The historic Hubbard House on Bridge Street in Winnemucca was torn down by the county after facing numerous roadblocks to restoration efforts.
The historic Hubbard House on Bridge Street in Winnemucca was torn down by the county after facing numerous roadblocks to restoration efforts.
The following compilation of highlights covers July - December, 2021.



Staff Report



July

State approves Nevada 95-80 RDA

The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development approved the Nevada 95-80 Regional Development Authority (RDA) that joined Humboldt and Pershing County economic development efforts and the cities of Winnemucca and Lovelock at the state level, allowing the two counties and two cities to jointly market the region and take care of existing businesses through greater opportunities for funding and collaboration. 



Nevada minimum wage increase

Nevada’s minimum wage increased by 75 cents to $8.75 per hour for employees who get health benefits and $9.75 per hour for those who do not, as part of a 2019 legislative law passed to gradually increase the state’s minimum wage to $11 for those with health benefits and $12 for those without by the year 2024, with the first increase taking place this year. 

August

Housing study highlights local deficiency

The Winnemucca, Humboldt County area showed a zero vacancy rate for apartments and an immediate need for luxury and low/middle income units in addition to housing developments currently underway based on the recent housing study which included data from the first part of May 2021. 



Masks made optional for Humboldt County students

Amidst COVID-19, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak signed Emergency Directive 048 regarding facial coverings in school districts, private schools and charter schools, allowing counties with populations with less than 100,000 to make their own governance regarding masks. 

— See YIR, Page Five —

(Cont. from Page One)

Humboldt County School District allowed masks to be optional rather than continuing to require them. 



Community garden development grant awarded

The Winnemucca Community Garden received a $5,420 livable communities grant awarded by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) to improve garden accessibility and infrastructure, including new raised beds and walking paths. 



September

State treasurer visits Winnemucca for listening session

State of Nevada Treasurer Zach Conine visited Winnemucca and led a listening session as part of the 75-day listening tour with 75 events throughout Nevada’s communities to determine how to spend the $6.7+ billion federal dollars to be received by the state. 



i-80 Gold acquires Lone Tree Facilities 

On September 7, 2021, i-80 Gold Corp announced entry into definitive agreements to create a comprehensive Nevada mining complex through an asset exchange agreement to acquire certain processing infrastructure, including an autoclave, and the Lone Tree and Buffalo Mountain gold deposits from Nevada Gold Mines LLC (NGM) via an asset exchange. 



October

Fire destroyed abandoned motel

The abandoned Western Inn motel in Winnemucca on north Bridge Street adjacent to the Union Pacific Rail Yard was destroyed in a fire on September 30, 2021, presenting several challenges for first responders and closing Highway 95 / Melarkey Street in Winnemucca for hours due to noxious smoke.



City prohibits marijuana consumption lounges

In a unanimous vote, Winnemucca City Council members voted to prohibit marijuana consumption lounges within city limits following the passing of establishments being allowed at the state level. 



Hospital CEO resigns

Humboldt General Hospital Chief Administrative Officer Tim Powers submitted a letter of resignation from the hospital. Powers was appointed to the position in August 2020. HGH appointed Robyn Dunckhorst, BSN, RN, CEN to serve as the Interim CEO following Powers’ resignation. 



November

Futures conference highlights economic growth

The Nevada US 95-I-80 Futures conference highlighted Pershing and Humboldt counties’ future economic outlook, which included a high demand for housing and workers for growing industries according to several industry leaders. 



Hycroft mine lays off half its workers

Hycroft mine laid off 109 workers on November 10 and mining operations ceased. The company is continuing to process ore as long as finances hold out. 



December

School district receives prestigious safety award

The Humboldt County School District was recognized for safety efforts during a symposium in Reno where an award was presented to district officials for the GATEKEEPER School Safety Award for improvements made in school safety since the inception of the Nevada Rural School District Collaborative Program in 2014.



Historic cannonball safe arrives back home

The historic Winnemucca State Bank & Trust cannonball safe made its way back to its original location in Winnemucca for display to the public, at Phillips Furniture, formerly Winnemucca State Bank & Trust.