Commissioners grant funds for Cantaloupe Festival

The county commissioners matched their last year’s investment in the Fallon Cantaloupe Festival and Country Fair, approving a $10,000 grant to the event at a recent meeting.

Robyn Jordan from the festival committee presented on several new exhibits and acts this year, including a large concert on the first night (Sept. 2) as well as the 4-H buffet, Odyssey Kingdom and more.

Last year’s revenue was the highest in its history, according to Commissioner Bus Scharmann, and brought in $34,400 with a decent percentage from nonlocal attendance. In light of this, Jordan said the goal this year with the addition of several new attractions is to increase outside attendance to bring in even more revenue.

Despite the grant, Jordan added the festival committee is considering accepting a $20,000 grant from CC Communications who would become the chief sponsor of the festival and would be included as “CC Communications presents” in the title.

The Fallon Cantaloupe Festival is a major Labor Day weekend event in Northern Nevada and runs from Sept. 2-5. In addition to the festival, there will be a Labor Day parade and Lions Junior Rodeo.

The board also approved a $1,000 grant toward the Arts Center’s fourth annual golf tournament on June 18 at the Fallon Golf Course.

Patricia and Pat Sammons, directors of the Arts Center, presented their case as a non-profit arts organization in Fallon.

“We like the tournament because it brings art out into the open,” Patricia Sammons said, adding that funds primarily go back into supplies for advertising and then to classes at the Arts Center. “I’m not the best public speaker but I love what we do. We believe the arts teach so much to students and to senior citizens.”

A portion of the $1,000 will go to one advertising sign and one team sponsore to compete in the county’s name. The tournament is still welcoming teams to sign up as well as local business to donate prizes for the raffle/barbecue after the 18-hole scramble.

Commissioners also approved the transfer of the 2017 Private Activity Bond Cap Allocation to the Nevada Rural Housing Authority (NRHA) after a presentation by Diane Arvizo, director of homebuyer services for the NRHA.

June was named rural housing month by Nevada State Governor Brian Sandoval in light of the NRHA’s rural housing initiative which has helped 188 families housed in May alone.

The NRHA has also received a national award from the National Association of Local Housing Authorities.

“It’s a testament to the work we’re doing since we are singularly focused on rural housing in Nevada,” Arvizo said, adding the reason the NRHA is asking for funding is becauselast year with state funding went primarily to the urban areas of Washoe and Clark counties without much consideration for rural areas such as Churchill County.

Comptroller Alan Kalt said he thinks the program is wonderful for its recent award and commended its focus on low-income housing since the NRHA focuses on housing first time buyers who haven’t owned a home in three years. This restriction and other fees, however, are waved for veterans, active duty and national guard personnel.

“This opportunity means the difference for residents to find their dream home versus renting on the path towards home ownership,” Arvizo added.

Commissioners also discussed or took action on the following items:

Approved the transfer of 65 transferable development rights onto Conversation Easement B (placed on list for consideration) for property located at 4755 Austin Highway as submitted by Arne and Leslie Martin.

Approved application in 180 transferable development rights to property upon recordation of Conservation Easement B (placed on list for consideration) for property located on Schurz Highway as submitted by Charles P. Frey, Jr. Family Trust.

Approved the transfer of 25 transferrable development rights onto Conservation Easement B (property on list for consideration) for property at 2525 Rogers Road.

Approved transfer of funds to the city for $16,400 for partial payment on the Merton Drive Flashing Beacon Installation Project and partial payment for the Street Sweeper Rental Project.