Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 2/5/2026, Staff Report

The Rotary Club of Tahoe-Incline is now accepting funding requests for 2026 from nonprofit organizations, service groups, and community-based projects that strengthen and enrich life in the Tahoe region and beyond. Through its Community Funding Request Program, Rotary proudly supports a wide range of initiatives that address education, public safety, health, youth development, human services, and global humanitarian needs.

Funding is made possible through the club’s signature fundraising event, Best Ball for a Cause, along with contributions to the Rotary Foundation. Grant awards are evaluated based on community benefit, demonstrated need, and alignment with Rotary’s mission of service above self. Grants are not awarded for general operating expenses, salaries, tuition, travel, or tournament entry fees.

“Our club is passionate about supporting projects of all sizes that create real, measurable impact,” said a representative of the Rotary Club of Tahoe-Incline. “From local classrooms to global clean water efforts, Rotary is committed to investing in solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities.”

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Originally published with KUNR Public Radio | By Maria Palma, 2/5/2026

From early morning powder days in Tahoe to the world’s biggest winter sports stage, one local skier is now competing at the Olympic Winter Games in Italy.

Fifteen-year-old Abby Winterberger, who grew up in Truckee, departed for Italy on Tuesday and is the youngest athlete on Team USA.

Winterberger doesn’t remember a time before skiing. Her parents put her on skis before she turned two, immersing her early in mountain life.

“I’ve kind of been immersed in the ski culture forever,” Abby said.

By the age of six, she was already competing, not only in skiing, but also in gymnastics. Her mother, Rosemary Winterberger, said it quickly became clear her daughter had a combination of talent and drive.

“She was throwing flips on the skis at a really young age,” Rosemary said. “She was super dedicated and hardworking and really loved it.”

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Photo courtesy of Palisades Tahoe and TEAM USA

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 2/3/2026, Written by Katelyn Welsh

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District has fined the owner of the former Tahoe Biltmore Lodge & Casino for fire code violations.

After undergoing a foreclosure in July and switching hands to Lake Tahoe Partners LLC, the property lender now has a $3,150 bill for multiple violations. Lake Tahoe Partners LLC did not respond to the Tribune’s request for comment.

The enforcement action and resulting fines were triggered when the property’s demolition permits expired, creating uncertainty regarding whether, and when, work on the property would be completed, NLTFPD said.

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Originally published in the Sierra Sun, 2/2/2026, Written by Katelyn Welsh

Known for bluebird days and generous snowstorms, when Tahoe comes to mind, so does skiing. With over a dozen ski resorts within a 100-mile radius, the Tahoe area boasts the highest concentration of ski resorts in the county. A combined 14,000-plus vertical feet of skiing draws many from all over the country and world.

Learn about what goes into making the area a highly sought after skiing destination with a few behind the scenes peaks at area ski resorts. 

Diamond Peak’s summer prep for winter sends 

In what often feels like a race against the clock, a significant amount of work for winter operations occurs in the summer.

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Photo: A significant amount of work for winter operations occurs in the summer with equipment such as chairs and lifts undergoing inspections, testing and maintenance at Diamond Peak.Katelyn Welsh / Tahoe Magazine

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 2/1/2026, Ryan Sommers NLTFPD Fire Chief

Winter in Tahoe brings heavy snow, cold temperatures, and unique safety challenges for homeowners. Ongoing winter maintenance plays an important role in protecting homes, ensuring emergency access, and keeping our community safe. 

Please keep driveways, private roads, and address signs clear of snow so emergency vehicles can reach your property without delay. Fire hydrants near your home should also be cleared, with at least three feet of space on all sides. 

Wildfire risk does not disappear in winter. Clear roofs, decks, and gutters of pine needles and debris, and store firewood away from structures whenever possible. If you use a fireplace or wood stove, make sure chimneys are clean and spark arrestors are in place. 

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Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 1/30/2026, Written by Eli Ramos

As bears settle into crawlspaces under unsecured homes this winter, you may be tempted to chase them off or call someone to handle the situation. But if it’s not your property, it’s still trespassing. While it might be frustrating to let sleeping bears lie, calling your neighbors should be your first course rather than stepping in.

Ann Bryant, executive director of the BEAR League, says that since she started the organization, the number of bears sleeping under people’s homes has grown to 150 every winter. But while their volunteers often haze bears out of neighborhoods, they aren’t allowed to go on property they haven’t been given permission to enter.

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Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 1/30/2026, Written by Katelyn Welsh

The Nevada Legislative Oversight Committee of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Marlette Lake Water System held its first meeting on Friday, Jan. 23, at the Nevada Legislature, providing agency updates, public comment and committee inquiries, which set the tone for the remaining meetings.

The Nevada Legislature has provided review and oversight of the TRPA and MLWS since 1985 with interim studies and eventually this interim committee, which took root in 2003. The now eight-person committee, up from six per a senate bill that passed last year, will meet another five times through August, discussing pertinent topics to the Tahoe Basin such as forest health, wildfire prevention, evacuation planning, transportation, sustainable recreation, lake clarity, and aquatic invasive species.

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