The R-C Morning Report

More than 250 people packed the multipurpose room at Smith Valley High School on Wednesday night to say farewell to Austin Jon Park, who died Saturday at his home. As many as 100 of Austin's classmates are expected to be in Gardnerville this morning for Austin's funeral at St. Gall Catholic Church. Austin was a halfback and linebacker on the Bulldogs football team. On Wednesday night his teammates presented a football they signed and Austin's jersey.

Heritage Park was packed as Gardnerville residents braved chilly weather to watch the town kick off Christmas with a tree and gazebo lighting. The Sierra Bell Ringers performed and there were carolers.

County commissioners have a full plate of leftovers on their first meeting after Thanksgiving. Max Baer is appealing a planning commission denial of a 90-foot sign for his Beverly Hillbillies Mansion and Casino. Supporters of Valley Christian Fellowship are appealing a denial of their new church in the Ranchos. Commissioners will also have to pick two new Minden Town Board members and decide if they want to unify the county's water system management, which will mean a higher rate for most customers. The meeting starts at 1 p.m.

The cause of a home fire in Holbrook appears to be electrical. East Fork Fire Investigator Terry Taylor said the insurance company is hiring an electrical engineer to determine the exact cause of the blaze that damaged the home on Monday.

Expect the high temperature to hit 52 degrees under sunny skies today. Tonight will be much cooler and breezy, with gusts of up to 20 mph. There's still no moisture in the forecast. As of 6:30 a.m. it's 22 degrees in Minden and 27 degrees in the Gardnerville Ranchos.