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Column: Building on Lake Tahoe’s Progress

2018 was an extraordinary year for Lake Tahoe, and one of the region’s most successful years in decades. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) assisted by dozens of partners approved landmark programs and projects, including a new Shoreline Plan, a comprehensive update of TRPA’s development rights system, and the U.S. 50 South Shore Community Revitalization Project.

Washoe County Sheriff releases names of Reno homicide victims

RENO, Nev. - A Reno couple in their 80s have been identified as the victims in Wednesday's double homicide.

The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office today said 81-year-old Gerald David and his wife, Sharon David, age 80 were killed in their home. Next of kin have been notified.

Both victims died as a result of gunshot wounds, similar to the method used in the two recent Douglas County murders.

Law enforcement continues search for murder suspect(s) in Douglas County

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The investigation into the murder of two Gardnerville, Nevada women continues and Douglas County Sheriff Dan Coverley urges the community to remain vigilant and to pay attention in their neighborhoods.

During the evening of January 9-10, 56-year-old Connie Koontz was murdered in her home on James Road and sometime in the overnight hours of January 12-13, 74-year-old Sophia Renken was also murdered in her home.

Douglas County deputies arrest one after high speed chase

A man was taken into custody late Sunday night after leading Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies on a high speed pursuit that began in the Dresslerville area.

The pursuit began around 10 p.m. when the driver attempted to run over a sheriff’s deputy, according to dispatch via scanner. The pursuit ended at 10:43 p.m. with the man in custody after he had ditched the vehicle he was driving and fled on foot. Speeds during the pursuit were up to 125 mph.

The pursuit shut down multiple roads as the Nevada Highway Patrol and other agencies also intervened.

Fire at South Lake Tahoe home under investigation

UPDATE at 9:00 a.m. 1/12/19: One man has been arrested in connection with this fire. To see more: http://southtahoenow.com/story/01/12/2019/one-arrested-south-lake-tahoe-honey-oil-explosion

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UPDATE at 8:45 p.m. 1/11/19: The South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue is still on the scene of an earlier fire on Kyburz Avenue. The cause of the fire is under investigation by both the fire and police departments.

New Detective Sgt. Travis Cabral said he did not expect any further updates tonight.

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After 28 years, Richard Solbrig retires as head of South Tahoe Public Utility District

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For many, Richard Solbrig has been the only person they knew as the general manager of South Lake Public Utility District.

On Wednesday, Janury 9, 2019, Sobrig retired.

The district's board of directors unanimously approved a resolution during their January 3 meeting, honoring Solbrig for he service that began in 1990. He has been their general manager since 2003.

Douglas County Sheriff's Office plans strong presence in Stateline on New Year's Eve

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is preparing for the upcoming New Year’s Eve celebration at Lake Tahoe starting on Monday, December 31, 2018.

Due to the high volume of celebrants within the Stateline casino core area during this event, U.S. Highway 50 may be closed to vehicle traffic in the evening if necessary for public safety. If that should occur, vehicle traffic will be diverted around the Stateline casino core area using upper and lower Lake Parkway Drive. In past years, the road has closed anywhere from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

South Lake Tahoe prepares for SnowGlobe - Important road closure and noise information

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Thousands of music fans and dozens of performers are headed to South Lake Tahoe for the 8th annual SnowGlobe Music Festival from December 29-31. Before they get here, hundreds of workers are spending many hours preparing the scene from the delivery and installation of stages, tents, electrical cables, ski jumps, trailers, vehicles and port-a-potties.

Scammers attempt to get money from South Lake Tahoe business owner

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A scammer attempted to get money out of a South Lake Tahoe business owner on Thursday, December 20 by pretending to be from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD).

The call came into the business from what looked like the police department's main phone line. The person on the other end told the owner he owed money on old credit cards and would be arrested if he didn’t pay up. The caller gave him a number to call, 512-333-2304, and when he called they asked for $1985.

He hung up and called police.

"Angel of Tahoe" spreads holiday cheer to South Lake Tahoe youth

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lisa Maloff, the "Angel of Tahoe", continues to support agencies, institutions and the South Lake Tahoe community with her generosity and year-round holiday spirit.

Tahoe Warm Room finds new location - opens December 12

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless has announced the opening of their Warm Room for the 2018-19 season on Wednesday, December 12. This year they will be located inside the old Emerald Bay Dentistry office at 1201 Emerald Bay Road in South Lake Tahoe.

The Warm Room will operate nightly from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. through April 2019.

For the fourth year, the Warm Room will provide overnight refuge from the elements in a safe and warm environment for approximately twenty-five adult men and women who are experiencing homelessness during winter months.

Filming on the South Shore for new movie: Could it be Top Gun 2: Maverick?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - At the recent Tahoe Chamber Blue Ribbon Awards there was a slide in the presentation about the South Shore being a location in the filming of the sequel to Tom Cruise's epic Top Gun movie.

But since that day nobody can be found that can officially confirm this.

National Day of Mourning - Post office and federal offices closed

It is not very often there is a National Day of Mourning. President Trump has called for one on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 and his executive order will close the federal government to honor the late President George H.W. Bush who held the country's highest position from 1989-1993.

There will be a state funeral for the 41st president held at the National Cathedral in Washington starting at 8:00 a.m. PST. After the ceremony, his body will be moved to Texas, where he will be buried at his presidential library.

Bush died on Friday at the age of 94.

Prescribed burns to continue around Lake Tahoe

Weather permitting, California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection Districts and the U.S. Forest Service may continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks in multiple locations around Lake Tahoe.

Area 1 - No planned burning.

Outpouring of love by South Shore community for Camp Fire victims

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It takes a tragedy to bring people together, no matter their politics, their income or twitter handle.

Many in the South Lake Tahoe and Meyers community remember where they were at 2:15 p.m. on Sunday, June 24, 2007 and what happened in the days that followed. The Angora Fire quickly tore through neighborhoods, destroying 251 homes and burning 3,100 acres. While it seems small in comparison with the monster fires of 2017 and 2018, it took everything from so many local families.

The community came together to help their friends and neighbors.

Sierra House Elementary fire caused by power cord overload

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A fire at Sierra House Elementary School on November 11, 2018 was caused by an electrical overload due to “daisy chain wiring” of two power cords in a classroom.

When firefighters from Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) arrived at the school at 9:35 p.m. they found smoke once the front doors were opened and flames observed as they turned the corner near the "upper pod" wing.

South Lake Tahoe Turkey Trot a success

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The holiday fun run, the Turkey Trot, was resurrected by the Lake Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless this year and their first event was a successful one.

Organizers were hopeful in their goal of 100 runners, but almost 150 participated in the 5k run in South Lake Tahoe on November 18. Those 10-and under ran in the Gobble Wobble, a trip around the SLT Recreation Center with the length dependent on age.

The top three places for men and women each won a turkey and the youth were awarded medals.

Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe signs land lease, first step for new clubhouse

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The community could see a new Boys and Girls Club in South Lake Tahoe as early as Spring 2021.

During their November 13 meeting, the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) Board voted unanimously to approve a ground lease between them and the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe (BGCLT), enabling the nonprofit youth club to build on a lot owned by the district adjacent to their current location at Al Tahoe Elementary.

Former City Manager Nancy Kerry honored with proclamation and party

Nancy Kerry has been gone from her position as the city manager of South Lake Tahoe since March, but she finally got the credit due for her many accomplishments and contributions during a standing room only celebration Tuesday evening.

Over 75 community leaders came together to present Nancy with a proclamation signed by both Mayor Wendy David and Mayor Pro Tem Tom Davis, their last official act with the City.

The list of tributes spoken during the evening is a lengthy one.

Convicted El Dorado County puppy broker gets another 240 days in jail

An El Dorado Hills woman who was convicted of felony animal cruelty charges in 2016 has been sentenced to an additional 240 days of jail time for violating the conditions of her felony probation. The jail sentence was handed down in El Dorado County Superior Court on November 9, 2018.

Ginger Turk, 48, a puppy broker, has had many run-ins with the law over the years due to her illegal practice of importing tiny, under-aged, un-weaned, high-priced ($4,000+) puppies from South Korea and selling them over the internet and in person.

Multiple agencies respond to fire at Sierra House Elementary

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif - An automatic fire alarm was triggered by a fire inside Sierra House Elementary school at 9:35 p.m. Sunday, November 11, bringing out a full response from fire fighters around the lake and law enforcement.

Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) was the first on the scene and saw smoke coming from the school which is located at Pioneer Trail and Remington Trail. Once inside they found fire in what is known as the upper pod at the school.

American Century and LTVA award almost $79k to South Shore nonprofits

Twenty-six local nonprofits were awarded $78,974 Thursday in donations from the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority and American Century Championship thanks to funds raised during the 2018 celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe.

“The continued support from our partners American Century Investments and NBC Sports means so much to this community,” said Carol Chaplin, president and CEO of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “These contributions benefit so many in the South Shore a long time after the tournament ends.”

New leader hired for South Tahoe Public Utility District

A 26-year veteran at the South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) has been hired as the next general manager. John Thiel, P.E., will be taking over for Richard Solbrig who will be retiring in January after almost 15 years at the helm.

The STPUD Board of Directors voted to hire Thiel during a closed session meeting last week.

Body of hiker missing in Alpine County found at bottom of cliff

Search and Rescue teams located the body of missing hiker Bradford Dozier on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at the base of a cliff in Alpine County.

A search was initiated after Dozier left on a hike to the Carson Pass area on October 27. His car was found on Sunday at the Evergreen Trailhead. It appears Dozier died after falling 200 feet as he attempted to free climb steep terrain on the north side of Peak 9626 according to the Alpine County Sheriff's Office.

Dozier was described by family and friends as an avid and strong hiker who enjoyed climbing peaks in the Sierras.

Community to be updated on tetrachloroethylene (PCE) plume in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
November 7, 2018 - 6:00pm

The third public meeting on the groundwater contaminant tetrachloroethylene (PCE) found in South Lake Tahoe will be held on Wednesday, November 7 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Lake Tahoe Airport.

PCE was found in drinking water wells in South Lake Tahoe near the "Y" in 1989, and it remains in the groundwater today, forming a containment plume from the intersection of Highway 50 and State Route 89 and heading toward Lake Tahoe through the Tahoe Keys.

Prescribed burns around Lake Tahoe as weather permits

California State Parks, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District and the U.S. Forest Service will continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks in multiple locations around Lake Tahoe. Operations may take place near Glenbrook on the East Shore; near Heavenly Mountain Resort’s Boulder and California lodges, near Twin Peaks and in Baldwin Meadow on the South Shore; in D.L. Bliss and Burton Creek state parks and near Rubicon Estates on the West Shore; and on urban lots in Kings Beach on the North Shore.

Armed robbery suspect identified as man killed after shooting at police

11/1/18 update: More details have come to light surrounding the officer involved shooting of an armed robbery suspect in Meyers on Monday.

There were three warrants for the arrest of Billy Jo Johnson on Monday, one from each South Lake Tahoe, Douglas County and Carson City. Law enforcement from each agency were working together on their cases in an attempt to locate and arrest the 34-year-old Johnson.

Letter: Citizens and community are Tom Davis's "number one priority"

To the South Lake Tahoe Community,

I have had the great pleasure and awesome responsibility of serving as a member of your city council for the past eight years. During this time we have faced some challenges, but we have also had much success as a council and a community, although some of those successes doing always get the attention they deserve.

Lane closures over on Kingsbury Grade, NDOT project nearing completion

STATELINE, Nev. - Lane closures in place on Kingsbury Grade (SR 207) this summer have been removed now that the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has substantially completed a project to enhance roadway drainage pipes on the Carson Valley side of the road.

Motorists can still expect some intermittent minor shoulder and other closures.

Officer involved shooting leaves one man dead and two roads closed

10/30 Update: The shooting suspect from the officer involved shooting on October 29, 2018 has been positively identified as 34-year-old Billy Jo Johnson of Gardnerville, Nev.

Next of kin notifications have been completed.

This is still an active investigation and no further information is available at this time.

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7:15 p.m. update - The suspect who died after the pursuit had a felony warrant for arrest for a PC 211, Robbery with a Firearm.

Letter: Lou Pierini would bring well-rounded background to STPUD board

I’m Lou Pierini and I am running for the South Tahoe Utility District Board of Directors. I would like to be part of the process that makes decisions regarding our sewer and water service. I have the experience, the knowledge and the ambition to positively contribute to the direction South Tahoe Public Utility District takes now and in the future.

Big day at TRPA: Development rights changed and Shoreline Plan adopted

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Years of collaboration with a variety of partners have brought to completion two major initiatives for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). During their governing board meeting on October 24 a new Shoreline Plan was unanimously approved as was a comprehensive package of changes to the agency’s development rights system.

Two new electric school buses to be added to LTUSD fleet

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Does this bus look any different than your usual school bus? Well it is. The little turquoise bird above the door with the electric cord tells all. It is an all electric bus!

Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) received a grant earlier this year to purchase two electric school buses. Tuesday was the first test drive of the production vehicle and we expect a few more test drives this winter If all goes well LTUSD expects to have the two buses in service by next school year.

TRPA recognizes 9 Lake Tahoe projects for Best of the Basin awards

STATELINE, Nev. - Nine projects were honored as "Best in the Basin" Wednesday during the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) board meeting.

For 28 years TRPA's program has showcased projects around the lake that demonstrate exceptional planning, implementation, and compatibility with Tahoe’s natural environment and communities.

The Best in Basin award winners:

Letter: STPUD candidate Jim Jones - Build for future, don't steal from it

The following is a Letter to the Editor from South Tahoe Public Utility District Board Member Jim Jones, a candidate for re-election:

To the Community:

Prescribed burns around Lake Tahoe set to resume

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Weather and conditions permitting, California State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service will continue the fall prescribed fire program with operations in D.L. Bliss State Park on the West Shore tomorrow, October 23, 2018, and in Baldwin Meadow on the south end of Lake Tahoe on Wednesday, October 24. Smoke will likely be present. Both of these operations will involve understory burning, which is explained below. A map with project locations and details is available for viewing at http://www.tahoefft.org.

Tallac Historic Site turning into haunted "Tahoe Terror"

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The story of Elias "Lucky" Baldwin has never quite been told as it will be during the inaugural Tahoe Terror at Tallac Historic Site.

Creative students and from South Tahoe High's Thunderclap AV Club and Key Club have created a haunted walk around the Baldwin House just in time for the Halloween season. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 19-21, guided and narrated tours from a host of spooky characters will take the public through the haunted grounds as the story is told of what happens to the servants and other unlucky souls at Lucky's estate.

Prescribed burns at two locations around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Weather and conditions permitting, California State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service may conduct prescribed fire operations in Sugar Pine Point State Park on the West Shore and near Twin Peaks on the South Shore beginning today, October 17, 2018. Smoke will likely be present.

A) Along lakeside of Hwy 89, north of General Creek, 17 acres of understory will be burned by California State Parks. Duration of ignition and smoke production is one week with smoke expected to travel northeast.

It's fall, that must mean it's time for prescribed burns around Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - Six different areas around Lake Tahoe have been slated to receive fuels treatment over the next week with some of the prescribed fires starting today, October 10.

SLT City Council candidates respond to more renewable energy committee questions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Eight of the nine City Council candidates responded to a series of questions given to them by the 100% Renewable Energy Committee. On Sunday we printed their first responses - http://southtahoenow.com/story/10/08/2018/slt-city-council-candidates-respond-100-renewable-committe... - and here are the remaining questions and answers:

SLT City Council candidates respond to 100% Renewable Committee questions

On April 18, 2017 the South Lake Tahoe City Council unanimously passed a resolution to do two things: Power the South Lake Tahoe community with electricity provided from 100 percent renewable sources by 2032; and reduce community carbon emissions from baseline by at least 80 percent by 2040. The 100% Renewable Committee was formed to help the City accomplish these tasks.

Meet the Candidate: Bruce Grego to bring fairness and honesty to the Council

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Each of the nine candidates for City Council answered the same ten questions that were given to them by South Tahoe Now. For nine consecutive days the candidate's responses will be shared in the order received.

Today, the first-time candidate Bruce Grego gives his responses as he seeks a seat again on the South Lake Tahoe City Council:

Mental Health assisted outpatient treatment program available in El Dorado County

Mental illness can affect any person or family. For those individuals in El Dorado County with the most severe forms of mental illness, the Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program (also known as the “Laura’s Law” program) is available. The program, coordinated through the El Dorado County Behavioral Health Division of the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), gives additional tools to families, agencies and individuals to help people who need mental health treatment receive those services.

NDOT seeks public's input on draft One Nevada Transportation Plan

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) is seeking public input on the draft One Nevada Transportation Plan which will guide future Nevada transportation investments and strategies.

NDOT closely coordinates with partner agencies to prioritize transportation needs and expectations. The One Nevada Transportation Plan is a unified plan that brings the entire state together with one clear focus on transportation for the next 20 years and beyond.

LTVA to distribute almost $79K to local nonprofits; Applications accepted until Oct. 15

STATELINE, Nev. - The Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority (LTVA) will distribute $78,974 raised during the 29th annual American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament to local non-profits.

Organizations interested in applying for this funding can find an application at: https://ltva.org/american-century-championship-donation-request-application/. The deadline to submit is Monday, October 15.

Fire near Camino on West Slope closed HIghway 50 on Thursday

10:00 p.m. update: Firefighters have been able to get a containment line around 60 percent of the #MeyersFire in Camino with the total burned amount remaining at 12 acres.
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A fire burning west of Lake Tahoe closed Highway 50 near the town of Camino for a few hours Thursday due to the #MeyersFire burning at Meyers and Crystal Springs Roads.

The fire was first reported at 12:39 p.m. September 20, and a quick response by several agencies on the ground and from the air have been able to keep growth down to 12 acres at this time.

Letter: Lisa Maloff helps Tahoe Magic with $100,000 donation

Our Angel of Tahoe, Lisa Maloff, has sprinkled her angel goodness in our community again. Lisa Maloff has given Tahoe Magic $100,000 so that this wonderful non-profit can continue to say "yes" to the many referring agencies in our community that call and need crisis financial support for families in need of one-time immediate funding because of a family crisis.

Body of man missing in Lake Tahoe recovered

The body of the 33-year-old man who went missing in Lake Tahoe on September 8, 2018 was located by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office underwater remote operated vehicle (ROV) and then recovered on Monday, September 17.

Firefest returns to South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
September 29, 2018 - 10:00am

Fire Fest 2018 will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. outside the Hard Rock Casino Lake Tahoe. Admission is free and it's a great opportunity for families to have fun while learning about fire safety and conservation.

Helicopters will star again this year as they land just outside the venue at the Hard Rock Casino Lake Tahoe. What an incredible opportunity to get a close-up look at these amazing machines. Crews will be on hand to answer questions and explain how they help us when we need them most.

Letter: Why you should vote Nick Exline for South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) Board

My name is Nick Exline and I am asking for your vote on November 6th for the South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) Board as I will bring a higher level of commitment, leadership and vision to the STPUD Board.

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