Last Wednesday, after interviewing two candidates, the Lovelock City Council appointed Christina Dickerman to fill City Council Seat A following the March 29 resignation of Councilwoman Kirsten Hertz.
Dickerman and fellow applicant Dale Rutherford were interviewed in open session and asked about their experience, availability, budget knowledge and vision for Lovelock’s future.
Dickerman told the council she has lived in Pershing County since 2001 and in Lovelock since 2005. She previously worked at Pershing General Hospital in several roles, including CNA, nurse, nurse manager and chief nursing officer, and currently serves as the school nurse/health coordinator for the Pershing County School District. She said she has one child who graduated from Pershing County schools and two children currently attending district schools.
Asked about her long-term vision for the city, Dickerman said she hopes Lovelock becomes a place where young people want to return after leaving.
“What I would like is for Lovelock and Pershing County to become a place that our kids want to come back home to,” she said, adding that growth should be responsible and sustainable.
Rutherford told the council he graduated from Pershing County High School in 1982, served 14 years in the U.S. Air Force and later worked for the city before retiring in 2015. He said he remains active in volunteer work and believes Lovelock is moving in a positive direction.
“I think Lovelock has not looked this good in decades,” he said.
Rutherford has also filed to run for the City Council seat currently held by Councilwoman Jordan McKinney, who is not seeking reelection in 2026.
Following the interviews and public discussion, the council voted to appoint Dickerman to the seat. She was sworn in later in the meeting.
Dickerman’s husband, Phillip Dickerman, serves in local law enforcement and is listed on the 2026 primary ballot as an unopposed candidate for Pershing County School Board Trustee Seat A. Dickerman also stated during the meeting that her sister serves as Pershing County Manager.
In other business, Oscar Aguilar of the Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows provided an update on the Boys and Girls Club in Lovelock. Following the presentation, the council noted that the remaining $50,000 from previously approved funding for the local program is forthcoming.
The council also proclaimed May 3 through May 9, 2026, as Children’s Mental Health Action Week in Lovelock, encouraging residents to promote awareness and support services for youth and families.
In other business, the council approved an ordinance increasing the city’s sewer standby fee for properties without active sewer service. The monthly fee will rise from $14.80 to $28.75 beginning July 1, 2026.
The council approved a new City Council Member Handbook outlining duties and responsibilities, along with updated dumpster rental and work order policies intended to improve efficiency and ensure timely payment for city services.
City officials also reported that the city is continuing to accept applications for a part-time maintenance position at the municipal pool. Staff further reported hiring a contractor to paint the office and reception area of the animal control building.
Officials announced during the meeting that Jeffrey King and Brandon Chadock will fill two at-large vacancies on the Pershing County Economic Development Board.
During staff reports, city officials announced the city had been awarded a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant for major repairs at the sewer plant.
Councilwoman Bonnie Skoglie suggested the city consider hiring a grant-writing firm to pursue additional funding opportunities, noting that outside funding sources could help support future projects. The council agendized the matter for its next meeting.
Council members also discussed ongoing property cleanup concerns at 215 Eighth St., where a property owner said he had removed several items and planned to complete additional cleanup by the following day. Council members said their primary concern was clearing items from the utility strip and removing dismantled vehicles.
During public comment, Alfonso Gonzalez, president of the Lovelock Police Officers Association, expressed disappointment regarding scheduled negotiations, saying the situation sent a discouraging message to officers working in the community.
Additional public comment from Lee Ann Gallagher included thanks to the council for funding the Boys and Girls Club, and questions about the posting of board vacancies and use of candidate scoring sheets during the appointment process.
The Lovelock City Council meets at Lovelock City Hall on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 5:30 p.m.
Oscar Aguilar of the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows joins Mayor Rodney Wilcox,
Jordan McKinney and Bonnie Skoglie following council approval of Boys & Girls Club funding. Photo by Peggy Jones
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