The Voice of the Wild, Wild West
2-4-2000
At Tuesdays Storey County School Board meeting, the issue of charging fees for the use of school property by "outside" groups caused a storm of controversy. This issue arose out of nowhere and appeared to be part of a determined campaign by the School Board to alienate everybody in the community.
According to a proposed school policy (some Board members thought it was the current, latest policy, but it wasnt more on this later) groups in which "admissions, contributions or charges are collected or accepted from participants or those admitted" would be charge a hefty fee for use of school facilities $120+ to use the high school gym for one evening, for example. On its face, this regulation would include boy scouts, girl scouts, 4-H, Might Mites basketball, the Volunteer Fire Departments Christmas fund-raiser (they charge a fee to those selling arts and crafts), and Arts Council productions.
Representatives from most of these groups were at the meeting to protest such fees. They were mostly assured by individual school board members that that particular group, 4-H, Mighty Mites etc would be excluded from paying fees, regardless of the fairly unambiguous wording of the proposed policy. The only group not so reassured was the Community Chest which runs the pre-school, after school program for kids whose parents arent home at those times, usually because of work schedules.
Who will administer and interpret this policy, someone asked. Ed Diederich responded that the policy document would reveal the answer. Then someone else pointed out that the current assemblage of school board and administrators couldnt agree on who was covered or excluded by the policy, and that any policy document has to be interpreted. Eventually the School Board conceded that the School Superintendent, Bob Scott, would administer the policy.
Do you believe that the Community Chest program should be charged, Scott was then asked. He ducked the question by saying he needed to know more about the Community Chest program this in spite of the fact that Sean Griffin had provided Scott with reams of information over the last month and met with him twice. Of course, Scott is a semi-retired, lame duck administrator who, like a punch drunk boxer, is mainly concerned about keeping his head down so that he avoid a serious hit.
Numerous members of the community, including Bum Hess, Virginia Nevin, Fred Gladding, Ed Murkovich and Tracy Curtis all with strong ties to the community and the schools spoke against the idea of charging fees for activities that "benefited the kids." County Commissioner Chuck Haynes pointed out that the School Board risked alienating so many people with the proposed policy that it would be impossible for them to get a school bond passed anytime in the near future. Several mothers said that without the Community Chest preschool/after school programs they would be in serious difficulties.
Peggy Whitten said that it was "appalling that you would think of charging" for these activities.
Ed Diederich insisted that the Board was just trying to be "fiscally responsible," but the impact on school revenues if such a policy were adopted would be negligible even if those pursuing those activities didnt go elsewhere.
After an hours worth of comment, during which not one person spoke in favor of imposing fees, discussion was halted so the Board could go into closed session.
Someone wanted her child to have home schooling rather than be subject to the influences abounding in the Storey County School District. Who was that person? Carol McCracken. Yes, Carol McCracken, president of the School Board, wants to home school her kid, taking him/her out of the School District. [ Perhaps she can train the child to be a slot machine mechanic. Ed ] Anybody see any irony or hypocrisy here?
During the break between open and closed sessions, it was pointed out to Ed Diederich that the policy that the School Board had before it wasnt the latest adopted policy at all. In fact, in 1995, the School Board had debated the issue ad nauseum Your Editor was present at some of those meetings and adopted a policy in which the Community Chest programs were considered to be "semi-educational" and therefore exempt from fees. The current school administration appears to have no record of this policy, but there is going to be a search of the minutes of Board meetings to try to track it down. Sean Griffin had a copy of this policy, but the Board wanted independent confirmation that such a policy was adopted by the 1995 Board.
Bob Kershaw said that the Board should open more lines of communication with Community Chest. Sean Griffin, obviously close to the end of his tether said that he had met with numerous board members and administrators had had two meetings with two board members and the Superintendent in the last month and "it is never enough." He has sent verifications of his companys non-profit status to Board members and the Superintendent. He has sent copies of his financial records to whoever has asked. "Every penny we receive and spend is audited every year," he said. "What more do you want me to do?"
In light of the information about a later policy document, and some concerns about the wording of the proposed policy and the proposed fee structures the Board decided to postpone further discussion and a decision until March 1. Perhaps by then a copy of the 1995 policy will materialize in the School Board vaults.
[ If the Community Chest program is forced to close, which it will be if these proposed fees are imposed, then children will have nowhere to go in the morning before school, or after school before their parents get home. The School Board appears willing to sacrifice these kids in the interest of damaging the Community Chest for reasons that perhaps only Carol McCracken can explain. When Your Editor first took over the paper, McCracken became angry at him for not reporting on the Satanic rituals which she believed were occurring regularly in the VC Cemeteries. Does she now believe that the Community Chest is being run by Satan?]
Board Member Appointment Postponed
The Board postponed their decision to appoint a School Board member to replace Tom Purkey until March. The reason given was that only two candidates had applied. The real reason is that the two candidates who applied arent right wing enough they might even be sympathetic to the Community Chest.
Last Wednesday night, "Chevy" Ray Nelson accidentally set fire to the old Colletti house, which he was renting (the residence of former Storey County JP Ed Colletti). While the interior was badly damaged, the house may be structurally salvageable the back part was hardly damaged at all.
Apparently Ray was smoking in his bed (alternately inhaling from his cigarette and his oxygen tank). Around midnight, he felt the call of nature and left the living room/bedroom. Upon his return, the cigarette had ignited the oxygen inhaler which was spewing fire around the room like a flame thrower. Ray at first tried to extinguish the fire, but when it got too hot, he left the house (up on A Street) and headed for the fire station. He arrived there (dressed only in his bikini shorts) at the same time as someone else called in the fire. Fire trucks left for the scene of the fire, arriving at eight minutes after midnight. A fireman tried to enter the building from the back but noticed his helmet was beginning to melt and withdrew. Just afterwards, another fireman kicked in the front door which caused the fire to "flash over" throughout Rays apartment. It took about 43 minutes to get the fire under control. Five units responded, two from VC, one from Mark Twain, one from the NDF in the Highlands, and one from Silver City.
(At the same time, Ron and Kathy Weeks, whose house is separated by a mere 18 inches from Rays place, had to be woken up. Neither the fire, nor the sound of the fire trucks arriving awoke the Weeks. Eventually Fred Garrett went into their house, up to the bedroom, and shook Kathy awake. "The house next door is on fire!? He told her. "No it isnt," she replied, and turned over to go back to sleep. Eventually, she was persuaded that there really was a fire. She woke Ron up, and they left the house.
In the meantime Chevy Ray was taken by sheriffs deputies to the courthouse/jail where he was provided with a prisoners orange outfit.
Fortunately, the Fire Department was able to stop the fire from spreading to the Weeks residence which suffered only some smoke damage.
Varsity boys and girls teams traded wins and losses in games against Pyramid and Coleville last weekend. Junior varsity boys won both games while JV girls lost both.
Zac Black led the Muckers to a 71-60 hometown win over the Pyramid Lakers on Friday with a high score of 26 points. In a game that totaled over 50 fouls from both teams (VC owned 21 of them), Reggie Doing and Oliver Swafford fouled out, but not before theyd each sunk two three-pointers and backed up their high scorer with 15 and 11 points, respectively. The game swung largely on the success of freethrows: Pyramid made barely 50% of theirs while the Muckers averaged 80%.
The team lost a close one at Coleville the next day, 51-49. Reggie Doing again fouled out but still grabbed the high scorer title with 14 points. Zac Black followed with 11 points and the only three-pointer while Wes Jorgensen, Oliver Swafford and Curry Lynch added eight points each.
VCHS varsity girls also earned a win and a loss but with alternate teams. They lost to Pyramid, 48-37 but beat Coleville, 35-28. Jackie Simons and Amanda Seaton shared the individual high score with 12 points each against Pyramid. Seaton again scored a high of 12 points against Coleville while Alix Cirac made the only three-point shot. The Lady Muckers led virtually all the way against Coleville, having an eight-point lead at halftime.
Season standings to this point are 9-6 overall and 5-3 in league games for the boys varsity. Girls varsity is at 4-10 overall and 3-5 league.
JV boys were successful both here and away, bettering their opponents by 20 and 30 points. In the 59-36 game against Pyramid, Jeff Ross was high scorer with 17 points, followed by Lester Real and Andy Turman with 11 and 10. The team distributed the three-pointers among Real, Andy Turman, Will Turman and Logan Lugo.
JV girls lost both games but came down to the wire with Pyramid. They stayed tied until the last 45 seconds when they lost by a basket, 29-27. Dana and Erika Jorgensen contributed 13 and 9 points, respectively.
VCHS will host Gerlach today at 3:00, 4:30, 6:00 and 7:30 PM. Tomorrow they will travel to Smith Valley for games beginning at 1:00 PM.
Sheriff's Log
by John Tyson
Animal complaints, including a dig bite case are at the top of the Sheriffs Log for this week. A dog bit an Amerigas employee, checking meters in Mark Twain. The employee required medical treatment at the fire department. The case is still under investigation, but it appears that the dog was current with his shots but did not have a county license.
Meanwhile, a report of a vicious dog ended up being a friendly dog jumping up on people. All in all, deputies handled a total of eight cases involving loose dogs, found dogs, vicious dogs, and loud dogs.
A wet relay switch is being blamed for the railroad crossing gates to activate in Gold Hill. The gates and lights work on a fail-safe system. If something goes wrong, the gates automatically activate. The problem was quickly corrected.
Bad weather is being blamed on several cars that experienced spinouts and guardrail contact on the Geiger Grade. One car in particular had a rough time due to unsafe tires.
Deputies also assisted NHP on a roll over accident in Gold Hill, and helped the Fire Department on a house fire on "A" Street. Quick response and command decisions saved the house that apparently was started by a smoldering cigarette. No one was injured in the fire, but the house did sustain substantial damage.
Other incidents handled by deputies this week include three alarm calls, all of which were determined to be false alarms, one noise complaint, and one juvenile problem.
Deputies also responded to two reports of missing persons, both of whom turned up safe and sound. In addition, one subject was booked in the Washoe County Jail on a Storey County violation of Bail order. He was later transferred to the Storey County jail where he posted bond.
Range Management continued patrol in Long Valley to Cottonwood Springs, checking the conditions of horses who are wintering in these areas. No problems were noted.
In the River District, we are back up to full staffing with the recent addition of Deputy Ken Quirk. Ken comes to us with an extensive background with the Lander County Sheriffs Office. With the addition of Ken, we are able to focus some much needed attention on traffic problems throughout the County. Beginning this week, Sergeant Leary will be out in his traffic unit working to slow down speeders in our many problem areas. Look for him out there, but you might want to slow down because if youre moving too fast, hell be looking for you!
Sheriff Whitten advises that slowing down on slippery roads, and ensuring that your vehicle is safe to drive can avoid many weather related accidents. Snow tires can give you added traction on snowy and icy roads, but they wont help you stop if youre driving too fast for conditions. The new guardrails installed this summer are already showing many signs of metal-to-metal contact. Take your time and arrive home safely.
by
Jay Regas
Lets stop in this "near & far." I need to rest my "plates of meat ... my "ones & twos" are killing me. Well request of the "tall & slender" a Scotch/"once or twice" and buy any "elephant trunk" in here one too! I should end up an "elephant trunk" myself. I lost my "bees & honey" to the "rats & mice." My "twist & twirl" is demanding a "Simple Simon" "apron string." The "rattling jar" is broke down and my "soap & water" refuses to come out of her "shovel & broom." My ex "trouble & strife" got me on the "moan & groan" and informed me the alimony check didnt clear the "Hank & Frank." The cleaners lost my "Freddie flute" & "lambs fry," and the only thing I have left to wear is this "ivory float" and Panama "tit for tat."
For those of you who did not spend anytime hustling newspapers to crap dealers, cocktail waitresses and cross-roaders in the "sawdust" and "carpet joints" of Reno during the early 1950s, I will interpret what you have just read.
Lets stop in this "bar." I need to rest my "feet"... my "shoes" are killing me. Well request of the "bartender" a Scotch/"ice" and buy any "drunk" in here one too! I should end up a "drunk" myself. I lost my "money" to the "dice". My "girl" is demanding a "diamond" "ring." The "car" is broke down and my "daughter" wont come out of her "room." My ex "wife" got me on the "phone" and informed me the alimony check didnt clear the "bank." The cleaners lost my "suit" and "tie" and the only thing I have left to wear is this coat and Panama hat.
As I look at what I have put on paper and reflect back to my youth the pioneer gambling "rounders" slang was colorful and fun when compared with my boring and depressing interpretation.
They can carry on about how fantastic Las Vegas has become and falsely give credit to Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel for creating it all. But back when Vegas was nothing but a dusty watering hole and "Bugsy" was still in knickers, hijacking bootleg whiskey, legalized gambling as we know it was born and growing up in Reno. The men who really deserve the credit for "Bucking the tiger" (gambling) in Nevada are George Wingfield Sr., Jim McKay and his lifelong partner Bill Graham, beyond a doubt Virgil Smith, Bill Harrah and his right-hand man Bob Ring, and the Smith Family of Harolds Club. There are a bunch of others who were minor players like Cliff Grady, Harry Weitz, the Wertheimer brothers, John Petricciani, the Hornstien brothers and Jack Austin and all the people who worked for them. As a little street urchin I sold every one of them a Nevada State Journal each morning. At the time I didnt appreciate the company I was in. They were just a bunch of old guys that were willing to pay a real silver dollar for a 10cent newspaper.
These pioneer gamblers used their "rounders" on me. I suppose out of amusement to play with a kid trying to hustle a newspaper on experienced hustlers like themselves. Their slang substituted rhyming words for common words. It originated in London, England at the end of the 18th Century. It was the language of the Cockney (working class Londoners) I imagine it migrated to the United States with the returning Doughboys after World War I.
How it ended up being use in Renos gambling "stores" (casinos) is anyones guess. At first it was befuddling for me. My hustlers mentality quickly figured it out and I used what I heard back on those old "suits" (casino & pit bosses) to assure a silver dollar for myself.
The crap dealers use to hark the game and it was exciting to hear them shouting out: "Little Joe from Kokomo" (which was when the dice rolled 4), "Jimmy Hicks" (was the number 6), "Ada from Decater" or "Eight slate or donate" (which was the number 8), "Nina Ross the bucken hoss" or "Ninety days in the county jail" (when the number 9 was rolled), "Skinny Dugan" (was a 7) and "Big Dick" (when the dice read 10.) Of course we should all be familiar with "Snake eyes," "Yo" or Yoeleven", "Boxcars" and "Horn bet." Has anyone heard "Big Red" or "Up jumped the devil" when a player sevend out lately? You dont hear them shout, "Wrong player" when a customer makes a back line bet anymore. Though you may hear an older dealer sing, "Right bettor.., front line bettor.., coming out!"
Sadly the crap dealers today dont have the style, flashingflair and showmanship that once enlivened those pioneer "stores." The industry needs too many dealers and they no longer have the time to teach the art and language that was once an exciting part of being at a dice table.
The word "George" was the term used for a live player who bet and would lay off a good "Zook" (gratuity) for the dealers. "Tom" was the opposite, he was a "stiff," and a "Jonah" was a person thought to bring bad luck. A "bleeder" was a pit boss who sweats a customer on a lucky streak.
"Fever" is a 5dollar bill, a "sawbuck" is a 10, a double-saw is a 20 and a 100-dollar bill could be called a "Benji," "mallard," "yard," or "C-note." The case money was all a guy had left and after betting the case money you needed a "fix" (a loan). The "vig" short for the Jewish word "vigorish" and later called the "juice" was the percentage you paid on that loan.
A "cowboy" was a player who played without rhyme or reason and a "cross-roader" was a cheater who usually ended up "86d" (thrown out of a joint). You cheated enough you might end up "aced duced" in a tranquil shallow grave in the vast bleak Nevada desert.
Dealers are still called "Black & Whites" and a "grind joint" is a casino that caters to low end gamblers. "Dressed to the nines meant you were dapper and every pit boss "dressed to the nines" with manicured fingernails, French cuffs with "Simple Simon" links and a pinkie "apron string."
You seldom hear of a "flat" "store" (a casino that cheats) anymore. There is to much money to be won, youre better off running a "square" joint (a gambling hall that gives the customer a fair shake). Todays casinos are all "carpet joints," only the carpets are deeper and. Like the jargon of casinos past the "sawdust joints" are gone forever.
