Good morning, Sparks.

The Angel Tree program is asking for donations to help provide holiday gifts for families.

Tags are available for pickup at Meadowood Mall + select Walmart locations.

Residents enjoyed Friday’s tree lighting at Victorian Square with live music and free hot chocolate and will join the Hometowne Christmas Parade today at 1 p.m. starting on Pyramid Highway and ending near Victorian Plaza Circle West—families can also visit North Pole Village for photos with Santa.

Damonte Ranch High School is holding a toy drive to bring holiday cheer to kids with cancer this month at the school, inviting community donations.

The event aims to brighten the season+ support will be welcomed until the drive concludes.

Next Monday through Friday, westbound Mill Street between I-580 and Golden Lane will be reduced to one lane for utility trenching work.

Drivers should plan alternative routes during this scheduled repair period.

The Share Your Christmas drive invites locals to donate nonperishable food, money, or toys in northern Nevada starting in one week.

All contributions will remain in the local area to support residents.

Friday night, Sparks lit its 60-foot Sequoia Christmas tree at Hometowne Christmas at Victorian Square with hot chocolate, Santa visits and local vendors.

Today, the celebration continues at 11 a.m. with additional festivities and a holiday parade from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Northern Nevada's only Ethiopian restaurant, Zagol, will close late next month.

The closure may affect local diners & staff as the business community adjusts to the change.

Long-time restaurant Beefy's is asking for donations to support renovations after its closing.

Community contributions will help finance needed updates as the restaurant plans its future reopening.

Crew members have completed the infrastructure for both Arlington bridges near Wingfield Park, enhancing local connectivity for residents.

The Bureau of Land Management is offering free Christmas tree and firewood permits in five districts — available online and at local offices — through Jan.

31 to help families save money and reduce wildfire hazards.

Renown is launching a new confidential mental health support program for first responders & other medical personnel to help manage stress and improve well-being.

The program will provide private support for those on the front lines.

Babies as young as seven months may soon be eligible for cochlear implants if proposed guidelines are approved.

Health officials say the new option could improve early hearing care for families in Sparks — pending further review.

Rhinestone Rodeo New Year’s Eve Party

10 p.m. — Legends Bay Casino — Chance to win a new Ford Mustang — Boots, Bling & a New Year’s Fling awaits with live entertainment and a champagne toast.