The Pershing County Commission met on July 2, 2025, with Commissioner Joe Crim absent, to hear from department heads and conduct the business of the county.
Commissioners heard a report regarding the Senior Center showing a shift in demand toward homebound meals, with an average of 45 homebound recipients in June compared to 30 congregate diners. She noted that future grant allocations will need to reflect this change. Seniors recently enjoyed a successful barbecue outing at Rye Patch, and new kitchen equipment has been installed and is in use. However, electrical upgrades remain incomplete, with confusion over invoices and bids from Oasis and BSL. The center is also exploring use of remaining ARPA funds, approximately $39,000, for a long-delayed generator project. Proposed changes to hours of operation (from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) will be reviewed by the senior advisory board.
Cameron Mitchell provided a summer update for the library, noting success with this year’s summer reading programs, which have engaged 44 children so far. The part-time job posting remains open until July 18, with seven applications submitted. Construction for the previously approved project is tentatively scheduled for August 18, and the library will remain open during that time. LinkedIn Learning will be discontinued statewide due to low usage. Upcoming events include a Tetris challenge throughout July, a movie party and take-home craft on July 11, and rug tufting classes beginning July 17.
James Drake from Rye Patch Fire shared that their department now has 10 active members, a record for their team. During a recent training session, they responded to a truck fire on the freeway, assisting Lovelock Fire with tankers and air packs. The department plans to use the new fiscal year to begin purchasing equipment to support the Rye Patch station as an evacuation center. A community barbecue is scheduled for August 10, and the department is currently working through paperwork to convert to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Kristen Burr from Cooperative Extension announced that they’ll have a booth at Frontier Days offering free gardening seeds and information on high tunnels, including a free online/in-person workshop. Extension is also launching a countywide needs assessment, supported by a university sociologist, to identify how to better serve Pershing County. 4-H programs are thriving, with strong participation in June events like the fishing tournament, team camp, and LEGO spin club. Eleven campers and three chaperones are signed up for 4-H Central Camp, and youth are gaining more opportunities to exhibit at the state level thanks to new alignment with Tri-County Expo categories.
Connie Gottschalk reported that she met with the 95-80 RDA and Sherry Davis-Brown from GOED to discuss strategic plans for economic development in the county. The meetings were productive and focused on resource-sharing and setting actionable priorities. She will provide updates following the upcoming PCEDA board meeting on July 14.
Commissioners shared updates from various boards:
- TV Board: Exploring a backup generator solution through a new vendor recommended by Channel 11 engineers.
- Cemetery Board: Adjusting expansion plans at Unionville Cemetery, focusing now on adding plots and placing full expansion on a five-year timeline.
- Central Nevada Health District: Approved the restructuring of the department and granted Burning Man’s temporary mass gathering permit.
- Central Nevada Authority: Continuing work on master water plans for counties, including Pershing, with ongoing review and presentations about low-water ag products.
The Pershing County Commission meets the first and third Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. at 400 Main Street.
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