Publisher arrested for drunk driving

GARDNERVILLE - The publisher of the Sierra Sage newspaper, which is distributed in the Carson area and Lake Tahoe, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence resulting in an accident

Leonard Allen Semas, 58, of Genoa was arrested early Friday after his 1998 Jeep Cherokee crashed into a fence at the intersection of Foothill Road and Muller Lane.

A Genoa volunteer firefighter told authorities he saw an abandoned Jeep on its side about 3 a.m., then saw Semas walking on Foothill Road.

He asked Semas if he was OK and offered him a ride back to his vehicle.

According to the report, the man said Semas smelled strongly of alcohol.

He said Semas was reluctant to return to the vehicle, but the firefighter said he had to speak to deputies.

Semas' blood-alcohol content was .128, according to the deputy's report. The legal limit for driving is .08 in Nevada.

Deputies reported damage to a railroad-tie retaining wall and ranch-style fencing at the scene.

Semas was jailed on $15,000 bail.