Coming Friday

- Douglas County faces making $600,000 in cuts to balance the budget. Budget hearings are Tuesday and Wednesday. Page A1

- Fewer building permits means less money the Douglas County School District has to keep up with school maintenance. Revenues from the residential building permit tax are estimated to be as much as 77 percent less than what the district received in 2005-06. Page A1

- Valley Christian Fellowship is having a fundraiser Sunday to benefit the family of the Douglas High School student Samantha Calvillo who was hit by a car on Highway 88. An Indian taco and drink is $5. The church is at 1267 Highway 395 in the Meadowdale Center next to the Gardnerville post office. Page A1

- There will be three new principals in Douglas County when the 2007-08 school year starts in fall. Page A2

- University Regent Ron Knecht told members of the Sierra Nevada Republican Women that the future of the system is tied to changes in technology. Page A2

- A man whose leg was set on fire at a Pine Nut party remains in the hospital for treatment. Gardnerville resident Trent Clanton, 22, is facing charges related to the incident. Page A3

- Markleeville celebrates National Library Week with a teddy bear parade 10 a.m. Saturday. The parade is only the opening of the week, which is April 14 through 21. Page A10

- Alpine County columnist Gina Gigli, having tasted freedom during her vacation, is giving up her column. Any Markleeville resident with an interest, should contact the editor at 782-5121. Page A10

- Ten men will go to the highest bidder at the Sadie Hawkins Fundraiser at Sharkey's Casino on April 21. A bachelor auction, western barbecue and dancing to live music will be offered at this benefit for the Family Support Council, sponsored by Sharkey's and the High Sierra Thong Snappers. Page B1

- There is one man who has decided to escape the rat race of human existence as we know it. A wanderer known as Cuervo made a stop in Walker on Monday on his travels with just his two burros, a mule and two dogs as company. Page B1

- The Carson Valley Arts Council is bringing the lead guitarist from Paul McCartney & Wings to the stage for its fifth concert to promote a Carson Valley performing arts center on April 27. The concert is free but donations will be accepted. Page B2

- Pau-Wa-Lu eighth-grader Natalie Freitas won the Pack PAWS Youth Champion Award at Tuesday night's Salute to Champions Dinner in Sparks. Freitas got to meet Olympic gold medalist Jennie Finch in the process. Page C1

- The Douglas baseball team improved to 3-0 at the Atwater Easter Tournament in California with a 5-1 win over Livingston. The Tigers played in the championship game Thursday afternoon. Page C1