Silver Dollars & Wooden Nickels: Spreading some silver dollars as spring starts

The Nevada Appeal's "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: To the record number of candidates running for Nevada's U.S. Senate seat - especially those whose chances are slim at best. Plenty of folks are fed up with Washington's antics, but these folks decided to put their money where their mouths are, to the tune of a $500 filing fee each. That's just a drop in some of the bigger names' war chests - Reid, Chachas and Lowden come to mind. But for these "little guys," running is a testament to their belief that you have to at least try to make a difference. Read what some of these "other" candidates have to say today on page A6.

Silver Dollar: To StinkE and Mrs StinkE, also known as Danny and Bernice Beason of Carson City, for continuing the tradition of Virginia City's colorful Comstock characters, and rescuing a wild burro in the process. The StinkE's adopted Burnadeen and soon will be seen walking C Street in mining-era costumes with her, offering rides and photos for tourists. They're part of what makes historic Virginia City such a guilty pleasure for visitors and locals alike.

Silver Dollar: To all the soccer moms, baseball dads and everyone else who came to Carson City for sports tournaments last year. Recreational sports tournaments added nearly $11 million to Carson City's economy in 2009, according to a report by the Carson City Parks and Recreation Department. Gooooal!