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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Originally published with Tahoe.com, 6/11/2026, Written by Kirsten Alexis

Modern life moves at the speed of notifications, and they’re always on. Everything is on demand and on the go, expecting us to plug in and stay accessible around the clock. We’ve adapted to sensory overload and await the next notification, update and distraction. While technological advances have made our lives more convenient, they have also drastically changed the way we act. In many ways, we have become so reliant on our devices that we have made it hard to unplug and get the reset our nervous system needs.

As technology continues to advance, more people are seeking place where they can experience a true digital detox, places where they can slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect with themselves and the natural world.

One of those places is Lake Tahoe. Nestled in the snow-capped Sierra, Lake Tahoe offers something beyond the smell of fresh pines and an iconic sparkling blue lake. The area offers plentiful chances to reset and repair yourself with the aid of nature, adventure and a community focused on wellness.

Wellness is more than part of a daily routine. It’s a way of life, deeply embedded in the soul of the community and natural surroundings. Finding balance comes naturally here; when you’re surrounded by forests and have easy access to alpine lakes, you’re drawn to the outside world for connection and restoration.

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Originally published in Moonshine Ink, 06/11/2026, Written by Addison Wingate

The latest environmental controversy in Tahoe isn’t a development project, a wildfire, or a fight over lake clarity.

It’s a weed killer.

A proposal to use glyphosate in portions of the Caldor Fire burn scar has triggered mounting concern among residents and environmental advocates, opening a broader conversation about the herbicide’s health risks, ecological impacts, and growing presence throughout the region.

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Photo: Moonshine Ink

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 6/9/2026, Staff Report

Today, the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency released findings from the 2025 Lake Tahoe Clarity Report, which showed annual average clarity — or how deep a 10″ white disk can be lowered into Lake Tahoe before it becomes invisible from the surface — was statistically unchanged compared to the year prior. This continues a trend since the late 1990s of relatively stable, but not improving, Lake clarity. 

After decades of steady water clarity loss in the latter half of the 20th century, organized efforts by Keep Tahoe Blue and other partners in Tahoe’s Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) helped stabilize Lake Tahoe’s world-famous water clarity. EIP projects to restore damaged ecosystems — especially in the Upper Truckee River watershed, Tahoe’s largest tributary — have been effective investments. As have policies to limit urban runoff and improvements to stormwater treatment infrastructure.  

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Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 06/04/2026, written by Victoria Mastrocola

Celebrate Sand Harbor State Park this Friday, June 5 as the Nevada State Parks Foundation, in partnership with Shoe Tree Brewing Company, debuts their first in a lineup of state-park inspired craft beers, the Sand Harbor Helles, at their Sunset Release Party. 

The Nevada State Parks Foundation is made up of three retired state park employees and three current employees, all volunteers. Their mission is focused on helping Nevada State Parks. They’ve implemented improvement and cleanup projects throughout the park system in addition to previously facilitating restroom installments across several state parks.

“We’re all passionate about state parks. We truly believe in our mission to help Nevada State Parks preserve and enhance the experience for visitors, and we’re hoping to meet people, to get our name out there, and of course any fundraising we’re able to do, 100% of that goes back into Nevada State Parks,” said Dale Conner, President of the Nevada State Parks Foundation who was also a ranger at Sand Harbor for 10 years.

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The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) encourages residents to use caution when charging, storing, and using lithium-ion batteries. These batteries power many everyday devices, including cell phones, laptops, cordless tools, e-bikes, e-scooters, electric vehicles, power banks, and household equipment.

While lithium-ion batteries offer convenience and performance, damaged, defective, or improperly charged batteries can pose a serious fire hazard. These fires can ignite quickly, burn intensely, and be difficult to extinguish.

Lithium Batteries Are Everywhere

Most homes contain dozens of lithium-ion batteries. As battery-powered devices become more common, incidents involving lithium-ion battery fires have increased nationwide, making safe use and storage more important than ever.

Charging Safety Matters

Many lithium-ion battery incidents occur while a battery is charging. NLTFPD encourages residents to follow these important safety practices:

• Always use the charger designed for your device or battery.
• Purchase replacement batteries and chargers from reputable manufacturers or retailers and look for UL-certified products.
• Avoid generic or universal chargers unless approved by the manufacturer.
• Charge batteries on hard, non-combustible surfaces away from combustible materials.
• Do not charge batteries while sleeping or leave them charging unattended.

Know the Warning Signs

Lithium-ion batteries often provide warning signs before a fire occurs. If you notice any of the following conditions, stop using the device immediately and move it to a safe location if possible.

• Excessive Heat
• Bulging or Swelling
• Unusual Sounds
• Strange Odors
• Poor Performance
• Smoke

If a battery begins smoking, move away immediately, alert others, and call 911. Smoke may indicate thermal runaway—a dangerous chain reaction that can lead to fire or explosion.

Special Considerations for E-Bikes and E-Scooters

E-bikes and e-scooters typically contain larger lithium-ion battery packs than many household devices. Because of their size and energy capacity, these batteries require additional attention.

Residents should:

• Follow manufacturer charging instructions
• Avoid modifying batteries or electrical systems
• Never use damaged batteries
• Store batteries in cool, dry locations
• Have batteries inspected by qualified technicians if concerns arise

Disposal Is Important Too

Damaged, recalled, or unwanted lithium-ion batteries should never be placed in household trash or recycling bins. Improper disposal can lead to fires in garbage trucks, recycling facilities, and landfills. Residents should utilize approved battery recycling or hazardous waste disposal programs for lithium-ion batteries.

Stay Alert. Stay Safe.

A Message from NLTFPD

“Lithium-ion batteries have become part of everyday life, but safe charging, storage, and maintenance practices can significantly reduce the risk of fire. If something seems off, do not ignore it,” said NLTFPD Fire Marshal John James. “Heat, swelling, unusual odors, or smoke are all warning signs that a battery may be failing. Early recognition and proper action can prevent a serious fire and protect lives and property.”

Learn More & Stay Informed

For more fire safety information, please visit the National Fire Protection Association’s lithium-ion battery safety resources: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/energy-transition/lithium-ion-batteries