Incline High School We the People — Top 10 in the U.S.
The Incline High School “We the People” team has earned a Top 10 national finish, at the prestigious national finals in Washington, D.C. last weekend.
The national competition, part of the Center for Civic Education’s “We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution” program, brings together the top high school teams from across the country for simulated congressional hearings judged by constitutional scholars, attorneys, and civic leaders. Students are challenged to demonstrate deep knowledge of the Constitution while thinking critically and responding in real time to complex questions. Competing at this level requires months of preparation, teamwork, and the ability to perform under intense pressure.
Incline’s Top 10 finish is particularly notable given the school’s size. While many competing programs draw from significantly larger student populations (most schools have 1500-2000 students) and resources, Incline High School continues to prove that commitment, strong instruction, and community support can level the playing field—and even surpass it.
This achievement is a powerful testament to the dedication of our students, the exceptional leadership of their coaches, and a community that believes in providing opportunities that allow our students to compete—and succeed—on the national stage.
IHS 2026 We the People team with teachers and coaches. IHS teacher Milt Hyams, remarked that “this group was extraordinary. They had a genuine passion for the content that was contagious. They worked as a team and were extremely well read and they were ready for competition at the national level.
The Local Lens – Celebrating Kids and Families this Weekend
April 21, 2026 | Linda Offerdahl
Our largest growing demographic is arguably families. When I look at what’s going on right now with the public schools, Lake Tahoe School, and the Incline Education Fund, I get a little dizzy trying to keep track of it all, so pay attention!
Starting with the high school…
The ‘We The People’ constitutional debate team competed at the national level and took 10th place last weekend! This is a life-changing “rite of passage” that teaches students how to think, write, and talk professionally. And our little Village High School is a rock star in that competition nearly every year for the last 20 years.
Think of this annual event as an all-school reunion. Yep, that means YOUNGER parents who can still fit into their letter jackets and sports attire will be there. Time to pass the torch for fundraising from “vintage” donors like Richard and me to the younger generation. I’ll be there, and I hope the thrift stores have old IHS T-shirts and things like that.
It’s a little early this year, but it has an ind00or-outdoor location at Aspen Grove. At least, I hope they are opening that building! It could be snowing on those toddlers!
They do this every year. Bring all that stuff on Sunday to Ace Hardware between 10 and 3pm.
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IVCBA is the Community and Business Association that promotes our local businesses and nonprofits, organizes community events, and produces the Weekly SnapShot! If you are a subscriber and regular reader, please join as a Community Supporter for $50. If you are not a subscriber, do for free! Go to IVCBA.org. We are financially supported by our local agency “investors”, and our business community and residents. Please help!JOIN HERE
One of the things that makes Incline Middle School so special is their Exploratory Program—a hands-on, student-centered experience that gives every child the opportunity to discover new interests, build real-world skills, and connect learning to life beyond the classroom. The offerings change each quarter and these are the classes this session:
? Mountain Biking
? Culinary Arts
? Leadership
? Kindergarten Readers (IMS students mentor our youngest learners)
✍️ Writing: How to Write a Book
? Junior Lifeguard
? Fiber Arts
? Pickleball
? Bird/Bat Houses (design & build)
? Banner Design
? Computer Skills
Each course is designed to give students a chance to try something new, build confidence, and develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom—from teamwork and communication to creativity and problem-solving. These opportunities are made possible by the support of our teachers, community partners, and the Incline Education Fund.
Dryer Fire Safety: Reduce the Risk with Simple Prevention Tips
April 21, 2026 | Member Submitted
The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) is reminding residents to take simple steps to prevent dryer fires, a common but preventable household hazard.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire departments respond to thousands of home fires involving clothes dryers each year. The leading cause is failure to clean lint buildup—an issue that can be easily addressed with routine maintenance.
Why Dryer Fires Happen
Lint is highly flammable and can accumulate in:
Lint traps
Around the dryer drum
Dryer vents and exhaust ducts
When airflow is restricted, heat builds up—creating conditions that can lead to a fire
Top Dryer Fire Safety Tips
NLTFPD encourages residents to follow these NFPA-recommended safety practices:
Clean the lint filter before or after every load
Remove lint from the screen and around the drum
Inspect and maintain vents and exhaust systems
Ensure the outdoor vent flap opens properly and is not blocked (including by snow)
Clean vent pipes at least annually, or more often if drying times increase
Consider professional vent cleaning services
Ensure proper installation and equipment use
Have dryers installed and serviced by a qualified professional
Make sure dryers are properly grounded
Use the correct plug and outlet for your unit
Only use rigid or flexible metal venting material (avoid plastic or foil)
Ensure the exterior vent flap opens freely and is not blocked (including snow or debris). Flap-style termination instead of a screen—screens trap lint and can accumulate ember-ignitable fuel while also restricting airflow
Use caution with what you dry
Items exposed to gasoline, paint thinner, cooking oils, or other flammable substances should be dried outside first, then washed and dried as usual
Maintain a safe laundry area
Keep the area around the dryer clear of combustible materials like boxes, clothing, and cleaning supplies
Operate dryers safely
Do not overload the dryer
Follow manufacturer instructions
Never operate a dryer without a lint filter
Turn the dryer off before leaving home or going to sleep
Special consideration for gas dryers
Have gas dryers inspected by a qualified professional to ensure connections are secure and leak-free
Warning Signs to Watch For
Be alert for:
Clothes taking longer than usual to dry
A burning smell during operation
Excess heat in the laundry area
Visible lint buildup around the dryer or vent
If you notice any of these signs, stop using the dryer and have it inspected immediately.
A Message from NLTFPD
“Dryer fires are largely preventable with routine care and awareness,” said Fire Marshal John James. “Taking a few minutes to clean your lint filter, maintain proper airflow, and ensure your dryer is installed correctly can significantly reduce risk and help prevent a potentially devastating fire. We encourage everyone to make dryer safety part of their regular home maintenance routine.”
Learn More& Stay Informed
For additional guidance on clothes dryer safety, residents can visit resources from the National Fire Protection Association:
This highly anticipated annual program celebrates the best local businesses across Sierra Nevada and engages thousands of consumers who are actively searching for their favorites.
Being put on the ballot is just the beginning. How you promote your business can make the difference between participation and victory. With a mix of free tools and powerful paid options, you can increase visibility, energize your audience, and drive consistent daily votes.
Q1 2026 marked a strong start to the year, with momentum across membership growth,brand visibility, and community-driven initiatives. Key efforts focused on strengthening IVCBA’s value to members through updated membership tiers, enhanced marketing and communications, and increased event engagement. At the same time, progress continued on Main Street beautification, housing initiatives, and Gateway Roundabout improvements, while strategic planning and partnerships positioned IVCBA for a highly active Q2 and summer season.
Communications & Marketing
This quarter focused on strengthening IVCBA’s visibility, brand presence, and member value through consistent communications and targeted marketing efforts. The SnapShot newsletter maintained strong performance, while new opportunities were introduced to highlight local businesses and partners. Key efforts included:
Parade and Community Fair scheduled for July 3, 2026
Looking Ahead to Q2
IVCBA will continue building momentum with a full calendar of programs and events:
Annual Meeting (last Tuesday)
Monthly Networking Happy Hours (May & June)
Lunch & Learn programming (TBD)
Incline Green Clean & Summer Kick-Off (June 13)
Continued preparation for Local Heroes and summer programming
IVCBA Staff IVCBA’s core team continues to support community growth, member engagement, and strategic programs throughout Incline Village and Crystal Bay.
Kristin Derrin, Marketing & Communications Manager – Editor of SnapShot and Live.Work.Play.; leads all marketing and communications. (kristin@ivcba.org)
Michael O’Neill, Operations Manager – Oversees membership, office operations, Biz Buz mixers, member socials, and welcome bags. (mike@ivcba.org)
Originally published with TRPA E News, written by Julie Regan, 4/17/2026
I am always inspired by Serrell Smokey, Chairman of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, when he reminds us that “the health of the land is the health of the people.”
This longstanding teaching from the Waší∙šiw (Washoe People) reflects a worldview shaped along the shores of Lake Tahoe. Waší∙šiw are taught from childhood to see the land and waters as living extensions of themselves, entities deserving of respect, care, and autonomy. Chairman Smokey’s predecessor Brian Wallace brought attention to this teaching at the first Tahoe Summit back in 1997. The concept bears repeating and absorbing.
As our connection to Tahoe deepens, we feel it too. The lake and mountains here are part of us. Lake Tahoe is a place of beauty and power where the weather can be soothing or fierce, and if the views don’t take your breath away, a refreshing dip in the lake certainly will. In many ways, the feeling and sensibilities of Earth Day have become our community’s reflection of the waší∙šiw connection to Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe’s Vulnerability
As powerful as Lake Tahoe is, we’ve learned a lot over the decades about its fragility. Creation of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) by Nevada and California in 1969, just before the first celebration of Earth Day, has led to some of the most innovative approaches in the nation for protecting water quality and forest health, preventing aquatic invasive species, and managing growth in a way that benefits the environment, communities, and the economy at the same time.
Although much progress has been made, climate pressures are changing the basin. Winter storms bring more rain, hotter summer days are warming the lake’s surface, and aquatic invasive species further threaten lake clarity and ecosystem balance. Also, wildfires in and around the Lake Tahoe Region are becoming more frequent and intense, and aging infrastructure and changing transportation patterns add strain to our environment and quality of life.
These shifts threaten not only our experience today, but the legacy we leave for future generations. As we celebrate Earth Day, it’s a fitting time to renew your commitment to Tahoe and tune in to the collective work happening to protect it.
Building a Culture of Care
Individual stewardship doesn’t always require grand gestures. More often, it lives in simple, daily habits. Much like taking vitamins or brushing your teeth, caring for Tahoe is most effective when it becomes routine.
During my 30-plus years working with the Tahoe community, a repeated question persists: “I’m only one person—what can I do to help the lake?” The short answer is, quite a bit. From taking transit to becoming a Tahoe Keeper, the list is long. Tahoe Keepers commit to practicing Clean, Drain, and Dry protocols when on the water to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Substituting a walk or bike ride for a car trip adds up if a number of us do it.
For property owners, maintaining defensible space and capturing stormwater runoff with best management practices, or BMPs, can significantly reduce risk to both property and lake clarity.
And wherever you are, properly disposing of trash and pet waste helps reduce your footprint and keeps Tahoe’s natural systems intact.
Stewardship at the Regional Scale
Across the region, “Team Tahoe” organizations have pledged their commitment through the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP). Under the restoration program, Tribal, local, state, federal, nonprofit, and private sector partners collaborate on large-scale restoration projects that address Tahoe’s most pressing environmental challenges. This work must continue for us to strengthen Tahoe’s resilience to past impacts as well as challenges ahead.
Tahoe is a living force, vulnerable to our footprint and responsive to our care. Your individual actions, paired with awareness of public investments, make a tangible difference and help sustain the momentum we’ve been building together. After all, the basin’s health is our health too. Wishing you all a wondrous Earth Day. For a look at the full week of activities TRPA and our partners have planned, visit takecaretahoe.org/earthweek.
Julie Regan is Executive Director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.
The Incline Star Follies returns May 1–2, 2026, at the Duffield Theater, and tickets are now on sale.
Now in its 23rd year, this beloved community event features over 100 local performers—students, teachers, and residents—bringing this year’s theme, “Celebrate Dance,” to life.
More than a show, the Follies is a celebration of community and connection, with proceeds benefiting the local Incline local public schools.
The Local Lens – Celebrating Community at the IVCBA Annual Meeting
April 15, 2026 | Linda Offerdahl
IVCBA shared its accomplishments and current plans at its Annual Meeting yesterday at Prim Library. The evening felt like a true celebration of the past five years, bringing together the community and building programs that support businesses and strengthen connections across Incline Village and Crystal Bay. It was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and to share the vision for what’s ahead.
A huge thank you to UNR at Lake Tahoe for hosting and providing food and refreshments, and to UNR President Brian Sandoval for his annual update and continued partnership. We’re especially grateful to have spent the evening with more than 120 members of our community, an inspiring reminder of the people and relationships that make this work so impactful.
I want to share some of our history and accomplishments. We reformed the original business association into IVCBA in 2021, with membership dues ranging from $50 to $5,000. With over 285 members coming from agencies, businesses, nonprofits, and residents, we view our mission as a mandate. We are apolitical and view our work as benefiting the entire community by bringing people together and making our community stronger.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Our strategic priorities are economic vitality, civic engagement, and revitalization through beautification.
Provide local news and promotion for local organizations through the Weekly SnapShot, now reaching over 3,000 subscribers.
Organize community-wide events Local Heroes 4th of July Celebration with signature parade(partnership with Rotary) and community fair(partner with IVGID).
Organize a Northern Lights Tahoe community tree lighting and a “Forest of Giving Trees” at Prim Library. Jingle Mingle is the “shop local” event.
Organize and promote Community events: Restaurant Week and Fall Fest.
Started the LIVE.WORK.PLAY magazine highlighting local residents and organizations.
Initiated the Gateway Roundabout improvements, to be executed in spring 2026
I hope it is obvious that what benefits our members benefits the entire community. Most communities have local governance structures to help fund the programs we run. As an unincorporated part of Washoe County, we do not have a city government. Moving forward into 2026, we are asking the community to help fund and sustain IVCBA in a variety of ways.
IVCBA is the Community and Business Association that promotes our local businesses and nonprofits, organizes community events, and produces the Weekly SnapShot! If you are a subscriber and regular reader, please join as a Community Supporter for $50. If you are not a subscriber, do for free! Go to IVCBA.org. We are financially supported by our local agency “investors”, and our business community and residents. Please help!JOIN HERE
Incline Village Main Street Secures Permits for Gateway Roundabout Improvements
April 15, 2026 | Linda Offerdahl
The gateway to Lake Tahoe from Reno begins at the intersection of Mt. Rose Highway and SR 28, where a traffic circle installed in 2012 directs visitors east to Incline Village and west to Crystal Bay. Washoe Tahoe is known as the “gem of Washoe County,” and the Gateway Roundabout is home to a collection of bronze animal sculptures created by renowned local artist June Brown.
Fourteen years later, enhancements are needed to improve both safety for visitors and the sculptures, as well as overall aesthetics. The Incline Village Main Street initiative is leading these improvements, with irrigation as a key component to support additional perennials and trees. Iconic granite boulders will be incorporated to reflect the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe’s east shore.
This project represents a true public-private collaboration, with strong community involvement, particularly in fundraising efforts, helping bring the vision to life.
History of the roundabout
In early 2007, the community was engaged in the Incline Visioning Process, where residents could share their ideas and plans for the future. Inspired by his cat Spumoni, resident Don Kanare envisioned a traffic circle as a means to solve the traffic problem at the intersection of Mt. Rose and Highway 28. The idea was supported by the Infrastructure Committee, consisting of IVGID General Manager Gene Brockman and residents Bill Landry and Jim Nowlin.
It took many years to bring the idea to fruition. After years of planning and hard work, the roundabout was constructed during the summer of 2012 as part of a major project by the Nevada Department of Transportation to improve roadways on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe.
History of the Bronze Sculptures
“The Gateway Committee, consisting of Jim Clark, Jim Nowlin, and Don Kanare, worked with the Parasol Community Foundation to raise funds to complete the project’s public art display. Together, with the help of Incline Village residents Lee Weber Koch and Janet Pahl, the group raised $110,000. F.W. Carson Co., a family-based Incline Village business, donated all the rocks and boulders on which the bronze statues are mounted today.
The roundabout features a significant public art display of life-size bronze sculptures by world-renowned sculptor June Towill Brown, of Incline Village. Local residents donated funds for the bronzes in honor of beloved pets, such as Don Kanare’s cat Spumoni.
The most widely recognized bronzes are the black bear, the mule deer, and the bobcat. A coyote, raccoon, stellar jay, and squirrels inhabit the circle as well.
Native perennials were planted to complement the sculptures.
Maintenance of the roundabout was undertaken by its original founders and subsequently by various community groups, including the Good Neighbors Committee of the Incline Village Realtors and the two Rotary clubs. When it became infeasible for the original Gateway Committee to manage maintenance, IVCBA, the community and business association, was asked to take over. Incline Property Management now does the maintenance clean up every spring pro bono. IVCBA has responsibility for the bronzes.
Incline Village Main Street
In early 2022, IVCBA joined the national and state Main Street organization to establish the Incline Village Main Street program. Its goal is to create a stronger identity for Incline Village that instills pride in its residents in this place we call home. Placemaking and transformative strategies, beginning with beautification, will help revitalize the commercial areas of Incline Village.
Inclined to Bloom was its first beautification project, adding hanging baskets to shopping centers and terra cotta pots to the bus shelters. The Dancing with Daffodils campaign last fall resulted in volunteers and property managers planting 7000 daffodil bulbs in high-visibility commercial areas.
For the last three years, Incline Village Main Street has quietly worked on a larger project to improve the Gateway Roundabout. Over time, invasive plants have overrun the roundabout. Lack of irrigation prevented the flowers from fully reaching their potential for blooming. The low-mounding design of the roundabout led to cars accidentally crashing into it, making the bronze sculptures an “endangered species”. Hence, the need for improvements 14 years later.
Gateway Roundabout Improvements
Improving esthetics to reflect the natural beauty of the East Shore and safety are the goals of the planned improvements. Iconic granite boulders, fir and aspen trees, and a succession of perennials are part of the new design. Irrigation will be installed to support the new plantings. The entire traffic circle will be mounded higher to improve visibility. The bronze animal sculptures will be repositioned on the roundabout.
Community input was gathered through Main Street focus groups and stakeholder meetings. The Incline Village Main Street design team, led by Linda Offerdahl, Christine Karnofsky, and Steve Porten, coordinated public input for the initial sketch. Dale Smith of Smith Design Group and Larry Wodarski of IPM are also on the design team. LA Studio Landscape Architects provided the final design.
A critical step in the project was to bring Lefrancois Engineering on board as the Project Manager. Structural and engineering plans were developed by Mike Lefrancois. He has expertly steered those plans through NDOT, Washoe County, IVGID, and TRPA to secure permits for installation this spring.
The construction bid was awarded to FW Carson, a local building contractor with expertise working with NDOT on public property. FW Carson was involved with placing the bronzes on the roundabout in 2012. They are highly engaged in our community and have been very generous with their donations to the project, including the foregoing of their profit.
Washoe County and other agencies have worked hard and also made in-kind donations to the project.
Irrigation has been an important but troublesome component of the improvements. By working together, Washoe County and IVGID found a cost-effective way to deliver water to the roundabout for irrigation. Nevertheless, the project involves the contractor digging a trench to access the irrigation sleeve in place underneath the road. There is no need to open the road, thanks to NDOT’s foresight in 2012, when the roundabout was originally installed.
NDOT has been a partner in this project from the beginning. They have had input into the design, ensuring it addresses safety issues. Although these improvements are welcomed by NDOT, they were not enough to justify the cost of making this an NDOT project. However, at the recommendation of NDOT Chief Tracy Thomason, traffic control is being handled by NDOT as an in-kind donation.
Other community donations
Iconic granite boulders are a key feature of the new design. A call to the VP of Engineering of Realberry, owner of the Cal Neva, resulted in the donation of 7 boulders to the project. SMC and SNC contractors on the Cal Neva project are donating the transportation of these boulders to the roundabout. FW Carson is donating the labor to place these boulders.
SIERRA GIVING CIRCLE
Private donations are the key funding source for the Gateway Roundabout improvements and other beautification projects. Charitable donations are given through partner Incline Tahoe Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. A Roots to Revitalization community dinner held last September raised over $230,000 for beautification projects in Incline Village Main Street. Subsequent donations have been considerable, but Main Street is seeking an additional $30,000 for the Gateway Roundabout. Go to the IVCBA mainstreet page to make a donation: https://www.ivcba.org/programs/incline-village-main-street/roots-for-revitalization/
