Philosopher Camus wrote “Always go too far, because that’s where you will find the truth.”
White Pine School Board meeting was well attended with standing room only. The main topic ( suggested by the administrators from each school not proposed by the school board) was the possible closing of the Lund Middle and High Schools. Proposed cuts are Jennifer Carter as K-1 Paraprofessional ($15,715), Connie Peacock as Specials Paraprofessional ($15,172), all athletic and co-curricular activities ($40,987), Tim Moser Middle/High School Teacher ($61,377) and Jeremy Ebbink Middle/High School Teacher ($61,377). This will save the district $194,628. The School District cut $1.6 million last year and didn’t fill positions of those who left to avoid layoffs.
Many questions were asked and statements made, mostly in concern for the students. This will affect 11 students- grades 6-12, they will be bused, home schooled or move to another area.
Closing the school will have a cost, bus and driver will be a big cost. The maintenance of an empty building can also be expensive. For the students, after school activities and being close to home in case of illness or an emergency. The town of Lund will also have some possible loss of business and residents.
The School Board was open to all comments. This is going to be a hard decision to make.
It does seem money is a growing problem. The County Commissioners are looking for resources to finance their budget. One place the County can cut is payroll. The County payroll is pushing $6,000,000. You can check the payroll for 2014 on line at Transparent Nevada, 2015 should be posted soon. The citizens of White Pine County can no longer pay added taxes, fees or licenses. Decisions need to be made soon. The longer decisions are put off the more the budget will be falling short.
The county is in negotiations with the county employees union. They should be able to cut some costs.
Campaigns are getting underway White Pine County. I am very pleased to see younger people getting involved. Being a Commissioner is not an easy job, but can be rewarding.
County Commission (Partisan) – 4 Year Term
Seat 2 Mike Coster Republican 775-293-2933 costerwpc@gmail.com.
Seat 2 Shane Bybee Republican 775-289-6200 chev3100@att.net
Seat 2 George Chachas Democrat 775-289-3570
Seat 3 Steven Stork Republican 775-397-3550 stork.64@gmail.com
Seat 4 Richard Howe Republican 775-287-2851 Rhowe1@sbcglobal.net
Seat 4 Johnathan Dishong Republican 775-299-8040
Seat 4 Ralph McClintock Democrat 702-592-7442
Seat 4 Rusty Lewis Nonpartisan 775-296-2103 Rusty_Lewis75f@hotmail.com
Baker GID (Nonpartisan) 4 Year Term
Seat B2 Dan Dore
McGill/Ruth GID (Nonpartisan) 4 Year Term
Seat E Melissa Spear 775-289-8374
White Pine Hospital District Trustee (Nonpartisan) 4 Year Term
District 3 Dale Derbidge 775-289-4689 diderbidge@gmail.com
District 3 Leslie Martin 775-289-2049 lggmartin@hotmail.com
District 4 Wade Robison 775-289-0298
District 4 Todd Brewster 775- 289-2995 brewmeisterpt@aol.com
School District Trustee (Nonpartisan) 4Year Term
Subdistrict C Angie McVicars 775-289-2479 angiemcvicars@gmail.com
Subdistrict D Mary Kerner 775-293-0809 MARYKERNER@gmail.com
Subdistrict D Jessica Trask
Subdistrict F Shella Nicholes 775-296-1429 kanicholes@gmail.com
Subdistrict G Denys Koyle 775-234-7324 borderinn@aol.com
Subdistrict G Candice Campeau candicecampeau@gmail.com
Soil Conservation District (Nonpartisan) 2 & 4 Year Terms
Seat BB 4 Year Term Jeff Weeks
TV District No1 (Nonpartisan) 4 Year Term
Seat A Art Olson 775-289-4038
Seat C Tony Whittaker
Looking like an exciting year.
Geri Wop
Coming Events:
March 29 – USDA food distribution 3:00, 735 Ave N. First Baptist Church.
April 8 – Fresh Food Distribution 3:00, 735 Ave N. First Baptist Church
April 9 – Volunteer Appreciation Dinner-invitation Only. Convention Center
April 19 – Native American Art – Art Bank
April 22 – 24 – Nevada Archeological Society. Convention Center
April 26 – 28 – Native American Conference. Convention Center 289-8877
May – 6 – PEO Art Auction
May 13 – NORC 1/2 & 1 Mile Shootouts SR 490
May 13 – Nevada Open Road Parade of cars
May 14 – NORC Car Show Broadbent Park
May 14 – Little League Pancake Breakfast. 7-11 am Broadbent Park
May 15 – NRCO Race Day!!
May 23 – USDA Food Distribution.
