high school

Connie Wentz ~ Feb. 19, 1943 - May 10, 2017

Connie Wentz, age 74 of Gardnerville, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2017. She was born February 19, 1943 to Frank and Betty Jean Merrill.

Connie was raised in South Lake Tahoe where she met her husband, Thomas Wentz. They dated throughout junior and senior high school, and had been married for 46 years at the time of his death in 2006.

Connie loved gardening, cooking, traveling, her dogs, and spending time with her friends and family.

Night at the Movies: The Life Aquatic-Navigating the Postmodern Seas

Event Date: 
May 19, 2017 - 7:30pm

Join the South Tahoe High School Digital Media Arts Department and Performing Arts Booster Association as they host their first movie night on May 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the school's viewing room.

Location

STHS TADA Building
1735 Lake Tahoe Blvd.,
United States
38° 54' 35.8704" N, 120° 0' 55.0836" W

Sierra House Elementary raising funds for Charlie Cart Project

From the day they set foot in the kindergarten classroom, students at Sierra House Elementary school learn about soil, seeds, planting and growing food, and now parents at the school are raising money to take lessons for all K-5 students to the next level.

Nevada tourism honors South Shore and Carson Valley residents

The Nevada Division of Tourism recognized outstanding members of the state’s rural tourism industry at the VolunTourism Awards Dinner April 27 in Elko. The awards ceremony was a highlight of the state’s annual Rural Roundup conference.

“Tourism is a significant component of rural Nevada economies,” Claudia Vecchio, Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs director, said. “It is a $2.3 billion industry that continues to grow thanks to the efforts of the tourism professionals in rural Nevada. It is our pleasure to recognize those efforts with this year’s VolunTourism awards.”

31-Day challenge returns to address mental health awareness

South Lake Tahoe, Calif. – Mental Health Awareness Month kicks into gear on May 1. Community members and visitors are encouraged to participate in 31 days of challenges, activities, and events to honor their own mental well-being and reduce the misconceptions about mental health.

Local events include:

4th Annual Mental Health Forum
Tuesday, May 9 - 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Student Union at South Tahoe High School

Two new deputies for Douglas County Sheriff's Office

Douglas County Sheriff Ron Pierini recently swore in two new deputies for his department, Grace Strachan and Dominic Lavezzo.

Deputy Grace Strachan grew up in Nevada and, after high school graduation, attended Sul Ross University in Alpine, Texas where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. After college she attended Texas Basic Police Academy and was hired as a police officer for Sul Ross University Police Department. Deputy Strachan returned to Nevada and recently employed as a public safety dispatcher for Nevada DPS while she sought a peace officer position.

Join in on helping others during "Pay it Forward Week" in South Lake Tahoe

Most places take just one day to officially "Pay it Forward" but one person in the South Lake Tahoe community has made it his goal to cause a ripple effect of kindness through the community for a whole week.

International "Pay it Forward" day is on Friday, April 28 and more than 80 countries and 70 cities across America have made proclamations to join the global initiative and make a difference by creating a huge ripple of kindness across the world. Small acts of kindness, when multiplied by millions of people, can literally change the world for the better.

Kudos: Organizer thanks community for 14th annual Drug Store Project

“Choices, what are yours?” was the theme of our efforts in keeping our youth drug free.

New Strength and Conditioning room at South Tahoe High already big success

The South Lake Tahoe community came together early in 2016 to raise money for a new Strength and Conditioning room at South Tahoe High, and the investment is already paying huge dividends.

"This room is changing the culture of our school," said STHS Football Coach Louis Franklin. "Having a room like this allows each kid to reach their genetic potential."

Student athletes are getting stronger, injuries are down and they are able to maximize their potential on the court, the field, the pool, or whatever the venue is for their sport. Cheerleaders and dancers also utilize the facility.

Former Truckee High football coach dies in head-on collision

Former Truckee High School head football coach Robert Shaffer was killed in a head-on collision outside of Sierraville at Saturday night according to the California Highway Patrol in Truckee.

Shaffer, his wife Lisa and 22-year-old son Patrick were in their Toyota Corolla on SR-89 in Sierra County just before 9:30 p.m. when a Ford F250 driven by 54-year-old David Slaughter of Sacramento drifted into Shaffer's lane.

South Tahoe High well on way to keeping accreditation

South Tahoe High School is still an accredited school. That was the message given during Tuesday's meeting of the Lake Tahoe Unified School District Board of Trustees as staff updated them on their ongoing efforts to hit the targets set for the next visit by Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC) in March of 2018.

Several parents have voiced their concerns that students aren't getting in the colleges of their choice due to the school's status.

LTUSD and LTCC dual enrollment gives high school students college credits

A collaboration between the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) and Lake Tahoe Community College District (LTCC) will soon make it possible for South Tahoe High School (STHS) students to graduate with an AA degree at the same time they get their diploma.

It all starts with an expansion to the three current dual enrollment classes this fall.

By taking these classes, STHS students receive both high school and college credit for successfully passing designated courses, at no cost, possibly saving families tens of thousands of dollars for two years of college.

Last day of school announced for Douglas County Schools; LTUSD waiting on State

Douglas County School District (DCSD) now knows when the last day of school will be for their schools both at the lake and in the valley, but Lake Tahoe Unified District (LTUSD) is waiting on word from California if their seven day waiver was accepted.

The State of Nevada let DCSD know that most of their students wouldn't have to make up any of the days of school missed during this winter's snow storms. The lone exception was George Whittell High School in Zephyr Cove. Their students had to attend school on Friday, March 24 to make up an extra snow day.

NDOT begins installing new "Welcome to Nevada” signs

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has begun installation of new “Welcome to Nevada” signs designed by Nevada art students.

The first welcome sign was installed Wednesday, March 15 at the Nevada-California border on State Route 88 south of Minden. Signs will be installed at approximately 25 other border locations statewide over the coming months.

Instead of the welcome signs, select border crossings such as State Route 28 in Crystal Bay and U.S. 395 near Bordertown will receive gateway monuments in the future.

Kudos: STHS Track & Field Team appreciative of community support

The South Tahoe High School track and field team is humbled and proud to honor community partners who contributed to making our season a success this spring.

In an effort to revamp and enhance our program, we reached out to a wide variety of businesses and donors. We had gracious support from small local businesses all the way to large corporations.

LTUSD accepts South Tahoe High Principal's resignation, search begins for replacement

This story has been updated 3/16/17.

The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) Board formally accepted the resignation of Chad Houck, the principal of South Tahoe High during their Tuesday night meeting, though word of the upcoming change in leadership had been circulating for weeks.

"Chad will be seeking other opportunities," said LTUSD Superintendent Dr. Jim Tarwater.

The popular principal has received a lot of support from parents, the community and staff.

53rd annual DeCelle Memorial Lake Tahoe Relay coming this June

Event Date: 
June 10, 2017 - 7:00am

On Saturday, June 10, 2017, runners will once again run counter-clockwise around Lake Tahoe during the 53rd annual DeCelle Memorial Lake Tahoe Relay. Considered to be the oldest relay race in the country, the Lake Tahoe Relay began as a New Year's gag by a group of college runners in 1959, grew into a tribute to a beloved son, and has evolved over decades as a family's labor of love. With altitudes up to 6,500 ft. on the 72-mile course around scenic Lake Tahoe, this race is as fun as it is challenging.

South Tahoe High skiers among tops in state; Whittell's Norton takes 2nd

Just as it had during most of the 2017 high school ski season, the Tahoe Basin State Championships held in South Lake Tahoe happened in the midst of a major snow storm.

Both days of events were switched to Sierra-at-Tahoe who kept the lifts running long enough for the student athletes to finish the slalom (SL) and grand slalom (GS) races.

South Tahoe High's girls team came in first in the slalom and third in the grand slalom, and the boys team took third in both races.

South Tahoe High School presents "You Can't Take It With You"

Event Date: 
March 24, 2017 - 6:30pm

South Tahoe High School's Drama Department is presenting their spring production "You Can't Take It With You" March 24 to April 1 in the school's TADA (Tahoe Arts & Design Academy) Theater.

This delightful, fast paced, classic comedy by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman centers around the Sycamore family and their zany household. It is a story of young love in a family that defies convention and will have you laughing at the absurd situations and leaving the theatre with a warm contented feeling.

Location

South Tahoe High Schoo T.A.D.A. Theater
1735 Lake Tahoe Blvd STHS T.A.D.A. Theater
United States
38° 54' 35.8704" N, 120° 0' 55.0836" W

Liberty Utilities scholarships open to area high school and LTCC students

Liberty Utilities is once again offering academic scholarships for eligible high school and college students within its service territory which includes South Lake Tahoe, North Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas. The eight schools participating in the fifth annual scholarship program are South Tahoe High School, Loyalton High School, Douglas High School (students residing in Alpine County only), Coleville High School, North Tahoe High School, Truckee High School and Portola High School, as well as Lake Tahoe Community College.

Snow days and late starts at area schools

Tahoe Truckee School District schools have joined Lake Tahoe Unified schools and are closed today, Monday, March 6.

Douglas County schools at the lake are open but starting 90 minutes late and students will be picked up at main stops only.

Incline Village schools are on a two-hour delay.

Pollock Pines elementary and middle school are having a snow day as well. El Dorado High School is on a two-hour delay.

McClintock hosts another raucous town hall in El Dorado Hills

More than 1,700 people turned out Saturday morning at an El Dorado Hills high school to once again let Republican Rep. Tom McClintock know how they feel about GOP policies and his support of President Donald Trump.

Like three other town halls McClintock has hosted in the past month, the majority of attendees were angry and spoke vehemently about recent changes in immigration law, the proposed repeal of the Affordable Care Act and civil rights issues.

South Lake Tahoe Mayor working on his moves for Dancing With the Tahoe Stars

Event Date: 
March 4, 2017 - 6:30pm

What has become the South Lake Tahoe area "event to attend" for the past four years, Tahoe Arts Project's Dancing With the Tahoe Stars once again has filled the stage with men and women from the local community.

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Austin Sass and his professional partner Catherine Arens are two of those participating on the MontBleu stage and have been working several hours a week on their Samba routine.

South Tahoe High Alpine Ski Teams 2nd and 3rd in League, State Championships start Monday

The 2017 Tahoe Basin Ski League State Championships (State) gets underway on Monday at Sierra-at-Tahoe, with several south shore skiers taking the gates for their schools. Tuesday's competition will move to Heavenly Mountain Resort.

Too much snow actually got in the way of a full season of competition for the South Tahoe High Alpine Ski Team.

Trudy Greenough 1932 - 2017

Like the sunshine on a summer day Trudy's smile and child like curiosity will be greatly missed world round as she stayed connected with every continent. Born in Modesto, Ca. to Orville and Tillie Harding.

Ruth Marie Hanson Woods 1927-2017

Ruth Marie Hanson Woods, 89, passed away January 16, 2017 at Sunshine Terrace in Logan, Utah. Ruth was born on Labor Day, September 5, 1927 in Santa Rosa, California. Her mother used to say, “What an appropriate day for Ruth to be born, on Labor Day.”

She was an only child, the loving and devoted daughter of Percy Brunell and Helen Patricia LeCornec Hanson. She was raised in Santa Rosa and attended area schools and graduated from Santa Rosa High School in 1945. She married Norman C. Woods on April 13, 1947, at St. Rose Catholic Church, in Santa Rosa.

Eight South Tahoe High students commit to play soccer for LTCC

"Women's soccer has arrived," said Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) Women's Soccer Coach Jeremy Evans as he introduced the six South Tahoe High School (STHS) athletes that will be playing for him in the fall.

"I think we will finally be there," Evans said of a team that is primed for post-season play. Not only did he recruit the six young ladies from STHS, he also is adding a Truckee player, one from Reno, a Las Vegas player who was on state championship team for four years and has 14 returnees from his 2016 team.

El Dorado County DA announces passing of Deputy DA Katie Dobler

El Dorado County Deputy District Attorney, Katie Dobler, passed away early Monday morning, February 13, 2017. She was 35 years old.

"The People of the State of California, the residents of El Dorado County, and the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office have lost a passionate and relentless advocate for justice," said District Attorney Vern Pierson. "Katie’s family, friends, and coworkers have lost a loving daughter, sister, and friend who was fiercely loyal and devoted."

Opinion: Why themed schools work in South Lake Tahoe

As we look at reopening the Al Tahoe Elementary School as a STEAM academy, it is important to take a look back at the journey Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) has taken to get to where we are today.

Following decades of desegregation efforts and forced busing, lawsuits in the 1990s effectively brought a halt to desegregation efforts in the country. Neighborhood schools in South Lake Tahoe may have been segregated, not only based on race, but based on income levels.

South Tahoe High wrestler is tops in state for second straight year

During all four years at South Tahoe High School, Andrew Herrera has made it to the Nevada State Wrestling Championships, and Saturday night he capped it off with his second consecutive first place finish.

Wresting at 195 lbs, Herrera beat Brennan Reese of Spring Creek for the second straight week. They met last week at the 3A Northern League Wrestling Championships with the same results as February 11, a win by the South Tahoe High senior.

Flooding, highway and road closures in South Lake Tahoe and Meyers

11:45 a.m. update: A large boulder has rolled onto Highway 50 near Bridal Veil Falls in the eastbound lane. Be prepared for diverted traffic.

* * *
There are several flooded areas in the South Lake Tahoe and Meyers areas, resulting in some road closures.

As of 9:00 a.m. Thursday, the following roads are experiencing flooding:

Tahoe Keys - State Streets and Tahoe Keys Blvd
Bijou Area - Bill Avenue, Shirley Avenue, Betty Rae Ct, Vanda Lee, Woodbine Avenue
Portions of Glenwood Way
Portions of Pioneer Trail
Portions of lake Tahoe Blvd between the Y and High School

Tahoe Truckee Unified School District receives largest rebate ever awarded by Liberty Utilities

Almost $20,000 was recently awarded to the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD) for improvements made in 2016 to increase energy efficiency at two school facilities.

Even though the check Liberty Utilities gave to TTUSD was for $19,638.42, the district can expect more than $15,700 in annual energy bill savings.

The rebate represented the largest incentive payment provided to any commercial customer by Liberty Utilities since it began operations in the Lake Tahoe and surrounding region.

The district made the following two changes:

2017 Miss Carson City and Miss Douglas County crowned

A year can pass very quickly. Just ask Samantha Byassee and Karrina Ferris, who were crowned Miss Carson City and Miss Carson City Outstanding Teen, respectively, in 2016.

One year later, the two reigning local titleholders in the Miss America organization turned their crowns over to the 2017 winners Saturday night on stage in the Bob Boldrick Theater at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William Street in Carson City.

"Savor every moment, because a year will go by so fast," Ferris said in her farewell speech to the waiting contestants.

Two South Tahoe High wrestlers take first at Northerns, headed to Nevada State Tournament

Truckee High School was the scene of this weekend's two-day 2017 NIAA 3A Northern League Wrestling Championships, with two South Tahoe High athletes moving onto the mats at the Nevada State Wrestling Championships at Spanish Springs High School in Sparks February 10-11.

Carolyn "Callie" Clark Goodenough 1938-2017

Carolyn Clark Goodenough (Callie) passed away peacefully from complications of Alzheimer’s disease on January 9, 2017 with her husband Ray by her side. Callie was born on August 27, 1938 in Albuquerque, New Mexico to John and Nell Graham. She was the oldest of three children, and, according to her sister, the most mischievous. This caused her poor father much consternation in the conservative ‘50’s.

The family moved around a bit, finally settling in Newport Beach, Calif. Callie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from San Diego State University.

South Tahoe High Dance Team for a Day open to kids grades 1-8

Dance Team for a Day is back! Join the South Tahoe High School Varsity Dance Team for a fun day of dancing and performing on Saturday, February 4 starting at 10:00 a.m. Participants will spend the day with the team, learn dances and then perform at the halftime show of the South Tahoe High vs. Lowry High of Winnemucca basketball game at 2:30 p.m.

This is a fundraiser for the team and costs $35 which includes a performance T-Shirt and lunch.

Participants will need to wear black leggings or sweatpants, jazz shoes or tennis shoes and hair must be worn away from the face.

South Lake Tahoe trio returns to town for TAP's Tahoe Boys Variety Show

Event Date: 
February 3, 2017 - 7:00pm

What does a member of the Blue Man Group, a Los Angeles musician and music teacher, and an actor and YouTube video star have in common?

They are all graduates of South Tahoe High School (STHS) and returning for a week of variety shows at local schools culminating with a special Friday night performance at MontBleu on February 3. 2017.

Brothers Nick and Chris Smith will make the way back to South Lake Tahoe from Hollywood with Sean Pawling as part of the Tahoe Arts Project's Tahoe Boys Variety Show.

More snow days announced for Monday

More schools will be having a snow day on Monday. Zephyr Cove Elementary and Whittell High School just announced their closure. The other Douglas County Schools in the valley will be on a two-hour delayed start.

Up at Tahoe Truckee School District, they are watching snow and road conditions and will make their decision at 4:00 a.m. Monday morning.

Lake Tahoe Unified School District on the South Shore already announced their snow day for January 23.

Incline Village schools will also be closed and all other Washoe County schools are on a two-hour delays.

South Tahoe and Whittell High School girls recognized by Soroptimists

In a tradition dating back decades, the Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe recognized local high school students for not only their academic and athletic achievements, but for their work in the community.

Patricia Hicks (Pat) McCulloch 1948 - 2017

Native Nevadan Patricia Hicks McCulloch (Pat) died peacefully on Monday, January 9 after a long illness. She was preceded in death by her husband, William H. (Bill) McCulloch.

Pat was, as they say, a "force of nature". She was a dear family member to dozens and a dear friend to literally hundreds and she was never without a smile on her face.

El Dorado County teen arrested for murdering relative

What first appeared to be a case of a 16-year-old high school student bringing a loaded firearm onto campus Thursday quickly turned into a murder investigation.

At 8:00 a.m. January 19, the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) was notified that a student at Ponderosa High School in Shingle Springs had been detained for bringing a loaded firearm onto campus. Upon deputies arrival at the school, they placed the student under arrest for the possession of the firearm.

National Trails Day in South Lake Tahoe postponed

1/13/17 update: Too much of a good thing can sometimes put a hitch in your plan! Tahoe received record snowfall in the past week and although clear skies are expected for the day of the hike, it has been postponed to a February date yet to be determined.

In addition, both the City and US Forest Services offices and Lake Tahoe Unified School District have been shut down for most of the week creating additional challenges getting the Generation Green students prepared to lead the event.

* * *

Update on Lake Tahoe area schools opened and closed

Douglas County Schools at the lake are open Thursday, but it is main bus stops only for both Whittell High School and Zephyr Cove Elementary.
These stops are designated as:

The corner of Tina Court and Ski Court for students living in the Tramway and Kingsbury Village area:

WHS - Bus will arrive at 6:40 a.m. and depart at 7:05 a.m.
ZCES - Bus will arrive at 7:57 a.m. and depart at 8:20 a.m.

Glenbrook area will board at the entrance to Glenbrook
WHS - Bus will arrive at 6:32 a.m.
ZCES - Bus will arrive at 7:36 a.m.

All Tahoe area schools are closed Wednesday

Here is a recap of all area school closures on Wednesday, January 11.

Lake Tahoe Unified schools are closed. Only essential staff members at the District Office and Snow Removal / Maintenance staff should report to work. All other staff are asked to please stay at home.

Both Whittell High School and Zephyr Cove Elementary School are closed today. All other Douglas County Schools are open.

All Tahoe Truckee schools and offices will be closed. There will be NO morning snow phone calls on Wednesday.

Kenneth Carl Rollston 1944 - 2017

Kenneth Carl Rollston died on January 3, 2017 while on a trip to Monterey.

He is survived by his wife Nancy Carpenter Rollston; his sisters Joanne, Garol, Lynne, and Marci; his sons Jim and Brian and their wives Keri and Viktoria; Nancy's sons Christopher and Erik and their wives Yvonne and Andrea; and six grandchildren on whom he doted: Ryland and Kaj, Zane and Miranda, and Griffin and Maggie.

Blizzard conditions cause Lake Tahoe schools to close

If you or your child go to school in Lake Tahoe, consider yourself off for the day.

Lake Tahoe Unified School District has canceled school on Tuesday, January 10 due to blizzard conditions, extending the two-week break another day.

Lake Tahoe Community College is closed. Sierra Nevada College is closed.

Both Douglas County Schools at the lake, Zephyr Cove Elementary and George Whittell High School are closed. Jacks Valley Elementary School in the valley is closed due to flooding but all other County schools are open.

Truckee River nearing flood stage as torrential rains hit South Lake Tahoe

Emergency crews have been busy all day, responding to homes, businesses and roads flooding. The number of calls haven't been accumulated yet, but those listening to police and sheriff scanner feeds know it must be dozens if not, hundreds.

The Upper Truckee River in South Lake Tahoe is at 11.26 feet as of 7:00 p.m. Sunday. 11.50 feet is considered major flooding with 12.5 feet at the disastrous level.

Evacuation Center opened in South Lake Tahoe

7:25 p.m. update Sunday - A second evacuation site has been set up at South Tahoe Middle School in the Multi-Purpose Room. It will accommodate pets and is staffed by the City of South Lake Tahoe staff and South Tahoe Action Team volunteers.

* * *
The City of South Lake Tahoe and American Red Cross have opened an evacuation center at South Tahoe High School in the school's student union.

It is located at 1735 Lake Tahoe Boulevard. The Recreation Swim Complex is not available as an evacuation center due to flooding at that location.

William "Bill" Van Dyke Johnson 1931-2016

Former El Dorado County Supervisor and long time South Lake Tahoe resident William "Bill" Van Dyke Johnson passed away on December 19,2016 in South Lake Tahoe.

Bill was born at the J-Lazy-J Ranch on Mottsville Lane in Gardnerville on March 21, 1931 and was a member of Gardnerville High School class of 1949. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War for two years.

After the war, Bill attended hotel and restaurant management school in San Francisco, Calif. On Aug. 29, 1953, he married Felice Muldoon in South Lake Tahoe and they had three children: Ross, Kent and Curtis.

Kudos: Local high schools benefit from Snowglobe

Snowglobe gave back to the community by using local high school boosters clubs to run their merchandising booths during the three-day music festival in South Lake Tahoe.

Both the South Tahoe High and George Whittell High School booster clubs participated.

"The Snowglobe staff was unbelievable, Chad Donnelly, Leah Chisholm, Lauren Winschester, Kaitlin (in accounting), Erin (credential) and Luke White," said the booster clubs. "The job was a little larger than described but it was a great learning experience and fundraiser for both schools."

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