WASHINGTON, D.C. - As part of its continuing commitment to improve management of the nation's public lands, the Bureau of Land Management is beginning a review aimed at creating a more dynamic and durable way of developing the Resource Management Plans (RMPs) that guide its efforts. Congress has directed the BLM to develop RMPs for the public lands it manages in consultation with the public and with its partners from tribal, state, and local governments and other federal agencies.
CARSON CITY - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that USDA is seeking applications from rural small businesses and agricultural producers who want to fund energy efficiency improvements or install renewable energy systems. Up to $12.3 million in grants and $57.8 million in loan guarantees are available nationwide.
RENO - If you've ever participated in 4-H or been given information by a Master Gardener, you're one of hundreds of thousands of Nevadans for reason to celebrate this month. The organization that conducts these educational programs, and more than 130 others in communities across Nevada, is celebrating its centennial: University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.
Battle Mountain High School drama class performed a two-night rendition of Todd Wallinger's play, "The Butler Did It!," on Wednesday, April 30, and Thursday, May 1, at the Civic Center. The 15-member class, split into two casts, gave each night's performance a new perspective. It is unusual for a "who-done-it" murder mystery to reveal the actual murderer in its title, and "The Butler Did It!" is no exception. This hilariously funny play, with its twists and turns, captivated the audience and took everyone on a journey of mayhem, murder, and heart-warming sentiment.
ELKO - The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Tuscarora Field Office issued a Record of Decision on the Final Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Barrick-Dee Mining Venture's proposed Arturo Mine Project.
CARSON CITY - During "National Foster Care Month," Nevadans are encouraged to consider becoming foster parents to the hundreds of children in need of a good home. Michael Knight, assistant director, Clark County Department of Family Services, says about 3,000 children are in the county's foster-care system at any one time.
A Battle Mountain native, he plays the piano and speaks Japanese. Now, he will be leading the way as the principal of Battle Mountain Junior High School starting officially on July 1.
HEATHER HILL • The Battle Mountain BugleRW Johnson was found recently pruning his bushes on W. Second Street. With summer starting officially June 21, people are getting their lawns and gardens ready. The nice weather is allowing for much time to be spent outdoors. Temperatures reached into the high 70s and low 80s last week.
The weather improved enough for all ages to gather for the Battle Mountain Band's Environmental Earth Day clean-up. The Earth Day event occurred April, 26 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and started on Allen Road and ended on Old I-80 (in front of the Smoke Shop). Several bags of garbage were filled with litter and disposed of.
CARSON CITY - Nevada Health Link is reminding all Nevadans who were unsuccessful in signing up for health insurance on the NevadaHealthLink.com website because of technical issues that it's not too late to finish the process. May 30, 2014 is the last day of the special enrollment period. Nevadans can visit NevadaHealthLink.com to complete their applications, and assistance is available over the phone and in-person by calling 855-7-NVLINK.
Great Basin College is offering a Wildland Fire Training Academy on May 27 through June 1. 
CARSON CITY - In April, 14,931 initial claims for unemployment insurance were filed in Nevada, a 15 percent drop compared to April 2013. Initial claims have fallen compared to the previous year for 17 straight months and in 50 of the past 53 months, said Bill Anderson, chief economist for Nevada's Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR).
CARSON CITY - The Nevada 150 Commission unveiled the design of the third medallion in the Sesquicentennial series of four, as chosen by Nevada elementary students. The winning design features some of the State's most iconic landmarks including the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign, the Reno Arch and Wendover Will.
CARSON CITY - The Federal Communications Commission is expected to vote Thursday on a proposal that could create an Internet "fast lane" and impact rural areas in Nevada and across the nation.
WASHINGTON - A yearly survey of beekeepers shows fewer colony losses occurred in the United States over the winter of 2013-2014 than in recent years, but beekeepers say losses remain higher than the level that they consider to be sustainable. According to survey results, total losses of managed honey bee colonies from all causes were 23.2 percent nationwide. That number is above the 18.9 percent level of loss that beekeepers say is acceptable for their economic sustainability, but is a marked improvement over the 30.5 percent loss reported for the winter of 2012-2013, and over the eight-year average loss of 29.6 percent.