🌱 Free Radon Testing Kits + Local Sentenced 28 Years + City Lawsuit

Good morning, Reno. I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 52 Low: 22.

🏠 If you're a real estate agent in Reno, of course you're looking for a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. We can help you do that with an exclusive sponsorship in the Reno Patch newsletter. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories today in Reno:

1. The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) offers free radon detection kits to residents in the Reno area. The university wants to improve the health and safety of the community by allowing residents to test their homes for radon gas, an odorless and colorless gas that can have serious health effects. The short-term radon tests kits will be available until Feb. 28 through UNR’s Nevada Extension’s Radon Education Program. (My News 4)
2. The Washoe County District Attorney’s office announced that 62-year-old Randall Dean Forcier of Reno has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for multiple felony offenses. Forcier plead guilty to charges of trafficking in a schedule one controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, and possession of stolen property. His criminal history, which includes seven prior felony convictions, dates back to the early 1980s. (2News)
3. Reno approved a $250,000 settlement with Rebecca Gasca, a Black Lives Matter observer injured when police tried to disperse the crowd during a May 2020 protest. Gasca filed a federal lawsuit against former Reno Police Chief Jason Soto, the city, and others for alleged civil rights violations and alleged excessive force. Gasca was hot in the left arm with a nonlethal pepperball round fired by police. (KRNV)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Reno Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Reno Patch newsletter possible.

Today in Reno:

• Happy Hour At Ceol Irish Pub (4:00 PM)
• Laugh Factory At The Silver Legacy Casino (7:30 PM)
• Säje At Nightingale Concert Hall (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The UNR is hosting a “Poster Invasion” sale now through Feb. 10. Check out the large selection of posters to add color to your home, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the 2nd Floor Food Court. (University of Nevada, Reno)
• Barn cats might be used to the cold weather that comes with a Northern Nevada winter, but the Nevada Humane Society shared a few tips to help your barn cat to feel more comfortable outdoors. Tips include giving the cat extra food during winter and providing a small shelter outside. (Nevada Humane Society via Facebook)
• Nothing compares to seeing a home in person! Check out upcoming open houses in the Reno area, including a beautiful three-bedroom on Sierra Manor Drive on Saturday, Feb. 11. (Reno Patch)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Design Bar — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (February 14)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow for another 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.