Week of Sept. 13, 2023

From the editor’s desk

Kris Vagner here, in my first week as managing editor—and I am pleased to be here. First and foremost, let’s take a quick look back at the many, many reasons we have to thank Frank X. Mullen for shepherding the paper through an immensely challenging few years, in Jimmy Boegle’s Note From the Publisher. 

And here’s a word from Frank as he passes the torch.

Despite choppy seas and hitchhiking fish, Reno’s Owen Gray and Colorado’s Jayme Linker rowed a small but high-tech boat all the way from California to Hawaii earlier this summer. Jason Sarna tells their story. 

“Meg 2: The Trench is almost good, but not quite,” writes film critic Bob Grimm. For one thing, “There’s surprisingly little giant shark action for a giant shark movie.” But it sure is an improvement on The Meg, and it does eventually deliver some real action. As for Strays, the fact that it was an animal movie could have easily made for enough quality “chuckle fuel,” but the filmmakers more or less dropped the ball. 

The Brewery Arts Center—along with the organizers who brought us mural festivals in Elko, Fernley and Reno in recent years—presents the new Carson City Music & Mural festival Sept. 28-30. Highlights will include new outdoor works by local and international muralists, concerts and talks. Jaedyn Young found out everything you need to know before you attend. 

What’s your favorite off-the-beaten path watering hole? How about your most cherished secret outdoor spot? In the latest Streetalk, David Robert asked locals to recommend a few more hidden gems.

Speaking of watering holes, let’s talk about a local brewery that’s demonstrated some serious staying power. Beer expert Marc Tiar takes a look back at IMBĪB’s first eight years in business—and a glimpse into co-founders Jason Green and Matt Johnson’s future dreams, too.

After performing all over the globe, McAvoy Layne is scheduled for a final stage performance as Mark Twain on Sept. 30 at Piper’s Opera House in Virginia City—a venue where the real Twain lectured. Contributor John Barrette talked with Lane about how his performances have made history feel relevant to a lot of locals. 

Calling all entrepreneurs: On Nevada Business writer Matt Westfield has a sage tip: “It’s nice to have a customer who wants you, and it’s even nicer to have a customer who needs you.” Dive into more of Matt’s advice on how partnerships are more important than transactions in his latest On Nevada Business column.  

Long gone are the days when girls had to choose between “teacher” and “nurse” as their only career options—and the Sierra Battle Born Chapter of Women in Aviation International is out to make sure they’re aware of a few career paths that’ll help them soar. The second annual Girls in Aviation Day takes place Sept. 23.

Take care,

—Kris Vagner, managing editor