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Take a look inside Nevada's first human composting facility

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Take a look inside Nevada's first human composting facility


LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Las Vegas now has an eco-friendlier way to lay loved ones to rest. It’s called human composting.

You may have a lot of questions. Watch the video below for answers.

Take a look inside Nevada’s first human composting facility

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We first told you about this last September not long after human composting was legalized in the legislative session.

This week, Earth Funeral, a green burial home based in Washington and specializing in soil transformations, opened a facility in Las Vegas.

Washington is the first state to legalize human composting.

Kevin Matthes, the supervising care advisor of the West Coast, gave Channel 13 a tour.

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“We specialize in social transformation and really that is what nature intended which is returning individuals back to Earth,” said Matthes.

So how does it work?

The body is first gently washed and placed in a biodegradable shroud. Then, the body is placed in a 7-foot vessel with organic mulch, wildflowers and wood chips.

In 30 to 45 days, the body is turned into about 300 pounds of soil.

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While families do have the option to take all of the soil, Matthes said most families opt to take up to five biodegradable containers of soil and the rest is taken to one of their conservation sites.

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At these sites, Matthes said they plant trees, indigenous flowers and other plants.

He also said a benefit is that the soil can be spread in places meaningful to the family.

“They actually feel like it’s a part of me that’s giving back to the community,” said Matthes.

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Before the facility opened, Earth Funeral had helped several Las Vegas families, according to Matthes. So he believes, the facility will have a significant impact in the valley.

He said the option is becoming widely popular.

“I do think states are understanding the impact of the carbon release of a cremation,” said Matthes.

As for the cost, Matthes said an average package is about $5000.

The goal of the process is to help the planet while sending the spirits of loved ones to eternity.

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“We want to make it as simplistic and as sustainable as possible for future generations,” said Matthes.

Currently, human composting is legal in twelve states.





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Early bird discount for the official State Fair of Nevada ends May 1

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Early bird discount for the official State Fair of Nevada ends May 1


RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Tickets for the return of the official State Fair of Nevada are now available, but only until the end of the month can you get 20% off your ticket price.

After a 16-year hiatus, the official State Fair of Nevada will return to the Nevada State Fairgrounds in Reno June 11-13. Early bird discounts of 20% are available through May 1 online with code EarlySFNV.

Ciara Ressel, public information officer with the Nevada Department of Agriculture, stopped by Morning Break to share what’s in store for the community during these three days of food, entertainment, agriculture and celebration.

The event will highlight Nevada’s history, communities and agricultural roots with a wide range of programming, including:

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  • Nevada Junior Livestock Show and Sale
  • University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s 4-H State Expo
  • Opening Night Ceremony and Concert featuring Caleb Montgomery
  • Next Generation Youth Bull Riding
  • Made in Nevada Farmers’ Market
  • Walking Tour of Nevada
  • Drone show
  • Local vendors, food and art
  • Carnival rides
  • And more highlighting Nevada’s history and heritage!

Click here to learn more. You can also follow the state fair on Instagram and Facebook.

Copyright 2026 KOLO. All rights reserved.





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Nevada first responders receive autism training to improve emergency response

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Nevada first responders receive autism training to improve emergency response


First responders from across Nevada gathered for a free training session on how to better recognize and respond to people on the autism spectrum as part of a broader push following the passage of Senate Bill 380 last year.

The free, day-long session, hosted by the Autism Coalition of Nevada, brought together police, firefighters, and emergency personnel from agencies statewide for what organizers call a “train-the-trainer” model. It equipped attendees with tools they can take back to their departments and share with others.

The training is designed to help first responders identify key behaviors associated with autism, such as delayed responses, lack of eye contact, or repetition, and adjust their approach in high-pressure situations where those behaviors could otherwise be misinterpreted.

“The training is to help them understand what’s in front of them, which is a person on the spectrum, and not somebody that’s being combative or argumentative,” said Michelle Scott-Lewing, president of the Autism Coalition of Nevada.

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Advocates said misunderstandings can happen frequently, sometimes leading to unnecessary arrests, and this type of education is aimed at reducing those outcomes.

Senate Bill 380, signed into law by Governor Joe Lombardo, requires autism-specific training for first responders and adds guidance around how officers should be educated on recognizing and interacting with individuals on the spectrum, marking a significant step toward more consistent awareness across agencies.

The session was led by First Responder Autism Training, a national program that travels the country teaching officers and emergency crews how to recognize autism indicators and respond appropriately, with real-world scenarios that emphasize slowing down and de-escalating.

Henderson police said their officers already receive training on a range of mental health conditions, but this builds on that foundation with a more focused approach.

“For officers to be able to recognize those signs and be able to understand like, hey, this person, even though they’re not talking to me or they’re not doing what I’m saying, that doesn’t mean they’re non-compliant,” Deputy Chief Matthew Murnane with HPD said. “It just means maybe, hey, there’s something else going on there.”

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Organizers said they want to expand the training with an additional session this year in Northern Nevada, aiming to make it more accessible statewide and ensure more first responders have the tools needed to safely handle interactions involving people on the spectrum.



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Northern Nevada Hopes hosts Birdies and Bliss golf tournament fundraiser

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Northern Nevada Hopes hosts Birdies and Bliss golf tournament fundraiser


RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Birdies and Bliss is a women‑focused golf fundraiser for Northern Nevada Hopes that brings the community together for a day of connection, fun and giving back.

Meredith Tanzer, philanthropy associate, stopped by Morning Break to invite the community to this feel good event that pairs fun golfing with meaningful impact, supporting programs at HOPES that make a real difference for families.

This inaugural tournament takes place Monday, May 4 at Red Hawk and Resort. It marks an exciting beginning and reflects the generosity and strength of the community that supports our mission. Click here to reserve your spot.

Copyright 2026 KOLO. All rights reserved.

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