Expanded Food Resources to SNAP Recipients; Local Confirmed Case of Tuberculosis; More

WASHOE COUNTY

Washoe County, City of Reno, and City of Sparks are partnering with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada and Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada to expand food resources throughout Washoe County for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients.

As of Nov. 1, SNAP payments are expected to be frozen, which means that deposits into EBT accounts may not happen, and those who buy groceries with their EBT card will need to use other food resources.

The Food Bank of Northern Nevada and its extensive network of partners are here for residents. Click here to find out how to access food.

In addition to their expanded pantry hours, Catholic Charities is offering family-friendly dinners at the St. Vincent’s Dining Room (325 Valley Rd.) on Saturdays and Sundays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. throughout November. To help with the Nevada Day holiday this week, Catholic Charities is adding a dinner Oct. 31 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. as well.

Food pickup at the Catholic Charities food pantry will be available every other week to those in need rather than just one time per month, and everyone is welcome to the daily lunch at the St. Vincent’s Dining Room.

Additionally the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County (RTC) is donating 3,000 two-trip passes to the Washoe County School District to distribute to families who may need assistance getting to a food distribution site.

~ Washoe County press release

CALIF. CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 3

Congressman Kevin Kiley (R-CA) announced that he is co-sponsoring the Keep SNAP Funded Act of 2025, legislation designed to ensure that families relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) continue receiving their benefits during the ongoing government shutdown.

The government shutdown is threatening food security for millions of Americans as they rely on SNAP for a stable food source. The Keep SNAP Funded Act of 2025 guarantees that SNAP recipients will continue to receive their benefits throughout the duration of the shutdown. The bill also provides retroactive payments for any missed benefits on or after Sept. 30.

In 2024, 41.7 million Americans received SNAP benefits, which is 12.3% of the U.S. population.

Editor’s note: Despite claims on government websites such as fs.usda.gov that “The Radical Left Democrats shut down the government,” it was due to a partisan disagreement of both parties over passing funding legislation.

~ Congressman Kevin Kiley press release

INCLINE VILLAGE

Incline Village and Crystal Bay experience wide seasonal fluctuations in population that bring unique needs in law enforcement. The Incline Law Enforcement Team was created to meet these unique needs, and is funded up to $3.3 million annually, starting in fiscal year 2027 by long-time Incline Village residents Dave and Cheryl Duffield. 

The grant intends to continue funding in future fiscal years, covering salaries, benefits, equipment, as well as other expenses, contingent upon mutual agreement between the parties that the program remains effective and aligned with its original purpose.

~ Washoe County press release

TRUCKEE

Tahoe Forest Health System (TFHS), in coordination with Nevada County Public Health, has identified a confirmed case of active tuberculosis (TB) in a patient who received care at TFHS facilities between May 1 and Oct. 25.

Upon confirmation, TFHS immediately implemented infection-control precautions and began working with public health officials to identify and notify any individuals who may have been exposed. All known patients who meet the exposure criteria have been identified and contacted directly. TFHS and public health are now working to identify and reach out to any visitors or guests who may have accompanied those patients during the potential exposure period.

The patient received on-going care at TFHS over a period of several months prior to being diagnosed with TB. 

Symptoms of active TB can include a persistent cough, fever, unexpected weight loss, night sweats, and fatigue.

TB bacteria can live inside a person for months or years without causing symptoms. It can spread when a person who has developed symptoms coughs or breathes out droplets containing the bacteria, particularly in an enclosed space over a long period of time, such as several hours.

Testing is the only way to know if someone was infected after a TB exposure. While the risk of contracting TB is very low, the testing is being advised for individuals that were potentially in contact with the patient for several hours while on TFHS premises, and are considered at higher risk for infection.

~ Tahoe Forest Health System press release

PLACER COUNTY

In accordance with provisions of the election laws of the State of California, the Placer County Elections Office gives notice that, on Nov. 5 at 10 a.m., the office will randomly select vote centers and precincts for a manual tally of no less than 1% of the precincts casting ballots at the Nov. 4 Statewide Special Election. This random selection of vote centers and precincts is open to the public at 3715 Atherton Rd. in Rocklin.

Additionally, the Placer County Elections Office will begin a manual tally of no less than 1% of the precincts and vote centers casting ballots at the Nov. 4 election on Nov. 12 at 9 a.m. This manual tally will be conducted at the Placer County Elections Office, is open to the public and will continue daily (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays excluded, unless otherwise decided by the County Registrar of Voters) until completed.

For more information regarding the manual tally, interested persons may call the Placer County Elections Office at (530) 886-5650 (toll-free 1 (800) 824-8683) or email election@placer.ca.gov.

~ Placer County press release

NORTH LAKE TAHOE

Every day, artists working in North Tahoe Arts’ two galleries welcome local residents, second homeowners, and visitors who return year after year to see what’s new in the galleries. Visitors often find a perfect gift, an original work of fine art for homes, an adornment, or an image that delights throughout the year.

Throughout the year North Tahoe Arts participated in community events geared to the whole family. Every month it held a Free Art Day class for families to connect with arts and crafts. 

The next Free Art Days will be held on Nov. 2 and Dec. 7 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the North Tahoe Art Center in Kings Beach. 

North Tahoe Arts will continue offering this popular program in 2026. Learn more at northtahoearts.org/free-art-day.

~ North Tahoe Arts newsletter and website

NEVADA

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) and Made in Nevada are seeking nominations for the annual Taste of Nevada — Small Business of the Year Award. This award recognizes the outstanding work agriculture, food, and beverage industries do in Nevada. Nominations are due by Nov. 17.

Nominations are encouraged for any Nevada small business that provides locally produced agriculture, food, or beverage products. Businesses are also able to self-nominate. To be eligible, businesses must be licensed in Nevada, produce or manufacture at least 51% of their agriculture, food, or beverage product in Nevada and have less than 150 employees.

Nominations can be made at agri.nv.gov.

~ Nevada Department of Agriculture press release

NORTH LAKE TAHOE

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™) — to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” It highlights how important it is to buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely.

Most of the electronics used in homes every day: smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this type of battery.

If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. To reduce these risks, it’s important to know which devices are powered by them.

Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire. Recycle devices or batteries at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a local recycling spot.

~ North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District press release

INCLINE VILLAGE

With wet winter weather on the way, Take Care Tahoe is asking residents to bring in their “Take it Slow, Tahoe” yard signs for the season.

More than 1,200 signs were distributed earlier this year and proudly displayed in neighborhoods across the Basin, reminding everyone to take it slow and drive mindfully.

The Take Care Tahoe team asks that all signs, including those in high-visibility areas not directly in front of a home or business, be removed and stored indoors until spring.

~ Take Care Tahoe press release