People with collector cars, or otherwise outstanding rides, now have a chance to exhibit their vehicles at Reno's National Automobile Museum, one of the best auto museums in the United States. The new exhibit is called Collector Car Corner - read my article for details on how to apply to have your car featured at the Museum. A different car is featured every two months.

The National Automobile Museum features cars from the dawn of the automobile age through the present day. The National Automobile Museum is also called The Harrah Collection because most of the vehicles on display are from late casino mogul William F. Harrah.

Everyone can enjoy this new exhibit by visiting the National Automobile Museum. It's located at 10 S. Lake St. in downtown Reno, next to the Truckee River. There is free parking for museum patrons. The Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Regular admission is $10 for adults, $8 for those 62 and over, $4 for children 6 to 18, and free for kids 5 and under. For information, call (775) 333-9300.

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Despite the tragic crash at the 2011 Reno Air Races, event organizers are moving ahead with plans for the 2012 event. It is currently scheduled for September 12 - 16. The exact format has yet to be determined.

According to Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) President and CEO Mike Houghton, the goal is to continue with the air races and air show as before. If that proves to be impossible, there would be an air show (no racing) as a memorial for the victims of the crash on September 16, 2011. If the latter is the case, Houghton said he expects that would be the end of Reno's air show and air racing events.

Before any final decisions are made, RARA will meet the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority to review 2012 plans before a permit is issued to use Reno Stead Airport, site of the Reno Air Races. RARA is also expecting a report in early April from a Blue Ribbon Review Panel set up to examine and recommend any possible changes or modifications that could be made to enhance the level of safety at the event.

On January 10, Houghton and other RARA representatives testified at a National Transportation Safety Board hearing in Washington regarding safety issues at air shows and air races. The hearing was not directly focused on the Reno Air Races accident. Changes in regulations or procedures, if any, will be announced at a future date.

The Reno Air Races have always been acknowledged to be a dangerous event, but is it just too risky to continue? Thusfar, the answers to this poll are heavily in favor of continuing the event. What do you think?

Sources: Reno Air Racing Association, Reno Gazette-Journal.

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There will be some changes to the fee structure and rules regulating recreational activities at Pyramid Lake in 2012 and beyond. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe is inviting the public to comment on the proposed changes through February 2. To request a copy, call the Pyramid Lake Tribal office at (775) 574-1000. There is also an online copy available..

If you are one of the many people who enjoy the recreational opportunities (camping, fishing, picnicking, photography, etc.) provided by the Paiute Tribe at Pyramid Lake, you may want to review the proposal and submit any comments or suggestions you may have. You can email your remarks to scarey@plpt.nsn.us or mail them to this address...

Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe
Attn: Tribal Secretary
P.O. Box 256, Nixon, NV 89424

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U.S. 395 is now open to traffic following a closure due to the Washoe Drive Fire. All residents in evacuation zones have been permitted to return to their neighborhoods. The fire is officially 100% contained. Extra caution should be used when driving in the area as crews continue working to mop up after the flames.

About 2 inches of rain fell in Washoe Valley overnight, helping quench the Washoe Drive Fire and ending the threat of even more fires due to a prolonged dry spell.

The Washoe Drive Fire started almost 2 months to the day following the Caughlin Fire in southwest Reno, which started under similar conditions of a bone dry landscape and high winds pushed by an approaching storm front. According to a Washoe County press release, the Washoe Drive Fire burned across 3,177 acres and destroyed 29 structures, many of which were homes.

The Reno Gazette-Journal reported that a Washoe resident has come forward and admitted he probably started the fire while attempting to dispose of fireplace ashes. A decision is pending on whether or not charges will be filed. An estimate for the cost of suppression and property damage is around $1 million.

For more details, pictures, and the latest information, refer to one of these local news sources...

• Reno Gazette-Journal
• KTVN2 News
• KOLO8 News
• KRNV4 News

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