Governor's Mansion aglow

The two-story Governor's Mansion and grounds are ablaze with lights and other decorations from wreaths spiraling up the large columns at the front to statues of elves and soldiers guarding the entrance and, of course, the traditional reindeer and sleigh.

Mansion coordinator Helen Wiemer, who has held that position under several Nevada governors, said Buildings and Grounds repaired the reindeer and sleigh and that most of the several thousand lights decorating bushes, trees and the building itself "were accumulated over the years."

"But the rest of it, I had to go shopping for," she said.

With no budget, she said she has to thank Bart Scott, of Reno, who donated most of the other decorations.

She said putting everything up took her, her assistant, inmate trustees and Buildings and Grounds crews more than two weeks.

To add to the Christmas spirit, she said, they have been having students from different Carson City schools come over and sing Christmas carols. Their reward: cookies and hot chocolate.