Chris Gilbert

Based on the state's determination, Grass Valley's new Fire Tax, Measure B, will take effect October first. The three-eighths-of-a-percent sales tax increase was approved by voters during the March Primary elections. The city will receive approximately 75-percent of the estimated annual revenue, or about two-million dollars, for the rest of the fiscal year, or through June 30th. The City Council passed an expenditure plan at their recent meeting. City Manager Tim Kiser reiterated that it'll be split 50-50 between resiliency and vegetation mitigation. He said resiliency includes moving closer to the national standard, by increasing from two to three firefighters per engine. Also, implementing a vegetation management and inspection program, with the goal to cover all parcels by the end of the year…

We're now in the getting-to-know period for Nevada County's new Senior Center, which opened earlier this month. Speaking recently on “KNCO: Insight”, the Executive Director of Gold Country Senior Services, Leslie Lovejoy, said they're trying to balance interests and timing. But she said the reaction to what's called the “Sierra Gold Senior Community Center” has been great…

Veterans make up less than half of one-percent of the American population. But they make up almost 10-percent of the International City/County Management Association. The group has established a Veterans Recognition Award. The top three candidates receive a plaque. And that included Nevada County Human Resources Director Steve Rose. He was a surprised recipient at Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting. It was presented by Western Regional Director Pat Martel. Rose is a retired Air Force officer, with 25 years of service. He joined the county in 2018…

Nevada County has a new Public Works Director. But he's a familiar face. David Garcia started with the county in 2007. He'll oversee 86 staff members across six programs and a 70-million dollar budget…

Three drug-related arrests to report in Grass Valley. Police Detective Sergeant, Dale Norvell, says it began with a traffic stop on South Auburn Street. He says the vehicle was subject to a search warrant issued by the court. And that's where officers arrested two local residents, 34-year-old Joel Davis and 33-year-old Eva Heppting. Also taken into custody was a Nevada City man, identified as 33-year-old Jacob Karkanen…

A major step has been taken toward modernizing Nevada City's municipal code, in regard to nuisances. But, during the second public hearing held this month at the City Council meeting, a number of people, including some councilmembers, wondered why it was needed at all. City Attorney Dean Pucci clarified that the current regulations haven't been updated in over 40 years. He said it's also a quality of life issue…

The investigation of Tuesday afternoon's fire at the Everhart Hotel Apartments in Grass Valley has been completed. And Fire Chief Mark Buttron says it was an accidental cause. But he says the elevator shaft wasn't the actual source of the blaze. He says it was a mechanical room above it on the roof…

California is trying to make it easier to cash in empty beverage containers, with more than 250 new recycling sites across 30 counties funded by innovation awards. And Nevada County Public Works Director David Garcia says that includes so-called reverse vending machines, with one to be located at the Save Mart in the Fowler Center. You simply put your containers in it, and you get back the redemption value on the spot. Governor Newsom recently highlighted CalRecycle's award of nearly 70-million dollars in grants that will add dynamic methods…

Classic car enthusiasts are gearing up for the Roamin' Angels 23rd annual show on Saturday. Jade Southworth is co-owner of Gold Country Classic Cars in Nevada City, with her finance, Sergio Edell. Around 300 unique vehicles are expected to be featured at the Bodhi Hive, on Providence Mine Road, which was formerly called the Tech Center.

10 creative ways to find closure after the death of a loved one—with the potential for surprising consequences and priceless benefits.