n There were hugs all around in an atmosphere appropriate for Valentine's Day when Carol Lark was named the Douglas County's new superintendent of schools. Page A1
n Anyone interested in the future of Douglas County is invited to an event to address the Sustainable Growth Initiative, budget challenges and water rights. Page A1
n Graffiti was the word that made sixth-grader Sabrina Swoger a winner at the districtwide spelling bee at Piñon Hills Elementary School. Page A1
n Three breast cancer survivors met last week to learn how to "Look Good ... Feel Better" as they deal with treatment. Page A1
n A traffic stop initiated by report of a road rage incident turned up a stolen vehicle. Page A3
n Terms of house arrest for a suspect in a fatal traffic accident were amended Wednesday to allow the man to receive counseling from his priest and attend 12-step meetings. Page A3
n A lawyer for a man accused of burning down a mobile home said Wednesday his client admitted throwing rocks at the Dresslerville residence, but denied he set the fire. Page A3
BUSINESS
n Radio station General Manager Jerry Evans is taking phone calls from confused listeners asking where their country music went. Page A7
n Minden-Tahoe Airport is approaching a crisis over the voter-mandated weight restriction, said John Marsalis, a pilot and member of the Minden-Tahoe Advisory Committee. Page A7
n Businesswoman Cristy Menzer said her adaptability has proved helpful in her cleaning service. Page A7
ALPINE
n The U.S. Forest Service is nearing approval of the expansion of Kirkwood Ski Resort. Page A8
n Members of Alpine County's Fifty Plus Club have found a home at the Alpine County Early Learning Center. Page A8
PEOPLE
n Artist Louise Noel Howes incorporates her favorite subjects into brilliant silk art. Page B1
n Members of the Douglas County Senior Center who are age 90 and older were honored this week. Page B1
n The Dakota Organization, a Carson Valley Theater Group, will present its first production, "Same Time, Next Year," Feb. 24-25 and March 4-5 at the CVIC Hall in Minden. Page B1
n The Carson River rafting trip that is part of the Eagles and Agriculture weekend tour is filling up fast. Page B3
SPORTS
n Reed High eliminated the Douglas girls' basketball team from the regional playoffs Wednesday night with a 74-33 win. Monica Knight scored 15 points in the game. Page C1