Shrinking Toilet Paper

Life happens and things change. We all know that. In recent years, COVID-19 changed the way we did a lot of things. Things that affected our pocketbooks and wallets. Not just our personal monies, but monies of big businesses too. But!

Yes, a quietly shrinking “but.” Here’s my tale of tail woe! Oh My Goodness.

My other half and I owned a hardware store that we sold in the early 2000s. Because I could, I ordered a bunch of what you might call “back stock” that I would have as I went through the withdrawals of not having a store of my own. Some of the things I ordered were cases of paper products. Kleenex, the ones that were three layers and soft as a kitten. Paper towels, of course, and much-needed toilet paper. That was some 20 years ago, and I admit I still have some of my “exit order” stored. But I am coming down to the end of the last case of TP. Knowing that, I decided to buy just a little extra cushion (pun intended) of toilet paper for my stockroom.

Before putting the new stuff out with the old stuff, I grabbed a few rolls to put in the closet with what was standing guard. Waiting to be unrolled when needed. That’s when I saw IT!

I wear glasses, and sometimes my eyes play tricks on me. Like the mirror on the passenger side of our vehicles where there is a sticker that reads, “some things may look smaller ...” Well, my new rolls looked smaller than my older rolls. I thought, “No way. It’s toilet paper.” I will admit I was sitting down when I noticed this deviation. Eventually, I grabbed the two side-by-side rolls, and yes, the new ones were smaller. Just the width. The package still touted the 1,000 sheets and the strength and blah, blah, blah. But the width! The width was narrower. This is just wrong on sooooo many levels.

To make sure I wasn’t imagining this change, I did something you will really get a giggle out of. I have a roll of toilet paper that I got when I got married in 1976! Yes, it’s 50 years old — and it’s pink. It was stuffed up inside one of those crochet toilet paper covers that a lady made for a wedding gift. I don’t have the crochet cover, but I do have the roll of toilet paper. It was a full 3/8 of an inch taller!

I remember when I noticed that my paper towels changed. Oh, yes, they did! The size of each towel was smaller, and the number of square inches changed by a number that you would only have noticed if you had a hand that weighed nails by the pound by taking them out of a nail bin for customers for years. I have that hand. (I introduced myself to the president of a BofA from Las Vegas when he bought a ranch in our area by measuring his nails with my weight-conscious hand — such another story.)

When I bought the “new” paper towels as my “back stock” was about to run out, I noticed in the grocery store the difference in the weight. So to find my toilet paper was also given a shave down made me madder than a wet hen!

I was quiet when the iced tea company I bought my tea from went from a full 2 quarts and downsized the amount to something akin to a quart now measured in those danged metric measurements — and raised the price too! Price is not the issue. Prices increase. But to increase the price and decrease the amount too? Quietly with subversiveness? And to the most sensitive and much-needed items of life. Ha-ha!

There are so many things in the world to get our hair in the air about. Is toilet paper one of those things? I say maybe, because in our world we need to stop and realize the phrase popularized by author and psychotherapist Richard Carlson, who used it as the title of his massive 1997 bestselling self-help book, “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff ... and It’s All Small Stuff,” is true. Not any truer today than it was when paper grocery bags became plastic. Soon we began to tie them closed. Then we all became frustrated and lost fingernail after fingernail trying to get them untied!

Yes, there will always be something to wag a finger at. Pull hair out about. Squish our faces up at. Learn the decisions made in boardrooms to keep companies in the black so we can always have toilet paper. Because just think what the world would be like if toilet paper went away altogether.

Really!

Don grew up on his grandfather’s ranches in Elk and Navarro Ridge, California. He graduated from high school in 1949. At age 5, he started driving teams of horses while baling straw. He stayed busy in his early years pitching grain bundles to a threshing machine, shoeing horses, taking care of sheep, operating Caterpillar equipment, shearing sheep, and hunting.

In 1955, Don married Barbara Caughey, and they had four children: Larry, Debra, Tom, and Carolyn. Don liked ranching and driving trucks. They moved to Bly, Oregon, in 1966, where they built 7C Ranch with help from their children. In 1972, he purchased his first cattle truck, a 1964 Kenworth. He started hauling cattle and didn’t stop until 1997. 

In 1979, Don and Barbara bought the Eastgate and Campbell Creek ranches east of Fallon, Nevada. They built a nice herd of Hereford-Angus crossbred cows but had problems with the Navy. After nine years, they moved to the Elko area, keeping the cattle truck busy and running bred heifers in the summer. In 1993, they leased the Saval and Haystack ranches, which kept Don busy for 15 years. 

Don retired in 2008 and bought a camp trailer. He and his dog, Shep, traveled the West visiting friends and family. He wrote a book in 2013, “Starting Below the Bottom.” In 2019, he moved back to Fallon and went to the sale barns on auction days, keeping up on the happenings. “Good things don’t go on forever.” Don passed away a little more than two weeks before his 95th birthday, with his good friend Star and her daughter, Carrie, checking in on him.

Don is survived by his son, Tom (Darla) Nonella of Klamath Falls, Oregon; grandsons Roger (Kelsey) Nonella of Redmond, Oregon, and Mark (Jenna) Nonella of Klamath Falls, Oregon; grandson Richard (Veronica) Lamb of Spring Creek, Nevada; granddaughter Kelly Pfeifer of Ruby Valley, Nevada; great-grandchildren Riley and Reagan Nonella, Nathan, Ace, and Sadie Nonella, Shayna (Brandon Mariluch), Shyann, Sharmayne (Nathan Backherms) Lamb, and Thomas and Sarah Pfeifer; great-great-grandson Atlas Backherms; and son-in-law Mark Leach.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Silvio and Martha Nonella; his wife, Barbara; his son, Larry; his daughters, Debra and Carolyn; his grandson, Ross Leach; and his siblings, Roy and Delores.

With a crisp salute to his shipmates and two thumbs up to his family and friends, Christopher M. Chandler, 79, rode his candy apple red trike into the sunset with Jesus to his eternal Home where he joined his precious bride, Beverly, and son, Kenneth, who have been patiently waiting for him. Although he is now absent from us in body, his spirit lives on in our many memories … his wacky (and sometimes inappropriate) sense of humor, his cheating ways (mainly at golf and Monopoly), his boisterous, joyful laughter, his adulation for life and most of all, how profoundly he loved his family. He never met anyone that wasn’t eventually a friend and was always there any time they were in need.

Chris was born on November 16, 1946, to Marvin and Sylvia Chandler in San Angelo, Texas. They would eventually move to San Jose, California, where Chris would go on to meet the love of his life, and later, in 1963, enlist in the U.S. Navy. His 20-year career as an Electrician’s Mate would take him all over the world by land and sea, finally settling in Fallon, Nevada, in 1979. During his journeys, he found the places he loved the most would be Hong Kong and Australia. The worst, of course, would be his two tours of duty in Vietnam.

Chris married Beverly A. Chandler on April 17, 1966, remaining devoted to one another until her death in 2017. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, Grant Billings, and three brothers, Steve, Wayne, and Randy. He is survived by his sister, Sandra (Stan) Keck of Kansas, Thomas (Robin) Chandler of Nevada, his namesake, Christopher Chandler Jr. of Arizona, and Robin (David) Shelton (adopted daughter) of Louisiana. He was also blessed by many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, of which he loved with all his heart.

Chris will be laid to rest at noon on September 18, 2026, at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley, Nevada, followed by a Celebration of Life from 1:30-4 p.m. at Fallon Elks Lodge.

Please bring your sense of humor and any memories, pictures, or stories you wish to share that made you laugh, cry, or just roll your eyes a little. Chris refused to live his life in sorrow and wouldn’t want anyone to see him off in any other way than with joy, laughter, and love.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate to the Fallon Elks Lodge or Eden Hospice in his name.

FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS, SHIPMATE.

WE WILL GREATLY MISS YOU!

Excitement filled the campus as students and families arrived at Veritas Preparatory School for the first day of a new school year. After a summer away, familiar faces returned, new students joined the Veritas community, and teachers eagerly welcomed their classes back to campus.

The morning began even before the first bell rang. Students and their families arrived early to take pictures together at the school's special first-day photo booths. Parents captured smiles, new uniforms, and plenty of first-day excitement as students prepared to begin another year of learning. For some families, it marked the continuation of a familiar Veritas tradition, while for others, it was the first of many memories they will make as members of the school community.

This year's return to campus brought even more excitement as students explored several improvements made over the summer. Among the biggest changes is a new building providing classroom space for Veritas students in fifth through eighth grades. The additional space represents an exciting step in the continued growth of the school and gives Veritas' older students a place of their own as they continue their studies.

Students also discovered improvements throughout the existing campus. A new floor in the lunch hut and updates to classrooms were among the changes waiting to greet them. Teachers and staff spent the weeks leading up to school preparing classrooms and getting everything ready to welcome students back.

Teachers spent the day introducing classroom routines, getting to know their students, and preparing them for the learning ahead. As students settled into their new classes, the excitement of the morning began to give way to the familiar rhythms of school life.

The first day of school is always a reminder that a new year brings new opportunities. There will be books to read, lessons to learn, friendships to build, challenges to overcome, and countless moments to celebrate along the way. At Veritas, each of those opportunities is part of a greater mission to educate students academically while encouraging them to grow in wisdom, character, and faith.

We are grateful to see our classrooms filled once again and look forward to all that God has planned for Veritas Preparatory School in the year ahead.

Inside the classroom, we are already diving into fascinating botanical topics. Students are learning about the rare and exotic corpse flower, and we are getting hands-on with Tataki-zome — the traditional Japanese technique of flower pounding and plant smashing to transfer natural pigments onto material.

Looking outside, all of our classes will collaborate this year on our ever-developing, iconic front entrance garden project. If you have been following our progress, you know that all the old grass was removed last year. We are completely transforming this area into a functional, beautiful community space.

Great progress has already been made: the concrete is poured, path lighting features are set, and the seating area is officially up. Our next steps include installing and filling the metal raised beds, which were expertly welded by our talented Ag Mechanics classes. Once established, these beds will be filled with fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables for our culinary classes to harvest and use.

Our impact also reaches far beyond the school grounds. We are proud to be growing native Nevada plants again this year to benefit the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge. Additionally, we are working to coordinate an exciting, collaborative pollinator planting and growing trip to the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern Nevada. This excursion will bring together our Advanced Plants students and the Outdoor Adventure class for real-world conservation work.

Of course, all of this preparation leads up to our highly anticipated annual plant sale in early May, where the community can purchase beautiful plants nurtured directly by our students.

We could not do any of this without the immense generosity of our local community partners. A big thank you goes out to Big R for its wonderful seed donation and to Louie’s Home Center for helping us get growing by supplying soil. We also want to extend a massive thank you to Churchill County Parks and Recreation and everyone who attended our recent bingo night — your support purchased an entire pallet of soil for our program!

Here’s to a fantastic, productive year of growth.

Student Council Events Kick Off the New Year
By Neel Bhakta

As students return to Oasis Academy for another exciting school year, the High School Student Council has been working behind the scenes to make the first days of school welcoming and memorable for everyone. From helping new students find their classrooms to organizing fun activities, the Student Council planned several events to help students start the year on a positive note.

One of the activities that was planned for the beginning of the school year was food and drinks in the Hangout. This event gave students an opportunity to grab something to eat or drink while spending time with their friends. 

Another new event was “Kiss Your Mom/Parents Goodbye.” This activity gave students and their parents a lighthearted way to celebrate the start of a new school year. The event was designed to make the moment more fun and memorable. Juniors and seniors cheered on the underclassmen to kiss their loved one as they headed into the building. 

“I thought kissing my mom goodbye this morning was good. It reminded me about how much I care for her and I love her so much,” said Zachary Greenberg.

“It was awesome having the older kids cheering us on. I know how much my mom loves me and cares for me and it was a nice way to show her how much I appreciate all she does,” said Preston Gurr.

Student Council members also made an effort to ensure that new students felt comfortable on campus. Red-shirt helpers were available to assist new freshmen and sophomores as they learned their way around the school. 

Overall, Student Council’s back-to-school events were focused on creating a welcoming and positive atmosphere at Oasis Academy. These events were just the start of what the group has planned for the year.

Price Helps Staff Kick Off the School Year: “All In, All Year”

As staff prepared to welcome students back for a new school year, they were reminded that success starts with more than lesson plans and schedules — it starts with the energy and mindset each person brings to the school community.

Before the kickoff of the 2026-27 school year, staff heard from Matt Price of Priceless Coaching, who challenged them to think about how they can stay motivated, positive, and engaged throughout the year.

Photo below: From left, Shannon Garcia, Jami Rowlett, Matt Price, Andy Lenon, and Tori Sleight gathered during Oasis Academy’s staff kickoff for the 2026-27 school year.

Price began by having staff identify their personal “energy boosters” and “energy drainers.” Employees reflected on the people, activities, and experiences that give them energy and help them feel motivated, as well as the things that can leave them feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or discouraged. The activity encouraged staff to recognize what fuels them and to be intentional about finding ways to lean into those positive influences.

Staff also participated in a classic nine-dot challenge designed to encourage them to think outside the box. The activity pushed participants to look beyond the obvious and approach a problem from a different perspective — a lesson that can easily translate from the activity into the classroom and everyday challenges educators face.

The message connected directly to Oasis Academy’s theme for the new school year: “All In, All Year.” Price encouraged staff to use the energy boosters they identified as tools to help them stay focused and motivated even when the school year gets challenging.

Oasis Academy Honors Five 10-Year Milestones

Oasis Academy celebrated four dedicated employees and one longtime board member as each marked 10 years of service to the school community. Kimberly Sorensen, Sue Ware, Heather Wiessmer, Heidi Maynez, and board member Samantha Gomes all have contributed in unique ways to the growth, success, and spirit of Oasis Academy.

Sorensen started at Oasis through a part-time project teaching in fourth grade. When she stepped in to cover a maternity leave, she discovered a passion for teaching mathematics.

After spending two years teaching part-time third- and fourth-grade math, Sorensen transitioned into a full-time position and continued to grow as an educator and leader. In 2023, Oasis Academy created its first-ever Math Specialist position.

“Kim's influence can be seen throughout the school, through projects such as the school's first Family Math Night and her efforts to expand the school's collection of math manipulatives,” said Shannon Garcia, vice principal. “Her creativity, expertise, and willingness to take on new challenges have helped make mathematics more accessible, engaging, and meaningful for Oasis students.”

Ware’s journey at Oasis began as an instructional assistant, where she worked with students in grades 2-7 and learned from the many educators who helped shape her own path in education. 

Over the years, Ware has stepped into numerous roles, including substitute teaching across grade levels, serving as a physical education teacher, and organizing parent binders each year. She is now in her fourth year as a third- and fourth-grade English language arts teacher.

“When the COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for schools, Sue demonstrated flexibility by co-teaching hybrid classes and eventually transitioning to an online teaching role to help ensure students continued learning,” said Garcia. “We are incredibly grateful for Sue’s talent, flexibility, and the genuine care and compassion she brings to our students.” 

Wiessmer’s story at Oasis began before she officially became an employee. In 2014, she volunteered in her daughter’s classroom, helping with reading fluency, spelling, and math facts. That experience led her to pursue a teaching degree and build a career at Oasis.

She officially joined the school in 2016 as a lunch duty aide and K-2 drama teacher. The following year, she helped launch Oasis Academy’s first physical education classes before moving into a full-time instructional aide position serving students in grades 2-7.

Wiessmer returned to college, earned her teaching degree, and completed her student teaching just before the COVID-19 pandemic. She now teaches first- and second-grade math. 

“Heather’s contributions have extended well beyond the classroom. She helped create Oasis Field Day, established a K-3 lacrosse program, and founded the school's first cheerleading program,” Garcia explained. “Heather’s journey and dedication to students is a testament to the many ways one person can make a difference in a school community.”

For Heidi Maynez, the past 10 years have been filled with helping some of Oasis Academy's youngest students begin their education. As a kindergarten aide, Maynez has earned a reputation for her warmth, patience, flexibility, and unwavering dedication to students.

Her connection to Oasis runs even deeper through her role as both a parent and volunteer. She has devoted countless hours to supporting not only her own children but the broader Oasis community, giving her a unique perspective on what makes the school special.

“Heidi has a special gift for making young learners feel welcomed, supported, and cared for as they take their first steps into school,” said Jami Rowlett, vice principal. “She has also devoted countless hours to the broader Oasis community, exemplifying what makes our school special.”

Oasis Academy's success also depends on the dedicated volunteers who provide leadership and governance behind the scenes. Samantha Gomes is one of those longtime community members.

Gomes began serving on the founding Friends of Oasis Academy Board before joining the School Board shortly before the school opened in 2011. Over the years, she has served as secretary, vice president, and board chair, providing leadership and institutional knowledge during the school's growth.

“Sammi’s service has extended far beyond board meetings. In the early years of Oasis, she volunteered and substituted at the school,” Rowlett said. “Her decade of service represents the importance of community involvement and the lasting impact that dedicated volunteers can have on a school.”

Rehearsals will be held from 4 to 5:15 p.m. each Tuesday in the Numa Elementary School multipurpose room. The choir is sponsored by Performing Arts of Churchill County.

Longtime Fallon music teachers Tom Fleming, Tina Koenig, and Noreen Swenson lead the choir with assistance from vocal coaches Cassidy Mitchell and Angelina de Nigro. Participants will develop their singing, musicianship, teamwork, and performance skills while preparing to perform as an ensemble.

Families seeking additional information may contact Performing Arts of Churchill County.

The free Federal Resources and Partnership Forum will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fallon Convention Center, 100 Campus Way, on Western Nevada College's Fallon campus.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting the forum with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Representatives from other federal agencies have also been invited.

The program will include two panel discussions followed by audience questions.

The first panel will cover business financing, including federal funding and investment programs, Opportunity Zones, the Historically Underutilized Business Zone program, and public-private partnerships. Panelists will also discuss capital stacking, which uses money from more than one source to finance a project.

The second panel will focus on federal programs for small businesses, housing, infrastructure, agriculture, food systems, and community development. The discussion will include ways federal, state, tribal, county, and local agencies can coordinate their programs.

Organizers are inviting participants to raise concerns and describe the needs they see in their businesses and communities.

Coffee and networking will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by opening remarks at 9 a.m. Federal representatives will be introduced at 9:15 a.m. The financing panel will begin at 9:20 a.m., and the federal resources panel will begin at 10:25 a.m. Additional networking is scheduled for noon.

Attendance is free, but space is limited. To register, visit sba.gov/event/87067 or scan the accompanying QR code.

Barry Van Orden, deputy district director of the SBA's Nevada District Office, is listed as the organizer. Questions may be sent to nvdo@sba.gov.

Organizers handed out 165 backpacks during the event, with 14 more picked up by Monday morning. Austin Little, CLC specialist III, said the program anticipated meeting its distribution goal by week’s end.

The Fallon Tribal Health Clinic hosted information booths for several departments and offered student vaccinations at the event for the first time. The clinic provided vaccinations on site because of a delay in receiving vaccines and to make the process more convenient for students and families. Behavioral Health, the Benefits Department, CareSource, the Churchill County Coalition, the Churchill County Transportation Department, and the Fallon Tribal Environmental and Police Departments also participated.

The event was supported by donations from Chairwoman Cathi Williams‑Tuni, the Johnson‑O’Malley Program, and FPST staff and departments, including Jill Wright of Communications, Krystal Williams of Tribal Housing, Leslie Steve of Behavioral Health, Jon Pishion of the Tribal Health Clinic, and Illena Henry of Environmental.

According to Little, the Community Learning Center also offers an after‑school program for Native American students from 3 to 5:30 p.m. The program is open to all community members and focuses on cultural learning, teaching, and fun. The Native Title VI student tutoring program, held at both the middle school and high school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, has contributed to an almost 100 percent graduation rate.

The Community Learning Center has also been asked to consult and assist with a Native History elective class at the high school as part of a pilot program. The long‑term goal is to help provide Native culture and history education in every school. The Community Learning Center is located at 8955 Mission Road and can be reached at 775‑423‑8065.

Jermyn Sanders pleaded guilty to Petit Larceny, a misdemeanor. Pursuant to plea negotiations, the remaining charges were dismissed.

Sanders, represented by Churchill County Deputy Public Defender Kenneth Tedford, paid $520 in restitution to Monarch Construction in full prior to sentencing.

Judge Trotter sentenced Sanders to 15 days in the Churchill County Jail, suspended for two years on the condition that he have no new criminal violations, excluding minor traffic offenses. 

Elan Fonseca pleaded guilty to Failure to Report an Accident. Pursuant to plea negotiations, the remaining two counts were dismissed. Fonseca was fined $500.

Martin Ibarra-Valdez appeared for sentencing on a second-offense DUI. A substance abuse evaluation had been required before sentencing due to his blood alcohol level and the fact that this was his second DUI within seven years.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford told the court that Ibarra-Valdez struck mailboxes while driving impaired, resulting in $871 in restitution. Sanford also noted that although the substance abuse evaluation indicated minimal problems, Ibarra-Valdez had subsequently violated Court Services conditions by consuming alcohol.

Judge Trotter sentenced Ibarra-Valdez to 50 days in the Churchill County Jail, with 30 days suspended for two years. After determining that Ibarra-Valdez was entitled to 13 days of credit for time served, seven days remained to be served. Ibarra-Valdez elected to serve the remaining jail time on weekends.

Trotter ordered Ibarra-Valdez to pay restitution within six months and imposed a $750 fine, along with required assessments and fees. He was also ordered to complete a live victim impact panel, 26 sessions of substance abuse counseling, and use an ignition interlock device on any vehicle he owns or operates for 12 months.

Trotter disagreed with the substance abuse evaluation's assessment of Ibarra-Valdez, citing his blood alcohol level and subsequent alcohol use while under Court Services supervision.

“I don't believe that the evaluation, frankly, is a good assessment of what's going on with you, Mr. Ibarra,” Trotter said. 

Dakota Hellena Doucette pleaded guilty to the wobbler charge of Attempt to Commit Embezzlement of $5,000 or More. As a wobbler, the charge can be sentenced as a Category C Felony, punishable by 1 – 5 years in prison, or down to a Category D Felony or Gross Misdemeanor.

Judge Steven Kosach ordered a Pre-Sentencing Investigative Report and deferred sentencing to Aug. 17, 2027, to allow Doucette time to pay restitution in full.

Kevin Jay Chico declined to appear for his scheduled arraignment and has repeatedly declined to appear for court hearings. Last winter, Chico was found not competent to stand trial, but likely to be restored to competency.

Chico was charged in 2024 with Petit Larceny, Robbery with a Deadly Weapon, Robbery of an Elderly Victim, First-Degree Kidnapping, Own or Possess a Firearm as a Prohibited Person, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Grand Larceny of a Motor Vehicle.

Churchill County Public Defender Jacob Sommer requested a three-week continuance to allow time for “a meaningful” discussion with Chico.

Judge Kosach continued the case to September 8.

Cory Lee Miller, in custody, was arraigned on the Category C Felony of Non-Support of a Spouse, a Former Spouse, or a Child, which carries a potential penalty of 1 – 5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

Miller pleaded guilty, and the case was continued to Oct. 5, 2027, to allow him time to pay the arrears. If payments of $317 per month are made, the court will reduce the charge to a Gross Misdemeanor.

Judge Kosach released Miller on his own recognizance.

Paul Lee Jr., in custody, appeared for sentencing on the Category D Felony of Convicted Sex Offender Providing False or Misleading Information, to which he pleaded guilty on March 3.

CCPD Jacob Sommer explained that Lee was at the Sheriff's Office registering when it was discovered that he was homeless and was no longer at the address he had provided. Lee had been in custody for 364 days. Sommer asked that his client be sentenced to 1 – 4 years in prison and granted the privilege of probation.

Lee told the court he has secured housing and will be able to report as ordered.

Judge Kosach sentenced Lee to 12 – 32 months, suspended, and granted probation. Lee received credit for 364 days of time served.

William Eugene Berreman, in custody, admitted to the Technical Sentencing Violation of failing to pay a fine.

Alternate Public Defender Wright Noel asked for a temporary revocation of probation for 13 days, with credit for 13 days of time served. Noel said the defense would not object to a 30-day revocation.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Sanford asked for a temporary revocation of probation for 30 days.

Berreman's probation was temporarily revoked for 30 days, with credit for 13 days of time served. He was remanded to the custody of the Sheriff for imposition of the sentence.

Georgina Lynn Brown did not appear for a scheduled status hearing. At the request of counsel, the case was continued to Sept. 8.

Chad Austin Jenkins’ sentencing was continued to Sept. 15.

LaTanya Karimu Stiner's arraignment was continued.

Louis Samuel Afraidofhawk’s sentencing was continued.

The Churchill County Social Services Advisory Committee approved the Community Action Plan containing the assessment as submitted during its Aug. 10 meeting.

The assessment is used to identify and prioritize the needs of lower-income residents and help Social Services plan programs and partnerships to address those needs.

Housing showed up in several forms. The assessment identified a need for more affordable housing for working- and middle-class residents, as well as additional low-income housing for people experiencing housing instability or homelessness. Nevada Rural Housing, the Nevada Housing Division, the City of Fallon, and other organizations are identified as partners working to address housing needs.

Access to health care was another concern. The assessment identified a need for additional primary care providers and more specialty care available locally, including cardiology, endocrinology, neurology, oncology, and pediatric services. Access to behavioral health and substance use counseling was also identified as a need.

For residents who must leave the area for services, transportation remains an issue. The assessment calls for expanded countywide transportation, including additional hours of operation, more buses, and a wider service area. It also identifies a need for more frequent transportation to Reno and Carson City for medical appointments, shopping, college, and other services.

Older residents face their own challenges. The assessment identifies a need for more in-home health care for those unable to leave their homes and additional senior housing with different levels of care, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Lack of funding was identified as a barrier to expanding services for homebound residents.

Child care also made the list, particularly for families working nights, weekends, or other nontraditional hours. Other identified needs include affordable utilities, transportation for work and shopping, affordable health insurance and access to care, GED opportunities, budgeting assistance, legal services, and employment opportunities.

The assessment will serve as a guide for Social Services as it works with local and state partners to address the needs identified in the plan.

With love and appreciation, 

The Family of John Evans

The group is part of United National Indian Tribal Youth. Members will help shape group activities, take part in community service, and have opportunities to share their culture and ideas. No experience is required.

For more information, contact Savannah Criswell at ncpdir@fpst.org or 775-423-9076.

Harold Rogers (attending in the 1930s): He was “a fabulous instructor.” Rogers brought up a theme that is present in almost every student memory of McCracken—his separation of boys and girls at every school event. “The girls were on the north side and the boys were on the south side and they did not mix…” Even at the dances, “the boys and gals, when they were dancing, kept plenty of daylight between them.”

Ivy Ringstrom (attending in the 1930s): There was no “hanky-panky,” even in the hallways. 

Agnes Severs (attending in the 1920s): When asked about McCracken’s strictness: “Oh, ho ho! I’ll say.” 

Della Renfro Oats (attending in the 1930s): About the dress code, “there was no extra skin showing, I assure you. I can remember one time a girl came in — they had these three-quarter socks, they were quite colorful and otherwise we wore long [socks], I wore rayon. Now I think some of the ones that could afford them had silk socks, but this girl came to school and her skirt probably let one inch of bare skin between the skirt and these three-quarter socks showing. She was sent home to properly dress. … They elected him to really turn the school over and he did.”

Allen Spoon (attending in the 1930s): “He was strict as all get out.”

John Marean (attending in the 1920s): “He did it [separating the sexes] very intelligently. He knew he could not be everywhere at all times, and he didn't really want to catch anybody guilty of communicating between the sexes in spare time, so he always jingled his keys as he walked down the hall. You knew Mac was coming, and so you certainly never left yourself in a compromising situation.”

Frank Woodliff (attending in the 1920s): “We [his band] used to play for the high school dances. …We played for the high school dances in that area and of course we played on the stage. The old high school has a stage and we played there and we were supposed to quit at midnight and if you knew Mr. McCracken, you quit at midnight. And fact of the matter is that at five minutes to twelve you'd find the lights blinking and at five minutes to twelve we'd go into our last tune, ‘Goodnight Sweetheart’ — or something like that, you know, and at midnight sharp it was over.”

McCracken’s disciplined and ethical nature played into the 1924 “Football Scandal.” That year, CCHS had an exceptionally good football team, led by a charmed quarterback, and they were on their way to a state championship. The quarterback was challenged by officials from Yerington who claimed that he was too old (21) to be legally playing. McCracken investigated and discovered that the talented quarterback really was 21 years old and therefore ineligible. Rather than concealing the evidence, McCracken withdrew the entire team for the rest of the season. The town went into shock. However, McCracken didn’t. He told the local paper that the young man, despite the dishonesty, was an honorable student. But rules were rules, even when they weren’t his.

What comes across in the memories of McCracken is his duty as disciplinarian, yes, but also his role as good shepherd. His two sides — the rule-keeper and the guide — were summed up by Earl Nygren (1930s) and Virgil Getto (1930s) in similar ways. Nygren commented that he didn’t think there was any student that went to school with Mr. McCracken who did not look back and, in one way or another, “thank him for the directions that he headed them in.” Getto put it this way: “I was student body president, and I was also junior class president, and George McCracken was our principal. He was very strict, very. None of the kids liked him until they got out of school, and then I have this wonderful respect for this man that was, he was just like the Rock of Gibraltar, and I don't know how he did all the things that he did.” 

McCracken’s personal life remains somewhat elusive. All I have discovered is what Della Renfro Oats said about it in her oral history: “He wasn't married at that time. We had a Home Ec. teacher named Miss Olive Colpus and he was socially connected with her and after a number of years — he had a mother that he lived with and was caring for and so I don't think he married Olive Colpus until she [his mother] died.”

I hope they then danced, cheek to cheek. 

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

 

Elin Hilderbrand’s “The Five-Star Weekend” is the ultimate sunny escape, centering on popular food blogger Hollis Shaw after a sudden loss turns her world upside down. Hoping to heal and reconnect, Hollis plans a fancy getaway at her gorgeous Nantucket house, inviting four women from different eras of her life: her no-nonsense childhood bestie Tatum, her powerhouse college pal Dru-Ann, her suburban friend Brooke, and a wild-card online fan named Gigi she has never actually met. Throwing all those different personalities, old secrets, and lingering drama together under one roof makes for a weekend stacked with heartfelt moments, cozy coastal vibes, incredible food, and all the chaotic beauty of female friendship.

Comparing the book to its new TV adaptation with the same name (available to stream on Peacock), I found that both versions capture that vibrant beachy magic, but they definitely bring their own flavor. The novel lets you hang out inside each woman’s head, giving you all the quiet, reflective details about their pasts, marital hiccups, and inner thoughts in a way that feels super intimate. The series takes that emotional foundation and dials up the fun visual energy. While the show stays wonderfully true to the heart of the story, it turns up the TV flair with breathtaking island views, enviable outfits, and incredible chemistry across the whole cast. Jennifer Garner brings the exact same warm, grounded energy to Hollis that makes the book so comforting, while the show’s snappy back-and-forth dialogue gives the group’s dynamic a slightly punchier, party-like feel.

At the end of the day, both the read and the watch deliver an insanely satisfying, feel-good dive into fresh starts and second chances. Reading the book feels a lot like sitting on a breezy porch catching up with an old pal, while watching the show feels like sipping cocktails with a loud, lovable group of girlfriends. Whichever route you go, you are in for a fun, uplifting trip.

I hope you enjoy reading and watching my pick this week. Don’t forget to check out my Instagram @allison.the.reader for more book recommendations and other book-related fun!

Four regional speakers will present programs at 6 p.m. each Tuesday through Sept. 29. Mark Curtis will open the series Sept. 8 with “One of a Kind,” a program celebrating the culture and history of Northern Nevada.

Dave Santina will discuss PBS Reno’s “Wild Nevadacast” podcast Sept. 15. Tom Young will present “The Earth’s First Giant,” about Nevada’s ichthyosaur sea monster, Sept. 22.

The series will conclude Sept. 29 with Joe Curtis presenting “Comstock Tales & Lies,” focusing on the Comstock and Virginia City.

The lectures will be held at the Churchill County Museum, 1050 S. Maine St. The museum hosts lecture series in the spring and fall, with the next series planned for spring 2027. For more information, call 775-423-3677.

“The hardest part about this whole thing is — I don't talk about myself,” said Davis, a sergeant with the Churchill County Sheriff's Office. “I let my work speak for itself.”

Ask who he is away from the Sheriff's Office, however, and the answer comes a little easier.

“I'm kind of a ‘what you see is what you get type’ guy. Gym shorts, gym shoes, you know?”

Davis has 18 years in law enforcement and has earned Category I, II, and III law enforcement officer certifications through the Nevada Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Additionally, Davis was named Deputy of the Year for the Churchill County Sheriff's Office in 2019 and was recently endorsed by the Churchill County Sheriff’s Deputies Association and the Churchill County Dispatchers Union.

Born and raised in Gardnerville, Davis moved to Fallon in 2009 and joined the Churchill County Sheriff's Office in 2013 after four years as a corrections officer at Lovelock Correctional Center. His career has since included time with the North Central Narcotics Task Force, patrol, and supervision.

Outside of work, Davis said much of his time revolves around his family.

“I love my family first and foremost,” said Davis, who has raised three children with his wife, Shannon, of 28 years. “When I'm off spending time with them is — that's one of my big things.”

The gym is another part of his off-duty life and a place to decompress. He also tries to play golf when he has time and enjoys working in his yard, which he described as another source of quiet time, taking care to offset the stress of a job that requires constant hypervigilance.

Asked who or what had most influenced the person he became, Davis said he found the question difficult to answer. He described himself instead as his own worst critic. “I've always wanted to be that person that didn't want to let anybody down. So, whether that's my family, whether that's a team I coached, I always wanted to do the best by people. That was my driving force in everything that I did. I just never wanted to be the weak link in the group.”

Davis also spent time with the North Central Narcotics Task Force, an assignment he loved and excelled at. “During that time, we were recognized as the highest-producing narcotics unit in the state. ... I was pretty proud of that.”

While he enjoyed his tenure in narcotics, he returned to the Sheriff's Office at the request of then-Sheriff Richard Hickox, who died in April. According to Davis, morale was low, which he said is not uncommon in law enforcement, and Hickox had said he needed Davis's positive attitude in the ranks.

“Cops do get cynical and jaded,” Davis admitted. “You get to this point where you think like everybody's out to get you, everybody's bad, you know, because you're dealing with the 1% of society. But 98% of people are good people. They're nice people ... You have to remind yourself of that when you go down that rabbit hole of negative things.”

Now, Davis hopes to continue his work in a leadership role. He has ideas for new programs that could improve operations, primarily addressing the chronic understaffing plaguing the department.

Davis noted that several programs put in place by Hickox are working well. “I'm not reinventing the wheel. If it's working, it's working,” he said. “But there are also some things that need to be done, and they need a different set of eyes and a way of thinking to fix those things.”

Staffing and morale, which have been areas of concern for some time, continue to challenge the department. “Staffing right now is the worst I've ever seen it. It's on patrol, and even in the jails,” Davis said. “We lost two, and that's concerning to me because both of them were 15-year cops. So, we just lost 30 years of experience in the span of a month. They were field training officers — those are the guys you don't want to lose.”

“One of my goals is to increase staffing, because something's got to change. We can't keep doing business like we did 40 years ago. It's not working.” Staffing levels have remained largely unchanged since the 1990s, despite population growth within Churchill County.

Davis said deputies are exhausted. “We're mandating overtime right now. People are working five, six, seven 12-hour shifts.” The patrol division is supposed to have 12 deputies, and with one out on leave, Davis said the division is down to six. “We're at half staffing on patrol and the jail numbers are similar.”

Some of his other ideas include motorcycle speed enforcement, which Davis said would cost roughly one-third as much as a new patrol truck, and adding programs that provide deputies with opportunities beyond their regular assignments. “Speed is always one of the biggest complaints we have in the county. Speeders, speed, traffic,” he said.

“A lot of people are leaving because we have lack of programs,” Davis said. “They come here for four or five years ... and they get the training and experience, and they go somewhere that has a SWAT team or a motorcade.”

The Sheriff's Office previously participated in a joint tactical team with the Fallon Police Department, something Davis would like to revive. “That kind of just faded away … I want to get that back up.”

Davis, an active-shooter instructor for the past five years, also wants to increase training opportunities. He said the department has obtained equipment through grant funding, but staffing shortages have limited the time available to train with it.

He believes additional programs and training could help the county retain deputies. “I want Churchill County Sheriff's Office to be an agency where people want to work and build a career. And I want them to raise their families here. I want them to do 30 years here.”

“You have to invest in people that invest in your agency,” Davis said.