Among the month's featured events is a presentation by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) at 2 p.m. July 21. Participants will learn about wildlife commonly found in Nevada's high desert and how to safely live alongside native animals.

The library also welcomes the return of Young Shakes, the youth outreach program of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, at 4 p.m. July 28. Young Shakes will present an adaptation of "Macbeth" designed to introduce younger audiences to one of William Shakespeare's classic tragedies.

Two local authors also will visit the library during July. Michael Oka will discuss writing and publishing at 6 p.m. July 14, followed by Megan Ross at 6 p.m. July 28. A life skills workshop focused on interviewing for entry-level jobs will be offered at 4 p.m. July 2 for teens, young adults, and others entering the workforce.

Summer Reading Program participants have until July 31 to log their reading for a chance to earn prizes. Weekly offerings also continue throughout the month, including Baby Story Time, children's story times, STEAM activities, Reading with Rover, Chess Club, Game Night, Bad Art, Elementary Book Club, and the "1,000 Books Before Kindergarten" literacy initiative.

Adults will find several opportunities to participate as well. Activities include the lunchtime book club, crafting workshops, a beginner gift-wrapping class, History by the Numbers, Spice Club, and constituent office hours hosted by a representative from U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen's office.

Beyond its programs, the library continues to offer public computers, meeting rooms, online research databases, downloadable e-books, audiobooks, streaming movies, language-learning resources, and a fine-free borrowing policy. Library cards are available at no cost to qualifying Nevada residents and active-duty military personnel.

The library will be closed July 3 and 4 for the America 250 holiday observance and July 20 for staff professional development. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The Churchill County Library is located at 553 S. Maine St. Learn more at churchillcountylibrary.org or by calling 775-423-7581.

"Our Perfect Storm" by Carley Fortune is a beautifully atmospheric, friends-to-lovers contemporary romance that follows the complicated relationship between Francesca "Frankie" Gardiner and George Saint James. Frankie and George have been absolute best friends since they were 8 years old. They are both incredibly passionate, impulsive, and strong-willed individuals, which means their dynamic has always been defined by a cycle of clashing intensely and then inevitably finding their way back to one another. However, as they grew into adulthood, unspoken tension and deeply buried secrets began to fracture their once-unshakable bond. The story kicks off on the absolute worst weekend possible: Frankie's wedding. As the festivities begin, Frankie is an emotional wreck, completely unsure of where she and George stand, or if he will even show up to fulfill his role as her best man.

To her immense relief, George does walk through the door, and for one beautiful evening, Frankie feels like her life is exactly where it is supposed to be. That fragile perfection comes crashing down the very next morning when her fiancé abruptly calls off the wedding, leaving behind nothing but a brief note as an explanation. Devastated, humiliated, and utterly confused, Frankie retreats to her family home, ready to completely shut out the world. That is when George steps in with an incredibly bold, unexpected plan to heal her broken heart. He convinces Frankie that she shouldn't let her honeymoon go to waste and insists that she should go anyway—but with him instead of her ex.

Desperate for an escape and a chance to salvage their fading connection, Frankie agrees to the trip. The two set off for a week in Tofino, a stunning, misty coastal town in British Columbia where the rainforest meets the ocean. Sharing a romantic honeymoon suite forces them into undeniable proximity, pushing them to confront the massive shift in their dynamic. As they navigate the moody beaches, the trip becomes a pressure cooker for 20 years of repressed romantic feelings and long-hidden secrets. The narrative beautifully tracks this one-week journey in paradise, building immense romantic tension as Frankie and George try to figure out if they can repair their lifelong friendship, or if finally addressing their true feelings will mean falling apart for good.

That's all until next week. I hope that you all are able to find a minute of downtime with a book amidst all of the fireworks and grilling this weekend. Don't forget to check out my Instagram @allison.the.reader to find your next great read.

It started on a drive home from Reno while I was listening to Julie Mason's radio show. She and a reporter from "The Boston Herald" were talking about the unexpected joy Americans have found in watching World Cup visitors experience everyday American life for the first time.

There have been countless stories over the past few weeks. Scottish soccer fans turning Boston pubs into impromptu concerts. Visitors making pilgrimages to Buc-ee's and Costco. A New Zealander trying boiled peanuts for the first time. And yes, an unexpected fascination with ranch dressing.

I have to admit that one made me laugh. During my years at The Slanted Porch, we made ranch by the vat. We used to joke that some people didn't order ranch as a side for their French fries. They ordered French fries as a side for their ranch. I'm still not entirely convinced a few of them wouldn't have happily drunk it with a straw if we'd offered one.

As funny as those stories are, they really aren't about ranch dressing or big-box stores. They're about perspective. Americans are rediscovering parts of our own culture by watching someone else experience them for the first time.

As I listened, I realized I'd seen this pattern before. I see it every time I talk with farmers about agritourism.

One of the things I've found fascinating is how often farmers are surprised that people would actually pay to experience what they consider everyday life. Feeding chickens. Picking vegetables. Watching the sunrise over a field. Helping with chores.

It turns out the same thing is true of communities. The places we call home become so familiar that we stop noticing what makes them special. Visitors don't have that problem. They see the things we've learned to overlook.

By then, my thoughts had wandered all the way back to Fallon. I started wondering whether the things we take for granted here are the very things someone else would remember forever.

This Saturday, I'll be announcing the Fourth of July parade from the patio at the American Legion Hall. Veterans, antique tractors, youth organizations, horses, classic cars, service clubs, kids scrambling for candy, and maybe even a miniature cow will all make their way along the parade route. I'll be introducing many of them as they pass.

But I have a feeling I'll be hearing those introductions a little differently this year.

As our community continues celebrating America 250, I hope we do more than remember our history. I hope we use this year as an opportunity to pay attention. To rediscover a sense of wonder. To see Fallon, and perhaps even one another, with fresh eyes. I have a feeling we'll discover that what makes this place special hasn't changed at all. We simply needed to notice it again.

Kitchen Notes: This week I'm sharing my go-to vanilla ice cream base from Serious Eats. It's simple enough for a holiday weekend and endlessly adaptable. Enjoy it just as it is, stir in local honey, swirl in homemade jam from last summer's harvest, or fold in fresh fruit as it begins showing up from local farms.

Vanilla Ice Cream Base

Adapted from Mike Falkowitz via Serious Eats

INGREDIENTS:

2 c heavy cream
1 c whole milk
6 large eggs
¾ c sugar
Vanilla extract to taste
Salt to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Separate 6 egg yolks into a bowl. Add the sugar and whisk until the mixture is a thick, smooth, and pudding-like pale yellow goo.
2. Whisk in the heavy cream and milk until fully combined.
3. Pour the mixture into a heavy-bottomed pot and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a custard. Do not boil! The mixture is ready when it coats the back of a spoon or reaches 170 degrees.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla and salt. Strain the custard to remove any cooked egg bits.
5. Chill in the fridge until cold, preferably overnight.
6. Churn in an ice cream maker according to the machine's directions.
7. Stir in any mix-ins and transfer to a freezer-safe container, then freeze until firm.

Coalition for Senior Citizens

The Fallon Theatre

Every third Friday at 1 p.m.

Dinner and Dessert Auction

Wolf Center

457 Esmeralda St.

July 2 at 5 p.m.

Party in the Park

America 250 Jubilee

Oats Park

July 4 from noon to 9 p.m.

Boots & Britches Play Day

Boots n’ Britches Horse Club

Rafter 3C Event Complex

July 8 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Shine Support Group

Guest Speaker Tammy Mason

1676 W. Williams Ave.

July 9 at 6:30 p.m.

The Singing Mormons Concert

American Footworks

High School Auditorium off Sheckler Road

July 11 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Sips & Succulents Party

Stargazer Blossoms

Rush & Rhythm

July 12 at 2 p.m.

Women’s Circle

Heart 2 Heart

1676 W. Williams Ave.

July 15 at 10 a.m. or 6:30 p.m.

Fastest Gun Alive World Championship

Cowboy Fast Draw Association

Churchill County Fairgrounds

July 15–19

Ventura Highway, A Tribute to the Band America

Skyrocker Productions

The Fallon Theatre

July 18 at 8 p.m.

Battle of the Badges

The Ladies Behind The Badge

Fallon Convention Center

July 21-22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Divine Feminine & Divine Masculine Energies

Sound Vibing Soul Sisters

1676 W. Williams Ave.

July 25 from 10 a.m. to noon

Kent secured the title after placing second in the first go-round, winning the second go-round, and finishing sixth in the short round. Her consistent performances earned her the championship buckle and the No. 1 ranking in the world.

Kent's world title highlighted an outstanding week for Fallon competitors at the NJHFR, where local athletes earned a world championship and a top-four world finish against many of the nation's best junior rodeo contestants.

She was born on January 29, 1951, to Edward and Hiroko McGarvey. She married her husband, Charles Neefe, on July 14, 1973, who she was married to for 50 years before his passing in 2023.

She is survived by her son, Charles Edward Neefe, daughter Maile Lin Munoz, and grandchildren, Adelynn, Charles, and Chad.

Please join her family in remembrance and to honor her on July 18, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Smith Family Funeral Home in Fallon, Nevada. In honor of Yumi, guests are invited to wear her favorite color purple or your favorite Hawaiian shirt. Flowers are welcome as our mom was a lover of beautiful flowers.

Coaches Alex Haffner, Darin Casey, Kyle Bachmann, and Jake Miller guided the Hornets through a dominant tournament run that began with an 11-1 victory over the Spanish Springs 9U All-Stars.

Fallon advanced to the second game and defeated the Silver State 9U All-Stars, 19-0, to earn a berth in the championship game.

The Hornets completed the sweep with a 23-2 victory over Spanish Springs to secure the state title.

Fallon controlled play throughout the tournament, combining timely hitting with strong defense to win each game by double-digit margins and finish the day as Nevada Babe Ruth 9-Year-Old state champions.

The evidence and the tales he left behind about his Lahontan Valley years lead me to think about various descriptors, none of them adequate: spunky, ingenious, funny.

First to the spunky part. Gardner was born in Carson City where his father owned a lumber mill. He was often seen with his father by the railroad tracks (then, the V&T Railroad) helping to load lumber onto the cars. One day, when he was 11 years old, he lost his grip on a coupling and fell under the wheels of a cattle car. Both legs were crushed below the knees, necessitating a double amputation at the knees.

That didn't stop him, literally. He was fitted with two cork prostheses and sent to live with an aunt in Oakland, where he could attend an excellent academy with special accommodations for his handicap. He excelled as a student and was accepted into Stanford University's first class. While at Stanford he knew Herbert Hoover, who worked his way through Stanford managing a laundry service.

"George often mentioned with some pride that his shirts and underwear were washed and ironed by a future president of the United States" (Sage, Roderick, M.D. "A Spunky Kid: Dr. George Gardner." "Greasewood Tablettes." Dept. of Pathology, Great Basin History of Medicine Division, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Spring, 1998).

After graduating from Stanford, he attended Cooper Medical College in San Francisco.

The ingenuity? He was one of the first residents in Fallon to capitalize on the automobile revolution.

Gardner: "I had a stage line to Fairview and Rawhide. Two big Royal Tourist cars that I paid $4,000 a piece for. I charged $20 to go to Rawhide in the car, and I had a stipulation that if there was a breakdown they'd have to pay the $20 just the same, and they could walk into Rawhide."

He employed chauffeurs to serve as the ersatz Uber drivers since his own injuries prevented him from safely driving.

"We went through Sand Springs, where they had an old team of horses or mules and they'd hook on. And there was one place there, going upwards. Oh! That sand was so deep. The horses would have a terrible time and if we turned on the juice we'd scare the horse, so they'd pull… They didn't realize they were tied to the noise" (Gardner's quotes in this paragraph and the following ones are taken from Margaret Wheat, Interviewer. "Excerpts from the Interview of Dr. George M. Gardner." "In Focus," Volume 5).

Gardner also owned an x-ray machine. "I could look at bones; it was good. …I put my hand in under there, under the x-ray, until I finally pitted every one of my fingernails…. If it had been as strong as the x-rays that they have now, why, I'd have lost my whole hands."

The stories Gardner left behind are self-effacing and humorous. He once was shot at by a man named Fuller, who was doing ditch work on the Newlands Project. Fuller owed Gardner $12. They went to the same Fallon saloon for a glass of beer, and Fuller, described by Gardner as "teed up pretty good," slapped a check on the bar for $12.00 then hit Gardner in the face. Gardner hit him over the head with his cane.

"And, I broke the cane…. After I hit him he put his hand in his pocket and went down. I saw him doing something. He had a hold of something…. I thought, 'I wonder if it's a gun.'"

It was. Gardner fled out the door (on his cork legs) with a friend, a Fallon dentist, who shut the door behind them. The gun went off.

Fuller ran around the corner "to the lawyer's office" and said, "I killed Dr. Gardner. I want you to represent me."

The lawyer ran to the saloon, where a bullet rested in the door, and the Doc was back on his barstool.

"Want a glass of beer?" he asked the lawyer.

Fuller left town after a grand jury failed to bind him over. Gardner, after all, had provoked him with his cane. When Fuller returned to Fallon a year later, a grand jury reconvened to consider the matter.

"Turn him loose," said Gardner to the jury….

And, to Fuller's attorney he said, "You go back and tell him this world is pretty good-sized; he can have one half of it, and I'll take the other half."

Please send your stories and ideas for stories to mackedon@phonewave.net.

Friday proved challenging for the Hornets, who dropped a 12-2 decision to the Reno Muckdogs before falling 14-3 to EJ's Sports Titans of the San Francisco Bay Area.

The Hornets bounced back Saturday with a 4-1 victory over Stars Baseball White of Stockton, California, before defeating the Reno Kings Baseball Club 15U, 19-1.

Fallon carried that momentum into Sunday with an 8-5 victory over the Diablo Valley Oaks before its tournament run came to an end with a 7-5 loss to EJ's Sports Titans. The Hornets held an early lead before the Titans rallied in the fourth inning.

Fallon received contributions throughout the tournament from Bradley Howell, Jackson Mason, Lelan White, Raymond Gallio, Mason White, Timothy Kotsios, Mason Judd, and the rest of the Hornets.

Although the tournament ended Sunday, the Hornets' three-game winning streak after a difficult opening day provided momentum as the team continues its summer season.

Fallon opened tournament play with a decisive victory over Sparks before facing South Tahoe twice. In the first matchup, Fallon scored in the opening inning before South Tahoe took control with six runs in the second inning and eight more in the third. Fallon held South Tahoe scoreless the rest of the game, but could not overcome the early deficit.

The teams met again Saturday in a much closer contest. Trailing by four runs in the fifth inning, Fallon rallied before falling 14-13.

Fallon received contributions throughout the tournament from Mason White, Raymond Gallio, Samuel Vinsonhaler, Tayven Martinez, Braylon Byrd, Lincoln Neumann, Lucas Yohey, Braxton McAfee, Carter Larson, and Mason Llamas.

South Tahoe claimed the Nevada Babe Ruth 13-16 State Championship Tournament and will represent Nevada at the Pacific Southwest Regional Tournament. Fallon will host the regional tournament July 19-25, with the All Stars competing on their home field against other regional qualifiers.

The educational journey, coordinated by Oasis Academy middle school teacher Tami McNeill, provided students with the opportunity to experience new cultures, historical landmarks, and natural wonders while learning far beyond the walls of the classroom. This is the third trip McNeill has coordinated for the school.

The students began in New Zealand, where they immersed themselves in Māori culture. The group visited traditional Māori villages and participated in a hangi feast, a traditional Māori dinner cooked using heated rocks buried in the ground. Students also enjoyed a unique duck tour aboard a vehicle that operates as both a truck and a boat, traveling through geothermal areas while learning stories and legends of the ancient Māori people.

Additional highlights in New Zealand included hiking through Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest and visiting the Agridome, where students learned about the country's agricultural industry and watched a live sheep show.

The group then traveled to Australia, beginning in Sydney. There, students toured the iconic Sydney Opera House, participated in a whale-watching excursion, and visited the Hyde Park Barracks Museum. The museum provided insight into Australia's early colonial history and the European prisoners who were transported there.

In Cairns, students experienced one of the world's greatest natural wonders when they snorkeled on the Great Barrier Reef alongside a marine biologist. The experience gave students a firsthand look at the reef's diverse ecosystem and marine life.

Students also traveled to Kuranda, where they learned about Aboriginal culture and traditions, including how to throw boomerangs. The trip also included opportunities to interact with some of Australia's most famous animals. Students fed kangaroos and posed for photos with koalas, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

"Travel provides students with opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of history, culture, and the natural world," said McNeill. "These experiences help students develop confidence, independence, and a broader perspective of the world around them."

The Australia and New Zealand tour is part of Oasis Academy's commitment to providing students with meaningful educational experiences that extend beyond the classroom.

Looking ahead, McNeill is already planning the next international educational experience. In 2028, students will have the opportunity to participate in a World War II and Western Front tour through England, France, and Germany. The trip will allow students to visit significant historical sites and gain a deeper understanding of the events that shaped modern history. Trips are open to all students in grades 7-12. Students younger than grade 7 may travel but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Families interested in learning more about Oasis Academy's student travel program are encouraged to contact Mrs. McNeill at tmcneill@oanv.org.

Ciera Elizabeth Coatney appeared for sentencing on Driving Under the Influence of an Intoxicating Liquor or a Controlled or Prohibited Substance With a Prior Felony Conviction for Driving Under the Influence, a Category B Felony, to which she pleaded guilty March 3. Deputy District Attorney Priscilla Baker, representing the state, remained silent pursuant to plea negotiations.

Churchill County Public Defender Jacob Sommer began the defense argument. "No one on this side of the table here is going to suggest that this offense Ciera is here for is not important," he said. Sommer said his client recognizes someone could have been harmed by her conduct and how devastating that trauma could have been. He told Judge Maddox, "What makes this case deserving of a sentence that is on the lowest end of the statutory range is not the offense itself. We recognize that seriousness because of the person who is seated next to me."  

Sommer said from the beginning of the case, Coatney has been cooperative and accepted responsibility. She has done everything she has been asked to do. The defendant has appeared for every hearing, complied with court orders, complied with Court Services, and maintained regular and responsible contact with his office. Sommer said all of this demonstrates that "she takes this matter seriously, and that she respects the authority of this court." He said Coatney is "a homeowner, she's a successful business owner in our community, and she's a single mother who has worked hard to provide stability for her family."

Sommer shared that a few years ago Coatney's son was struck by a vehicle and run over. He survived; however, the incident marked the beginning of a significant struggle for Coatney. For years before that, she had maintained her sobriety. However, under that pressure, "my recovery is the one thing I neglected," Sommer said. He added there have already been massive consequences for the defendant. "She's embarrassed, she's frightened ... she knows she's going to prison today."

Coatney told Judge Maddox, "I'm truly sorry to the community. I'm so thankful and happy nobody got hurt. I'm actually ready to not just get sober, but to recover."

Judge Maddox sentenced Coatney to 24 to 60 months in prison, imposed a $2,000 fine and all other statutory requirements. Fees and assessments were imposed. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the sheriff for imposition of the sentence.

Aaron Wendel Denshire appeared for a hearing regarding his removal from Drug Court.

Churchill County Alternate Public Defender Wright Noel explained to the court that his client appeared two weeks earlier on a probation violation. At that time, Judge Thomas Stockard reinstated Denshire on probation with the condition that he enter and successfully complete the Western Nevada Regional Drug Court Program. Denshire entered Drug Court and completed an evaluation, which determined he did not require treatment, so he was returned to District Court. Noel said, "It is not a removal in the sense of non-compliance or non-completion, but the Drug Court feels that there is nothing they're able to do for Mr. Denshire."

Deputy District Attorney Priscilla Baker argued, "Drug Court is for high-risk, high-needs. It's for individuals that can't stay sober without help." She said the defendant absconded and did nothing while on probation for 1,020 days. Then he had the opportunity to enter Drug Court, where he was honest and said he had been sober for the previous 14 months. "He's not a candidate for Drug Court. He is not high risk, high needs. So he was returned to this court." Baker argued Denshire should not be rewarded for absconding and doing nothing while on probation. She said he came back before the court claiming he needed Drug Court although he had been sober for 14 months. The state asked that probation be revoked and that the court impose the underlying sentence of 12 to 36 months in prison on the underlying charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Judge Maddox revoked Denshire's probation, ordered him to serve 30 days in jail, and dishonorably discharged him from probation. He was remanded to the custody of the sheriff for imposition of the sentence.

Teasha Marie Arrich-Rupley's sentencing was continued to July 7.

Austin Taylor Dyer, in custody, admitted to two sentencing violations, one filed in May 2025 involving residence, controlled substances, weapons, conduct, laws, employment, financial obligations, and restitution, and a second filed in June 2026 involving weapons, conduct, and laws.

The underlying charges are Conspiracy to Commit Burglary, a Gross Misdemeanor, and Burglary of a Motor Vehicle, a Category E Felony. The underlying sentences are 364 days in jail and 12 to 36 months in prison.

Judge Maddox revoked Dyer's probation, gave him credit for 679 days served, and ordered him to serve the remainder of his sentence.

Kevin Jay Chico, in custody, was not present for his scheduled competency hearing after declining the opportunity to attend the proceedings. His attorney noted this was not unusual for his client.

Because Drs. Patterson and Pierson each found Chico competent, Judge William Maddox remanded the case to Justice Court for further proceedings.

Maverick Woodward Richards, in custody, appeared for his scheduled competency hearing. Having been restored to competency, Richards' case was remanded to Justice Court for further proceedings.

Carissa Lee Marshall, in custody, appeared for her competency hearing. Having been found incompetent, but capable of being restored to competency, Marshall was remanded to Lakes Crossing Center for continued treatment.

District Attorney Arthur E. Mallory requested several budget increases for the coming fiscal year, including $450 for books and periodicals to cover higher LexisNexis legal research subscription costs, $7,900 for a security system compatible with the county's new phone system, $2,500 for State Bar advertising to recruit attorneys, $500 for increased telephone costs, and $5,000 to replace a damaged conference table and chairs in the civil division.

Mallory told commissioners the office has consistently operated within its budget.

"Just since 1999, every single year we've been under budget," Mallory said.

The District Attorney's Office serves as Churchill County's chief legal office. In addition to prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the state, the office represents Churchill County in civil matters, advises county departments and elected officials, prepares legal documents, assists with juvenile proceedings, and provides victim and witness services.

The office also oversees Churchill County's Child Support Division, which establishes paternity, obtains and enforces child support orders, modifies existing support orders, locates absent parents, and collects child support payments for families throughout the county.

During the budget discussion, it was suggested that attorney recruitment advertising might be better managed by the county's Human Resources Department so that recruiting expenses could be tracked in one place.

Interim County Manager Joe Sanford said the Human Resources recruitment budget had already been increased.

"We'd already increased the budget from $2,500 to $5,000, which is enough for basically two advertisement pieces," Sanford said. "If we're going to increase the number of positions ... extra advertisements for it would just go up commensurately with that."

In closing, Mallory emphasized the workload carried by the office's criminal division.

"We do all of those things that the public defender's office doesn't have to do. And yet we have only two people, two attorneys working on the criminal side right now, in addition to Lane, who supervises them," Mallory said.

Mallory has served as Churchill County district attorney since 1999, after first being elected in 1998. The District Attorney's Office is located in the Churchill County Administration Complex at 155 N. Taylor St. in Fallon.

It was momentum.

Museum members, volunteers, county leaders, and supporters gathered for the annual ice cream social and membership meeting on Saturday, June 27, where Museum Director Mel Glover reflected on four years of growth and outlined an ambitious vision for the future.

“I’ve loved it,” Glover told the crowd. “I ain’t leaving anytime soon. We’ve got bigger, better plans.”

The annual meeting highlighted just how much has changed since Glover took over leadership of the museum.

When he arrived four years ago, he said he was immediately struck by the professionalism and passion of the museum staff and volunteers.

“The people behind the scenes — the people we don’t think about all that much — it was amazing,” he said. “I’ve been able to stand on the shoulders of giants.”

Among those recognized were museum board members, including Karen Goings, Churchill County Commissioner Eric Blakey, and the museum’s newest board member, Steve Endacott, whom Glover thanked for providing unwavering support.

“If there’s anything I need, I’ve got it now,” he said. “The level of support I’ve got from the board is fantastic.”

The numbers presented in the Museum Strategic Plan report tell much of the story of the progress the museum has made in the past four years.

Museum visitation has increased every year under Glover's leadership, with attendance continuing to climb again this year.

Membership has also grown following a recent membership campaign, while volunteer participation and community partnerships have expanded significantly.

The museum’s social media reach has nearly doubled over the past year through regular posts, short videos, and increased online engagement.

“Our social media outreach has darn near doubled in a year,” Glover said.

Another milestone has been the return of “In Focus,” the museum’s long-running local history publication.

After former registrar Donna Cossette encouraged him to revive the publication, Glover said he worked with longtime contributor Michon Mackedon to bring it back into production.

The newest edition debuted during the meeting and is available for free to museum members; it will also be on sale in the museum bookstore.

“We’re very, very proud we could get this back up and running,” he said.

One of the loudest rounds of applause during the social came when Glover recognized archivist Scott Gambino for his success securing grant funding.

When Scott joined the museum, Glover challenged him to bring in $25,000 in grants during his first year.

So far this year, he has secured more than $54,000.

The funding is already being used for improvements at the historic Woodliff Building and other museum projects.

“I think you’ve earned your salary,” Glover joked.

The museum staff also unveiled the new 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, which outlines goals ranging from improving collections and exhibits to expanding educational programming, increasing attendance, and strengthening community partnerships.

Future priorities include continued restoration work at the Woodliff Building, expanded traveling exhibits, additional grants, increased memberships, and improvements to museum facilities.

Glover also highlighted the museum’s popular Discovery Room for children, expanded lecture series, new educational programming, and partnerships with organizations, including NAS Fallon.

Visitors were encouraged to explore displays commemorating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, including historical artifacts, military memorabilia, and conceptual artwork for the museum’s iconic exterior mosaic mural.

Throughout the event, Glover repeatedly emphasized that the museum’s success is the result of teamwork.

He thanked the museum staff, volunteers, board members, Churchill County Commissioners and the Churchill County Museum Association for helping transform the museum into one of the community’s most active cultural institutions.

“We couldn’t do any of this without my staff, without the board, without the county, and the way they help us,” he said.

The meeting concluded with members enjoying ice cream, winning raffle prizes, and viewing new displays while discussing future projects.

Today, the naturalized American citizen owns one of Fallon's most beloved restaurants.

Her journey is a testament to how hard work, determination, and the support of a welcoming community can turn opportunity into success.

Long before she came to the United States, Tasha's entrepreneurial spirit was already taking shape. As the eldest daughter in a conservative Sri Lankan family, family responsibilities kept her from attending college despite earning excellent grades. Instead, her father, philosophical author Wijeratne Weerakkody, opened a small café for her when she was just 18 years old.

Called Little Lion, the café employed only two people, but Tasha was responsible for running the business.

"I was the boss," she said, "but we were a team."

That philosophy has never changed. Whether managing a restaurant or owning one, she believes a leader should work harder than anyone else on staff.

At 21, Tasha married and raised three children. Together with her first husband, she built a thriving clothing business that expanded to three factories and a large retail store. The company, which still employs nearly 1,500 people, produces garments for American retailers, including Kohl's.

Life took an unexpected turn following her divorce in 2013. While visiting relatives in the U.S., she stayed with her aunt in Reno in 2018 and accompanied her aunt to work at a mall shop. There she met Don May, who quietly persisted until she agreed to a date.

The relationship moved quickly, but before accepting Don's marriage proposal, Tasha had one important condition: she wanted to meet his children and receive their blessing. A family gathering convinced her she had found not only a husband but a family.

"It was the first American family I met," she said. "They're so good. I thought, 'I'm so blessed to have them in my life.'"

The couple married on July 29, 2018, and Tasha permanently moved to Nevada. After completing the immigration process, she became a naturalized U.S. citizen in January 2023.

For someone who has spent her life building businesses, sitting still wasn't an option. While Don worked out of town, Tasha looked for her next challenge. She first found work as a prep cook at The Wok restaurant, where she remains grateful to owner Chi Van for giving her the opportunity. After several months there, another door opened.

In November 2018, Tasha walked through the doors of Woody's Burger Shack as a prep cook. It was a remarkable reset for a woman who had previously overseen factories employing nearly 1,500 people, but she approached the job with the same determination that had defined her career. It didn't take long for owner William "Butch" Hamilton and his daughter Tiffany to recognize her work ethic and leadership.

By 2019, Tasha had become Woody's manager. Like restaurants everywhere, Woody's faced difficult days during the COVID-19 shutdowns. As business recovered, Tasha saw more than a restaurant getting back on its feet—she saw an opportunity to build something of her own.

She leased Woody's in 2021 and, in December 2024, purchased it outright.

Still, she refuses to let ownership define her.

"You have to have respect for the job, not the title," she said, noting that most customers think she's still just the cook. "Ownership is just a piece of paper."

Tasha is quick to credit the people who helped make her success possible, including her husband, Butch and Tiffany Hamilton, and Fallon Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lucy Carnahan. Carnahan encouraged her to become more comfortable speaking publicly and even accompanied her to a city council meeting when she sought a liquor license.

"Butch trusted me, and Lucy guided me," she said.

Under Tasha's leadership, Woody's received the Fallon Chamber of Commerce's Outstanding Business Innovations Award in 2025. But awards are only part of how she measures success.

For Tasha, success also means giving back to the community that embraced her. She has donated hundreds of meals to first responders, provided food for community events and purchased gifts for residents of Homestead Senior Living.

Giving back, she says, is part of the American dream she has embraced.

"This country is the best country with lots of opportunity and lots of freedom," she said. "But we need to be brave and work hard to get the opportunities."

Ever the entrepreneur, she already plans to open another business in Fallon before year's end.

Reflecting on her journey from Sri Lanka to small-town Nevada, Tasha remains humble.

"Our skin and hair may be different colors, but we all enter life the same," she said. "What you make of this life is up to you. Why are you wasting one minute?"

Today, customers are most likely to find Tasha exactly where she wants to be—in the kitchen, working alongside her employees rather than behind an office desk. From a tiny café in Sri Lanka to a hometown burger shack in Fallon, her story is one of perseverance, gratitude and the belief that opportunity belongs to those willing to work for it.

The Cake Picnic invited residents to decorate cakes inspired by patriotic, historical, and Fallon-themed designs before sharing their creations with fellow attendees. The event was part of Fallon's America 250 initiative, a communitywide celebration leading up to the nation's semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026. Following the Cake Picnic, many attendees remained at Oats Park for the free Concert in the Park featuring Micky and the Motorcars.

Contest entries showcased a wide variety of artistic designs, from American flags, stars, fireworks, and red, white, and blue decorations to cakes highlighting local pride and American history. Several entries incorporated America 250 themes and the years 1776-2026, reflecting both national heritage and community spirit.

Vella Torvik earned the Best Overall America 250 award with a cake featuring cascading patriotic decorations topped by an America 250 display commemorating the nation's 250th anniversary.

Other award winners included Abby Ferguson, Most Patriotic; Kelsey Hurlburt, Best Historical Theme; Pip Valentin, Best Fallon Pride; and Emma Birgy, Best Red, White & Blue.

The Cake Picnic encouraged neighbors to gather around one of America's favorite traditions — sharing homemade desserts. Participants could enter decorated cakes for judging or simply contribute a cake to the community dessert table, giving families an opportunity to celebrate together while honoring both the nation's history and Fallon's hometown pride.

The event was one of several America 250 activities hosted in Fallon as the community joins cities and towns across the country preparing to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. America 250 events are intended to celebrate the nation's history while recognizing the people, places, and traditions that continue to shape communities today.

Jose Vicencip-Chavez, a recent graduate from the Class of 2026, began working at Fallon Ford during the summer following his freshman year of high school. What started as an opportunity to assist in the service department quickly developed into a meaningful career pathway. Through hard work, dedication, and the support of the Fallon Ford team, Vicencip-Chavez progressed from helping in the shop to interning directly with a mechanic and gaining hands-on industry experience.

Over the years, Vicencip-Chavez has developed valuable technical skills, workplace professionalism, and a strong understanding of the automotive industry. His growth reflects the power of Work-Based Learning programs that connect classroom learning with real-world career opportunities.

Vicencip-Chavez plans to continue his career with Fallon Ford and recently received a Ford scholarship to further his education and training within the company. His success story demonstrates how local businesses can positively impact students by providing mentorship, guidance, and career opportunities right here in our community.

Special recognition goes to owner Chris Henning and Service Manager Jorge Perez for serving as exceptional mentors and role models. Their dedication to training, supporting, and encouraging young employees exemplifies the best of workforce development and community partnership.

Churchill County School District and the Work-Based Learning Program sincerely appreciate Fallon Ford for believing in students and helping prepare the next generation of skilled professionals. Partnerships like these strengthen our community and create lasting opportunities for local youth.

Meets the first Thursday and third Wednesday of each month

155 N. Taylor St.

Next Meeting: July 2 at 8:15 a.m.

CC Communications

Meets on the first Thursday of each month at 11 a.m.

155 N. Taylor St.

Next Meeting: July 2 at 11 a.m.

Churchill County School Board

690 S. Maine St.

Next Meeting: July 21 at 5:30 p.m. 

Library Board of Trustees

Meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 3 p.m.

155 N. Taylor St.

Next Meeting: July 23 at 3 p.m.

Central NV Health District

155 N. Taylor St.

Next Meeting: July 8 at 3:30 p.m.

Water Levels

June 22, 2026, at 9 a.m. 

Lahontan Reservoir 194,600 af

Carson River Below Lahontan 982 cfs

Truckee Canal at Wadsworth 176 cfs

Truckee Canal at Hazen 136 cfs

Carson River at Ft. Churchill 18.8 cfs

Historical Reservoir Storage

2024 – 285,019 af 

2023 – 293,015 af

2022 – 136,086 af

With preparations underway for this year's festival, organizers are once again inviting community members to join the volunteer team. Approximately 157 volunteer positions are available, offering residents an opportunity to support one of Churchill County's signature events while enjoying a few perks along the way.

Volunteer opportunities include general festival assistance, vendor check-in and set up during the week before the festival, front gate sales and check-in, volunteer check-in, back gate security, and other support roles throughout the event.

Volunteers receive a locally designed volunteer T-shirt, a free one-day festival pass, and an invitation to the volunteer appreciation dinner following the festival.

The festival also continues its paid nonprofit volunteer program, giving local nonprofit organizations an opportunity to raise funds while helping staff the event.

"This opportunity was started when the board saw a need to help other local nonprofits," Volunteer Committee member Tarin Jones said. "It's a win-win for them and us."

Participating organizations receive $10 for every volunteer hour worked. Since the program began, organizers say the program has generated more than $10,000 for local nonprofits.

Previous volunteers describe the experience as rewarding and enjoyable. One volunteer said, "It's fun, and you get to see how this all comes together."

Community members interested in volunteering can sign up at https://signup.com/go/oTAHZDV.

Historical records suggest that asparagus was among the vegetables grown by some local farmers during the first half of the 20th century, alongside other crops made possible by irrigation from the Newlands Project.

The completion of the Newlands Project transformed the Lahontan Valley from sagebrush desert into productive farmland, allowing local growers to diversify beyond forage crops and raise a wide variety of fruits and vegetables for home use and local markets. That irrigation system remains the foundation of Churchill County agriculture today.

By the 1920s, irrigated agriculture had become the foundation of Churchill County's economy. Alfalfa emerged as the county's principal crop, while farmers also raised cattle, sheep, and hogs and grew wheat, barley, potatoes, sugar beets, celery, cantaloupes, and a variety of other vegetables.

During World War II, agriculture became increasingly important as American farms were called upon to feed both civilians and military personnel. Victory Gardens were encouraged across the country, and many rural communities expanded vegetable production to help meet wartime needs.

Although asparagus was never one of Churchill County's major commercial crops, it was well suited to home gardens and small farming operations because, once established, the perennial returned year after year with little need for replanting. Commercially canned asparagus was produced throughout the United States during the war, although it was not considered a standard military ration.

Unlike annual crops, asparagus is a perennial plant that can continue producing for many years after it is established. Well-maintained asparagus beds can remain productive for 15 to 20 years or more, with new spears emerging each spring from the same underground crowns. Because of that longevity, abandoned gardens and old homesteads likely contributed to the patches of wild asparagus that still appear throughout Churchill County, particularly near old irrigation systems and historic farm sites.

For many local residents, gathering wild asparagus has become a spring tradition. Those annual discoveries offer a living reminder of the valley's agricultural heritage, and of the generations of farm families whose work helped shape Churchill County into the community it is today. For some, finding wild asparagus each spring is also a connection to the irrigated farms and family gardens that once dotted the Lahontan Valley.

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