Blog

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has approved Nevada’s greatest solar and battery storage development, the Libra Solar Project, and opened the public comment period for the proposed Bonanza Solar Project.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has given the green light to Arevia Power’s $2.3 billion Libra Solar Project, a 700 MW solar facility with a 700 MW/2.8 GWh battery storage system. The project is approximately 18 miles south of the Fort Churchill substation in Yerington, near the Mineral and Lyon county lines, making it the largest co-located solar and storage venture.

Expected to be operational by the end of 2027, the Libra Solar Project is part of Nevada’s clean energy future. Arevia Power also signed a power purchase agreement with NV Energy in June, ensuring that the energy generated by the project will help meet the state’s growing demand for renewable energy.

In addition to the Libra project, the DOI has approved NV Energy’s Greenlink West transmission project. This 350-mile transmission line will run from Las Vegas to Yerington, increasing the state’s transmission capacity and supporting the integration of large-scale renewable projects like the Libra Solar Project into Nevada’s energy grid.

The BLM is also seeking public input on the Bonanza Solar Project, which proposes a 300 MW solar facility with a 195 MW/780 MWh battery storage system and a 5.4-mile gen-tie line across 5,133 acres of public land in Clark and Nye counties near Las Vegas. The comment period for the Draft Resource Management Plan Amendment and Environmental Impact Statement is now open.

The recent advancements by the BLM in July included the Esmerelda 7 Solar Project, which would be the largest solar development globally. The project comprises seven proposed utility-scale facilities that will generate 6.2 GW of solar energy, with a battery storage output of 5.2 GW. The projects will be on 118,000 acres of BLM-managed land near Tonopah.

Starting where we ought to end is always the most logical place for the story of human folly to begin.

And so it was at the Tahoe House when Nadine and Bob came shuffling in like two ghosts freshly risen from the graveyard of print journalism. I spotted them right away.

They stood there, propped against the bar, their eyes glazed over in a thousand-yard stare that suggested they had either seen the face of God or spent the night wrestling with an angry printing press. I wagered it was the latter.

Having known Nadine and Bob for as long as the ink has dried on our weekly papers, I did the friendly thing and waved. No response.

Again, I waved, a little more eagerly this time, like I was trying to flag down a passing rowboat on the Carson, and still, nothing. It was as if they were communing with the bottles of whiskey, gin, tequila, and other libations and as if these spirits held the answers to the great mysteries.

Earlier that morning, I had made my usual trek to the shop to load up my truck with the edition for delivery. That is when I knew something was afoot.

In the upper left corner of each one was a staple—stapled, mind you—page by page, like some overzealous schoolmarm had taken it upon herself to prepare a lesson plan for the entire town. Topping it off was a massive box of sample ballots sitting in the corner as if the printers had decided to moonlight as an election official.

Now, the printer, bless its old, unreliable gears—was silent, a kind of silence that says, “I give up, you win.”

Shaking my head in disapproval, I muttered a few choice words, wondering what poor soul had angered the infernal machine this time. But I loaded the papers anyway, figuring it was best not to ask too many questions before my morning coffee.

Fast forward a few hours, and here I am, standing in the Tahoe House, watching these two look like they have just returned from battle. Stepping closer, I waved again—right in front of Nadine’s face this time—and suddenly, she blinked as if waking from a deep slumber.

“Oh!” she gasped, startled.

Bob looked over, saw me, and let out a laugh that sounded half relief, half exhaustion.

“Long couple of days?” I asked, though I already knew the answer.

“Not even half of it,” Nadine replied with a weary smile.

Bob nodded, adding, “The printer kept jamming. We barely got anything done.”

“That explains the, uh, new format for the paper,” I said, doing my best not to sound too amused.

Nadine sighed, “Yeah, had a technician come out to fix it.”

“But they couldn’t figure it out,” Bob chimed in.

“Seventeen hundred sample ballots though!” Nadine said, with the kind of pride that only comes after you have survived a near-fatal brush with bureaucracy.

I leaned back, thinking about the morning, “Well, at least it gave me a chance to get creative with my deliveries. Told everyone, ‘Call me your weekly handout boy.’”

They guffawed, the kind of half-laugh from people who have survived a disaster in black and white and read all over and lived to tell the tale. I knew my humor would not stop the angry letters or the calls to the editor, but for a brief moment, standing there in the Tahoe House, it did not seem to matter.

The Department of Interior (DOI) has granted final approval for the Greenlink West transmission line, a massive infrastructure project connecting Las Vegas and Reno.

The 350-mile transmission line, spearheaded by NV Energy, will boost the state’s energy transmission capacity and facilitate the distribution of up to 4,000 megawatts of clean energy—enough to power approximately 4.8 million homes. Construction begins in early 2025, with the project expected to go online by May 2027.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) also released its draft environmental impact statement for Greenlink North, the companion project. Greenlink North is a 210-mile transmission corridor along Highway 50 through several counties, covering 84,700 acres of BLM land. The two projects will link with the existing One Nevada Transmission Line, forming a continuous high-voltage transmission loop throughout the state.

However, the cost of the Greenlink projects has soared, with the combined price tag nearly doubling to $4.24 billion since first proposed in 2019. NV Energy’s wholesale transmission customers and the general public are splitting the cost, with Southern Nevada customers expected to bear 70 percent of the expenses. NV Energy anticipates the projects will generate $690 million in economic activity and create 4,000 jobs.

Environmental concerns have been raised, particularly about the impact of Greenlink North on sage-grouse habitats and other sensitive ecosystems. Patrick Donnelly, the Great Basin director for the Center for Biological Diversity, expressed alarm, calling it “one of the most harmful actions” permitted by the BLM.

The BLM has mandated NV Energy install anti-perching deterrents to minimize predation risks to the bird.

Kirstie and James Lang from Westport, Wash., were married at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 14 at the Silver Queen.

Boon and Brian Smith from Tacoma, Wash., were married at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, September 16 at the Virginia City Train Museum.

Jason & Ashley and Jason Johnson of Reno, Nev., were married at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 23 at the Silver Queen.

The Pistol Packin’ Preacher, Rev. James Matthieu, officiated.

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo announced Tuesday, September 3, that Brig. Gen. D. Rodger “Dan” Waters has been selected as the 31st Adjutant General for the State of Nevada, making him the senior-ranking officer in the Nevada National Guard.

“I am honored to appoint General Waters as the new Adjutant General for the Nevada National Guard,” Lombardo said. “His extensive experience, both in domestic operations and overseas assignments, along with his deep commitment to Nevada, make him the ideal leader for our state’s military forces. I am confident that General Waters will continue to uphold the legacy of excellence that has long defined the Nevada National Guard.”

Waters is the first Nevada Army Guardsman to hold the position since 1983, marking a shift from the Nevada Air National Guard, whose members have filled the role for the past six terms. The change of command ceremony is Saturday, October 19, at the Reno Ballroom inside the Grand Sierra Resort.

Waters has a decorated military career spanning nearly four decades. Most recently, he served as the Director of the Joint Staff for the Nevada National Guard, overseeing state joint operations and domestic emergency responses.

He enlisted in the military in 1985 before being commissioned as a Distinguished Honor Graduate from the Aviation Officer Basic Course in 1992. Over the years, Waters has flown numerous aircraft and held several command positions within the Nevada Army National Guard, including stints overseas in Afghanistan and Germany.

His notable overseas assignments include serving as the Afghan National Army Operations Officer for Combined Joint Task Force 82 (2007-2008) and as Division Chief at U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany (2017-2020). Upon his return to Nevada in 2020, Waters served as Chief of Staff to Berry until taking on his role as Director of the Joint Staff earlier this year.

His accolades include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Meritorious Service Medal. His education credentials are equally impressive, with a Bachelor of Science from the University of the State of New York, an MBA from the University of Nevada, Reno, and an executive certificate in public leadership from Harvard University.

Outgoing Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Ondra Berry, who has served since 2019, praised Waters as the “consummate Army officer.”

“Brigadier General Waters loves Nevada, he loves the military, he loves the mission, and he cares about our Guardsmen and women,” Berry said. “Our state’s military force will remain in good hands with Brigadier General Waters as the Adjutant General.”

Waters expressed his gratitude, thanking Lombardo for the appointment and recognizing Berry for his leadership.

“I look forward to a bright future for our great state and the Nevada National Guard,” Waters said.

In addition to his military service, Waters has been active in the Nevada community, serving with organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America, the American Legion, and the Rotary Club of Reno Sunrise.

What possessed me to believe I could conquer a summer cold with sheer willpower and a few questionable remedies, I do not recall. Armed with optimism and a collection of bizarre treatments, I embarked on a journey in July that would leave me humbled, sicker, and far too familiar with the taste of gin.

It all started with a simple sneeze—innocent, right? Wrong. That sneeze was the beginning of my downfall. First, my well-meaning friend, Smilin’ Jim suggested I soak my feet in hot water and crawl into bed.

Just as I was settling into a warm foot stew, another friend, Elizabeth Dress, burst in with the enthusiasm of a mad scientist, insisting a cold shower was the only cure. So naturally, I followed both suggestions because what could go wrong?

Answer: everything. The cold clung to me like a bad habit.

But I was not giving up yet. Then Hell Betty offered sage advice, “Feed a cold and starve a fever.” The problem? I had both.

So, in my wisdom, I decided to feed my cold as if I were a lumberjack preparing for winter. I ate with the ferocity of a competitive eater, so much so that the local diner shut down temporarily, citing “emotional distress.” Still, my cold persisted.

From there, things got a little out of hand. Someone—I do not even remember who at this point—suggested drinking a quart of warm saltwater. After testing this theory, I can confirm it is a great way to expel all you have ever eaten violently.

Meanwhile, Leggs, with a suspiciously gleeful smile, handed me a concoction of molasses, turpentine, and something called “aquafortis.” This delightful brew nearly led me to a life of petty theft and other odd larcenies, as it seemed to dissolve my moral compass but not my cold.

In my increasingly desperate state, I turned to gin—plain gin, gin with molasses, gin with onions (do not ask)—which only turned my breath into something akin to a decomposing vulture. People began avoiding me in the street. My cold got worse.

Then came the “sheet bath.” Have you ever wrapped yourself in a wet sheet and stood outside at midnight in winter? No? Well, do not. It turns out that nearly freezing to death is not a cure for the common cold—who knew?

As a final act of desperation, I retreated to the front porch, hoping fresh air would do the trick, and where I planned a mustard plaster treatment, only to discover my K-9 companions ate it. That should have been my sign to call it quits, but no, I pressed on.

After a week of steam baths, questionable herbal teas, and a terrifying amount of gin, I was no closer to recovery. My last-ditch effort? Ol’ Nine-toe-Joe, who swore by whiskey— advised a quart a day, he said. Of course, each had their own method, so I did the logical thing and combined their ideas: I drank a half-gallon a day. Surprisingly, I did not get better, and I wished not to.

Now, I am sharing this tale of medicinal misadventures not to recommend any of these treatments—seriously, do not do them—but to caution anyone foolish enough to think they can outwit a cold. If nothing else, I hope you have learned that sometimes the only cure is to wait it out or drink just enough whiskey to care no more.

Nevada Assemblywoman Elaine Marzola has received $22,500 in campaign contributions from the Nevada Resorts PAC and MGM Resorts International despite representing plaintiffs in lawsuits against their member properties.

Three cases have been dismissed, including one with prejudice. Marzola’s campaign donations include two contributions from the Nevada Resorts PAC totaling $15,000, received between October 2022 and November 2023, and $7,500 from MGM Resorts International, which owns or operates Mandalay Bay, New York-New York, and the Aria Resort & Casino.

The Nevada Resorts Association, which launched the Nevada Resorts PAC in January 2022, has had several member properties named in lawsuits where Marzola has served as legal counsel for plaintiffs. Since May 2022, Marzola has represented four plaintiffs in cases involving Wynn Las Vegas, Caesars Entertainment, Mandalay Bay, New York-New York Hotel & Casino, and Aria Resort & Casino Holdings.

In one case, Marzola represented a plaintiff in a “slip & fall” lawsuit against Aria Resort & Casino Holdings and MGM Resorts International. Following a short trial discovery, Marzola accepted a donation from MGM.

The case was dismissed with prejudice on Tuesday, May 28, meaning that a court has made a final and absolute decision and that the plaintiff cannot refile the same claim in that court.

Adding to the controversy is the role of Ellen Whittemore, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Wynn Las Vegas, who serves as the Chair of the Board of the Nevada Resorts Association. The connection raises questions, as Whittemore’s company is a defendant in one of Marzola’s lawsuits, while the organization she leads has financially supported Marzola’s campaign.

The Nevada Bar Association noted that Marzola’s legal actions against properties tied to her campaign donors may create conflicts if not disclosed to her clients, impacting her ability to provide effective legal representation.

Fernley is seeing a rise in home values, reflecting broader trends across the state and the nation.

According to data from Zillow, the typical home value rose to $362,156 in July, marking a 2.8 percent increase from the previous year. As of August 22, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate stood at 6.46 percent, pushing monthly payments higher and making it even more challenging for new buyers to enter the market.

It has become a growing issue for many in Fernley, where the rising cost of living is now a significant factor for those looking to purchase a home. Fernley ranks as the fourth most expensive city in Nevada for home values, just behind Reno and Gardnerville Ranchos.

The town, which has seen rapid growth in recent years due to its proximity to Reno and industrial developments like the Fernley Industrial Park, the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center (TRIC), and the TRIC II, continues to attract new residents.

Fernley’s affordable real estate, compared to the skyrocketing prices in Reno, made it a desirable option for many. However, as prices continue to rise, that affordability is slowly diminishing.

According to a report compiled by Stacker, Fernley is one of the top Nevada cities with the highest home values. With its central location, growing infrastructure, and proximity to major job centers, the town has become a focal point for investors and families looking to settle down.

Starting September 23, sections of State Route 339 south of Mason and Yerington will undergo resurfacing, leading to weekday lane closures and potential delays lasting through November.

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has announced that closures will occur between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., with pilot cars guiding traffic through the construction zone in alternating directions. The affected section is from Rebbecka Drive to the intersection with State Route 208. NDOT advises drivers to expect delays of up to 30 minutes as the resurfacing work progresses.

Side roads and driveways will remain accessible, though brief interruptions may occur as paving equipment moves through the area.

Residents near the project should be aware of increased construction traffic on Second Street, as heavy trucks haul materials to and from the work zone. NDOT encourages drivers to plan alternate routes whenever possible, with State Route 208 serving as a convenient alternative for through traffic.

Over-dimensional vehicles wider than 12 feet will be prohibited until the project is complete.

In addition to resurfacing, the project includes the replacement of roadway cattle guards and improvements to drainage systems. NDOT urges drivers to remain alert, follow posted speed limits, and exercise caution while navigating the work zones.

Elevation Gold Mining Corporation reports its subsidiary, Eclipse Gold Mining Corporation, has completed the sale of its Hercules Property in the historic Como Mining District at the northern end of the Pine Nut Mountains in Lyon County. The sale was made through its subsidiary, Alcmene Mining Inc., to StrikePoint Gold Inc. for a total consideration of $250,000.

Alcmene Mining holds 100 percent interests in Hercules Gold USA, a Nevada-based company responsible for the Hercules Property. The property consists of 1,207 unpatented mining claims and four patented mining claims, as well as an additional 116 unpatented mining claims owned by Minquest Inc., which are subject to an option agreement among Great Basin Resources, Inc., Iconic Minerals, Ltd., Eclipse, and Hercules USA.

The sale remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The sale has been approved under the amended court order from the Supreme Court of British Columbia, in compliance with the Companies Creditors Arrangement Act, and consented to by KSV Restructuring Inc., the court-appointed monitor overseeing Elevation Gold Mining’s affairs.