5-MINUTE R-C

n Two Douglas County deputies have been exonerated by the District Attorney's Office in an investigation of a deadly shooting at a casino lounge. Page A1

n Assemblyman Lynn Hettrick told a business symposium Wednesday that he's unsure if he'll seek election to a seventh term in the Nevada Legislature. Page A1

n More than 200 people attended the annual Douglas County Building Industry Association's Forecast '06 on Wednesday. Page A1

n Douglas County's population jumped to 50,108 last July, a 4.8 percent increase over the previous year. The figures were released from the Nevada's demographer Wednesday. Page A1

n Charges were dismissed Wednesday against a 23-year-old man accused of setting a fire that destroyed a Dresslerville motor home. Page A1

n Carson Valley is expected to come to a standstill this afternoon as the community pays its respects to Jon-Jon, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office K9 deputy that perished Feb. 3 in a patrol car fire. Page A2

n A preliminary hearing is set for March 3 for a Carson City man who told a judge Wednesday that he's innocent of drug trafficking charges that carry lengthy prison terms and stiff fines upon conviction. Page A3

n An Indian Hills woman accused of neglecting her baby son's fractured arm and leg is set to enter a drug rehabilitation program. Page A3

n Genoans hired a new town manager on Tuesday. Thomas Miller Peters will be the new town manager if he accepts the position. Page A3

BUSINESS

n A new martial arts studio kicks off in Gardnerville. High Desert Martial Arts is now open on Industrial Way. Page A8

n Phyllis Erickson's co-workers wanted to honor her with a party for her retirement but they didn't want to see her leave. Page A8

Alpine

n Markleeville residents spoke with Supervisor Don Jardine about issues they have in town. Page A9

n Alpine County employees are calling for supervisors not to renew the assistant to the board's contract in June. Page A9

PEOPLE

n Local residents had their own chance to view the interaction of eagles and agriculture Wednesday. Page B1

n The Carson Valley Community Theatre is holding auditions for its first production of the 2006 season. Page B2

n The East Fork Gallery is going through a dramatic face lift during the next few weeks. Page B3

SPORTS

n The second annual Nicole Snyder Memorial Dinner is scheduled for Tuesday night at Barone & Reed Food Co., starting at 5 p.m. Page C1

n A Gardnerville woman volunteered at last month's figure skating national championships. Page C1

n The Whittell High School girls' basketball team heads off to the state tournament this weekend after pulling off a surprising upset of Battle Mountain in last weekend's Northern 2A Regional title game. Page C1