The Nevada Appeal's regular Silver Dollar and Wooden Nickel feature recognizes positive achievements from the Capital region and, when warranted, points out others that missed the mark.
Silver dollar: Virginia City gets a piece of Comstock silver for news that the National Trust for Historic Preservation named the mining town one of its 2009 Dozen Distinctive Destinations because of its character, history and attractions. Virginia City turns 150 next month.
The town in the Comstock National Historic District gives a "true Victorian-era experience" through its board sidewalks, wooden facades and other attractions, the trust said.
This is the 10th year for the awards that have named 120 destinations in 43 states.
Silver dollar: One more nugget of Comstock silver ore goes to the quick response to repair the vandalized tombstone of James "Old Virginny" Finney, the colorful Nevada miner and namesake of Virginia City.
A few weeks ago, caretakers discovered the broken and toppled marker at Old Virginny's burial site in the Dayton Cemetery. The Lyon County parks department that oversees county cemeteries arranged for the repair last week.
Several businesses offered to repair the monument, but arrangements had already been made with the Comstock Cemetery Society, so the goodwill gestures had to be declined.
Silver dollars to Monica Radtke, of Radtke Tile and Marble, and Scott Arterburn of Chilcoot Monument Company in California. Each contacted the parks department and offered to repair the stone for free.
Wooden nickel: To the economy and another blow to the Carson City retail scene.
Gottschalks Inc. announced last week it filed for bankruptcy and plans to reorganize under Chapter 11. The company's only Nevada store anchors the Carson Mall on South Carson Street.
The Fresno, Calif.-based company would not say if it plans to close any of its 59 stores. Business will continue "as usual" despite the problems the company faces, Gottschalks said in a statement.
Silver dollar: For the overwhelming and touching response of the Douglas County community toward Joey Jacobsen, a Minden fifth-grader who suffered head injuries in a November woodcutting accident.
Joey has been making steady progress from those injuries, but an extended stay at a Bay-area rehabilitation center is expected after completing treatment and a recovery period at a Reno hospital.
"We Believe" became the family's motto on signs and ribbons displayed all over Carson Valley in recent weeks. Family members estimate 30 to 40 people a day have visited Joey in the hospital. Thousands of messages from friends and strangers have been posted on Joey's Caring Bridge Web site.
To send a message, go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/joeyja
cobsen. An account has been set up at the Bank of America in Minden, No. 5010-0730-0228.
- Editor's note: Do you have a suggestion for a Silver Dollar or Wooden Nickel award? Send your idea to editor@nevadaappeal.com.