Coming Wednesday

- The issue is trash and the problem is at its most obvious in the vicinity of that Gardnerville Ranchos landmark, the sandpits. Residents and officials both hope a call to arms will help reduce the amount of detritus left in the desert along the Ranchos' southern boundary. Page A1

- A new pool of West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes was confirmed near Meridian Business Park in the central Carson Valley. The disease has been found in mosquitoes ranging from the south county to the West Fork of the Carson River. At least three people have been diagnosed with it in the county. Page A1

- Public administrator challenger Jay Lather said he plans to bring new ideas to the job that resolves estates of those who die away from their heirs. Page A2

- There was little doubt that there was a lightning strike and fire above Genoa on Friday as Douglas County Dispatch took an estimated 250 calls reporting the blaze within moments of the 8:15 p.m. incident. The resulting 16-acre forest fire was extinguished by Sunday night. Page A2

- With three days to go, the number of early voters has already exceeded the number of those who voted before election day in 2002. The Douglas County Clerk-Treasurer's Office reported 1,870 people cast ballots in the first eight days of early voting. Fewer than 1,400 took advantage of the program in 2002. Page A2

- Two fundraising events are planned to support Relay for Life. On Saturday, Carson Valley Medical Center employees will host a garage sale at the center's parking lot. Next week, starting Monday, a silent auction will be held at the center. Page A2

- A drunk driving dad who told deputies to take him to jail is being sent to prison. John Melvin Herron, 31, was given a 10-year prison sentence for driving under the influence as his three children bounced around in the backseat. Page A3

- A Minden woman learned that if someone asks you to send a money order in exchange for a check, you should wait for the check to clear. The woman lost nearly $3,000 to lottery scammers who sent her a check and told her to send a money order for taxes in exchange. After she complied she found the check to be worthless. Page A3

- Carson Valley Dental Care has moved to Minden Village with twice the space and a soothing decor. Page A8

- Two Douglas High School teenagers were chosen as Minden Rotary's foreign exchange students this year. Ashton Leutner, 16, leaves for Austria today, and Hillary Winans, 17, is going to Spain in September. Page B1

- Renowned Carson Valley artist Mimi Jobe's birthday and artwork is celebrated at a party at the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center on Saturday. Although her paintings of Carson Valley subjects are the most well known in this area, Jobe's work has been influenced by the many places her life has taken her. Page B1

- Carson Valley Middle School student Christine DuPuis played in the Youth Friendship Games in Holland recently. Her volleyball team took a silver medal against international opponents. Page C1

- The 25th annual Douglas County Junior Rodeo was conducted over the weekend. Page C1