m. SUNDAY UPDATE: The Loyalton Fire which originated east of the town of Loyalton and southwest of Mount Ina Coolbrith is now estimated at 29,828 acres and 0 percent contained. It is north and east adjacent to the areas of Beckwourth Pass and Hallelujah Junction.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

By motor or by paddle, the experience of boating on Lake Tahoe is like none other. Hovering over its crystal clear shallows and unfathomable depths inspires awe, and the surrounding mountains and forests combine for a breathtaking experience. Given this, it is understandable that boating is both a major part of Tahoe’s culture and its regional economy.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Work had been underway on two phases of the 3.86-mile long South Tahoe Greenway Shared-Use Trail but activity has come to a temporary halt due to material issues.

COVID-19 resulted in delayed delivery of materials for the precast concrete boardwalk system needed on the trail. The Houston, Texas concrete plant contracted for the project has been directly impacted.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - In response to the number of people and groups expected at a protest in Minden, Nevada on Saturday, Douglas County officials have expanded traffic controls to keep everyone safe.

Cement walls have alread been installed to block motor vehicle traffic on Water Street to allow participants to move safely and freely on foot in the area. The protest is planned for 11:00 a.m. on August 8 on the steps of the Judicial Law Enforcement Center in Minden. The road is planned to be closed until Monday.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has completed 10,135 inspections and opened 156 regulatory cases since gaming properties were able to reopen on June 4 after they were closed for over two months. All have been related to non-compliance with the Board’s Health and Safety Policies issued on May 28. To date, they have alleged findings against four licensees

The Tahoe East Shore Trail will be temporarily closed to public access between the Tunnel Creek Café and Sand Harbor on Tuesday, August 4 (all day), and Wednesday, August 5 through Friday, August 7 (after 8:00 p.m.) for the initial phase of a community mural art project.

The Tahoe Fund, Tahoe Public Art and Nevada State Parks collaborated to commission the mural to augment the natural beauty of the Tahoe East Shore Trail and transform a utilitarian tunnel into a community-involved, relevant art experience.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. _ There is a special meeting of the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) on Thursday, July 30 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss and take action on a reopening plan for the 2020-21 school year.

To help stop the spread of the coronavirus, California Governor Gavin Newsom has added more counties to his "watch list," those showing concerning trends in rates of COVID-19. This list now numbers 37 which makes up 93 percent of the state's population. There are 58 counties in the state.

New on that list are Mono County (home to Mammoth Mountain) and Santa Cruz County, a popular tourist destination. North Lake Tahoe is in Placer County which was added to the list earlier this month.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe has reopened their boat ramp at Lakeview Avenue and Lake Tahoe Blvd.

They closed the ramp for two weeks as the City reevaluated its operating plans due to a spike in COVID-19 cases and the significant increase of visitors to the area.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - School districts across the country are working on how to safely open for the fall term. Some are going completely digital, some are electing to have in-person classes, and other are considering a hybrid of both types of learning. Besides guidelines from states, districts have to consider further guidelines from local health officials as they create a plan.

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - When the three parking lots with 90 spaces were created last year in Incline Village for the popular East Shore Trail, they were free but all were told paid parking was coming in the near future.

That time has now come.

Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) has unveiled the Park Tahoe pilot program at the trailhead north of Ponderosa Rand Road. The lots were created to expand off-highway parking options along the high traffic area of SR28 between Incline Village and Sand Harbor State Park.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) continues to work on area highways. The following is their current project list at Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has reopened Highway 395, deeming it safe to travel. The road has been closed due to the Numbers Fire.

Crews have been working on guard rails damaged by the fire which has burned 20,000 acres and is currently 5 percent contained. Three homes and 37 outbuildings have been lost or damaged.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Lake Tahoe has 17 percent of El Dorado County's population but around half of the confirmed COVID-19 cases. With a steady increase in confirmed cases over the last few weeks combined with the 4th of July influx of visitors, the County's Public Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams is looking at the possibility of more restrictive measures for businesses and the public.

UPDATE 7:335 p.m.: Douglas County officials say the Numbers Fire has now reached 18,000 acres and is 0% contained. The recommended evacuations for the Bodie Flats and Pineview areas have been lifted. Only residents are allowed to these areas. Please drive safely, watch for emergency vehicles, and be ready for possible future instructions in an ever-changing situation.

Multiple local, state, and federal agencies continue to work on containing the fire using dozers, hand crews, and aircraft.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - COVID-19 testing will continue in the Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) Physical Education building through the end of July, at a minimum.

The LTCC virus testing site is the only large scale site in El Dorado County after the site at Ponderosa High School in Shingle Springs closed. There has since opened a testing site in El Dorado Hills.

The decision to continue using the facility as a testing site will be made on a month-to-month basis going forward.

Firefighters continued fire suppression operations Sunday on the Poeville Fire burning on the east side of Peavine Mountain northwest of Reno.

The fire actively burned Saturday night in brush and grass and as of Sunday afternoon was 30 percent contained and has burned 3,000 acres. At least eight structures burned, according to Truckee Meadows Fire.

Most road closures and evacuations have been lifted, according to the Washoe County Sheriff's Office. All roads are back open except for Heindel Road and Meyers Avenue as of 5:00 p.m. Sunday.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A recent visitor at the Motel 6 on Lake Tahoe Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe called the motel on Friday, informing them they tested positive for COVID-19 after their Tahoe visit.

The motel is now shut down for 14 days and the employees that came in contact with the guest have self-quarantined for two weeks. Guests who were already checked in when the motel found out will finish up their reservation but no new check-ins will be allowed.

Motel 6 will reopen after their quarantine is over on July 9, after the busy 4th of July holiday weekend.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With more and more cases of COVID-19 being confirmed across the nation and more people traveling, the chances of employees at our favorite stores, businesses, and restaurants having the virus are also increasing.

Such was the case this past weekend at The Beacon Bar & Grill in South Lake Tahoe.

An employee showed up for work on Saturday, June 20, and informed management he was running a fever. They immediately sent the employee home. A COVID-19 test taken on Sunday confirmed he was positive for the virus on Tuesday.

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - El Dorado County health officials have announced 15 new cases of COVID-19 since Friday, bringing the total to 145.

The new cases are nine males, six females, seven ages 18-49, five in the 50-65 age group, and three 65 and older.

There were nine new cases in the Lake Tahoe region, three in Greater Placerville, two in Cameron Park/Shingle Springs, and one in El Dorado Hills. Since the local casinos opened on June 4 there have been 48 new cases of the coronavirus in the Lake Tahoe region of El Dorado County.

ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. - The Class of 2020 at George Whittell High School will hold its graduation on Friday, June 19. Since only immediate family members can attend the socially distancing graduation ceremony there will be a parade starting at Kahle Park on Kingsbury Grade at 10:00 a.m. The procession of cars will go along Highway 50 and end up at the Warrior Way high school in Zephyr Cove. Those wanting to cheer the graduates on may do so from along the four-mile route.