Find out Vegas population explosion at WNCC Fallon

In 1950, Las Vegas had a population of 24,624. By 1970, the number climbed to 125,787. Now more than 500,000 people call Nevada's largest city home.

Learn about the rapid growth of Las Vegas and much more about the state of Nevada in an upcoming class at Western Nevada Community College Fallon beginning Sept. 1.

Nevada History (HIST 217, Call No. 32697, Sec. F01) will study Nevada's history from prehistoric times to the present.

The course will examine the early mining and cattle frontiers, the development of towns, the advent of industrialization, and the 20th century problems of water, energy, and growth.

Dr. Doris Dwyer, WNCC history professor, and Jane Pieplow, director of the Churchill County Museum, will team teach the course from 7-9:45 p.m. Fridays in Virgil Getto Hall, Room 304.

"Some interesting guests will be dropping by the class, including Dr. Michael Green of the Community College of Southern Nevada, a noted scholar on Las Vegas development; Fallon historian Bernadette Francke, a noted scholar of Virginia City; and writer Mark Twain, who will "address his years in Nevada," Dwyer said.

Twain will be portrayed in a Chautauqua-style presentation. Pieplow will explore Churchill County history, American Indian life, the early settlement of the state, and related topics. Dwyer plans to cover early Nevada explorers, the Overland trail, Twain's "Roughing It," the Nevada Constitution, and other aspects of Nevada history.

This university transfer class fulfills three credits of social science and meets the requirement for the Nevada Constitution.

Cost: $169.50. Call: Jane Pieplow at (775) 423-3677 or Dwyer at (775) 423-8330 ext. 2259.

Improv kids workshop at Brewery

BAC STAGE KIDS and The Brewery Arts Center present an Improv Kids workshop and shows at the Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King St.

Join in for a two-week workshop with Gerry Orton and explore improvisational theater and learn improv games and workouts.

The week will highlight two "Whose Line Is It Anyway" style improv shows.

Workshop dates are Oct. 2-14. For beginners and intermediates ages 10 and up classes will be from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 3, 5, 9, 11, 13 and at 9:30 to noon Oct. 7. Advanced classes (includes musical improv) for ages 12 and up will be from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 2, 4, 6, 10, 12 and 1-3:30 p.m. Oct. 7.

Workshop cost is $30 per participant. Show dates are Oct. 13-14 at 7 p.m. All seats are $5.