🌱 Former Sparks Fire Chief Sues City + Free St. Patrick's Day Rides

Hello, neighbors! Miranda Fraraccio here with your fresh copy of the Reno Patch newsletter, filled with everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Increasing clouds and cold. High: 51 Low: 32.

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Here are the top three stories today in Reno:

1. The Former Sparks fire chief is suing the city for terminating him following the news of his impending arrest on felony drug charges. City Manager Neil Krutz fired Mark Lawson on Dec. 5 and posted a YouTube video explaining the decision. Lawon was charged on Dec. 9 with felonies related to bodybuilding drugs. The lawsuit alleges the city breached its contract with Lawson by not dealing with him fairly, defaming him, and placing him in a false light. The lawsuit seeks punitive damages of $15,000 and more. (KOLO)
2. On Monday, Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve testified in support of removing the sixth ward council position for the city’s at-large council member seat. She said maintaining the at-large seat, occupied by Council member Devon Reese, was necessary because the city council is enduring political disagreement. The legislature passed a bill during the 2017 legislative session to move Reno to ward-only voting, gaining the sixth council seat and eliminating the at-large seat. (This Is Reno)
3. The RTC and Reno Vice Mayor Devon Reese are sponsoring free rides on Saint Patrick’s Day. The RTC of Washoe County is offering its services on Pineapple Pedicabs free of charge to help people navigate downtown and midtown Reno safely. RTC does not service all areas, and people are encouraged to visit rtcwashoe.com for route and schedule information. (KOLO)

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Today in Reno:

• The Row March Mania 2023 At Silver Legacy Resort Casino (8:00 AM)
• Art Exhibition At McKinley Arts & Culture Center (9:00 AM)
• Sustainer St. Patrick’s Day Celebration At Washoe Public House (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Indulge in a festive Saint Patrick’s Day lunch today (Mar. 17) at Toucan Charlie’s Buffet & Grille! They will be offering Irish classics like corned beef and cabbage, bangers & mash, Irish lamb stew, and Guinness beef pot pie. (Atlantis Casino Resort Spa via Instagram)
• The National Automobile Museum is seeking volunteers for help in admissions and the store, acting as docents, and even working with the cars. For more information, visit the link. (National Automobile Museum via Facebook)
• Reno Little Theater was nominated for Best Live Theater in the RGJ Best of Reno Awards! Vote at the link for a chance to win $250. (Reno Little Theater via Facebook)

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That's it for today! See you all tomorrow for your next update.

— 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.