South Tahoe High

Schools plan return to in-person instruction in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If COVID-19 numbers continue on their current downward trajectory, students in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District will be able to return to the classroom February 1 when Phase 2 of reopening plans resumes.

District officials announced Friday they are "cautiously optimistic" about the return to in-person learning in grades TK through 8. LTUSD has been monitoring the local COVID-19 data and case numbers have been stable or trending down, including decreasing cases among their staff, over the last several days.

Kudos: Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe thanks supporters of 12th annual Coat Drive

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe wishes to extend our appreciation to the following for their help, support, and generous donations that help us to purchase and distribute brand new coats, beanies, and gloves to ensure that the youth in our community stay warm this winter.

The generosity of our donors:
• The Bob Baunhauser Foundation, in remembrance of member Bob Baunhauser
• TLC Investment, in remembrance of member Katy Fagan
• 2020 American Century Championship/Celebrity Golf
• El Dorado Community Foundation/Give Tahoe

LTUSD to remain in distance learning due to current county-wide COVID data

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) Superintendent Dr. Todd Cutler has notified teachers, students and staff that they will have to postpone the reopening of in-person classrooms. Citing COVID-19 case levels not dropping to the desired levels in El Dorado County, and testing/tracing capacity, LTUSD will continue with distance learning at this time.

Longtime local Larry Lukins ~ 1944 - 2020

Larry Lukins passed away on November 25, 2020. He was born February 22, 1944 to Melvin and Hazel Lukins of South Lake Tahoe. Larry was the third generation of Lukins’ raised in South Lake Tahoe.

Larry was always proud of growing up in “old Tahoe” and loved to share stories of the good ole days. As a child growing up in South Lake Tahoe, Larry and his brother Danny spent much of their time working on and building airplanes, cars and boats.

South Lake Tahoe woman dies from COVID-19, Go Fund Me set up to help with expenses

A South Lake Tahoe woman has become the 11th resident of El Dorado County to die from COVID-19. Elda Yadira Dueñas passed away at Barton Memorial Hospital on December 16, 2020.

Remodeled South Lake Tahoe vegan restaurant reopens with new look, new menu, new hours

Event Date: 
February 28, 2021 (All day)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For over eight years Sandi Cole has been operating Simple Bliss Vegan Cafe is South Lake Tahoe inside the Swiss Chalet Village. Her homemade specialties have been treating customers to much-loved flavors and dishes, from handcrafted drinks to desserts.

Simple Bliss now has a new look and design, one that will work through the pandemic with take-out orders only to a time when all can once again sit down and enjoy a meal at a restaurant.

Elves stop by the South Lake Tahoe Children's Memorial Tree

The Elves did it again!! They visited the South Lake Tahoe Children's Memorial Tree in the park at Lake Tahoe Boulevard and Wildwood Avenue for the tenth straight year, leaving behind signs of Christmas with stockings and decorations.

There is a stocking at the tree for the over 240 children who are memorialized there.

The memorial was created 29 years ago when tragedy struct the local community when South Tahoe High students Rory Hrbacek, Sandy Haynes, and Casey Wells died in an vehicle accident on Pioneer Trail.

LTUSD to remain on distance learning through at least January 8

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) announced late Wednesday that they will be staying on distance learning until at least January 8, 2021.

Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases in the area, District officials said they are concerned for the health and safety of staff and students. With Winter Break starting December 21 they said the likelihood of a significant decrease in community spread before then. School will not be in session until January 4.

Kudos: Goal Club and Lady Vikings thank community

The South Tahoe High Goal Club and Lady Vikings would like to extend their appreciation to Grand Central Pizza & Pasta for hosting their recent "Pizza With A Purpose" fundraiser.

They would also like to thank the amazing South Shore community for supporting them at the event on November 4.

Fifteen percent of all sales that evening went to the Goal Club, the soccer team's nonprofit that helps with the program's team expenses.

Quarantine in South Lake Tahoe leads to poem brought to life in new children's book

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In search of something positive to do while staying at home during the pandemic, South Lake Tahoe parent Gantt Miller and his daughter Mackenzie started brainstorming. They couldn't sew, so making masks were out of the question. What could they do?

They could tell a story.

The nine-year-old Mackenzie and her dad, who wrote the book under a pen name, M.C. Behm, started to explore what messages they could convey between the front and back covers.

South Tahoe High soccer player Kelsey Hogan commits to University of Hawaii

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - During the past three seasons at South Tahoe High, Kelsey Hogan has been a leader on the field with several multi-goal and assist games. On Thursday, she committed to attending the University of Hawaii to continue her stellar soccer career playing for the Rainbow Wāhines.

Chipotle fundraiser for South Tahoe High PABA

Event Date: 
November 2, 2020 - 4:00pm

Join the South Tahoe High School Performing Arts Booster Association (PABA) on Monday, November 2, 2020 at their Chipotle fundraiser from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Chipotle is located at 3640-A Lake Tahoe Boulevard by Whole Foods.

Share the photo flyer on this story at the store (on cell phone is okay) or tell the cashier you are there to support PAPA.

Thirty-three percent of all sales to PABA supporters will go to their high school performing arts needs.

Pizza With A Purpose to raise funds for South Tahoe High Girls Soccer

Event Date: 
November 4, 2020 - 3:00pm

Join the South Tahoe High Lady Vikings on Wednesday, November 4 between 3:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. at Grand Central Pizza in South Lake Tahoe.

Fifteen percent of all sales during that time will go to the Goal Club, the team's nonprofit that helps with the program's team expenses.

Pizza With A Purpose will be at Grand Central, 2229 Lake Tahoe Blvd. The donations will be made on dine in, take out and delivery. Their phone number is 530.544.1308

LTUSD - Tuesday meeting to discuss leadership restructure, back to school progress, enrollment

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be a meeting of the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) Board of Trustees on Tuesday, October 27 starting with a closed session at 5:00 p.m. The meeting will be help remotely and to watch, visit link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88330453346?pwd=RUJhdXgwaGtuMXZXNGVLdm4xRDV4UT09.

STPUD candidates respond to questions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are three open seats on the South Tahoe Public Utility Board of Directors this election season, two for a four-year term and one for a two-year term.

South Tahoe Now reached out to the candidates and below are their answers to a set of questions. For the two four-year terms, incumbent Kelly Sheehan is running for reelection, Duane Wallace is running after being appointed to fill Jim Jones's spot on the board until this election, and they are joined by David Peterson.

Chelcee Thomas hired as the new executive director for Live Violence Free

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Live Violence Free, the South Lake Tahoe-based agency committed to promoting a violence-free community, has announced the appointment of a new executive director.

Chelcee Thomas has returned to her hometown to lead the 43-year-old agency. The South Tahoe High graduate has dedicated her career to supporting social

New forestry program headed to Lake Tahoe Community College

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A new Forestry Education and Job Placement program is heading to Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) in South Lake Tahoe.

To get things started, the California Tahoe Conservancy Board awarded the college a $351,000 grant and $480,000 was received from CAL Fire’s Forest Health Grant Program. LTCC has hired Kim Carr as their contracted consultant on the project and she helped write the grants and secure funding for the new avenue of education in South Lake Tahoe. She is bringing 30 years of forestry and environmental experience to the college.

South Lake Tahoe resident celebrates her 99th birthday

In the year 1921, New York Yankee Babe Ruth hit his 138th homerun as the team made their first World Series appearance, Coco Chanel introduces "Chanel No. 5". Boeing obtains orders for aircraft and abandons furniture-making, Albert Einstein receives the Nobel Prize in Physics, Woodrow Wilson (until March 4) and Warren G. Harding (from March 4) were president, and technology made advancements towards what would be the first television. Charles Bronson, Nancy Reagan, and John Glenn were born.

Opinion: LTUSD Board supports student-led climate initiative

Former Climate Crew Co-president, Anthony Pedigo, introduced Resolution No. 2020/21-07 in Support of School District Climate Literacy to the LTUSD School Board on September 22, 2020. It was the culmination of a year of passionate student organizing, writing and mobilizing. The resolution passed unanimously.

LTUSD shares next phase of South Lake Tahoe school reopening plans

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) will be adopting their previously released Pandemic Educational Plan with some modifications as they move into Phase 2 starting October 12, 2020.

During their special meeting Monday, several parents, teachers and trustees voiced their opinions and concerns representing all sides, from keeping students in Phase 1, moving to Phase 2, as well as skipping to Phase 3.

Chris Sneed: The man behind the 9-11 flag flying over US50

Those of us who were alive remember where they were and what they were doing when they saw or heard of the first planes fly into the towers in New York City on September 11, 2001.

Chris Sneed was working in Incline Village on a pipe replacement project for Granite Construction on Lakeshore Boulevard on 9-11-01. He needed a part and ran into Spitsen Lumber. He was in line and saw the store's 12" television showing a plane hit the first tower, and then the second tower.

Lake Tahoe Unified School District informational letter to families

Hello Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) friends and families. We’re down to the wire and the District is very excited to welcome you back to another school year! With all of the changes and challenges the year is sure to bring, rest assured that every staff member at LTUSD is wholeheartedly embracing them all, and looking forward to making this year cheerful, engaging, inclusive, and academically rewarding for every single student. Welcome back!

BACK TO SCHOOL

Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe awards 19 scholarships

Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe (SISLT) awarded scholarships to a group of local students from South Tahoe High, George Whittell High, the Lake Tahoe Basin Fire Academy and Lake Tahoe Community College. The club, serving the community since 1959, has given out over one-million dollars to local graduates over the years.

Never Forget, Never Forgotten - Kaleb James Martin Curtzwiler 1/27/82 - 8/9/10

Kaleb James Martin Curtzwiler died August 9, 2010. He was 28.

Mr. Curtzwiler was born Jan. 27, 1982, at Barton Memorial Hospital in South Lake Tahoe. The 2000 South Tahoe High School graduate was an avid soccer player.

Although he did not ski competitively, it was a sport he participated in with his family and one that he excelled at.

Terry Alan Ogg ~ 1954 - 2020

Lake Tahoe has lost one of its icons. At the young age of 66, Terry Alan Ogg left us suddenly July 28, 2020.

Terry was born March 18, 1954 in Richmond, California. He grew up in Pinole, California and graduated from Pinole High School in 1972. As a teenager, he developed a love for music and found his instrument, a "Huge" (his words) Hammond organ. He moved his organ to South Lake Tahoe in 1975 at the age of 21 on a quest to become a rock star, among other interests.

Promotions for the South Lake Tahoe Police Department

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - New South Lake Tahoe Police Chief David Stevenson was sworn in during a ceremony on Monday, receiving his official badge from his wife Jennifer in front of his mother and sister. The virtual ceremony had just a few attendees due to COVID-19 restrictions, but many were able to log onto their phones and computers and watch the 25-year veteran of the force, and South Tahoe High graduate, move into the top spot in the police department.

Marjorie Louise Daum ~ 1938 - 2020

Longtime South Lake Tahoe area resident Marjorie Louise Daum has entered the kingdom of God.

The well known local businesswoman was 82.

Marjorie was as a very kind and sweet person, always greeting everyone with a cheerful smile and a hug. Her strong courage, humility, honesty and faith guided her successful path through life.

She was born on February 24, 1938 and moved with her family to South Lake Tahoe in 1947 where they lived at the Al Tahoe Pines Resort. The family's marine service station was where the current Globin's building and Pick 6 are currently located.

Stevenson named new police chief for South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe has selected a long-time local and South Tahoe High graduate to head its police department.

The selection of David Stevenson as police chief was announced Monday.

SROs on campus in South Lake Tahoe: More than a police officer

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - School Resource Officers, or SROs, have been a recent topic of conversations in the community with some residents questioning the need for an armed officer on South Lake Tahoe campuses.

The word "resource" gives one an insight into their position - a resource for the students, and not only at school. A resource for the parents. A resource for the school district. A resource for the school.

And the job doesn't end there.

South Tahoe High School grad Tyler Pevenage awarded firefighter's scholarship

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Tyler Pevenage, a recent graduate of South Tahoe High School, was awarded the “Michael Hoffman Memorial Scholarship” in the amount of $1,000.

This award is sponsored by the California State Firefighters’ Association Northern Division and open to family members of firefighters.

Tyler’s outstanding academic achievement, involvement in high school sports, leadership, and volunteer work in the community earned her this scholarship that is renewable yearly up to $4,000.

Local teen facing brain surgery, fundraiser established

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Maddy Moody, a former South Lake Tahoe student and current Douglas High sophomore, will be at the UC San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital at the end of the month for brain surgery.

Kevin Fabino steps down as City of South Lake Tahoe Director of Development Services

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Kevin Fabino, Director of Development Services, is stepping down after four years of service with the City of South Lake Tahoe.

“I have enjoyed my time with the City, even though it wasn’t always easy,” said Fabino. “We have faced many challenges and I know the team I leave behind will continue to move this community forward.”

Under Fabino’s leadership, the department has faced many challenges including updating how the city issues building permits and reworking the process for managing new cell towers.

Kudos: Dental Assisting program thanks South Lake Tahoe area dentists

Our local dental offices are SUPER HEROS! When COVID-19 shut the world down, it shut our dental offices for about 2.5 months. When they could reopen, they were faced new required PPEs and a shortage trying to get what was needed to reopen. Then there was me, asking them to take my dental assisting students for an externship which requires a minimum of 50 hours spent in the office. Lake Tahoe Community College provided each student with the required PPEs, so it would be less of a hardship for the dental offices to take them.

Class of 2020 graduation via ski lift at Sierra-at-Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It was a perfect day, at a perfect location, at a perfect celebration to wrap up what wasn't such a perfect senior year of high school.

On Friday afternoon, one by one, the South Tahoe and Mt. Tallac High School seniors stepped out of their decorated cars amidst cheering from teachers and staff. They sent the students onto the red carpet, down the stairs to more cheering, and dancing, and more red carpet, as they made their way onto a ski lift at Sierra-at-Tahoe.

South Lake Tahoe ski instructor and coach indicted on child pornography charges

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe man arrested in April on child pornography charges was indicted today by a federal grand jury.

Timothy Daniel Mackey, 39, was arrested at his home after a search warrant served on April 15, 2020. Since that time he has been in jail. If convicted, Mackey faces 5-20 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.

Beloved South Lake Tahoe teacher retires

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For the past 27 years, Frank Kovac has been with the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD).

When he landed in South Lake Tahoe Kovac already had spent time teaching at Fairfax High School, Emerson Junior High, James Rutter Middle School, and Paul Revere Middle School, but he found his niche beginning locally at South Tahoe Middle School.

After one year at STMS Kovac took the position as athletics and activities director at South Tahoe High School (STHS), a position he held for five years.

Two-way immersion program in South Lake Tahoe hits milestone

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It was a long, hard-fought effort to get it done, but the determination of Kathy Haven and a group of dedicated parents in 2006 has brought the two-way immersion (TWI) program at Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) its first group of 13-year students and graduates.

Starting in 2007, 20 students enrolled in the very first kindergarten TWI class at Bijou Elementary and that group of students will be graduating from South Tahoe High School at the end of the week. They have had 13 years of school taught in both Spanish and English.

Dr. James Tarwater says goodbye to Lake Tahoe Unified School District

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Dr. James Tarwater will be bringing his 54-year career in education to a close this month as he passes the torch to the new Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) superintendent June 30.

Barton Foundation to give away $100,000 in local grants

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Barton Foundation began accepting applications on June 15 from local nonprofit organizations for this year’s $100,000 Community Health Grant program. Area service groups and organizations that share Barton Health’s commitment to improving community health and well-being are encouraged to apply online at bartonhealth.org/foundation.

Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2020.

South Lake Tahoe senior graduation ceremonies moved to Sierra-at-Tahoe Ski Resort

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In a graduation season marked by COVID-19 social distancing regulations, high school students across the globe knew the ceremonies marking the end of K-12 school careers would be different than in years past. With daily school work moved online, graduations were moved to a virtual format.

At both South Tahoe High and Mt. Tallac High schools, graduation has been made special by social media acknowledgments, yard signs, and special bags full of gifts.

Lake Valley Fire selects Brad Zlendick as its new fire chief

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Valley Fire Protection District didn't have to search far for its new chief to replace the retiring Tim Alameda. Brad Zlendick, who has been in the interim chief role since March 18, is now officially the LVFPD fire chief.

Lauri Kemper selected to fill vacant seat on Lake Tahoe Unified School Board of Trustees

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In a 3-1 vote the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) Board of Trustees voted to bring retired engineer Lauri Kemper on board to fill Barbara Bannar's term.

Bannar resigned in March and her term ends December 2022.

Originally there were three candidates but one dropped out of the running, Chris Proctor, leaving Kemper and David Wise. Interviews took place during the Tuesday LTUSD Board meeting on ZOOM, each candidate having two minutes to answer each of the board's ten questions.

School board meeting Tuesday to select new member, discuss budget and graduation

Event Date: 
May 26, 2020 - 5:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Unified School District will be holding a regularly scheduled board meeting on Tuesday, May 26 at 5:00 p.m., followed by closed session.

The meeting can be viewed on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHZeyuZYC9ZXKyTO2k-sJ5Q, and public comment can be made in three ways (see at the end of the story).

A provisional board member will be selected Tuesday night. Three people have applied to fill the seat left vacant by the resignation of Barbara Bannar. Vying to fill out her term are Chris Proctor, David Wise, and Lauri Kemper.

Work underway on Al Tahoe Safety and Mobility Project in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If you've been driving through town lately you've most likely noticed the road work on Al Tahoe Boulevard.

After a restriping/lane change pilot project in 2017 that reconfigured two of the four vehicle travel lanes and added buffered bike lanes on Al Tahoe Blvd., the rest of the project has now begun. The project has been years in the making through the planning, funding, public input, and permitting stages.

South Tahoe High students organize fundraiser to pay food tab for health care workers

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Tahoe High students have started a GoFundMe account to raise funds to pay the food tab at Sprouts Cafe in South Lake Tahoe.

The "pay-it-forward” fundraising efforts began with sophomores Kaya Roberts, Claire Gurner, Sophia Aronoff, and Soleil Weed. They were working on a history project about "the change we want to see in the world" and decided to do research on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tahoe Chamber announces list of 2020 list of 40 Under 40 honorees

The Tahoe Chamber has announced the 2020 list of 40 Under 40 honorees. The 40 Under 40 program highlights and honors the South Shore's brightest young community leaders and business professionals’ accomplishments, community involvement, and leadership.

Celebrating South Tahoe High's seniors in a socially distancing manner

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With the Class of 2020 having a graduation experience unlike any in history, parents and faculty are trying to still create a remembrance now that traditional graduation ceremonies are canceled.

For South Tahoe High School (STHS), all 226 graduates received yard/window signs over the past few days. Principal Carline Sinkler, teachers, staff, and other volunteers visited each home in South Lake Tahoe with the signs provided by the Barton Foundation.

South Tahoe High Valedictorian headed to Stanford; Salutatorian to UCLA

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Even though the end of the school year is taking on a new appearance, the academic successes of the students at South Tahoe High School (STHS) are still being celebrated.

Nancy Garcia Corea is the valedictorian for the Class os 2020 at STHS. She carries a 4.6154 GPA and is headed off the Stanford University when school begins in the fall. Nancy will be studying sociology and wants to go to law school with the goal of becoming a defense attorney.

South Tahoe High Rotary Interact Club makes donation to Lake Tahoe Wildlife

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Rotary Interact Club at South Tahoe High recently donated $800 to the Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care.

Co-Presidents Dean Kallas and Serena Palaroan sent the check and a letter to the nonprofit tasked with providing temporary care for wildlife, with an explanation of the student-run club and the funds.

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