Good morning, Sparks.

The annual Water Lantern Festival will take place at Sparks Marina (300 Howard Drive) on Sept.

19 as locals design and float their own lanterns starting at 4:30 p.m. with the launch timed for sunset.

Costco will add six fuel pumps to its Spanish Springs site after Sparks City Council unanimously approved a change that increases fuel dispensing nozzles from 18 to 24 and allows construction of a new underground gasoline storage tank.

Washoe County schools can choose clear backpack policies; Desert Skies adopted the safety rule (in place since 2014) and now reports a 67% drop in alcohol incidents and a 20% decline in controlled substance cases while allowing a small makeup pouch for privacy.

Reno and TMWA broke ground on Nevada’s first potable reuse facility on Aug.

31 at Military Road and Lear Boulevard—this $221 million project will treat recycled water for future drinking use and lessen the region’s reliance on the Truckee River, with construction continuing through fall 2029.

NDOW warns drivers about increased wildlife near roads this fall, noting deer, elk, and bears may be active especially at dawn and dusk.

Motorists in Sparks are urged to slow down and scan roadsides — a practice that can help prevent accidents.

On Monday, Sept. 14, UNR Med introduced a biobank at ARC Reno to store biological samples for future research + experts stressed the need for consistent storage, consent and privacy measures.