Silver Dollars & Wooden Nickels: Carson City keeps giving back to those in need

The Nevada Appeal's "Silver Dollar" and "Wooden Nickel" feature recognizes positive achievements from the capital region and, when warranted, points out others that missed the mark.

SILVER DOLLAR: To those who've stepped up to help Spirit, a feral cat that was severely burned in a July 24 house fire in Carson City. Spirit's benefactors - Lone Mountain Veterinary Hospital, the Carson Tahoe SPCA and foster mother Kathy Cherry of Incline Village - gave the kitten a fighting chance at survival.

WOODEN NICKEL: To selfish scofflaws who continue to waste a precious resource by watering their yards excessively and during the heat of the day, all in violation of Carson City regulations. Judging by the number of phone calls we receive from violators' neighbors, it's only a matter of time until the water cops catch up with you. Then you'll really be up a creek.

SILVER DOLLAR: To the newest dentist in town, Dr. Kevin Olson, who chose to open Carson City Pediatric Dentistry because he values good dental health in children - including those whose families must rely on Medicaid for their health care. Olson's Old West-themed office was designed with kids in mind, but parents also will take

comfort from this caring practitioner.

WOODEN NICKEL: To the Nevada State Prison inmates who used their Sony PlayStations to access X-rated movies and violent computer games, thus snuffing out a pilot program that could have helped their fellow prisoners serve their hard time more easily. Inmates can send their devices and disks home, donate them to charity or have prison officials dispose of them.

SILVER DOLLAR: To the people who've dropped off bags and bags of clothing, household items and even furniture for a Carson City family who lost everything when their house burned down last month. Folks have been dropping off items all week at the Nevada Appeal offices to help Eleanore Muscott's family.