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Douglas County hires new Human Resources director 12:57 PM (2 hours ago)

Minden, NV – Douglas County is pleased to announce the hiring of Christine Vido as the new Human Resources Director. Vido, a dedicated professional with a strong background in public sector Human Resources, brings seven years of experience serving the County and a lifelong commitment to the community.

Vido holds a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management from Western Governors University and has focused her career on public sector Human Resources within Nevada. Her passion lies in making Human Resources accessible to the workforce, as well as educating, empowering, and supporting employees for their success.

“I am honored to take on this role and look forward to working with leadership to accomplish the County’s strategic plan goals,” Vido said. “Having lived in Douglas County since childhood, I am proud to live, raise my family, and work in the community I love.”

County Manager Jenifer Davidson expressed her confidence in Vido’s appointment, stating, “Christine has been an invaluable asset to Douglas County for many years. Her dedication, expertise, and passion for supporting our employees make her the perfect choice to lead our Human Resources Department. I look forward to seeing her drive initiatives that enhance our workforce and help achieve the County’s strategic goals.”

Vido was selected for the position following an open and competitive recruitment process. With her extensive experience and dedication, Douglas County is confident that she will be an asset in leading Human Resources initiatives that support both County employees and the broader community.

About Douglas County Human Resources

Human Resources is responsible for the County's personnel management and risk management / safety services. These administrative services include job recruitment and employment, employee and labor relations, job classification, records management, policy and procedure development and administration, risk management, employee safety programs, benefits and compensation administration, staff training, and organizational development.

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Carson High Student saves father's life, credits CPR skills learned in Health Science CTE course 9:50 AM (5 hours ago)

Carson City, Nev. (April 10, 2025) — A ninth-grade student in Carson City is being hailed a hero after using the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills she learned in her Carson High School health science class to save her father’s life.

Two weeks ago, Iris Ibarra Montes rehearsed the life-saving steps to save father after he collapsed from a medical emergency at home.

She said she quickly recognized the signs of cardiac arrest, called 911 and immediately began performing life-saving chest compressions.

Iris performed CPR for more than 10 minutes, with no other adults in the house, while she waited for paramedics to arrive.

She credits her “Principles of Health Science” teacher, Frank Sakelarios, saying she would have no idea how to react in the situation if it weren’t for his hands-on training and skills she learned in his class.

“I just remembered what we practiced in class,” Iris said. “It all happened so fast, but I knew I had to keep going until help arrived.”

Upon arrival, paramedics found the father unresponsive but were able to resuscitate him. They credited Iris’ fast, effective response with helping stabilize her father’s condition before they transported him to the hospital.

He is now recovering with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) but is expected to make a full recovery.

“Iris is an outstanding student and a shining example of how education can be applied in real-world emergency situations,” Sakelarios said. “As a first-year student in this program, she has already distinguished herself as one of the kindest, most hardworking, and deeply committed individuals—both in her academics and in her devotion to her family. I know her family hopes this experience will inspire other students to learn more about the program and consider following in her footsteps.”

Carson High's Principles of Health Science is the introduction class for three Health Science pathways in the school's Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.

All Health Sciences students are also members of HOSA – Future Health Professionals, one of six Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) at Carson High School.

The Level 1 course introduces students to human structure and function. Areas of study include anatomy, healthcare delivery systems, medical terminology, emergency management, health information technology and legal practices.

Throughout the course, students demonstrate skills in CPR and first aid. They also learn the appropriate use of technology and industry standard equipment as an integral part of the course.

Kelly Gustafson, health sciences teacher and Sakelarios’ counterpart as a HOSA Advisor, said the training students receive in classes offered at Carson High make them more qualified than most teachers and coaches who are typically only Heart-Saver CPR Certified.

“Frank and I certify close to 200 students each year in the American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR/AED for healthcare professionals,” Gustafson said. “This is a level above most CPR card holders and includes infant through adult, two-person and team BLS.”

According to her school counselor, Maddie Hull-Taylor, Iris is ranked in the Top 20% of her class with a 3.43 grade point average (GPA).

She is scheduled to take sports medicine next year in the HOSA program, and after working with the paramedics and nurses who helped save her dad’s life, Iris plans to continue her medical education and go into nursing.

Iris said she was anxious to come back to school after missing a week to spend time with her family. After hearing how proud her teachers were of her, she was eager to get back to class.

Just last month, CHS CTE HOSA had 74 students and three advisors attend the State Leadership Conference where four students were named State Champions and more than 40 others qualified for the International Leadership Conference in Nashville, June 18-21. The students competed in a variety of medical competitive events against more than 1,400 students in Nevada.

About CHS CTE

Carson High School’s Career and Technical Education program encompasses a vast number of classes and programs that teach today's students the high demand skills needed to get a job. CTE better prepares students for post-secondary education and/or the world of work, whether they choose to enter the workplace directly from high school or select to pursue post-secondary education in a technical training program, apprenticeship, or a two, or four-year college. CTE prepares students for the world of work by introducing them to workplace competencies and makes academic content accessible to students by providing it in a hands-on context.

ABOUT Carson City School District

Located in Nevada’s capital, Carson City School District offers public education to approximately 7,300 students throughout Carson City. The district includes 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 1 alternative high school and 1 comprehensive high school. Carson City School District boasts many successes including impressive graduation rates, strict safety measures, programs for gifted students and advanced-placement classes, among several others. For more information, visit carsoncityschools.com.

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Nevada Humane Society Carson City's Pet of the Week: Hercules 7:09 AM (8 hours ago)

Meet Hercules, Nevada Humane Society's Pet of the Week!

Hercules is a 4-year-old medium-sized mixed breed with a lot of charm and a noticeable enthusiasm for tasty treats! He might seem a bit reserved when meeting new people or exploring unfamiliar places, but with time and patience, he could warm up and enjoy making new connections. Hercules is currently learning his manners around snacks (he seems to really enjoy them!) and may do well with some gentle guidance.

Here's what Hercules has to say:

Hi there, future friend! I’m Hercules, a 4-year-old pup who’s looking for a loving home to call my own. I might feel a little nervous at first when meeting new people or exploring new places, but once I’m comfortable, I enjoy spending quality time with people.

I love treats—they’re probably my favorite thing! I’m still figuring out how to act politely when snacks are around, so it’d be great to have a family who is patient and willing to help me learn (and maybe share some treats too).

I’m hoping to find a home where I can feel safe and loved. If you’re looking for a sweet, slightly shy companion who’s ready to bring some joy to your life, I’d love to meet you!

Visit Hercules today at our Carson City campus located at 549 Airport Road or check out nevadahumanesociety.org/find-a-pet/ for more details. He’s ready and waiting to meet his forever family!

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Obituary: Toby Hale 7:04 AM (8 hours ago)

Farris “Toby” Hale passed away peacefully amongst family and friends on March 20th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories.

He was 82 years old.

Toby is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sue, and is survived by his sister, Linda; daughter, Heidi; son, Steven; nephew, Jeff; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. His family and friends were always the center of his world, and his love for them was boundless.

A veteran of the United States Army, Toby proudly served three years of active duty before going on to retire after 20 years of service in the Nevada National Guard.

His strong work ethic and commitment to his community were an inspiration to all who knew him.

Toby was also a dedicated public servant, working for the state of Nevada for 20 years as an Engineering Technician with the Department of Transportation.

Toby was a fun-loving, kind person with an infectious personality. His outgoing nature and quick wit made him a friend to everyone he met.

Known for his humor, Toby always ended a conversation with a smile and a laugh, leaving a lasting impression on those around him.

He had a deep passion for golf and enjoyed many rounds with friends and family.

Toby also had a love for music, playing in his band, Toby and the Buschwackers, where he shared his joy and creativity with others.

When college basketball season arrived, and he wasn’t on the golf course, Toby could always be found cheering for his University of Kentucky Wildcats. His loyalty to the team was unmatched, and he enjoyed the camaraderie of watching games with his loved ones.

Toby will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His laughter, his kindness, and his zest for life will forever be remembered.

A Celebration of Life for Toby and Sue will be held on Sunday, June 29th, 2025, at the Carson City Elks Lodge from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The address is the following:

515 N. Nevada Street
Carson City, Nevada 89703

Family and friends are welcome to join in celebrating the lives of two truly special people. If you plan on attending, please RSVP by Friday, May 30th, 2025, as we need an accurate headcount for the catering service. RSVP to the following:

Steven.lee.hale72@gmail.com
Or
Hydieho89706@yahoo.com

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Toby and Sue’s memory.

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‘It’s a criminal justice system, not a victim’s justice system': Victim regrets reporting attack after plea deal downgrade 9 Apr 5:00 PM (22 hours ago)

A decade ago, a study revealed public perception was being skewed by the prevalence of American cop shows such as Law & Order: SVU on how often crimes are solved and the “bad guy” ends up in prison. That study (and several that followed) found that perceptions were skewed not only on how often crimes are solved, but how many result in jury trials, and the suspects sentenced for their crimes.

That skewed perception still holds today, though whether it has anything to do with cop shows is anyone's guess.

Readers are advised this series includes content some may find upsetting relating to domestic violence and other crimes.

When Carson City resident Lindsey* (name changed for victim privacy) was attacked in her home by her then-boyfriend in January 2024, she thought working up the courage to report the incident would be the hardest part of seeking justice. But what she didn't know at the time was that, at least in Carson City, the chances of having her day in court were almost zero.

In Carson City in 2023 (the most recent data available for courts statewide) 479 criminal cases were filed, with 360 of those being felonies cases.

An informal survey of around 30 community members was conducted to see what local perceptions of the court system were. When they were asked how many of those 2023 cases they believed went to trial, average answers typically fell between 85 and 100.

All but one person polled was shocked when the true answer was revealed: only one trial was held in Carson City in 2023 according to court records.

The only person who came close to the accurate number by guessing two trials is an attorney practicing law within the region. She said she wasn't surprised by the number; while most cases result in plea deals, she said Carson City seems to utilize them more than any other court in the state.

She isn't completely wrong; while nationally, only 2-3% of criminal cases make it to trial, Carson City is far lower.

Statewide in 2023 the percentage of cases that received non-trial dispositions (judgements/rulings) was 98.83%, reflecting a total of 14,669 dispositions.

However, Carson City is among the highest in the state when it comes to settling out of court, with 99.49% of 2023 cases resolving outside the court room.

Using a standard adjusted ratio to compare counties, Carson City came in very low, with only 5 cases out of 1000 making it to trial. The only counties with a lower adjusted ratio were those with much smaller populations (Mineral and Lander), or those with limited court systems (Churchill).

By comparison, similar sized municipalities like Lyon and Douglas had ratios of 24 per 1000 and 21 per 1000 respectively.

When it comes to settling out of court, most prosecutors will say a plea deal ensures victims will receive some sort of justice, when the alternative could be no justice at all if a trial does not go in their favor.

However, for many victims, these plea deals often feel like no justice at all.

Lindsey

For Lindsey, Jan. 17, 2024 was one of the worst days of her life.

According to the police report she filed with the Carson City Sheriff’s Office, her then-boyfriend Arnold “Franky” Flores-Estrada was doing drywall work in her bathroom, and became more and more frustrated, and called for her to help him.

Lindsey worked from home, and wasn’t able to help immediately. Eventually, she entered the bathroom to see what was going on, and found Flores-Estrada “irate” at how long she’d taken. She told deputies he shoved her to the ground and kicked her in the stomach before trying to pin her to the ground, but she was able to briefly get away.

Typically, it is a challenge to prosecute domestic violence cases. Unless law enforcement was on scene to watch an attack happen, there is significant physical evidence present at the time of the investigation, or they get a confession from the perpetrator.

Lindsey came forward about the attack about three months after it had occurred. In her case, though, she had something many victims of domestic violence only wish they could provide: 4K video evidence.

After the attack in the bathroom, Lindsey was able to flee to the hallway, but Flores-Estrada followed. In the video captured by Lindsey’s Furbo dog camera, it shows the two arguing. Flores-Estrada grabs Lindsey by the throat, shoves her up against the wall, and begins to strangle her. Lindsey fights back, screaming “Get off of me!” until she goes silent. She is eventually able to get Flores-Estrada off of her and pushes him away, with the entire ordeal lasting about 15 seconds.

We are including an edited version of the video which trims the footage to hide the victim's face, and we've removed the audio for privacy. However, our team has seen the videos and listened to the audio undoctored.

Unfortunately, Flores-Estrada knew about the camera. Lindsey said he made her sit at her desk where he could see her while he logged onto the system to delete them. However, she was able to download and email herself two of the videos before they could be erased.

Lindsey said she feared for her life, not only because of the abuse, but because Flores-Estrada had threatened to shoot and kill both Lindsey and himself on multiple occasions if she ever went to law enforcement, which she had audio recordings and text messages to prove.

This also was not the first time Flores-Estrada was arrested for strangulation of a romantic partner. He’d been arrested ten years prior for allegedly breaking down a door and strangling his then-girlfriend while she was attempting to leave him.

During the 2014 arrest, he repeatedly told deputies they should just ignore what happened, and that he was going to get out of the charges. He said he was “going to become a cop, too.” He also owned a number of guns, including guns that were illegal to possess, especially because he was under 21 at the time.

Despite the violent nature of the charges, Flores-Estrada had been right: his felony charge was reduced to a misdemeanor, and he was able to later seal the case entirely.

Lindsey knew about this prior attack, and said that Flores-Estrada often told her about his violent fantasies of killing and assaulting his ex-girlfriend and her children.

Because of this, she knew she'd have to extract herself slowly from the relationship.

Once they were broken up three months later, Lindsey filed a restraining order against Flores-Estrada after another incident occurred in March. She went to the Sheriff’s Office with video evidence of the January attack, as well as audio of him threatening to kill her which she’d recorded on her smartwatch, as well as a slew of text messages.

She was terrified to do so, she said, but had been told that because she had video evidence, Flores-Estrada would see justice. The Carson City Sheriff’s Office deputy who took the report seemed to believe so: in their investigation report, they wrote:

[Lindsey] provided me with a flash drive containing video of the strangulation, audio of Arnold threatening [Lindsey] and text messages of him threatening suicide. I observed the video that was dated Janaury [sic] 17, 2024, and observed a large, Hispanic male choking [Lindsey] with both his hands. The male approached [Lindsey] who backs away. The male then grabs [Lindsey’s] neck with both his hands as [Lindsey] screams and grabs the males' hands. [Lindsey] then gets the male off and pushes him away.

Her case was assigned to Peter Smith, Senior Deputy District Attorney with the Carson City District Attorney’s Office. According to Lindsey, Smith also told her that because of the video evidence she’d provided, he felt “completely confident” going forward to prosecute the case on its original charge of domestic battery by strangulation, a category C Felony.

Smith's assertion of confidence and intention to move forward with the felony was confirmed by a witness to that meeting, and Smith filed a criminal complaint for Domestic Battery by Strangulation on May 7, 2024.

However, before Smith could prosecute the case, he retired, and a second prosecutor took over the case: Leslie Butori.

On Nov. 8, 2024, Butori filed a criminal complaint also charging Flores-Estrada with felony strangulation identical to the previous charge with the first pre-trial hearing set for Nov. 20.

Nov. 8 was a Friday, and Monday a holiday. Lindsey was called in to meet with Butori to discuss the case on Tuesday, Nov. 12 — the next business day after the complaint had been filed. 

According to Lindsey, she had asked for a friend to be allowed to join her, but was told no. Butori confirmed this, saying when preparing a a witness for preliminary hearing, prosecutors don't want other witnesses present because they want to preserve the individual's own recollection of events.

Lindsey met with Butori alone, and was told that despite the investigator’s conclusion she had been strangled, along with the criminal strangulation charges filed by Smith indicating the same, Butori said she didn’t believe it was a tight enough case.

“She said she couldn’t tell that I was being strangled based on the video,” Lindsey said. “She said because I was screaming ‘Get off me!’ it meant I could breathe, even though in the video it shows I stop being able to speak because I’d run out of air.”

When asked why Butori had filed a complaint for strangulation, but then amended it soon after to domestic battery, Butori said she had done so at first to fix an error: Smith had used the word “choked,” when it should have said “strangled,” she said. But after reviewing the case, she said, she believed it would not be able to stand up in court on the original charge.

Victim threatened with ‘false imprisonment'

Lindsey was distraught by the possibility of the case being downgraded, but was soon given another reason to be afraid: Butori allegedly threatened Lindsey with her own criminal charge for “false imprisonment” as part of her ordeal.

Immediately following the attack, Flores-Estrada repeatedly told Lindsey if she went to the police he would kill her and himself according to the investigation report.

He said he was going to go home, where Lindsey knew he kept the guns he was threatening to shoot her with. Lindsey said she was focused on calming Flores-Estrada down, rather than letting him leave in an agitated state to return with weapons.

“I told him, ‘I can’t let you leave when you’re like this,’” Lindsey said. “I told him if he did I’d have to call the cops because I was afraid of what he would do. I never put my hands on him, or blocked the door, or took his keys. I just told him that if he left to get his guns after threatening to kill me I’d have no choice but to call the police. [Butori] told me I should retain a lawyer since I’d falsely imprisoned him.”

Lindsey said to this day she is still terrified of facing a false imprisonment charge.

“There was never any kind of physical restraint and in one of the recordings, you can hear him open a door and step out, then come back in and threaten me,” Lindsey said. “I think it’s reasonable self defense to try to redirect someone from leaving to go get their firearms after they just threaten to shoot and kill you.”

Butori offered Flores-Estrada a deal: plead guilty to misdemeanor domestic battery, and misdemeanor violation of Lindsey's protective order, and they'd drop the felony charge against him.

One day before the trial was set to begin, Flores-Estrada’s felony charge was downgraded to domestic battery, first offense.

While Flores-Estrada had been arrested previously for strangulation, which was then also downgraded to misdemeanor domestic battery, state law allows misdemeanor charges to be sealed after a certain amount of time. For domestic battery, that's seven years.

Because his case was sealed, even though there were records of the arrest and conviction, legally it could not be used against him to apply a domestic battery second offense charge.

Flores-Estrada agreed to the charges — even though Lindsey herself did not.

Plea deals

Within the justice system both here in Carson City and nationwide, plea deals are the most often used form of disposition, which happen behind the scenes instead of in a court room.

For example, what may happen is an individual is arrested for possessing drugs, and is facing three felony charges.

They have three options: go to a jury trial, in which 12 members of the community will listen to arguments on whether or not this individual's actions are found to be a violation of the specific laws they are accused of breaking, and will decide if they believe one argument over another.

The second option is to go through what is called a “bench trial,” in which a defendant foregoes a full jury and instead the judge acts as the jury and decides whether or not the defendant is found guilty themselves.

Then, there are the plea deals.

In this hypothetical, the prosector assigned to the case from the DA's office might instead offer to remove two of the three felony drug charges, or downgrade them all to misdemeanor charges, in exchange for the defendant agreeing to plea guilty to them.

Then, the defendant will go before the judge for sentencing.

In Lindsey's case, this is precisely what happened to Flores-Estrada in both of his strangulation cases. He was offered instead to plea guilty to misdemeanor charges instead of the felonies, and he agreed.

With felony trials having the potential to take weeks — even months — it would be physically impossible to try every single case brought forward while adhering to a suspect's constitutional right to a speedy trial. This is especially true in Carson City, which has been working to expand their court for several years.

However, Carson City District Attorney Garrit Pruyt said that this is not a factor in deciding which cases go forward or are plead down.

“We don't classify [pleading cases] within some sort of number. The types of crimes that come in the door are fairly standard. You're going to have a number of cases that are on the simpler level, the mid-level, and the more complex level. Crime in its own way fits that natural rubric and we will apply all the resources that we can at each and every level.”

He said some cases resolve quicker, and not because the DA's office has provided extra leniency to reach a speedy resolution.

“You went in, you stole this, we're going to offer you to plead to a theft, and it may resolve in less than a few weeks,” Pruyt said. “Other cases are much more complex and take more time and they naturally kind of balance themselves out, but we're going to do the very best we can with every resource that we have to prosecute each case on an individual level in the best way possible.”

Deputy District Attorney Tyson League said that everyone within the DA office works 90+ hour weeks and “do what we have to to get it done.”

“I don't care about that,” he went on. “I care that we're going to do what's right for people and try to make a bad situation as good as we can.”

When asked if their office is understaffed, Pruyt said every DA's office in the country will say they can always use more prosecutors, because “There's always work, unfortunately: there's crime. Carson City's a lot safer than other communities, it's a great place to live. But if more resources are available, will we use them? Of course we will.”

Pruyt said despite not yet having the new court room, or lacking staffing, they're going to get the cases done, and it does not affect which cases are pled out.

“The effect is that everybody on the team works more to get it done until deficiencies get filled up.”

Butori said she told Lindsey she wanted to hold Flores-Estrada accountable, and the next best option is domestic battery — a misdemeanor charge.

“So the only next charge I have is potentially domestic battery,” she said. “Unfortunately, [the way] the law is, domestic battery is a misdemeanor. We have either a serious felony or a misdemeanor, which I don't think is right, but there's no in between for us. There was nothing else I could use to alter the charges to make them something else.”

However, Lindsey did not want to have Flores-Estrada's case downgraded to a misdemeanor, even if that meant a jury may find him innocent. Because, for Lindsey, the option of a misdemeanor was no more than a slap on the wrist — especially because he had already been through the process before with his previous girlfriend.

“I [told Butori] that I would rather it go to trial and give it an honest effort than [downgrading it to a misdemeanor] because a slap on the wrist wasn’t going to teach him anything,” Lindsey said. “I was stuck with this guy for years and knew how he felt about his prior DV case.”

Lindsey said after she told Butori she disagreed with the proposed plea deal, that's when Butori suggested Lindsey should retain a lawyer because she might be charged with false imprisonment.

The Ethical Burden

When asked why Butori did not want to take the case to court if that was what the victim wanted, even if they might lose, Butori said she has an ethical burden on whether or not she can prove a case beyond a reasonable doubt.

“If I don't believe that I can prove it beyond a reasonable doubt, I ethically should not and could not be taking that to trial,” Butori said. “So the push and pull that we have is: I may believe wholeheartedly this happened, and obviously it's on video. I can wholeheartedly believe that this incident unfolded how she's telling me it unfolded. But just because I believe it, does not mean I can prove it beyond a reasonable doubt, and that is a very hard thing for people outside of this office to understand.”

The issue for Lindsey, however, is the fact that when her case was under Prosecutor Peter Smith, he did believe that he'd be able to prove the felony strangulation beyond a reasonable doubt because of the video.

Attempts to contact Smith have been unsuccessful, as he no longer works for the DA's office.

When asked why there was a difference between their opinions, and who broke the tie, District Attorney Garrit Pruyt said he'd been the tiebreaker prior to taking on his new appointment as District Attorney.

“On all those serious types of cases, multiple prosecutors are going to review them, especially if they're going to get up to the trial process to ensure that we don't have those kinds of issues,” Pruyt said. “I believe [Butori's] assessment was proper and correct based upon what could be proved and what could not be proved at trial. So even if [Smith] had stayed with employment in the office, it would have come to the same point of reaching me anyway, because we talked about all cases that go to trial and we would have ended up in the exact same spot we are today.”

According to Butori, she did not believe that she could prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Lindsey was strangled because she “couldn't see where his hands were” within the video.

“So the requirements of strangulation require the hands — well, it requires some sort of hindering of somebody's breathing that can be done or shown by putting your hands on someone's neck, on their windpipe, something to that effect,” Butori said. “In the video, I couldn't tell that. [...] Ultimately, based on what the video showed, I couldn't prove beyond reasonable doubt it's strangulation. It doesn't meet the criteria for strangulation from what I was seeing.”

She said that she also made her determination based on further audio recordings provided by Lindsey that were taken on her smartwatch a few minutes after the attack occurred. Butori said that because Lindsey's voice was not raspy, and that she wasn't incapacitated or having a hard time breathing, strangulation could not be proven.

Lindsey disagrees, however, based on how the law is written.

The law states that a person who intentionally applies sufficient pressure to a person's neck, throat, or windpipe to make it difficult for them to breathe or stop blood flow to the brain is guilty of strangulation.

When it was pointed out that NRS only stipulates there needs to be an intention to apply sufficient pressure, restrict someone's breathing or blood flow, and does not mention incapacitation or aftereffects, Pruyt agreed.

However, he said prosecution will often look at aftereffects as evidence of whether what occurred could be considered strangulation, and whether or not their arguments would be strong enough to stand up in court.

“The NRS does not require incapacitation, or discuss aftereffects, however it does require ‘applying sufficient pressure to another person to make it difficult or impossible for the person to breathe',” Pruyt said. “When there is a question, as there would be at a trial, of whether there was sufficient pressure to make it difficult or impossible to breathe, we often look at aftereffects as an indication that breathing was impaired.”

When it was argued that restricting blood flow to the brain would have no effect on breathing or how someone's voice would sound, and that Lindsey reported that after the incident she felt dizzy, Pruyt said:

“At trial, defense’s role is to take every opportunity to discredit the victim and exacerbate any inconsistencies in front of a jury who also has to process the complexities of the case. Additionally, not all information received in an investigation can be used in a trial to prove the case. Our assessment and evaluation of a case necessitates that we consider all admissible evidence, expected inconsistencies in testimony, perceived bias of all witnesses, and how testimony and evidence will be received by the jury.”

Despite Butori's statements to both Azminali and Lindsey that she could not see where Flores-Estrada's hands were within the video, which is why she had to downgrade the charge, Butori later said during sentencing “There was a verbal dispute that ultimately turned into a physical dispute … he ultimately did grab her by the neck and push her against the wall — that portion is recorded.”

When the contradictions between the language of the law and Butori's interpretation of it, as well as her contradicting statement said during sentencing were brought up with her and Pruyt later, Pruyt said:

I can tell you without reservation that Ms. Butori is an excellent prosecutor. I am sure your research has revealed Ms. Butori’s extensive qualifications and long list of felony trial prosecutions and convictions. Ms. Butori at all times was looking out for the victim in this case. She is invested in helping victims and securing justice on behalf of our community. If I or a member of my family were to be a victim of a crime, I could only hope that the case would be assigned to a prosecutor like Ms. Butori.

[...]

The statements you reference below are not a contradiction once you add the requisite context. One is arguing to the Court what we believe evidence shows and the second is telling a victim the issued associated with the evidence which could create reasonable doubt at trial.

Butori herself did not respond to any further questions.

Ultimately, Flores-Estrada agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor domestic battery, as well as one violation of Lindsey's protection order, which was also not prosecuted until the plea deal was arranged, despite being reported months prior.

He was sentenced to 30 days of jail, 15 of which could be served on the weekends, so long as they were served by a certain date.

However, he did not meet his deadline; he missed one of the weekends he was meant to be in jail, and asked for an extension, stating he was sick.

An extension was provided, moving his due date to an additional weekend — without notice being given to Lindsey, or allowing her the opportunity to argue against it, which she believes constitutes a violation of victims' rights laws.

When Lindsey said she had issues with the results of her case, she said she was told, “That's why it's called a criminal justice system, not a victim's justice system.”

This is the first part of a three part series. Return tomorrow for our deep dive into the issues with the bail system, and how it allows a tiered system for offenders — one for those with money, and one for those without.

Then, we'll take a look at the issues with accessing the court system, especially for Lindsey, whose access to case experienced a significant number of hurdles in ways she believes constitute violations of Marsy's Law — the Nevada Victims' Rights Law.

The post ‘It’s a criminal justice system, not a victim’s justice system': Victim regrets reporting attack after plea deal downgrade appeared first on Azminali.

Third straight year with Lake Tahoe and Sierra snowpack near average or better 9 Apr 3:25 PM (23 hours ago)

The winter of 2025 hasn’t measured up to 2024 and is far short of the records set in 2023. Despite that, the Eastern Sierra, Northern Nevada and Northern California are still in good shape as we move into snowmelt season. 

April 1 is considered the date when the snowpack reaches its highest snow water total before melt begins.

The measurement of the snowpack at Phillips Station near Sierra-at-Tahoe and the rest of the west slope gives a picture of water heading to California this spring and summer. The measure of the snowpack at Mt. Rose and other points in the Lake Tahoe Basin gives a picture of water heading to Nevada through the Truckee River.

Eastern Nevada is a mixed bag with better mountain snowpack conditions near Austin, Eureka, and Ely, but well below normal snow in Great Basin National Park. Southern Nevada should expect a lean water year with less than normal streamflow predicted for the Virgin River and the Colorado River inflow to Lake Powell.

The Lake Tahoe Basin snowpack is at 94-103 percent of normal, 122-151 percent across Northern Nevada, 86 percent in Eastern Nevada, 88 percent in the Upper Colorado, and 30 percent in the Spring Mountains on April 1.

Water year precipitation stands at 96-131 percent across the Sierra basins and northern Nevada. March brought above normal precipitation to nearly all basins. This increased water year precipitation in Eastern Nevada to 103% and in the Spring Mountains to 84 percent of normal for April 1.

Most reservoirs important to northern Nevada are storing near normal to well above normal amounts for this time of year. Combined storage in Lake Powell and Lake Mead is down 691 kaf from this time last year, with storage at 33 percent of capacity.

In California, it was the third consecutive year that the snowpack was close to or above average.

Some of the local areas and their percentage of April 1 average snowpack:

Heavenly Valley – 91% Marlette Lake – 103% Ward Creek – 119% Squaw Valley – 84% Carson Pass – 91% Caples Lake – 86%. The current water year as compared to the highest (1982-83), the lowest (2014-15), and last year:

The water content of the snowpack is important as it allows the states’ water managers to forecast snowmelt and the summer’s water availability. Thirty percent of California’s fresh water is supplied by snowpack.

As a state, California is at 100 percent of normal for April 1, with the southern region at 84 percent, northern region at 120 percent, and the central region which is our local region, at 96 percent.

California reservoirs are looking strong, with the north at 114-144 percent of average, and statewide the lowest is at 95 percent of average (Castiac).

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Carson City deputies make arrests for protection order violation, theft and trespassing 9 Apr 1:02 PM (yesterday, 1:02 pm)

A 44-year-old woman was arrested Tuesday for suspicion of gross misdemeanor violation of a temporary protection order for stalking and harassment, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.

Deputies were dispatched at 12:13 p.m. to the 1700 block of College Parkway for a miscellaneous dispute. Dispatch advised there was a protection order that hadn't been served and two parties were in an altercation over a video recording, the report states.

Upon arrival, it had been determined a deputy had served the woman with the order. Officers spoke with the woman who acknowledged she had been served with the protection order and said she came to work and it was her understanding that the protected party was not supposed to be at work.

A deputy checked the protection order and it states on the order that both parties were allowed to work at the business but they were to avoid contact with each other.

Due to the other woman's statement of the suspect engaging with her and then taking her phone when the victim party was engaging with her, as well as the suspect's admittance to grabbing the victim's phone, the deputy determined the suspect violated the protection order. The deputy reviewed video the victim recorded of the phone incident. The suspect was placed under arrest for violation of the TPO. Bail: $2,000.

In other arrests:

— A 49-year-old Reno woman was arrested early Tuesday for alleged misdemeanor trespassing and violation of Department of Alternative Sentencing conditions, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.

According to the booking report, the woman had been trespassed from a North Carson Street casino four times since 2022 and returned to the casino early Tuesday. The woman is on DAS with one of the conditions being not to trespass at the casino. Bail: $3,000 cash.

— A 37-year-old Sparks man was arrested Monday for misdemeanor warrants alleging domestic battery and violation of a suspended sentence. The warrant were issued Oct. 24, 2024 and Oct. 30, 2024. Bail: $4,000 cash.

— A 45-year-old Carson City woman was arrested Monday for a gross misdemeanor warrant alleging possessing/taking of auto without owner consent. The warrant was issued April 1, 2025. No bail hold in lieu of hearing.

— A 37-year-old Reno woman, Tameka Johnna Webb, was arrested Monday for a felony outside agency warrant issued out of Clark County Justice Court. No bail hold in lieu of hearing.

— A 41-year-old Carson City man was arrested Monday in the area of East William and State street for misdemeanor petit larceny. The man allegedly took a bottle of Fireball Whiskey from a North Carson Street convenience store and gas station.

Deputies located the man on William Street and spoke with him on the allegation he stole the bottle from the store. The man stated “no I didn't” and that he had everything on him. He also said “even if I did, that would take me to jail?” and then said just cite him and let him go. Deputies informed the man they had video of him taking the bottle and leaving the store. Bail: $1,137.

— A 35-year-old Carson City man was arrested April 5 for a Department of Alternative Sentencing violation. The man had been drinking and blew a .283 preliminary breath test. He was determined to be in violation of his conditions, which one being not to consume alcohol. Bail: $3,137.

— A 22-year-old Carson City man was booked Monday for a misdemeanor warrant alleging drawing a weapon in a threatening manner, issued April 4 out of Carson City Justice Court. The man was already in custody at Carson City Jail for a similar crime that occurred the day prior. Bail: $1,137.

— A 52-year-old Carson City man was arrested early Tuesday for a misdemeanor probation violation warrant issued Nov. 21, 2019 out of Reno Municipal Court. No bail hold in lieu of hearing.

— All information for the crime log (unless otherwise noted) comes from the arrest reports supplied by the Carson City Sheriff’s Office, and is considered by law to be public information. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The policy of Azminali is to name anyone who is arrested for a felony offense.

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Northern Nevada program aims to prevent fall risks among seniors and disabled 9 Apr 11:04 AM (yesterday, 11:04 am)

Rebuilding Together Northern Nevada, a nonprofit organization that provides critical home repairs and modifications to improve the health, safety and independence of homeowners in need, has announced an initiative to help reduce the risk of falls among area seniors and individuals with disabilities.

With funding from the State of Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division, the Rebuilding Together Northern Nevada team has implemented a comprehensive Fall Prevention Program that includes essential home modifications and educational outreach activities.

Through the program, the team will install grab bars, ramps and lighting improvements for eligible homeowners, helping them maintain safety and independence in their homes.

Additionally, the program also features a Fall Prevention Awareness pamphlet, educational tips and outreach events to raise awareness about the risks of falling risks and preventative measures. See the pamphlet in the PDF below.

“We are thrilled to have the support of the State of Nevada to launch this vital program. Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults, but they are largely preventable,” said said Meg Shea, Executive Director of RTNNV. “Our goal is to provide the tools and education needed to keep seniors safe and independent in their homes.”

Shea said the Rebuilding Together team is proud to be in partnership with the University of Southern California (USC) Leonard Davis School of Gerontology's Home Modifications Program, which has developed several materials to promote fall prevention awareness. The resources are designed to help seniors and individuals with disabilities stay safe in their homes by addressing fall risks and preventative strategies.

Developed by Caroline Cicero, PhD, MSW, MPL, an Instructional Associate Professor at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, her research has shaped these valuable resources leveraging her expertise in aging, housing and public policy.

Understanding Fall Risks: Fall risks rise from various factors, including previous falls, medication side effects, balance issues, chronic conditions like arthritis, hazards in the home, memory problems, muscle weakness, vision limitations, and more.

Tips to Reduce the Risk of Falling: Taking steps to reduce fall risks is crucial for maintaining safety and independence. Here are actionable measures:

• Get a fall risk assessment: Discuss your fall risk with your doctor.
• Review your medications: Check for potential side effects or interactions with a health professional.
• Have your vision checked: Regular eye exams can reduce fall risks.
• Engage in physical activity: Strength and balance exercises improve stability and coordination.
• Assess your home for safety: Install grab bars, handrails, and enhance lighting to prevent falls.

Home Modifications for Fall Prevention Modifying homes to address safety hazards is a key part of preventing falls. Recommended changes include:

• Clearing pathways to remove clutter.
• Fixing uneven surfaces like loose rugs and flooring.
• Installing bright lighting in stairways and hallways.
• Adding grab bars in bathrooms and non-skid strips in showers.
• Securing handrails on stairways.

Outdoor Fall Prevention To stay safe outdoors, consider:

• Walking in well-lit areas.
• Watching for tree roots, cracks, and slippery surfaces.
• Being cautious in bad weather and wearing sturdy shoes.

RTNNV is spreading awareness about the Fall Prevention Program by sharing helpful tips on its website blog and across social media platforms. Join the conversation and stay informed by following the hashtags #WeAreRebuilders and #FallPrevention.

For more information the Fall Prevention Program or to find out how you can get involved, email home@rtnnv.org or call 775-395-9808. For more information about USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology Home Modifications Program, visit www.homemods.org.

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Tradition continues: Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with Carson City to Virginia City ride on V&T Railway 9 Apr 9:00 AM (yesterday, 9:00 am)

Make this Mother’s Day one to remember with an unforgettable ride aboard the historic V&T Railway. On May 10 and 11, treat Mom to a 24-mile round trip steam train journey from Carson City to Virginia City, complete with breathtaking views, Wild West charm, and thoughtful extras designed to make her feel truly special.

General Coach Tickets, VIP Tables, and VIP Private Rooms are now available, but going fast.

“Every mom deserves something special, and there’s nothing quite like a ride on a steam train through Nevada’s beautiful landscape,” said Cherrie Bailey from the V&T Railway Commission. “It’s the perfect mix of nostalgia, adventure, and relaxation all in one day.”

Start the day with complimentary coffee, pastries, and a mimosa at the Eastgate Depot before hopping aboard our iconic steam train. The train departs at 10:00 a.m. and arrives in Virginia City at 11:30 a.m. Guests will have free time to explore the shops, enjoy brunch, and take in the lively, historic atmosphere of this beloved mining town. Return service departs Virginia City at 3 p.m., arriving back in Carson City by 4:15 p.m.

Ticket Options:

General Coach Tickets are available for $65 for adults (ages 16 and older) and $45 for children (ages 2–15). Infants under 24 months may ride free if seated on a parent’s lap. Each coach ticket includes a round-trip train ride and a complimentary flower stem for mothers.

VIP Tables are available for $300 and accommodate four passengers per table, regardless of age. This package includes four round-trip tickets, a half bottle of sparkling wine or sparkling cider served onboard, a complimentary dessert treat, and flower stems for mothers.

Private Rooms are available for $1,200 and include seating for up to 15 passengers. This option includes fifteen round-trip tickets in a private car, one bottle of sparkling wine and one bottle of sparkling cider, three complimentary dessert treats served onboard, and a large bouquet of fresh flowers.

Tickets are limited and expected to sell quickly. Reserve your seats today at  vtrailway.com or call (775) 686-9037.

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Rotary Senior Spotlight: Carson High's Pioneer Campus Mallorie Sheley-Brendel 9 Apr 6:52 AM (yesterday, 6:52 am)

By Cary Jordan, Pioneer Academy Counselor — Carson High School Pioneer Campus is proud to recognize Mallorie Sheley-Brendel as the Senior in the Spotlight. Mallorie has demonstrated tenacity, determination and true grit to get through the challenging times of high school and achieve her goals.

As a three-year National Honor Society member, Mallorie takes pride in demonstrating her best efforts and showing people her true personality. She is thankful for her friends, family and teachers that have supported her.

Pioneer was Mallorie’s first choice for high school, as she knew she would thrive in a smaller setting where teachers develop strong rapport with students and make relatable connections.

Mallorie said she has appreciated the support of the Pioneer staff throughout her four years. “This school has helped me get through the highs and lows that every teenager goes through, and they also know what I'm capable of and pushed me through.”

Mallorie said “I would like to thank Mrs. Walker for running the NHS and ‘pushing us as much as we can’ to improve our grades. Mrs. Tirado for making my days bright and listening to me when I needed support. Mr. Echebarria for keeping it real and making class so interesting.”

Mallorie said all these people and others helped her navigate high school and encouraged her to find and be herself. “I've had my highs and lows with being me, I would ask ‘What would people think?’ until someone told me, ‘Who cares. Be yourself. Don't have this wall up.’ Ever since then I've been working on being me.”

Mallorie likes to spend her spare time drawing, creating digital art and taking creative photos. Though she likes to express herself with artistic activities, Mallorie is focusing on academics and continuing her education next year by attending the University of Nevada Reno. She is currently undecided for a major but is considering Marine Biology or interior design.

Whatever direction Mallorie goes, it is certain she will find her way to success. The Pioneer family will miss this spirited and determined young person, and is excited to see where Mallorie lands.

— All students named as a weekly Senior Spotlight are featured at the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Carson City. The Rotary Club of Carson City is a vibrant and dedicated group of professionals and community leaders committed to making a positive impact. The club welcomes individuals who are passionate about service and enjoy opportunities for personal and professional growth, networking and fellowship.

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