Hiking
An historical hike at Carson Pass to learn about the Devil' s Ladder on July 30th at 10 AM
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 07/26/2023 - 9:26am
Event Date:
July 30, 2023 (All day) The Eldorado National Forest Interpretative Association will offer a free Historical hike on Saturday, July 30th, at 10:00 AM which starts at the Carson Pass Information Station on HWY 88. It will be a 45 minute hike above Red Lake to explore the Devil's Ladder. We recommend that participants wear good shoes and bring water. We also urge visitors to call 209-258-8606 to reserve a spot or arrive slightly early to register.
Geology hike at Carson Pass to Frog Lake on July 29 at 10:30 AM
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 07/26/2023 - 9:20am
Event Date:
July 29, 2023 (All day) The Eldorado National Forest Interpretative Association will offer a free Geology hike on Saturday, July 29th, at 10:30 AM which starts at the Carson Pass Information Station on HWY 88. It will be a 1-2 hour hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. We recommend that participants wear good shoes and bring water. We also urge visitors to call 209-258-8606 to reserve a spot as we are limited to 12 participants on this hike.
Junior Ranger Scavenger Hunt for youth
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 07/26/2023 - 9:16am
Event Date:
July 28, 2023 (All day) The Eldorado National Forest Interpretative Association will offer a free Junior Ranger Scavenger hike on Friday, July 28th, at 10:00 AM which starts at the Carson Pass Information Station on HWY 88. It will be a 1 hour scavenger hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. Youth 5-15 are invited to learn more about the Carson Pass and the Mokelumne Wilderness to earn a Junior Ranger Badge. All participants who complete the hike will earn their badge! We recommend that participants wear good shoes and bring water.
Interested in becoming a member of AAUW?
Submitted by paula on Sun, 01/24/2021 - 9:19pmThe AAUW – South Lake Tahoe Branch is a branch of the American Association of University Women, a national organization of more than 170,000 members and supporters. Founded in 1881, the AAUW has been the voice heard at the national level promoting education equity for girls and women.
The AAUW today seeks to continue to unite graduates of educational institutions and be a powerful advocate and visible leader in equity and education through research, philanthropy, and measurable change in critical areas impacting the lives of women and girls.
Column: Positive momentum through relationships for Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 01/15/2021 - 8:21pmLike many residents and visitors of Lake Tahoe, I have had the good fortune of running, hiking, swimming, skiing, dining, lodging and otherwise living in and around Lake Tahoe nearly all of my life. Tahoe has played a vital role in the development of my most treasured relationship, with my wife Lisa, where we both learned to care for much more than ourselves, and where we were married 25 years ago on the west shore.
Teresa Diane Golden ~ 1944 - 2020
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/12/2021 - 9:00pmTeresa Diane Golden, known as Teri, passed away peacefully in her home on December 29, 2020. She was 76. Teri loved living in South Lake Tahoe. She was active in the Democratic Party, Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care, Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless, Christmas Cheer, the Drugstore Project, helping hikers on the Pacific Rim Trail, the AARP tax preparation, and many other endeavors. Teri was also a member of the Community Presbyterian Church and The Women of the Moose. Her neighbors described her as a loving and generous person.
Del Laine ~ March 20, 1930 - December 18, 2020
Submitted by paula on Fri, 12/18/2020 - 3:12pmDel Laine has left her mark on South Lake Tahoe in ways that many local residents might not know. She was a mover and shaker, whose focus was on making the city a better place. Her most important role, though, was promoting the well-being of women.
This pioneer died Dec. 18, 2020, at home from natural causes, with family at her side. She was 90.
She was born Dolores Mae Wright on March 20, 1930, in Oakland, Calif., to Mabel Paulson and Leslie Wright.
New ear, nose, throat specialist joins Barton Health
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/07/2020 - 10:08amBarton Health has welcomed Alexander Manteghi, DO, to the team of providers as its new Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physician in South Lake Tahoe. Dr. Manteghi
is treating children and adults, delivering a full array of surgical and non-surgical ENT medical services; including allergy therapy, treatments for ear and throat infections, sinus and nasal issues, head and neck illnesses, snoring, voice, and hearing problems.
Former Lake Tahoe News now offers archives for free
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/17/2020 - 10:49amStories published on Lake Tahoe News are now free in archival form.
Lake Tahoe News was the preeminent source for news about the greater Lake Tahoe area from 2009-18. When it closed in summer 2018 the site was accessible via a paywall. That has been removed so people may access past stories without paying a fee.
Park grounds to remain open as Van Sickle Bi-State Park facilities close for season
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/06/2020 - 10:29pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Tahoe Conservancy announced Friday that the gates to Van Sickle Bi-State Park have closed for the winter season. Although roads and facilities will close, the park grounds remain open to pedestrian access year-round.
The 725-acre Van Sickle Bi-State Park provides day-use opportunities for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. For visitor safety, sledding is not allowed.
Lake Tahoe Christmas Tree permits available November 16 online
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/08/2020 - 9:36amChristmas tree permits for National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin will be available for purchase online through Recreation.gov beginning November 16, 2020. Details about designated cutting areas, dates and types of trees that may be cut can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/ltbmu.
South Lake Tahoe Library hosts virtual author talk with Kathryn Reed
Submitted by paula on Sat, 09/19/2020 - 11:06amEvent Date:
September 23, 2020 - 6:00pm
The South Lake Tahoe Library is hosting a virtual author talk with Kathryn "Kae" Reed on Wednesday, September 23 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.. She will be discussing her new book, Snowshoeing Around Lake Tahoe: Must-Do Scenic Treks.
FAQs from the US Forest Service on closures
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/15/2020 - 12:55pmThe USFS regional emergency closures have created a lot of questions from forest recreational users. Here are the frequently asked questions (FAQ) provided by the Forest Service:
Q) Is there an imminent threat of fire, are we in immediate danger?
Fire updates: Fork, North, Slink, Creek
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/09/2020 - 8:47pmThere are over 40 major fires currently burning in California, filling skies with heavy smoke from the ocean to the Sierra up and down the state. While there are no fires in the Lake Tahoe Basin, there are a few close enough to be responsible for sending smoke into the region. The closest is the Fork Fire east of Lake Tahoe about 13 miles northeast of Pollock Pines. To the south is the Slink Fire and northwest is the large North Complex.
Fork Fire
Statistics on the Fork Fire have not been updated all day. As of 11:00 a.m. Wednesday the estimated size was 2,500 acres.
South Lake Tahoe City Council candidates respond to #IRunWithMaud questions
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/03/2020 - 4:03pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be two new members of the South Lake Tahoe City Council after the November 3 election. In the coming weeks the pubic will have chances to hear from the candidates both via zoom, in print and possibly in person. Below are eight of the ten candidates responses to questions asked by the local #IRunWithMaud group.
Bare Roots Roasting putting "neighborhood" back into the coffee shop in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/01/2020 - 10:58pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Little did Nikki and Justin Foskett know that their planned grand opening of Bare Roots Artisan Coffee Roasting Company would come on the day the pandemic shut everything down.
They didn't despair though, and spent the down time roasting beans, expanding their menu and putting everything they sell online for all to enjoy. Opening a new business is always tough, exciting and stressful, but COVID-19 added a whole lot of unknowns to the picture.
Walk or hike to end the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide
Submitted by paula on Wed, 08/26/2020 - 4:37pmJoin the Suicide Prevention Network in their efforts to end the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide. Throughout the month of September, people are encouraged to get outside and walk or hike with friends and family, or on your own. Physical activity and spending time outdoors is good for our mental wellness so this is the perfect time to encourage and empower others to join this movement.
All monies raised benefit the prevention, education and outreach programs at Suicide Prevention Network.
How to Hike for Hope
Mask mandates in South Lake Tahoe: What you need to know
Submitted by paula on Wed, 08/19/2020 - 12:52pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe has released their emergency order that will require masks worn in the city limits starting Friday, August 21, 2020. Below are facts, questions and answers:
What is the mask mandate?
Governor Newsome mandated all Californians wear a mask in certain circumstances to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For more details on that order click here.
How does the administrative fine work?
George William Craven, Sr. ~ November 28, 1938 – August 5, 2020
Submitted by paula on Tue, 08/18/2020 - 9:15amGeorge passed away peacefully in his home in the presence of family on August 5, 2020.
George was born in New York City, NY. He attended Brooklyn Technical
High School, Notre Dame University, and Carnegie Mellon University, where he
met his wife, Elaine, and acquired his MBA. He and his wife were married for 57
years. In 1995 they moved to Lake Tahoe where George and his wife have been
real estate brokers for the more than 25 years. Nonetheless, his first and foremost
concern was always his family.
George loved Lake Tahoe and spent many hours skiing and hiking. His favorite
South Lake Tahoe resident tests positive for plague, most likely from flea bite
Submitted by paula on Mon, 08/17/2020 - 10:29amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A South Lake Tahoe resident has tested positive for plague according to El Dorado County health officials. The individual is currently under the care of a medical professional and is recovering at home.
It’s believed that the person, an avid walker, may have been bitten by an infected flea while walking their dog along the Truckee River Corridor north of Highway 50 or the Tahoe Keys area in South Lake Tahoe. Health officials started investigating the situation after being notified by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
Rheumatologist Leah Krull, MD joins team at Barton Health
Submitted by paula on Sat, 08/01/2020 - 7:49amBoard-certified rheumatologist, Leah Krull, MD, has joined the team of medical experts practicing at Barton Health. A physician skilled at addressing autoimmune and joint diseases such as inflammatory arthritis, vasculitis, gout, and lupus, Dr. Krull is treating patients at the Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness in South Lake Tahoe.
Rheumatology manages conditions that affect joints and the body as a whole due to systemic inflammation.
Man arrested in connection with Sunday's three Lake Tahoe area fires
Submitted by paula on Wed, 07/08/2020 - 12:35pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - One man has been arrested in connection with three suspicious fires in the Echo Peak and Echo Lakes area on July 5, 2020. The fires, the Echo Fire, the Upper Fire, and the Lake Fire, appear to have been intentionally started.
South Lake Tahoe COVID-19 cases alarming to health officials
Submitted by paula on Wed, 07/08/2020 - 10:58amEvent Date:
July 9, 2020 - 2:00pm
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.
Local teen facing brain surgery, fundraiser established
Submitted by paula on Sat, 07/04/2020 - 11:54pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Maddy Moody, a former South Lake Tahoe student and current Douglas High sophomore, will be at the UC San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital at the end of the month for brain surgery.
Chase International Real Estate welcomes Brian Bourgeois to South Lake Tahoe office
Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 07/02/2020 - 2:20pmChase International recently welcomed Brian Bourgeios to its real estate office in South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
For over a decade, Bourgeois has assisted those who need to sell their home, buy a new property, or invest in timeshare opportunities. Throughout each transaction, he skillfully negotiated the waters to secure the best value and solution for all involved. These talents and tenacity define the reason why he is a recipient of the prestigious Summit Society Award.
Location
P.O. Box 6950
United States
See map: Google Maps
Workout With Law Enforcement Day for Douglas County Special Olympics
Submitted by paula on Wed, 07/01/2020 - 6:42amDOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) hosted a “Workout with Law Enforcement” day at Lampe Park in Gardnerville for Special Olympics Athletes, an event that concluded the ‘DCSO Special Olympics Fitness Challenge’.
Members of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office worked-out alongside the athletes, cheering each other on, just as they do at the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run event.
Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood announce summer activity opening dates
Submitted by paula on Fri, 06/19/2020 - 7:16amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Summer mountain activities will soon get underway at Vail's Lake Tahoe resorts: Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood.
Governor: Californians must now wear face masks in most public settings
Submitted by paula on Thu, 06/18/2020 - 12:17pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As California reaches over 5,000 deaths, Governor Newsom announced Thursday that almost everyone in the state will now be required to wear face masks in public.
“Science shows that face coverings and masks work,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “They are critical to keeping those who are around you safe, keeping businesses open, and restarting our economy.”
Virtual author presentation
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 06/17/2020 - 11:24am
Event Date:
June 24, 2020 - 5:00pm It would be hard to find anyone who would say getting outdoors is bad for you. Kathryn Reed has three books that will help you explore the greater Lake Tahoe area.
Jeff Marsolais leaves LTBMU and becomes new supervisor for Eldorado Forest
Submitted by paula on Thu, 06/04/2020 - 9:06pmPLACERVILLE, Calif. - The former Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) forest supervisor has moved over to the same position with the Eldorado National Forest, replacing the retired Laurence Crabtree.
Jeff Marsolais came to Lake Tahoe in 2010, working several positions and for the past five years, had filled the top spot.
The Eldorado National Forest is welcoming back Jeff Marsolais, who will begin serving as the Eldorado’s new forest supervisor on June 22. Jeff worked on the Eldorado National Forest early in his career and is excited to return.
State of California travel bans still in place, even as El Dorado County lifts their order
Submitted by paula on Thu, 05/28/2020 - 9:17amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On Wednesday, May 27, El Dorado County rescinded its nonessential travel ban into the Lake Tahoe Basin, just as it did when letting the County-specific Stay At Home order expire in April.
The messaging is confusing as local orders are lifted, and state orders are still in place.
The action by the County does not mean that travel into Lake Tahoe Basin is all of a sudden okay though.
Experience a virtual Tahoe Art Walk in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 05/21/2020 - 1:32pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif/ - The Tahoe Art Walk is back in a new way during these physically distancing experiences. A virtual tour has been created instead of the once-a-month in-person event and participants can plan their own tour, shop online, and plan a route with a map once ready to head out as businesses reopen.
Location
South Lake Tahoe
United States
See map: Google Maps
New City Manager Joe Irvin now on the job for South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/06/2020 - 10:01amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As of the City Council's special meeting Wednesday morning, the new South Lake Tahoe City Manager was on the job for 48 hours after being sworn in during a digital event that started off the week.
Column: Enjoy outdoor recreation wisely
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/24/2020 - 1:19pmBeautiful weather and a case of cabin fever from shelter in place directives have many of us yearning to get outside. Being in nature provides many wellness benefits. When we leave home to enjoy the bounty of outdoor activities, parks, and trails around us, we can honor those working on the front-line of the coronavirus pandemic by doing our part to stay healthy and keep each other safe.
NDOT invites Nevadans to participate in "Walk and Roll Wednesdays"
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/31/2020 - 8:33amCARSON CITY, Nev. - The Nevada Department of Transportation is launching “Walk and Roll Wednesdays” to give socially-distanced Nevada families the opportunity for healthy and fun outdoor activity.
Forest Service to close developed recreation facilities but keep forest trails open
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/26/2020 - 4:03pmUSDA Forest Service (USFS) has closed its developed recreation facilities on National Forest land in California in order to assist people in abiding by Governor Newsom's recent statewide shelter-in-place order.
They will be closed until at least April 30 in an attempt to avoid groups of people and promote social distancing of staying more than six feet apart during the COVID-19 crisis.
In a press release, USFS officials said that while they appreciated the public's interest in outdoor recreation they needed to close to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Stay-at-home FAQs from California Department of Health
Submitted by paula on Sat, 03/21/2020 - 10:06amThe California State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health have ordered all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence, except as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sectors.
Some people may be confused and hear different messages and wonder exactly what are "essential services". To list what the State order covered they have come out with a guideline to help navigate these unchartered waters.
What does this mean?
El Dorado County issues "Shelter in Place" for South Lake Tahoe and rest of county
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/19/2020 - 5:37pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams has issued a "Shelter in Place" for all county residents effective on Friday, March 20 starting at 11:59 p.m.
Residents are being directed to remain at home except to engage in essential activities in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Earlier today, Placer County did the same thing which affects North Lake Tahoe.
There are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County and this action is meant to help keep the spread minimal when cases are confirmed.
New city manager selected for South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/12/2020 - 2:31pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City Council has announced they selected Joseph Irvin as the new city manager for South Lake Tahoe.
Irvin was one of four final candidates for the position that met with the community on Monday, giving them a chance to do their own interviews, ask questions, and fill out a questionnaire on their choices.
Volunteers sought for this summer in Desolation Wilderness
Submitted by paula on Wed, 02/26/2020 - 10:46pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Do you love the Wilderness? Would you like to help preserve its’ breathtaking beauty and natural pristine environment? Do you love spending time outdoors and helping people? Do you have the willingness and dedication to volunteer and help preserve one of our most popular back-country areas overlooking Lake Tahoe and the Crystal Range?
If the answer is yes, then Desolation Wilderness, co-managed by the USDA Forest Service’s Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU), may offer exactly what you’re looking for.
Letter: Learn the facts, become informed and vote YES on Measure B
Submitted by paula on Tue, 02/25/2020 - 6:11pmI support the upcoming Measure B and believe all voters should be informed as to the importance of passing this $52/year bond issue. As a 47-year resident, I have developed a very high degree of respect for and confidence in the Lake Valley Fire Protection District and it’s publicly elected Board of Directors.
Fundraisers set for South Lake Tahoe woman who shattered leg in 20 foot fall
Submitted by paula on Thu, 02/20/2020 - 2:03pmEvent Date:
February 26, 2020 - 5:00pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On March 26, 2018, during a run down a chute at Kirkwood, Jen Dawn's life changed forever.
The 41-year-old South Lake Tahoe mother of two had completed one run down the sister chutes and was hiking over to the second when she slipped and fell 20 feet off of a cliff onto rocks and ice, landing on her right leg. The fall shattered that leg, lacerated her face and caused tooth loss.
Birthday celebration in South Lake Tahoe for 99-year-old Martin Hollay
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/31/2019 - 11:23amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - From his birthplace in Hungary in 1920 to the slopes of Heavenly Mountain Resort, Martin Hollay has been both an inspiration and a legend. On Friday, November 1, Hollay turns 99 and there will be a party in his honor in South Lake Tahoe.
Join the festivities at Himmel Haus at 5:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to come by and say "Happy Birthday."
New fire chief hired for the City of South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/23/2019 - 2:01pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Ken Harrison has been hired to take the helm of South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue. The former battalion chief with the Orange County Fire Authority is bringing years of experience to the lake.
The City hasn't had anyone in the permanent fire chief position since the departure of Jeff Meston retired in February of this year. Battalion Chief Jim Drennan and retired Chief Bruce Martin have shared the duties over the past eight months.
Smoke from Caples Fire continues to enter Lake Tahoe Basin: 3,042 acres burned, 42% contained
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/13/2019 - 7:39pmFirefighters working on the Caples Fire made good progress on Sunday. They tied in and secured two indirect containment lines on the south side of the fire with a successful tactical firing operation. The area the fire is burning in is exceptionally steep, rugged, with no road access - conditions not safe for direct line construction. Today’s burning and the fire’s natural progression in the past three days has been a low-intensity underburn, consistent with the objectives of the ecological restoration project. The night shift Sunday will monitor and hold established containment lines.
Caples Creek Fire within prescribed burn parameter, now 25 percent contained
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/11/2019 - 6:49pmThe Caples Fire burning southwest of Lake Tahoe is now at 2,400 acres and is 25 percent contained. The fire started as a prescribed burn but was changed to a wildland fire Thursday afternoon which allowed more resources to be sent to the scene. It is still within the planned prescribed burn project area.
Smoke is still in the Lake Tahoe Basin and Carson Valley. Smoke sensitive individuals are encouraged to reduce their exposure by avoiding smoky areas, closing windows, or staying indoors.
Prescribed fire above Caples Creek continues to send smoke into Lake Tahoe Basin
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/07/2019 - 7:40pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Smoke coming into the Lake Tahoe Basin and Carson Valley has been a concern to residents but it appears it is now all coming from prescribed burns above Caples Creek, north of SR88.
The buzz about yellowjacket season in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Wed, 08/28/2019 - 6:41pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Yellowjackets - they seem to appear whenever you sit down for your picnic lunch or other outside dining enjoyment in Lake Tahoe, especially in the months of July and August.
While the uninvited guests have some redeeming qualities they are predatory, sting pets and humans and are capable of stinging multiple times. Their aggressive behavior ruins many the outside activity. Yellowjackets are actually wasps but shouldn't be confused with other wasps, such as hornets and paper wasps. They are often mistakenly called "bees" (as in "meat bees").
Marlin Joseph "Hersh" Herschman ~ 1943 - 2019
Submitted by paula on Fri, 08/16/2019 - 7:08pmHersh Herschman was never a certified tennis professional, but many of those who he instructed would say otherwise.
Born Marlin Joseph Herschman on Jan. 12, 1943, in St. Ignatius, Montana, he would always be best known as Hersh or The Hersh Man. He died Aug. 7, 2019, at The Chateau at Gardnerville in Nevada of inoperable brain cancer. His wife, Sheryl, and best friend for more than 40 years Greg Painter were with him. He was 76.
After graduating from St. Ignatius High School in Montana in 1961, Hersh joined the U.S. Army for two years. He spent two summers at West Point.
Krista Kline Carson ~ 1971 - 2019
Submitted by paula on Fri, 08/16/2019 - 6:04pmKrista Kline Carson passed away peacefully on July 9, 2019 surrounded by family and friends after a 3½ year battle with cancer. Always positive, always upbeat she would constantly describe her life as AWSOME! She was a positive force for everyone who knew her.
She is survived by her husband Jesse Kalin (Philip) Carson, daughter Trella Ruth Carson, parents Don and Gwen Kline, brother and sister-in-law Scott and Jen Kline, step-daughter Madison Merz, step-son Travis Steidle and uncles, cousins and other relatives too numerous to mention.