January 18, 1936 – July 24, 2023

James Edward Olson, beloved husband and father passed away on July 24, 2023, at 87. Born on January 18, 1936, in Idaho to Gloria Castor and Carl Olson.

Jim found his life partner, Maxine, in Los Gatos, CA, and they settled in Lake Tahoe for over four decades, raising a loving family. Jim’s successful career as a painting contractor mirrored his dedication to his family. He was a man of kindness and humor, known for his love of nature and community.

Jim served as a scoutmaster, finding joy in mentoring young minds and sharing adventures, including trips to the Grand Canyon. A memorial service will be held in mid-October; contact Jamie_olson@icloud.com for details.

Jim Olson’s legacy lives on in the hearts of family and friends. His warmth, humor, and love for nature endure, and he will be deeply missed.

– June 13, 2023

Longtime Truckee resident, Ellen-Marie Roland, passed away peacefully on June 13th, 2023. Born to Ashild and Svein Laxaa, she spent her childhood on her family farm in Northern Norway.

At the age of 23, Ellen-Marie travelled to California to join her brother, Olav, at the 1960 Winter Olympiad in Squaw Valley. She fell in love with the natural beauty found in the landscapes of the Tahoe Basin and eventually made Truckee her permanent home.

Ellen-Marie maintained a career in the resort clothing industry, which in turn led to the opening of her own boutique at Northstar in the 80’s. Ellen-Marie loved the Tahoe life as she enjoyed music, dancing, skiing and walks along the Truckee River and Tompkins Trail.

Ellen-Marie is survived by her brother Olav, sister Marit, and her three children Michael, Heidi and Kelly.

March 13, 1991 – September 1, 2023

We are sad to announce the passing of Leon Frederick Reece.
Leon’s Memorial Service will be held on September 30, 2023 at

Sierra Bible Church at 2 PM
11460 Brockway Road
Truckee, CA 96161
A time of viewing will be offered from 1PM to 2PM for those who would love to say a final farewell to our beloved Leon.

Leon was born and raised in Truckee, CA with his two brothers Tyson Stevens (38) and Micah Reece (31). Leon leaves behind his mother Debbie Reece, his much-loved brothers Tyson Stevens and Micah Reece and many extended family members. Leon loved all his aunts, uncles and many cousins. Leon is preceded by his sister Allison Jo Stevens, his grandparents Dale and Josie Steelman, Marguerite Bachman, great grandparents Lee and Beulah Naney, Frank and Peggy Preve’. Leon leaves behind many close friends who lives he has touched with his spirited humor, generous heart, and infectious smile.

Leon attended and graduated from Truckee Tahoe School District. Leon and his brothers worked from the age of fourteen-years-old. He worked at local fast-food shops and worked ten years at Ace Hardware where he excelled at matching paint and stain for locals and local paint contractors. He worked for Elements, painting and plowing. Most recently, he worked for Martis Camp in the security department and plowed snow in the winter.

We wish to thank our family and our community for the love and care they have given to Leon throughout his whole life and to us as a family. Leon’s beautiful humor, smile, long intelligent and in-depth conversations will be missed by many.

Leon loved anything you could rev-up, his Tundra, dirt bikes, Sea-doo and Honda CBR1000RR. Leon had many fun days at Boca and Prosser Lake with friends and family complete with Sea-doo, popup, grill and plenty of chairs for all. Leon wasn’t a divider; he was a uniter. He loved to bring people together, especially to enjoy the outdoors. He was always making plans to go somewhere beautiful with the people he loved, he even left us doing that very thing, he was trying something new with people he really cared for.

Leon Reece, your smile and kindness are indelibly written upon our hearts for eternity. Until we are united again. Rest in peace and go with God.

May 12, 1927 – September 7, 2023

Amazing Mazie Lou Walker Carnell, 96, was the ultimate Survivor and Matriarch of Tahoe City having touched the lives of countless children beyond her own 7, their 11 and their 9 since the 40’s. She was the Tahoe Pioneer ranch woman of the century with family going back more than 6 generations. Any and all ‘old Tahoe City’ locals were the beneficiaries of her hands on library science classes if they went to Tahoe Lake School. No one could forget the tarantula, scorpion, and snakes, to name a few that took up residence there. There was even ‘Mazie Day’ at the school. She orchestrated the children’s choir at the Catholic Church and at graduations. Her impact shaped lives and character, bringing us back to a time in America that was truly iconic. Mazie, an incredible story teller relished in teaching us about the good ol’ days, about every flower, about growing and canning food, and about pretty much everything God made! Born in her grandmother’s home in Clarksville, May 12th, 1927 she survived losing her mother at three, being separated from three of her four siblings and spending most of her life working hard to make ends meet. She was a dead eye sharp shooter, a lover of horses, sheep and babies. Mazie was married 70 years to Dick Carnell until he passed in 2018. They had a wonderful life with many years spent in Sierraville after the children were raised, where they led a posse and built a school library (of course) and Mazie established Angel Wings, which successfully provided for children who were victims of abuse and neglect. The whole family made it to Thanksgiving each year with Mom still cooking for 40 at 95. She was canning jalapeno cowboy candy and raspberry jam two days before a stroke signaled it was time to go home. She asked Our Lord to take her to heaven and was anxious to care for her 2 children, Tom & Teria preceding her in death. She was adored by her family and surrounded by her remaining children, John, Mike, Tim, Patti, & Joe as well as daughter in laws and many grandchildren & great grandchildren at St Mary’s with a whole community calling to say goodbye! Her passing was peaceful, painless and covered in love! A celebration of her life and birthday will be held at Granlibakken next May. Donations in her remembrance can be made to St. Mary’s Hospice (6490 S McCarran Blvd Ste B13 Reno Nevada 89509)

TRUCKEE, Calif. The Town Council met on Tuesday, September 26, during which they heard a recap on the popular Fourth of July event at Donner Lake.

The meeting began with new Town Clerk, Kelly Carpenter, being sworn in. Various town staff introduced more than a dozen new employees and interns.

The Town Manager reported that the Halloween Costume Swap is open from September 18-30. Get a “new to you” costume. You can drop off costumes to four different locations: 1) Community Rec Center at 10981 Truckee Way 2) Truckee Town Hall at 10183 Truckee Airport Rd. 3) Truckee Library at 10031 Levone Ave. and, 4) KidZone Museum at 11711 Donner Pass Rd. The official Costume Swap Day will be on Saturday, October 7th from 10 am – 2 pm at the Community Rec Center. 

Council heard a report on the Fourth of July fireworks event which drew significant interest, with an estimated attendance of 20,500, split evenly between residents and spectators. Around 2,500 vehicles came to the west end of Donner Lake. The event was supported by over 20 police officers, two battalion chiefs, three engine crews, and 11 personnel, and lasted for 22 minutes, incurring costs of approximately $50,000 for the Town.

The Coldstream roundabout proved successful in traffic management, with most cleared within an hour, something Councilmember Anna Klovstad said she was happy to hear. Parking remains a concern, as some park in bike lanes or next to guardrails.

Communication efforts were effective, utilizing various platforms and multilingual materials. Transit carried 2,919 passengers, prompting council interest in expanding services. Utilizing the state park as an evacuation route is under consideration, with ongoing efforts to clear access, though challenges exist due to its wetland location.

The council then received an update from the Public Art Commission of Truckee.

Key questions concerning art funding sustainability, strategic directions, and public art placement were raised. It was unanimously agreed that a sustainable funding strategy is paramount for long-term public art preservation. The council emphasized the urgency of establishing such a strategy.

A central consideration is how to synergize public and private funding to enhance public art endeavors. Notably, Truckee’s cultural district designation by the California Arts Council, one of only 14 in the state, highlights the town’s abundant historical, artistic, and cultural treasures.

And lastly, some important updates from The Truckee Home Access Program were discussed and a budget amendment was passed. The Truckee Home Access Program aims to achieve three key goals: firstly, to secure 10% of housing with deed restrictions in the town’s inventory; secondly, to extend these restrictions to encompass higher income levels (up to 245% of the Area Median Income) to cater to various income brackets and market conditions; and thirdly, to widen the deed restriction program to include more options for sale.

The town’s median household income stands at $110,300. The affordable home purchase price, as designated by the Mountain Council Needs Assessment, is $418,500, yet only 34 homes have been sold below this price in the past year. Affording the current median home price of $1,152,500 requires a household to earn 293% of the Area Median Income.

In 2023, 29% of homes (96 units) were sold for less than $937,500. Currently, Truckee has 4,259 households facing inadequate housing conditions, covering both under housed and overcrowded situations. The primary challenges faced by the Truckee community are the difficulty in finding affordable homes and insufficient funds for down payments or closing costs. A key long-term objective for THAP is to establish a secondary market for affordably priced, deed-restricted homes tailored to the local workforce.

Since 2022, THAP has acquired six houses, providing homes for 14 individuals, at an average selling price of $607,800. The average AMI of buyers falls at 161%, ranging from 116% to 220%. THAP has allocated a budget of $700,000 for the fiscal year 2023/24. Currently, $425,760 has been utilized, leaving a remaining balance of $274,240.

Applications for houses seven and eight have already been received. THAP proposed a budget amendment of $500,000 for the 2023/24 C104, bringing the total to $1,749,250, with unanimous approval from all council members. Council member Courtney Henderson emphasized, “This is a pathway to home ownership for people in our community.”

The next council meeting will be on Tuesday, October 10.

AUBURN, Calif. – Placer County Sheriff’s Office deputies will get an immediate 10% raise and another 11% over the following three years under a new memorandum of understanding approved on Tuesday, Sept. 26 by the Placer County Board of Supervisors. 

The board’s $29 million investment in law enforcement employees over the four-year term of the contract aims to bolster recruitment and retention.Members of the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association concluded voting to ratify the agreement Sept. 6.

The agreement succeeds a previous labor agreement that expired in 2018, and follows years of stalled negotiations and a lawsuit over ending the use of the ‘Measure F’ salary-setting formula that had informed DSA labor agreements since its passage in 1976. The Placer County Superior Court in May ruled that Measure F violates the state constitution.Deputy sheriffs last received a wage increase in October 2021, when the board imposed a raise of approximately 1% in addition to the Measure F formula raise of approximately 3% received in February 2021.

Board Chair and District 3 Supervisor Jim Holmes thanked DSA President Travis Thornsberry directly for his work on the agreement, saying “we have been in this stalemate for quite a while, and we are here today because of you and your staff’s leadership. I want to thank you personally and on behalf of the board for your work getting this done.”

“As your Placer County Sheriff, I thank the Board of Supervisors, Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, County CEO’s Office and County HR for their support in approving a well-deserved pay increase for our deputy sheriffs,” said Sheriff Wayne Woo. “This decision not only recognizes the dedication and sacrifice of our deputies but also reinforces our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our community. Together, we stand stronger in our mission to protect and serve. Thank you for your trust and support.”

“It hasn’t been an easy journey,” said District 1 Supervisor Bonnie Gore. “But this is a good, generous agreement, which should really help with retention and recruitment. And it’s a good reminder that this community and our board truly support law enforcement.” 

Included in the agreement is an additional 6% wage increase for certain represented employees in exchange for reduced peace officer standards and training certificate incentive pays. The deal also increases the county’s contribution to employee health care premiums and adds another paid floating holiday in line with recent labor agreements with other county bargaining units, and provides all active DSA members a $3,000 retention bonus. 

Earlier this month the board approved a separate agreement providing a one-time 15.5% wage increase for correctional officers to maintain hiring competitiveness. With the board’s adoption today, the agreement will remain in effect from Oct. 7 through June 30, 2027.

Looking for a one-stop shop for free health screenings, information, and services? Then the Free Health Screening Fair in Truckee this weekend is the place to be. It’ll be on Saturday, September 30th from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Community Recreation Center at 10981 Truckee Way.

The Truckee Host Lions Club, in its 91st year of service, is organizing the health screening fair. With 1.4 million members nationwide, Lions lead by example, forge connections, and make a lasting impact through kindness. Since 1917, Lions have been dedicated to serving, strengthening communities, and promoting global well-being. Their mission is to empower clubs, volunteers, and partners to make a positive difference through humanitarian services, grants, and promoting peace and understanding worldwide. 

Lions are experts at partnering with other organizations to achieve their vision. In fact, the free health screening fair could not have been possible without the generous support of various community organizations and their volunteers. Kathy Freeman, secretary of Truckee Host Lions Club, is amazed by how many organizations have joined forces to create change. 

“If we can help one person then we are really doing what our mission is as Lions. But we are hoping to reach many more. We are so fortunate to have the support of all these groups making an effort to make this happen,” Freeman said. 

It really does take a village. The Reno Host Lions Club, Lions in Sight of California and Nevada, and Read Between the Lions are collaborating on vision screenings. The Peninsula Special Interest Lions Club and Global Initiative for Health and Wellness are conducting blood pressure and diabetes checks. The Placer County Oral Health Program and Nevada County Public Health are offering complimentary dental and fluoride checks for children. Nurses from the University of Nevada at Reno’s Orvis Student Nurses’ Association will provide comprehensive support. 

Additionally, the Tahoe Forest Pharmacy will administer free flu shots, while Tahoe Forest Health System will educate the community on wellness strategies and recruit additional volunteers for screenings. The Truckee California Highway Patrol and Truckee Police Department are teaming up to offer free child safety seat inspections and installations, along with providing the seats. Community groups like the Suicide Prevention Coalition and Sierra Community House will have informational booths. And, lastly, Raley’s O-N-E Market generously donated $500 to cover lunches for all volunteers.

The Truckee Host Lions Club is committed to ensuring that all events are as accessible and welcoming to the community as they can be. “We are hoping to reach as many people as possible. You don’t need to have insurance. You don’t need to have a doctor’s referral. If you need readers, we’ll make sure you’ll leave with a pair of readers,” Freeman said.  

In its inaugural year of hosting the health screening, the Truckee Host Lions Club screened 166 individuals. Most attendees were from Truckee, followed by Kings Beach, and some even traveled from Reno. During last year’s screenings, two individuals had dangerously high blood pressure levels, prompting specialists to recommend immediate hospitalization. Lion volunteers escorted them to the hospital, ensuring they received the necessary assistance. Without free health screenings and devoted volunteers, these emergencies could have resulted in far more dire circumstances.

To try and decide each week where and what to eat around the basin can be a challenge – there are so many amazing choices. In this feature we’ll dive into dishes that will surely satisfy those hunger pangs and leave you wondering where to go next.

Just because you cannot pronounce this week’s feature doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it. For those of you that can pronounce it, you are probably well aware of what you’re diving into – complete and total deliciousness.

The broad overview of the dish is quite simple: Middle Eastern (among other places) dish with healthy and simple ingredients. It all starts with a mixture of slow cooked tomatoes with multiple spices, onion, and bell pepper. That slow cooking process really allows the flavors to break down and seep into one another. That mixture is topped with a poached egg, feta cheese and fresh cilantro.

The first thing I have to do when I see a poached egg is open up the floodgates and let that gooey yolk spill into the dish. Once that happens, it’s really just a free for all in the flavor department. You might be one to compartmentalize your bites in this case, but not me. I have to mix everything together to get the full Monty of flavor in each bite.

There are great textures with the onions and peppers and a delicate richness to the dish that never gets too bold – it stays pretty level the whole way through. There’s a subtle sweetness and smokiness to the dish that bubble up from the tomato mixture and when you get those pops of saltiness from the feta is when everything starts singing harmoniously.

There are layers upon layers of essence here, and everything feels really fresh. It’s served with a side of sliced bread so there’s no reason for your dish to not go back to the kitchen completely clean. Plus, the sopping up of all the shrapnel is part of fun of eating a dish like this.

Coffeebar has three locations in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee area with the OG located at 10120 Jibboom St. in Truckee. For menu information and other locations visit them online at coffeebar.com or reach the OG at 530-587-200.

Buti Glow Yoga Night 

Yoga teacher Sue Morganti is hosting another special Blacklight Buti Glow Yoga Night. Buti Yoga is an empowering hybrid movement class that blends Vinyasa yoga with a mashup of cardio, plyometrics, dance and body shaking. Wear white or neon and we’ll provide the temporary tattoos, body paint, and blacklight tape if you don’t want paint. We’ll decorate our bodies for a great visual effect then black out the studio and turn on the neon and music for 60 minutes of Buti Yoga!

Buti Yoga will be on Friday, September 29 from 6-8 p.m. at Tahoe Flow Arts and Fitness at 6921 N Lake Blvd, Unit 211, Tahoe Vista, CA 96148. Sign up at Tahoeflow.com.

Seeding Food System Transformation through Agroecology Presented By Mountain Lotus Yoga

How can our food system transform in the modern era to protect the environment and biodiversity, promote health & wellness and provide quality jobs? The concept is called #AGROECOLOGY and we are thrilled to host a Q&A on the subject. Featured guests include renowned author and activist Anna Lappé and Indigenous seed steward Rowen White, Washoe Warrior Elder Frank Grayshield, and WZGT Board Member Dr. Lisa Grayshield. There will also be live music, sacred song sharing from Washoe Spiritual Leaders, and delicious appetizers from the Tahoe Food Hub and Mountain Lotus Provisions.

Seeding Food System Transformation through Agroecology will be on Friday, September 29th from 5pm – 7pm at Mountain Lotus Yoga at 10124 E St, Truckee, CA, 96161. This is a fundraising event for the Tahoe Food Hub and WGZT. Tickets are $10 and include one drink ticket and appetizers. Please consider also making a donation. Get tickets at Eventbrite.com

Fortress at Alibi

Fortress has been crushing the Lake Tahoe area with quality heavy metal originals and covers for over thirty years. Their original music has been featured in many ski, snowboard and rock climbing movies. Founded by retired pro snowboarder Dave Hatchett and his longtime friend Brian Harrison, their passion for metal runs deep. With Jeff Martin from Racer X currently fronting the band and guest appearances from the likes of Scott Travis from Judas Priest or Whit Crane from Ugly Kid Joe, you can’t go wrong at a Fortress show.

Fortress will play on Saturday, September 30 starting at 9 p.m. at Alibi Ale Works at 10069 Bridge St, Truckee, CA 96161. Tickets are $10–go to Brownpapertickets.com to buy them. 

Community Clean Up Day 

Help pick up trash in Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista, Carnelian Bay, and Crystal Bay.

Community Clean Up Day will be on Saturday, September 30 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. starting 265 Bear Street. 

Oktoberfest 

At Oktoberfest, The Village at Palisades Tahoe transforms into the largest Bavarian playground in North Lake Tahoe, complete with authentic German beer and Bavarian music and dance, plus the ever-popular Oktoberfest Games and plenty of family fun. Enjoy live entertainment by Joe Smiell’s 20 Piece Bavarian Band, the Almenrausch Schuhplattler Dance Troupe and Alpentanzer Schuhplattler Dance Troupe, accompanied by the Alpentanz Kapelle Band throughout the day. Authentic Brats, Pretzels, Swiss Slices and traditional European dessert/pastries to include apple strudel & nussgipfel, plus Root Beer Floats for the kids will be available for purchase. 

Oktoberfest will be on Saturday, September 30 from 12-6 p.m. at The Village at Palisades Tahoe at 1960 Olympic Vly Rd, Olympic Valley. Navigate to Palisadestahoe.com to order tickets. $20 tickets through presale and $30 at the door. Tickets are FREE for kids 12 and under!

Bike’Toberfest

A classic fall festival with an adventure sport twist! Celebrate the change of seasons and your love for mountain biking at Northstar’s Bike’Toberfest. There will be a huge giveaway, beer garden, and best lederhosen costume award. 

Bike’Toberfest will be on Saturday, September 30 ALL DAY at the Northstar Mid Mountain Lodge at The Lodge at Big Springs, 5002 Northstar Dr, Truckee, CA 96161. Go ahead and just show up – it’s FREE!

Teton Gravity Research presents Legend Has It

Get hyped for winter with Teton Gravity Research’s new feature length ski and snowboard film, “Legend Has It,” premiering on the big-screen and featuring the all-time winter at Palisades Tahoe! Come early for athlete poster signings and prize giveaways from partners like Sierra Nevada, Nissan, Atomic, YETI, Volkl, Mammut, Tincup and many more. Plus, enter to win the tour grand prizes – with TGR’s biggest giveaway ever, as someone will be driving away in a Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek edition.

Teton Gravity Research will present “Legend Has It” on Saturday, September 30 starting at 6 p.m. at KT Base Bar at 1960 Squaw Valley Rd, Olympic Valley, CA 96146. It’s FREE, but donations are encouraged. 

Bluegrass Jam at Alibi 

End your weekend at Alibi relaxing with beer and bluegrass tunes. This casual gathering is open to anyone who’d like to play some good music with good folks, or just sit back, relax, & enjoy the ambiance.

The Bluegrass Jam is on Sunday, October 1st from 6-8 p.m. at Alibi Ale Works at 10069 Bridge St, Truckee.  

Brisket + Brews

Experience the joy of Sukkot with friends, family, and your community in a joyful and festive atmosphere at the North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation’s Brisket and Brews Sukkot Fall Festival. Enjoy delicious food, beer, a farmer’s market, live music, and kids’ activities. Temple members will serve traditional Jewish-style beef brisket and Challah bread along with tasty side dishes. Each admission includes a plate of food and a commemorative pint glass + one beer pour for the adults and a reusable water pouch for the kids. Learn about the Jewish Fall holiday of Sukkot which celebrates and gives thanks for the bounty of the earth and meet the members of the North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation. 

Brisket + Brews will be on Sunday, October 1 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation at 7000 Latone Avenue, Tahoe Vista. Tickets are on sale now! Advance tickets are $25 adult and $10 for kids \ $35 and $10 at the door. Get tickets at Eventbrite.com. 

Music in the Downtown Park –  Celebration of Women in Music (including performances by Monique Vieras and The Steel Sparrows)

Boogie down to the outdoor stage in Historic Downtown Truckee this fall for a FREE concert series in the mountain air! Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District and the Tahoe Truckee School of Music present Music in the Downtown Park, a community gathering with great music. 

Music in the Downtown Park will be on Wednesday, October 4 starting at 6 p.m. at the Community Arts Center Downtown Park at 10046 Church St in Truckee.

Golf for Skate 

Here we go again! Time for another fun day playing golf and raising money for a bigger, better skatepark here in Truckee! Scramble-style tournament.

The entry includes: Greens fee and cart fees, breakfast burritos, two raffle tickets, range balls, adult beverages, tournament prizes, Registration will start at 8 am so come early and hit some balls on the range, play some games and enjoy a bloody mary. Shotgun starts at 10 am. After the tournament we will raffle off prizes and award the top 3 teams, closest to the pin, and longest drive.

Golf for Skate will be on Wednesday, October 4 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Gray’s Crossing Golf Course at 11410 Henness Rd, Truckee. Admission is $200/golfer. Register at Rockermemorialskatepark.org. 

Country Line Dancing with Country Casey

Join us for dancing lessons!

Dance lessons will be on Wednesday, October 4 from 7-10 p.m. at Alibi Ale Works at 10069 Bridge St, Truckee. $5 admission (make sure to bring cash)!

Ribbon Cutting & Open House Party for the Church Street House

Join us for a ribbon cutting ceremony, sips, and bites to celebrate Stonebridge’s renovation of a historic home on Church Street. This is a unique opportunity to tour this luxury, furnished 6 bedroom/4 bath home that will be available for corporate housing, traveling professionals, or seasonal leases. 

The ribbon cutting and open house party will be on Thursday, October 5 from 4-6 p.m. at Church St. in downtown Truckee. 

Jamestown Revival 

Jamestown Revival is an internationally recognized Americana/Roots Rock band from Austin, TX, who affectionately describe their music as “Southern & Garfunkel.”Jamestown Revival’s newest album, Young Man, is the band’s first album without electric guitars and their first to be recorded in a studio. With themes like coming of age and settling into an identity, Young Man was produced by Robert Ellis and Josh Block (Leon Bridges, Caamp). The band has performed at iconic music festivals, such as Farm Aid, Coachella, Stagecoach,Lollapalooza, Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic and Austin City Limits, have been featured in publications ranging from Rolling Stone to the Wall Street Journal, and performed and toured with the likes of the Zac Brown Band, Nathaniel Rateliff, Ryan Bingham and Willie Nelson.

Jamestown Revival will be on Thursday, October 5 starting at 8 p.m. at Crystal Bay Club at 14 NV-28, Crystal Bay. General admission is $25. Get tickets at Tixr.com.

OLYMPIC VALLEY, Calif. – As any self-respecting chef will tell you, having the perfect chicken wing recipe is critical to success. After several years of tinkering with ingredient combinations, Plumpjack Café executive chef Jack Connell has landed on a winning recipe for the perfect chicken wing.

“We are a seasonal restaurant, so for years we changed our wing recipe to adapt to the ingredients of the season. But not long ago, we landed on a recipe that was a total hit. Our customers freaked out when we tried to change it,” said Connell.

He added this “secret” recipe is all about the fundamentals: bringing the wings, making pickles and hot sauce from scratch. 

Connell’s wings were a huge hit at this year’s Guitar Strings vs Chicken Wings event at Palisades Tahoe on Sept. 8., which is a fundraiser for Tahoe Institute for Natural Science. Attendees vote on their favorite, and Plumpjack took the top prize out of the 6 local restaurants that put their wings to the test.

“This has been a few years coming. My entire team stepped up and did an awesome job to help us get the win,” said Connell.

In total, Plumpjack served 280 pounds of wings in a three-hour period. Perennial favorite The Auld Dubliner took second place chicken wings honors, and Tremigo came in third.

The other half of the event was the battle of the bands. The top three winners were The Nomads, Tim High and the Mighty, and Jelly Bread.  Another notable result from this year is that the Nomad’s lead vocalist, Kandy Xander, has entered the event three times with three different bands, winning every year that she has competed. 

This year’s event also saw the largest crowd in its ten-year history. Aside from being a great excuse to listen to good music and eat wings, money raised at the event supports the environmental educational programming at TINS.

“This was by far and away our biggest and best event yet,” said Will Richardson, Executive Director of TINS. “We have three main goals with it: to raise awareness about TINS and what we do, to raise money to support what we do, and to put on a fun event for the community. We succeeded on all three. We are deeply grateful for all the restaurants, bands, and volunteers for their hard work, the many sponsors and our partners at the Palisades Village Neighborhood Company who help make this event happen, and all the folks who came out to support the event.”