Good morning, Sparks.

United Federal Credit Union has donated $20,000 to help communities recover from the Hawk Fire in northern Nevada — half going to Catholic Charities and half to the American Red Cross to support immediate shelter and long-term aid.

Reno-Tahoe swim instructor Lynnette Bellin was attacked by a wild otter near Hidden Beach while swimming early Sunday and required 38 stitches to treat bite and scratch wounds - officials warned that the local otter population is rising and advised people to keep their distance.

Reno swim instructor Lynnette Bellin received 22 stitches (after a river otter attacked her during her Sunday swim in Lake Tahoe) and began rabies treatment as emergency responders assisted her and officials plan to post safety warnings nearby.

Yard House opens at Outlets at Legends in Sparks today and hires 181 team members + makes a donation to support the local community.

Stage 2 fire restrictions took effect Monday across western Nevada due to extreme wildfire risk — the new rules limit open fires and motorized equipment on public lands managed by BLM and within the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District.

Washoe County ended services at its Wildfire Community Resource Center at 6 p.m. Monday because fewer people needed help, while the Red Cross kept an office open at the North Valleys Community Center and free meals were served at local sites.

Nevada Athletics will offer free tickets to firefighters and first responders at its home opener on Saturday, Sept.

5 at 7:30 p.m. at Mackay Stadium – tickets can be claimed with promo code RESPONDER to honor local heroes who helped fight recent wildfires.