Farewell 2024

Hello, 2025! As we step into a new year, it's natural to look ahead at what's to come. But reflecting on the past year is just as important. Taking stock of the events of 2024 helps us appreciate the challenges we've faced, the good we've experienced, and everything in between. After all, history is a community's greatest teacher.

Last year was a busy one for our community. There was much to celebrate, changes to navigate, hardships to endure, and justice to be served. All in all, Fallon did a bang-up job navigating quite a bit of it. 

Here's a look back at some of 2024's most notable news.

Naval Air Station Fallon

One of the most alarming moments in 2024 came on August 16, when ten Navy sailors were injured during a training exercise involving two MH-60S Knighthawk helicopters at NAS Fallon. The injured sailors were airlifted to Reno, where the pilots landed in an unusual location—Pickett Park, not far from downtown. With a police escort, the sailors were transported to Renown Medical Center for treatment. Fortunately, all injuries were non-life-threatening.

In December, NAS Fallon welcomed a new command master chief, CMC Monica Kuhl of Cheyenne, Wyoming. She arrived just in time for Santa to join the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC) and NAS Fallon's Search and Rescue team. Is there anything as cool as Santa in Seahawk flying over Fallon just before Christmas? Photo: Fallon’s Search and Rescue team giving Santa an aerial tour of Fallon on December 19. Photo Courtesy of NASF.

Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe

The Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe had an eventful year. One of the most exciting highlights was the arrival of a modern mobile miracle, purchased with the help of a USDA Rural Development Grant. The state-of-the-art medical clinic will help bring much-needed healthcare services to some of Nevada's most remote communities. 

2024's Coming Together Pow Wow started with TikTok sensation, bronc rider, and bucking horse stock contractor Dancin' Dougie Hall, who shared some of his famous cowboy wisdom with the crowd. Hall, known for his daily messages of encouragement to young followers on and off the reservation, kept it simple: "If you woke up this morning, the Creator ain't finished with you." The two-day Pow Wow was a tribute to the Native culture, showcasing glorious color, movement, and tradition, helping Fallon honor its connection to Nevada's Native American heritage.

Tribal elections were held last fall. Chairman Cathi Tuni was reelected with 61.46% of the vote. Philip Johnson was elected as tribal secretary, while Sandra Hicks and Crystal Allen won seats on the Tribal Council. Photo: FPST Mobile Clinic. Photo by Leanna Lehman.

State and National Elections

We would be remiss not to mention that former President Donald Trump was reelected, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris, who served under President Joe Biden. Trump will serve alongside Vice President-elect J.D. Vance over the next four years.

In Nevada, Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV) retained their seats in Washington. Fallon's Greg Koenig also held his seat as the Nevada State Assembly District 38 representative.

Several ballot measures passed, including one requiring photo identification to vote and another establishing a constitutional right to abortion in the state.

Local Government and Elections

Fallon's governing bodies were busy last year, especially with the elections largely determined by June's primaries. Churchill County Commission saw several candidates enter the race, with Eric Blakey of the Planning Commission and Matt Hyde from the school board elected to fill the seats of Commissioner Dr. Justin Heath and appointed Commissioner Bus Scharmann.

The Mosquito, Vector, and Noxious Weed Abatement Board saw Marion Jonte and Cynthia McGarrah lead the race, with both sworn into office this week.

Mayor Ken Tedford, who has served as Fallon's mayor since 1995, secured another term in office, taking the lead over two challengers. Karla Kent retained her position on the City Council, running unopposed.

The most contentious race in the last election was for Justice of the Peace. Incumbent Judge Ben Trotter won the election with 61% of the vote. Late last year, Trotter announced a transition to a four-day, ten-hour workweek for the court clerk's office. The change received pushback from several corners, but it is set to take effect in February.

The Churchill County School Board of Trustees race was also decided by voters in the primaries, with Gregg Malkovich and Kathryn Whitaker retaining their seats. Newcomer Wendy Bullock earned a board seat as well.

The Central Nevada Health District celebrated the grand opening of its new location on Maine Street, now situated alongside Churchill County Social Services. Additionally, the county consolidated Public Works & Planning with the County Building Departments, relocating to Maine Street.

The Churchill County Library experienced an unusual upheaval that led to a week-long closure and the removal of the former Library Director C.L. Quillen. Carol Lloyd, Quillen's much-admired predecessor, stepped in to assist over the summer. With Cathy Thorson as the new director, most of the library's issues have been addressed. 

A series of threats against schools caused serious concern for Churchill County School District and local law enforcement shortly after the 2024-25 school year began. Oasis Academy also reported a threat. Fortunately, most threats were unfounded. However, at least one arrest was made.

The City of Fallon had a strong year, boosting tourism through the support of local events. Fallon On Ice, the seasonal ice-skating attraction, returned for its second year, much to the delight of area youth. The 2024 Christmas Tree Lighting drew thousands of attendees, making it the city's most popular social event. The city also said goodbye to Public Works Director Ryan Swirczek, who retired after 25 years of service.

After four years of planning, the Fallon/Churchill Volunteer Fire Department (FCVFD), with assistance from the city and county, took possession of two new fire trucks, Engine 2 and Engine 4. FCVFD held a Push-In Ceremony and a street dance to mark the occasion.

The Churchill County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) mourned the loss of K-9 Bear, who passed away due to a large tumor. Bear served as a narcotics detection K-9 with Deputy Noel Ugalde. "He was an outstanding narcotics detection K-9," said Sheriff Richard Hickox. The department, however, welcomed a new addition—K-9 Tokos, who joined the ranks on October 29 and will also work with Deputy Ugalde.

Adding to the department's good news, a local supporter known as Miss Margie made an extraordinary contribution. A longtime advocate of K-9 programs, she called to tell the sheriff's office she was donating $20,000 to support CCSO's K-9 program. Thank you, Miss Margie!

Crime and Court

Crime remained a significant issue in Churchill County last year, with several high-profile cases making headlines.

One of the most tragic cases of 2024 was the murder of Sara Filiatraut, 24, which occurred in Fernley in March. However, Robert Matthew Richards, 40, who is accused of the killing, allegedly left her body in a remote pit in the desert east of Fallon. Sara was located through the joint efforts of Lyon and Churchill County Sheriff's Offices and Washoe County Sheriff's Office's Forensic Investigation Section. Richards is in custody in Lyon County on a no-bail hold and will appear for a preliminary hearing on April 3. 

More recently, longtime Fallon resident Daniel Lee Munoz, 71, was accused of killing Xiaoxia Zhang, 40, in Reno last November and burying her body under a trampoline at their Fallon home on Del Rio Drive. Munoz remains in custody in the Washoe County Jail with bail set at $5 million and is scheduled to appear in Reno Justice Court on January 15.

Kayden John Kelly, 19, was sentenced to 10 to 25 years on December 13 for a violent attack on his grandmother. Kelly was convicted of battery with a deadly weapon causing substantial bodily harm to a victim 60 years or older.

Several assault cases against children were heard in Fallon's courts last year, with no leniency for those found guilty. Some cases remain pending, with defendants set to face jury trials or sentencing in 2025.

Odds and Ends

Sheriff Richard Hickox reported in July that mountain lions in the Harrigan Road and Drumm Lane area had killed multiple goats. Last fall, Powerline Road residents reported a mountain lion in their area, which they believed killed a deer and some neighborhood chickens. 

A "Last Mile "Amazon Distribution Center is under construction and plans to bring 25+ permanent positions and 40 contract delivery jobs to the area. The project is slated for completion within the next year and a half and will deliver within a 60-mile radius. 

The Fallon Youth Club opened the Little Clubhouse Childcare Center in May. As an offshoot of the Fallon Youth Center, the facility aims to help address the serious need for infant and toddler childcare in Fallon.

The Pregnancy Care Center, formerly Care Net, relocated to Auction Road. The faith-based center provides a welcoming environment where women can seek help, education, and support during and after pregnancy.

Several new businesses opened in Fallon throughout the year, contributing to the city's growing economy. Many of these can be found on the Fallon Chamber of Commerce website for those looking to explore new local offerings.

The Fallon Post: A Year in Reflection

At The Fallon Post, we've had our share of adventures while bringing you great stories and engaging content—from Rachel and Leanna's "Great Pinenut Caper," (full story coming when we have time to write it) to traipsing across county and state in search of that next great story. 

Along the way, we've expanded our scrappy little press, launching the Silver State Chronicle and The Pershing Post. Most recently, we began printing The Fernley Reporter  in collaboration with owner Robert Perea. 

Such a venture wouldn't be possible without our many advertisers, fantastic contributors, dedicated volunteers, and, most importantly, our readers. You are the reason we do this. Thank you for your support and belief in hyperlocal community news. 

We wish you a wonderful new year filled with many adventures of your own – Your devoted Fallon Media crew that runs on caffeine, commitment, and an unshakable love for our little Nevada Oasis—few in number, unstoppable in spirit.