LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — With cooler temperatures here, that means mosquito season is thankfully coming to an end.
Following up on a story I covered on Monday when I stopped at UNLV to talk to experts about how bad this past mosquito season was, on Tuesday I wanted to find out what can be done to help fight the problem.
University experts showed me the studies they are doing and explained how bad the problem got this past summer.
This year, we saw a huge uptick in human West Nile virus cases at 26, and we also saw a boom in the population of the Aedesaegypti mosquito that was not here in Southern Nevada prior to 2017.
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Rick Bowmer/AP
Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District biologist Nadja Reissen examines a mosquito Monday, Aug. 26, 2019, in Salt Lake City. A number of counties in Utah are reporting mosquito populations carrying West Nile virus following a spring with weather conditions that allowed the pests to flourish. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Joe: If this mosquito is not going anywhere and you see that population boom this year, one can only expect next summer we will do it again.
“100%. The issue, Joe, is that there is no coordinated mosquito abatement district here in Southern Nevada,” said Vivek Raman, who is an environmental health supervisor with the Southern Nevada Health District.
Raman said that in a typical year, they get around 90 to 100 complaints during the peak mosquito season. This year, they had more than 500 complaints.
He said there are some departments, such as Public Works or County Vector Control, that are able to do some mitigation efforts, but not one for the entire valley like you would see in other cities or counties in California, Utah, or Arizona.
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“This is very new to Southern Nevada. When you think about Aedesaegypti — only five, six years it’s been introduced now — to see it spread across the entire valley just goes to show how we need to look at what other communities have done and pick the best parts of what their programs are and the best parts of how they get funding,” Raman said.
He said the Southern Nevada Health District is looking into plans for the future on their end, and the experts I spoke to at UNLV agree — more can be done and they hope their data and studies from the summer can help.
WATCH | Why did the mosquito population boom this year? Experts weigh in and are looking for answers
Why did the local mosquito population boom this year? Experts weigh in
Neither of the authors of “Homesteading 2.0” (Dec. 15 Review-Journal) lives in Nevada. Yet, they believe they are qualified to advocate for increased development of our public lands.
To date, much new development has focused on luxury housing and green energy projects, rather than the need for affordable housing. While the authors acknowledge our successful conservation efforts, they fail to mention that current residents are being heavily regulated by the water authority, facing penalties, and pressured to reduce water usage. Lawns are being replaced with desert landscaping, and ongoing development to accommodate growth is contributing to the urban heat island effect. This growth has led to more congested roadways, wildlife encroaching into urban areas due to habitat loss and reduced access to recreational spaces that residents once enjoyed.
One of the defining features of Las Vegas was the open space surrounding the valley, which has long been a unique advantage of living in the Southwest. We must carefully consider how much growth we are willing to support moving forward.
Due to rainy weather forecast, the Annual Menorah Lighting in Nevada City has been moved indoors to The Miners Foundry (325 Spring St, Nevada City). Co-sponsored by Chabad of Grass Valley and The Miners Foundry, this special and FREE Chanukah celebration will take place on Thursday, December 26, at 4:00 p.m., and the public is invited to join the fun.
This year, for the first time ever, the event will feature the lighting of a 12-foot illuminated menorah, the largest and brightest in Nevada County. The menorah lighting promises to be an inspiring and memorable moment, bringing the community and our elected officials together to celebrate the message of Chanukah.
The evening will also include a unique performance by a Hassidic fire performer from Brooklyn, adding excitement and energy to the festivities. Guests will enjoy live Chanukah music, singing, and dancing, along with warm Starbucks coffee. Delicious latkes and donuts will be served, and there will be Chanukah gelt and dreidels for everyone to enjoy.
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“Chanukah is about bringing more light into the world each day,” said Rabbi Nochum Yusewitz. “We’re grateful to be able to gather indoors this year to keep everyone warm and dry while celebrating the holiday together. Although it’s the 9th year we are organizing this, there are lots of ‘firsts’ this year so that’s very exciting.”
For more information about the event, about Chanukah or about Chabad call Rabbi Nochum at 530-404-0030 or email hello@JewishGV.com
Celebrating 50 years in business, Nevada County Properties | Recreation Realty, Inc. is thrilled to announce the consolidation of their two offices, Broad Street Nevada City and Hwy 20 at Harmony Ridge to its original home on Highway 20, Nevada City, at Harmony Ridge, this December! This move not only brings the company “back to its roots” but also provides the community with a newly expanded and renovated hub for convenience and connection.
The updated building is now home to three unique businesses: Nevada County Properties | Recreation Realty, Inc., Tour of Nevada City Bicycle Shop Outpost, and Harmony Ridge Market, offering residents and visitors a one-stop destination for real estate inquiries, outdoor recreation needs, and a local deli and convenience store all at the entrance to the popular Scotts Flat Lake recreation destination.
Founded in 1973, Nevada County Properties | Recreation Realty, Inc. has long been a trusted name in Nevada County real estate. The return to the Highway 20 location, at the entrance to Scotts Flat Lake where the company’s journey began, not only honors this legacy but also introduces clients to an exciting new collaborative space. The recently updated building has been thoughtfully designed to create a dynamic community hub, offering clients and locals a seamless experience across real estate, biking & hiking trails, and a convenient market & deli.
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“This move is more than just returning to our roots—it’s about embracing the future of community collaboration,” said John Hensley, Realtor Emeritus. “We have proudly operated from this location since 1973, and it feels great to have the entire team together in one place that has always brought us prosperity. Now, we’re thrilled to welcome the Tour of Nevada City Bicycle Shop — Outpost location to our shared space, alongside our long-time neighbor, Harmony Ridge Market.”
“All three businesses are seamlessly connected,” Hensley added, “with a convenient path around the right side of the building leading from the real estate offices and the market to the Outpost’s front entrance. It’s been a rewarding and exciting process to create a multi-function facility in the heart of Nevada County recreation and living. We warmly welcome locals and visitors alike to explore, shop, and inquire—just 5 miles up from Nevada City!”
The renovated Hwy 20 location, situated at 18848 Highway 20, is just 5 miles from Nevada City and across the road from the newly opened 5-Mile House restaurant, offers clients modern facilities in a familiar setting, reinforcing Recreation Realty’s commitment to local, personalized service while fostering a connected community experience. The unique blend of these businesses in one easy access location makes it a convenient destination for both residents and visitors to Nevada County.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact:
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