Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 04/01/2026, Written by Laney Griffo

The Incline Village Board of Trustees discussed replacement options for the Snowflake Lodge at Diamond Peak during its March 25 meeting. 

The board heard a presentation of the Snowflake Lodge Needs Assessments that needed to be completed as a step to make updates to the lodge.

A 2015 Diamond Peak Master Plan identified a significant seating deficit for dining in the Snowflake Lodge. Replacing the Snowflake Lodge is a board priority. 

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Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, Staff Report, 4/1/2026

The Tahoe Chamber announces the return of the highly anticipated Go Local Business Expo, taking place on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 5-8 p.m. at the Tahoe Blue Event Center. As Tahoe’s largest business networking and community event, the Expo continues to grow year after year, bringing together over 125 local businesses and more than 1,500 attendees for an evening that celebrates and supports the region’s vibrant business community.

For just $20 general admission, attendees will enjoy unlimited food and beverage tastings, interactive vendor experiences, raffles, giveaways, and the chance to take home exciting prizes and local swag. This family-friendly event invites community members and visitors alike to discover new businesses, reconnect with local favorites, and experience the best of Tahoe all in one place. Kids under 8 are free. 

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Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 04/01/2026, Submitted

April 1 is more than just the start of a month that many embrace for the warmer weather that typically accompanies it. It is a day set aside for pranksters just waiting to pull the wool over someone else’s eyes all in the name of good fun. While many participate in April Fools’ Day shenanigans, they may not be as familiar with all there is to know about this day when jokers rejoice. These interesting facts about April Fools’ Day truly are no joke.

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Originally published with Incline Fireworks, 3/30/2026, Written by Kristie Wells

After days of complex deep-water operations, the portion of the fireworks barge that sank offshore of Ski Beach has now been successfully recovered, marking the conclusion of one of the more technically challenging salvage efforts our community has seen.

Recovery required precise coordination between dive teams, marine crews, pyrotechnic specialists, and local agencies, all working under changing weather conditions and difficult underwater environments. What may have appeared from shore as slow progress was, in reality, a carefully sequenced operation where safety and precision guided every step.

This was not a simple lift. Crews were working at depths exceeding 100 feet, navigating steep underwater terrain, near-zero visibility, and heavy, irregular materials resting across the lakebed. At that depth, even basic tasks become significantly more complex. Divers relied not only on training and touch, but also on a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), which played a critical role in guiding them to the exact location of the barge and providing essential lighting in otherwise dark conditions.

Each day began early to take advantage of calm morning conditions before winds increased. Initial work focused on resetting lift systems and installing upgraded 2-inch hawsers, along with reattaching 12 lift bags designed to gradually raise the barge. These systems required careful balancing, as even minor inconsistencies in pressure or positioning could create delays or introduce safety risks.

Once in place, crews began filling the lift bags, a process that required several hours to ensure even distribution. Despite increasing winds, the team successfully lifted the barge and moved it from depths of approximately 100 feet into shallower water.

From there, operations accelerated.

Using the ROV to monitor conditions in real time, crews brought the barge fully off the lakebed and carefully towed it into depths of approximately 10 to 16 feet. Divers then returned to remove additional debris and prepare the structure for final recovery.

This phase included removing existing hatches and installing modified versions that allowed crews to pump out water while introducing air. Pumping operations began under calm conditions the following morning, and the barge surfaced quickly once the process was underway.

With the barge afloat, an 80-ton rotator truck was positioned directly on the sand to assist with extraction. Working in coordination, crews secured the barge to shore, separated it into sections by removing structural pins, and lifted each piece out of the water.

Each section was transported offsite along with recovered materials, including spuds, k-rails, and additional debris collected from the lakebed.

Throughout the operation, dive teams continued to locate and remove debris, supported by underwater robotics and coordinated surface operations. Fireworks materials were recovered from depths of up to 150 feet, carefully handled, and prepared for transport under strict regulatory oversight.

The success of this effort reflects the coordination of multiple specialized teams. Parker Diving Service led the recovery, supported by Big Valley Divers and DiveRobotix for underwater operations, while Lantis Fireworks and the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District managed the safe handling of pyrotechnic materials. Additional partners, including towing and hauling teams, were critical in completing the final extraction.

By Sunday, March 29, the operation reached its conclusion as crews successfully hauled all three pontoons out of the water. Final underwater documentation was completed, equipment was demobilized, and all major components and debris were cleared from the site. The recovery operation is now complete.

The community’s patience and cooperation throughout this process played an important role in allowing crews to complete the work safely and efficiently.