Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 07/11/2024, Written by Brenna O’Boyle

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The serene shores of Lake Tahoe are alive with the sound of music as the Classical Tahoe Music Festival and Institute is back for its 12th year. 

“The music that Classical Tahoe performs matches in sound the splendor and perfection of beautiful Lake Tahoe,” according to classicaltahoe.org. 

It will run through Aug. 4 with most events at the University of Nevada’s Lake Tahoe campus.

“People can come early to enjoy a picnic and a glass of wine in our courtyard before enjoying the performance under the stars,” said Classical Tahoe Communications Manager Erin Lensing. “The size of the venue (400 seats) creates an intimate, magical and mesmerizing experience where – from any seat in the house – you feel like you are up close with the music.”

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Originally published in Lake Tahoe this Week, 07/12/24, Written by Kirsten Alexis

When you think of Lake Tahoe, images of Sand Harbor State Park probably come to mind. Its iconic crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sand beaches, views of surrounding snow-capped peaks and adventure-seekers on their boats, paddleboards and kayaks are what makes Sand Harbor an internationally sought-after destination.

You might also think of summertime crowds.

Sand Harbor is one of the most visited beaches in Lake Tahoe, and over the past few years it has seen a dramatic spike in tourism. This has led to overcrowding at the beach, significantly impacting the fragile ecosystem. The increase in traffic congestion has negatively impacted tourists and locals, especially those commuting to their jobs. Cars line up for miles just waiting for a chance to get into the park.

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Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 07/12/2024, Written by Brenna O’Boyle

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) Board of Trustees faced a dual challenge Wednesday, grappling with a forensic report warning of “high risk of fraud” while simultaneously approving increases to sewer and water rates. 

Certified public accountants and business consultants RubinBrown, LLP, of St. Louis, Missouri, presented a draft forensic due diligence report to the IVGID Board. 

“We see high risk of fraud and abuse until management represents an appropriate tone at the top to develop, maintain and monitor an appropriate internal control environment,” Thomas Zetlmeisl, a partner at RubinBrown said during the presentation. 

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Originally Published in LIVE.WORK.PLAY, Summer 2024 edition

A recent project at Incline Middle School (IMS) has led to cleaner shores at Lake Tahoe and fostered creativity and environmental stewardship among students. The innovative “Trash to Treasure” program was part of IMS’s weekly Exploratory curriculum, offering hands-on experiences beyond traditional academics.  

The project began in the fall with the robotics class identifying areas needing cleanup. This led to a series of “community clean-up days,” during which nearly 500 pounds of trash were collected. Phase two involved University of Nevada Reno, Lake Tahoe student Callia Schell, who helped students transform the collected waste into art.  

Schell, a student in the University’s interdisciplinary service-learning pathway, proved instrumental in guiding students through the artistic process. Collaborating with IMS teacher Ginny Holmes’, Schell taught students to imagine, design and create tangible art pieces while also learning how to be good stewards of Lake Tahoe.   

The students’ creations were as diverse as they were inspiring. From bottle cap flowers to captivating mosaics of Tahoe, they repurposed the collected trash and brought their artistic visions to life, while simultaneously advocating for environmental sustainability. Their efforts culminated in building a landscape of Lake Tahoe, serving as a reminder of the natural beauty they strive to protect. The artworks were exhibited at the UNR Holman Arts Center.

Students were also able to enroll in an IMS video production class. Under the guidance of Incline local Baxter Gentry, they produced a compelling PSA advocating for the preservation of Lake Tahoe. Students created slogans like “Love Our Lake” and “Don’t Mess with Tessie” and recorded a rap song at Tanglewood Productions in Reno.

The Trash to Treasure project received support from the Incline Education Fund (IEF) and the Tahoe Fund. IEF Co-founder Mary Danahey hopes the partnership model between IMS, IEF, and UNR will inspire similar initiatives, fostering innovation and environmental consciousness for future generations.

Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 07/01/2024, Written by Kayla Anderson

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – On Wednesday, June 26, the Incline Village General Improvement District Board of Trustees held its regularly scheduled board meeting where the Trustees talked about everything from golf play pass rates and recreation fees to Public Works capital improvement projects in its six-page agenda. Despite technical difficulties of people trying to call in their public comment remotely and two Trustees coming in and out of Zoom, there was also a lot of discussion about IVGID’s financial situation and the general improvement district’s ever-changing staff.

One of main General Business items that the board tried to tackle was what to do with filling the newly open General Manager position. Bobby Magee was hired by IVGID in June 2023 to serve as its interim finance director before being appointed to the IVGID general manager position on March 6. Considering Magee put in his letter of resignation on June 7, his intent to depart IVGID after his three-month stint as GM came as a surprise to the board.

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