Northern Nevada Briefly 4/29

Virginia City vigil tonight to honor soldier killed in Iraq

A candlelight vigil tonight in Virginia City will honor a soldier killed in Iraq in 2008.

Today marks one year since Staff Sgt. Bryan E. Bolander, 26, of Bakersfield, Calif., was killed by an explosive devise in Baghdad.

Bolander's father, sister, stepmother and grandparents live in Virginia City.

The vigil is at 7:30 p.m. in the Delta Saloon parking lot on C Street.

Woman pleads guilty to abusing her children

A 32-year-old former Topaz Ranch Estates woman admitted Monday that she aided her ex-husband in the sexual abuse and exploitation of their two young daughters.

Stacy Thoman pleaded guilty to attempted lewdness with a child under age 14 and child abuse and neglect. District Judge Michael Gibbons set sentencing for June 15.

Thoman faces up to 26 years in prison, and is eligible for probation if she is determined through a psychosexual evaluation to be at low risk to reoffend.

Her ex-husband, Kevan Thoman, 36, was sentenced in Washoe County last week to life in prison plus 20 years for his part in the abuse, which officials say lasted for eight years.

According to reports, the crimes in Douglas County allegedly occurred from October 2004 until February 2008, while Thoman and her ex-husband lived on Granite Way in Topaz Ranch Estates, and continued after the family moved to Reno.

Cookin' for Kids! hosted by Food for Thought

Food for Thought hosts Cookin' for Kids!, 6-8:30 p.m., Friday, May 15, at the Governor's Mansion, 606 N. Mountain St. Sample Sierra Nevada's best restaurants' signature dishes as they compete for awards. Celebrity judges will determine the best dish. Sample local wine and brews and listen to Deep Ellum. A silent auction will be available. Tickets are $25 per person. Proceeds benefit Food for Thought, a local organization that feeds homeless children. Tickets can be purchased at 3579 Highway 50 E No. 302. For details, call 883-1011.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Virginia City

Virginia City celebrates Cinco de Mayo with The International Chili Society sanctioned Comstock ICS Cook-off Saturday, May 2 in the Bucket of Blood parking lot. Cooking begins at 10:30 a.m. and tasting at noon. Red and green chili and salsa will vie for best in each category. Entry fees are $30 for red chili, $20 for green chili, $10 for salsa and $42 membership fee for non-members of the ICS who want to compete. A People's Choice chili contest also will be held. People's Choice is chili with beans. Tickets are 50 cents each or 12 for $5. For information, e-mail comstock

writer@yahoo.com or call 847-4768.

Water exercise class offered at pool

Carson Aquatic Facility offers a Range of Motion Class 10 a.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and 2 p.m. Sunday, 841 N. Roop St. Exercises are not cardiovascular in nature; swimming skills are not required. The class is designed to increase mobility and range of motion through a series of gentle, head-to-toe exercises in the therapy pool and are perfect for those with arthritis or recovering from surgeries. For information, call 887-2242 or stop by the Carson City Aquatic Facility.

Learn to preserve photos Thursday

Learn how to quickly preserve your memories and photos into safe, meaningful albums, 10 a.m., Thursday in the Pinion Pines Room at the Carson City Senior Center, 901 Beverly Drive. Bring a few photos for a sampler. $5 fee. For information, call 885-8230.

" Nevada Appeal Staff and News Service reports