Good morning, Sparks.

Reno Rodeo will give over $170,000 from its 50/50 raffle to ten local groups this week—President Jim Neil will deliver the checks at a private presentation.

The largest gift, $60,311.22, goes to Truckee Meadows Firefighter Foundation while other groups will receive amounts ranging from about $8,500 to over $17,000.

Local business owner Sandra Ney explained how she prepares for winter storms as chain controls were active along Kingsbury Grade—Daggett Pass; she offered travel and business tips to handle snowy conditions.

Dolan Auto Group announced winners of its 2025 Class Project, with Coral Academy North Elementary set to receive $25,000 for school improvements and fifteen other classrooms to receive $5,000 each—community votes determined the winners.

School of choice applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on October 24, and families are advised to submit their forms by the deadline.

Yesterday, the Washoe County School District Board of Trustees voted to move forward with its Facility Modernization Plan and the next phase of its Administrative Facilities Master Plan — a move to update school facilities and administrative spaces.

UNR researchers found that late-spring frosts wiped out natural food for black bears in the Sierra Nevada, leading them to search for food in neighborhoods and yards.

The study (published in Ecosphere) showed bear complaints tripled in 2022 along with increases in lethal removals and car collisions, prompting calls for more public education.

Snow falling in the Sierra brought chain controls to parts of I-80, Mt. Rose Highway, Kingsbury Grade Road, U.S. 50, State Route 28, and State Route 80 — NDOT advised drivers to check Nevada 511 for a full list of controlled routes.

Nevada eased rules on buy now, pay later loans with a new law that went into effect Oct.

1. The law lets internet lenders offer these loans without a local office and requires that Nevada law protects the loan terms — a measure aimed at strengthening consumer rights.

Care Flight and Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue conducted a joint training session for first responders to work together during emergencies.

The Coffee for a Cure event raised funds for breast cancer research on October 14, 2025—local organizers held the fundraiser to support ongoing research efforts.

UNR Ski Swap returns from Oct.

31 to Nov. 2 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center (4590 S. Virginia St.), offering new and gently used skis, snowboards, boots and winter outerwear to help fund the Wolf Pack Ski Team’s bid for NCAA Division 1 status. The event runs Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the first 75 attendees on Friday and Saturday receiving a free Mt. Rose Lift ticket (10% off all items on Sunday).