Issuu

Shining a light on all of Eureka County.Our Mission: Inform, enlighten, educate and entertain—Enjoy the

Is this you? Driving’s P.M’s.

By Trina Machacek

Oen times we all have those moments when we have to do something that we really know we should either reschedule or just cancel altogether. It could very easily involve driving in inclement weather. But. Yes, an inclement, cold, wet, windy “but.” It’s a human nature thing to always think, “I can do it.” When in reality that little voice gnashing and gnawing a tunnel in the back of our heads tells us we are either crazy or an idiot to even try to travel on ice and snow, through mud, muck and flooding water or through wind that blows 50-plus miles per hour. Yes, we are all that person.

Forever we will always think all those people in the ditch off the side of the road will never be us. However, that does not stop us from having a series of what I call P.M’s. Or Pucker Moments. I was very, very careful with my first new car. When it was new. But aer the first time someone ran into the back of it and it had to go to the car surgeon, it became more of a tank rather than the princess. As a tank my 1973 and one half, (made in June) and I went places that a Ford Pinto should have never gone. ere was a time when we drove off a teeny cliff and ended up in the bottom of a gravel pit out in the middle of an in descript piece of sagebrush where there was a party going on. Yes, that was one of the first of many pucker moments I can remember.

It’s amazing as we all get more and more candles on our birthday cupcakes, how many good, bad and laughable PMs we have come through. P.M.’s where luck certainly plays a major roll. I do think that skill also plays a roll.

Recently winter arrived with fury to my neck of the woods. I had to get to an appointment that would take me a couple of hundred miles. I could have easily changed the date. I could have easily rescheduled without any trouble or cause nary a bubble in the atmosphere. But did I? Did I become the grown-up and use my head for something besides a hat rack? Nope.

I watched the weather. e western forecast comes on the weather channel every hour at ten to the hour. I waited several times for ten to the hour to come along as my appointment date got closer and closer. e red and blue blobs of weather started to seep into the Pacific Ocean side and then onto the western shores of the U.S.A. Did I think about how stupid I was for even thinking about driving in winter? Yes, but I am not the one that would end up in some ditch. No way. Does that sound familiar to you? Besides that, my P.M.’s have amazing power.

e morning of travel started at 6 a.m. and it was dark and surprisingly enough the roads at my house were clear. Oﬀ we go, into the wild blue—well black yonder. About 20 some miles into the drive the road turned wet. Twentyfive miles in and I was on ice and thirty miles in and through the next 75 there was ice and snow and wind. I’m here to tell you the P.M. moments were many as I was sliding along.

e story ends well. Well at least the snow and ice were cleared oﬀ the road on the trip home. e frozen road was replaced by winds the strength of what could be described as bean produced gasses coming from the back side of Godzilla. Yes, that strong. So the pucker moments got a good work out going and coming home that day.

We can, and do, convince ourselves of many things. at just one donut will not lead to another. With sprinkles. at because we are approved for a half a million-dollar home that we can actually aﬀord it comfortably and still put a bean on the dinner table every night. And that we will never be that person in the ditch in a snow storm because we can drive in any condition.

I need to pay attention to my P.M.’s more. As do we all. ose pucker moments, when the back end of your vehicle slides just a little bit, when you meet a semi coming at you in a rain or snow storm and your windshield gets covered before you can turn on your wipers, when a sudden strong gust of wind pushes on your vehicle and the steering wheel gets pulled from your hand for a split second… Each one is a pucker moment, that I hope I and you can learn from. And try to avoid in the future.

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

Hello Winter Finally

Here are a few winter scenes around Eureka the morning of February 18, 2026.

By Trina Machacek-and Mother Nature

Rural Nevada is as unique as her people. ey live where the air is so clean and clear you can see forever! at is never so true as it is aer a winter snow storm when the air has been “cleaned” by the falling of the snow.

Well, it took waiting out the first 60 days of winter to finally see an appreciable amount of snow in Nevada.

Of course the Sierra’s got a good dump, as one would expect. e midsection of the state also got blizzard conditions that were seen from the northern border down to Pioche. And if you were up at 3 a.m. you would have seen the blowing snow circling around street lights like fairy dust.

For the past couple of weeks the weather men and women nearly screamed at us the “e snow is coming! e snow is coming!” Well over night on February 17-18 moisture did arrive, on wings of wind that blew up to 50 miles per hour through Eureka County. With it came snow. e mountain passes were treacherous and the valleys were attacked by the Eureka County Road Department with plows and sand and salt. roughout the county the crews hit the roads early in the morning and kept up the pace until the main roads were sanded and safe for all to travel on. ank you, gentlemen, and to Scooter Mentaberry for his leadership of his crew since taking over as Assistant Public Works Director, from Ray Hodson who retired this past spring. Eureka townsite was covered with about 3 - 4 inches of snow that holds some moisture, but not enough to catch us up to what will be needed this coming spring and summer. Central Nevada averages about 47-48 inches of snow in a winter. is storm put down 3-5 inches in Diamond Valley; the inches

Repairs in Full Swing at Eureka County Swimming Pool

e Eureka County Swimming Pool is closed beginning for at least six weeks while we resurface the pool and make updates to the floors and deck. is work will help keep the space safe, clean, and ready for years of use. From Crystal Rikalo, the director at the pool, the project is expected to take about six weeks. We appreciate your patience while these improvements are underway and look forward to welcoming you back soon! Scan the QR code to learn more about pool programs and hours here:

are proud to announce the Honor Roll for the first semester of the 2025-26 school year in this issue. See the story and full list on page 3.

Drive-Up Window

Eureka is about to get its first drive-up window! Yes, according to Shawn at the newly designed EZ Stop, when it opens up there will be a drive-up window on the front side of the building. e window will be open for late night needs when the door will at times be locked at 9 p.m. for safety reasons. More to come as the build continues.

Happy

Birthday America

What do you want to do with the 250 Celebration in Eureka?! Brenna Rogne is the Eureka County Events Coordinator and she may need some ideas of what we can do in our communities to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the creation of the United States in 2026. What say you Eureka County? Any wants, needs and ideas. Contact us at the Star with your ideas email trina@theeurekacountystar.com, or let Brenna in on your ideas email BRogne@eurekacountynv.gov.

If there were milk in these cans, it would be ice cream! 24 degrees. Photo by Trina Machacek.

Take time to sit for a spell and enjoy where you live. Main Street in Eureka. Photo Trina Machacek.

If you know Trina and her kitties, you know of her pink slippers! Photo by Dana Lee Fruend.

increased towards the north end. Crescent Valley reported maybe 2 inches on the valley floor.

e mountains received a grateful few feet on the north facing slopes but there are still huge patches of bare spots on the hills and mountains in the county.

e probability of more is yet to be seen. If you have heard stories of late winter weather you will know that it is possible to get enough snow into April and May. Old timers may recall the deadly winter of 1948-49, when feed was air lied by the U.S. Air Force to stranded cattle in eastern Nevada during those late April snowstorms. So we are not out of the winter woods yet.

Johnny’s Tech Corner

By Johnny Fitzgerald

If you’ve ever stepped out into a Eureka winter morning with a fully charged phone, only to see it drop to 30% before you reach the post oﬃce, you’re not imagining things.

Cold weather is hard on batteries. And up here, where winter isn’t just a season but a personality trait, it matters. Whether you’re checking road conditions on Highway 50 or making sure you can call for help in a dead zone, your phone isn’t just entertainment. It’s a safety tool. So let’s talk about why batteries struggle in the cold — and three simple things you can do about it.

1. Keep It Warm (But Not too Warm)

Phone batteries rely on a chemical reaction to hold and release power. Cold temperatures slow that reaction down. When your phone gets below freezing, it may look like it’s draining fast, but oen the battery just can’t deliver power eﬃciently.

e fix is simple:

• Keep your phone in an inside jacket pocket, close to your body.

• Don’t leave it sitting on the dashboard overnight.

• Avoid mounting it directly in front of a freezing air vent.

Here’s the interesting part: once the phone warms back up, the battery percentage oen “recovers.” at sudden drop from 60% to 20% may inch back up aer a few minutes indoors.

2. DoN’t CHarge It WHIle It’s FreezINg

is one surprises people.

Charging a lithium battery when it’s below freezing can actually stress the battery in the long term. If your phone has been sitting in a cold car, bring it inside and let it warm up for 15–20 minutes before plugging it in.

Modern phones are smart enough to protect themselves. You might even see a message that says charging is paused due to temperature. at’s a good thing. If you travel oen in winter:

• Keep a small power bank in your jacket pocket (not the glove box).

• Avoid cheap no-name chargers–looking at you Temu! Stick with reputable brands. A little caution now can extend your battery’s lifespan for years.

3. turN oN Battery proteCtIoN settINgs

Both iPhone and Android phones now include built-in tools to help your battery last longer over time. on iphone:

• Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging

• Make sure Optimized Battery Charging is turned on. on android (varies slightly by brand):

• Go to Settings > Battery

• Look for Adaptive Charging or Battery Protection

ese features slow charging overnight and reduce battery wear. also helpful in winter:

• Lower screen brightness. is is my go-to for battery savings. Biggest impact!

• Turn oﬀ Bluetooth if you’re not using it.

• Close apps you’re not actively using.

You don’t need to do all this all the time. But on long drives across the high desert, every bit helps. Cold weather isn’t going anywhere. But a dead phone at the wrong moment doesn’t have to be part of the deal. A little awareness and a few small adjustments can keep your most important tool working when you need it most. Stay warm out there, Eureka!

Johnny is an insuﬀerable Gen-Xer who escaped Southern California before the next Big One sinks it into the Pacific. He now calls Eureka home and refuses to leave. He can be reached for questions, comments, and ideas at JohnnyFEureka@gmail.com

Trees will need all the drinks they can get this spring and summer. Photo by Trina Machacek.

eureka County school Honor roll

Trina Machacek with information submitted from Amanda Rosner-ECSD Counselor Secretary

e Star strives to put as much information in the pages of your community newspaper about the amazing students we have in our schools. While doing the “Our Past” section of e Star we oen see the lists of students and their accomplishments. To that end we contacted Amanda Rosner, Eureka County School District Counselor’s Secretary and she graciously supplied us with the names of the students who earned their place on the first semester Honor Roll from Eureka County. We hope that putting these accomplishments in the paper that someday in the future they will see themselves in the “Our Past” of this paper in 25, 50 or more years from today.

Amada reports, “We have 150 students in 7th through 12th grade and 82 of those are on the honor roll. Achieving a grade point average of 3.55 to 4.0.” We hope to work with the school and Amada when the second semester of the 2025-26 school year Honor Roll is announced. And next year and the next and the next...

Congratulations to the students on the following list and to the teachers who give our kids the yearning to learn.

Upcoming Choir Concert

By Hayleigh

Snow, Skies, and Adventure

By Audrey and Libby

Imagine crisp mountain air, fresh powder under your feet, and two full days of winter adventure with your friends. Brian Head Resort in Utah oﬀers amazing slopes for beginners and experienced riders, so everyone can find something they love. e ski trip will be a fun adventure to go on! Here are some of the details about it!

It will be held on March 5-6 for grades 5, 6, 7, and 8! Also, on March 12-13 there will be a ski trip for grades 9-12! We will be going to Brian Head Resort. We will leave the high school on March 5th at 4 p.m. and stay overnight in Parowan, UT.

ere will be breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided on Friday. ere will also be a pool at the hotel, and there will be time for the participants to enjoy it before we go to the resort!

Here is the history of the Ski Trip!

On March 3, at 5:30 p.m., the high school choir program will be singing to the theme of “Love rough the Ages.” ey will be singing songs such as Paul Anka’s “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” released in 1959. Choir teacher, Mrs. Bell said, “I am impressed that some of the songs voted for were from over 50 years ago!” ere will also be more current songs such as “Lovely” by Billie Eilish, which also happens to be their lowest pitch! Please come to this performance at Eureka Elementary School.

Oﬀ to a Running Start

By Mae and Brody

Junior High Track is starting soon, and students are getting ready for the 2026 season. is year's head coach will be Dorothy Rowley, and the assistant coach will be Janine Mello.

If you like to run, jump, hurdle, throw, and more, this is the sport for you. Track is an individual sport, with contributions to the team or yourself, as a representative for Eureka Junior High. Track is not just on you though; try to do your personal best, do what you love, and contribute to the team.

e variety of events accommodate the participants’ strengths. For example, if you do not enjoy running, you could do jumping or throwing events, such as high jump, discus, or shotput. If you do enjoy running, you could run the mile or relays.

In conclusion, Track is starting soon, we have amazing coaches, and this is a fun sport with many activities to do.

is program started in 1988 and was originally funded by the Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (BADA). Aer several years, BADA no longer funded this recreation program. To salvage this program, the Juvenile Probation Department approached the Eureka County Commissioners and requested funds to continue the recreation programs already established and sponsored by the Eureka County Juvenile Probation Department. is request was granted, and the Eureka Ski Program continues. We hope that lots of people come and have lots of fun!

is newest addition to e Eureka County Star will feature items sent to us by students from the Eureka County Schools. Specifically, but not limited to, the 7th and 8th graders whom we are proudly supplying copies of our weekly papers to throughout the school year. Education through the newspaper...What an idea!

Photo by Brian Head Resort.

A few of The Stars of Our Little Ants pieces. We are so blessed by them all.

Submissions from Eureka County 7th & 8th Grade Students

The Eureka County Star H

Don’t miss a single word. We hope you subscribe, don’t miss the next issue!

e Eureka County Star

Natural wound cover 5. Londoners, casually

Ruckus

French "she" 15. Reason for a tot’s cranky outburst

Top-notch, informally

Christmas ditty

18. __ Sketch (drawing toy)

19. Facts

20. Metaphorical youngster

23. Lauder who was born Josephine Esther Mentzer

24. Golfer’s accessory 25. Sea Captain knighted by Elizabeth I 33. Scanner spec

Skunky quality 37. "Rabbit food" 38. Indian music 40. Dental care brand 43. Egghead 44. Word after sing or string

Breakaway bunch 48. Cunning 49. Picnic side 53. Breathe it 54. Joined, as metals 58. Speaking frankly, informally 63. Green card outfit 65. Old Bristol-Myers toothpaste

66. Woman of the future 67. With little color

68. Calculate a sum

Luke’s princess sister

Tale descriptor

__ of one’s own medicine

Genesis locale

Hearing or touch

Hoof beat sounds

On the ball

Accepted doctrine

Rare blood type (abbr.)

Grow dimmer

Pantry pest

Pod veggie

Roman emperor

Classic sneakers

"Much __ About Nothing"

Neither partner

FROM OUR PAST

Eureka has a varied and long history. e snippets we oﬀer here are drawn from the Eureka Sentinels of our past. Enjoy!

25 Years Ago

February 22, 2001

Eureka County School District Spelling Bee Winners

e Spelling Bee awards for the year 2001 have been announced.

6th Grade Winner is John Russell, son of Kim and Kevin Russell: 7th Grade Winner is Amber Ward, daughter of Dave and Pam Ward; 8th Grade winner is Aimee Lawrence, daughter of Lynette Anderson. ese students will represent Eureka in Las Vegas at the Nevada State Spelling Bee on March 3.

50 Years Ago

February 28, 1976

Local Medics Win Certiﬁcates

An informal graduation ceremony was held ursday, Feb. 19 at the high school for 14 members who completed 81 hours of instruction and practice and are now qualified as emergency medical technicians.

Dr. Hans Wustoﬀ, medical advisor, presented certificates and badges to the following: Eva Berry, Rita Brown, Greg Collinwood, Bobbie Damele, Nita Damele, Billie Earp, Dannette Hammond, Marge Hammond, Mark Hoekenga, Judi Klindt, Joe Marion, Bertie Morrison, Lloyd Morrison and Bob Raine.

Bill Webb, instructor from the northeastern Nevada services and Maribeth Wallack, the local training oﬃcer, spoke to the class and guests. Following a presentation of humorous certificated, sandwiches, mints, coﬀee and tea were served. Eva Beery and Bobbie Damele were in charge of the program.

(Editor’s Note: Eureka EMS is looking for volunteers for our county today and every day. Contact Nichole Cooley at ncooley@eurekacountynv.gov to be part of this amazing team and service.)

100 Years Ago

February 26, 1926

Death of Benjamin Rowland

Benjamin Rowand, who arrived here several months ago from Battle Mountain, Nevada, died at the County Hospital last Saturday night following an attack of acute Bright’s disease. Shortly aer arriving here he went to work at the Eureka-Holly mine, but was soon aer taken ill and about a month ago was admitted to the hospital, since which time he has been gradually failing. Nothing has so far been learned of any relatives. He was 55 years of age.

(Editor’s Note: Bright’s disease is a historical term for kidney disease (nephritis) characterized by albumin in the urine, edema (swelling), and hypertension.)

"Technical Fowl" by Mark McClain

Eureka County Commissioners News&Notes

Market Prices and Notes Sponsored by your Commissioners: Rich McKay, Marty Plaskett and Mike Schoenwald

eureka County sheriﬀ’s oﬃce rebuilding Volunteer search and rescue program

Submitted by Kala Scott CEO Market Share PR-PR Firm hired by Commissioners

e Eureka County Sheriﬀ’s Oﬃce is working to rebuild its volunteer Search and Rescue program, with plans to recruit residents from both Eureka and Crescent Valley in the coming weeks.

MARKET AND PRICES

Eureka produces some important products that are delivered world wide. Here we will endeavor to report up-to-date market prices for Eureka County produced products. Let us know how we are doing or if we need to adjust our list. These are spot prices as of our Friday Deadlines. Prices: February 20, 2026

Corner Sheriff’s Corner

Two announcements from the Eureka County Sheriﬀ’s Department came through this past week.

Sheriﬀ Miles Umina said the program is a required function under Nevada law and an important public safety service for a rural county like Eureka. e program will be volunteer-based and structured to serve both ends of the county. Oﬃcials emphasized that Search and Rescue is not limited to highly technical climbers or backcountry experts.

“ere are so many diﬀerent jobs that can be done,” said Undersheriﬀ Chad Cobb, who will lead the program. “It’s not just hiking to the top of a mountain. We need people who can help with communications, logistics, supplies, and coordination.”

Volunteers may assist with radio operations, tracking equipment, organizing supplies, or supporting search teams in the field. Ranchers with horses, residents with oﬀ-road vehicles, retired law enforcement professionals and community members with organizational skills can all play a role.

“ere’s a place for people with diﬀerent abilities and diﬀerent skill sets,” Cobb said. “We’re looking to build something that’s inclusive.”

Search and Rescue teams are critical in rural counties, where vast open land, remote roads and changing weather conditions can quickly turn routine outings into emergencies. Whether responding to a lost hunter, a stranded traveler or a missing person report, local volunteers can help provide faster response and coordinated support.

e sheriﬀ said the eﬀort to rebuild the program is also part of a broader focus on communication and community trust.

“We have a lot going on,” he said. “We look forward to communicating all about it.”

Town hall meetings are being planned in both Eureka and Crescent Valley to share details about how the program will operate and what volunteers can expect. Oﬃcials said hosting meetings in both communities is intentional.

“We want this to be equal,” the sheriﬀ said. “Both communities’ matter. is is for the entire county.”

Residents who are interested in volunteering will be required to complete an application through the county’s NeoGov system and undergo a background check. Oﬃcials said the screening process is necessary because volunteers may handle sensitive information and work alongside law enforcement personnel.

County leaders plan to share additional information through social media; the Eureka County Connect e-newsletter and local newspapers as details are finalized.

“is is an exciting time,” Cobb said. “We’re building it from the ground up, and people have an opportunity to be part of something important for the community.”

Details about upcoming town halls and application instructions will be announced once finalized.

January Stats and Department Announcements

JaNuary 2026 patrol

Michael Trumble was sworn in as one of our new Sergeant. Sergeant Trumble will be overseeing Detention Operations for ECSO. Let us congratulate him on this new chapter in his career!

We also want to have the residents to join us in congratulating Deputy Dalton Kemp on successfully completing his Field Training Oﬃcer (FTO) program! Finishing FTO is no small accomplishment — it represents dedication, learning, and commitment to serving our community with professionalism and integrity. We’re proud of the hard work you’ve put in and excited to see you continue to grow.

ank you for your dedication to Eureka County Sargent Trumble and Deputy Dalton and be safe in working to keep our communities safe.

Eureka County Sheriff’s Office Serving Since 1873. In partnership with the community, we endeavor to operate a Sheriff’s Office with a focus on preventing and investigating crime in a moral, ethical, and legal manner. Our primary focus is the safety and well-being of our citizens.

Michael Trumble and Sheriff Miles Umina.

Deputy Dalton Kemp.

Eureka Meetings, Courts and Arrest Recaps February 11 — 18, 2026

Editor’s note from Trina Machacek, Publisher-Editor of e Eureka County Star

Dear Residents and Readers,

It is our intent to bring you local government information in a timely manner. We obtain local news as it comes to us from local individuals and our staﬀ. If you take anything away from this note, as you read our reports of meetings and gatherings, remember this. When reading the recaps we publish: “Two people can hear the same things at a meeting or gathering and come away with two very diﬀerent points of view. Just ask your family what you heard and what was said at your last family gathering. YIKERS! I am trying to report as best I can in our little community. If you ever feel the need to say something, have questions about things in e Star, please contact me about the content of our lovely and much-loved newspaper. I welcome your notes to: trina@theeurekacountystar.com.”

Submitted Articles

Arrest Recaps

For the dates of February 11, 2026 – February 18, 2026, there were no arrests reported. Justice Court News

Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the Eureka County Justice Court, Justice of the Peace Dorothy Rowley presiding, was present and prepared to conduct a misdemeanor bench trial in the matter of the State of Nevada vs. Kevin Larue Cain, Case Number 25 CR 00065 7D.

Present at 701 South Main Street in Eureka was Defendant Cain representing himself. Present on behalf of the State of Nevada was Eureka County Deputy District Attorney Holli Else, Esq.

The State of Nevada, along with the law enforcement officers subpoenaed to testify, was prepared to move forward with a misdemeanor bench trial on charges of count I: operating bicycle on wrong side of roadway, a misdemeanor in violation of NRS 484B.777, NRS 484B.763, NRS 484B.200, and NRS 484A.705; count II: open container, a misdemeanor in violation of NRS 484.150 and NRS 484B.763; and count III: obstruction, a misdemeanor in violation of NRS 197.190. Defendant Cain informed the Court he was not prepared because he had witnesses that he wasn’t able to subpoena and call to Court to testify on his behalf. The Court allowed a continuance of this matter. The trial was reset to February 25, 2026.

Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the Eureka County Justice Court, Justice of the Peace Dorothy Rowley presiding, conducted a preliminary hearing in the matter of State of Nevada v. Wayne Alan Harms in Case Number 26 CR 00006 7D.

Present in person at 5041 Tenabo Avenue in Crescent Valley was Defendant Harms with his defense counsel Jane Eberhardy, Esq., Eureka County Public Defender. Present on behalf of the State of Nevada was Holli Else, Esq., Eureka County Deputy District Attorney.

The State presented testimony from a one law enforcement officer, who was also cross-examined by defense counsel. After considering the testimony and any argument presented, the Court bound the case over to District Court for further proceedings.

This matter will be set for arraignment in District Court on count I: trafficking in methamphetamine, a category A felony in violation NRS 453.3385(1)(b); and count II: possession of electronic stun device by a convicted person, a category B felony in violation of NRS 202.357. Defendant remains in pretrial custody with bail set at $100,000.

Eureka County Commission News from the February 17, 2026 Meeting

The Board of Eureka County Commissioners met at the Courthouse, 10 South Main Street in Eureka, Nevada beginning at 9:30 am on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 to attend to the business of local county government. Connected via audiovisual connection to the meeting was the meeting room in Crescent Valley.

Present for the meeting were Deputy County Clerk Recorder Katelyn Ziemann, Chair Rich McKay, Vice Chair Marty Plaskett, Commissioner Mike Schoenwald, and District Attorney Theodore Beutel, Esq. Also present in Eureka at the meeting were various County department heads, local elected officials, and other County employees. Members of the public were also in attendance to observe and provide comments from time to time.

The agenda was approved with two changes. The comptroller agenda items were moved to 11:00 a.m. and the dollar amount for the senior center agenda item was increased. The Board called for public comments and received no comments in Crescent Valley or Eureka.

The Board approved the minutes from the January 20, 2026 Commission meeting.

The Board heard from Pernecia Johnson, Eureka County Treasurer, and after a brief discussion, the Board approved a Resolution to Establish a Special Revenue Fund for the “Treasurer Technology Fund” based on newly passed legislation and forwarded the resolution to the Nevada Department of Taxation for approval.

Human Resource Director Cristina Lopez provided an update on Human Resource projects and activities. Ms. Lopez answered questions from the Board.

EMS Director Nikki Cooley, and employees Griffin Bussian and Brent Jones presented a report on EMS projects and activities as well as a report on contract services. Ms. Cooley answered questions from the Board.

Linda Gordon, Senior Center Program Director, provided a report on activities at the Eureka Senior Center and the Fannie Komp Senior Center. The Board approved the purchase of a new Xerox machine for the Crescent Valley Fannie Komp Senior Center for an amount not to exceed $4,819.00 with a monthly payment of $23.00 paid to Alliance (the original amount stated on the agenda was $4,361.00).

Next up was Sheriff Miles Umina who presented a report on Sheriff’s Office projects and activities. Sheriff Umina answered questions from the Board.

The Board also heard from Jeb Rowley, Eureka County Public Works Director, who presented a report on Public Works projects and activities. Mr. Rowley answered questions from the Board.

DeeAnna Colby, Eureka County Assistant Comptroller, presented bills to the Board for approval and payment. Expenditures in the total amount of $1,691,927.48 were approved by the Board, with accounts payable adding up to $1,194,806.74 and payroll totaling $497,120.74. Questions were posed by the Board about a payment that looks like it was charged twice, and TV District payments. The Board reviewed the fund balance report.

The Board then began budget reviews for the upcoming new fiscal year with 4 different departments in the County. No action was taken regarding the presentations made by the department heads; the Commissioners consider this initial review to get a sense of what each department’s plans are for the upcoming fiscal year.

First up was the Crescent Valley Town Board, presented by Jeremy Rice. There was a slight increase for LED signs.

Next up was the Television District. There were no modifications from the previous fiscal year.

Sheriff Miles Umina presented the Sheriff’s Office budget. Sheriff Umina requested several increases and answered questions from the Board.

Next up was Jeb Rowley who presented the Public Works budget. Mr. Rowley presented 18 different subcategories under the Public Works purview. Mr. Rowley answered questions from the Board.

The Board discussed and provided direction related to continued funding of vacant positions, proposed staffing levels and new personnel requests from department heads. The Board discussed and provided direction to the Comptroller related to proposed cost of living adjustments for non-PERS and PERS employees, effective July 5, 2026. Note: Union contracts have not been approved for next year so that COLA increase is unknown at this time. Elected officials are limited by statute to a 2% increase, and County Commissioners are limited to a 3% increase. The Board discussed and provided direction on capital outlay requests presented by departments and prioritize which ones should be included and funded in the budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The Board discussed fund transfers that will be required to fund operating and capital expenses in Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and provided direction to the Comptroller’s Office to include the transfers in the Tentative Budget.

The Board reviewed correspondence.

Public comments were called for and there no comments in Crescent Valley or Eureka.

The Board meeting for February 17, 2026 then adjourned. The next meeting of the Board will be March 3, 2026. On that day in 1837 US President Andrew Jackson and Congress recognized the Republic of Texas. In 1842 the first US child labor law regulating working hours was passed in Massachusetts. In 1847, inventor Alexander Graham Bell was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. In 1913 the Women’s Suffrage movement held a procession through Washington D.C. organized by Alice Paul and Lucy Burns and led by Inez Milholland. Suffrage is the right to vote in political elections; it has nothing to do with what wives have to do to put up with their husbands.

Eureka County Courthouse. Photo by Dana Lee Fruend.

Published in The Eureka County Star February 26, 2026. Published

A PPLICATION FOR WATER NO. 94929

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that on the 26th day of January 2026 Nevada Gold Mines LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (60% UDI) and Goldcorp Dee LLC (40% UDI). of Elko, Nevada made application to the State Engineer of Nevada for permission to change the point of diversion and place of use of 0.27626 c.f.s., 200 a.f.a., a portion of water heretofore appropriated under Permit 57883. Water will be diverted from an underground source (HDDW-8) at a point located within the SW1/4 SW1/4 of Section 2, T35N, R50E, MDB&M, or at a point from which the SW corner of said Section 2 bears S 33 degrees 23 minutes 17 seconds W, a distance of 1,479 feet (approx. 18 miles NW of Carlin, NV). Water will be used for mining and milling purposes from January 1st to December 31st of each year. The existing point of diversion was located within the SW1/4 SW1/4 of Section 3, T36N, R49E, MDB&M, or at a point from which the SW corner of said Section 3 bears S 13 degrees 19 minutes 26 seconds W, a distance of 1,099.38 feet.

Chris Thorson, P.E. Acting State Engineer

CMT/mh

A PPLICATION FOR WATER NO. 94903

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that on the 8th day of January 2026 Nevada Gold Mines LLC of Elko, Nevada made application to the State Engineer of Nevada for permission to change the point of diversion of 0.00414 c.f.s., 3 a.f.a., a portion of water heretofore appropriated under Permit 89866. Water will be diverted from an underground source (Dean Ranch QM Well 1) at a point located within the NW1/4 NW1/4 of Section 17, T28N, R48E, MDB&M, or at a point from which the N1/4 corner of said Section 17 bears N 89 degrees 29 minutes E, a distance of 1,851 feet (approx. 26 miles S-SW of the intersection of I-80 and SR306, NV). Water will be used for quasi-municipal purposes from January 1st to December 31st of each year. The existing point of diversion was located within the SE1/4 SW1/4 of Section 8, T28N, R48E, MDB&M, or at a point from which the N1/4 corner of Section 17, 28N, R48E, MDB&M bears S 71 degrees 45 minutes E, a distance of 1,336 feet. Water was used for quasi-municipal purposes from January 1st to December 31st of each year.

Chris Thorson, P.E. Acting State Engineer

CMT/mh

Published in The Eureka County Star February 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2026

A PPLICATION FOR WATER NO. 94930

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that on the 26th day of January 2026 Nevada Gold Mines LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (60% UDI) and Goldcorp Dee LLC (40% UDI). of Elko, Nevada made application to the State Engineer of Nevada for permission to change the point of diversion and place of use of 1 c.f.s., 645.2 a.f.a., of water heretofore appropriated under Permit 57882. Water will be diverted from an underground source (HDDW-15) at a point located within the SW1/4 NW1/4 of Section 2, T35N, R50E, MDB&M, or at a point from which the SW corner of Section 3, T35N, R50E, MDB&M bears S 62 degrees 03 seconds W, a distance of 6,566 feet (approx. 18 miles NW of Carlin, NV). Water will be used for mining and milling purposes from January 1st to December 31st of each year. The existing point of diversion was located within the SW1/4 SW1/4 of Section 3, T36N, R49E, MDB&M, or at a point from which the SW corner of said Section 3 bears S 13 degrees 19 minutes 26 seconds W, a distance of 1,099.38 feet.

A PPLICATION FOR WATER NO. 94931

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that on the 26th day of January 2026 Nevada Gold Mines LLC of Elko, Nevada made application to the State Engineer of Nevada for permission to change the point of diversion and place of use of 0.87001 c.f.s., 629.86 a.f.a., of water heretofore a ppropriated under Permit 54510. Water will be diverted from an underground source (GQDW-24) at a point located within Lot 1 of Section 35, T34N, R51E, MDB&M, or at a point from which the N1/4 corner of said Section 35 bears N 66 degrees 04 minutes 48 seconds W, a distance of 1,682.94 feet (approx. 7 miles NW of Carlin, NV). Water will be used for mining and milling purposes from January 1st to December 31st of each year. The existing point of diversion was located within the NE1/4 NE1/4 of Section 35, T34N, R51E, MDB&M, or at a point from which the NE corner of said Section 35 bears N 87 degrees 42 minutes E, a distance of 711 feet.

Chris Thorson, P.E. Acting State Engineer

Chris Thorson, P.E. Acting State Engineer CMT/mh

February 2026 Events Calendar

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A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO WILLIAM BEE RIRIE FOR SPONSORING OUR CALENDAR!

CV MEDICAL TRIPS Wed., Feb. 18 Tues., Feb. 24

If you need assistance, or know of someone that may need assistance getting to doctor’s appointments from the northern end of Eureka County call the Fannie Komp Senior Center at 775-468-0466 or Director of Senior Services, Linda Gordon at 775-237-5597 to see what they can do to help you make your appointments and get you to the doctor.

Eureka Library

Mon. 10-4, Tue 10-4, Wed. 12-6, Thurs. 2-8, Fri. 12-6 Adult Craft Program: Thursdays 4-8 p.m. Sewing machines are available for use. Story time Mondays at 2 p.m.

Crescent Valley Library Thurs. 2:30-7, Fri. 10-2:30 Story time Fridays 10:30 Carlin Library Tues 9-12,12:30-3:30, Wed-Thurs 1-4, 4:30-7:30, Fri & Sat 11-2, 2:30-5

EUREKA