The Pershing County Board of Commissioners received many updates in their recent meeting.
Items discussed included ambulance and fire department updates, emergency management, cemetery updates, sheriff’s report, IT updates, and more.
Pershing County Ambulance reported responding to 19 calls since the previous meeting, with several major traffic accidents requiring significant time and resources. The department has added one new driver and expects two more soon. Plans are underway for an EMT class to be hosted in Lovelock, with participation from Pershing County and surrounding agencies.
Lovelock Fire Department reported on staffing updates. The department increased to 16 members, and three new applications were recently accepted for interviews. New leadership was announced, including Rich Wagner as Chief, Dan Murphy as Assistant Chief, Marty as Captain, and Nicole Wright as Secretary.
Rye Patch Fire Department reported two fire calls and one medical call. They are in progress training new members, including active search and rescue and rope rescue training. The Grass Valley Fire Department reported 68 total calls this year, including 25 from fires, and 43 medical calls, noting that this is down significantly from last year. Current staffing is at 13 members, with five vacancies, and officer elections are scheduled for Jan. 8. The department also got a new fire truck from Minnesota that is now in service.
Pershing County’s emergency management staff reported that the next Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting is scheduled for Jan. 8 in Lovelock. One FEMA grant that has been used to fund emergency management work is expected to end, requiring the county to plan without that funding moving forward.
The cemetery reported that the annual Wreaths Across America event was held earlier this month, with about 455 wreaths placed in honor of local veterans. One burial was reported since the last meeting, and several headstones are scheduled for delivery. Countywide safety training for employees has been completed for the year, though officials noted low attendance at the most recent safety committee meeting. Also, the board approved purchase of a new enclosed bulletin board for the cemetery.
The IT Department brought up internet issues, specifically since transitioning to Lovelock high-speed internet. They noted that courthouse and juvenile facilities are experiencing disconnections, and phones are temporarily out of service between departments. Alternative providers have been contacted for quotes, and the IT staff gave the current internet service until next Friday to resolve these issues before they move forward with another provider.
The Sheriff’s office reported staffing updates, with one deputy completing field training, another entering the academy, and additional applicants in the hiring process. The board approved the retirement of K-9 Vino due to injury and authorized the dog’s transfer to the handler. They also approved an agreement with Battle Born MedEvac to provide dispatch and notification services for medical calls within the county.
Airport officials reported steady fuel sales at Derby Field Airport, with prices reduced to $5.50/gallon, and noted progress on runway lighting repairs. The board approved applying for a federal grant to update the airport layout plan, and authorized replacement of windows at the airport tenant house.
Representatives from Resource Concepts presented an overview of Nevada’s Integrated Source Water Protection Program and requested county participation. The program focuses on protecting drinking water sources through planning, coordination, and education, and includes updating outdated wellhead protection plans and developing a countywide approach to safeguarding public water systems. The board supported this and will proceed toward participation.
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