- Steve Chappell was already recovering from his bout with West Nile virus by the time he learned what it was. Megan Most was in the hospital before learning West Nile was responsible for her meningitis. Testing in cases of West Nile virus has been slow to confirm the disease. Page A1
- Going back to school might have seemed like walking the plank to students coming back from summer break, so it seemed appropriate that they would be greeted by pirates at Minden Elementary. Teachers came up with all sorts of ways to ease their charges back into school on Wednesday. Page A1
- Sixteen transplant candidates die every day awaiting an organ donations. The number of candidates for organ transplants is rising while the number of willing donors is not. Page A1
- A man accused of killing Douglas High graduate Sheila Harris in 1982 is fighting extradition to Carson City to face trial. David Winfield Mitchell, 60, is being held in Trinidad while awaiting a Monday hearing. Page A1
- The price of a university undergraduate credit will rise from $109.25 to $129.50 under a plan approved by University and Community College regents last week. Page A2
- Applications for free and reduced-price meals are being mailed out to Douglas County households. Page A2
- A Douglas County judge was considering sending a Markleeville man to drug court and then changed his mind when the man denied a crime to which he pleaded guilty. Waylon Dondero received two 12-36 month prison terms on Tuesday. Page A3
- It has been 55 years since a Democrat represented Douglas County in the state Assembly, but that won't deter JoEtta Brown in her race against Republican James Settelmeyer for the District 39 seat being vacated by Lynn Hettrick. Page A8
- The California Attorney General's Office is reviewing the investigation into last summer's death of Markleeville resident William McKinnon. McKinnon's death was ruled a suicide by the Alpine County Coroner, but family and friends are disputing that ruling. Page A9
- Alpine County readers celebrated the end of summer with a picnic. The Alpine County Library wrapped up its annual summer reading program on Aug. 18. Page A9
- A salute to the volunteers who make the Tour of the California Alps a reality won a silver medal at the California State Fair. The Alpine County exhibit Death Ride Water Stop is on display at the state fair. Page A10
- "Pop, whir" " about 300 pieces of equipment were on display at the 11th annual Antique Tractor Show, Saturday and Sunday on the Ramsden property on Heybourne Road. Page B1
- Two personal stories of breast cancer are told, one by a survivor and the other by a husband and father left to carry on after the death of his wife. The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, which takes place in Gardnerville Saturday and Sunday, offers help to those in need due to cancer. Page B1
- The Carson Valley Active 20-30 Club third annual Truck Pull will take place Saturday at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. The event includes exhibition vehicles, local competition and a children's pedal tractor pull. Page B1
- Douglas High School head football coach Mike Rippee is two wins away from reaching 100 for his 22-year career. Page C1
- The Tiger football team opens at Reed tonight at 7 p.m. in Sparks. Check www.recordcourier.com for a halftime update and for the final score after the game. Page C1
