SS Hert Trucking Inc. in Fallon has donated a Freightliner semi to Western Nevada College’s Foundation to help support restarting a commercial truck driving program at WNC’s Fallon campus.
“Drivers at SS Hert Trucking make an average of $72,000 with some drivers making over $90,000 annually,” said Steven Hert, Northern Nevada terminal manager for SS Hert Trucking Inc. “Still, finding good local drivers is a challenge for our organization. So, when we heard WNC was starting a truck driving program, we knew we wanted to be involved.”
Bert Stephens, an eight-year veteran of the trucking industry and operations manager for Dixon Bros. Inc., will serve as the instructor for the non-credit Community Education program that starts on Feb. 12. The CDL Prep Test class meets Feb. 12-21 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The class prepares students to pass the general knowledge, air brakes and combination vehicles tests. Next, students will prepare for the CDL skills test through classes that meet March 19 through June 15. Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.
Hert said that statistics from the America Trucking Association point to a serious need for more truck drivers to meet the industry’s demand. That need now stands at 900,000 truck drivers.
“In response to the shortage, the annual income of truck drivers has rapidly increased, making it an excellent time to begin a career in the trucking industry,” Hert said. “Donating a truck from our fleet allows us the opportunity to give back to the community we have been a part of for 20 years.
“Through the partnership with WNC, community members will have the opportunity to gain the knowledge and experience needed to launch a successful career in the trucking industry. We look forward to the ongoing partnership with WNC in creating opportunities for the betterment of our community and adding new local truck drivers to our team.”
To register for the CDL classes, go to www.wnc.edu/fallonce/.
Fundraiser to Benefit Education Set for April 5
Here’s an excellent opportunity to make a difference in Fallon’s future.
The WNC Fallon campus is presenting a Friends of Western Benefit Fundraiser on Friday, April 5 at the Fallon Convention Center.
Friends of Western Benefit Fundraiser, presented by Manpower and sponsored by Ott’s Farm Equipment, will help support the sustainability of the Fallon campus, student scholarships and important resources needed by the WNC Fallon faculty and rural service areas. The evening includes a prime rib dinner provided by Courtyard Cafe, music, raffles and a silent auction. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with dinner served at 7 p.m.
The WNC Fallon campus is a critical component in local workforce development and career readiness. Delivering innovative programs such as Jump Start College/dual enrollment, a Rural Nursing Program, transferable degrees, College for Kids, Career and Technical Education, Community Education and INBRE research, the WNC Fallon campus needs your support more than ever!
Supporting this event is truly an investment in the community’s future. With more than 200 guests anticipated, this is an outstanding opportunity to showcase your company while investing in this community.
Tickets are $50 per person or $385 for a table. Sponsorships are also available and donations are welcome.
For information, contact WNC Fallon Campus Support Specialist Angela Viera at 775-423-7565.
Wildlife Artist’s Work on Display in Fallon Art Gallery
Wildlife artist Richard Oswald is displaying his paintings in the WNC Fallon Art Gallery through January.
Oswald started teaching art in Fallon in 1992. He also has taught mathematics at the college for several years.
The gallery, which is located outside the art studio in room 312 in Virgil Getto Hall, is open to the public at no cost.
WNC’s Fallon Art Gallery is open during the school’s regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.