🌱 Washoe Hospitals Nearing Capacity + Where Is Caitlin Denison?

Good day, neighbors! Nicole Fallon-Peek here with the latest Reno Daily.

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First, today's weather:

Cloudy and cold. High: 37 Low: 19.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Reno:

1. The COVID-19 omicron variant is spreading quickly throughout the United States, and Reno-area hospitals are keeping a close eye on their capacity. Nevada state health officials have reported that, as of Dec. 16, roughly 85 percent of ICU beds were occupied in hospitals across the state — 10 percent of which are filled by COVID-19 patients. In Washoe County, some facilities, like the Renown Regional Medical Center and Northern Nevada Medical Center, are at or near 100 percent occupancy. (Reno Patch)
2. A YouTuber has brought renewed attention to the case of missing Reno woman Caitlin Denison, who seemingly vanished in January of 2018 at age 19 after traveling to Texas. Kendall Rae, whose YouTube channel discusses true crimes and mysteries, published a video last month about the disappearance featuring an interview with Denison's sister. As of Dec. 17, the video had 1.2 million views and has helped raise more than $11,000 for a GoFundMe campaign to hire a private detective. (Reno Gazette Journal)
3. On Wednesday, a Reno jury convicted William Phillip Neidinger, 60, of providing false information to get a U.S. passport. Neidinger faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced March 15. The Northern Nevada resident, also known as William Joseph Beck III, gave a false birth date, place of birth, and Social Security number on a passport application on Feb. 27, 2018, the Nevada U.S. Attorney's Office said. (KOLO)

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Today in Reno:

• Reno Wine Walk At The Raymond L. Smith Truckee River Walk District (2:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• The US National Weather Service predicts quiet weather for western Nevada in the days ahead. Plan for chilly temperatures, light winds, and freezing fog in Sierra Valleys. Poor mixing may lead to air quality concerns in valley locations. (Facebook)
• The Nevada Humane Society is partnering with Natural Paws Reno tomorrow from 3 to 5 p.m. for a holiday event featuring holiday pumpkin lattes for your pups and wine from Mutt Lynch Winery and Southern Glazers of Nevada. (Facebook)
• Washoe County Schools are official on Winter Break as of yesterday afternoon. The Reno Police Department encourages residents to spend time with their families and enjoy the holidays together! (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday. I'll be back in your inbox Monday with a new update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.