Crescent Valley gears up for summer fun and community improvements

The Crescent Valley Town Advisory Board’s May 21 meeting provided updates on upcoming fire department training, plans for the annual Fun Days, ongoing efforts to strengthen local medical services, and critical infrastructure improvements.

Fire Department Enhances Training and Seeks Volunteers

Crescent Valley Volunteer Fire Department Chief and Board Vice Chair Jeremy Rice announced an upcoming extrication training on June 20. A technician will be on-site, allowing the department to practice cutting open vehicles donated from the county yard.

However, a proposal to use a single-wide trailer and a camper for practice burns raised concerns from Public Works Director Jeb Rowley, who participated via Telelink. Rowley cautioned against burning anything near the county’s lay-down yard due to high fire potential and the proximity to the town site. Rice acknowledged the safety concerns, stating the department would only proceed if “we’re safe to do that,” with Rowley emphasizing the need for property evaluation, defensible space on neighboring parcels, and consideration of community impact.

In other emergency services news, EMT Adam Barron highlighted the ongoing need for EMT volunteers, noting that while MedEx assists five to eight days a month, the community relies on Barron and fellow paid EMT Brent Jones  the rest of the time. Two new EMT volunteers have recently signed up, and two firefighters are scheduled for testing in July and August. Barron also reported that EMS protocols have been updated to broaden the scope of available medications and practices, including the future potential for paramedics.

Crescent Valley Fun Days Set for June 15

Planning is well underway for Crescent Valley Fun Days on June 15, though a planned blow-up obstacle course will not be available due to issues. Board Secretary Christine Tucker is ordering prizes for carnival games and is coordinating with the Historical Society for a potential booth. Discussion also arose about rebranding the event as “Fun Founders’ Day” to add historical significance while maintaining its free community focus.

Nevada Gold Mines volunteers will be present, offering “NGM schwag” and assisting with carnival games and other volunteer needs. Setup for the event begins at 8 a.m., with activities running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EMTs Adam Barron and Brent Jones will be on standby with an ambulance. Four cases of ice cream and enough food for 250 people, supplied by Bonanza Produce of Elko, have been ordered. Board member Laura Shivers will ensure the grounds remain clean.

Community Signage and Future Infrastructure

To formalize public requests for posting notices on the Crescent Valley Town welcome/community signs on SR 306 and McDaniel Way, the board approved a new protocol. Residents should now make requests during public comment at advisory board meetings, utilizing a new card system to detail their signage needs. The board also considered adding an electronic digital sign board for the next budget year.

Medical Clinic Updates and Power Outage Solutions

Regarding the Crescent Valley Medical Clinic, Tucker, a member of the Medical Services Advisory Committee, confirmed that William Bee Ririe is maintaining a month-to-month contract with Nick Hirschi. The committee is aiming to expand coverage beyond current days. Commissioner Mike Schoenwald reiterated the commitment that the clinic will not close without an alternative in place. Interviews are currently underway to replace Tanya Greg, the retiring clinic receptionist/medical assistant, with a new hire hoped to start in early June.

Addressing a recent Mother’s Day power outage that prevented access to the EMS barn during a tone-out, Public Works Director Jeb Rowley suggested the issue likely stemmed from a building and grounds problem, specifically an automatic transfer switch, rather than the generator itself.

Road Improvements and Geothermal Project

Commissioner Schoenwald announced the hiring of longtime resident Mike Williams as the new equipment operator for the Crescent Valley Road Crew, effective June 2.

On the topic of road work, Rowley met with Sierra Nevada Construction regarding surface improvements in Crescent Valley. While a tentative schedule suggests work at the end of June, Rowley anticipates the main improvements will begin after the Fourth of July holiday. Recently completed work has raised main water valves to road level, significantly improving the water department’s ability to isolate sections for maintenance or in case of leaks.

Finally, Commissioner Schoenwald informed the board about the open public comment period, until June 11, for the environmental assessment of Ormat Nevada Inc.’s proposed 30-megawatt geothermal power plant near the Dann Ranch, outside Crescent Valley. The project encompasses 2,006 acres of public and private land. Details and comment submission options are available on the BLM National NEPA Register Project page.