KVMR News

Caltrans says the Yuba Pass Separation Overhead Bridge Project will keep east and westbound I-80 to one lane in each direction from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each workday until April 15th. Motorists traveling the I-80 Sierra corridor should expect delays.For the past three decades the United States has been trending down when it comes to high school reading levels. This year Nevada County's largest high school received previously unavailable testing data that confirmed over half of the school's 9th graders were reading below grade level. Nevada Union's librarian speaks about the reading struggle ripple effect and how this isn't a problem confined to the school campus. In an attempt to bolster a community of reading, the county library has a new resource available to residents. We hear from the project's creator, the Adult Programming Coordinator at the Grass Valley Library branch. 

The Yuba Watershed Institute and the Nevada County Office of Emergency Services have been awarded more than $3,000,000 to reduce wildfire fuels in the South Yuba River Canyon. 

Kiley says his decision is an attempt to move away from partisanship.BLM plans to burn piles on about 250 acres in the area of Jackass Flats Road, Silverthorne Lane, and Kadaheska Way east of North Columbia in Nevada County. Burning operations are expected to continue until June.

The Nevada Irrigation District is proposing raising rates in a series of annual increases over the next five years. KVMR's April Glaser recently spoke with Greg Jones, NID's Assistant General Manager to learn more. Read NID's 2026 Cost of Service Study here.

The list of local candidates who will appear on the ballot for the June 2nd Statewide Direct Primary Election has been finalized and can be seen on the Nevada County Elections Office Website.S.T.A.N.D.S will regularly report to the Nevada Joint Union High School District Board of Trustees about campus culture and advise them on policy.

STANDS, the Student Team for Awareness, Neutrality and District Safety will serve as a bridge between the student body and the Board of Trustees.KVMR News correspondent April Glaser spoke with UC Merced's Dr. Safeeq Khan to learn what the lower than average Sierra snowpack means for foothill communities in 2026.

The Board of Supervisors of Nevada County voted 4-1 on Tuesday to continue the discussion on the proposed RV Ordinance. The law, as written, would have created a "path to compliance" for people already living in travel trailers and other recreational vehicles and would have codified the requirements for property owners interested in allowing someone to live in an RV on their property. 

Molly Starr, Haven Caravelli, Dakota Graham, and Faith Aleila Escoto were honored with awards at at Nevada County's third annual Women's History Month celebration. Placer County Public Health reported four confirmed measles cases in the first week of March. EdSource - an organization focused on covering education in California - reports 16 counties have now fallen below the vaccination herd immunity threshold for measles which means an increased risk of future outbreaks. Nevada County is one of those 16.

Under California Elections Code, if an eligible incumbent doesn't file nomination papers by the close of the filing period, the nomination period is automatically extended for five days to allow other candidates to enter the race. The filing period has been extended for the Nevada City City Council race, the County Auditor-Controller race, the County Superintendent of Schools race, and the County Treasurer-Tax Collector race.Nevada City Mayor Adam Klein's pasty landed closer to the target than the one tossed by Grass Valley Mayor Hilary Hodge.Around 300 people marched for peace from the Rood Center in Nevada City to the Brunswick Basin in Grass Valley. 

Luis Estrada brings decades of experience in mission-driven media, community engagement, and nonprofit development to KVMR.Tonight's Town Hall will focus on the fuels treatment efforts for Nevada City's Sugarloaf, Old Airport, and Hirshman's Pond parcels.  

Although the design for the Downtown Grass Valley Roundabout has been finalized and funding has been secured, the project continues to be the topic of discussion for many. KVMR's Cláudio Mendonça spoke with City Engineer Bjorn Jones about some people's concerns.

The Down Payment Assistance Program aims to help moderate-income households in buying their first home by loaning eligible applicants up to $50,000. 

Visitors to the Rood Center on Friday afternoon were met at the entrance by Ferrera and Rocher, two puppies available for adoption at Sammie's Friends Animal Shelter.SYRCL Scientists continue to monitor the turbidity of the Yuba River near the New Colgate Powerhouse.  Nevada City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lynn Skrukrud spoke with KVMR's Kelley Rees to share how her organization shapes policy and what event's they're gearing up for,

Crews continue to clean up almost two weeks after a pipe failure above the Colgate Powerhouse sent a torrent of water down the hillside into the Yuba River.The 12th annual Nevada City Chinese Lunar New Year Parade and Festival will kick off at noon in downtown Nevada City. 

Sage A. Wilson of Grass Valley was discovered just before 1 p.m. on February 23rd by someone walking in the wooded area between Sutton Way and Brunswick Road. Police say no foul play is suspected.The Nevada County Elections Office is hiring temporary Elections staff and Vote Center workers for the upcoming June 2nd Statewide Direct Primary Election.

Nevada County Assistant Clerk Recorder/Registrar of Voters Corey O'Hayre joined News Director Claudio Mendonca in the studios of KVMR. The two discuss his office's recruitment of temporary election staff, including full-time temporary workers and short-term vote center workers, the differences between primary elections and midterms, and the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, which was passed this month by the United States House of Representatives.

The Nevada County Transportation Commission and Nevada County Connects are inviting the public to the Re-Envisioning Transit in Western Nevada County open house. It will take place Wednesday, February 25th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Madelyn Helling Library in the Gene Albaugh Community Room. Learn more, including how to attend virtually by visiting FutureOfNevCoTransit.org.

The Nevada County Sheriff recovered the bodies of the 9 people who died in the Castle Peak avalanche a week ago:Andrew Alissandratos, 34, of Verdi, Nevada (guide for Blackbird Mountain Guides)Nicole Choo, 42, of South Lake Tahoe (guide for Blackbird Mountain Guides)Michael Henry, 30, from Soda Springs (guide for Blackbird Mountain Guides)Carrie Atkin, 46, of Soda Springs, Calif.Lizabeth Clabaugh, 52, of Boise, IdahoDanielle Keatley, 44, of Soda Springs and Larkspur, Calif.Kate Morse, 45, of Soda Springs and Tiburon, Calif.Caroline Sekar, 45, of Soda Springs and San Francisco, Calif.Katherine Vitt, 43, of Greenbrea, Calif.Nevada County Reads is in full swing! Join News Producer Kelley Rees on her journey to the Madelyn Helling library branch as she discovers how to engage with county-wide book club. Kelley isn't alone in her adventure - luckily, she has an expert guide in the form of a librarian to steer her in the right direction! 

We asked our listeners to record and send dispatches from the field. These were all played on air during our hourly updates--this is what community radio is all about!

A lot of snow is piling up in Nevada County, including on people's roofs. KVMR's April Glaser spoke with Jon May to learn more about snow load hazards and the dangers of rain after snow, particularly on flat roofs where drainage can be blocked.

Kelley Rees ventured out into the snow this morning to find out who was out and about, and why.

KVMR News Director Claudio Mendonca, and NevCo PIO Taylor Wolfe, joined Thursday Morning Show host Paul Barbieri in the studio to talk about the current storm. 

The Nevada County Office of Emergency Services is reminding everyone to take advantage of the break in the weather to prepare. Stock up on shelf-stable food, water, warm clothes, blankets, and pet supplies. Check your propane, fuel, and batteries and pack a "stay bag" with essentials in case of outages. If appropriate, use the time to set up snowplow and tree removal appointments.46 emergency first responders including members of the NCSO Search & Rescue team responded to a report of an avalanche in the Castle Peak area just before noon on Tuesday. 6 skiers were rescued by late Tuesday evening and the search for the remaining 9 continues.

The NWS says heavy snowfall with rates up to 2 inches per hour is possible today with snow levels expected to fall to around 1500-2500 feet. On Wednesday, snow levels could drop down to 1000 feet along the Sierra and below 1000 feet in the northern Sacramento Valley.Tim Kiser, Grass Valley's City Manager since 2017, gave notice to the city last Friday that he has accepted a job with the West Valley Sanitation District in Santa Clara County. He will begin his new job in March.

Every year the Nevada County Health and Human Services Agency runs a VITA site (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) to offer free tax preparation assistance and simple return filing to qualified NevCo residents. Kelley Rees spoke with Social Service Supervisor Patricia Martin to learn about this decades-old program. 

Dozens of people spoke on Tuesday asking the Nevada County Board of Supervisors to take action relating to ongoing ICE operations. More than one speaker told the board about a petition being circulated throughout the community. The petition can be found on the Peace and Justice Center of Nevada County's website.

On February 26th, parcel owners and registered voters from both Fire Protection Districts will have a chance to formally protest the consolidation. The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. at the Rough & Ready Fire Station at 14506 Rough and Ready Highway in Rough and Ready.

Jonathan Maurer of Coalinga was charged with multiple crimes including assault with a deadly weapon likely to produce great bodily injury and felony vandalism after he deliberately drove his truck into a group of children and adults in front of a store in Truckee.Standing Together Against ICE: Tools to Protect Our Community drew hundreds to the Miners Foundry last week. Speakers shared tools and tactics that locals could use to keep their neighbors safe if ICE agents visit Nevada County.

The Nevada County Elections Office sent voter residency confirmation postcards this week to both active and inactive registered voters. The intent is to ensure voter registration records are accurate and up to date ahead of this summer's Statewide Direct Primary Election. 

NID's recent snow survey measured about 9 1/2 inches of water—much lower than the typical 20 inches for this time of year—though NID Water Resources Superintendent Thor Larsen says all District reservoirs are close to full or spilling.The Hew Renew Process wants the public to help decide the fate of the historic building. 

Organizers say "Standing Together Against ICE" will focus on real-world tools and coordinated actions that can be used to to protect neighbors if ICE shows up in Nevada County and will double as a food drive for those in need.

Artificial intelligence is something most professions are now navigating. In this 30-minute KVMR News Special, we'll zoom in on AI as it pertains to the legal field. Why law? Well, that decision springs from the Nevada County District Attorney's office and its coverage in the Sacramento Bee and New York Times for their misuse of generative AI in creating legal briefs.We then take a broader look at how AI is being introduced to law students and what kind of proficiency law firms are expecting employees to posses when it comes to the rapidly developing technology. We speak with UC Davis School of Law Professor Peter Lee. Professor Lee is also the director of the law school's Center for Innovation, Law and Society and sits on the school's AI work group. In addition, we hear from Executive Director of the California Public Defenders Association Kate Chatfield.Music by Ashot Danielyan and Viosteffa from Pixabay

The Tibetan Monks of Gaden Shartse Norling Monastery will visit the former County Health, Education and Welfare site in Nevada City for a public ceremony of healing and blessing on Monday, February 2nd at 10:00 a.m. The site is located at 10433 Willow Valley Rd. Bike riders from all over the country are organizing rides to honor murdered ICU nurse and cyclist Alex J. Pretti. Locally, community members will meet in front of You Bet! Bicycle Sales & Service -- 556 Searls Ave, Nevada City -- on Saturday, January 31st at 12:30 p.m.

Nevada County's Board of Supervisors Workshop begins today at the Gold Miners Inn in Grass Valley. The meetings will take place today and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and from 9:30 a.m about noon on Friday.Lockheed Martin, PG&E, Salesforce, and Wells Fargo have announced the launch of "a purpose-built venture that will integrate next-generation wildfire solutions to help first responders detect, prevent and fight catastrophic wildfires."Nevada City residents gathered in Calanan Park on Tuesday in memory of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

Volunteers and staff members from multiple local agencies and nonprofits will count families and individuals currently experiencing homelessness. The annual count is used to qualify for HUD funds.Readers with niche tastes will again be able to request books that the Library doesn't own, though the book must be available through Amazon.

A 25 year old Grass Valley man was arrested on January 21 after a lengthy investigation. The United States Postal Service has recently clarified that machine-applied postmarks represent the date that mail is first processed at a regional facility not when when that mail is dropped off at a post office or mailbox.

Nevada County has been selected to host a state–local listening session informing California's Future is Creative, the State's first-ever strategic plan for the creative economy.The Nevada County Library has selected North Woods by Daniel Mason for Nevada County Reads 2026. Nevada County Reads is a countywide reading and community engagement program that brings residents together through shared literature and events. 

Hundreds of local students walked out of their classrooms on Tuesday to gather in downtown GV and make their voices heard.Nevada County's Elections Office is spreading the word about an option that lowers the cost of filing for those seeking candidacy in the June 2026 primary election.

A stranded cyclist with a satellite communicator calls for help after going off-trail. Scott W Lay, Nevada County Superintendent of Schools for the past nine years, has announced that he will not seek reelection this June and has endorsed Nevada City School District Superintendent John Baggett for the position.Terry McAteer stopped by the KVMR studios to talk about the Community Forum, a monthly town hall meeting he helps organize. The next Forum will convene this Friday, January 23, from 10:30 to 11:30 to discuss affordable housing. 

Terence K. McAteer is a retired Nevada County Superintendent of Schools and currently helps to organize The Community Forum, a monthly town hall meeting. Past topics include artificial intelligence, fire insurance rates, and Nevada Irrigation District's infrastructure. He recently sat down with KVMR's Cláudio Mendonça to talk about why the Forum exists and what it will cover in the coming year.

The role of the judiciary in American democracy will be the focus of Saturday's AAUW Nevada County Branch program. Guest speakers are Judge Kelly Babineau, Judge Kent Kellegrew, and Judge Jane York Punneo.Originally guided for four decades by Zenobia Brokenbrough and the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Choir, who remain actively involved in this year's performance, the MLK Community Choir will bring approximately 50 local singers from diverse musical and spiritual backgrounds together. 

Nevada County District 3 Supervisor Lisa Swarthout will serve as Board Chair for 2026.The Stagecoach Hotel Veteran's Housing Project could bring the county's homeless Vet population down to "functional zero."

Families in need of a free car seat or installation and safety training can contact Jessica Ferrer of Nevada County's Mother Child Adolescent Health program at Jessica.Ferrer@NevadaCountyCa.gov.  The Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Foundation's Volunteer Open House is for interested community members who want to learn about the diverse volunteer roles available. The event will take place on January 14, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the SNMH Foundation Office at 140 Litton Drive, Suite #220 in Grass Valley.

Protesters waved signs and sang songs as part of Indivisible Nevada County's recent event. Kathy Dotson, one of the organizers, told KVMR that the gathering was about demanding accountability from those currently in power.

Representatives from CalTrans and the Nevada County Transportation Commission held a public meeting on Wednesday to encourage the public to submit pubic comment about the State Route 49 Grass Valley Wildfire Evacuation Project before 5:00 p.m., January 12th. Learn more and submit your thoughts on the Caltrans website.

The body of 40 year old Eryn VanAcker was found near Lake Clementine. Authorities say she was visiting from the Bay Area.US District 1 Representative Doug LaMalfa died Monday evening after being rushed to the emergency room in Chico.

More than 45 emergency responders mobilized on Monday to find a man who went missing after encountering an avalanche.An event organized by the nonprofit Color Me Human gathered Sheriff Shannan Moon, District Attorney Jesse Wilson, Grass Valley Police Chief Alex Gammelgard and Nevada City Police Chief Dan Foss together to discuss recent violent attacks in western Nevada County.

Cameron Gilbert of Browns Valley and Michael Hubbard of Olivehurst were charged with numerous wildlife violations. Gilbert pleaded guilty to felony animal abuse, unlawful spotlighting, using dogs to hunt bear, and hunting without a license. Hubbard pleaded no contest to misdemeanor animal abuse, hunting bear with dogs, and unlawful possession of wildlife. On January 9th, Rise Gold will go before the Nevada County Superior Court to argue that it has vested rights to work the Idaho-Maryland mine.Scammers are targeting the family members of people incarcerated at Wayne Brown Correctional Facility using the Sheriff's Jail Media Report Page

A barn on Inch By Inch road was completely destroyed by fire according to CAL FIRE.Former Nevada City city manager takes job in California City.Waste monitoring in Nevada County shows an uptick in influenza A locally.  

Christmas Tree drop-off boxes have been staged around the county and they'll accept clean trees until February 6th. Over two hundred students at Sierra Community College's Rocklin campus will start their Spring semester in new digs. The college has a new 358-bed on-campus housing option for students. 80 percent of the accommodations will go to students in need of affordable housing. The facility has a $107 million price tag - $80 million of which was awarded to Sierra College through the California Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program. KVMR's Kelley Rees speaks with Sierra College Superintendent/President Willy Duncan.

The California Highway Patrol has announced that its Holiday Enforcement Period will begin at 6:01 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24th this year.First responders with the Truckee Fire Protection District deploy their ladder truck to rescue marooned visitors.This year, SYRCL's 24th annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival will feature over 110 environmental and adventure films.