Nevada
Nevada Motel at York Beach makeover almost complete: Landmark hotel reopens in June
YORK, Maine — The finishing touches are being put on the Nevada Motel as owner Joe Lipton prepares for its June reopening.
The motel, built in the 1950s, has been closed since the family that opened it put it up for sale in 2021. Lipton, who bought it with his wife Michelle Friar, has since been resurrecting the classic motel shaped like a World War II-style battleship.
Lipton has been working on projects at several hotels he owns over the last few years. This year, he hopes to build a new bridal suite and spa at the ViewPoint Hotel overlooking the Nubble Lighthouse.
Lipton has said he has been motivated in his hospitality ventures to preserve the historic features of the buildings while bringing updated amenities. He said the Nevada would have been torn down for a residential development if he had not bought it.
“Somebody else was going to buy it, making it into housing,” Lipton said. “To keep that motel building there, I think, was fun for us.”
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Nevada set for June opening
Lipton has said he bought the motel because it was a landmark he wanted to preserve at Long Sands Beach. The motel at 141 Long Beach Ave. first opened in 1951.
The original owner, Henry de la Pena, named the motel after the U.S. Navy ship he served on in World War II. He left the Navy in 1947 and was inspired on a visit to Florida, where his sister-in-law’s husband opened a motel in Pompano Beach.
De la Pena returned to Maine with the idea of opening a motel and found the empty lot at York Beach in 1951. He purchased the property and named the motel after his wartime ship and designed the motel to resemble the flying bridge of a battleship.
The Nevada was put up for sale in 2021 for $2.75 million after de la Pena’s son said staffing shortages were causing the business to struggle. Lipton’s Crane Group purchased the motel for $1.6 million to revitalize it.
The motel originally had two stories, and Lipton is now building a third. He is also reducing the number of units, making each room more spacious. The work also includes a new elevator shaft.
Even with updates, Lipton has said the final product opening in June will maintain the feel of a 1950s motel. He said they are bringing back the “art deco beach scene” with mid-century artwork and wallpaper. An image showing the future Nevada Motel has been posted by Lipton on Facebook to give people a glimpse of what is coming.
“We kept the integral parts, the overhangs, the decks, the color,” Lipton said. “I think a lot of people are appreciative of how we’ve done it.”
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ViewPoint Hotel seeks to add new spa, bridal suite
Lipton is also looking to make more improvements to the ViewPoint Hotel, which he and Friar purchased along with partner Chris Crane in 2017.
Since buying the hotel, Lipton has added seven new rooms to the side of the hill overlooking the Nubble with grass roofs to appear hidden in the environment. He has also opened a restaurant, A Little Auk, that was first available to the public last fall.
Lipton is now going to reopen A Little Auk this summer to the public and is looking to add a new spa, as well as a second-floor bridal suite above the bathhouse. He also plans to add a new building to make it easier for guests to check in and get to their rooms quicker.
Whether Lipton can start construction in time for this summer depends on its approval with the Planning Board, he said. He was scheduled to go before the board on March 14 and said he would be able to finish the work in time for the 2024 summer season if the project gains approval.
“Cutting it very close, but yes,” Lipton said.
Lipton said there is a chance he eventually builds an indoor restaurant space with outdoor seating, as well as a wedding venue across the street from the ViewPoint.
He said after the ViewPoint and Nevada are complete, he expects to take a break from major projects. He and Friar grew up in town and have previously owned other businesses like the Inn on the Blues.
Lipton said it’s been fun to update some of York’s classic structures, like the Nevada. He has described it as an homage to the town where he’s lived since he was 8.
“To renovate and bring back a part of history,” Lipton said. “It is a really exciting, fun thing to be able to do in your hometown.”
More: Wiggly Bridge Distillery in York wins gold medal for whiskey
Nevada
American Red Cross of Northern Nevada deploying to Washington after flooding
RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – A disaster response volunteer with the American Red Cross of Northern Nevada is deploying to the state of Washington after flooding has affected the state.
Flooding in the state, caused by days of heavy rain, has forced the evacuation of around 100,000 from their homes. The volunteer will join hundreds of Red Cross responders from around the country to provide shelter, food, and aid to those in need.
“Our Northern Nevada volunteers bring skill, commitment and compassion to every disaster deployment,” said Bridget Posson, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter. “As an ERV driver, he plays a vital role in delivering essential support to families impacted by this devastating flooding, but it’s his compassion and commitment to helping others that truly provides hope in their time of need.”
The volunteer being deployed is from Minden, and has been deployed more than 25 times to disaster areas over more than 30 years.
Copyright 2025 KOLO. All rights reserved.
Nevada
Southern Nevada Jewish community unites for Hanukkah following deadly mass shooting
The Southern Nevada Jewish community gathered on Fremont Street to mark the first day of Hanukkah with the Grand Menorah Lighting, the religion’s symbol of light in dark times.
The event, held Sunday evening, was attended by Mayor Shelley Berkley and U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, who addressed the recent mass shooting at a Chanukah celebration in Sydney, Australia, which authorities say claimed at least 15 lives.
Hal Golblatt, director of security for Chabad of Southern Nevada, emphasized the importance of vigilance and protection after news of the mass shooting.
“6:30 this morning, I was on the phone to Metro, arranging for more security here,” he said.
The Chabad of Southern Nevada has hosted the event for the past 30 years.
“I would like to let the community know not to be afraid, not to be scared, to be loud, to be proud, have Jewish pride.” Rabbi Motti Harlig said.
He expressed his devastation over the attack, noting that one of his friends was injured but is now recovering. Tragically, another Chabad rabbi did not survive the shooting.
“The way we deal with evil, with terrorism, is that we fight it, by not running, not hiding, but going out there and showing that we’re not afraid,” Rabbi Shea Harlig said.
The event served as a reminder of the enduring message of Hanukkah: faith, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness.
Nevada
Nevada ends non-conference slate with 78-75 win over Duquesne on Saturday
Steve Alford recaps the Pack’s 78-75 win over Duquesne on Saturday
Steve Alford recaps the Wolf Pack’s 78-75 win over Duquesne on Saturday
Nevada will go into Mountain West Conference play in a four-game winning streak, but the fourth of those wins was not easy.
The Wolf Pack ended its non-conference slate with 78-75 win over Duquesne on Saturday in front of an announced crowd of 7,238 fans at Lawlor Events Center.
In the final 90 seconds, Wolf Pack freshman Peyton White got a huge rebound, then hit two free throws to help the Pack go up by three
The Dukes got their first lead of the second half with 1 minute, 38 seconds left, 71-70.
Tayshawn Comer led the Pack with 16 points, White had 12 and Elijah Price had 10 points and nine rebounds as the Pack improved to 8-3.
Nevada’s Joel Armotrading and Corey Camper Jr. did not play as they are still dealing with injuries.
“We battled hard. It wasn’t our best game but we came through and got it done,” White said.
Tre Guinyard led the Dukes (6-5) with 21 points.
Nevada (8-3) opens conference play against Boise State on Saturday.
Top Takeaways
The Dukes tried to win it from the arc, going 11-33 from there, after knocking down their first two of the game.
The Pack shot 4-of-10 from the arc, and 25-of-56 from the field.
The Pack won it at the free throw line, making 24-of-32 from the line, while the Dukes hit 18-of-20 free throws.
The Pack entered the game leading the Mountain West in made free throws (20.1) and second in free throw attempts (27.1).
Duquesne held a 38-35 edge in rebounding.
Bench comes up big
The Wolf Pack got 37 points from its bench, to 20 for the Dukes, and Alford said that was a key to the win.
“There’s very few games I’ve had where your starters are all negative in points per minute and your bench is all positive,” he said. “It’s good that the starters get to see that. It’s good in learning to trust one another when you’re not playing well.”
He said the bench saved the game for the Pack, but that is a sign of the depth the team has.
Phenomenal Freshmen
Pack freshmen White and Myles Walker played substantial minutes, 23 for White and 13 for Walker. Walker scored five points, including two key free throws in the final minute.
“Myles and Peyton continue to make veteran plays,” Alford said. “That was a hotly contested game, down to the wire and you’ve got two freshmen going to the line in the last two trips and they go 4-for-4 at the line That’s big time.”
He said the pair has been consistent and they keep improving every game.
“Myles has given us a lift every time he comes in,” Alford said. “Those two give us energy.”
Walker said the Pack showed it can win even when things go wrong.
“It showed how tough this team is. Even at the end when things didn’t go right, we still found a way to win,” Walker said.
Half
Nevada led 42-35 at the break, after leading by as many as 15 earlier in the half.
The Wolf Pack shot 17-of-33 field goals and 2-of-6 from the arc along with 6-10 free throws in the first half
The Dukes shot 10-of-28 from the field; 7-18 from the arc and 8-of-10 free throws.
The Pack outscored the Dukes, 20-6, in the paint in the first half.
Up Next
Nevada opens Mountain West Conference play by hosting Boise State (7-3) at 7 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 20).
The Broncos play Saint Mary’s on Sunday (Dec 14).
Finals are over on Wednesday for the Pack players. Alford said they will take that day off from practice.
“That’s going to be a war on Saturday,” Alford said. “(Duquesne) is an A10 team (Atlantic 10 Conference). We’ve played some really good competition, so I’m very pleased with where we’re at 11 games in.”
Nevada’s Upcoming Schedule
- Saturday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m. vs. Boise State (TV: KNSN, Ch, 21/Radio: 95.5 FM)
- Tuesday, Dec. 30 at Colorado State (TV: MW Network, Ch, 21/Radio: 95.5 FM)
- Saturday, Jan. 3 at Fresno State
- Tuesday, Jan. 6 vs. San Diego State
- Saturday, Jan. 10 vs. Wyoming
- Tuesday, Jan. 13 at Utah State
- Saturday, Jan. 17 at Air Force
- Tuesday, Jan. 20 vs. San Jose State
- Saturday, Jan. 24 at New Mexico
- Tuesday, Jan. 27 vs. Grand Canyon
- Friday, Jan. 30 vs. UNLV
- Tuesday, Feb. 3 at Boise State
- Saturday, Feb. 7 vs. Fresno State
- Saturday, Feb. 14 at San Diego State
- Tuesday, Feb. 17 at San Jose State
- Saturday, Feb. 21 vs. Utah State
- Tuesday, Feb. 24 vs. New Mexico
- Saturday, Feb. 28 at UNLV
- Tuesday, Mar. 3 at Wyoming
- Saturday, Mar. 7 vs. Air Force
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