Coming Friday

- The Douglas County Planning Commission is hosting workshops to encourage residents to learn more about the Sustainable Growth Initiative. The first is set for April 25 at the Douglas County Sheriff's Office training room. Page A1

- One of the few remaining native speakers is teaching a Washoe language class at Western Nevada Community College in hopes of keeping the language alive. Page A1

- The Minden Town Board narrowly approved a roundabout for the intersection of County Road and Highway 88. Wednesday's decision ended 10 years of debate over what to do about the busy intersection. Page A1

- Taxable sales for Douglas County rose 1.2 percent over figures for last year. Slowing sales tax collections will cost the county come budget time. Page A1

- Douglas County Assessor Doug Sonnemann will run for a second term. The dates to file for county office are May 1-12. Page A1

- Gardnerville's Town Board approved the first phase of Virginia Ranch, a planned development of 105 homes in south Gardnerville. Page A2

- Students earned their wings as part of the Adopt-A-Pilot program. Southwest pilot Steve Christl awarded Gardnerville Elementary School students their certificates March 30. Page A2

- A Gardnerville Ranchos man who hit his pregnant girlfriend was ordered to serve 90 days in Douglas County Jail despite the victim's tearful plea that she wanted to work things out. Erik Beagle, 21, told the judge he was drinking. Page A3

- A $250 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for graffiti at the Carson Valley Plaza. Page A3

- Quail Ridge Animal Hospital is the first of its kind in Indian Hills. Veterinarian Lesli Hewitt treats dogs and cats as well as more exotic pets such as ferrets, lizards and birds. Page A8

- Minden's Century 21 Clark Properties finished in the top 50 of the Century 21 franchises nationwide during their international convention in Las Vegas. Page A8

- New England fiddler Lissa Schneckenburger performs a free concert at the Alpine County Library 7 p.m. Wednesday. Page A9

- Heidi-Ho was born a member of the wild mustang band, "The Stagecoach Seven," but was adopted to a human family in Topaz Ranch Estates. Page B1

- Carson Valley Middle School student Thomas Wicker finished third in state at the Nevada geography bee in Las Vegas Friday. Page B1

- Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School students try to get people to stop smoking for at least one day for national Kick Butts Day. Page B1

- Minden-based Sierra Sierra, an open-wheel racing team in the Champ Car Atlantic series, opens its season Sunday in Long Beach, Calif. Page C1

- The Carson-Douglas high school rodeo opens today at the Corley Ranch with cutting events. The rodeo continues Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. Page C1