Dear celebrants of America 300,

It saddens me that I cannot be there to honor this cordial occasion with you, but I have been called home, and will have to witness your grand arrival to pier 300 from afar, don’t ask me where… 

First, may I congratulate you on your quaint little colony on the moon. It wasn’t that long ago that we thought the moon was made of Swiss Cheese…

And compliments are due to you for implementing open primaries. I remember with a grimace how I registered as “No Political Party” and was granted the opportunity to vote for a lonesome dog catcher, running unopposed.

Encomiums should be coming your way for banning humans from driving cars and trucks. I’m still proud to be remembered as Nevada’s slowest driver ever. My one claim to fame was to drive around the village and see people pointing and exclaiming, “Ma, Look! The McAvoy Parade!” I’m hoping the Village of Incline might erect a statue this year at the roundabout, of my old Ford, followed by a long line of Burnt Cedar ducks.

Exaltations are in order for increasing the number of disagreements resolved in year 300 without the use of force. Kindness is becoming coin of the realm, and this sea change is admired and emulated the world over…

Kudos for figuring out how to get the salt out of water. Pabst Blue Ribbon was all that saved me from dying of thirst in 2050.… 

The jury is still out on AI. Personally I never liked it, never used it, and did not suffer any from the depredation. The 19^th century was always home to me…

I do wish I could have the leisure of examining what sorts of books are being written and consumed in America 300. It would not surprise me if books are scarce as hen’s teeth, and libraries scarcer yet, but you can probably find a video game store on every corner. I hope cage fighting will have gone the way of Gladiators, and that chess is making a grand comeback.

The music of America 300? Sorry, but all possible chords pleasant to the human ear have already been recorded. Still, you must keep composing and recording because it’s in your blood. With apologies, the music of the 1960’s was the best that ever was…

Making babies? Each generation thinks they have discovered the best possible way to make babies. We used to fear we would be overrun by babies. But the birthrate is falling, and a manageable population without extreme poverty is finally within reach. Well done!

I only wish I could join you in lifting a glass to the next generation of American experimenters, but they don’t have glasses where I am, only shovels to keep the embers glowing…

Finally, congratulations to the New York Knicks on making their first trip to the NBA finals since that epic comeback of 250. Enjoy a happy 300^th birthday America. Happily, your grand experiment is percolating along jaunty-jolly… 

Audio: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Fhv4PrH1UuwlhbnTT23zO

Submitted by NLTFPD

As summer arrives in the Tahoe Basin and wildfire danger increases, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) reminds residents and visitors that seasonal fire restrictions are in effect to help reduce the risk of wildfire and protect our community.

Fire Restrictions Now in Effect

Open Burning Prohibited
Seasonal open burning of wood, slash, pine needles, and other vegetative debris is closed for the season.

Recreational Fires
Recreational wood or charcoal fires are allowed only with a valid recreational fire permit and must:

• Be contained within a non-combustible fire pit or container.
• Be equipped with a 1/8-inch mesh spark screen.

Important: Recreational fires are not permitted at short-term rental properties.

Gas and Propane Fire Pits
Gas and propane fire pits are permitted with a valid recreational fire permit.

Barbecues and Smokers
Propane, natural gas, charcoal, pellet grills, and smokers are allowed and must be operated in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

Outdoor Grilling Safety Tips

Outdoor cooking equipment can pose a risk if not used properly. NLTFPD encourages residents and visitors to follow these important safety practices:

General Grill Safety

• Use grills outdoors only. Never use grills inside homes, garages, tents, or other enclosed spaces.
• Keep grills away from structures, decks, eaves, and overhanging vegetation.
• Maintain a minimum three-foot safety zone around grills for children and pets.
• Regularly clean grease and fat buildup from grills and drip trays.
• Never leave a lit grill unattended.
• Always open the grill lid before lighting a gas grill.

Charcoal Grill Safety

• Do not place charcoal grills on combustible surfaces.
• Use a chimney starter or approved charcoal starter fluid only.
• Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids to start or accelerate a fire.
• Store starter fluid away from heat sources and out of reach of children.
• Allow coals and ashes to cool completely before disposal.

Residents with wood-burning appliances may obtain a free ash can from NLTFPD. Applications are available at the NLTFPD Administration Office located at 866 Oriole Way, Incline Village.

Propane Grill Safety

• Inspect hoses and connections regularly for leaks using a soap-and-water solution.
• If bubbles appear, turn off the gas immediately and discontinue use until repairs are made.
• If you smell gas while cooking, leave the area immediately and call 9-1-1. Do not attempt to move the grill.
• If the flame goes out, turn off the gas and wait at least 15 minutes before relighting.

Red Flag Warning Restrictions

• During Red Flag Warning conditions, all forms of open flame are prohibited, including recreational fires and other permitted open-flame activities.
• Please note that fire restrictions may differ on federal lands. Visitors should check with the appropriate land management agency before conducting any fire-related activity.

For the latest fire restriction information, permit requirements, and online permit applications, visit:

www.nltfpd.org/outdoor-burning

NLTFPD appreciates the community’s cooperation in helping reduce wildfire risk and protect the Lake Tahoe Basin during the summer fire season.

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 06/15/2026, Staff Report

Over the past 15 months, the Nevada Division of State Parks (NDSP) has been working to develop a new Master Plan for Spooner Lake and Backcountry State Park. NDSP is pleased to announce that a draft Master Plan is now available for public review and will host a public input workshop at the park on Thursday, June 18, to gather feedback on the plan.

The purpose of this workshop is to provide the public with an opportunity to review proposed projects and help shape the future of Spooner Lake and Backcountry State Park. Attendees are invited to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns through interactive planning materials.

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Photo: TDT

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 6/12/2026, Staff Report

The Incline Village Community Hospital Foundation is proud to announce a transformational $1 million gift from the Offerdahl Family Foundation in support of the Surgery Enhancement Project at Incline Village Community Hospital (IVCH). This extraordinary contribution, made possible through the generosity and leadership of Richard and Linda Offerdahl, helped the Foundation successfully reach its $10 million fundraising goal.

The Surgery Enhancement Project will improve operational efficiency at IVCH, modernize critical infrastructure, enhance clinical and support spaces, and ensure the hospital is well-positioned to meet current and future community needs. The project will also include the addition of a new patient registration window designed to improve patient flow, increase comfort, and help alleviate pressures created by growing patient volumes.

In recognition of their extraordinary generosity and longstanding commitment to the community, the Incline Village Community Hospital Foundation is honored to name the Patient Registration area after the Offerdahl Family.

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