Vol. 3, No. 14
.jpg)
May 15, 2006
Nevada's Online State News Journal
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| . | |||||||
 |
Find Out
More About Our Wonderful State. |
COPYWRITING
|
|
The Buzz Around The Silver State
as compiled by our correspondents
From the capital (The Big One)
(Washington, D.C.) --- Congress has decided that Nevadans that pay sales tax are no longer eligible for a federal tax deduction from the IRS. The idea behind the deduction was that since those living in states with a state income tax could deduct that tax, those that live in states without a state income tax should be able to deduct their sales tax.
That sounds very reasonable to reasonable and common sense type thinkers, but obviously it must have cost untold billions to federal vault.
•••
From the capital (The Silver One)
(Carson City) --- State and federal wildland officials are gearing up for what some are calling one of the most dangerous fire seasons to hit the Silver State in eons. Thousands of acres of well-watered brush will be available as fire fuel in a short time, and some wonder if the state has the resources to match the challenge.
Fires have already occurred in southern Nevada and with hot weather starting in the north, it is just a matter of time for a major conflagration to get underway. Fire officials are calling for property owners to take it upon themselves to protect their homes and property by cleaning up underbrush, making their homes safe from wildland fires, and doing all the things that are called for by fire safety officials annually.
Churchill County
"Wine For My Friends" -- Charlie Frey
(Fallon) --- Another Nevada winery is making itself known, this time in Fallon, the heart of Nevada's banana belt. At least one winery is producing bottled grape in Pahrump with a second about ready to produce, but in the northern reaches of the Silver State it will be left to the Frey Ranch just south of Fallon to produce wine for the masses.
Right now Charlie and Colby Frey have six and a half acres in two vineyards producing and another seven acres being prepared for a third. According to Frey almost 13,000 vines will be developing the ingredients for 2,500 bottles of wine by the end of summer. There are no jobs open in the bottling or crushing departments right now.
•••
Clark County
Firefighter Training Underway In Mesquite
(Mesquite) --- For the next nine Saturdays many men and women in Mesquite will be going through the Mesquite Fire Rescue Department fire Academy. Cadets finishing the course with good grades may be eligible to become reserves with the Mesquite Fire Rescue.
Among the topics to be taught are ventilation, water supply, search and rescue, knot tying, and use of self-contained breathing apparatus. One of the most difficult parts of the training will be using ladders for rescue. Carrying an unconscious person down a ladder is physically demanding.
Although it isn't on the menu, there will be discussions about wildland fire fighting techniques as well, and how to protect property in the event of wildland fire.
•••
That Big Blast Is On Hold
(Nevada Test Range) --- A press release from Citizen Alert indicates that several groups will be protesting the proposed 750-ton blast at the Nevada Test Site. The blast is scheduled for June 23, but that is in limbo following motions filed by groups to halt it. According to Peggy Maze Johnson of Las Vegas, "A national coalition of diverse groups from native tribes to environmental, political, religious, peace and others have been working to stop this so-called "safe" blast."
On May 28 several groups are planning to protest the bomb blast at the Nevada Test Site located some 90-miles north of Las Vegas. The bomb is not a nuclear device, rather it is a large bomb made of what's called ANFO, ammonium nitrate mixed with fuel oil. That is the same mixture used in the blast that destroyed the federal courthouse in Oklahoma City.
Protestors feel the blast might kick up dust laden with nuclear residue from the days of surface nuclear bomb tests. Several Native American groups associated with the Western Shoshone Nation believe the entire test facility is on their land, swiped by the American government more than 100 years ago.
•••
Washoe County
New Justice Center Named For Internationally Acclaimed Judge
(Reno) --- A new Justice Center graces Sierra Street in Reno named for former District Judge Mills Lane. Even the address is impressive, One South Sierra Street, with the Truckee River licking its banks just across the street. Lane is known around the world for being one of the best ring referees in professional boxing; for being one of those caustic judges on television daily; and for those in northern Nevada for being 1. Chief Deputy District Attorney, 2. District Attorney, and 3. District Judge.
Those are the kinds of credentials one doesn't see much of in today's political candidates. Lane suffered a serious stroke a few years ago, but made the valiant effort to be on hand for the dedication of the center. Always feisty, always caustic, always in charge of his own destiny, it's a shame there aren't more like him in today's world.
•••