Long weekend greets Fourth of July events

The Fourth of July will give residents and visitors a long weekend this year.

All city, county and federal government offices as well as banking institutions will be closed Friday in observance of the holiday. The LVN office will also be closed.

The National Weather Service predicts a high of 100 today but in the 90s throughout the rest of the weekend. Each day is expected to have a chance of thunderstorms. The NWS said a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms, though, is predicted for late Saturday afternoon into the evening. Monitor the LVN website and Facebook to check the daily weather.

The Churchill County Sheriff Office emphasized the importance of fireworks restrictions.

Due to the extreme heat and dry conditions coupled with the rash of various types of fires, the Churchill County Sheriff’s Office stated it will have a zero-tolerance approach to illegal possession or use of fireworks this summer.

Lisa Ross, public affairs specialist for the Bureau of Land Management, also noted fireworks are prohibited on public lands, including Sand Mountain.

The Nevada State Parks website reports the Lake Lahontan State Recreation Area’s Silver Springs and Fallon boat launch ramps are closed for the summer due to low water levels. Boaters are prohibited to launch a craft from shore due to rock and sand bar hazards. No water skiing is allowed.

Lahontan remains open for camping, swimming, canoeing or fishing only on the Churchill Beach side, not the Silver Springs side, reports park officials.

Fire restrictions at Nevada State Parks are in effect: Campfires and stove fires are prohibited outside an established fireplace in a picnic area, campground or places of habitation (except for a portable stove using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel); smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or area that has been cleared of flammable vegetation; operating vehicles or other motorized equipment off existing paved, gravel or dirt roads; operating motorized equipment in wildland areas without an axe, shovel and at least one gallon of water.