LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A Nevada National Guard state safety specialist and Southern Nevadan is being recognized for his work to keep soldiers safe.
State safety specialist Sgt. 1st Class Don Gibbs has received the Army National Guard’s Distinguished Ground Safety Award for 2023. He is one of only two soldiers nationwide to receive the award.
The Army Ground Safety program includes oversight of all Army ground activities including vehicle operation, ammunition storage, and potential environmental hazards. To be eligible for the award, a state must go two years without recording fatalities, disabling injuries, or injuries and incidents that cause up to $1 million in damages.
Under Gibbs’ watchful eye, no incidents of that nature have happened in Nevada since he was hired as the state safety specialist in 2019.
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“We have all had moments of second guessing in our lives,” Gibbs said. “It’s my goal to make sure we are not second guessing about the safety precautions and measures we could have taken in the event of any mishap in our lives.”
Gibbs grew up in Clark County and graduated from Las Vegas High School in 1981. After he graduated, he served with the Marines Corps through 1987 and began a civilian career as a first responder and law enforcement officer in Alaska as a firefighter and emergency medical technician. He then got married and eventually moved to South Dakota, where he was a Custer County Sheriff’s Deputy and a Sturgis police officer from 2010-2019. He enlisted in the South Dakota Army Guard in 2009 as a medic.
Army Guard officials said selecting Gibbs was “an easy choice”. According to state safety officer Capt. David Henry, Gibbs goes above-and-beyond to keep people safe. One example he gave was Gibbs leading more than 30 motorcycle safety classes across the state and putting together an internal safety newsletter, all on his own time.
The sun is setting on Gibbs’ time with the Nevada Guard. He’s planning on retiring in April and said he’s looking forward to spending more time with his wife, two daughters, and two grandsons.
Christmas Day weather forecast for Northern California – Dec. 25, 2024
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Christmas Day weather forecast for Northern California – Dec. 25, 2024
02:55
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TRUCKEE — With another weather system just about done with Northern California, roads in the Northern California high country are open but still potentially treacherous on Christmas Day.
As of noon, there are no restrictions on both Interstate 80 and Highway 50 in the Sierra Nevada.
The same can’t be said for the smaller highways, however.
On Highway 89, Caltrans says chains or snow tires are required from Truckee to the Sierra/Plumas County line, and from Truckee to around 11 miles north of Truckee.
Highlighting how dangerous the conditions could be, on Christmas morning California Highway Patrol posted about a driver who nearly went completely off the side of the road near Emerald Bay. The vehicle had to be towed out.
Further south, along Highway 88, Caltrans says chains are also still required on all vehicles from 6.5 miles east of Peddler Hill in Amador County to about 5 miles west of Picketts Junction in Alpine County.
Another impactful weather system is expected to arrive by Thursday in Northern California
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Cecilio Padilla
Cecilio Padilla is a digital producer for CBS Sacramento and a Sacramento-area native who has been covering Northern California for more than a decade.
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
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