City Supervisor Richard Staub says he’ll be filing for re-election next week for a third term as City Supervisor from Ward 4.

Most hand crews were sent home today from the Skinner Fire, after knocking down the hurricane force wind-driven wildfire yesterday afternoon that threatened a few homes south of Pleasant Valley. Five firefighters were sent to the hospital with irritated eyes, but were all later released.

As we return to our unhappy family of lawmakers, we hear budget director Andrew Clinger say: “We gotta cut another $800 million, I tell ya! We’re runnin’ outta money!” State agency chiefs say: “But Andy, we can’t cut anymore unless you wanna shut the doors? How ya gonna shut the doors, Andy?” We also see democratic leaders in the Assembly very upset, some utterly disgusted saying, “Boys, boys…you obviously are missing the big picture! Ya gotta think outside the box and go where the money is…”
Tune in next week when we hear Governor Gibbons say, “It sure looks complicated to me…Andy, ya sure you got fresh batteries in your calculator?”

Gerald Horine who was driving drunk northbound on Edmonds and hit another car head on near the roundabout last summer was sent to prison for a long time this week. Deputy District Attorney Gerald Gardner said anyone who drinks and drives makes a conscious decision to risk the lives of others on the road, as well as their own, so he doesn’t buy the “accident” rationale in the crash that took the life of an 84 year old woman on her way to church that morning in August of last year.

Some important public workshops coming up about the way we’ll recreate indoors and outdoors! Attend both!

Supervisor Ward 4 Supervisor Richard Staub today made a widely expected announcement that he will seek another term on the Board of Supervisors.

Staub says he’s proud that he helped craft a city budget re-adjustment that made it balanced for the present fiscal year.  However, he says much work remains for next fiscal year’s budget.

Staub said he voted reluctantly for sales tax subsidies for the new Burlington Coat Factory/Sportsman’s Warehouse project in the old Walmart building at So. Carson and Clearview.  He says staying competitive with the growth of retail development in surrounding counties is vital to the financial health of Carson City.

Staub also pointed to his support of hiring a city auditor to keep track of not only city finances but also to inform the board of how the city is doing overall in areas of personnel efficiencies and financial management.

It would be his third stint as City Supervisor from Ward 4, which covers largely the south end of town.  Thus far, Staub, a local business and commercial real estate attorney,  is the only announced candidate for the seat.

Skinner Fire:

Fire crews spent the night digging a fire line around the blaze that scorched some 1,200 acres south of Pleasant Valley.  They hit 50% containment last night and will keep going until they’ve got it encircled.  Fire officials say the blaze, which threatened a small number of homes at its peak, was ignited when a power line broke away from its pole, throwing sparks onto the ground. High winds took over from there.

Horine Sentenced:

A Carson City man driving to an early Sunday morning outing of golf and more alcohol was sentenced yesterday to ten years in prison for losing control of his BMW on a curve on Edmonds just south of the 5th street roundabout, hitting an oncoming car and killing an elderly woman passenger.

Gerald Horine apologized the the family of 84 year old Wretha Wright who died in the head-on crash last summer.  Wright’s daughter, Mary Blueberg, 67, was seriously injured.  Both women were on their way to church.

Blueberg’s husband told the judge he wanted a stiff penalty for what was taken from them, a family matriarch and the healthly lifestyle he used to enjoy with his wife.  Horine’s attorney asked for leniency in view of Horine’s clear record and deep remorse for what happened.  Deputy District Attorney Gerald Gardner said Horine’s act was not that of an accident but rather a wanton disregard for life when he decided, after a night of hard drinking, to get behind the wheel and, as a result, kill somebody. 

Judge Bill Maddox sent Horine to prison for up to ten years, with eligibility for parole in two years.  On top of that Horine must pay more than $100,000 in restitution.

UPDATE: 10:45 pm

Over 300 firefighters are taking advantage of diminished winds and higher humidities as they have dug a fire line around 50% of the Skinner Fire which, at one point, threatened homes and actually burned a couple of outbuildings during its wild, late afternoon romp up from near East Lake Boulevard eastward to a couple of ridge lines. The 1,200 acre fire was caused by a power line that was dislodged from its pole during this afternoon’s high winds. Three fire fighters were transported to the hospital for eye irritation from dust, dirt and embers getting into their faces during the height of the fire. They were expected to be quickly treated and then released from the hospital. Firefighters are staying with it throughout the night, something that will continue for the next several nights to prevent a re-flare of the fire.

Here’s another “straight in your face” example that seat belts not only limit injuries but actually save lives, even at near-highway speeds.

An elderly man who held up the Hollywood Video store on south Carson last year is finally sent off to prison for 12 years. Some observers say his personality, his level of cooperation and other traits led them to believe he was tired of being on the road, homeless, and that he just wanted to be taken care of. They just can’t figure out why he picked prison…AGAIN.