Steve Ranson Day proclaimed by commissioners

The Churchill County Board of Commissioners met last week to present a proclamation honoring Steve Ranson, retired Lahontan Valley News editor, for what he has accomplished including his background and experience in and outside of journalism as well as his military service.

“His heart has always been with the community and to represent the community, and let the community know what’s going on,” said county manager Eleanor Lockwood.

The proclamation declaring it “Steve Ranson Day,” touched on his deep passion for his community and country as well as serving Churchill County as a teacher, reporter and editor, and being a respected member of the community. Ranson responded he wanted the local newspaper to gain recognition throughout the state, and “I think we did it.”

Commissioner Pete Olsen said Ranson could sit down if he wished while the board shared their thoughts.

“We’ll throw rocks at you from up here,” Olsen said smiling.

“Well I have a shield,” Ranson said holding up his proclamation plaque.

Commissioner Bus Scharmann said Ranson always put Fallon in the best light possible and did it by telling the truth, and also assisted with public relations advice when needed. He added he hopes the LVN will keep up with its quality coverage.

Commissioner Carl Erquiaga said public officials sometimes cringe at headlines.

“We never needed to cringe; you reported fairly and openly,” he said.

Olsen added he knows what the paper is to the community.

“It’s the lifeblood,” he said. “You’ve left things in good hands but you are going to be sorely missed.”

Scharmann concluded the only thing Ranson is missing on his resume now is running for public office.

Fittingly, Congressman Mark Amodei, present for a federal update to the commission, also commended Ranson and presented him with a congressional certificate of honor regarding his retirement — though joked it didn’t seem like retirement given Ranson’s continued journalistic efforts with a new Northern Nevada military magazine.

Amodei thanked Ranson for over 40 years of being dedicated to the citizens of Churchill County.

“You’re one of the old-fashioned guys and that’s a complement coming from me,” Amodei said. “Thanks from the bottom of the totem pole to a big shot.”

Field manager Ken Collum with the Carson City District of the Bureau of Land Management reported there have been 260,000 burned acres to date in Carson City and 800,000 for the state, adding the large supply of cheat grass this season poses not a lot of relief in sight — although it has been quieter lately, he said — and they will continue to be as proactive as possible.

The board also approved $2,500 in community support funding for the Fallon Lions Club Junior Rodeo. Organizer Loni Faught brought a colleague and several youth with her who spoke to their love of the rodeo and how being separate from the Fallon Cantaloupe Festival & Country Fair this year means the extra support is appreciated.

“I ride my stick horse, and I rope the dummy, and I ride a sheep,” said Denny Faught, who competes in the 0-5 age group.

Loni Faught also mentioned they are bringing back the queen contest for up to age 18, which she once was part of and represented Nevada nationally before going on to win the national finals. She added the contest as well as the rodeo teaches youth numerous life lessons and said of the young cowboys and cowgirls present, “these are the future” of rodeo.

Human Resources’ Geof Stark went over Lockwood’s county manager performance review and how it qualified her to meet the requirements for a step increase, which the board approved.

Erquiaga noted it had been a year of challenges with all the construction projects and Scharmann agreed, saying how the position lately was a juggling act including the Naval Air Station Fallon training range expansion proposal.

“They’re all very important issues and you’ve done an excellent job,” Scharmann said.

Lockwood responded she thoroughly enjoys working with and appreciates all the county employees.

“This is an amazing organization,” she said. “I will continue to work as hard as I have if not harder. Thank you.”

The board also approved the following new business items:

Interstate interlocal contract between the state Division of Public and Behavioral Health and the county for the community health nurse for fiscal years 2018 and 2019 for $56,774 annually; this is the last of the year’s mandated contracts that needed to be brought forward.

Time extension for submittal of a first final map for the Fallon River Park Planned Unit Development (PUD) pursuant to bill 2008-E, ordinance 103.