Community backs meth meetings

Monday night will be the final of three informational meetings at Carson City school aimed at educating parents and teachers about methamphetamine use and sales.

Thursday, about 100 people packed the library at Carson Middle School where they were given a presentation by Rory Planeta of the Tri-Net Drug Taskforce, about the effect meth use has on children and the community.

Afterward, Planeta answered questions from the audience.

Liz Teixeira, coordinator for Partnership Carson City, said the turnout suggests people are eager to learn how to combat the drug, deemed the city's highest priority by the mayor.

"We are going to be expanding our program out into the business community, educating hotel and motel managers on not only what meth is, but what their responsibility is, what they need to look for and that they are responsible if there's a lab on their property," she said.

Partnership Carson City, an organization of local leaders, came together after a series of focus groups earlier this year indicated a methamphetamine epidemic was threatening to devastate the community.

Mondays' meeting will be held in the library at Eagle Valley Middle School at 6 p.m. and is open to anyone.

Sheriff Kenny Furlong said the swearing in Wednesday of a recent POST Academy graduate fills every slot for deputies available to the Carson City Sheriff's Department.

Cory Dunkhurst, of Carson City, will be assigned to the jail.

Dunkhurst's arrival makes it possible for Deputy Rick Duarte to move into patrol.

"I'm thrilled that we've achieved the goal of filling the department with good-quality candidates," said Furlong.

There are now 45 deputies and six supervisors assigned to patrol, he said.

Virginia City is looking for a few good outhouses to race in its annual World Championship Outhouse Races on Oct. 8 and 9 down C Street. The street will be closed for each race, then reopened.

Spokeswoman Elma White said a few of last year's racers won't make it this year, though fan favorite "the Urinator" sponsored by the Ole Tyme Saloon in South Reno will be back after a year's absence, along with their "Plungerettes" drill team.

The event will be a double-elimination tournament with main races on Oct. 8 and the finals on Oct. 9. Each outhouse has a driver inside and at least two pushers to propel it up C Street.

Entry deadline will be at the registration and welcome party, 6 p.m. Friday at Sergeant Major's Silver Dollar Saloon on C Street from 6 to 11 p.m. The parade and main races are on Saturday and the finals and award presentation will be Sunday.

Prospective racers should call (775) 847-0311 for rules and application packet.