Ignite Sparks

A Chat with Sparks City Manager Dion Louthan Oct 17, 2024

Get to know our new Sparks City Manager Dion Louthan! He's been with the City of Sparks since June. Find out how he's settling in, his favorite things about Sparks so far, and everything from his leadership style, previous experience that prepared him for this job, initiatives he'd like to see implemented, and so much more! #SparksProud

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A chat with Sparks Municipal Court Judge James Spoo Aug 29, 2024

🎙️ New Podcast Episode Alert! 🎙️

Today in our Ignite Sparks podcast, Community Relations Manager Julie Duewel sits down with Sparks Municipal Court Judge James Spoo as he prepares to retire after nearly 30 years with the City! From serving as Sparks Mayor, Assistant City Attorney, and Judge, to his roles in Congressional Research, the State of Nevada's Economic Development, and as Assistant Attorney General—Judge Spoo has dedicated his career to serving at the national, state, county, and city levels. Don't miss this conversation with a true civil servant! 👏
Tune in now!

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Talking all things housing Mar 20, 2024

In this episode, we talk to City of Sparks Housing Specialist Amy Jones and Katie Coleman, Nevada Rural Housing Communications Director about all things housing. The City of Sparks has some great programs including our Housing Rehabilitation, Emergency Repair Grant, and Deferred Payment Loan programs. We also discuss utilizing Home Means Nevada funds to purchase two parcels for affordable housing. Sparks is considered rural as we have less than $150,000 residents, so Katie talks about some great programs available through Nevada Rural Housing including Down Payment Assistance, Mortgage Credit Certificate, and homebuyer education programs. So much to talk about and so much great information! Take a listen!

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A Chat with Interim City Manager and Police Chief Chris Crawforth Sep 27, 2023

Sparks Police Chief Chris Crawforth was recently appointed as Interim City Manager by Mayor Lawson and the Sparks City Council. Listen as he talks about some great new technology at the Sparks Police Department and how he plans to rebuild trust and bring stability as he steps into managing the City for the next six to nine months while we search for a new City Manager. Lots of great stuff #happeninghere! #sparksproud

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From Sparks Family Medicine to Northern Nevada Medical Center --40 Years of Excellence Jul 05, 2023

Northern Nevada Medical Center (NNMC) recently held its 40th Anniversary Celebration. What started as Sparks Family Medicine, a small hospital on the hill below the S in Sparks, has now expanded to two hospitals, free-standing ERs and so much more. In this episode of Ignite Sparks, Community Relations Manager Julie Duewel talks with NNMC's CEO Helen Lidholm and Chief of Staff Dr. Travis Keickbusch.

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Meet our new Fire Chief Walt White May 25, 2023

We are excited to introduce you to our new Fire Chief Walt White. In this episode of the Ignite Sparks podcast, Chief White will talk about some of his new initiatives, some new things coming to the department -- including two ambulances--and the building of Fire Station 6. Take a listen!

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We say goodbye to Parks and Rec Director Tony Pehle May 09, 2023

In this episode of the Ignite Sparks podcast, Community Relations Manager Julie Duewel talks with outgoing Parks and Recreation Director Tony Pehle. Listen as he talks about his career path, his favorite moments, and what he'll miss most. All of us at the City will greatly miss him! #SparksProud

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A look forward with CSD Director Michael Drinkwater Apr 19, 2023

In this episode of the Ignite Sparks Podcast we talk with our new Community Services Director Michael Drinkwater. He talks about his great staff and all the amazing things they do each day. Check it out!

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A look back with CSD Director Armando Ornelas Mar 16, 2023

Community Services Director Armando Ornelas has been with the City of Sparks for 23 years and retire later this month.
In this episode of the Ignite Sparks Podcast, we look back as he discusses the history of such projects as Victorian Square and the Sparks Marina. Join us for a trip down memory lane and help us wish Armando the best of luck in his retirement. We thank Armando for all he has done for the City of Sparks!

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A Chat with Mayor Ed Lawson - ready to serve Sparks! Feb 02, 2023

Mayor Ed Lawson talks about being elected and ready to serve the citizens of Sparks. He also talks about city staff, recent storms, new initiatives and so much more! Check out this informative and fun episode of the #IgniteSparks podcast.

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Sparks Heritage Museum--time to plan a visit! Nov 07, 2022

In this episode, I talk with Christine Johnson, Executive Director of the Sparks Heritage Museum.
This museum has everything from excellent exhibits, to a brand-new research center, a fun shop, and a meeting space. If you love history, listen to this fun podcast and plan a visit soon to the Sparks Heritage Museum on Pyramid and Victorian in Sparks.

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Fair Housing -- what you need to know! Aug 17, 2022

In this episode Amy Jones, City of Sparks Housing Specialist and Kate Zook, Executive Director of the Silver State Fair Housing Council provide some great information about fair housing. Why is fair housing important? What part does the City of Sparks play in fair housing? What services does Silver State Fair Housing Council provide? Take a listen to this informative episode.

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City of Sparks Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives-- more than you think! A chat with Assistant City Manager Alyson McCormick Jul 14, 2022

Sit back, grab a cup of joe and listen to our latest podcast with Assistant City Manager Alyson McCormick. She talks about the latest Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives here at the City of Sparks and how they are playing a big role with our current and future employees. These important initiatives are much more than you think! Check it out!

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It's Happening Here! Let's chat about special events in Sparks! Jun 28, 2022

It's Happening Here in Sparks! In this episode, I talked with our Special Events Supervisor Francine Burge about all the great events in Sparks that we are so #SparksProud of! From planning and safety to all of the fun--take a listen to this fun podcast!

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Let's Chat with Newly Appointed City Attorney Wes Duncan Apr 26, 2022

We're excited to introduce our newly appointed Sparks City Attorney Wes Duncan. Take a listen as Wes talks about the importance of community, safety and some of the great initiatives he's championing. #SparksProud #ItsHappeningHere

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Let's chat about community engagement with Sparks Police Chief Chris Crawforth Apr 13, 2022

Have you heard about the #SparksProud Community Event on April 30? Sparks Police Chief Chris Crawforth talks about this and so much more! From our H.O.P.E. and M.O.S.T. teams to other initiatives to engage our great community, Chief Crawforth has lots of great things to talk about. Check out this great episode of our #IgniteSparks podcast.

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Parks and Recreation--Let's Play! Mar 23, 2022

Tony Pehle is the acting Parks and Recreation Manager for the City of Sparks. In this episode of the #IgniteSparks Podcast, Tony talks about his long career with the City--29 years! And he gives great information about all the wonderful things done through our Parks and Recreation Department. From Community Sports Programs, Kidz programs (including Kidz Konnection, Kidz Kamp and Small Wonders Learning Center), to our amazing parks and facilities, all abilities programs, senior services and special events...WHEW! Let's jump right in!

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The heartbeat of the city--our public works maintenance staff Mar 07, 2022

I'm very excited to talk about our the great things our Public Works Maintenance crews do for the City of Sparks. From clearing snow and sweeping our streets, to cleaning out stormdrains, and maintaining our beautiful parks, and SO MUCH more! These great employees are truly the heartbeat of the city.

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Getting to know our Sparks Police H.O.P.E. Team Jan 18, 2022

In 2016 the City of Sparks began receiving many calls for service and reports of hundreds of camps and yards of trash and debris along the Truckee River path. The City responded by cleaning up the trash and offering services to those camping illegally. The City continued this part-time outreach approach but found it increasingly difficult to keep up with the demand. In 2020 a dedicated HOPE team was formed with 3 full-time Officers. Their primary objective is to offer services and assist those experiencing homelessness through a boots on the ground approach. During HOPE outreach and engagement with an individual, needs are assessed and then aligned with a number of field based services and local Medicaid resource partnerships. In this edition of the Ignite Sparks Podcast, you'll meet two of the amazing team members from our Homeless Outreach Proactive Engagement (HOPE) Team.

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A chat with Sparks City Manager Neil Krutz Dec 13, 2021

In episode 6, I have a candid conversation with Sparks City Manager Neil Krutz. We talk about about the past and future of the city. From his favorite memories over his tenure with the city (25 years!) to important changes the city made during COVID. We chat how the city made it a priority to help residents with CARES Act funding, how our H.O.P.E. Team is helping the homeless in our community and the importance of our new Equity and Inclusion Advisory Board and Sparks Police Advisory Board. Providing the best services possible to the residents in Sparks is City Manager Krutz's priority. Check out this great conversation! #SparksProud

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Let's chat about tracking COVID-19 in our wastewater Nov 18, 2021

Listen in to how the latest in technology and research in monitoring daily wastewater is helping to predict and track COVID-19 and variants that may be present in Washoe County.
In fact, since June 2021, sampling through sewer systems can determine a rise or decline in the virus and variants before testing takes place at clinics and those spikes or dips are recorded.
Guest Dr. Krishna Pagilla, an environmental engineering professor at the University and leader of the study, talks with us about this innovative research, the science behind it and how this effort is serving as a model for others.

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Let's chat about wastewater and the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility Nov 15, 2021

Do you every wonder what happens to all the "stuff" when you flush your toilet or drain your tub? Or when you run your dishwasher, garbage disposal or take a shower?
Well, it travels through sewer pipes and heads out to the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility (TMWRF) where it is put through a rigorous filtration process and returned to the Truckee River or reused to water, irrigate--and many other uses. Did you know that before we had sewer plants, adults and many many children were dying of diseases such as cholera?
Take a listen to this informative podcast about the high standards at TMWRF and why when we talk about water in the Truckee Meadows it's important to know where all this "influent" and "effluent" water is going!
My guests are Plant Manager Michael Drinkwater and Plant Engineer Casey Mentzer.

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Let's chat about development in the City of Sparks Oct 26, 2021

I get a lot of questions about how development works in the City of Sparks so I'm excited to share my conversation with City Planner Jim Rundle. We chat about development in north Sparks and redevelopment in downtown Victorian Square. Thanks for listening!

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Let's chat about water in the Truckee Meadows Oct 11, 2021

Today, my guest is Andy Gebhart with the Truckee Meadows Water Authority. I get lots of questions about development in Sparks. Do we have enough water? How can we build when we are in a drought? Well, let's get some answers. Mr. Gebhart and I chat about development, drought and misconceptions about the amount of water we have in our community. Check out TMWA's water resource plan here: www.tmwa.com.

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A chat with Sparks Mayor Ed Lawson, September 2021 Sep 20, 2021

Welcome to our new Ignite Sparks podcast! We're so excited to tell you about all the great things "happening here" in Sparks. For my first episode, I interviewed Mayor Ed Lawson, asking some important questions such as what was it like becoming mayor during a pandemic and what initiatives is he championing. We talked about the Landsbill, City Centers, homes along the river and tax structures. We talked about Cares Act Funding and how the city was able to give rental and business assistance to so many in our community. We also talked about our Homeless Outreach Proactive Engagement (H.O.P.E) Team that is making great strides in helping and getting services to the unsheltered. It was so nice visiting with such a humble, smart man that we are fortunate to call our mayor! Take a listen and give me some feedback at communityrelations@cityofsparks.us. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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