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Steve Ranson

Stories by Steve

Nevada vet services Director Kat Miller honored at retirement

Katherine “Kat” Miller officially retired April 30 after spending 10 years as the Nevada Department of Veterans Services director.

Museum director leaves Fallon for NYC

Teri Hedgpeth accepts position with Madison Square Garden Entertainment

After a year of tragedy and the coronavirus pandemic, Churchill County needed a director to move the museum forward.

The forgotten soldiers: Tribute honors Fort Churchill’s Civil War veterans

More than 160 years ago, the Nevada territory began attracting more settlers to a barren, yet pristine land. The California Gold Rush of 1849 beckoned thousands of opportunists to travel across the Great Basin to California looking for riches. Ten years later, the discovery of the Comstock Silver Lode enticed more people to come Virginia City’s Comstock with the dreams of striking it rich and building that mansion on the hill.

Churchill County’s rural way of life

Commissioners vote to update building codes

After listening to county residents voice their opposition for almost 90 minutes to a new coding chart affecting residential areas, the Churchill County commissioners unanimously voted April 20 to accept the new code structure that will streamline the current residential districts and a third code for intensive multi-family residential units.

Awards cap off Military Child Month

Community recognizes school district for Purple Star award

Although he had a tour in Fallon almost 20 years ago, the naval air station’s new commanding officer arrived at right time during the Month of the Military Child.

Fire department hosts street dance

The Churchill County Volunteer Fire Department, along with the federal fire department at Naval Air Station Fallon, is hosting a street fare on Carson Street, said firefighter Chris Henning.

Texas' Cruz stumps for Laxalt at area rallies

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz praised former Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt’s campaign for the U.S. Senate.

Former Nevada Army Guard’s commander ends military career

Fallon native Michael Hanifan steps down after 36 years

After nearly four decades in the active-duty U.S. Army and Nevada Army Guard, Fallon native Brig. Gen. Michael Hanifan retired from military service at the end of February.

Rafter center hosts junior livestock show

4-H and FFA students show their animals at the long-running county event

One of the premier junior livestock shows in Nevada opens today and with the youth from the county’s 4-H groups and the FFA will present their animals at the fairground’s new Rafter 3C Center.

Gubernatorial candidates Heller, Nohra visit Fallon

Senate candidate Adam Laxalt comes to Fallon Thursday with Texas Sen. Ted Cruz

Gubernatorial candidates Dean Heller and Guy Nohra spoke to the Churchill County Republicans at their recent monthly luncheon, and Heller attended a greet-and-meet later that day hosted by local residents.

Civil War veterans interred in Carson City honored

The Nevada State Society Daughters of the American Revolution along with other service organizations gathered at Carson City’s Lone Mountain Cemetery to pay their respects.

DAR recognizes Reno couple with highest award

Medal of Honor awards were presented to Dawn and Jim Forbus at the Nevada state convention dinner in Carson City.

Wade Cushing says he will attend Texas A&M University to study chemical engineering

CCHS senior awarded $100K scholarship

A Churchill County High School student has been granted the opportunity to attend the engineering school his parents attended.

CARES program moves to Cottage Schools

Historic Churchill County campus serves students again

For generations Cottage Schools with its three buildings stood out among the other buildings in Churchill County that provided quaint classrooms for educating the community’s students.

Community recognizes April as Child Abuse Awareness Prevention Month

Both Churchill County and the City of Fallon have declared April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and used the opportunity on Friday at Millennium Park for speakers to say a few words about a problem that plagues every community and county in the United States.

Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day honors sacrifice, service

The annual Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day Ceremony bridged the strength of camaraderie and understanding across generations.

Vietnam vets memorial unveiled in Carson City

The Vietnam Veterans of America Carson City Chapter 388 unveiled a memorial at Mills Park containing the names of 25 deceased members.

Memorial to fallen Navy crew members re-dedicated

Antisubmarine helicopter crashed west of Sand Mountain in 1978

On a cool, early spring day east of Fallon, a Navy helicopter hovered over the barren desert conducting a routine combat search and rescue exercise.

Tanner assumes command of NAS Fallon

Morrison retied after 36 years in both the Air National Guard and Navy

Capt. Shane Tanner, a 24-year military veteran, became Naval Air Station Fallon’s 34th commander during a change of command ceremony Friday.

Prices remain consistent at Fallon All Breeds Bull Sale

Cattlemen from a five-state area attended the 56th Fallon All Breeds Bull Sale in February to either sell or purchase featured range-ready bulls ranging in age from 16 to 24 months.

Dream come true: Carson's Boldry joined Guard in deal with daughters

With March being Women’s History Month, Lt. Col. Laura Boldry looked back at her service in the Nevada Army National Guard.

Local GOP holds county convention

The week culminates with the annual Lincoln Day dinner

The Churchill County Republican Central Committee acted on a number of bylaws during the 2022 county convention at the Rafter 3C Center.

Commissioners approve election agreement with city

Churchill County commissioners unanimously approved an agreement with the city of Fallon at their March 3 meeting to enter into a cooperative agreement for elections services by holding joint elections cooperatively.

Naval Air Station Fallon skipper retiring after 36 years

The next chapter in Capt. Evan Morrison’s life begins Friday when he relinquishes command to Capt. Shane Tanner.

Business construction up in Fallon

City Engineer Derek Zimney gave a rundown Friday on the latest construction projects. He said Arby’s is being constructed east of U.S. Bank and near Walmart off Casey Road and U.S. Highway 50. John Anderson Construction said Arby’s is scheduled to open sometime after the Memorial Day weekend.

Candidate filing open until March 18

City races to coincide with county, state elections

Incumbent Fallon Councilwoman Kelly Frost made history Monday morning during her filing for re-election.

Fallon woman to appear in Justice Court

Torri Anne Gibbs charged with 2020 murder

A Fallon woman charged with first-degree murder will appear in the New River Township Justice Court on Thursday.

Just in Time Tux Studio opens in Fallon

Kathleen Hanley and Lee Quint know what it takes for a man – young or old – to look sharp at the prom or other formal events.

Recent storms add little moisture

Water situation in western Nevada parallels totals from 2021

The recent snowstorms in the Sierra Nevada did little to improve the water situation in western Nevada.

Nurse felt a duty to serve: Montoya tended to soldiers during World War II

“Through Our Eyes: The Women Veterans Experience,” is an exhibit featuring portraits and stories of 16 veterans. The women interviewed for the exhibit were in the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System. Since its creation, the exhibit has been displayed at the Nevada Legislature, the National Judicial College on the University of Nevada, Reno campus and other locations around the state.

Free legal clinic relaunched for veterans

With restriction being lifted to combat the coronavirus, the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System and the Nevada Attorney General’s office are relaunching the veteran free legal clinic.

Beloved track coach, GHOF founder dies

Paul Orong coached hundreds of athletes over a quarter century span

A beloved high school coach and one of the founders of the Greenwave Hall of Fame died in his sleep Monday.

Nevada Department of Veterans Services director announces retirement

Miller joined the NDVS after a 34-year Army career

The director of the Nevada Department of Veterans Services announced her retirement Monday after spending 10 years with the state agency.

She walks in beauty: Friends, community honor Valerie Serpa’s legacy in the arts

Longtime friend Gailmarie Pahmeier’s powerful words radiated the beauty of Valerie Serpa, who, along with her late husband Kirk Robertson, transformed the Oasis of Nevada into a cherished home for the arts.

Ceremony marks promotion for Fallon soldier

Peyerl: fourth man from Churchill County to become a brigadier general

An Army officer who described himself as a humble, yet disciplined soldier and likes to get dirty and train hard was promoted Friday at the Army Aviation Support Facility north of Reno to become the state’s newest brigadier general in the Nevada National Guard.

Fallon man to become Nevada Guard’s newest general

Col. Michael Peyerl will become the Nevada Army National Guard’s newest general on Friday.

Carson City vet found a home with Honor Flight Nevada

Carson City’s Richard “Dick” Whiston died Jan. 2 after a lengthy illness.

Navy and baseball: An American tradition

NAS Fallon sailor, Royals great both recognized in the name of Bob Feller

Both Chief Petty Officer Joshua Sawyer, an air traffic controller at Naval Air Station Fallon, and Major League Hall of Fame player George Brett have one thing in common. Both men have been honored by the Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation for their dedication of serving to the military and for dedicating their time to honor and recognize veterans.

Titus addresses FRW with several concerns

Assemblywoman said interest for local, state races will be high

Assemblywoman Robin Titus, who represents most of Lyon and all of Churchill counties, recently addressed voting and redistricting at the January meeting of the Fernley Republican Women.

Oasis student places first in state essay contest

Christina Robinson explained how to be a good American

An Oasis Academy eighth grader is this year’s state winner in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Patriot’s Pen contest.

Churchill County Library presents strategic plan to commissioners

Demands to use library services have grown significantly over the years

The Churchill County Library has outgrown its present location, and as a result of increased usage over the years, Churchill County commissioners received the newest Library Strategic Plan at their last meeting.

Royals' George Brett speaks at 37th annual Bobby Dolan dinner

George Brett spoke at the Bobby Dolan Baseball Dinner to benefit the University of Nevada baseball program.

A standing ovation: Valerie Serpa remembered for making Fallon a home for the arts

The tree lighting behind Fallon’s Maine Street fountain, the youngsters talking to Santa, revelers sipping hot chocolate … hundreds of residents packing downtown to ring in the Yuletide season.

December snowpack becomes a blessing for area’s food producers

Storms that dumped multiple feet of snow in the Sierra Nevada over the holidays gave weather forecasters and water masters reason to believe 2022 would be a banner year like 2017.

Fallon splits with Fernley, Dayton

The Fallon boys basketball team saw a lead slip through its hands in the second half Wednesday at the Elmo Dericco Gym with Fernley grabbing a 54-46 Northern 3A-East win against the Greenwave.

Milhelcic touts importance of National Guard, veterans’ care

The national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars attended Nevada’s Mid-Winter conference Jan. 6-9.

Nevada’s hospitals experiencing a staffing crisis

The Nevada Hospital Association reported last week that many of the state’s hospitals in Clark County and the rural region are experiencing a crisis in staffing.

Volunteers honored for their service

Before the American Legion Post 16 members and community volunteers prepared containers to deliver on Christmas Day as part of the Meals on Wheels program, two longtime volunteers were recognized for their years of service.

Tedford, Reid forged working relationship for Fallon

Nevada’s longtime U.S. senator died Dec. 28 at 82

“We texted back and forth even after his retirement until Thanksgiving.”

Fallon Ford-Toyota’s Pay It Forward program donates thousands of dollars to nonprofits

The holiday season is a festive time of community giving at Fallon Ford-Toyota. Every year since 2011, the Henning family along with their employees have handed out checks to many nonprofit organizations as part of their Pay It Forward program. When customers purchase a vehicle, they designate a specific nonprofit for Fallon Ford-Toyota to donate $50. “We ask them where they want us to donate the money,” said General Manager Tim Mitchell. “They have a pretty good idea where they the money will go.”