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I thought today I would hit few items with some short bursts focused mainly on my home county of Lyon with a little state stuff thrown in. So here we go.
1) Kudos: To Darlene Stanton, Margaret Spooner and all of the others that pulled together the Lyon County Lincoln Day Dinner. It was quite the line-up. We had fun rubbing elbows with Governor Sandoval, Congressman Heller, Lt. Governor Krolicki, State Chairman Mark Amodei and a great group of State and Local officials.
2) I’m not buying it Lynn! Lynn Heller, Congressman Dean Heller’s better half, was trying to convince my wife and I that listening to her sing was somehow a punishment. Are you kidding? We have heard Lynn sing several times and are always impressed. Hey Lynn – we are looking forward to hearing you at the Douglas County LDD on the 20th.
3) Why Is Everyone Down On The Cops? I was at an advisory board meeting last night. The officer present was there to update the community on what has been happening. But as is always the case several members of the audience then wanted to go after the Sherriff’s Department about everything they “do wrong”. This was reported and I was blown off. That was reported but we were ignored. My first point is this. They are only human. They can only do so much. They only have two hands.
A few weeks back I had the distinct privilege of doing a ride along with a Lyon County Deputy. I rode for four hours on a Saturday night. It may have been the fastest four hours of my life. Between calls regarding bikers causing problems at the brothels, followed by two traffic stops, a major accident with injuries, a stabbing and an arrest for obstruction at the stabbing and interviewing and booking of the offender it was exhausting. Ten-O’clock came before I knew it.
As I said this was on a Saturday night. That night the department had three officers covering from the Carson City border to ten mile hill. That is a stretch of about twenty-five miles. Most nights there are only two officers on duty in that stretch.
You don’t have to like everything your police or sheriff’s department does. But each and every day thank God for the men and women who have made protecting us their life’s call. Starting with the sheriff, down to the street cop and on to the dispatchers. We are all a little safer everyday because of their efforts. And make sure to thank them as well.
4) Gang Update: At the Silver Springs Advisory meeting Monday, Lieutenant Jerry Pattison of the Lyon County Sheriff’s Department shared that the investigation into the unfortunate murder of 18 year old Stuart Gardner of Silver Springs on January 3rd has led to further arrest and a warning of gang activity. It appears that a group of about twenty youths has designated themselves as “Satan’s Soldiers” (not believed to be associated with the Motorcycle Club of the same name). The youths along with some adult help is believed has been responsible for a rash of crimes including burglary, tagging and other crimes. They are designated by a tattoo showing a cross and flames. It is alleged that Gardener arrived home and found twenty year old Alexander King, of Satan’s Soldiers, robbing his home. Alexander awaits trial.
5) How’s That New Escalade Working Out? A couple years back my family needed to buy a new vehicle as my daughter started driving. I determined that the best car for my family, based on looks and safety, was a Cadillac Escalade. My wife and I went to the local Cadillac dealer and purchased a 2010, pearl coat Escalade for the great price of $58,316.00. After we got home we crunched some numbers and found that we did not have sufficient funds to pay the monthly $1251.05 payment. So I made my wife go back to work for the first time in six years. My daughter was told she would need to give me half of her weekly paycheck as well as pay rent. As a money saver we also now limit my daughter to three minute showers. My son only gets two slices of bread and a juice box for lunch. He’s ten so he doesn’t complain much. Things are tight financially but the Escalade is “SWEET”!
Obviously none of that is true. In reality we bought a 1996 purple Saturn. It cost $2400. Why? Because that is what our budget could handle. When it comes to setting a budget it should start with income, not what you want your income to be. This is how Governor Sandoval has tried to move forward. Presenting a budget based on what we have, not what we desire. But there are already those, who prior to the Legislature even starting, were saying it was not possible. I expected that from Steven Horsford. But I am very frustrated with Republican Representatives such as Dean Rhodes who, rather than sticking with the ranks and starting at ground zero, has already stated the Governor’s plan cannot work. These are going to be long, hard negotiations. But we cannot afford weak members to destroy the process before it starts.
6) To Quote Sharron Angle, Man Up! I have been in a battle the last few weeks regarding the Lyon County Justice Courts. Most of the bantering has taken place on Newsdesk by Nancy Dallas (http://www.newsdeskbynancydallas.com/). But here is my problem. I sign every quote or letter I write. There have been some that have purposely remained “Anonymous”. Back in my days of battling with Chuck Muth I learned something from Chuck. Attacking and disagreeing through the use of the “Anonymous” moniker is not acceptable. If you have the true convictions of your statements you should also have the strength to stand up and defend them. That includes identifying yourself. I would suggest that if you don’t have the courage to sign your name, then you are not convinced about the strength of your argument.
7) Speaking of Sharron: Sharron made her usual 15 minute stop at the Lyon County Dinner before bailing for another event. This is becoming Sharron’s M.O. To show up at an event long enough to get a few pictures snapped and get noticed. As Sharron entered I heard the quote of the evening by someone called “anonymous” (LOL): “Oh look, it’s Sharron. She must be running for something”.
8 ) If It Quacks Like A Duck … What should one call it when two board members, over a two year period, participated in 725 votes and only differ twelve times? What are the chances of that? I’m just saying.
9) 700 Orders Of Spaghetti, Please: Congratulations to Sharron May and friends who helped to put together last Friday’s spaghetti feed fundraiser for Yvonne Dorado. Yvonne experienced severe complications while delivering her first child. Yvonne spent the first couple weeks at St. Mary’s in Reno but has since been moved to rehab in Carson City. Baby Trevor and daddy Ryan are doing well but Yvonne is still looking at months of in-hospital rehab. Family and friends from Smith’s Market in Dayton, Dayton High School, Pioneer Crossing and others got together to hold the fundraiser. In all over 700 people were fed a spaghetti dinner and ninety-five silent auction prizes were doled out bringing in nearly $10,000 for Yvonne and family. At times the wait to eat was over an hour. Thanks to all who participated and helped. You have to love small town life.
