Good morning, Sparks.

The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony announced that longtime Chairman Arlan Melendez passed away on June 17 after 36 years of service — 32 years of which he led as chairman.

The group offered condolences to his family and said it will share details about funeral services later.

Reno Police phased out the 1911 pistol after an accidental firing at last year’s Reno Rodeo kick-off concert injured three people when an officer’s holster caught on a fence while aiding a deputy at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center — the department inspected all its service pistols to catch any worn parts.

Slim Chickens will open its first Reno location at 1085 Steamboat Parkway on June 30 — led by owner Roy Perez who launched the Sparks restaurant in June 2023 with over 30 years of food industry experience — and it will serve fried chicken and Southern-inspired sides while creating over 100 jobs.

On June 12, a suspect on an electric dirt bike ignored a marked Sparks officer's stop signal near Wingfield Hills Rd. and Rolling Meadows Dr.—the department is asking for public help to identify the rider, who is suspected of multiple traffic offenses.

A Washoe County Sheriff’s H.E.R.O.

Team operation resulted in three arrests, two victim recoveries, and multiple charges as officials tightened efforts against criminal activity. Today, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from 1 PM to midnight PDT and a Lake Wind Advisory covers local lakes from 1 PM to 9 PM with gusts reaching up to 45 mph — residents are urged to secure outdoor items and avoid high-risk activities.

BLM is inviting public comment on the proposed Lazy 5 transmission line project in Spanish Springs and is seeking details on historic properties that may be affected—if approved, NV Energy’s Sierra Pacific Power Company will build a 13-mile overhead line, add new substations, and remove two miles of current line with a virtual public meeting scheduled July 2 from 5 to 7 p.m.

REMSA warned residents against leaving children or pets in hot cars as parked vehicles can heat up quickly—this alert follows 36 heat-related emergencies since May.

The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning from 1 p.m. today until midnight Friday and a Lake Wind Advisory for several lakes from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. today, urging people to secure loose items and postpone high-risk activities.

Candlelight: Rings and Dragons Concert

6:30-7:30 p.m. — The Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magical music of Rings and Dragons presented in a stunning candlelit setting.

Cancer Survivors Day Celebration 2025

10 AM – 12 PM — Sparks Marina Park — Free entry — Celebrate life with games, resources, and support for cancer survivors and their families.