Pershing County Commissioners worked through a packed agenda during their recent meeting,
receiving updates from county departments, fire districts, and local agencies. Commission Chair
Joe Crim and Commission Chuck Sayles were present; Commissioner Connie Gottschalk was
absent.
BLM Prepares for Shutdown
Perry Wickum from the Bureau of Land Management’s Winnemucca District Office informed
the board that federal offices were preparing for a potential government shutdown. Fire crews
were exempted and would continue working, while other employees were notified of their
furlough status.
“The doors will not be open, but essential fire operations will continue,” Wickum said.
Road Department
Road Supervisor Kevin Machado reported on recent and upcoming maintenance projects. Crews
completed 16.4 miles of mag chloride application in Grass Valley and were preparing to start
work in Imlay and Lovelock. The department also hauled gravel for repairs in Mason Valley and
continues blading county roads ahead of winter.
Cates said a road-use agreement with Integrity Resources for the Wildcat Project on Sick Kirk
Road is still being finalized. Commissioners agreed to table the item until the agreement is
complete.
Landfill and Recycling
Landfill staff reported progress on transfer site improvements in Grass Valley. Crews expect to
resume work after finishing road projects in October. Recycling Center manager Tony Stacey
said operations continue to improve but raised questions about when compacted materials can be
hauled out and whether relocation of the site is planned.
“Once we reach about 50 bales of mixed materials, we can send a full load to Interwest Paper,”
Chairman Joe Crim noted.
Buildings and Grounds
Facilities Manager Brian Ruddle detailed several maintenance projects, including repair work
following a sewage leak at the Sheriff’s Office, preparation for the winter season, and plans to
repair sprinkler damage on the courthouse lawn.
Ruddle also reported upcoming Narcan training for his crew in light of recent overdose incidents.
“It’s good training not just for our jobs but for family situations too,” he said.
He added that crews were preparing the Grass Valley site for the Chili Cook-Off and working to
remove weeds at community facilities.
Senior Center
Senior Center Director Anna Hill submitted a written report noting reduced state grant funding
for the coming fiscal year. Pershing’s grant allocation dropped by roughly $14,000, while staff
costs have increased.
Bonnie Skoglie, chair of the Senior Center Advisory Board, discussed ongoing collaboration
with Pershing General Hospital to expand transportation services for seniors and patients
traveling to medical appointments.
“We want to improve services by coordinating drivers and vehicles between the hospital and
senior center,” Skoglie said.
Commissioners supported continued discussions and directed staff to explore a formal agreement
between the county and hospital.
Library
Library Director Kameron Mitchell announced the completion of construction on the new media
center, new shelving installations, and a $4,200 grant to purchase a 3D printer. The library also
debuted a display of books that have been challenged in other states.
“We haven’t had any book challenges locally,” Mitchell said. “It’s just a display to highlight
what’s happening nationally.”
Fire and EMS
EMS Coordinator Marty Nolan reported 25 calls since the last meeting, including three
overdoses with two of those involving juveniles. She said the department is working with law
enforcement to document incidents and increase community awareness. The Lovelock Volunteer
Fire Department will host a “1950s Dinner and Dance” recruitment event on Oct. 11.
Rye Patch Fire Chief James Drake said his department recently completed an emergency
responder course and will host a large-scale hazmat training exercise Oct. 10 involving state and
local agencies.
Cooperative Extension
Extension Coordinator Kristin Burr highlighted recent 4-H accomplishments, including several
blue ribbons at the state expo in Fallon and youth-made ornaments selected for display on the
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. Upcoming events include a 4-H barbecue fundraiser Oct. 11, a
“Zombie Grade” Halloween event Oct. 31, and a goat roping fundraiser Nov. 23.
Other Department Reports
∙ IT Department: Amanda Burrows received approval for a new $3,000 purchasing card
and authorization to work with J4 Systems on a $19,760 network upgrade.
∙ Treasurer’s Office: Treasurer Lacey Donald reported attending statewide training
conferences and received approval to issue the IT credit card.
∙ Recorder’s Office: Recorder Melanie Hamilton said $39,835 remains from an ARPA
grant, earmarked for a backup generator at the Senior Center, which must be purchased
by December.
∙ WIC Program: The board approved reducing WIC’s indirect cost payment to the county
from 10% to a $5,000 flat rate due to federal funding cuts.
∙ Derby Field Airport: Airport Manager Neil McIntosh reported steady activity, with 14
recent fuel sales and NV Energy completing electrical upgrades for the hangar expansion
area.
∙ Museum: Commissioners approved a Trivia Night fundraiser Oct. 25 at the Marzen
House Museum, co-hosted by the Mustang Youth Team and Pershing Healthcare
Foundation.
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