Author: Tom Darby

  • Sparks Man Drowns in Topaz Lake

    Todd Anderson, 55, drowned in Topaz Lake on Sunday, May 19, as confirmed by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

    According to DCSO Sheriff Dan Coverley, Anderson was floating in the lake around 5:30 p.m. when found and may have been a victim of hypothermia.

    “The initial investigation indicates he was attempting to get a buoy out of the water when he drowned,” Coverley said. “This tragic event demonstrates the risks of being in water that is snow runoff this time of year. The water is extremely cold and dangerous during the spring.”

    Reports indicate that Anderson was found in the rocks off the end of Comstock Drive near Topaz Landing and Marina. Bystanders pulled him from the water and began CPR.

    East Fork Fire Protection District firefighters arrived and took over emergency care. Transported to Carson Valley Health in Gardnerville, doctors pronounced Anderson deceased that evening.

  • Home Sales Rise in April, But Prices Dip

    The number of home sales increased in April, while the median sales price for existing single-family homes experienced a decline from the previous month, according to the latest data from Sierra Nevada Realtors.

    “As we transition from spring to summer months, it is evident that the local housing market is heating up,” said SNR President Robert Bartshe. “Home prices have increased from this time last year; however, it is a great time to enter the market. We encourage individuals considering real estate transactions to seek guidance from a local agent for informed decision-making in this dynamic market environment.”

    In April, Storey County saw four sales of existing single-family homes, a 20 percent decrease from March but a 33.3 percent increase from April 2023. The median sales price rose to $595,000, an 8.2 percent increase from the previous month and a 42 percent increase from last year.

    Lyon County reported 90 sales of existing single-family homes and manufactured properties in April, a 17.4 percent decrease from March and an 8.2 percent decrease from last year. The median sales price for these properties was $380,500, a 3.5 percent decrease from March but an 8.7 percent increase from April 2023.

    Carson City recorded 51 sales of existing single-family homes in April, marking a 10.9 percent increase from March and the same period last year. However, the median sales price dropped to $495,000, representing a 12.8 percent decrease from March but a 3.8 percent increase from April 2023. The median sales price for existing condominiums and townhomes in Carson City rose significantly to $424,000, a 32.5 percent increase from last year.

    Douglas County had 61 sales of existing single-family homes in April, a 35.6 percent increase from March but a 7.6 percent decrease from last year. The median sales price rose to $661,000, a 12 percent increase from the previous month and a 27.1% increase from April 2023.

    Churchill County reported 23 sales of existing single-family homes in April, an 8 percent decrease from March and a 14.8 percent decrease from last year. The median sales price increased to $385,000, a 5.5 percent rise from the previous month and a 13.9 percent increase from last year.

    Washoe County, excluding Incline Village, saw 499 new listings and 373 closed sales in April. The median sales price for existing single-family homes was $565,000, a 1.7 percent decrease from March but a 4.6 percent increase from April 2023. The median sales price for existing condominiums and townhomes was $365,820, a 16.1 percent increase from last year.

    The Sierra Nevada Realtors report also indicated that housing prices continue to rise across northern Nevada. The median home price for the region was $535,000 for April, a 1 percent increase from March. Home prices were up in all six regions compared to last year, and listings increased in all areas except Storey County.

  • Carson City Man Faces Terrorism Charges

    A Carson City man, Christopher Gorham, is facing multiple charges related to terrorism after deputies discovered explosives in his possession.

    The situation unfolded on Saturday afternoon when deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by the 50-year-old Gorham. During the search, deputies found drug paraphernalia and an explosive device. The Tahoe-Douglas Consolidated Bomb Squad detonated the device.

    Further investigation led deputies to Gorham’s apartment on College Parkway, where they discovered additional drugs, drug paraphernalia, and explosive materials. Authorities also found a document listing the names and ID numbers of two police officers, along with a list of parts needed to build another explosive device.

    Gorham faces the following charges: Attempted Acts of Terrorism. Manufacturing a Destructive/Explosive Device. Conspiracy to Violate the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

    Authorities urge anyone with information about this case to contact the Carson City Sheriff’s Office or Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900.

  • Analysis Suggests Algorithmic Pattern in Washoe County Daily Voting Numbers

    Data Analysis

    Based on the provided daily numbers, an analysis was conducted to determine if the numbers follow a natural trend or might be algorithmically generated. Here is a breakdown of the analysis process and findings:

    Data Provided:

    Date Value1 Value2 Value3 Total

    May 25, 2024, 5,244 3,683 2,022 10,949

    May 26, 2024, 5,414 3,819 2,087 11,320

    May 27, 2024, 6,079 4,271 2,292 12,642

    May 28, 2024, 6,416 4,518 2,363 13,297

    May 29, 2024, 8,835 6,071 3,197 18,103

    May 30, 2024, 10,072 6,932 3,609 20,613

    May 31, 2024, 11,319 7,856 3,980 23,155

    June 1, 2024, 12,057 8,396 4,197 24,650

    June 2, 2024, 12,534 8,725 4,337 25,596

    June 3, 2024, 13,259 9,387 4,554 27,200

    June 4, 2024, 14,937 10,616 5,106 30,659

    June 5, 2024, 16,364 11,886 5,565 33,815

    June 6, 2024, 17,736 13,041 6,014 36,791

    June 7, 2024, 19,455 14,312 6,469 40,236

    Step-by-Step Analysis:

    1. Daily Increases Calculation:
      • Differences between consecutive days were calculated for each value to observe the pattern of increase.
    2. Percentage Growth Calculation:
      • The percentage growth rate for each category and the total were calculated daily to find an average growth rate.
    3. Average Growth Rate:
      • Value1: ~10.90%
      • Value2: ~11.24%
      • Value3: ~9.63%
      • Total: ~10.79%

    Findings:

    1. Consistent Growth:
      • The values for each category and the total consistently show an increasing trend over time.
    2. Daily Increase Patterns:
      • The increases in each category are relatively proportional, with some days showing more significant jumps (e.g., May 29 and June 4).
    3. Algorithmic Pattern:
      • The consistent average growth rates (~10-11%) suggest that the numbers could be generated by an algorithm, specifically a compounding growth algorithm where each day’s value is a fixed percentage higher than the previous day’s value.

    Conclusion:

    Based on the analysis, it appears that the daily values provided might indeed be generated by an algorithm. The systematic increase of around 10-11% per day across all categories supports the hypothesis of an algorithmic process behind these numbers.

    This detailed analysis of Washoe County’s daily voting numbers from May 25 to June 7, 2024, suggests a potential algorithmic pattern behind the data. It raises questions about the natural progression of the numbers and whether an automated system is influencing the reported figures.

    A breakdown of the data reveals a steady and consistent increase in the daily voting numbers across all categories—Democrats, Republicans, and Nonpartisans. The total votes rose from 10,949 on May 25 to 40,236 on June 7, marking an average daily increase of around 10-11 percent.

    The daily increments for Democrats, Republicans, and Nonpartisans were calculated, showing notable jumps on dates such as May 29 and June 4. This steady growth pattern, with relatively proportional daily increases, points toward a non-random, systematic process.

    Further analysis revealed that each category’s daily increase hovered around a consistent percentage growth rate:

    • Democrats: ~10.90 percent
    • Republicans: ~11.24 percent
    • Nonpartisans: ~9.63 percent
    • Total Votes: ~10.79 percent

    The uniformity in these growth rates suggests that the numbers might be generated by an algorithm, possibly using a compounding growth model where each day’s values are calculated as a fixed percentage higher than the previous day’s values.

    Such findings create critical questions about the nature of these increases and whether they are natural voter turnout trends or an algorithmic generation of numbers. The implications of this analysis are significant and warrant further investigation to ensure the integrity and transparency of the voting process in Washoe County.

  • Dots and Their Random Connections

    Here is the reason why I offer the suggestion, “Keep your eyes open and your head on a swivel,” and while I am not saying they are connected, it is odd that they should happen hours apart, in the same state and on a day where kid’s fishing is free.

    A weekend intended for family fun and learning turned tragic as violent incidents at two Nevada marinas disrupted Free Fishing Day activities. Hundreds of local children participate in the annual event, which aims to introduce kids to the joys of fishing. However, a shooting at the Sparks Marina and a fire at Lake Mead National Recreation Area cast a shadow over the celebrations, raising concerns about safety and security in recreational areas.

    Early Sunday morning, gunfire shattered the serene environment of Sparks Marina. At approximately 4:20 a.m., officers from the Sparks Police Department responded to reports of shots fired.

    Upon arrival, they discovered multiple individuals with gunshot wounds. Emergency services rushed the victims to the hospital, but their current conditions remain unknown.

    Due to the scale of the crime scene, the Sparks Police Department enlisted the help of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and the Reno Police Department. Howard Drive, closed for the investigation, reopened by 10:30 a.m. on Sunday.

    While there are no arrests yet, the investigation continues. The incident has heightened concerns about violence in public spaces, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures.

    In a separate incident, a fire broke out early Sunday morning at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, causing significant damage. The blaze began shortly before 1 a.m., sinking ten boats and damaging several more at the Hemenway Harbor facility.

    The fire also resulted in minor injuries, with one firefighter hospitalized for smoke inhalation and others suffering minor burns. Fortunately, there were no fatalities.

    The fire, which started on one boat and rapidly spread to others, was extinguished by 3:30 a.m. Firefighters from Clark County, Henderson, Boulder City, and the Bureau of Land Management responded to the emergency.

    The Sparks Marina and Lake Mead incidents highlight the need for increased vigilance and improved safety protocols at recreational sites. The shooting at Sparks Marina underscores the potential for violence in public spaces, prompting calls for enhanced security measures. While the fire at Lake Mead is being called “accidental,” it shows a need for preparedness.

    The Sparks Police Department, along with other law enforcement agencies, is conducting a thorough investigation into the shooting. Meanwhile, marina operators at Lake Mead are reviewing safety protocols to prevent future incidents.

  • Brush Fires Close Lane on I-80 East of Sparks

    On Wednesday afternoon, May 15, the right lane of eastbound I-80 east of Sparks near Patrick was closed as crews tackled several small brush fires along the railroad tracks between Vista Boulevard and Mustang, affecting both Washoe and Storey counties.

    Firefighting units from Truckee Meadows Fire, Storey County Fire, and Sparks Fire responded to the incident. The quick coordination between these agencies helped to contain the fires and minimize the impact on traffic and surrounding areas.

    Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fires. No further information is available at this time.

  • Washoe County Elections Office Still Failing

    The elections office in Washoe County finds itself in the crosshairs as partisan battles intensify ahead of Tuesday’s primary elections.

    The Washoe County Commission, split along partisan lines, has been at the center of this drama, particularly regarding the appointment of the county’s elections director earlier this year. The three Democratic commissioners supported the appointment, while the two Republican commissioners, aligned with another movement promoting election conspiracy theories, opposed it.

    With Tuesday’s primary looming, the movement aims to unseat Clara Andriola, a Republican-in-Name-Only (RINO) commissioner, officially censured and removed from the Nevada Republic Parts roll by the GOP for her partisan approach. Andriola, appointed and endorsed by RINO Governor Joe Lombardo, has emphasized the nonpartisan nature of election administration, lamenting the politicization of the process.

    Private citizen Robert Beadles has backed the Republican commissioners opposing Andriola and has thrown his support behind Tracey Hilton-Thomas, vice chair of the Washoe County GOP, who is challenging Andriola in the primary.

    Hilton-Thomas echoes what KOLO reports are “baseless claims of election fraud” has raised doubts about the legitimacy of the 2020 election results, despite multiple and partisan reviews confirming President Biden’s victory. Her stance aligns with the rhetoric prevalent in Washoe County commission meetings, where so-called false accusations and conspiracy theories run rampant, fueled by Trump’s claims.

    Washoe County’s elections office has faced unprecedented challenges since 2020, as violations of Nevada Revised Statues have been repeatedly made and brought to light, taking a toll on staff morale, with the county on its third elections director since 2022. Despite assurances from the registrar of voters, Cari-Ann Burgess, about the department’s independence, the commission meetings point to the lack of integrity in the county’s electoral process.

  • Brush Fire in Yerington Quickly Contained

    The Mason Valley Fire Protection District and NV Energy swiftly responded to a brush fire sparked by an electrical issue on Friday, May 17.

    Officials characterized the fire as small, emphasizing their prompt action in containing it. The incident occurred in the vicinity of North Bybee Lane in Yerington.

    Repairs were made to the damaged equipment to prevent further escalation or potential hazards.

  • Two Dead in Suspected Fernley Overdose

    The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) reported the discovery on Monday, May 13, of two individuals found deceased in what appears to be an overdose incident in Fernley.

    Emergency responders were summoned to an address on Jessica Lane in Fernley around 4:30 p.m. after receiving reports of an unconscious and unresponsive man. The LCSO with the North Lyon Fire Department rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities encountered three adults within the residence, all exhibiting symptoms consistent with a drug overdose.

    Despite immediate efforts to revive them, two individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. The third person was taken to Renown Regional Medical Center for additional medical treatment.

    A subsequent search of the premises unveiled evidence pointing to recent illicit drug use by all three individuals. However, authorities are not naming the specific substance(s) involved.

    Approximately eight hours later, LCSO deputies were once again dispatched, this time to a residence on Wedge Lane in Fernley, where they encountered the same individual who had been transported to Renown earlier, now found unresponsive again. Emergency measures resulted in their revival before being transported to the hospital for additional treatment.

    LCSO has refrained from publicly divulging the identities of the individuals involved in these incidents.

  • Beauty Pageant Paradox

    It is all quite the scene.
    Miss Maryland is a he.
    Miss ‘Bama, a size X-3.
    Beauty standards do abound,
    All woke schemes they do rock.
    While one is a real she.
    The other has a cock.