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While compiling the list of the top 10 local stories of 2006, the LVN editorial staff was confronted with the sizable task of whittling down all of the events of the past year into a select few contenders.
Besides being reminded of the volume of important local news stories in 2006, the exercise highlighted the successes and challenges our community has faced. The last year brought changes to Churchill County, many that should be perceived as improvements.
The county passed a transfer of development rights ordinance, a process that should help protect farmland and NAS Fallon from encroachment.
Upgrades were made to the city's electrical system, and the city entered into long-term contract that should help keep the price of electricity stable for residents in the coming years.
The much-needed widening of U.S. Highway 50A reached the Churchill-Lyon county line, and other local roads, streets and bridges received various upgrades.
A dialysis center firmed up its plans to open in Fallon, the Nevada Cancer Institute opened an office in town and funds for research into Fallon's childhood leukemia cluster were announced.
Several businesses also set up shop in Fallon, including the Wal-Mart Supercenter on the city's west side. Several other items deserve mention as well.
Yet, as always, challenges remain.
The red-hot local housing market of the last two years has cooled off, leaving less demand for homes as prices have started to dip. The increase in local wages and employment options has not kept pace with the rise in costs for housing, utilities and other expenses.
Student enrollment dipped by 86 students in the Churchill County School District this school year, which will affect per capita student funding.
Continued efforts by upstream entities to appropriate water for municipal and industrial use could threaten the future of the Lahontan Valley's water supply and capacity to grow. The "build now, get water later" attitude of some urban interests could have consequences and set a poor precedent if their demands are met.
This year's session of the Legislature could be interesting as legislators from larger, faster-growing areas seek to use their sway to obtain more resources from state government.
The results of the past year show that local government has enacted many good policies for the community. The challenges of the present will require continued diligence to look beyond short-term results.
With a growing economy, increased social services and improving transportation routes, Fallon and Churchill County are in a position to again improve the quality of life for local residents. Let's see how the year unfolds.
Besides being reminded of the volume of important local news stories in 2006, the exercise highlighted the successes and challenges our community has faced. The last year brought changes to Churchill County, many that should be perceived as improvements.
The county passed a transfer of development rights ordinance, a process that should help protect farmland and NAS Fallon from encroachment.
Upgrades were made to the city's electrical system, and the city entered into long-term contract that should help keep the price of electricity stable for residents in the coming years.
The much-needed widening of U.S. Highway 50A reached the Churchill-Lyon county line, and other local roads, streets and bridges received various upgrades.
A dialysis center firmed up its plans to open in Fallon, the Nevada Cancer Institute opened an office in town and funds for research into Fallon's childhood leukemia cluster were announced.
Several businesses also set up shop in Fallon, including the Wal-Mart Supercenter on the city's west side. Several other items deserve mention as well.
Yet, as always, challenges remain.
The red-hot local housing market of the last two years has cooled off, leaving less demand for homes as prices have started to dip. The increase in local wages and employment options has not kept pace with the rise in costs for housing, utilities and other expenses.
Student enrollment dipped by 86 students in the Churchill County School District this school year, which will affect per capita student funding.
Continued efforts by upstream entities to appropriate water for municipal and industrial use could threaten the future of the Lahontan Valley's water supply and capacity to grow. The "build now, get water later" attitude of some urban interests could have consequences and set a poor precedent if their demands are met.
This year's session of the Legislature could be interesting as legislators from larger, faster-growing areas seek to use their sway to obtain more resources from state government.
The results of the past year show that local government has enacted many good policies for the community. The challenges of the present will require continued diligence to look beyond short-term results.
With a growing economy, increased social services and improving transportation routes, Fallon and Churchill County are in a position to again improve the quality of life for local residents. Let's see how the year unfolds.
