Vol. 3, No. 2
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November 15, 2005
Nevada's Online State News Journal
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CRIMINAL DEFENSE |
COPYWRITING
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The Buzz Around The Silver State
as compiled by our correspondents
Mineral County
Ghost Dance Prophet's Grave To Be Rededicated
(Schurz) --- He was known to the white man as Jack Wilson, a Paiute Indian living along the banks of the Walker River in an area known as Wilson Canyon. To the Native American tribes and nations he was known as Wovoka, the prophet. Wovoka lived in the latter years of the 19th Century, troubled times for Native Americans.
Wovoka said the spirits had come to him and introduced to him the Ghost Dance a four-day ritual he believed would eventually put an end to the white man in Indian Country. His preaching brought the wrath of Washington, led to Wounded Knee, and eventually the banning of the ceremony.
Wovoka is buried on the Schurz Paiute Indian Reservation north of Hawthorne along the northern banks of Walker Lake. There will be a rededication ceremony at his gravesite on Saturday, November 19. The ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m. with a potluck meal held at the Schurz Community Hall. All Native Americans and their friends are invited.
Wovoka believed that the Ghost Dance would help his people to learn to love one another, to live in peace, to work hard, and to not steal. His vision spread across the land, and there are people today who remember him. One was the late Nevada State Controller Wilson McGowan whose family ranch in Wilson Canyon was home to Wovoka and his followers often.
McGowan told how great Native American leaders came to the canyon to hold discussions with the prophet, and yet also told stories of how Wovoka was held in contempt by many in the white community.
If you would like more information on the ceremony contact Inez Jim in Schurz at 775-773-2306. There is no charge for the rededication ceremony.
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Washoe County
Winter Wonderland In Downtown Reno
(Reno) --- "It's on schedule and on budget" according to the Reno city engineer in charge of transforming the vacant lot where once stood the proud and beautiful Mapes Hotel. The hotel was blown to bits a couple of years ago and the bickering hasn't slowed down. However, on or about November 23 a new outdoor recreation center will open, the centerpiece of which is a permanent ice skating rink.
Reno Skating Rink and Park. (Click on image to enlarge.)
This is an artist's rendering of what the park will look like when it is completed. Besides the ice rink, which is official hockey rink size, there will be a parking facility, some business space, and of course some open space. Skating over the Thanksgiving weekend has become a tradition in Reno during the last number of years, but it's always been a case of where will we find the rink this year?
The new park is at the corner of Virginia Street and First Street overlooking the Truckee River. That large black building in the artist's rendering is Reno City Hall.
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Sewer System To Be Upgraded
(Reno) ---The Reno city council approved an agreement for inspection of rehabilitating or replacing old deteriorated pipes within the city's almost 700 mile sewer system. The contract for $336,050 was awarded to Lumos and associates.
The total estimated cost for complete rehabilitation is expected to be $4,536,050. Several miles of the system have been rehabilitated and this is a continuation of the project.
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Lyon County
Silver City Town Council Opposes Patriot Act
(Silver City) --- Silver City is a small community overshadowed somewhat by its big sister Virginia City but still a very important part of the history of the Comstock Lode and the beginning chapters of what we know today as Nevada, the Silver State, the 36th star on Old Glory. Small? Yes! Insignificant? No!
Silver City residents marched with Captain Storey in the Paiute Wars at Pyramid Lake. Silver City residents raised a homeland militia to defend the Union during the Civil War. Silver City residents have been among the first to embrace the concept of hippie-dom.
In other words, Silver City has been at the fore in many of history's most exciting times, and the times, they are still changing in the old town. On November 1, "The Silver City Town Council unanimously adopts a resolution upholding civil liberties and opposing unconstitutional activities sanctioned under anti-terrorism legislation including the Patriot Act."
Among the first to applaud passage of the resolution was the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which said, "Silver City has now formally joined this unprecedented national grassroots effort to protect Americans from federal intrusion and abuse." The statement was discussing the Nevada Campaign to Defeat the Patriot Act (NCPA). See http://www.ncdpa.org. For more information on the ACLU go to http://www.aclu.org.
Silver City becomes the fourth political entity in the state to join the NCPA. The others are the City of Sparks and the City of Elko along with Elko County.
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Douglas County
Flu Vaccine Shortage In Douglas; Not In Nearby Counties
(Gardnerville) --- More people have been lining up for their annual vaccinations in Douglas County than officials have vaccine according to County Medical authorities. In Carson City, just north of Douglas County there is more than enough vaccine. In fact, Carson City officials were giving thought to shipping some of theirs south to Clark County.
In Reno, there have been considerable lines at some of the public vaccination locations such as Park Lane Mall. It really isn't too late to get your shot according to the state health people. Even into December isn't too late, they say. The federal people say at least 71 million doses will be injected this year compared to about 61 million last year.
There is a web site dedicated to flu vaccine. Go to http://www.flucliniclocator.org. It is designed to keep you informed as to where vaccine and shots can be had.
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Clark County
Mesquite To Sell Off Stuff
(Mesquite) --- The city of Mesquite in southern Nevada, right along the border with Utah, will hold an auction November 19 to sell off surplus property such as vehicles, computers, even a few scooters. For a list of all the property and details on the auction, contact Donna Peavy at 702-346-5295, or by e-mail dpeavy@ci.mesquite.nv.us.
According to city officials, all items are to be sold as is, no warranties or guarantees. Bring your credit cards and check books, the preview will begin at 8:00 a.m. and sale begins at 9:00 O'clock sharp.
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City Tree Lighting Ceremony Seeking Entertainers
(Mesquite) --- The City of Mesquite will hold its annual City Hall Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony on Friday December 2. (Is it really that time of year already?) The program will get under way at about 6:00 p.m. and the city moms and dads would like some entertainers to help with the traditional festivity.
Mesquite is looking for groups or individuals interested in performing at the event. Contact Gina Mendez at 702-346-5295. Sing a song, tell a tale, dance as a crazed elf, it matters not as long as you perform.
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