🌱 DMV Shortages Cause Backlog + Reno Bike Project + 2 Dead At Motel 6

Hello, everybody! It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Reno Patch newsletter. Come along to find out the most important things going on these days in town.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny; breezy in the p.m.. High: 91 Low: 54.

Here are the top three stories today in Reno:

1. The Reno Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles is facing a severe appointment backlog and long wait times due to chronic understaffing, resulting in residents driving without proper documentation. The shortage of 28 positions out of 103 to 140 in the Reno office has led to the largest backup in the history of the DMV. The low pay for entry-level positions, particularly in front-line tech roles, contributes to the staffing problem, with take-home pay barely covering basic living expenses. (KRNV)
2. Reno Bike Project is organizing multiple sessions of its Major Taylor Bike Program throughout the summer, providing an opportunity for children to learn bike safety, maintenance, and healthy nutrition for a fee of $40. These camps take place on weekdays through Jul. 24, with an additional fourth week where participants from earlier camps can earn a bike. Program manager Andy Perkins emphasizes the importance of the camp in getting local kids outdoors, experiencing the freedom and joy of biking, and offers advice for those who may feel hesitant about learning to ride a bike: give it a try, start slowly, and join local ride groups or go with a friend for support. (KOLO)
3. In an ongoing investigation, two individuals were found dead at Motel 6 on Wells Avenue, prompting the involvement of Reno Police, Reno Fire, and the medical examiner's office. The bodies were subsequently transported to the Washoe County Medical Examiner's Office for further examination to determine the cause of death. At present, authorities have not identified any evidence of foul play and have assured that there is no danger to the general public. (KOLO)

Interested in reaching our local readers with targeted messaging that drives traffic to your business? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Today in Reno:

Wednesday, July 12

• Seniors Out On A Walk At West Street Plaza (9:00 AM)
• Feed The Camel 2023 At McKinley Arts And Culture (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Reno author David Michael Slater's novel "The Vanishing," which explores Nazi Germany and the Holocaust, has been optioned for a film adaptation by 26th Street Pictures, a production company associated with renowned director Chris Columbus. (Nevada Appeal)
• On Saturday and Sunday, Reno residents can expect temperatures to reach 102 degrees. If the forecast is accurate, this weekend would mark the hottest days of the year so far. (Reno Gazette Journal)
• The Americans and the Holocaust Exhibition is on display at the Northwest Reno Library now through Aug. 18 for all ages. Tomorrow, Jul. 12, experts from the University of Reno, Nevada and Washington DC will be speaking about America’s involvement in the Holocaust at 5:00 p.m. during an opening reception. (KOLO)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Prime Day Is Happening Now — Shop & Save! (July 12)
• Add your event

That's all for now! Thanks for following along and staying informed.

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.