Dec. 6, 2023, R-C Letters to the Editor

Don’t cut your hair

Editor:

In reading the article on Silas Jim, it reminded me of other history where Native Americans were forced to cut their hair to assimilate into colonial culture. 

Silas shouldn’t have to cut his hair, nor should he have to explain why he has long hair. The fact that he has decided to follow his culture in this way, he should be receiving high fives. 

Kudos to his family for volunteering to address his class to give them a history lesson. But since this area was and still is Wa-she-shu, isn’t their history already taught in our local schools at the elementary level? 

Lots of people moving into the area probably don’t learn the history of this area. Their kids have an opportunity to though, in school. Even people who have moved and lived here for numerous years might not know Wa-She-shu history. 

Native American Heritage Month is a great time to spend on teaching that history, but let’s start at even the kindergarten level, if not already, so kids can know who their fellow community members are. 

Please don’t cut your hair Silas, it’s who you are.

A. Stephens

Sunridge

Election results clear

Editor:

Douglas County voters elected trustees Dickerson and Burns in the last election with victory margins of about 1,000 votes each. President Jansen’s victory margin was over 2,600 votes. Trustee Doug Englekirk had won a previous election with an even larger margin. Nobody elected the red shirts, the crowd that shows up to board meetings to complain, argue, and nitpick. The red shirt mob reminds some of us uniformed youth movements in totalitarian countries. 

As candidate trustees, Jansen, Dickerson, and Burns laid out their vision to improve Douglas County schools at two well-attended debates including their opponents; they addressed questions at other public venues, laying out their platform. 

Attorney Joey Gilbert and his fees have been a favorite target of the critics. Gilbert has been responding for the school board to scores of OMLs and excessive document demands. Yet, he’s discounted his standard fees and refunded some of what he was paid. Gilbert has earned every nickel he gets in fighting for the school board.

Lynn Muzzy

Minden

Ballot and Caucus

Editor:

Thank you Jim Hartman for spelling out the facts. There are so many negatives with caucusing. 

First, you are messing with our mainstream everyday citizens. Two-thirds are important people who can’t caucus. Elderly who are shut-ins, in care homes, or just transportation issues. People with cumbersome work hours, those with childcare issues. Many without the resources to gain the knowledge they feel they need to caucus. Many people don’t understand they have to vote twice, and many feel they shouldn’t have to vote twice. I visited the GOP office in Gardnerville and came out feeling like the elite want to caucus and the rest can go to H. Candidates should have access to a fair vote. If I was Nikki Haley I would be mad as H. The ballot she is on doesn’t count. I the voter am mad as H that my vote doesn’t count. It is a totally unfair system going on here in Nevada and something needs to be done about it. I suppose starting with removing the GOP chairman Michael McDonald. Then I suppose it would have to be on a ballot. But whatever it is and whoever is responsible needs to make it happen.  The caucus alone is very very expensive. They are constantly asking for money, but nobody asked me if that is where I want my money to go. The caucus started in the 1700’s when communities were small, called a caucus club or political club. They came together in town hall meetings to discuss the candidates and make their choices. It is a very outdated concept, we no longer have small communities, and it just doesn’t work anymore. It is time to be fair. 

William Walters

Minden

Response to Hartman

Editor:

I respond to Jim Hartman’s letter, “Primary-caucus debacle a manufactured crisis,” of Nov. 29.

Since 2013, Hartman has promoted his swampy analysis of Nevada politics. He says caucuses are less inclusive than primary elections. Caucuses have voter ID (favored by 79 percent of all Americans according to a Gallup Oct. ’22 poll) and no same day voter (potential fraud vulnerability) registration.

The 2016 NVGOP Caucus had 17.8% of Republicans versus 18.5 percent in the state’s primary; essentially the same! As he is part of the swamp that wants to control you, Hartman wants a primary so the candidate that buys the most advertisements wins versus the caucus that draws the most informed and engaged voters.

A few hours, once every four years, to select our Republican nominee for President, is a small ask. Nevada being the “First in the West” caucus state rewards participation by giving Nevada Republicans a strong influence on other states’ choices.

Hartman slanders the NVGOP claiming the caucus is to hijack the nomination for President Trump. The candidate with more delegates wins. It is simple math. The vote counting is fully transparent. Attacking the leader when other candidates knew the rules and did not do the work says it all. Hartman has mastered turning of a lack of passion into sour grapes.

Hartman is trying to make Nevadans feel bad for not getting the winning bid on their dream car at an auction because they were across the street eating a hotdog instead of showing up to competitively bid. Mr. Hartman’s screeching is worthy of contempt, not attention.

Since 2013, Hartman has not engaged the Republican Party to try to persuade people to his point of view. I’m unable to muster respect for such a man who enjoys throwing grenades from the outside instead of helping create what he thinks is missing, by being productive on the inside. The Caucus rewards passionate candidates that come meet Nevadans and seek our vote.

I have carried home brave soldiers that died on the battlefield after pledging an oath to our Constitution. Their sacrifices have defended our right to select our leaders. In no way does your right to write what you wish give you wisdom or integrity. Your petulant complaining is what causes the voter confusion you complain about. You disrespect the sacrifices made by those protecting your right to do so.

The Nevada Republican Party’s First in The West Presidential Caucus is allowed under the law. The gerrymandered Democrat-majority Nevada Legislature is the cause of the confusion, not the NVGOP. Register Republican by Jan. 8, 2024, to participate. Bring your ID and help select Nevada’s choice for President. Go to the source: https://nevadagop.org/2024-presidential-caucus/

Shawn Meehan

Minden

Great Fall Homecoming

Editor:

Another year brought another amazing Fall Homecoming for Douglas. DHS Student Leadership would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank the following people and businesses who helped make “Hey Douglas, let’s go party!” Fall Homecoming 2023 a success. The Town of Minden Staff, Douglas County Sheriff’s Department, Valley Eats, Sierra Sprinkle, Gonuts 4 Donuts, Kings of Kings, Ping Pow Poom, Nick and Willy’s Pizza, Bonfire Coffee, Uncle Richie’s Ice Cream, Carson Valley Medical Center, Community Counseling Center, DHS All Sports Boosters, Accolades Trophies & Engraving, Team Sports Ink, Eric Pacheco & DHS Custodial Staff, Little Details Photography, Amanda Laca, Kaitlyn Hinojosa, Katy Shipley & the DHS Cheerleaders, Mark Porter & “The Pride of the Carson Valley’’ DHS Marching Band, Mike Glynn, & the DHS JROTC Tiger Battalion, Kurt Hildebrand, Sarah Drinkwine & The Record-Courier, Ron Harpin Photography, DHS Staff, Administration, & Student Body, DHS Fall Coaches & Teams, DHS Faculties, Keith Cole, Belinda Grant the AMBUSH Student Section, Grocery Outlet, Carson Valley Cinema, the Leadership programs at CVMS and PWLMS, DHS Clubs and Activities, Hall of Fame inductees Nori Neddenriep-Jenkins and Jeremy Litka, royalty nominees and the families of all nominees. We would also like to give a special thanks to everyone who came out last minute to the crowning ceremony of our Homecoming King Jett Lehmann and Queen Logan Karowoski when a power outage canceled our game. Finally, thank you to the alumni who came out this week and supported the Tigers; having alumni return with pride is truly the most special part of this annual event. “Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger.”

Last but certainly not least, we would like to recognize the members of DHS Student Leadership for their hours of effort and hard work in order to make this weeklong event full of spirit, camaraderie, and tradition a reality. There really is no place like Douglas. 

Ava Wilson 

DHS ASB President 

Talia Tretton

DHS Senior Class President 

Mena Dedmon

 DHS Leadership Teacher

Karen Lamb

DHS Activities Director

Minden

Thanks from 

Minden Fortnightly

Editor:

Minden Fortnightly, the oldest service club in the Carson Valley, held its annual fundraiser on the Friday before Thanksgiving. While for many in our Valley it serves as an unofficial kickoff to the holiday season, the goal of our Fundraiser is to give back to our community, and we are proud to say that 100% of our profits are donated to local organizations and charities, support upgrades at the CVIC Hall, and provide extra help to community members when the need arises. 

We owe a huge thank you to the community members who came out to support our fundraiser, and to the donors for our live auction, silent auction, raffle, and wine pull. We would like to recognize the following donors: Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Big Daddy’s Bike and Brew, Battle Born Wine, CalNeva Realty, Big Fish Landscaping, CV Flyte, Carson Valley Community Theatre, Carson Valley Golf Course, Carson Valley Inn, Carson Valley Swim Center, Christensen Automotive, Cook’d, Cosmetic Medicine Center, Custom Framing and Design, Douglas County Chamber of Commerce, Douglas County Community Center, Douglas High School Boosters, Drago and Company, El Charro Avitia, Especially For You, Fresh Ideas, Gadzooks!, Judge Dave and Allison Gamble, Great Basin Equine, Greenhouse Garden Center, Judge Tom and Cynthea Gregory, Brent Haliwell, Haliwell Homes, Hoch Family Creamery, Intero Real Estate, J.T. Basque Bar & Dining Room, Joyce’s Fine Jewelry, Kaia Fit Minden, Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, Russ Levinson, Millennium Medical & Spa Suites, Minden Meat and Deli, Minden Mercantile Company, Minden Mill Distilling, NV-US Silver Works, Pure Glow Salon, Quilt House, Raley’s, Reno Aces, Seyfried Dental Arts, Sierra Nevada Harmonic Egg, Tahoe Equine, Tahoe Toffee Candy Company, The Hone Company, Trader Joe’s, Trudy’s Hair Studio, Tumbleweed’s Gymnastics, Warren Reed Insurance, and West Coast Martial Arts.

Thanks again to our attendees and donors. And to everyone in our Valley, we wish you a very happy holiday season

The Ladies of Minden Fortnightly 

Minden

Appreciates support

Editor:

To our incredible event sponsors, donors and guests, the board, executive director, and staff of Family Support Council cannot begin to thank all who were involved with our first annual gala Unmasking Domestic Violence event on Nov. 18. 

With our masks on, we brought light to a cause that has gone underrepresented, and boy did we rise up.

Your contributions will allow us to continue offering lifesaving services free of charge to survivors in need of our assistance. The direct impact to our confidential shelter, Abbey’s Crossing, is monumental. 

Thank you for standing up for our victims and survivors.

Special thanks to the following: 

Event Sponsors: Battle Born Wine Whiskey, Cindy’s Cupcakes, Cookies by Kim Perondi, D.A. Davidson, Dreu Murin Productions, Frey Ranch, The Overland Restaurant and the Rise Against Domestic Violence Dream Team

Auction Donors: Carson Valley Import Auto, Carson Valley Quilt Guild, CoCos N’ Moes, Coffee on Main, Cook’d, Costco, Cottonwood Creek Gifts, Daniels (Lois Wray), Distinct Ink Tattoos, Drago’s Salon, Eddy Street Vintage, Edgewood Tahoe, Melissa & Ron Elges, Genoa Wellness Spa, Millennium Med Day Spa, Minden Med Spa, Peak Nutrition, Richard Reese, Scossa Ranch, Tahoe Blue Events Center, The Overland Restaurant, Brandy & Michael Thomson, Vail Resorts, Woodett’s Diner

Special Thanks to Sheriff Dan Coverley, Sgt. Johnny Lenz and Dreu Murin Productions

Again, we are beyond grateful to each of you and send heartfelt thanks and gratitude.

For information on the services we provide or general information, please contact us at rise
againstdv@gmail.com or tara
addeo@gmail.com or visit
 www.family-support.org/ 

Rise against domestic violence.

Tara Addeo

Family Support Council

Genoa

Thanks to the Tribe

Editor:

The Douglas County Public Library would extend our gratitude to the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California for sharing a glimpse into the Washoe Tribe’s culture and heritage at the Minden branch. 

The library was honored to host this exhibit during the month of November. This is a small but essential step in moving forward with respect not only for the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California but all indigenous peoples, past, present and future. The library looks forward to future cooperative endeavors with the Washoe Tribe. 

Holly Traxler

Youth Library Supervisor

Laura Treinen

Adult Library Supervisor

Luise Davis

Librarian

Rachel Soleta

Senior Library Technician

Kitty Weber

Senior Library Technician

Irene Gonzalez

Library Technician

Remarkable Community

 Editor:

Carson Valley is more than just its beautiful landscapes. It is a community that embodies the true essence of warmth, kindness, and togetherness. From the moment I arrived in Carson Valley, I was greeted with open arms and genuine smiles. The residents here radiate a strong sense of community, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer a friendly conversation. It’s a place where neighbors look out for one another, fostering a sense of belonging that is truly remarkable. The spirit of community is evident in the various events and gatherings that take place throughout the year. Whether it’s the lively farmers market where locals come together to showcase their produce and crafts, or the festive parades that fill the streets with laughter and joy, there is always a palpable sense of camaraderie. Carson Valley thrives on its strong network of local businesses. From quaint family-owned shops to bustling markets, each establishment reflects the passion and dedication of its owners. The support for these businesses is unwavering, as residents understand the importance of nurturing a thriving local economy. It’s heartwarming to witness firsthand the genuine care and support that the community extends to one another. Education holds a special place in the hearts of Carson Valley residents. The local schools are not just institutions of learning but also places where young minds are nurtured, and dreams are encouraged. The dedication of teachers and the involvement of parents create an environment where children can grow and thrive, laying a strong foundation for the future. Volunteerism is deeply ingrained in the fabric of this community. Countless individuals devote their time and energy to various causes and organizations, aiming to make a positive impact on the lives of others. The selflessness and compassion that I have witnessed inspire me daily, reminding me of the power of collective action. Above all, it is the people of Carson Valley who make this community truly great. Their genuine care for one another, their unwavering support, and their commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment make this place feel like home. In Carson Valley, I have found not just a beautiful landscape but a community that has enriched my life in countless ways.

Paul Rodriguez

Jacks Valley