The Voice of the Wild, Wild West
3-10-2000
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  County Faces Budget Crunch  
 

Amidst all the talk about Storey County becoming the richest county in Nevada, the county is facing a budget crunch in the next fiscal year because the $1.5 million in revenue it expected from the Pinon Pines power station has gone away now that that experimental power station is actually working and in "demonstration mode." (This means that the tax revenues from the station are now divided up across the state, on the basis of line-miles of electric wires Storey County doesnt have many line-miles.) The county had been expecting the power station to be on the countys tax rolls for one more year, and only found out it wouldnt be in February. This means that the county has to cut expenditures by some $1.2 million dollars over this, and the next, fiscal years.

Already, all departments have started to chop away at their budgets. So far Sheriff Pat Whitten has made the largest cuts some $150,000, and Gary Hames has cut the Fire Department budget by about $50,000. However, with all the cuts in all the departments, the county still needs to either cut the budget by another $400,000 or find that much in extra revenues. Marilou Walling, who is in charge of the budgeting process, is confident that the county will ride out this particular storm, however. "We had to do it once before, when the Patrick Bridge went over-budget," she said. "And we can do it again."

The first budget hearing, which promises to be a grim occasion, is on April 5 at the Courthouse, and is likely to last all day.

Helicopter Tours?

Sierra Gulf Helicopters has applied for a businees license to run tours to and around Virginia City from Reno. About five years ago another helicopter company asked for the same thing and were shot down in flames [not literally, although it might have come to that, being as there are some jumpy Vietnam vets around here ] by local residents and the commissioners. The second hearing when they get a nay or yea for their business license will be at the next Commissioners meeting on March 21.

Water Grab

Commission Chairman Chuck Haynes reported that he was still having discussions with Jim Galloway of the Washoe County Commissioners about Storey County ranch water rights being sold to Reno and Sparks. He asked that the subject be continued until the next meeting.

Permits for Digging Up or Over County Byways

The Commissioners heard the first reading of a proposed new ordinance which would require those digging up, over, or near any county rights-of-way to get a permit and pay a fee. Fuller discussion of the issue will take place at the second reading on March 21. (Residents may have noticed that the NDOT has covered up part of the old Geiger Grade right-of-way out by Lousetown Road, and there is the infamous example of Jolcover and friends covering county rights-of-way with tons of dirt down below F Street.)

 
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  Erin Go Bragh  
 

by

John McCarthy

On the evening of Wednesday. March 15th. - the green center stripe down C" Street will reappear !

Before Bill Marks left town, he made his loyal Comstock Micks promise to keep the faith and re-establish the green stripe each year, right before St Patricks Day - forever ! The paint crew consisting of the Sons & Daughters of Erin (SDOE) , plus some local Celtic lads and lasses, and a few leprechauns will meet at the Washoe Club at 6:30 p.m., Comstock time.

As an aside the SDOE runs a lottery before each St. Patricks Day with net proceeds going to charity. The grand prize is a round trip airfare for two to Ireland, with a weeks car rental thrown in Its our payback to our communities.

Last year there was an unfortunate occurrence when NDOT came in and yellow striped over our new green paint the next day Julie Lee of the VC Chamber of Commerce, bought more green paint and she and Jim Reinheller started to repaint over the NDOT work They were half finished, when two high school lads asked if they could finish the job and did.

Scott Macgruder, spokesman for NDOT expressed regrets and promised-never again. The rumor is not true that "if NDOT does screw up, that MoGruder will receive a free air trip halfway to Ireland."

Wear old clothes and bring an old long handled paint roller.

Another untrue rumor is "that the rather large structure at the south end of town, built by NDOT, is a tombstone for Scott McGruder in case NDOT forgets !

Erin go bragh ! Ireland forever,

 
 
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Jeanmarie Simpson & Cameron Crain

 
 

by

Cathylee James

On a midsummers night Jeanmarie Simpson met Cameron Crain, fell in love, got married and moved to Virginia City. With a dream and much ado, they created the Nevada Shakespeare Festival and measure for measure, began filling all the worlds stage of Pipers Opera House. In this small Nevada hamlet, Jeanmarie and Cameron told winters and summers tales and invited the towns men and women to be players. The merry town prospered and saw that all was well that ended well.

At least its sure looking that way. The directors of the Nevada Shakespeare Festival have ideas, hopes, visions and plans-and the determination to make their dream a reality that benefits all those who live on the Comstock.

"Theater belongs to the community. The Nevada Shakespeare Festival is an entity that is very much being invented with the Comstock, Storey County and Virginia City in mind. We want to complement the experience Virginia City already [gives its visitors]."

Painting regional theatre as an "economic engine," Jeanmarie and Cameron are enthusiastic in their placement of arts within the community. "Its a symbiotic relationship," says Jeanmarie. "Everythings connected," adds Cameron. "Partnering is so important. Every time we have 500 people here [to see a show], theyre going to want to eat theyll visit the town. Were going to give them a reason to stay in town longer. Its a win-win situation."

"It really isnt about supporting the arts," concludes Jeanmarie. "Its about how the arts sustain and support the communityand really do raise the quality of life, in many ways."

Certainly its hard to see a downside to the addition of the Nevada Shakespeare Festival on the Comstock. With the passion of its directors, the contagious enthusiasm of county participants and the hearty backing of the business community, the future of the NSF could be bright indeed. The company already has 74 program dates booked in the year 2000, (see related article), making it a resident theaterthe first one in Virginia City in over 100 years (1896).

It was decidedly a fortunate mixing of fate and circumstances that brought to the Comstock two such talented and dedicated individuals. Jeanmarie began life on a copper mine in Ray, Arizona while Cameron Crain comes from the fertile farming region of Washington and Idaho called the Pelouse. From these small-town beginnings, the future NSF directors wended their way toward a consuming love of theatre and the artsbut along rather different paths.

From Toronto to the Comstock

Jeanmarie Simpsons folks were a mining engineer and a professional actress. Her father sought out the open spaces that define the life of a mining engineer while her mother craved the arts and theatre that cities could offer. In her parents pursuit of these two ways of life, Jeanmarie got to taste two ends of lifes spectrum. So after her first rural decade, Jeanmarie stepped into the urban lifestyle of Toronto, Canada. It was a defining experience.

"Toronto is just an incredible world center. It had world class theatre, ballet, opera, symphony, art and science centers. Once we went to Ontario Place and sat on the grass and watched [Rudolf] Nureyev dance. Its still one of the most vivid images I have."

Cameron Crains family was farming stock. But like his future wife, Camerons early country years ended with a move to the city. "The only thing that made me different from the average northern Idaho Joe kid was that I lived in Athens, Georgia for eight years." One other thing made him different: he wanted to be everything. "I wanted to be a farmer, a ballplayer, a superhero. I finally figured the only way to do all [the things I wanted to do] was to be an actor."

It was with marked contrast that Cameron and Jeanmarie began their theatrical careers. While Cameron started acting in college with the Washington State University Theatre and various companies in Washington and Idaho, Jeanmarie got her first taste of the theatre at St. Lawrence Centre in Toronto at the age of 12. Chosen from a huge national call, she played Diana Rigg as a child in Summer and Smoke, directed by John Gielgud. She added to her professional credits at St. Lawrence Centre in the years that followed.

Regardless of the dissimilarity of their first forays into theatre, though, the outcome for both was an enduring and inviolable bond with the world of the arts. It merely remained to find each other. Some midsummer night eves in the Pacific Northwest provided the opportunity.

"We met doing summer stock theatre in Pullman, Washington in the summer of 1993 . . . and it was love at first sight." So following that summer, Cameron returned to Reno with Jeanmarie who had been settled there for several years, a consequence of her familys move to Nevada from Toronto. Cameron completed a family circle that included Jeanmaries beloved childrenDomenic, Paul and Emily who are now 20, 18 and 14, respectively.

While her children have always had ties to Reno, Jeanmarie began establishing ties to Virginia City almost two decades ago. She came up to the Comstock for productions such as Pirates of Penzance and Paint Your Wagon through her connections with the Nevada Arts Council. And she participated in the Artist-In-Residence program from 1984-1997. In 1989, Jeanmarie directed the first event of the Comstock Arts Council, Quilters. She followed it with Painting Churches, Night Mother, Wool Gatherer, etc. "Ive been woven into the theatre program up here, really, since 1984, through many projects."

"When I saw Virginia City, I loved it. Its so much like the region that Im from in Arizona. I love a small town. As much as I like the arts and culture and diversity of the big city, I dont like to walk down a street and not know who anybody is; you dont even know your next-door neighbor. Here [in Virginia City] theres such a strong sense of community. And somehow, everybody belongs to each other here."

Now Jeanmarie Simpson and Cameron Crain belong to the Comstock and are weaving the magic of their theatre through the community of which theyve become a part. They started the Nevada Shakespeare Festival in 1998 but the idea for it came to Jeanmarie years earlier.

"Ever since I first saw Pipers Opera House in 1984, I wondered how can there not be historical summer theatre going on in there? How can there not be Shakespeare [performed] there with the big portrait of Shakespeare over the stage? I felt such a deep respect for this incredible building. So in June of 1999, we went to Pipers Opera House, Inc. and they were very gracious and receptive. We rent office space there now as a separate entity and we feel so fortunate to be able to share a building with the likes of the Barrymores and Marie Dressler."

Cameron and Jeanmarie arent stopping at Pipers Opera House, though. On April 1st, theyll take the first step in realizing their first community outreach program when they begin renting the Knights of Pythias building next door to Pipers. Jeanmarie is enthusiastic about how much can be accomplished.

"Our outreach educational programs and our afterschool programs are going to be based out of there. Were working toward a kids café kind of thing where students will actually be interns in the hospitality end of theatre. Well have interns both for the box office, which will be located over there, and for concessions. Its really an apprenticeship; students will become a part of the whole ecosystem of theatre."

Cameron is quick to give credit to the people who are making this first outreach venture possible. "Were collaborating with Shaun and Debby Loesch Griffin at Community Chest. Theyre also contributing the use of this incredible coffee cart. Its because of them that were able to launch this thing."

And its because of people like Jeanmarie Simpson and Cameron Crain that Virginia City continues to regain its reputation as an undisputed center of theatre and the arts. When they decided to bring their talent, enthusiasm, vision, warmth and community spirit to the Comstock, they gave Virginia City a gift its likely to treasure for more than just a midsummer nights eve.

     
 
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  Sheriff's Log  
 

by John Tyson

Spinouts and Lewdness

Weather-related traffic problems and an arrest for Lewdness with a Minor are at the top of the Sheriffs Log for this week. The snowstorm Sunday night caused several spinouts and cars in ditches on the Geiger Grade. Luckily, no one was injured, and all of the traffic tie-ups were cleared in a short amount of time.

A suspect is in jail on charges of Lewdness with a Minor. The incident is still under investigation.

A motorcycle rider got into an accident on the Geiger Grade just above the microwave station. To add to his troubles, he was also booked into the county jail on DUI charges.

Animal complaints continue to go down. Dog complaints this week include a report of an injured dog on Five Mile Flat, and a report of an abandoned dog. Also reported was a case of a dead mare in Mark Twain. It appeared she died giving birth. She also had a horse colt by her side. He was taken into safekeeping by the Virginia Range Wildlife Protection Association, and is waiting for a new home.

Other calls and reports handled this week include a keep the peace detail that did indeed end peacefully. Officers are also investigating a case of vehicle stolen from a drilling company. The vehicle was recovered a short time later in a Carson City parking lot.

Officers are investigating two cases of vehicle vandalism this week. One vehicle in particular was "keyed" while parked at Pipers Opera House.

A report of suspects digging for bottles at Mexican Flat was investigated. Digging for artifacts and bottles on private property without written permission from the owner is illegal and punishable under the law. Range Management has been instructed to look for illegal digging and cite those responsible. Speaking of which, Range Management rode a circle from Hidden Valley to Devils Flat. Although no problems were encountered, several people were observed target shooting and hiking. A large number of horses were also observed and determined not to be in any imminent danger.

Deputies also responded to two alarm calls this week, both false. Sheriffs staff and reserves will make their annual appearance at this Saturdays Oyster Fry. Come on down to visit and bring the kids&McGruff the Crime Dog will be there along with our new traffic patrol unit.

Sheriff Whitten advises that speed is still a problem. Slow down, stop at the stop signs and save yourself an expensive citation, or even worse, an expensive accident. Wear your seat belt, and enjoy your week.

 
 
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  Cant We All Just Get Along?  
 

by Jay Regas

The May 22, 1998, COMSTOCK CHRONICLE headline read "Hells Angels Moving In On Old Bridge Ranch?" In the accompanying article about revoking Old Bridge Ranchs brothel license, Storey County Sheriff Bob De Carlo seemed to be the chief accuser with Carl Trink the county commissioner who represents the River District where Old Bridge Ranch is located crossing the theoretical "ts" and dotting the imaginary "is." I think the most outlandish allegation was when Trink was quoted: "There is more than prostitution going on [at the Old Bridge]. Theyre definitely selling narcotics down there." Then there was Commissioner Charles Haynes providing the due process necessary in justifying the revocation of Burgess license when he said: "If it looks like a duck and it smells like a duck and it walks like a duck, its a duck." Of course Bill Hollis "Around the Bend" column, in his mean-spirited style, threw gas on the fire with further flagrant and bogus accusations to demonize David Burgess and Old Bridge Ranch.

While I was working at Old Bridge Ranch it was alleged that I was selling drugs at the brothel. I have always been amused about these allegations made about my involvement in illegal activity. In one breath, I was accused of being sophisticated and intelligent in my criminal endeavors. In the next breath, it was my "MO" (modus operandi) for every toaster and TV burglary taking place east of the Sierras, and that I was foolishly peddling drugs in a whorehouse.

I cant fathom how anyone could have seriously thought that David Burgess, having a cash-flow cow like Old Bridge Ranch, would be so reckless as to jeopardize his license by knowingly allowing drugs to be sold at his business. There are no secrets in a brothel. Think about it, we had twenty-six women living and working at Old Bridge Ranch.

Then, George Flint at the revocation hearing was claiming: "David is a friend of mine. When all the dust settles Im the fellow that has to answer to sixty-three people in Carson City [the Legislature]. My prime responsibility is to be sure that these four men [Storeys licensing board] can continue to license brothels. This motorcycle situation is serious..." I have known George Flint for more than thirty years. My wholesale florist company sold his "Silver Bells Wedding Chapel" flowers for most of that time. George will do, say, and twist things like a "Whirling Dervish" to enhance his coffers and position in life.

This is only my opinion, but doesnt it seem that ever since Joe Conforte blew wind up Del Carlos and Flints dresses that once they got rid of David Burgess, they could end up managing Old Bridge Ranch or even have a piece of his pie? And, since the Mustang Ranchs demise and Old Bridges revocation failure, Del Carlo and Flint seem to be busying themselves trying to somehow get into the brothel business in Storey County.

The only decent individuals in the years of Storey Countys sordid brothel messes has been David Burgess and his management teams who once professionally operated the Mustang Ranch and continue to operate Old Bridge Ranch. David has tried to stay out of the limelight, operating the brothels under his low-key management style. He shuns embarrassing and questionable promotions, he has refused comment when questioned by the news media, he avoided unnecessary publicity of the brothel industry and he fought his battles through proper business and legal avenues. I would hope that the people of Storey County are beginning to realize that David and his management team are the ethical operators any community would be pleased to embrace.

Yet, there is more nonsense. Conforte is suddenly claiming he holds the lease at Old Bridge Ranch. Plus, Joe has filmed a tell-all interview with televisions "A&E Network" that will be aired during April. Joe is going to be telling how he cheaply purchased Storey County officials with cigars wrapped with hundred dollar bills. Ill bet a cigar there are a bunch of past and present Virginia City politicians who cant wait for this show to be broadcast!

My eldest daughter was helping out in a Reno retail flower shop over the Valentine holiday and was told by a coworker that a local FBI agent named Clen Ferry (Im not sure of the spelling) said: "There is a family that runs a Mustang brothel and belongs to a motorcycle "gang who are the Reno Mafia." My daughter was shocked! "Your talking about my brothers . . . they are not criminals! They are hard-working, tax-paying, law-abiding citizens." This was only hearsay conversation, but if is being said by a local FBI agent, besides being false and unprofessional, its damaging the reputation of these fine young men. To continually accuse my sons (David included) of being involved in organized crime is criminal in itself. I dont read in the local papers of any trucks being hijacked, of any car theft rings, of restaurants being extorted or gangland styled murders taking place. When I continually hear of this openended accusation without specific claims of crimes I fear for my children"s future. It was just those type of false accusations that I ignored and let stand unanswered in hope that my noninvolvement in any criminal conduct would eventually end the gossip that made it easy for prosecutors to convict me.

In spite of all the injustice David Burgess has suffered, I know it is his intention to settle with the County fairly without bringing undue hardship on the innocent Storey County taxpayers. Months ago David made an offer for the County to apologize and pay his losses, and nothing more. But the County chose to drag their feet in accepting his offer. I am sure that with the recent Nevada Supreme Court decision in Davids favor the County may be ready to meet his offer. It is Davids hope to be reimbursed for his losses and expenses and enter into a cooperative, businesslike relationship with Storey County.

 

 
     
     

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