LTCC graduates 20th Fire Academy Class of Cadets

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) celebrated the graduation of its 20th Fire Academy class on March 26, 2026, at the Duke Theatre, recognizing a group of cadets prepared to support and protect local communities across the region. The cohort trained under the class motto, “Refuse to Lose,” reflecting the discipline and resilience required to complete the program.

20th class of Fire Academy grads.
Provided / LTCC

The ceremony brought together families, instructors, and regional fire agency partners to honor the cadets’ completion of rigorous training, including physical conditioning, classroom instruction, and hands-on emergency response simulations. Cadets entered the Duke Theatre in formation, led by bagpiper Sean Cummings, marking the start of the evening’s program.

All cadets completed the coursework and hands-on skills assessments for California Firefighter 1 certification, National Wildfire Coordinating Group wildland fire certifications, and emergency medical technician training, preparing them for immediate entry into fire service careers.

“This is a battle-tested, winter-trained, highly skilled group,” said Brad Deeds, Dean of Career Technical Education at LTCC. “They Refuse to Lose. They are ready to step up and fill those jobs to keep our communities safe. Do not let the smaller size of the cohort fool you. This group is tough.”

LTCC’s Fire Academy is built on strong regional collaboration with partner agencies, including South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, Lake Valley Fire Protection District, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, North Tahoe Fire Protection District, El Dorado County Fire Protection District, Fallen Leaf Lake Fire Department, and USFS – Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.

20th class of Fire Academy grads.
Provided / LTCC

Class 20 graduates include:

  • Molly Adams
  • Crystal Bennett
  • Matthew Cain
  • Jake Hickman
  • Imanol Luquin Ramirez
  • Miles McGovern
  • Jesse Moreland
  • Cody Nelson
  • Richard Posada
  • Emperatriz Ruiz

Cody Nelson served as Battalion Commander for Class 20.

“We came into this academy as complete strangers, and we’re leaving with relationships and experiences that will last a lifetime,” said Nelson.

Looking ahead, LTCC is expanding its commitment to public safety training. The college will break ground in spring 2026 on a new Public Safety Training Complex, with the facility expected to open in fall 2027. Once complete, the complex will support hands-on instruction for fire, forestry, and emergency medical services, strengthening workforce development and regional emergency response capacity.

The Fire Academy continues to prepare career-ready firefighters equipped to serve mountain and rural communities throughout the Tahoe Basin.

For more information about the LTCC Fire Academy, visit www.ltcc.edu/fire.

Lake Tahoe Yoga and Tahoe Tastings launch exclusive ‘Boat to Board Adventure Yoga’ experience

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Lake Tahoe Yoga and Tahoe Tastings are thrilled to announce an exclusive new collaboration: “Boat to Board Adventure Yoga,”  a unique, all-inclusive Summer wellness experience that blends scenic cruising, stand-up paddleboard yoga, and luxurious lake-level indulgence.

Lake Tahoe Yoga and Tahoe Tastings is launching a Boat-to-Board yoga experience in Summer 2026
Provided

Launching Summer 2026, this private chartered experience invites up to six guests aboard Legend, a classic wooden motor yacht operated by Tahoe Tastings, for a three-hour journey to one of Lake Tahoe’s pristine and secluded coves. Once anchored, participants will step off the boat and onto their boards for an all level, guided paddleboard yoga session led by Lake Tahoe Yoga’s experienced instructor.

Guests have the option to elevate the experience with curated add-ons including a locally prepared brunch and a celebratory toast all enjoyed while floating on the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe.

Details:

  • Experience: Boat charter, paddleboard yoga, photos, optional food and beverages
  • Capacity: Private experience for up to 6 participants
  • Pricing: Starting at $1700
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Departure: Tahoe Keys Marina
  • Seasonal Availability: Summer only, weather permitting

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking serenity on the water, the Boat to Board Adventure Yoga experience is a unique way to connect with nature, care for yourself, and enjoy the best of Lake Tahoe from a fresh perspective.

Learn more about how we curate and prepare for Adventure Yoga on our blog: https://www.southtahoeyoga.com/yoga-blog/floating-into-bliss

Reservations are required. Visit https://www.laketahoeyoga.com/adventureyoga.html to learn more and request your personalized tour.

Mott Canyon Tavern and Grill sponsors Bread and Broth Adopt A Day

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Mark and Janeen White, owners of Mott Canyon Tavern & Grill, generously sponsored Bread & Broth’s Adopt A Day of Nourishment (AAD) for the Monday Meal held on March 23rd. Recognized for its family-friendly lunch setting and being a lively nightlife destination, Mott Canyon Tavern & Grill is also known for their pizza and beer selections. As a popular destination for locals, Mark and Janeen wanted to ‘pay it forward’ and support the community, as Mike expressed, “It’s really nice to be able to give back to the community.”

Sponsors of Bread & Broth’s Adopt A Day of Nourishment program help at their designated meal and donate $350. This tax-deductible contribution helps cover expenses for food, equipment, and facility use for the dinner. Each Monday Meal features a hot, full-course, restaurant quality dinner, serving between 100 and 140 dinner guests at no cost to the diners. Attendees also receive bags of fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products, meat, and a variety of food staples to help with meals throughout the week.

Picture from Left to Right:  Lindsey Oexle, Steve Maltase, Janeen White, Mark White, Danielle ‘Dani’ Bratton.
Provided / Bread & Broth

Mott Canyon Tavern & Grill began supporting Bread & Broth in 2025, and after finding the experience rewarding, chose to sponsor another meal in 2026. Mark and Janeen were joined by Mott Canyon Tavern & Grill bartenders Danielle Bratton and Lindsey Oexle, and friend Steve Maltase, who were first-time Monday Meal AAD sponsor crew members. Lindsey shared her enthusiasm, stating, “We love meeting new people in our community.”

The dinner was a meaningful experience for both volunteers and guests. Danielle noted, “Everyone was so friendly and appreciative,” adding, “can’t wait to come back next year.” Bread & Broth aims to provide not only nutritious meals but also an inviting and warm environment for those who want to enjoy a free dining experience.

Thanks to Mott Canyon’s sponsorship, dinner guests were treated to a chicken enchilada casserole, baked squash with onions, pinto beans, and a garden salad served with a lime/cilantro dressing. The B&B cooks prepared enough food to serve a total of 140 dinner servings at the meal.

Bread & Broth extends its gratitude to Mott Canyon Tavern & Grill for their dedication to helping the community by sponsoring a free community meal for those in need.

Donations to Bread & Broth also provide funds for Second Serving, a hot meal served every Friday at the Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church from 4 to 5 p.m. For children facing food insecurity, B&B 4 Kids donations help provide kid-friendly weekend food to children from 18 months to 18 years of age distributed through LTUSD schools and childcare centers serving low-families.

To learn more about Bread & Broth or how to donate, please visit www.breadandbroth.org or follow Bread & Broth on Instagram or Facebook.

South Tahoe FC announces ‘Locals Golf Day’ at Edgewood to fund youth scholarships

STATELINE, Nev. — South Tahoe Football Club is inviting the local community to experience one of Lake Tahoe’s most iconic golf courses—while supporting a powerful cause—at its upcoming “Locals Golf Day” fundraiser at Edgewood Golf Course on Monday, May 4, 2026.

This one-day community event offers a rare opportunity for locals to play Edgewood at a highly accessible price point, with all proceeds directly benefiting South Tahoe FC’s youth development and scholarship programs.

The tournament will feature a 12 p.m. shotgun start with a play-your-own-ball format , welcoming golfers of all skill levels to participate in a relaxed, community-driven atmosphere.

A Day at Edgewood—For Everyone

Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course is widely regarded as one of the premier golf destinations in the country, yet many locals rarely have the chance to play it. South Tahoe FC’s Locals Golf Day changes that.

With entry pricing starting at $130–$150 per player, depending on group size, this event represents one of the most affordable opportunities ever offered for the local community to experience Edgewood.

“This is about opening the doors,” said organizers. “We wanted to create something where locals can enjoy Edgewood together—while also investing back into the next generation of South Lake Tahoe athletes.”

Supporting Youth, Access, and Opportunity

All proceeds from the event go directly toward South Tahoe FC’s mission: providing access to competitive soccer, mentorship, and character development for local youth—regardless of financial circumstances.

The club’s scholarship program ensures that no player is turned away due to cost, helping families across South Lake Tahoe access year-round training, travel opportunities, and a positive team environment.

“This event is bigger than golf,” organizers added. “It’s about giving kids in our community the opportunity to play, grow, and belong.”

Event Details

  • Event: South Tahoe FC Locals Golf Day at Edgewood
  • Date: Monday, May 4, 2026
  • Time: 12 p.m. shotgun start
  • Location: Edgewood Golf Course, 100 Lake Parkway, Stateline, NV
  • Format: Play-your-own-ball
  • Pricing:
    • 1-Some: $150/player
    • 2-Some: $140/player
    • 4-Some: $130/player
    • Platinum 4-Some: $1000

Spots are limited and expected to fill quickly.

Registration

Participants can register online at:
https://app.eventcaddy.com/events/2026-locals-golf-day-edgewood

For additional information or sponsorship opportunities, contact:
president@southtahoefc.com

O’Leary plays hero with overtime-winning goal to end losing streak against Rush

STATELINE, Nev. – The Tahoe Knight Monsters knocked off the Rapid City Rush in overtime by a final score of 5-4.                       

In the first period, Rapid City scored in the opening minute of the contest, as Hunter Donohoe scored his first professional goal to make it 1-0. The Knight Monsters would respond just five minutes later as Devon Paliani extended his team-leading goal marker with his 29th of the season to tie it up at 1. After Tahoe tied it up, Rapid City went back out in front as Ryan Wagner scored in his first game of the weekend to go up 2-1. In the back half of the period, Trent Swick would tie the game once more off a beautiful feed from Linden Alger to make it 2-2 going into the locker room.

Knight Monsters take Rush in game three
Provided / Knight Monsters

In the middle frame, Rapid City would break out in front thanks to a power play goal from Ryan Chyzowski and another tally from Seth Fyten to make it 4-2 Rush going into the final period.   

In the third period, it was Tahoe who would respond as Luke Adam scored his 18th of the year on the power play to make it a 4-3 game. Then, with just 3:10 left in regulation, Casey Bailey scored his 25th of the year on a diving shot to tie the game at 4. After no other goals in the third, the game headed to overtime.

In OT, it took just two minutes for Mike O’Leary to send the puck past Rapid City goaltender Connor Murphy, giving Tahoe a 5-4 win, their second consecutive OT win on a Sunday. Tahoe goaltender Dominic Basse picked up his second win in just his second start with the Knight Monsters.

The Knight Monsters return home on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, to take on the Cincinnati Cyclones at Tahoe Blue Event Center for What If? Night as the Knight Monsters become the Tahoe Powder Hounds. Puck drop is at 7:00 pm, with pregame coverage on the Knight Monsters broadcast network beginning at 6:50 pm. Ticket packages for the 2025-26 season are now available.  For more information, visit www.knightmonstershockey.com