Outside of work, Virginia and Don centered their lives around the girls and their sports and while Kim and Vickie had graduated and started their lives, Virginia and Don spent endless hours at the sporting events that Kelly and Valerie did.  During the summers the girls played fast pitch softball, and Virginia and Don hauled them everywhere a tournament took them.  Virginia would make sure the girls were fed, rested and if needed did room checks to be sure all were in bed for the next day… after the girls finished playing the grandkids were starting their sports and you could always count on Virginia and Don being on the sidelines cheering them on.  They traveled with the grandkids just as they had done with the daughters taking them to tournaments when the parents weren’t able to go…. Virginia and Don became a staple in the grandkids’ lives, and they loved every minute of it often talking about the bonds they had with them as well as with the other teammates.  Even into college, Virginia and Don would travel wherever the grandkids had a game to make sure they could cheer them on and let them know they were always there for them.

Virginia’s passion was the young people; from the kids she taught in school, to her daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.  She loved watching them grow into the people they are today.

Virginia is preceded in death by her parents Lyle and Ruth McGee, Sister Patricia Feary and grandson Chase Nolan Wenger.  She is survived by her Husband of 55 years, Donald West, daughters Kim Bell (Wes), Victoria George (Russell), Kelly Workman (Ed), Valerie Kotlowski (Stan), Grandchildren Lacey Cabrera (Emmanuel), Robert Rogne, Fred Rogne (Melissa), Mindy Fisk, Richard Cornu (Tyler), Thad Cornu, Trae Workman (Hope), Brittany Beebe, Sara Wolken (Andrew) and numerous great grandchildren and great great children.

Per Virginia’s wishes there will not be any services as she wanted all to remember her as they knew her.

Born and raised in Lovelock, Nevada, Brandon spent his 40 years making the most of every moment. To his wife, there will never be enough words to describe the human he was; simply put, he was her world. To his young girls, “Papi” was their superhero and the endless source of fun, adventures, and silliness. 

Brandon was happiest when traveling, salmon fishing in Alaska, hunting and trap shooting with friends, creating unique treasures on his laser engraving machine, and playing cribbage with his father, wife, and anyone willing to challenge his exaggerated level of confidence. 

His lifelong passion for history, coupled with his love of mining, defined his professional journey. He dedicated more than 16 years to the Nevada mining industry, proudly utilizing the mining engineering degree he’d earned at the University of Nevada, Reno in 2010. During that time, Brandon served on multiple Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) committees, always seeking ways to improve leadership in the mining industry.

Brandon built a life centered on kindness and hard work, and his impact on his friends and colleagues is immeasurable. They could always count on his commitment, dedication, and willingness to fight for others. Though his life was cut short, it was packed full of love, adventure, and boundless curiosity. 

He is survived by his wife, best friend, and love of his life, Ermelinda MacDougall; his children, Scarlett (9) and Zoey (7) MacDougall; his parents, Steve and Mij MacDougall; his sister, Courtney MacDougall, and countless friends.

We invite you to remember Brandon on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Services begin at 11:00 am at the Pershing County Community Center located at 820 Sixth St., Lovelock, NV 89419. 

Change is for shoes, shirts, and sheets. Change is something we all do on some level, automatically. Then, for some reason, something changes that just doesn’t sit very well. My latest change was quite small; it did, however, rub me the wrong way. When I sit to write these fun “Is This You?” stories, I start by centering the “Is This You?” at the top, go down two spaces, and put the title. Somehow, at some time, an editor requested all the lines be lined up on the left. Left, with those two lines clear over to the left margin. Got it? Clear over to the left! It just felt, well, unnatural. Oh, I did it. After all, I am just the writer; the editor is all-knowing — and has a hand on the money bag to pay me. Going all the way to the left dragged me out of my comfortable “Is This You?” spacing rut. A little thing, I know, I know. But a thing just the same.

Then it dawned on me. I really was in a rut. A centered rut. Coming out of my comfy, well-centered rut had ill effects. Each time I sat to write, I kept going to the left side of the page and starting. Then, time and time again, the whole story just went kafooie.

It would be like if you were, let’s say, baking cookies and put the flour in before the sugar. That would be so wrong. Or you were changing the oil in your truck, and you took the filter off before taking the plug out. Now we all know that would just be wrong — and terribly messy. A rut is a rut is a rut. To be dragged out of it? Nonsense.

There are ruts that last just a short while, and some will last an entire lifetime. We, the rutted and the non-rutted, seem to be quite happy in both circumstances. So why rock the boat? Because we are here to “ROCK ON!”

I challenge you to point out a rut you are in. You have the same two cups of coffee each morning? You drive the same route and park in the same spot at work? You cut your lawn the same way — every time? You make chicken the same way? Fold your undies exactly the same way? Well, welcome to the world of rut-ness.

Personally, I quit writing all the way to the left. I went back to center-ville, and I am quite content with my decision. But there are other ruts this chick-a-dee sloshes around down in. I will not drink a soda unless it has a full cup of ice to begin with. Silly!

Born and raised in Lovelock, Nevada, Brandon spent his 40 years making the most of every moment. To his wife, there will never be enough words to describe the human he was; simply put, he was her world. To his young girls, “Papi” was their superhero and the endless source of fun, adventures, and silliness. 

Brandon was happiest when travelling, salmon fishing in Alaska, hunting and trap shooting with friends, creating unique treasures on his laser engraving machine, and playing cribbage with his father, wife, and anyone willing to challenge his exaggerated level of confidence. 

His lifelong passion for history, coupled with love of mining, defined his professional journey. He dedicated more than 16 years to the Nevada mining industry, proudly utilizing the mining engineering degree he’d earned at the University of Nevada, Reno in 2010. During that time, Brandon participated in multiple Society for Mining, Metallurgy, & Exploration (SME) committees, always looking for ways to improve leadership in the mining industry.

Brandon built a life centered on kindness and hard work, and his impact on his friends and colleagues is immeasurable. They could always count on his commitment, dedication, and willingness to fight for others. Though his life was cut short, it was packed full of love, adventure, and boundless curiosity. 

He is survived by his wife, best friend, and love of his life, Ermelinda MacDougall; his children, Scarlett (9) and Zoey (7) MacDougall; his parents, Steve and Mij MacDougall; his sister, Courtney MacDougall, and countless friends.

We invite you to remember Brandon on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Services begin at 11:00 am at the Pershing County Community Center located at 820 Sixth St., Lovelock, NV 89419. 

Lisa See’s “The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane” is a sweeping journey that transports readers from the remote, mist‑shrouded mountains of Yunnan, China, to the bustling streets of modern‑day California. At its heart, the novel is an exploration of the enduring bond between a mother and the daughter she is forced to give up, all while being steeped in the rich, earthy traditions of Pu‑erh tea farming. The story begins with Li‑yan, a young woman from the Akha ethnic minority group, whose life is governed by ancient customs and the seasonal rhythms of the tea harvest. When she gives birth to a daughter out of wedlock, the strict laws of her village demand a heartbreaking sacrifice. To save her child’s life, Li‑yan leaves her at an orphanage, wrapping her in a blanket with a hidden cake of rare Pu‑erh tea, a silent promise of her heritage.

As the narrative unfolds, we follow two parallel paths: Li‑yan’s struggle to find her place in a rapidly modernizing China, and her daughter Haley’s upbringing in a loving adoptive family in the United States. See expertly weaves together themes of identity, belonging, and the invisible threads that connect us to our roots. The descriptions of the tea‑making process are incredibly vivid, making you feel as though you can almost smell the fermenting leaves and taste the complex, smoky notes of a perfectly brewed cup. It is fascinating to learn how a single tea cake can represent history, wealth, and a family’s legacy.

Throughout the book, the tone remains hopeful. While the characters face significant hardships and cultural shifts, there is a persistent sense of resilience that keeps the reader rooted in their journey. The emotional stakes are high, but the prose is accessible and warm, inviting you to sit down and stay a while, much like the tea ceremonies described within the pages. It is a story that celebrates the strength of women and the ways in which we carry our history with us, no matter how far we travel from home. This novel is a beautiful reminder that even when life takes unexpected turns, the connections we forge, and the traditions we cherish, can eventually lead us back to ourselves.

That’s all I have for this week. I encourage you to check out “The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane” — and don’t forget to check out my Instagram @allison.the.reader for more book recommendations to start building your to‑be‑read list for summer.

I am proud that I tried my best to get good grades, which paid off in the end.

What Bible Verse or spiritual lesson has impacted you the most?

The most important thing was realizing that God is and will always be there for me.

What are you most excited about as you begin this next chapter?

I am excited to meet new people. 

Is there anything you would like to say to those who helped you through your journey?

I want to say that my Eighth-grade teacher, who wasn’t even supposed to be my teacher, came and taught my class. She helped me with a lot. I am grateful to have this person in my life, and I hope they are glad too. 

Students lined up in front of the school for the opportunity to pie their chosen student. Assistant headmaster Mr. Ernst also joined in the fun. The fundraiser was held to support the upcoming seventh- and eighth-grade trip to Key & Code Escape Rooms.

At Veritas, seventh- and eighth-grade students study logic as part of the curriculum. In preparation for the trip, students have been completing a variety of logic puzzles to strengthen their critical and lateral thinking skills.

“This was my second year being pied, and this time I knew what to expect,” said eighth-grader Andrea Quiles. “Honestly, if I could get pied in the face as a career, I’d consider it.”

In total, the class raised more than $600 — enough to cover lunch, transportation, and admission for their visit to the escape rooms.

Having been part of Oasis Academy since first grade, Jilliana Morales has spent more than a decade learning and growing at the school.

“I’ve met so many great teachers over the years who have helped me grow and learn, both in and out of the classroom,” she said. “All of the teachers I’ve known have been willing to help in any way they can, which I think is great.”

Some of Morales’ favorite memories center around friendships.

“My favorite memories from my time at Oasis are the moments I spent with my friends — whether it was during breaks, lunch, or class. They made school enjoyable and gave me something to look forward to,” she said.

Throughout high school, she remained actively involved on campus. She has been a member of Student Council all four years, serving as junior class treasurer and now as historian. She is also a member of the National Honor Society.

Along with receiving her high school diploma in May, Morales will earn her Associate of Science degree from Western Nevada College. While working toward her AS, she participated in college‑level scientific research through the INBRE program at WNC.

“It was really fun being able to do real research (even if I didn’t understand everything fully at times), and it confirmed that I want to pursue something in the sciences in the future,” she said.

After graduation, Morales plans to attend the University of Nevada, Reno, majoring in biology and possibly minoring in microbiology. She hopes to work in pathology or medical research.

As she prepares for her next steps, Morales expressed gratitude for the mentors who supported her.

“I’d like to thank Mr. Andy Lenon for his guidance and assistance. He’s been incredibly helpful, especially with college and scholarships, and he’s always willing to listen. I’m really grateful for his support.”

Her advice to future students: “Your thoughts matter more than you think. If you’re constantly expecting failure, you’ll start acting like it’s already guaranteed. Be mindful of how you talk to yourself.”

Senior Spotlight: Beatriz Hallberg

Beatriz Hallberg has been at Oasis since kindergarten and is grateful for the support she’s received.

“Throughout the years, I have been granted endless support. I’ve loved watching the school change and improve, and I’ve also enjoyed growing up with my classmates,” she said.

One of her favorite memories comes from middle school.

“My favorite memory was doing a hot cocoa stand project in eighth grade. I had fun hanging out with my friends while selling hot cocoa,” she said.

Hallberg stayed active in both academics and athletics. She participated in cheerleading her freshman year and later joined the cross‑country team during her junior and senior years.

“During junior year, I got to travel to Las Vegas and compete in the state championships,” she said.

She also enjoyed leadership through Student Council.

“My favorite class was Student Council because I liked planning and attending events. I also had a lot of fun during the Disneyland trip,” she said.

Hallberg credits her teachers and coaches for helping her succeed.

“I would like to thank all my previous teachers at Oasis for teaching me to work hard and succeed. I would also like to thank my cross‑country coach, Krista Smith, for pushing me to try my hardest and supporting me,” she said.

After graduating with both her high school diploma and Associate of Arts degree from Western Nevada College, Hallberg will begin her service with the Army National Guard. She will complete basic training and advanced job training, where she will learn to maintain and repair critical electronic equipment. She then plans to continue her education at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Her advice to younger students: “Time goes by faster than you think. Live in the moment, enjoy new experiences, and appreciate every second for what it is.”

Senior Spotlight: Benton Snow

Since starting at Oasis Academy in first grade, Benton Snow has appreciated the closeness he shares with his classmates.

“The thing I’ve enjoyed most is being close to the same group of kids the entire way through school,” he said.

Some of his favorite memories come from the golf course.

“My favorite memory is playing golf on the Ruby View course with Coaches Bradley Siebecker and David Halloran, Tyler Siebecker, Eli Jones, and Trevor Halloran. The course was good, the camaraderie was great, and it was the best day of Oasis Academy golf,” he said.  Inside the classroom, one experience stands out.

“My favorite class was history with Mr. David Springfield my freshman year because there were a lot of new students who weren’t at Oasis in elementary or middle school who were fun to get to know.”

Snow has been deeply involved in athletics. Over four years, he played golf and basketball for Oasis Academy and soccer for Churchill County High School, earning 10 varsity letters.

Outside of school, he has pursued aviation.

“I’ve been working on my private pilot’s license, having already completed my written test,” he said. He also enjoys snowboarding, wakeboarding, and raising a herd of cattle with his father.

Snow will graduate with both his high school diploma and Associate of Arts degree from Western Nevada College. This fall, he will attend the University of Nevada, Reno, majoring in engineering.

Senior Spotlight: Victor Alaniz

Victor Alaniz is preparing to take the next step toward a hands‑on career after graduation.

“My plans after graduation are to move to Long Beach, California, and learn collision and repair for automobiles,” he said.

His time at Oasis wasn’t always easy.

“At first, my time at Oasis was a little bumpy. I was just trying to figure out the rope. Eventually, I did, and I was finally comfortable,” he said.

Some of his favorite memories come from simple moments with friends.

“My favorite memories are when I would go to open lunch with my friends when I first transferred,” he said.

Alaniz played varsity soccer for Churchill County High School for four years.

He also discovered a passion for ceramics.

“I love pottery, especially making stuff you want, so when I joined ceramics, it was everything I wanted and more,” he said. His favorite piece is a teapot set made with dragon‑fruit clay.

He credits those who pushed him to grow.

“I would like to thank everyone who knew I could be better and pushed me into doing it. All I had to do was put in the effort,” he said.

His advice to younger students: “Enjoy yourself and don’t take time for granted.”

The Greenwave Games program is hosting two upcoming family‑friendly events and invites students and community members of all ages and skill levels to participate. The Greenwave Games Release Party will be held May 15 in the CCHS Vocational Building (V‑11) from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to play newly released games created by the high school game development classes. The event is open to the public and encourages community members to experience student‑designed interactive projects firsthand.

Registration is also open for the Alfalfa Arena Esports Tournament, scheduled for May 23. Check‑in begins at 8 a.m., followed by competition at 9 a.m. The tournament will feature games including Mario Kart, Marvel Rivals, and more, using PlayVS tournament formats. A 100 percent payout prize pool will be awarded to the top three finishers. The event will also include food available through the CCHS Wave on Wheels culinary food truck, as well as a speed‑run fundraiser. Registration must be completed by May 22, and the entry fee is $10 per team, due on the day of the tournament. Only team captains are required to complete the registration form. Additional information and registration are available at bit.ly/AlfalfaArenaRegister.

CCMS

Students in Torri Conley’s class are reading several novels to end the school year. One featured book, “Zach’s Lie,” is set in Elko and gives students a chance to connect literature to their home state while following a suspenseful and meaningful story. Another is “The Wednesday Wars,” one of Conley’s favorite novels. Set in 1967 during the Vietnam War era, the story follows a seventh‑grade student as he navigates middle school challenges, Shakespeare lessons, family expectations, and a changing world. These novels are helping students strengthen reading skills while exploring history, character development, and connections to their own lives.

Numa

Students in Kristina McFadden’s class recently participated in a “mining for coal” activity that combined science and social studies learning. As part of a unit on nonrenewable resources, students explored how energy sources can eventually run out and gained a deeper understanding of resource consumption and environmental impact. The activity also helped students make connections to Nevada’s mining history and the role mining continues to play in the state’s economy. Photo by: Students in Kristina McFadden’s class participate in a “mining for coal” activity while learning about nonrenewable resources and Nevada’s mining history.

E.C. Best

Christina Fruzza and Melissa Humphrey’s second‑grade students are incubating 12 chicken eggs as part of a unit on life cycles. Students have been tracking daily changes and creating timelines to document the developing embryos. On day nine, students participated in a candling activity to observe early development, where they were able to see visible veins and movement from the growing embryos. The chicks are expected to hatch on May 19.

Photo below:  Melissa Humphrey demonstrates the candling process so students can observe early embryo development firsthand in her second‑grade classroom at E.C. Best.

Lahontan

First‑grade students have been working with literacy specialist Katy Loop to strengthen their reading skills as the school year comes to a close. Students encountered unfamiliar words and identified phonics patterns before tapping out sounds to support decoding and fluency. This instructional approach helped build foundational literacy skills and student confidence. “It is important that students continue to practice their reading over the summer so that they continue to strengthen their reading skills as they move into the next grade level,” Loop said.

Several major projects were completed over the past year, including a large seating upgrade in the lower theater. Last fall, the theater traveled to Mesquite, Nevada, where they acquired over 250 movie theater chairs from a theater that had gone out of business. These seats include built‑in drink holders and were installed with additional space to improve comfort for moviegoers, especially taller guests.

The theater also recently installed two new laser-powered digital projectors, made in Belgium and installed by a technician from Los Angeles. The projectors provide improved picture quality and are expected to have a lifespan of roughly 20,000 hours.

Another improvement included renovations to the theater’s heating and cooling system. New mini-split units were installed in the entryway, concession area, and upper theater, improving the building’s climate control system.

Looking ahead, the theater plans to apply for a grant through Nevada’s State Historic Preservation Office to help renovate seating in the upper theater. Proposed upgrades include replacing the flooring and reconfiguring seating to provide the same level of comfort now available in the lower theater.

The Fallon Theatre was built 105 years ago and opened on Dec. 30, 1920. According to Dr. Stuart Richardson, president of the nonprofit Fallon Community Theatre, Inc., “It’s the longest running, continuously open theater in the state of Nevada.” The building was designed by architect Frederick DeLongchamps, one of Nevada’s most famous architects. He designed 30 buildings in Fallon alone, as well as courthouses throughout the state, including the Lovelock courthouse.

Team members Kora Ostertag, Acadia Holve, Alora Holve, and Allisyn Flower competed against schools from across Nevada, including public and private programs from kindergarten through 12th grade.

According to Coach Eric Ostertag, the accomplishment was especially remarkable given the small size of the homeschool team, which consisted of just four players.

Of special note was Fallon student Allisyn Flower, who began playing scholastic chess only a few weeks before the Northern Nevada qualifier tournament. Despite being new to competitive chess, Flower played an important role in helping the team advance to the state championship and contributed key victories during the title run.

The team also recognized Coach Annastasia and Coach Eric Ostertag for their years of leadership, preparation, and encouragement.

“This historic championship is a celebration not only of another state title, but also of the teamwork, discipline, and perseverance behind it,” Ostertag said.

The championship marks the team’s third straight state title and another milestone for the young players, who represented their community with skill, focus, and sportsmanship throughout the season.