May 7 – July 8, 2026

Community Meetings

Board of County Commissioners

Meets the first Thursday and third Wednesday of each month

155 N. Taylor St.

Next Meeting: May 7 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: May 7 at 11 a.m.

Churchill County School Board

690 S. Maine St.

Next Meeting: May 19 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: May 28 at 3 p.m.

Central NV Health District

155 N. Taylor St.

Next Meeting: July 8 at 3:00 p.m.

Water Levels

April 27, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. 

Lahontan Reservoir 233,600 af

Carson River Below Lahontan 621 cfs

Truckee Canal at Wadsworth 66.3 cfs

Truckee Canal at Hazen 13.9 cfs

Carson River at Ft. Churchill 403 cfs

Historical Reservoir Storage

2024 – 282,069 af 

2023 – 74,414 af

2022 – 149,788 af

Movie Day

Coalition for Senior Citizens

The Fallon Theatre

Every third Friday at 1 p.m.

Night of Fights

Greenwave Takedown Club

Rafter 3C Arena

May 1 at 5 p.m.

Swing into Victory 1940s Gala

Churchill Arts Council

Oats Park Art Center

May 2 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Spring Market & Seedling Sale

Green Goddess Collective

448 S. Maine St.

May 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

May the Fourth Costume Party

Churchill County Library

553 S. Maine St.

May 4 at 3 p.m.

Wellness 2026

Churchill Community Coalition 

Rafter 3C Arena

May 5 from 3 to 7 p.m.

Job Interviews Workshop

EmployNV

Churchill County Library

May 7 at 4 p.m.

Market Fundraiser 

Greenwave Garden

Churchill County High School Greenhouses

May 9 from 9 a.m. to noon

Bad Art: Recycled Bookmarks

Churchill County Library

553 S. Maine St.

May 11 at 2:30 p.m.

Author Talk: Kurt Winans

Churchill County Library

553 S. Maine St.

May 12 at 6 p.m.

A Broadway Revue

Performing Arts of Churchill County

Oats Park Art Center

May 15 at 7 p.m. and May 16 at 1 and 7 p.m.

Student Art Show Reception

Western Nevada College

160 Campus Way

May 14 from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Inaugural Spring Clinic

Reining & Ranch Horse Association

Fifty Horse Ranch

May 16 at 8 a.m.

Pitch Hit & Run Skills Competition

Fallon Elks Lodge

Oats Park

May 16 at 9 a.m.

Bark in the Park 5K

Churchill Animal Protection Society

Churchill County Fairgrounds

May 16 at 7:30 a.m.

WNC Graduation

Western Nevada College

Rafter 3C Arena

May 20 from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Oasis Academy Graduation

Oasis Academy

Rafter 3C Arena

May 20

Plant Bingo

Churchill County Parks and Recreation

255 E. Stillwater Ave.

May 22

Beginner Gift Wrapping

Churchill County Library

553 S. Maine St.

May 28 at 3 p.m.

AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

Saddle up, space ranger — there’s a new outlaw in the galaxy, and his name is Whiskey.

At about six months old, Whiskey is a rootin’-tootin’, tail-waggin’ poodle mix blasting through life at hyperspeed. This cosmic cowboy runs on pure zoomies and stardust, always ready for his next adventure — whether that’s chasing toys, exploring new planets (also known as your backyard), or lassoing your heart with a success rate of 100 percent.

Like any young space cowboy, Whiskey still needs some training before he can patrol the galaxy on his own. He has mostly lived the rugged outdoor‑frontier life, so he’s learning the finer points of indoor potty etiquette. With patience, consistency, and a treat or two as bounty, he’ll catch on faster than a comet streaking across the sky.

Whiskey also tends to wander like a lone drifter, so he’ll need to stay on leash until he masters recall. Think of it as keeping your rookie pilot in the simulator before handing over the spaceship keys.

He hasn’t had much experience with other dogs, so proper introductions are important. The same goes for cats — he seems neutral but will need a slow meet-and-greet. As for livestock, Whiskey views cows as “high-speed chase opportunities,” so a home without farm animals is best.

If you’re ready for a high-energy, fun-loving pup, Whiskey is ready to ride shotgun on your next adventure.

FAWG

Meet Max and Molly!

This loving brother‑and‑sister duo are about 5 years old. Molly has a beautiful Burmese coat, and Max has a handsome lynx‑point coat. They’re both fixed, vaccinated, microchipped, and ready to go home.

Max is outgoing and will even stand up to ask for pets, while Molly is gentle and reserved, but just as affectionate once you get to know her.

They’re looking for a calm, loving home where they can stay together and be cherished.

A room full of journalists. A shooter. A manifesto. 

A country built on the tenet that we should be able to say what we want and the government won’t chop off our heads or burn us at the stake. 

That’s what used to happen in many of the places we came from. Some of the world’s greatest art, paintings, stories, and poetry exist because you couldn’t come out and say what you believed without ending up dead. You had to figure out how to make these important statements in a way that kept you safe and that you could defend – but you could get the message across, nonetheless. Embedded meaning inside acceptable subjects. 

Take the Last Supper by Leonardo – Christ at the center of everything, groups of three echoing the Trinity, and a basic, grounded human style unlike prior religious art that included glowing halos and exaggerated divinity. The master artist of the Renaissance presents deep truths in an innocent, earthy way, avoiding personal harm. 

Of course, we also have Orwell’s “Animal Farm” and “1984” in their bombastic way, warning us of the dangers of communism and government surveillance. Slightly less subtle but equally impactful are songs by Billie Holiday and Bob Dylan, who, in their prime, made statements that pushed their social commentary into the mainstream. 

If we can say what we want in this country, why then do people feel the need or utter desperation to go around shooting people – Donald Trump, Charlie Kirk, JFK, Abe Lincoln. This isn’t new and not likely to stop because we’ve evolved somehow into better-behaving humans. 

I have no answers, but it behooves us to remember the First Amendment doesn’t protect us from “yelling fire in a crowded theater,” or saying something dumb on social media that damages the credibility of the company that writes our paycheck or inspires the big guy at the bar to punch us in the face. Not protected speech, none of it. 

“My right to free speech” ends at jail, or being fired, or a blackened eye when we seek to hide behind the First Amendment. Poor decision-making is not protected by the Constitution. 

So, while we noodle the vagaries of human nature, we’ll always be right here…

…Keeping you Posted.

Rach

Kelly, an agriculture and food systems business advisor with the Nevada SBDC, received the honor during the Small Business Administration’s annual awards ceremony held as part of National Small Business Week. The award highlights her efforts to identify gaps in Nevada’s food systems, reduce barriers for small producers, and strengthen connections between farmers, consumers, and policymakers.

“I knew it was a competitive category,” Kelly said. “So, I felt really grateful to be nominated and excited to be selected.”

Kelly is well known in Fallon for her support of local farmers and food‑based entrepreneurs, as well as her weekly “What’s Cooking in Kelli’s Kitchen” column. She began working with the Nevada SBDC in 2021 in a part-time role, assisting agricultural clients, and transitioned to a full-time position in 2024. She now works with about 170 clients statewide.

Her work includes helping modernize Nevada’s cottage food, cottage cosmetics, craft food, and farm‑to‑fork programs. She has collaborated with state leaders to identify regulatory barriers and contributed to legislation aimed at expanding opportunities for small producers. Kelly said passing a bill is only the beginning, and that implementation and continued support are just as important.

Her efforts also extend into agritourism development and statewide planning to reduce challenges for agricultural producers. Through these initiatives, she works to connect farmers, business owners, and policymakers to create an environment where small businesses can succeed.

Kelly’s passion for food systems is rooted in her culinary background. She began her career in restaurants before moving to Fallon, where she gained a deeper appreciation for local agriculture.

“It wasn’t until I moved to Nevada that I really started to hone in on the importance of supporting local agricultural producers,” she said.

Working in kitchens that relied on ingredients grown on‑site or delivered directly by farmers shaped her understanding of the connection between producers and consumers. That experience continues to guide her work today.

“It’s all about shrinking the distance from farm to table and increasing the amount of the food dollar that goes to the person who actually grows the food,” she said.

Kelly emphasizes collaboration as a key part of her approach.

“I don’t do anything by myself,” she said. “It’s hugely important to find your people and bring them to the table to create positive change.”

She credits Nevada’s collaborative spirit for much of the progress she has seen, describing the state as a place where strong connections and shared problem‑solving drive results.

Kelly recently completed her master’s degree and will begin a doctoral program in public policy this fall. She hopes the recognition brings greater awareness to the importance of local and regional food systems.

“I hope a wider audience becomes aware of the very important work happening in local and regional food systems in this state,” she said.

As Nevada continues to explore opportunities in agriculture, small business, and rural development, Kelly’s work is helping build a more resilient and connected future grounded in creativity and community.

“Here in Nevada, there is very much this ‘Battle Born spirit’, which is all about understanding that though our resources may be limited, we are going to figure out a solution with what we have available for us,” she said.

This year’s total includes 12 Pee Wee participants, ages 5 to 9, who took part in the show’s youngest age division. Exhibitors at the main show ranged in age from 9 to 19, representing youth agriculture programs throughout Churchill County.

The event opened Thursday, April 23, with the breeding show, where participants presented animals they raise for long‑term projects. Breeding classes included beef, sheep, hogs, goats, dairy goats, and dairy cattle.

The show also welcomed approximately 400 fourth‑grade students for the annual Ag in the Classroom field trip, which introduces elementary students to agriculture, livestock care, and the work exhibitors put into their projects. This field trip took place on Thursday, April 23.

Friday’s schedule featured the market show, with exhibitors showing steers, hogs, lambs, goats, chickens, turkeys, and rabbits. All market animals were judged on Friday in preparation for Saturday night’s auction.

A growing addition to the event is the Ag Mechanics competition, now in its second year. Exhibitors who showed livestock could enter projects in metalwork, woodwork, or crafts, expanding the show’s hands‑on learning opportunities.

A total of 73 animals were sold during Saturday night’s auction. Final buyer information is still being compiled as organizers close out the show.

One of the standout moments of the CCJLSS came when 15‑year‑old exhibitor Neel Bhakta, a member of the Oasis FFA chapter, performed the national anthem before the auction. Churchill County 4‑H Coordinator Karen Bogdanowicz said he blew the audience away with his talent.

Bogdanowicz also said the camaraderie among exhibitors remains one of the show’s greatest strengths. “I always think it’s a highlight when you see the youth helping the younger kids, and the older, more seasoned showmen — the older youths — teaching the younger ones,” she said.

Bogdanowicz further recognized Ted Guazzini, who has served as the show’s auctioneer for more than 40 years, guiding generations of youth exhibitors through the sale with his steady presence and trademark professionalism. She also praised longtime spotter Mickey Laca, whose experience and sharp eye have helped keep the auction running smoothly year after year.

Although the CCJLS is not connected to the Nevada Junior Livestock Show, many Churchill County exhibitors will continue on to that event, scheduled for June 11–14 at the Reno Livestock Events Center.

Results of the CCJLS will be posted when they become available.

The annual conference, hosted by Travel Nevada from April 21-23, brought together tourism and community leaders from across the state. Fallon’s delegation included representatives from the Fallon Chamber, city leadership, and local tourism officials, reflecting one of the strongest community showings at the event.

Visit Fallon’s award recognized the city’s consistent leadership in presentations, panels, and regional planning efforts. Director of Tourism and Special Events Jane Moon and City Councilwoman Kelly Frost also spoke during the conference’s final day, representing Fallon before a statewide audience and reinforcing the city’s role in shaping tourism discussions.

Director of Tourism and Special Events Jane Moon noted that Fallon’s growing tourism efforts “would not be possible without the leadership of Mayor Ken Tedford, whose support for local tourism includes a commitment to helping it grow beyond the city and county.”

Agritourism was a major topic throughout the event. Fallon was represented directly on the panel “Agritourism: The What and the Why,” where two of the four speakers were local residents. Blane Merkley of the Nevada Department of Agriculture and Kelli Kelly of the Nevada Small Business Development Center outlined how agritourism connects agricultural production with visitor experiences. The session focused on reducing marketing barriers so producers can concentrate on their operations while still benefiting from tourism.

Conference data underscored the importance of rural destinations. Roughly 40 percent of outdoor recreation’s economic impact occurs in rural counties, even though those areas make up only a small share of Nevada’s population. For Fallon, the findings align with ongoing efforts to attract visitors through agriculture, outdoor recreation, and community events.

Travel Nevada officials encouraged rural communities to actively promote their assets to ensure they are included in statewide marketing campaigns. That message carries immediate relevance for Fallon as signature events such as the Cantaloupe Festival continue to anchor local tourism. The festival was nominated for Best Event within the Pony Express Territory, signaling growing statewide visibility.

Fallon Chamber representatives, including Executive Director Lucy Carnahan, board members Ava Case and Shania Brown, and Ambassador Jo Petteruti, participated in the Rural Roundup bus and familiarization tour ahead of the conference. The tour included stops at Rye Patch State Recreation Area, Winnemucca’s downtown murals, and the Battle Mountain Cookhouse Museum. Board member Merlene Ward joined the group in Elko.

Experience levels among Fallon attendees ranged from first-time participants to long-time conference veterans. The mix reflected both continuity and new engagement within the community’s tourism leadership.

Across the three-day event, the message to rural communities was consistent. Those that embrace their distinct culture, landscape, and people are the ones gaining momentum in Nevada’s tourism economy. Fallon’s reputation for leading that effort was evident throughout the conference and affirmed by its statewide recognition.

The fun begins Friday, May 1, at 5 p.m., when the library sets up in the lobby for a lightsaber‑building activity, a fitting way to prepare for the evening ahead. The first 50 participants will receive free admission to the movie of their choice either night, giving families and fans an early incentive to stop by, build a lightsaber, and enjoy the start of a themed weekend.

At 6 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday, the theatre presents “Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope” (1977), the film that launched the saga and introduced audiences to a young farm boy, a princess, a smuggler, and a mentor who set out to challenge the Galactic Empire. Rated PG, it runs 2 hours and 1 minute. At 7 p.m. both nights, the theatre screens “Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back” (1980), widely regarded as one of the strongest sequels ever made. This chapter deepens the story, raises the stakes, and includes one of the most memorable moments in film history. Rated PG, it runs 2 hours and 4 minutes.

One of the theatre’s most anticipated spring events is also approaching. The Toiyabe Chamber Music Society returns Saturday, May 16, at 7 p.m. for the Loneliest Road Chamber Music Project. The Berkelium String Quartet from Berkeley, California, will open its Nevada tour on the Fallon Theatre stage with a program featuring Schubert’s “Death and the Maiden,” a new composition by Daniel Darmesin Flanagan, and a Beethoven quartet, accompanied by projected images. Admission is by donation, and children are welcome to attend and experience live chamber music in a setting that highlights both performance and visual presentation.

Looking ahead to summer, Ventura Highway — The Music of America performs Saturday, July 18, at 8 p.m. The concert brings the harmonies and classic sound of the band America to the Fallon Theatre stage, offering an evening of familiar favorites and rich vocals. Tickets are $10.

The Fallon Theatre remains committed to keeping its doors open and its screens lit for the community. Free moviegoing is something the theatre continues to work toward whenever possible. Concessions will be available with popcorn, candy, and other favorites that make a night at the movies feel complete. If you are interested in hosting a celebration or placing a message on the marquee, the theatre welcomes inquiries at 775‑423‑6210 or thefallontheatre@gmail.com.

On April 24, 2026, at the age of 65, Tammy went home to be with Jesus surrounded by loved ones after losing her battle to cancer. She is preceded in death by her father, Lonnie Moore. She is survived by her husband of forty-six years Paul Slaton, mother Janice Moore, brother Darin Moore, sister Lani Moore, children Rachel (Nathan) Crary, and Carmen (Mike) Stafford. She is survived by seven grandchildren (Aria, Ayalyn, Asa, Asher, Mikey, DJ, and Micara). Tammy was loved and will be missed by those she has left behind.

Tammy’s memorial service will be held Sunday, May 3, at 2 pm at the Fallon Church of the Nazarene, located at 1520 Grimes Street, Fallon, NV, with a potluck fellowship to follow the service.

Hosted by the Fallon Chamber of Commerce and catered by Wild Horse Café, the luncheon gave community and business leaders a chance to hear directly from the installation’s commanding officer.

Captain Haymon began by sharing some of his background and noted the strong partnership NAS Fallon has with the city and Churchill County. Military staff and transient personnel contribute to a strong local economy.

He continued with explanations of expansions that will be completed by 2028. The base has broken ground and is building 92 new homes, increasing the total to 291 by 2027. When the F‑35 hangar is completed in 2028, this will add 800 support personnel to the base. There are currently 2,900 employees.

Captain Haymon took questions from the luncheon participants before leaving the event. When asked whether the base had any damage after the April 13 earthquake, he said there was no damage to any buildings or property. He added that it was the first quake he had experienced and that it was scary, a sentiment most of the members shared.

Retiring to Fallon from Las Vegas, the Jacovinos saw a need for additional support services in the community. Martina, who has worked in the health care industry for more than 40 years, said providing care in a patient’s home helps maintain dignity and stability in daily routines.

Clear Path Healthcare offers personal care assistance, ranging from washing hair to light housekeeping. Caregivers are Alzheimer’s and dementia-certified, personal-care trained (HHAs), and certified nursing assistants, and they provide post-hospital recovery and respite services.

State regulations require 16 hours of caregiver training, but the Jacovinos require 20 hours, along with background checks, fingerprinting, and all other state requirements.

Clear Path Healthcare also accepts donations of walkers, rolling walkers, crutches, and other equipment, as well as personal grooming supplies, to help make life easier and safer for local residents.

Emcee David Halloran opened the program by recognizing the school’s students and introducing senior Trevor Barrenchea, noting that he represents the qualities Oasis Academy strives to build.

Barrenchea has been part of Oasis Academy since first grade and will graduate this spring with both his high school diploma and an Associate of Science degree. He plans to study wildlife ecology and hopes to work in big‑game conservation with the Fish and Game department. Throughout high school, he competed in basketball and baseball and was active in student council, National Honor Society, and Future Farmers of America (FFA), representing Oasis Academy on a national stage in 2024.

In his remarks, Barrenchea highlighted the school’s accomplishments this year, including strong athletic seasons, the girls' basketball team's first State appearance, and both basketball teams' recognition as top academic teams. He noted that 47 students competed at State, an all‑time high, and seven advanced to nationals. Academically, the school presented more than 250 science fair projects and recorded its highest ACT scores to date, while maintaining a 100 percent graduation rate.

He also acknowledged the loss of student Tyler Crystal and spoke about how the school community supported one another through the difficult time.

Barrenchea thanked teachers, staff, families, and community members for their support, emphasizing the opportunities Oasis Academy provides through academics, athletics, and leadership.

Halloran later encouraged attendees to bid generously, reminding them that Future Fest helps fund the school’s academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs.

With desserts displayed, bids called, and energy building, the fundraiser underscored the community’s commitment to supporting Oasis Academy and its students.

For home buyers especially, the risks are often hidden in plain sight. To the untrained eye, a large, leafy tree may appear perfectly healthy. In reality, it could be suffering from internal decay, root damage, or structural instability. Many real estate agents, while knowledgeable in their field, are not trained to identify these issues or understand the costs associated with them. As a result, buyers may unknowingly inherit problems that can cost tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of dollars to address.

Tree-related damage can be extensive and expensive. Root systems can compromise concrete foundations, causing cracks in floors and even lifting portions of a home to the point where doors and garage openings no longer function properly. Root mitigation alone can be a massive undertaking, especially when trees have grown too close to structures. In other cases, trees become unstable due to root cutting during construction or root rot caused by poor soil conditions. These weakened trees can fail without warning.

The consequences of tree failure can be catastrophic. A falling tree or large limb can destroy roofs, vehicles, utility lines, and neighboring properties. In the worst cases, it can lead to serious injury or even loss of life. These are not rare, hypothetical scenarios. There are real risks that increase significantly when trees are not properly assessed and maintained.

Mitigating these dangers cannot be done casually or by guesswork. It requires the expertise of a certified arborist—someone trained to evaluate tree health, structural integrity, and risk factors that are invisible to most people. Only a certified arborist can provide an accurate assessment and recommend appropriate actions, whether that’s pruning, treatment, or removal.

In fact, a tree inspection should be viewed as just as important as a traditional home inspection, arguably even more so in certain situations. While a leaky pipe or an aging roof can usually be repaired predictably, a hazardous tree poses an unpredictable and potentially devastating threat. A single overlooked defect in a large tree can result in sudden failure with far-reaching consequences.

I have personally seen the emotional and financial impact on new homeowners who were unaware of the condition of the trees on their property. The moment they learn that multiple trees are dying, structurally compromised, or require immediate removal—often at a cost of tens of thousands of dollars—is one of shock and despair. Imagine purchasing your dream home, only to discover that a 60- to 100-foot elm, poplar, or cottonwood is hanging over your house with large sections of dead wood or a cracked trunk that was never visible without a trained inspection. In that moment, the question becomes unavoidable: how does this compare to concerns like a minor roof leak or a plumbing issue?

Trees are living structures that constantly change and are affected by their environment. Ignoring their condition during a real estate transaction is not just an oversight—it’s a gamble. A certified arborist inspection provides clarity, protection, and peace of mind for buyers, sellers, and agents alike.

For arborist services, Marco DiGiacinto at M.D. Tree Surgery offers certified arborist inspections, consultation, and analysis of your trees, along with expert pruning based on ISA-certified standards. The business also provides stump grinding and the safe removal of trees.

Email: Marco@mdtreesurgery.com
Phone: 775-867-2944
Emergency: 775-217-9009

Frank was passionate, multi-faceted, and a self-trained expert in all his endeavors, be it boat and car racing, motor homing, gardening, cooking, hunting, or in his business. He managed these myriad interests all while treasuring his friendships, his family, and his beloved wife, Mary. With Frank, it was all or nothing. And you were included.

Frank had a long-time love affair with speed. He came to his marriage in 1976 equipped with a '67 Chevelle and a ’40s Willys. It was a package deal his wife was glad to accept that lasted nearly 50 years. A five-time world champion boat racer, Frank knew the edge and walked it naturally. Frank raced a multitude of cars, including the Willys, and thrilled audiences with his wheelies. Frank enjoyed the comradery of the many racing teams, especially his own racing team that included his son, Ron.

That love affair with speed began early in his life with his brother Trent as they worked on Trent's ‘56 Chevy and built his ‘32 Ford T-bucket roadster that started with a Moon Foot gas pedal placed with intention in their bedroom closet. When Frank played center in high school football, he was as speedy on his feet as he was later on asphalt and water.

Frank graduated from Churchill County High School in 1971. He was a hard worker during his high school years. Frank had his own patch of garden that he tended between football practice, milking cows, and building fast cars with his brother Trent. The corn from his garden ended up for sale in his Uncle Jack's Country Store in Fernley.

Frank was wicked smart. He could puzzle out a problem even if he had never seen it before. This ability to troubleshoot stood him in good stead with his business as an electrical contractor. Frank and his son Ron opened and ran Lahontan Valley Electric in Fallon and the surrounding communities for nearly 40 years.

When Frank was not racing or wiring houses, he was an avid outdoorsman in hunting and fishing. He enjoyed stream and lake fishing for trout and largemouth bass. He caught sturgeon and salmon in California’s rivers and rock fish from the Pacific Ocean. He hunted big game such as elk, deer, and antelope in the farthest reaches of Nevada and Montana. Frank also went pig hunting with his nephew, Ronnie (any excuse for a road trip). The highlight of his hunting career was a safari in South Africa. He came home with trophy heads of five antelope species. During these journeys and adventures, Frank made many more friends in the hunting and fishing communities.

All this meat-gathering led Frank to further his BBQ and smoker finesse. He was an aficionado of meat and could cure it, brine it, grill it, smoke it — as long as it could be cooked outdoors, it was his delight to present the finest. He was so skilled that the ranchers at his grandson Jase's graduation party, all diehard beef eaters, said his BBQ chicken was the best they’d ever eaten.

Frank’s interest was not only in meats. In his later years, his youthful passion for gardening turned into a carefully curated garden each year, which he used to complement his meals and to share with many. Every time someone visited, they left laden with sacks of vegetables, fruits, and herbs.

Frank was admired and loved by many. We will miss his sense of humor, his zest for life, his wisdom and timing, and his steadfast and comforting presence. We say, "Farewell and see you later,” to our hero.

Please join us for services at Smith Family Funeral Home, 505 Rio Vista Drive, Fallon, Nevada, on May 1, 2026, at noon. There will be a viewing from 11 a.m. to noon. Refreshments and snacks will be provided following the service.

Born on Feb. 27, 1953, in San Jose, California, Karen was the beloved daughter of Ray Delaney and Faye Qualls. She was a devoted spouse to Richard Cline and a loving mother to Jeff Cline, Tammi LeCave, and Chris Cline.

Karen was larger than life—a tiny woman with a huge heart and personality, a quick wit, and a laugh you could hear across the room. She never met a stranger, and if she did, they didn’t stay one for long. Known for her sass, her honesty, and her ability to keep everyone on their toes, Karen brought energy and humor wherever she went.

She dedicated her life to her family, her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, our country’s active-duty military and veterans, and the American Legion Auxiliary. Nothing made her happier than watching her grandchildren play, learn, and grow—except maybe cheering on her Raiders with over-the-top enthusiasm. She had a gift for making people feel loved, welcomed, and especially like family.

She is survived by her children, Jeff Cline, Tammi (Larry) LeCave, and Chris (Lyndsey) Cline; her sisters, Connie Case and LaRae Sibley; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Richard Cline; her mother, Faye Qualls; her father, Ray Delaney; her sister, Paula Jean; her brother-in-law, Jeff Sibley; and several close friends whom she considered family.

A memorial service will be held on May 9, 2026, at 11 a.m. at The Gardens in Fallon, Nev. A celebration of life will follow immediately after at the American Legion Post 16. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Legion Auxiliary.

If you knew Nama, you knew you were loved and eventually became another piece of her family.

She will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Board members said the policy focuses strictly on water use, not on whether data centers are good or bad. CNRWA Executive Director Jeff Fontaine said it is often unclear how much total water these facilities use, including cooling systems, energy use, and manufacturing.

Laurel Saito, Nevada water strategy director for the Nature Conservancy, suggested adding language requiring identification of water sources. Norman Frey raised concerns about unclear sourcing and possible effects on downstream users, warning that companies could buy up water rights.

Commissioner Mancebo moved to approve the policy, adding the requirement to identify water sources, and the board unanimously approved it. Members also supported sending it to counties as a template for local implementation.

Newly appointed Nevada State Engineer Joe Cacioppo provided an update on the Division of Water Resources. Cacioppo began his role March 30 after previously working as a principal civil engineer at Resource Concepts Inc. and serving on the Carson City School Board.

He said the division faces staffing shortages and a long backlog of water rights applications. The department has about 15 vacancies and more than 2,000 pending applications, which can take months to more than a year to process.

Cacioppo said his priorities include “responsible communication… more transparency and just overall efficiency.”

Legislative issues also came up, with members outlining topics likely to surface in the next session. Fontaine said the CNRWA legislative working group is focusing on issues that can realistically move forward, including finding a funding source for water rights retirement programs that currently have no funding.

He also raised concerns about potential tax impacts tied to those programs. Fontaine said there may be interest in bringing back legislation related to non‑consumptive water use, which would require permits for uses such as geothermal systems or lithium projects, even if water is returned to the source.

The board also discussed several active working groups, including the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Natural Resources, the Nevada Water Law Working Group and a governor’s office group focused on improving efficiency and reducing application backlogs. Data centers were again mentioned as a growing concern due to the demand for both water and energy.

The board addressed monitoring, management and mitigation plans, known as 3M plans, which are used to track and respond to water impacts from projects. These plans are often required by federal agencies during environmental reviews and may also be required by the State Engineer for certain water applications.

Fontaine said 3M plans are meant to address unknown impacts but should not be used to approve projects when conflicts with existing water rights are already known. Under Nevada law, projects cannot be approved if they conflict with existing water rights, even if a mitigation plan is in place.

Members also noted that 3M plans can place a burden on existing water users and often lack clear standards.

The board approved its fiscal year 2026–2027 budget, which stays mostly the same as last year. Adjustments include increases for legal services and government affairs work as members prepare for the next legislative session.

Additional updates included a report on recent water rights applications filed with the state. The board also received an update on an appeal tied to a proposed pipeline project in Utah that would move water across basins.

Members discussed how pumping and transfers related to the project could affect groundwater levels in Nevada basins, specifically areas in White Pine County.

The board also discussed a possible shift to a flat‑fee contract for administrative services, which will be considered at a future meeting.

The next CNRWA meeting is scheduled for July 24.