These two events make me incredibly sad. I do not know the Diamond Valley family very well; however, their outstanding reputation in the community exists because of three decades of dedication to the goodness in this community. The decision by both these families has made me stop and wonder: What is going to happen to this community when established families leave? 

Our community is already struggling to survive, even though industry seems to be exploding around us. Most of the mines are projecting to increase a workforce that could potentially double the size of our town, while solar energy projects also appear interested in moving into the area These expansions will undoubtedly change the complexion of our community. Yet Eureka is built upon deep-rooted traditions which enhance the charm and resilience that make it special. The collective charm and resilience are a result of “salt of the Earth” individuals whose dedication and contribution support the community. 

“Salt of the Earth” is a common phrase passed down through generations, but many people may not realize it actually comes from the Bible. Salt is used to enhance flavors as well as slow decay, providing perfect description of the community members who are moving away.  

It is obvious this town is going to change. As new people move in, others will move on. Change is inevitable. There are many people in this town who oppose any type of change, but opposition alone does nothing to preserve or enhance the goodness of a community. Instead, it allows it to crumble. Without active and thoughtful involvement, we will slowly deteriorate. 

Remember when the old school stood tall on the hill above Main Street? The building slowly deteriorated until the school board ultimately made the decision to tear it down. Many people still hold strong resentment over that decision, but that one decision serves as a warning to us. If we don’t actively stop the decline within our community, it will eventually crumble.

At times, it feels like the town is near collapse. Student enrollment has declined and we have fewer businesses on Main Street than ever before. There are people in this community working hard to preserve the traditions, customs, and buildings that maintain the uniqueness of this wonderful town. However, these people cannot do it alone. 

This is an urgent call to action. There is the real possibility that hundreds of people will be moving here. As a community, we need to decide whether we are going to come together to help lead and guide the impending expansion, or if we are simply going to complain to our neighbors about growth without actually doing anything to influence it. The reality is that the people are already coming. Mining is moving forward at full force, and the industry will find ways to bring in the necessary workforce.

It is my hope that we do not lose any more of the “salt” that strengthens our community and that those of us who choose to stay will work alongside our community leaders to provide thoughtful guidance and direction. There are many vacant seats on county boards and they need to be filled with people who love this community and want to preserve and enhance the unique character. This is a special opportunity for all of us to become the “salt” that is so desperately needed. Failure to step into pivotal roles before the influx begins will result in changes that few of us want and for which none of us are fully prepared. 

Change is coming. The truth of the matter is this town is not going to remain exactly as it is today. Change is inevitable, and doing nothing allows for more decay. Fortunately, the mines appear to have consideration for preserving the town’s character and have made efforts to include the community in conversations. However, if we do not show up, participate, and help guide the process, decisions will naturally be made based on what is easiest and most efficient. 

We need to encourage the mines to bring in families, people who will become part of the community, enroll in the schools and create a workforce necessary to support restaurants, small businesses, and other services in town. This is the opportunity to work collaboratively with industry as it expands into Eureka. Together, we can help facilitate growth that reflects traditional community values we love. 

On October 21, 2026, Brian Shoaf was promoted and sworn in as Lieutenant of the Eureka County Sheriff’s Office at the Crescent Valley Town Board meeting. The room was packed with Crescent Valley residents that stayed for the swearing in of Lt. Shoaf. Lt. Shoaf has 13 years Law Enforcement experience, and he has been with the Eureka County Sheriff’s Office for the past 3 years as a Sergeant in the Northern Command. Lt. Shoaf will now oversee the Northern Command of Eureka County. ECSO would like to congratulate Lt. Shoaf on his promotion.

EMTs transformed an ambulance to look like a pirate ship, while EMS “pirates” served hot dogs, coffee and hot chocolate and handed out treats for the kids. 

The community event drew an estimated 150 to 200 people, who enjoyed the festive atmosphere, treats, and a large bon fire. The Trunk or Treat continues to grow in popularity, providing families with a fun and safe way to celebrate the Halloween season together. 

Pictured above: Danny and Rhonda Gonzales

The 6^th Annual Adult Halloween Party was held October, 24 at Perdiz Shooting Range. Although this was the first year the event was held at Perdiz, organizers felt the location was a great fit for the Area 51-themed celebration.  

Pictured right: Kim and Rebecca

As the former owner of Malarkeys and The Jackson House, Carrie Clark has been hosting parties for many years. With the help of Kristen Umina, her goal in organizing these annual events is to continue a tradition she remembers from early in her childhood. Because Eureka no longer has the active nightlife it once enjoyed, providing opportunities for local “date nights” is especially important to her. 

With the greatly appreciated help from Kristina Morrison, they were able to transform the space to reflect the all alien and sci-fi theme. Approximately 30 people attended this festive event. 

Pictured below: Area 51 Aliens at Perdiz

Robert

In a viral clip that circulated on social media this week, a high school football game featured one of the ultimate “never celebrate too early” lessons. During a high-stakes play, a quarterback threw a pass that was tipped into the air. Believing the play was over and that his team had secured the defensive stop to win the game, one of the safeties completely stopped playing and sprinted in the opposite direction to celebrate.

Meanwhile, the ball never hit the turf. Instead, it bounced right into the hands of an offensive player, who realized the whistle hadn’t blown. The receiver broke a couple of desperate tackle attempts and ruan right where the safety used to be to score the game winning touchdown.

I can relate, because I did almost the same thing when the Chiefs scored what appeared to be the game-wining touchdown to give me a 6-0 week on the picks. Instead, a flag for a false start nullified the score and Patrick Mahomes was sacked on the next play to end the game. 

It was rich afterward to see Chiefs fans complaining online about a call they disagreed with, after the last few years when most fans of opposing teams have believed the Chiefs get every favorable call. That’s two weeks in a row I was one win away from a 6-0 week, only to see the last game slip away when it looked like a win.

The lesson as always, is that Yogi Berra was right, like he was so often, when he said “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.”

Nevada (+10) over New Mexico: As a Lobo fan since I was 10 years old, my heart is crying as I type this, but the logic here is simple. New Mexico has been a historically terrible program that is suddenly good, at least by Mountain West standards, and. This is the first time the team has been ranked in the Top 25 in school history. A program that has never had expectations before suddenly has the spotlight on them, and every game that have won has only made the burden heavier, which showed when they had to come back from a 10-0 halftime deficit to win 21-10 as -14 ½ at Hawaii, and needed a 4^th down stop at their 37-yard line to hold on to beat San Jose St. 21-16 last week. The passing offense has not been very good, so much so that I expect backup quarterback Luke Moga to get some snaps in this game. The Lobos lead the country in takeaways, so if Nevada turns the ball over like it did last week, this game could become a blowout. But the Lobos also have only 9 touchdown passes to 7 interceptions, so they won’t pull away offensively without help from Nevada. 

Minnesota (+5 ½) over UCLA: Here come the undefeated Bruins to play a 9 a.m. body clock game. Whatever heartbreak Minnesota felt from last week’s overtime loss to Indiana will be gone if they can pull this one off. And considering the Gophers’ strong defense, the UCLA offense playing without quarterback Nico Iamaleava, and running back Wayne Knight’s rushing average per carry is less than half of what it was when Iamaleava was there presented a passing threat, I see no reason why Minnesota won’t be partying after this one.

UNLV (-6) over Wyoming: Even with the departure of Boise St., San Diego St. and Fresno St. from the Mountain West, I don’t think anyone expected to see Wyoming in second place on the first weekend of November.  But I don’t think they’ll still be there for the second week of the month. Wyoming is 219^th in the country in yards per game on offense and 238^th in scoring. Since there’s 136 FBS teams, that means half of FCS teams average more per game than the Pokes, and that’s despite the fact that the four teams they’ve beaten are the bottom four teams in the MWC, and the one they lost was a shutout to North Dakota St. This is a short price to back the significantly better team at home.

Panthers (+3) over Broncos: Road game for the Broncos, against a nonconference opponent after beating the Chiefs on Sunday night. Sign me up.

Texans (-4 ½) over Chargers: At 2-5 it might seem like the Texans have no shot at the playoffs, but consider the teams right ahead of them are the Patriots, Browns, Raiders and Ravens without Lamar or Tyler Huntley. Win here and a couple of those lose this week, and they’re actually still in position to make a run. Coming off a bye after that overtime loss to the Giants, the Texans should be hungry and focused, and if they are, that’s enough to win this one solidly.

Vikings (+3 1/2) over Bills: Despite being the last unbeaten team in the NFL until the loss to the Lions last week, the Vikings are not the best team in the league. But they might be the best defense, and if you give me the better defense getting 3 ½ points at home, I’ll take it almost every time.

Last week

College: 3-0

NFL : 2-1

Season

College: 18-12

NFL: 16-7-1

Tony

It was another rough week. Let’s try again.

Kentucky at Tennessee (-6.5): The first CFP rankings are out and everyone is mad. This is where the SEC starts eating their own. Kentucky has been a surprise but the fun ends here. The Volunteers are tough to beat at home. Tennessee 31, Kentucky 23

Oregon at Ohio State (-7.5): Ohio State is currently the first team out of the CFP. What? They are much better than their ranking. Oregon is in shambles. Long trip as well. Ohio State 28, Oregon 13

Boise State (-17.5) at Colorado State: How in the heck is Colorado State going to stop the offense of the Broncos. This is a lot of points to give up on the road. I don’t see how the Rams keep it close. Boise State 56, Colorado State 20 

Giants (-3.5) at Eagles: Philadelphia fans once booed Santa Claus. There have been many boos toward the Eagles this year. Philadelphia signed Joe Milton from the Cowboys practice squad to play QB. If the Giants keep JJ McCarthy upright, they should win. Giants 20, Eagles 10

Buccaneers at Bears (-5.5): Dare I say the Bears may be the best team in the NFL. Are the Monsters of the Midway back? Caleb Williams is playing outstanding. Note to Tampa, you will have to pass the ball this week. Bears 28, Buccaneers 17   

Last week

College: 1-2

NFL: 0-3 

Season

College: 12-18

NFL: 7-15-1

Florida vs. Georgia (-10.5): The world’s largest cocktail party is back, just not in Jacksonville. Florida is one of the biggest wild cards this season. Play well one week, look like crap another. Georgia has its sights set on a national championship.

Georgia 38, Florida 20

Nevada (+22.5) at UCLA: N-E-V-A-D-A, Nevada! Look at the boys up on North Virginia Street. There are signs of life for the Wolf Pack. UCLA is ranked No. 7 in the nation and been one of the biggest surprises of the season under first-year head coach Bob Chesney. The weather could be iffy.

UCLA 31, Nevada 21

Northwestern (+3.5) at Oregon: What was set to be one of Oregon’s best teams has cratered into a season to forget. Oregon’s season was over when Dante Moore was hurt on the brutal hit against USC in September. It has been disfunction ever since. The nerds go into Eugene and beat the party school.   

Northwestern 28, Oregon 21

Cardinals at Cowboys (-7.5): How bout them Cowboys! Are they fully back? We will see. However, the Cardinals are the Cardinals and Dallas should easily win. One of these days, the Cowboys; defense will actually play up to their ability. Just run the ball. Meanwhile, Arizona is the same old story.

Cowboys 31, Cardinals 13

Bears at Seahawks (-3.5): This very well could be a preview of the NFC Championship. These are two of the better teams in the NFL. The Bears’ Caleb Williams is the real deal at QB. Seattle is one of the toughest places to play and their defense is elite. If this game was in Chicago, it could be the opposite outcome.

Seahawks 24, Bears 20

Ravens at Bills (-3.5): Will the real Baltimore Ravens team please raise your hand. What is going on. Where is Lamar Jackson? Do you play him? Is he completely healthy? We have no answers to those questions.  The Bills are the better team and playing at home.

Bills 28, Ravens 17 

Last week

College: 3-0

NFL: 0-3

Season

College: 11-16

NFL: 7-12-1

Fortunately, a little technology can take some of the chaos out of the holiday. The best part is that most of us already have everything we need sitting on the kitchen counter or tucked into a pocket.

Let Technology Help Plan the Feast

One of the biggest Thanksgiving challenges is figuring out what to cook, how much to make, and when everything needs to be ready. This is where a little AI can become a surprisingly useful kitchen assistant.

Free tools like ChatGPT or Google Gemini can help organize an entire Thanksgiving menu. Tell the AI how many people you're feeding, what dishes you want to serve, and when dinner is scheduled. It can suggest a shopping list, estimate ingredient quantities, and even create a cooking schedule so everything finishes around the same time.

You can also ask it to adjust recipes for dietary restrictions or suggest substitutes for ingredients you forgot to buy. Just double-check cooking temperatures and food safety instructions against trusted sources. 

AI is helpful, but not perfect.  Always listen to Grandma first! 

Get Everyone Involved

Thanksgiving is much easier when everyone contributes, but coordinating who brings what can become an adventure in itself. Nobody wants four pumpkin pies and no mashed potatoes. Well, maybe the pumpkin pie lovers would be good with it.

Shared lists using Google Keep or Apple Reminders can help everyone stay organized. Create a list of dishes, invite family members to participate, and let each person claim what they're bringing. Changes appear automatically, so everyone knows what's covered and what's still needed.

For those traveling from Elko, Ely, or farther away, a shared list can also help coordinate supplies that might be difficult to find locally. That's especially useful here in Eureka, where forgetting an ingredient isn't always solved by a quick trip to the grocery store.

Bring Distant Family to the Table

Not everyone can make it home for Thanksgiving, particularly when family members live hundreds or thousands of miles apart. Fortunately, video calling has made sharing the holiday easier than ever.

FaceTime, Google Meet, and Zoom allow relatives to join the celebration from virtually anywhere with an internet connection. Set up a tablet or laptop at the dinner table and let distant family members participate in the conversation, share a toast, or catch up with everyone.

You can even record short video messages from family members and share them afterward. Those little moments often become treasured memories long after the leftovers are gone.

Enjoy the Holiday, Not Just the Preparation

Technology shouldn't become another distraction during Thanksgiving. Its purpose is to make the planning easier so you can spend less time worrying about dinner and more time enjoying the people around you.

A little help with meal planning, a shared family list, and a video call to someone who couldn't make the trip can make a meaningful difference.

And once everyone is gathered around the table, consider putting the phones away. After all, the best part of Thanksgiving isn't something you can download.  Happy Thanksgiving, Eureka!

Nevada Outdoorsmen in Wheelchairs (NOW) is a local nonprofit organization that has been providing hunting experiences for people who use wheelchairs since 2008. This special outreach was founded by Chad Bliss 18 years ago while he was serving on the Wildlife Advisory Board for the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). At the time, two hunters with disabilities requested special consideration that Chad knew would be difficult for NDOW to provide. Believing he could personally assist them with their request, he took the two men to Newark Valley to hunt antelope. That initial experience inspired him to create opportunities for wheelchair-bound hunters to enjoy hunting experiences. 

What began as a simple act of kindness quickly grew into a service-oriented, non-profit organization, with a board of directors and corporate sponsors. Initially, Silver State Ranches provided the landowner tags and access to hunting grounds for the first couple of years. Nevada Bighorns Unlimited (NBU) used their legal resources to form the 501(3)C, LLC, and Nigel Harrison has been a board member since its inception.

With the help from Linford Miller, NOW has secured land-owner antelope tags from Diamond Valley farmers. When antelope populations on a property exceed certain levels, landowners can secure landowner tags, which they then donate to NOW. In addition to donating tags, these farmers postpone hunting on their land until the NOW participants have had the opportunity to hunt first. 

Built on the belief that helping others is one of life’s greatest rewards, NOW has discovered that generosity is contagious. What started with helping one or two hunters each year has grown into annual event serving six or seven hunters. Providing these experiences requires the support and commitment from many volunteers, sponsorships, and community partners. The hunts are not just about taking hunters out to fill their tags; they provide a very uniquely Nevada experience. 

Hunters travel from across the country a few days before their hunt. Guests are taken to Osino to tour Jeff Williams’ personal gun museum, a private collection that includes every model of gun from every American war. Participants may also tour a Nevada gold mine or visit Cowboy’s Rest in the Ruby Mountains before heading to Diamond Valley, where they will stay for the next four days. 

Additional activities include fishing at Cold Creek in Newark Valley and target practice at Perdiz Shooting Range. The day concludes with an amazing dinner at Linford and Sue Miller’s house back in Diamond Valley. Throughout the event, NDOW sends a team of people who prepare meals for all involved. 

In the early days, Chad raised money by placing cans on the counters of local businesses, hoping people would donate enough to sponsor at least one hunter each year. As the program grew, donations and support also grew. For the past several years, employees at Southwest Gas Corp. have selected NOW as the recipient of voluntary employee contributions, which are matched by the company. The financial support has helped expand the program and continue its mission.

 “This program has become more of a ministry,” Linford Miller stated while discussing the program. “When these people arrive, they are excited with anticipation, and when they leave, they have become life-long friends.” 

Information about this project is available on their website at https://nevadaoutdoorsman.org

This was an impressive set list considering the students had been practicing for only about ten weeks prior to the concert, and the Concert Band and Pep Band do not regularly rehearse together.

Concert Band members included Russell Rowley, Rylan Pritchett, Aiden Cooley, Orion Miller, Marian Dickover, Mia Goicoechea, Lloyd Morrison, Ronnie Mentaberry, Mae Rowley, and Colten Cooley. Pep Band members included Ladd Rowley, Katja Miller, Audrey Goettle, Kaitlynn Bell, and Boone Tibbits.

The High School Rock Band then took the stage to perform a collection of darker, Halloween-inspired songs, including Back in Black, Smells Like Teen Spirit, Where Is My Mind?, Man in the Box, and Bring Me to Life. Rock Band members included Trypp Brown, Tyler Hoekenga, Ladd Rowley, James Mahoney, and Jenna Clugage.

The Eureka Opera House provided the perfect setting for the evening's performances. The combined Concert Band and Pep Band created a full, well-rounded sound with their large ensemble. The Rock Band featured both new and returning members who performed a high-energy and ambitious set with confidence and skill. James Mahoney served as a confident frontman, while Trypp Brown anchored the band with strong and precise drumming.

Annesa Ashcroft, the high school band teacher, did an outstanding job preparing these students for the concert. Their performances reflected the hard work and dedication they had invested in creating a memorable musical evening for the community.

Below: Rock Band at Eureka Opera House

Above: Unsuspecting visitors

The Eureka County Facilities and Events team, led Brenna Rogne, along with the swimming pool staff, has been busy this month hosting a variety of events for both children and adults. 

The team started The Eureka Theater in September and has since hosted many movie nights. The addition of the movie nights has provided entertainment at the Eureka Opera House for the entire family nearly every weekend, with attendance ranging from 27 to 38 people each showing. 

Pictured right: Cookie decorating

 At the Eureka Museum, Cindy Buetel has done an excellent job organizing and hosting monthly craft days, which continue to be well received by the community. 

Most recently, The Haunted Museum, held on Friday, October 23, was a huge success. Crystal Rikalo and the pool staff did an outstanding job decorating, dressing up, and creating a fun and spooky experience for visitors. Approximately 90 people attended the event. Lots of shrieks and screams echoed throughout the museum, but that only encouraged some brave guests to make a trip through twice. 

The staff hopes to expand the haunting over the next few years. A huge thank you goes out to Cindy, Crystal and the entire pool staff for all their hard work and dedication. It was exciting to see everyone embrace the Halloween spirit and help make the event such a memorable success.

Below: Working with beads

Below: BRIM Pizza Truck

The name BRIM, which stands for Best Restaurant in Montana, was inspired by Heather's brother, who lives in Montana and is pictured in the logo, while the idea for a food truck came from her mother. A great deal of time, effort, and planning went into the design and function of the truck, beginning with a 1989 Vintage Pony Express trailer. The custom pizza oven weighs 1,065 pounds, so the trailer needed to be specially equipped to support its weight. Heather wanted the theme to reflect a country-western style with copper accents.

The pizza dough and special ingredients add to the uniqueness of BRIM's products. To produce the highest-quality pizza possible, Heather uses flour and tomatoes imported from Italy. The dough undergoes a 24- to 72-hour fermentation process before being shaped into pizzas. The final ingredient is a top-secret specialty cheese.

While it took time for the Health Department to complete inspections and officially allow her to open for business, Heather spent that time experimenting with and testing the specially installed oven. On October 17, she received state approval and held a soft opening that exceeded expectations. She quickly sold out of the 55 pizzas she had on hand. BRIM does not currently have set hours, so the best way to check availability is by following the business on Facebook.

Heather plans to hold an official grand opening on December 20, when BRIM will give away a PlayStation 5 during a Facebook Live event. Every customer who has made a purchase from BRIM between the soft opening and the grand opening will receive an entry each time they visit for a chance to win. Heather already has even bigger plans in mind for summer activities.

Heather would like to thank everyone who has supported this adventure, with special appreciation to Heather Mears for serving as BRIM's depot kitchen and to Gina DeValera for her advice and support.

To place a pizza order, call 406-309-4663. Menus are available on the BRIM Woodfired Pizza Co. Facebook page.

Who gets the water? Who cleans the ditch? What happens when somebody takes more than their share? And who gets to decide what a share ought to be?

Suddenly, we have ourselves a government.

I have been thinking about these questions as we report on the proposed water-right changes in Paradise Valley. Those applications deserve careful examination on their own facts. But they also raise an old question: How do free people take care of something they share?

There is a name for this: the commons.

A commons might be a pasture, a fishery, or a shared water source. The important feature is that what one person takes or does can affect what remains available to others.

That does not mean nobody owns anything. Individually held rights can exist within a physically connected system. Owning a water right and sharing a water source can both be true.

Aristotle was wrestling with shared responsibility more than 2,000 years ago. In his “Politics,” he observed that people tend to give less attention to things held in common. Everybody assumes somebody else will handle it.

Apparently, Aristotle had attended a committee meeting.

But he also recognized that a community cannot have nothing in common. The challenge was deciding what should be private, what should be shared, and how the responsibilities should work.

Centuries later, John Locke, whose ideas helped shape American thinking about individual rights, defended private property. Yet he also recognized that land held in common by agreement could not simply be claimed by one person without the consent of the other commoners.

Shared rights were rights, too.

The founders confronted their own versions of this problem. In Federalist No. 7, Alexander Hamilton described western territory ceded to the United States as the “common property of the Union.” He worried about competing claims and the potential for conflict without a common authority to resolve disputes.

Their challenge extended beyond land: How could states meet shared obligations while protecting their independence? How could government have enough authority to function without becoming a threat to liberty?

Those questions have not been retired.

In 1968, biologist Garrett Hardin gave the resource problem a memorable name: “The Tragedy of the Commons.”

Imagine a pasture open to everyone. Each herder benefits from adding another cow, while the cost of the additional grazing is spread among all the herders. Each has an incentive to add animals. Eventually, the pasture suffers and everybody loses.

Hardin’s warning: a decision can benefit the person making it while imposing costs on everyone else.

But political scientist Elinor Ostrom asked what happened when people actually organized to manage shared resources.

She studied communities managing water, forests, fisheries, and pastures. Some failed. Others maintained workable arrangements over generations. Her research helped earn her a share of the 2009 Nobel Prize in economics.

Successful arrangements generally had clear boundaries, rules suited to local conditions, participation by users, monitoring, consequences for violations, and practical ways to settle disputes.

In other words, people did more than hope everybody would behave.

They governed.

Ostrom demonstrated that central control and individual ownership were not the only possibilities. People could build institutions to manage resources together. Courts and public authorities could also play supporting roles.

Hardin later acknowledged that his original argument needed an important qualifier: unmanaged commons.

For those of us inclined to defend individual liberty, Ostrom offers a valuable reminder: People are capable of solving problems together. We should take that capacity seriously.

But liberty also requires accounting for other people’s rights. The freedom to use what belongs to us does not automatically include permission to damage what belongs to somebody else.

That brings us back to the ditch—and to the questions our water reporting must answer.

What changes are proposed? Who could be affected? What does the evidence show? Who bears the financial and societal costs? What protections apply?

We should ask those questions without assuming the applicants are wrong or the neighbors are unreasonable.

Self-government requires more than choosing sides. It requires learning how things work, respecting rights, and accepting responsibility.

Even when—especially when—somebody else was supposed to clean the ditch.

As they say in the movies… R – U – N – N – O – F – T. Bonus if you can name the movie.

My number two sister texted about 3 p.m. Friday and said she knew me to be busy but just in case I could flee and join her and her husband at their cabin in the woods for the weekend that would be just the thing to do.

Because I had mentioned early Friday morning to my son the need for a ticket to a desert island, a cabin in the woods sounded like the next best thing. So I fled. 

The extra special treat about this really wonderful opportunity was that there is no cell service at the cabin in the woods. NONE. Which for a girl like me who routinely carries four potentially connectable devices: laptops, iPad, and phones, the concept of no cell service is frankly, frightening. 

But to a girl like me who arguably is still in possession of half a brain, the potential of having NO cell service sounded like a little slice of heaven. 

And man, was it. 

We slept in these big, fluffy Three Bears beds – just right, and sat in front of a great big fireplace for coffee talk, and we ate lovely food we cooked together working in the kitchen like we did when we were kids, finishing each other’s thoughts and sentences. 

It rained nearly the whole weekend until it snowed, but for about an hour Saturday afternoon the drizzle took a break and we ventured out through woods, down a fabulous little trail, across a burbling creek and down to glorious hot springs. Then we headed back through a verdant meadow and only had to hike up two hills. 

My sister has a pet bird who lives in one of the sugar pines surrounding the cabin – a Steller’s jay named LeeLee. As soon as you step outside, LeeLee starts talking, flies over to where you stand, and tips her little head to look at you. It’s impossible not to think that she is assessing deep in your soul and in some way approving, at least enough to want to hop in your hand to gobble up the sunflower seeds. 

On a day like today when it’s all hands on deck for production and we hustle to meet our 2 p.m. press deadline, as we hop from meetings at the City of Fallon and then the irrigation district and then in Winnemucca, when the City of Fernley has a water system failure of some sort, the train in Ely wants to buy an ad, and the police have been requested to attend the commission meeting in Lovelock tomorrow, the memory of my rest at the cabin in the woods grows further and further away.

But what a lovely, refreshing respite. 

So, while I dream of losing the laptop and the phone and running off again soon to the woods, we’ll always be right here…

…Keeping you Posted. 

Rach

Including, on certain days, myself.

Because knowing how our government works is something we all need to keep working at. And if we expect the next generation to carry on this experiment in self-government, somebody has to show them how.

In his article, “How Kids Can Rescue Civics Education,” Carson describes a civics competition through his American Cornerstone Institute’s Little Patriots program. The idea is to get elementary school students learning about our founding, our Constitution, and the responsibilities of citizenship.

It got me thinking about what children learn about government when nobody is giving them a lesson. What is it kids learn from watching us?

If their introduction to public life is grown-ups calling each other idiots on the internet, we probably should not be surprised when they decide politics is something unpleasant people do on their phones.

If they hear us complain about every decision the school board makes, but never see us read an agenda or attend a meeting, what have we taught them about participation?

And if we insist that everyone who disagrees with us must be either stupid or dishonest, how exactly are they supposed to learn to govern alongside people who think differently than they do?

In “Federalist No. 10,” James Madison explained that differences of opinion and competing interests are part of human nature. Eliminating those differences would require destroying liberty or somehow making everybody think alike. Neither was an acceptable solution. His argument was for a republic designed to control the harmful effects of factions.

Which means learning to be a citizen includes learning that other people get a say. Even when they are wrong. Even when we are absolutely certain they are wrong.

And occasionally, after we have listened and checked a few things, we may discover they had a point.

This is where civics gets a little harder than memorizing the three branches of government.

Although we should probably know those, too.

We need to understand who has the authority to make a decision. What limits apply to that authority. How representatives are chosen. How laws are changed. And what we can do when we believe our government has made a mistake.

The First Amendment protects speech, religious liberty, a free press, peaceful assembly, and the right to petition government for a redress of grievances.

Those are tools people can use. Children ought to see us using them thoughtfully.

A child does not have to be old enough to vote to learn how to ask a good question.

Why is that road closed? Who decides what happens at the park? Where does the school get its money? Why can’t the mayor just change that rule?

There is a civics lesson waiting inside every one of those questions. And we don’t have to know every answer. “I don’t know. Let’s find out” might be one of the most useful things we can say.

We can pull up an agenda together. Read a newspaper story and talk about which facts are established and which questions remain unanswered. Look up a provision in the Constitution instead of relying on what somebody said it means.

We can also let children watch us disagree without being cruel, correct a mistake without making excuses, and lose a vote without deciding the whole system should be burned down.

Schools should have an essential role in teaching civics, but families and communities bear responsibility for that work too.

We are raising future voters, school board members, county commissioners, jurors, and neighbors. They are watching how we handle the responsibility.

What are we teaching them?

My snazzy little dancing footed candy dish sits on the end of a counter that is between the kitchen and the dining room table. The dining room table at my house is where a lot of chitty chatting goes on. Getting to the table requires most of my guests to come through the kitchen from the back door. I had a friend once that told me, “Back door friends are the best.” As with so many rural homes, the back door is used about 98.7564% of the time. So yes, to me, back door friends are the best. When someone comes to visit they usually skitter by my inviting candy dish. What I love, truly love about my guests is that they are comfortable enough to grab a candy or six from that little footed bowl as they go by. How cool is that. To me it is an ultimate compliment when someone feels that comfortably at home in my home. But! Yes, a candy coated “but.” Then there are a few that go by, look, and in trying not to look they seem to ignore the obvious. Those I usually just offer candy to. How many times in a day do you think you ignore the obvious?

For example. Do you ever walk by a clothes hamper, see something that didn’t make it in at all or just part of the way in. And you just keep walking? Ignoring the obvious. All it would take would be to stop, bend and finish the job the last person didn’t finish?  How about going to work and even though you may want a cup of coffee or a glass of water from the water cooler, it’s nearly empty. So you ignore the obvious and skip the drink so you don’t have to make more coffee or change the water bottle. Trust me when I say this; someone is watching you walk by. We have all either walked by, or watched the next guy walk by. Being human is such a show. There may be different players and different acts being acted out, but the show keeps on playing.

Being oblivious to the obvious is not always a bad thing. I like to look the other way when some household or yard chores are needing to be done. Like dusting the bottom shelves of a table. I might take a quick swipe at the front of the shelf, but to go all the way to the back? My ignore button is front and center just waiting to be pushed.  Or getting the last mow of my yard done. I am there now.

The last mow of the season is upon me. I seem to be playing a game in my head. I even used our good friend, Google, obviously. Yes, I googled to find advice of how long to leave my lawn over winter. I was trying to convince myself it isn’t being lazy just a good gardener to leave the lawn just a bit longer than usual. Well just like all the other things on the internet, you look long enough and someone, somewhere at some time has written the answer you really want to find. Yes most said I should mow to the regular length. But! Yes, another, obvious “but.” I finally found one guy who reported and said leave your lawn a bit longer going into the winter. Hey, I lucked out. He even said to not clean out my flower beds. I like this new friend. HAHA He wrote via a google response to my question that I should leave everything longer and alone. His reasoning was so the little bugs and bees and worms and spiders all have little winter habitats. I’m good with that.

Of course I totally agree. If you could see my yard, you would say. “That’s quite obvious Machacek.” Happy Fall Ya’ll.

Trina lives in Diamond Valley north of Eureka, Nevada. She loves to hear from readers. Email her at itybytrina@yahoo.com

Dirty Cello just returned from a tour through Germany, the Czech Republic, and Prague before immediately hitting the road to continue their 2026 tour. Rebecca Roudman, Dirty Cello’s front woman, and her husband, Jason Eckl, flew back to the United States following a recent European tour. During the concert, Jason explained that his guitar and Rebecca’s cello and violin are made of carbon fiber, allowing them to withstand the harsh conditions associated with traveling. Unfortunately, these precautions did not help when they landed in California from Europe only to discover that Rebecca’s cello did not arrive with them. Fortunately, they were able to recover the instrument in time for their concert with the Renegade Orchestra in Davis, California, on Friday, Oct. 17.

Jason and Rebecca then traveled to Eureka, NV to perform at the historic Eureka Opera House, a venue they hand-picked not only for its historic significance, but also to experience the amazing acoustics usually found in historic theaters. They very graciously told the audience they were glad to have chosen such an amazing venue, describing the Opera House as one of the best renovated and maintained historic opera houses they have seen.

Dirty Cello is a San Fransico-based band that transforms familiar rock and country songs into high energy, bluesy numbers. The audience was not surprised when they opened the concert with “Orange Blossom Special,” and loved their unique rendition which showcased their signature bluegrass style. They masterfully performed songs like Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog,” Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit,” and Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” transforming well-known classics into a high-energy performance, instrumentally lead by Rebecca’s cello and powerful vocals.

Throughout the show, Jason shared stories from their travels, explaining how their experiences had inspired many of their original songs, which they performed between hits. One such song was written after they overheard a couple arguing in a Denny’s restaurant about onion rings, which they appropriately named “Onion Rings.”

Although Dirty Cello typically performs as a six-member band, Rebecca and Jason very masterfully performed as a duo. Their musicianship, energy, and stage presence filled the Opera House with the sound and excitement of a much larger ensemble.

Dirty Cello returned to California the day after their Eureka concert to perform in Nevada City. For those who missed the concert, or for those who would like to see them again, they will perform at Pigeon Head Brewery in Reno on Halloween, before heading to Australia for a week-long tour.

My name is Diana Kersey and my husband, Dale and I own Truckin’ Water, Inc. in Crescent Valley. I am originally from Virginia. We have 6 children and 7 grandchildren. I love spending time with family.

What brought you to Crescent Valley and when did you move here?

My husband Dale got a job with Barrick and moved to Nevada from New Mexico in 2011. At the time we were dating and I lived in Virginia. Dale moved our youngest daughter and I from Virginia in 2013 to Crescent Valley, NV.

What experiences or skills have prepared you to serve on the CV Town Board?

My father started and ran his own business for over 50 years in Virginia. I learned a lot from him and how he ran his business and the things he did for that community. I worked for a major contracting company in Virginia and moved here in 2013. Dale and I took over Truckin’ Water in August 2014. I feel that I have learned a lot over the years and what it means to live in a small community and want to do my part in helping everyone here.

What are three top issues facing Crescent Valley Town Board?

Our biggest issue is trying to get more people in our community to be involved with the town board. We can’t make this town better without the support of the entire community.

Second issue is making sure that we have enough in our sheriff, fire and EMS departments here in town to help our community. Things have gotten better over the past year.

Third issue is making sure that our community has what we need to make Crescent Valley a great place to live.

Is there anything you would like to add that wasn’t covered in the questions?

Crescent Valley is a wonderful place to live. Over the past 13 years, I have come to love living here. It is quiet and peaceful. Moving from Virginia where the weather was hot and humid to Nevada where the weather is a lot drier was a big change, but it is so beautiful to be able to look at the sky at night and see all the beautiful stars and even the Milky Way.

I truly love our quiet little community and the people who call it home. I enjoy working alongside my fellow Town Board members and our County Commissioners to help make our community a better place for everyone.

During my time serving our community, we have made several improvements to the Community Center, and we are continuing to work toward bringing walking path and exercise equipment to our Town Park. I am also working to try and get more mail boxes and parcel lockers added to our current location so that we don’t have to go to Carlin. I believe these improvements can provide more opportunities for families, seniors, and residents of all ages to enjoy our community.

I am asking for your vote so I can continue serving our community and doing everything I can to help make it an even better place to live. I am proud to call this community home, and I would be honored to continue working for you.

Tony

Oh, my goodness, my college picks were solid last week, going an impressive 3-0, all winning easily. We won’t talk about the NFL. There is an interesting slate of games this week in both college and the NFL. Remember, please don’t listen to me and lose your money.

Florida vs. Georgia (-10.5): The world’s largest cocktail party is back, just not in Jacksonville. Florida is one of the biggest wild cards this season. Play well one week, look like crap another. Georgia has its sights set on a national championship. Georgia 38, Florida 20

Nevada (+22.5) at UCLA: N-E-V-A-D-A, Nevada! Look at the boys up on North Virginia Street. There are signs of life for the Wolf Pack. UCLA is ranked No. 7 in the nation and has been one of the biggest surprises of the season under first-year head coach Bob Chesney. The weather could be iffy. UCLA 31, Nevada 21

Northwestern (+3.5) at Oregon: What was set to be one of Oregon’s best teams has cratered into a season to forget. Oregon’s season was over when Dante Moore was hurt on the brutal hit against USC in September. It has been disfunction ever since. The nerds go into Eugene and beat the party school. Northwestern 28, Oregon 21

Cardinals at Cowboys (-7.5): How bout them Cowboys! Are they fully back? We will see. However, the Cardinals are the Cardinals and Dallas should easily win. One of these days, the Cowboys’ defense will actually play up to their ability. Just run the ball. Meanwhile, Arizona is the same old story. Cowboys 31, Cardinals 13

Bears at Seahawks (-3.5): This very well could be a preview of the NFC Championship. These are two of the better teams in the NFL. The Bears’ Caleb Williams is the real deal at QB. Seattle is one of the toughest places to play and their defense is elite. If this game was in Chicago, it could be the opposite outcome. Seahawks 24, Bears 20

Ravens at Bills (-3.5): Will the real Baltimore Ravens team please raise your hand. What is going on? Where is Lamar Jackson? Do you play him? Is he completely healthy? We have no answers to those questions. The Bills are the better team and playing at home. Bills 28, Ravens 17

Last week

College: 3-0

NFL: 0-3

Season

College: 11-16

NFL: 7-12-1

Robert

East Carolina (-4 ½) over Temple: After Temple lost 38-31 to Charlotte two weeks ago, Temple head coach Casey Keller called it the single most embarrassing game of his career. Charlotte was 0-6 and had scored 55 points in five games against FBS opponents, averaging 217 yards per game, but got 449 yards and those 38 points against Temple. Maybe the Temple players are equally as embarrassed, but that defense also gave up 505 yards the week before to UConn and 536 to Toledo. East Carolina has blown leads and lost in overtime two consecutive weeks. I’m not high on the work of new offensive coordinator Jordan Davis so far, but I am high on the leadership of head coach Blake Harrell and I believe the Pirates play their best game of the season here. 

San Diego St. (-2 ½) over Washington St.: Freshman QB Stone Saunders got his first start last week and the Aztecs scored 49 points in a 56-49 loss to Colorado St. So why am I laying 2 ½ with a team that just gave up 56 points? Partly because, if you discard a game against Duquesne, Washington State hasn’t scored 56 points combined in any two games this season. Running back Lucky Sutton is back for the Aztecs after missing a couple games; youngster Javion Kinnard has emerged as a good RB2 and now that the Aztecs found someone who can complete a pass, I think they’re undervalued. The Cougars don’t run or pass well and the Aztecs will keep them winless against FBS opponents.  

Fresno St. (+6) over Oregon St.: This very well could be a fool’s errand, betting against a 5-2 Oregon St. team that is 6-1 against the spread, with the only non-cover coming by a half-point against Washington St. I really like Oregon St. coach Jamarcus Shepherd, and it’s possible they’re just going to steamroll the rest of the new Pac-12, at least until they run into Boise St. in a couple of weeks. But the best team they’ve beaten is Montana, and the forecast calls for rain Saturday night in Fresno. QB Braden Atkinson had astounding numbers as a freshman last year at Mercer and even better this year at OSU, but if he can do it in the rain in a hostile road setting and win by a TD or more, then I’ll tip my cap.

Lions (-3 ½) over Vikings: Just like almost everyone expected, the last unbeaten team is the one with Kyler Murray at quarterback. Of course, they’re only 24^th in the NFL in scoring and 29^th in yards per game, but they’ve done it by allowing only 12 points per game. But nothing stays the same in the NFL for long. An early Lions’ score, a couple of Kyler Murray interceptions, and nobody is undefeated anymore.

Raiders (+1 ½) over Jets: Coming off of four consecutive losses, the Raiders have a fever, and the cure is more cowbell. Oops, sorry, I mean the cure is facing the Jets. Got a little carried away there watching some old YouTube videos. Even in a couple of their defeats, the Raiders have been feisty, and facing the feeble Jets offense should be just what the Raiders need to get back in the W column.

Chiefs (-1) at Broncos: The Chiefs got smacked by a Seahawks team that had lost two consecutive games and was playing in front of its frenzied 12s in prime time. But now they’re back in the AFC West they have dominated until Mahomes’ injury wrecked last season. 

Last Week

College: 2-1

NFL: 2-0-1

Season

College: 15-12

NFL: 14-6-1

Michigan State at UCLA (-14) It has been a very long time since the team that plays in the Rose Bowl has been the best team in Los Angeles. The Bruins are starting a new QB after losing Nico Iamaleava to injury. The long trip does no favors to the Spartans.

UCLA 34, Michigan State 10

Vanderbilt at Kentucky (-11): Kentucky, a football school. It sure looks like it. What kind of alternate universe are we in? Vandy is nowhere near what it was last year.

Kentucky 41, Vanderbilt 17

USC at Wisconsin (+3): Just because I can’t stand USC and Lincoln Riley. Wisconsin is better than most think. The Trojans will have trouble going on the road.

Wisconsin 27, USC 21

Colts at Vikings (-6.5): This should be an easy win for Minnesota, right? The Colts just fired their GM and the coach could be next. The owner is on the sideline, taking notes on who’s naughty or nice.

The Vikings are one of the three undefeated teams left. Hopefully, Minnesota doesn’t turn into Minnesota.

Vikings 30, Colts 13

Rams at Raiders (04.5): The Rams were supposed to go undefeated; They were the best team ever. How has that gone for them? Sean McVay is waiting for the season to end to get into the Monday Night Football booth.

Meanwhile inside the Death star, is it time to bring in Mendoza to play QB for the Raiders. A 3-0 start has quickly turned bad. Rams win but not by the spread.

Rams 24, Raiders 23

Packers (+3) at Lions: You can flip a coin on this one. What Green Bay team shows up? What Detroit team shows up? The Packers are playing just a bit better now and get Josh Jacobs back and that should help. If the real Lions show up it could be bad. I am hoping that     doesn’t happen.

Packers 27, Lions 24 

Last week

College: 1-2

NFL: 1-2

Season

College: 8-16

NFL: 7-9-1