🌱 U.S. 395 Improvements + Reno OKs $250K Pepperball Settlement

Good morning, neighbors. I'm here with your Thursday edition of the Reno Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Cold with a snow shower. High: 32 Low: 23.

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Here are the top three stories today in Reno:

1. The North Valleys U.S. 395 expansion project is set to begin construction later this year, with the aim of reducing traffic congestion. The $185 million project will add a new southbound lane, merging lanes, and a new northbound offramp for Golden Valley Road. The project is expected to start in late 2023 and be completed by the end of 2025, with efforts made to minimize the impact on drivers during construction. (KRNV)
2. A 14-year-old girl died as a result of a fatal stabbing that occurred after a physical altercation between two juvenile females on the 7000 block of Soft Winds Drive in Reno, according to Reno police. A 14-year-old girl was charged with open murder and challenge to fight with a deadly weapon, while a 15-year-old boy was charged with assault with a deadly weapon. The victim has been identified as Chloe, a student at North Valleys High School. (KTVN)
3. The Reno City Council approved a $250,000 settlement for former American Civil Liberties Union legal observer Rebecca Gasca, who sued the city and the Washoe County Sheriff's Office for excessive force. Gasca was hit by pepper balls fired by local police during a downtown Black Lives Matter protest in 2020, which she claimed violated her Fourth, First, and Fourteenth Amendment rights. The settlement was passed with only one council member voting against it. (Mineral County Independent-News)

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Today in Reno:

• Toddler Time At Northwest Reno Library (10:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Thinking of dipping your toes into the housing market? Check out the list of open houses happening this week in the Reno area at the link. (Reno Patch)
• The Reno Police Department congratulated its SAVE volunteers! The department pinned badges for two new members and presented awards for 4,000 hours of service and 25 years of service with the department. (Reno Police Department via Facebook)
• Storey County Sheriff's Office is seeking help from the public in locating 29-year-old Shelsey Wiley, who was reported missing on Feb. 21. Wiley was last seen driving a beige 2021 Nissan Sentra with California license plate 8VUU804 and investigators believe she could be in or headed to California, possibly in the West Point and San Francisco area. (KRNV)

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You're all caught up for today! See you soon 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.