The year started with new owners for the Carson Valley Inn, one of whom was fond of horse racing, and the race to challenge U.S. Sen Harry Reid. Potential opponent Sue Lowden sealed her fate when she told a reporter she would appeal to a broad spectrum of Nevadans, not just conservatives.
Winter saw the loss of beloved Carson Valley residents, including Bea Jones who called Douglas County home for 100 years, and Sheriff's Capt. Mike Biaggini, who died in February after an eight-year battle with cancer. Biaggini's memorial service drew more than 1,000 mourners.
Filing for election officially opened on March 1 in Douglas County, but favorite son Mark Amodei had already dropped out of the U.S. Senate race. With high unemployment and business crumbling, it seemed likely Harry Reid's goose was cooked.
In April, Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki said it appeared Nevada's economy had found the bottom and was bouncing along it. While one Gardnerville business, the JT Basque Bar & Dining Room, celebrated its 50th anniversary, another, the Historian Inn, fell just short of its 10th.
Faced with a choice between two very different candidates for superintendent, Douglas County school trustees chose neither in May. Within two weeks they would offer the job to former Jacks Valley vice principal Lisa Noonan.
Polls opened on June 8 for Nevada's first ever June primary that saw Clerk-Treasurer Ted Thran repel a challenge from former Assemblyman Lynn Hettrick and Sharron Angle defeat Lowden to challenge Reid. Four days later, residents observed the centennial of Carson Valley Days with fireworks, balloons, a carnival and best of all a parade.
East Fork Justice of the Peace Jim EnEarl announced his resignation effective in August. Not long after he left office, his wife, Public Administrator Lynn EnEarl, who was in hot water over her public guardianships, did likewise.
As September arrived, there was almost as much buzz about which of three-dozen candidates would be the next justice of the peace as there was over the election.
After four months of controversy over adoption of the Springboard curriculum by Douglas County, state school board members ended the discussion by approving for use over objections of English teachers.
The Nov. 2 general election was full of surprises, including the defeat of county commissioner Dave Brady and the re-election of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Two days later, county commissioners named former Judge Tom Perkins the new East Fork Justice of the Peace.
