Issuu

By Trina Machacek

I like seeing someone wearing a belt that is hand tooled leather and even has their name, or better yet a nickname on their backside. I think that is something to achieve to become a rancher, cowboy or rodeo bull or bronc rider. e leather belt is not gender oriented. ey are made for both ladies and gents. But. Yes, a leathery “but.” When the time comes in nearly everyone’s life that the numbers on the scale climb faster than your body is using your calorie intake, those belts sometimes are just a happy memory. And there is no way to make a leather, name inscribed and centered, no way to stretch or expand them. I have one of those. I love that belt. Loved it when my other half ordered it for me from a lady in town that made some amazing leather goods. Loved it when he added the most adorable doubled heart silver belt buckle to adorn my mid-section. Sigh.

at was several years and up and down pounds ago. I pull it out occasionally. From the bottom drawer. Where it hides in the back, under some old socks and a tangle of used but could be repurposed shoelaces. In different colors and lengths. I don’t keep junk. At least I don’t keep broken shoelaces.

It would take a miracle for me to actually ever be able to show the sparkle of the buckle now. I still love it though. And you can’t deny that belt is mine. It reads TRINA dead center. Oh, I still wear a belt. Now it is to actually keep my pants up, not for decoration. Although it is quite designer like. is one I have had for maybe ten years. e only reason I still have and can use it? It is this wonderfully weaved and very colorful thing that doesn’t need specific holes. Nope, this baby can be hooked anywhere you stick the prong through, you know the pointed thingy on a buckle. Never have to make a new hole, or have a worn-out hole. It’s the perfect belt for me. So what’s the problem?

I was changing my belt from one pair of my Wran-

glers to another when I realized that although I wash my clothes, pants, shirts, socks, jammies and all, this belt has never seen the water of a washing machine. It actually made me go eeeeewwww. To think of all the things a belt goes through over time and to never wash it! I have seen some “mature” cowboys wearing name emblazed belts that have been worn for a very long time and they have a great patina to them. My belt just looked used.

I read that in the world of Martial Arts they do not wash their various colors of belts. ey have an old superstition that claims washing a belt will wash away the blood, sweat, and knowledge acquired during training. I’m going with that. My belt has had a lifetime of blood, sweat and honest, sometimes painfully acquired knowledge beyond its years. But it still feels like it should be washed.

I didn’t start wearing a belt until the jean manufacturers started to add stretch to the magic mix of making denim. All of a sudden pants for me and tons, (get it tons!) of “non-size-zero” ladies were more comfortable in all sorts of Levis and Wranglers and Lee jeans. It was a miracle. But with that miracle came the fact that I needed a belt. See, as the day goes on those comfy and just tight enough jeans seem to, uh, relax and grow a bit. Making them all of a sudden become a slippery slope. Like when you have snow that lays quietly and then it warms up and any new layers come along you can get an avalanche. Yes, the body is the first snow and when you add the pants and things “settle,” slippage occurs. us the need for a belt. Whew, that was quite an explanation. e other thing I finally understood was this. My other half used to say he hated to have to change pants because he had to not only change all the stuﬀ in his pockets, he had to go through the dance of pulling his belt oﬀ and putting it on the new, clean pair. I thought that was such a silly thing. I can now attest to the fact that it is a little bit of a pain to have to do.

Yep, as I see it, a belt is nothing but trouble from the day it comes home with you to hold up your pants. Trina lives in Diamond Valley, north of Eureka, Nevada. She loves to hear from readers. Email her at itybytrina@yahoo. Really!

Look What’s happening in June It’s BAAAAACK! Yehaw!

By J.J.

Growing up as a kid in Reno, my family was lucky to have the State Fair in our neighborhood. We went every year to all the excitement and rides and food and animals. Grown up and living in Eureka I was lucky enough to win two times in cookie and pie making contest sponsored by Mt. Wheeler Power, and participate at the State Fair. en for some reason that was beyond reason to us in the rurals, that fair disappeared. It popped up without notice or fan fare over the years in Carson City, but it was not the same. Now! Now our State Fair is back and as highly anticipated as can be. Yes, she’s baaaack! Let’s go to the State Fair of Nevada. TM

About the StAte FAir oF NevAdA

e oﬃcial State Fair of Nevada will return to the Nevada State Fairgrounds in Reno on June 11 – 13, 2026. is celebration of Nevada’s history, heritage and agricultural roots will feature the Nevada Junior Livestock Show, University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s 4-H State Expo, Nevada Governor’s Livestock Sale of Champions, the Made In Nevada Farmers’ Market, a Walking Tour of Nevada, an Opening Night Concert featuring Caleb Montgomery and Next Generation Junior Bull Riding.

J.J. Goicoechea, Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director said, “We are all very excited about the return of the oﬃcial State Fair of Nevada and while we know this first year is going to be smaller than what it was when we all remember going, we look forward

to building something that represents every Nevadan. e team at the NDA has been nothing short of amazing when it comes to pulling this together.” He also mentioned that a tasting of the newly recognized Nevada State drink, the Basque Picon Punch, will be available! Just one of the hundreds of reasons to go to the State Fair of Nevada.

During the last Legislative Session, Assembly Bill (AB) 333 was signed, restoring the Nevada State Fairgrounds (including the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center and the Reno Rodeo Arena) to the NDAas it was originally endowed in 1867. e passage of AB 333 paved the way for the return of the oﬃcial state fair, which Nevada Revised Statute 551.030 states must be determined by the Director of the NDA. e State Fair originally ran from 1874 until 2010, when the Fair Board voted to dissolve the event.

Tickets start at $7 for kids and $10 for adults and are available at: http://www.statefair.nv.gov/tickets, or scan the QR code.

June 11-13, 2026

Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center at theNevada State Fairgrounds 1350 N. Wells Ave. Reno, NV 89512

The ofﬁcial State Fair of Nevada. Join the celebration!

and

and snacks to enjoy during the fun aernoon of movie, chatter, remembrance and fun.

Crissy Hubbard is working hard and is very detailed oriented at getting this year’s VFW Car Show together. She has gathered funding from the County Commissioners, Eureka County Rec Board and NGM (Nevada Gold Mines). Looks like the drag races are out, but a burn out contest is being scheduled. Crissy asks the community to contact her if you have any questions or ideas about food vendors or other activities to have during the September 25th & 26th, 2026 show.

Eureka VFW Car Show

Goicoechea, Director NDA, Ciara Ressel, NDA Public Information Oﬃcer II and Trina Machacek

By Trina Machacek

Mt. Wheeler Proposed rate hike

Mt. Wheeler Power has announced a new power rate schedule for their customers that will possibly take eﬀect July 1, 2026. According to Mt. Wheeler Power Internal Communications Specialist, Christina Sawyer, “We truly understand that any increase to household expenses is frustrating, especially right now when families are already feeling the impact of rising costs everywhere from groceries to fuel.”

I asked Christina some questions and she was very forthcoming with answers and is always open to the co-opMembers with problems and concerns. Here is what we discussed;

What will the increase cost the average homeowner?

For the average residential member, the adjustment will amount to approximately $10–$15 more per month, depending on seasonal usage. at includes both the increase to the monthly fixed charge and the energy usage rate adjustment.

What about agricultural accounts or pivots?

ere will be no impact to irrigation rates at this time. As part of Mt. Wheeler Power’s recent Cost of Service Study, irrigation accounts were found to already be appropriately aligned with the actual cost of providing service.

When was the last rate adjustment?

e last rate adjustment took place in 2025. Mt. Wheeler Power conducts a comprehensive Cost of Service Study approximately every five years to evaluate the actual cost of providing electric service across the cooperative’s various member classes. Based on the results of the most recent study, it was determined that a rate adjustment was necessary to keep rates aligned with the true cost of providing reliable electric service across our large rural territory.

It’s also important to understand that approximately 70% of Mt. Wheeler Power’s total costs are directly tied to purchasing power. at means only 30% of the cooperative’s revenue is available to cover everything else required to operate and maintain nearly 18,000 square miles of rural electric infrastructure including poles, wire, substations, transformers, vehicles, fuel, outage response, employee wages and benefits, insurance, and ongoing system maintenance. Like utilities nationwide, we continue to experience rising costs in nearly all those areas.

What is the Energy Delivery Charge?

e Energy Delivery Charge is the fixed monthly charge that helps cover the cost of maintaining the electric system itself regardless of how much electricity is used. at includes things like poles, wire, substations, transformers, meters,

trucks, crews, outage response, system maintenance, and keeping power available to homes and businesses 24 hours a day. Unlike the energy portion of the bill, which changes based on usage, the delivery charge helps support the infrastructure required to provide reliable service across Mt. Wheeler Power’s large rural service territory. Are there additional service fees being looked at?

At this time, there are no additional rate adjustments or service fees being proposed beyond the current approved changes. However, our wholesale power supplier, Deseret Power, recently experienced a significant equipment failure. During repairs, replacement power must be purchased on the open market, where costs can fluctuate substantially. While there is no immediate adjustment tied to that event, long-term impacts to wholesale power costs could potentially influence future rate discussions.

One thing we feel is important to include in the conversation is that Mt. Wheeler Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative. Rates are set based on the actual cost of providing service, not to generate profits for shareholders. Our focus remains on balancing aﬀordability with maintaining a reliable electric system for the rural communities we serve. Even with these proposed adjustments, Mt. Wheeler Power’s rates remain among the lowest in Nevada and well below the national average.

Please note this is only a portion of the new rate schedule. Visit www.mwpower.net to see the schedule in its entirety.

In the beginning in 1959 when Wayne Gonder asked neighbors over to discuss bringing power in to Eastern Nevada, he never imagined it would take the next 14 years, many meetings and learning experiences to fulfill the dream he could see. From the co-op finally being able to be founded in 1963 to the first lines being energized in 1973 to finally energizing all of the lines to those 18,000 square miles, keeping power rates to the members as low as possible has always been the direction of the company.

For more questions and other concerns about Mt. Wheeler Power Christina added, “We also understand that members may have questions about how the adjustment aﬀects their individual bill. Our Member Service Representatives are available and happy to walk through those questions one-on-one with members at any time.”

Mt. Wheeler Power can be reached at 775-2375497 in Eureka or 775-289-8981 in Ely.

Rising costs continue to impact nearly every industry—including electric utilities. From materials and fuel to equipment and infrastructure improvements, the cost of maintaining reliable electric service has increased significantly.

e upcoming rate adjustment helps Mt. Wheeler Power continue investing in system reliability, safety, and long-term service for our rural communities.

Mt. Wheeler appreciates your understanding and continued support.

Our Little Ants

e

Physics Float

by Egan Allred, Jed Callister, and Lloyd Morrison

Submissions from Eureka County 7th & 8th Grade Students

Have you ever seen a giant cardboard boat race? On May 13th, Mrs. Benson held a boat race for her Juniors and Seniors' physics class. e race took place at Lulu Fitzwater’s pond. A special thanks goes out to Tanner and Sherri Wilker for helping with transportation of both the students and the large 6. by 3. boats.

e students formed groups of two and built boats out of carboard, duct tape, and flex seal.

e groups Legend and Alex, Evan and Selene, Liam and Mya, Trent and Quil, Lulu and Victoria, Russell and Jazmine, and Dean who was in a group by himself. Dean did not bring oars, so you know what that means... he was up a creek without a paddle.

e winners of the race were Alex and Legend. Now, they all will reflect on what they learned, what went wrong, and how to make the boats better. e boat race came to be because they were learning about fluid mechanics and Archimedes' Principle. ey had to figure out if the force of the boat was large enough for the boat to float. It turned out to be a fun assignment and a great day!

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!

vandals Close out 2026 track upbeat –Looking Forward

State Track meet was held May 19 and the Vandals made a strong and heartfelt showing in all events. e Girl’s team placed second in the state out of 20 teams. e boys finished third out of 17 teams. Each Eureka team had school record breakers and individual State Championships to come home with.

FiNAL StANdiNgS

AS Per CoACh MiNoLetti:

Boys 4x800 relay team placed 4th 9:02.24 breaking the school record set in 2015 9:27.04 (Lian Allred, Jaxon tognoni, Liam Sullivan, russell rowley)

Boys 4x200 relay placed 2nd (Preston Auch, Alex McKay, Nate tudor, Joseph Minoletti)

Girls 4x400 relay placed 3rd (Melissa Johnson, Julia Minoletti, Claudia Covarrubias, Sophia dickover)

girLS reSuLtS

brooke Watts: State Champion - Long Jump, Triple Jump and 300 Hurdles (broke her school record again) 2nd – 400m

Anna McKay: State Champion

800 m 2nd – 300 Hurdles 4th – 100 Hurdles 3rd – High Jump

Melissa Johnson 2nd – 3200m 3rd – 1600m

Sophia dickover 4th – 3200

regan Mello 3rd – Triple Jump

boyS reSuLtS

Lian Allred

3rd – 3200m (broke his school record) 4th – 1600m

Joseph Minoletti 4th – High Jump

Koa Mcinnis-Lemn 4th – 110 Hurdles

Nate tudor 4th – 400m

russell rowley

3rd – 1600m 4th – 3200m

Alex McKay 3rd – 110 Hurdles 4th – 300 Hurdles

to Next year

Coach Minoletti wrote to e Star “ank you for shinning a light on all the kid’s achievements throughout the track season.”

We want to say a huge thank you to Gio, and each member of the track team for giving their all to the sport and their school. Hopefully we can get more results from the football and basketball programs and coaches when school starts in the fall.

We know it takes time for the coach to send us results, and we appreciate his extra eﬀort to keep the community informed. We hope to get that again when we, See you next year!

Great Season!

The Eureka County Star

don’t miss a single word.

We hope you subscribe, don’t miss the next issue!

e Eureka County Star is a weekly community newspaper that shows the life and times of all aspects of living in rural Nevada. We welcome subscribers from everywhere to look and see what our community has to oﬀer.

to subscribe for $117 per year, fill out the form, mail it in with your check, or credit card information. OR! go to our website, www.theeurekacountystar.com

OR! Call Trina 775-778-5829

OR! Email her at trina@theeurekacountystar.com

CROSSWORD

Across

Just makes, with ‘out’

5. Tree’s foundation

9. Sheriff’s deputized bunch

14. Slough off

15. Ms. Krabappel in "The Simpsons"

16. Boise’s state

17. Cookie with more vowels than consonants

18. Essential part

19. Kind of cabinet

20. Florida city on the St. Johns River

23. Chip giant

24. Besides

25. Some exam graders (abbr.)

28. Ford Model A that’s a Georgia Tech mascot

33. Lap dog or pussycat

36. Warsaw native

37. Asian cuisine category

38. Lasting prelude?

40. Europe’s "boot"

43. Ran

44. Mischievous one

46. Before you know it

48. Stubborn one

49. Possible mosquito breeding place

53. Author Fleming

54. Go kaput

55. Removes from power

59. Gesture by Braves or Seminoles fans

63. Schick product

66. Editor’s find

67. Curly cabbage relative

68. Maritime greetings

69. Wonderful spot

70. Famous Fitzgerald

71. Possessive in a question 72. Chill 73. Office furniture

Happy face, e.g.

Sacred text of Islam

3. Pick

4. One feeding the fire

5. Seized van

6. Thor’s old man

7. Where sitcoms and soaps are seen

8. Island in a Gauguin landscape

9. Bedroom items

10. Garfield’s housemate

11. __ Antonio

12. Counterpart for a pronoun for this puzzle’s critters

13. Time on end

21. __-happy (careless or giddy)

22. Chaney in old movies

25. Last name in electricity history

26. Pains

27. Loses control, perhaps 29. "Me?" 30. Sandwich initials

Minimum 32. __ raw (chafe) 33. Popular cola 34. Musical set in Argentina

Beto O’Rourke, for one

18-wheeler

41. Slice (off) 42. "__-hoo!"

45. Sign

Tiny storage spot 50. Purpose 51. Less of a mess

52. Was charmed, with "out"

Kind of oil

57. Plaza payments 58. Command to Rover 59. Trinkets

60. Major London park

61. Primatologist’s interest

Practice

63. Not done at all

Spa sigh

Madhouse

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

May 24, 2001

Permanent Airstrip Eye for Kingston

Contributed

Nevada senators Harry Reid and John Ensin and representative Jim Gibbons introduced companion legislation recently to convey Federal land to the town of Kingston for use as a permanent airstrip.

“e lack of private land around Kingston limits the public services available to residents of this community,” Senator Reid said.

“By conveying this land we will allow the community of Kingston to maintain permanent ownership of this airstrip to help provide emergency medical services.”

“e residents of Kingston desperately need this airstrip. It is so isolated that driving ambulances can not get there quickly, and that could cost lives. I applaud the BLM and the community of Kingston for working together to provide a vital emergency service,” Ensign stated…

e bill will convey a total of 144.88 acres to the Town of Kingston with 70 acres conveyed at fair market value and 74.88 acres at no cost.

50 Years Ago

May 29, 1976

Many Winners in Local Science Fair

Winners were announced this week in the annual science fair. Excellent projects were entered in general science, photography, plant science, animal science and geophysical science.

In general science, Janice Sorholus was first with a model of a solar energy reactor and Mrs. Horton’s psychology class took second with an experiment on emotional eﬀects while listening to a sound track of Jaws, recorded on an electrocardiogram.

Dan Peterson was the first-place winner in photography with some abstract still black and white photographs. Denny Blehm was second and Marianne Lower was third.

In plant science, Kay Marion and Marie Bisoni were first with a presentation on molds, Tim Reed and Blane Roberts were second with a bacteriology display and Judy Buﬃngton was third with a wildflower display.

Teresa Palmore and Jim Bardsley were first in animal science with caesarian sections of rabbits showing the embryonic development.

Lester Bisoni’s report on clouds, complete with photographs took first in geophysical-chemical science. Eric Pastorino’s demonstration on Mars was second and third went to Dan Pasco with his electronic wizardy including a light box, door knocker and amplifier.

e school’s science department this week announced that with the help of a state grant and the county school district the addition of the greenhouse will allow some excellent exhibits in that area next year. It will also allow the possibility of growing flowers for dances and past matrons.

100 Years Ago

May 22, 1926

Even in 1926, competition was alive and well.

"Woodland Males" by Mark McClain

By Trina Machacek

In a thirteen-page ruling, the Honorable Steve Dobrescu of the Seventh Judicial District Court handed down his ruling on the Jesse Watts vs Eureka County lawsuit on May 20, 2026 in favor of the defendant, Eureka County.

Judge Dobrescu looked at every aspect of the Watts pleading starting with the beginning being that Watts was the elected sheriﬀ of Eureka County. en he moved on to a November 8, 2023 notice to Watts from the County and delivered from Commissioner Plasket, that he, Watts, was under investigation for wrongfully having time cards filled out by staﬀ. at investigation would be conducted by Gary Cardinal Esq.

Next on the trail of evidence was the January 25, 2024 notice to Watts regarding, again, the use of the wrong codes on time cards. e commission started a second notice of investigation, that would be conducted by Michelle Salazar and Watts was again informed of the NRS 289.060.

e next notice to Watts from the commission and delivered from Commissioner McKay, was on November 21, 2024 which held that Watts had been named in a sexual abuse claim by a subordinate employee. In this notice Watts was also informed that an investigation would be conducted by Jerry Rodriques and Jim Voge. It also informed Watts that the NRS 289.060 may not be applicable as he was an elected sheriﬀ.

December 9, 2024 Watts was notified by the commission by Chaiman McKay regarding scheduling of an interview and he referenced NRS 289.060. Aer receiving that notice, Watts advised the board that their notices did not comply with the NRS Chapter 289.

Next on the list of events sited by Judge Dobrescu was in “February or March 2024.”

e Eureka County District Attorney contacted Spencer Investigations “SI” to investigate Plaintiﬀ, regarding alleged slanderous statements made by Watts on and prior to January 25, 2024. e Eureka D.A. received the SI report on April 24 and in July of 2024 that report was released to the public. e report concluded that Watts had made false and slanderous statement and appeared to have committed a misdemeanor by identifying a person as a sexual assault victim.

August 14, 2024 Watts was sent a letter from the commission that indicated the timecard investigation concluded that he, Watts, had allowed employees to use pay codes improperly. It went on to state that he was not to allow it to happen again and that that investigation would be confidential.

en things began to really heat up. Sometime aer the SI investigation report a recall petition was started against Watts by private citizens of Eureka County.

en on April 1, 2025 Dobrescu found that Watts had retired from his position. (It needs to be noted that all happened during a commission meeting on November 1, 2024. e “retirement date of April 1,2025 took eﬀect as Watts was paid 6 month salary as per agreement between Watts and the commissioners.) e retirement agreement was reached during the November 1, 2024 commission meeting in which Eureka County Clerk Kathy Bowling informed the commissioners and a full house of residents that even though the recall had been filed , enough verified signatures had been collected that made the recall successful, the better option, financially for the county would be to pay Watts 6 months of salary and let him resign, rather than electing to continue with the recall. Bowling sited that the next steps would be time consuming and more expensive than just paying Watts. e commissioners voted unanimously to go with Bowling’s recommendation aer hearing from many residences on this matter.

at led to Watts retiring/resigning/quitting his position as Eureka County Sheriﬀ. Taking his 6 months of money until April 2025, then filing his lawsuit November, 2025.

e last item in Judge Dobrescu’s 24-time-line items of Watts complaint listed that Watts filed his lawsuit on November 12, 2025.

Each time the County sent notices to Watts they referred to NRS 280 statues chapter. is is important as it is the crux of the findings from Dobrescu to dismiss Watt’s claims.

7th diStriCt Court FiNdiNgS ANd ruLiNg

Judge Dobrescu found that since Watts was an elected official he was not “covered” by the laws in NRS 289 which only applies to Peace Officers who are employees of the county. IE, in reference to NRS Chapter 289 Watts was not a Peace Offer or a county employee.

As an elected official in essence he was working for the people who hired him by voting him into office. at removed Watts from his perceived protection of the Peace Officers Bill of Right to seek the declaratory, extraordinary and injunctive relief he was suing for. Along with unspecified monetary relief, including but not inclusive of attorney’s fees.

Both sides gave their final arguments in court in Eureka on April 26, 2026. At which time Judge Dobrescu took to the matter and on May 20, rendered his decision. Dobrescu sited first that Watts had no standing to ask for relief to any actions he put in his pleadings. He went on to add that Watts had actually resigned his position so there would be no further need for reprisal or retaliatory action by an employer. Watts’ complaint also alleged that the D.A. engaged SI to investigate him and that the D.A. ultimately released the findings. at the County authorized that report or the D.A.’s actions. Dobrescu found that was not the case. erefore Watts’ pleading was not eligible for relief since there was no support of the complaint.

e ruling went on to state that the standing for Watts to claim injury-in-fact and show causation and redressability was problematic. In that regard, Watts’s rights were not violated by the County under NRS Chapter 289. e injury disseminating from those violations which led to the release of the SI report which led to the successful recall petition which is what forced him to retire/resign.

en Dobrescu hit the nail on the head by saying, “e fatal flaw in this thread,” (Watts complaint of injury) “is that Watts made the choice to retire, and the SI report was produced for the District Attorney. Even if the report is tied to the county, the causation prong fails. Watts was not terminated (or voted out), he quit.”

e following is the lists of final reasons for the ruling against Watts taken from the oﬃcial court papers:

the doCuMeNt iS SigNed: S dobreSCu

Will there be another shoe to drop from this ugly situation Eureka County has been subjected to? at is yet to be seen. One source close to the situation says Watts will probably not be finished yet, that he will probably file some other lawsuit. Another said Watts will keep looking for another deep pocket.

e Star has the complete ruling. For a copy of the ruling email trina@theeurekscountystar.com and I will forward it.

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: May 22, 2026

Eureka Meetings, Courts and Arrest Recaps May 7 –20, 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 May 7, 2026 – May 13, 2026, there was one arrest reported. Sunday, May 10, 2026, Nilson Oliveira was arrested by Deputy Tyler Thomas on a bench warrant from the Eureka Justice Court. An arraignment hearing was set for July 16, 2026.

For the dates of May 14, 2026 – May 20, 2026, there were no arrests reported.

Justice Court News

Monday, May 11, 2026, the Eureka County Justice Court, Justice of the Peace-Pro Tem Stephen Bishop presiding, conducted a status hearing in the matter of the State of Nevada v. Kirk C. Smith and Sharlene L. Smith, Case Number 23 CR 00081 7D. This matter began in November 2023, charging the Smiths with failure to remove doors from refrigerators, unlawful deposit of rubbish, and in the alternative unlawful dumping or depositing.

Present at 701 South Main Street in Eureka were the Defendants, representing themselves. Present on behalf of the State of Nevada was Holli Else, Esq., Eureka County Deputy District Attorney. The Court heard from the parties and allowed the Smiths to continue clean-up of the property located at 330 West McCoy Street in Eureka to the end of May. The Smiths may request additional time or alternatively the State may dismiss the case.

Monday, May 18, 2026, the Eureka County Justice Court, Justice of the Peace Dorothy Rowley presiding, conducted an arraignment, plea and sentencing hearing in the matter of the State of Nevada v. Kadyn Patrick Sellars, Case Number 25 TR 00073 7D.

Present via Zoom was Defendant Sellars, representing himself. Present on behalf of the State of Nevada was Holli Else, Esq., Eureka County Deputy District Attorney. After the State dismissed driving a vehicle with a suspended

registration, Mr. Sellars plead guilty to driving with a revoked driver’s license, a misdemeanor in violation of NRS 483.560 and operating a vehicle with expired registration or plates, a misdemeanor in violation of NRS 482.545. The Court immediately proceeded to sentencing. After hearing from the parties, the Court sentenced Mr. Sellars to fines and fees totaling $390, then suspended the fines and fees for one year on the condition that Mr. Sellars does not come before the Court for similar violations.

Eureka County Commission News from the May 19, 2026 Meeting

The Board of Eureka County Commissioners met at the Courthouse, 10 South Main Street in Eureka, Nevada beginning at 9:30 am Tuesday, May 19, 2026. The meeting room in Crescent Valley was connected via audiovisual technology.

Present for the meeting were Deputy County Clerk Recorder Katelyn Ziemann, Chair Rich McKay, Vice Chair Marty Plaskett, member Mike Schoenwald by telephone, and District Attorney Ted 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 one modification. The 12:00 Justice Court items for a new vehicle and equipment were tabled to a future meeting.

The Board called for public comments and received no comments. In Eureka Andrea Correll from I80 Gold said there will be an informal meet and greet in Crescent Valley May 20, 2026.

The Board approved the minutes for the May 5, 2026 Commission meeting.

Kim Todd, Eureka County Comptroller, presented bills to the Board for approval and payment. Expenditures in the total amount of $1,584,883.95 were approved by the Board, with accounts payable adding up to $1,274,858.75 and payroll totaling $310,025.20. Questions were posed by the Board about airport fuel, Allison MacKenzie legal fees, the SRE (snow removal equipment) building payment, Amazon payments, and Gregory Insurance payments for activities and facility use. The Board reviewed the fund balance report.

The Board approved authorizing a housing subsidy payment to Intermountain Health in an amount not to exceed $800.00 per month for provider housing costs at 4063 Eureka Avenue in Crescent Valley, Nevada, consistent with housing obligations under the County's EMS Ground Coverage Agreement. Any lease will be executed directly by Intermountain Health as tenant. Currently, the County spends $1,000.00

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Eureka County Board of Commissioner is in receipt of a water right application proposing to change the respective points of diversion and places of use of water rights within Eureka County.

APPLICATION - 94959T proposing to change the respective points of diversion and places of use of water right permit 57144 within Eureka County.

In accordance with NRS 533.563, at its regularly scheduled meeting of June 18, 2026 at 11:00 am in the Eureka County Courthouse Commissioners Chambers, the Board of County Commissioners shall consider the requested water right changes and any recommended course of action to the State Engineer regarding the requested changes including the provisions of NRS 533.438 and NRS 533.4385. Public comment will be accepted before the Board considers any recommended course of action.

Published in The Eureka County Star May 21, 28, and June 4, 2026.

APPLICATION FOR WATER NO. 95104

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that on the 20th day of March 2026 Deanne M. Hicks and Denise L. Moyle of Eureka, Nevada made application to the State Engineer of Nevada for permission to change the manner of use of 1.0 c.f.s., 2.0 a.f.a., a portion of water heretofore appropriated under Permit 77569. Water will be diverted from an underground source at a point located within the NW1/4 SE1/4 of Section 14, T21N, R53E, MDB&M, or at a point from which the NW corner of said Section 14 bears N 41 degrees 28 minutes W, a distance of 5,145 feet (approx. 4 miles East of the intersection of SR278 and 9th Street, Diamond Valley, NV). Water will be used for irrigation purposes (CNRWA buyback program) from January 1st to December 31st of each year. Water was used for irrigation purposes from January 1st to December 31st of each year.

Joe Cacioppo, P.E. State Engineer JC/mh

per month for EMS lodging in Crescent Valley.

The Board also approved ratifying waiving facility and service fees relating to funeral services for Maycie Ann Brown.

The Board approved authorizing a refund for overpayment of property taxes, per the Department of Taxation, to N.A. Degerstrom, personal property account number MM000045 and MM000033, in the amount of $529,115.78, and directed the Assessor, Treasurer and Comptroller to make the necessary corrections to the affected tax years. This tax was calculated by the State Department of Taxation, and any error is not the fault of the local County Assessor’s Office.

The Board proposed a change to Eureka County Code Title 6, Health and Welfare, Chapter 60, Prostitution and Marijuana, to amend those provisions to allow a marijuana establishment. A copy of the proposed amended ordinance is available from the Clerk Recorder. The Board allowed public comment before proposing the change. The Board also set a public hearing June 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. to solicit public comments and take action on the proposed changes to Eureka County Code Title 6, Health and Welfare, Chapter 60, Prostitution and Marijuana. No final action will be taken before the public hearing June 18, 2026 at 10:00 am, and the public is invited to provide additional comments at that time. Copies of the proposed changes are available from the Clerk.

At 10:15 the Chair opened the public hearing on the budget and tax rates for fiscal year 2026-2027. No changes were proposed for the tax rates. The Chair then called for and received no public comment in Crescent Valley and Eureka.

The Board approved adopting tax rates for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 as follows:

Eureka County (General) $1.1458

Crescent Valley Town $0.2153

Eureka County TV District $0.0085

Eureka Town $0.2153

Diamond Valley Weed District $0.0781

State of Nevada $0.1700

Diamond Valley Rodent District $0.0400

Eureka County School District $0.7500

The Board also approved adopting the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Final Budgets without additional modification and signed each budget’s top sheets for submission to the Nevada Department of Taxation. A quorum of the Eureka County TV District was on hand and did the same for the TV District budget.

Next up was Linda Gordon, Senior Center Program Director, who presented a report on activities at the Eureka Senior Center and Fannie Komp Senior Center. The Board approved signing the updated Senior Center Advisory Board bylaws.

Kim Sewell, Chair of the Crescent Valley Medical Services Advisory Committee, presented a report on Crescent Valley Medical Services Advisory Committee projects and activities. Ms. Sewell answered questions from the Board.

Daniel Everson from Sky Fiber Internet presented an update regarding ongoing fiber infrastructure construction throughout Diamond Valley.

Misty Rowley, CIO presented one item. The Board approved entering into a three-year proposal (EUREKA COUNTY PR 2026-2029) from Marketshare PR for 46 hours each month of public relations services at a monthly cost of $7,500.00, with additional pre-approved project hours billed at a rate of $175.00 per hour. The Board also authorized the CIO to sign the documents outside of the meeting.

Michael Mears, Assessor, presented one item. The Board approved ratification of the purchase of two Liberty Vote Image Cast Precinct 2 (ICP2) tabulation machines that were purchased for the amount of $12,282.60.

At 11:06 the Chair opened the public hearing on single appraisal and fair market value of a portion of APN 007-320-04. No comments were received and the Board approved accepting the single appraisal report and values from Janelle Wright, Certified General Appraiser, for a portion of APN 007-320-04 owned by DV Gravel & Exploration.

Human Resource Director Cristina Lopez presented a lengthy update on her projects and activities. Ms. Lopez answered questions from the Board. The Board approved a request to establish a new classification for the IT Department. This classification is for an Assistant CIO at a salary of $91,561.60 to $127,753.60.

The Board approved a request to assign one of the two vacant casual-shared positions to Human Resources for temporary administrative support, to assist that busy department with all the work they do. The Board also approved a request to formalize an ongoing UNLV-Eureka High School Work Assignment (Unpaid) Program. The Board approved a request to implement a Eureka County College Internship Pilot Summer Program. The Board approved a vacancy justification request to fill the vacant Lieutenant position in the Sheriff’s Office at a salary range of $83,254.00 to $95,724.00.

Nichole Cooley, Griffin Bussian, and Brent Jones from Eureka County EMS presented a report on EMS projects, activities and contract services. The Board tabled the EMS Director’s request for discretionary use of volunteer stipends to reflect hours worked in addition to on-call time, to supplement out-of-town travel, special events, education, and day-to-day operations support. The Board asked EMS to come back with a list of each task and the stipend proposed to be attached to each task.

The Board also approved the purchase of 1 new LifePak 35 in the amount of $55,751.98. Next up was Sheriff Miles Umina who presented a report on Sheriff’s Office projects and activities. Sheriff Umina answered questions from the Board.

After a brief lunch break the Board returned to conduct County business.

Jeb Rowley, Eureka County Public Works Director, presented an update on Public Works projects and activities. Mr. Rowley answered questions from the Board.

The Board approved ratification of expenses for emergency repairs at the Beowawe Well site in the amount of $86,464.26. The Board approved Quote #387537 for purchasing ten (10) self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) cylinders, ten (10) SCBA facepieces, ten (10) rechargeable battery packs, and two (2) battery charging station kits from LN Curtis, for an amount not to exceed $24,008.00. The Board also approved purchasing two (2) VM8000 radios from 2862 Communications for Sheriff’s Office vehicles, for an amount not to exceed $12,378.66 (which includes a 5% contingency). The Board approved a Contracted Services Agreement and Scope of Work between Eureka County and Nevada Strategies LLC for development of the Eureka County Master Plan and general planning advisory services for a term of twelve (12) months at $10,000.00 per month, for a total contract amount not to exceed $120,000.

The Board reviewed correspondence. Public comments were called for and one comment was received from Lisa Wolf in Crescent Valley, who was concerned about what may happen with the upcoming vacancy of the District Attorney and Deputy District Attorney positions. Deputy District Attorney Holli Else’s purported last day was the same day as the meeting, May 19, 2026. She will be missed. One comment was received from Ashley Kemp in Eureka with concerns about the approval of certain agenda items and denial of other agenda items of a similar nature. No other comments were received.

The Board meeting May 19, 2026 then adjourned. The next meeting of the Board will be June 2, 2026. On that date in 1862 Robert E. Lee took command of the Confederate armies of North Virginia during the American Civil War and exactly one year later in 1863 Harriet Tubman led Union guerrillas into Maryland, freeing slaves. In 1933 Franklin Delano Roosevelt authorized the first swimming pool built inside the White House. In 1941 American Baseball Hall of Fame first baseman Lou Gehrig died from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) at age 37, a disorder now commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. In 1997 Timothy McVeigh was found guilty of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing that killed 168 people.

APPLICATION FOR WATER NO. 95105

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that on the 20th day of March 2026 Deanne M. Hicks and Denise L. Moyle of Eureka, Nevada made application to the State Engineer of Nevada for permission to change the manner of use of 1.0 c.f.s., 2.0 a.f.a., a portion of water heretofore appropriated under Permit 31113. Water will be diverted from an underground source at a point located within the NE1/4 NW1/4 of Section 11, T21N, R53E, MDB&M, or at a point from which the S1/4 corner of said Section 11 bears S 18 degrees 00 minutes 58 seconds E, a distance of 4,182.4 feet (approx. 4 miles east-northeast of the intersection of SR278 and 9th Street, Diamond Valley, NV). Water will be used for irrigation purposes (CNRWA buyback program) from January 1st to December 31st of each year. Water was used for irrigation purposes from January 1st to December 31st of each year.

Joe Cacioppo, P.E. State Engineer JC/mh Published in The Eureka County Star May28, June 4, 11 and

Classified & Legal Notices

The Eureka County Board of Commissioners finds it necessary to CANCEL the regularly scheduled Commission meeting of June 16, 2026. The meeting conflicted with the 2026 Primary Election being held on June 9, 2026. The meeting of the Board of County Commissioners will now be held on THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026, pursuant to NRS 293.387 to Canvass the Vote.

If you have questions or would like more information please contact the Commissioners’ office at CountyCommission@eurekacountynv.gov, PO Box 540, Eureka, NV 89316, by calling 775-237-5263 or faxing 775-237-5614. This agenda was posted in Eureka at: County Courthouse; County Administrative Facility (Annex); US Post Office; and public bulletin board at 10 S. Main Street. This agenda was posted electronically at Eureka County’s website (https://events.eurekacountynv.gov/meetings) and Nevada’s public notice website (www.notice.nv.gov). Notice to people with disabilities: If you require special assistance, please notify the Commissioners’ Office prior to the meeting at the email address, mailbox, phone number or fax number listed above.

Place your ad in The Eureka County Star for: HELP WANTED, FOR SALE OR RENT, YARD SALE & PERSONALS

Classified Ad Rates: .50/wd weekly .40/wd second/third week .25/wd monthly

E ureka County Clerk Recorder

NOTICE OF CLOSE OF REGISTRATION FOR THE 2026 PRIMARY ELECTION

In compliance with NRS 293.560 (3)(b) the Eureka County Clerk Recorder does hereby give notice of the registration deadlines to vote in the 2026 PRIMARY ELECTION, held JUNE 9, 2026.

PLEASE VERIFY YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION on the Nevada Secretary of State’s online registration link (www.registertovote.nv.gov) or by contacting the County Clerk Recorder’s Office at (775) 237-5263 prior to the below deadlines.

MAY 12, 2026 Last day a person may register to vote by mail and by appearing in person at the Clerk Recorder’s Office

MAY 26, 2026 Last date to update your registration and be mailed a ballot

JUNE 9, 2026 Last day a voter may register online at RegisterToVote.NV.gov

JUNE 9, 2026 In-person registration for anyone with a valid and current Nevada Driver’s License, Identification Card or Tribal ID. Anyone appearing to register or update an existing voter registration must provide identification, and if applicable, proof of residency. New voters will receive a provisional ballot.

/s/ Katherine J. Bowling, Eureka County Clerk Recorder

CV MEDICAL TRIPS

Tuesday, May 19 Friday, May 29

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.

Chair Aerobics Eureka Senior Center Mon. & Wed. 1-2pm, Fri. 10-11am

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