IN BRIEF

EXPIRES SEPT. 15

Elko begins outdoor water restrictions

Despite enduring weeks of rain, residents of Elko will face mandatory outdoor watering restrictions beginning today.

Homes and businesses with addresses ending in even numbers must water on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while those ending in odd numbers must water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Watering is prohibited on Mondays to allow the city's water storage tanks to fill.

Violators face $75 fines for the first offense, $150 for the second offense and $450 for the third offense.

The restrictions expire Sept. 15.

RUNNING DISCOURAGED

Mountain lion sighting spurs Fernley warning

Authorities have issued a warning after a female jogger spotted a mountain lion running toward her near Fernley last week.

Lyon County sheriff's Lt. Albert Torres says the jogger encountered the lion from about 200 to 300 yards away in the foothills southwest of Fernley, which is 30 miles east of Reno.

He says the lion stopped following the woman after she turned away and ran in the opposite direction.

Nevada Department of Wildlife officials urge residents to refrain from jogging or biking in known lion areas, and to travel in groups and make noise to reduce chances of surprising them.

They say people should back away slowly if possible when encountering a lion because running may cause them to attack.

94 PERCENT OF FULL SUPPLY

Fallon area farmers will get more water

The Truckee-Carson Irrigation District board has raised the annual water allocation from 80 percent to 90 percent for Fallon area farmers.

The district's projected release from Lahontan Reservoir for this season is 250,100 acre-feet, which is 94 percent of a full supply.

In a related matter, the Truckee Canal Safety Commission last week raised the district general assessment from $1.50 to $3 per acre or home lot.

Funds will be used to pay for major upgrades to the Truckee Canal in Fernley, which burst and flooded more than 500 homes in January 2008.

AWARD PRESENTED TO NEEL

State wildlife biologist honored for advocacy

A veteran staff biologist for the Nevada Department of Wildlife has been honored.

Larry Neel was presented an award from organizers of Fallon's annual Spring Wings festival for his role as an advocate for the Lahontan Valley's wetlands.

Neel also was presented an award by the Great Basin Bird Observatory for his work on behalf of bird conservation in Nevada and the West.

CONTRACT NOT RENEWED

Kirkland relinquishes adjutant general post

Gov. Jim Gibbons is searching for a new adjutant general after Maj. Gen. Cynthia Kirkland relinquished command of the Nevada National Guard.

In 2005, then-Gov. Kenny Guinn appointed Kirkland to become the state's first female adjutant general.

Without explanation, Gibbons opted not to renew Kirkland's contract and has yet to name a successor.

The adjutant general is the military chief of staff to the governor, and is responsible for both the federal and state missions of the Nevada National Guard.