The management, ownership, friends and family of Kirkwood Mountain Resort are deeply saddened by the passing of Dick Reuter, part of the original founding team of Kirkwood, World War II veteran and a true “mountain man’s mountain man”.

Dick passed away at Kirkwood on July 4, 2011. He was 88.

Dick’s mountain resort career began in the late 1950s in Squaw Valley after a long career as a trapper and logger in the Lassen Park area.

Dick initially helped fell trees to clear ski runs at Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley, and then worked as a ski patrol leader at Squaw Valley during the 1960 Winter Olympics where he met and married his bride, Jeanne, and started a family.

After the Olympics, Dick went on to become mountain manager, cutting many legendary runs, running the avalanche control, and building and maintaining the ski lifts.

Enticed by the beautiful mountain at Kirkwood, Bud Klein’s compelling vision, and the significant challenges of starting a brand new resort, Dick moved his family to Kirkwood to start cutting runs and putting in lifts and implementing Kirkwood’s master plan in 1972.

“Dick Reuter was a ‘mountain man’s mountain man’,” says Dave Myers, vice president of operation for Kirkwood Mountain Resort. He worked with Dick for more than 30 years. “A real pioneer and tough as nails, Dick basically single-handedly installed chair No. 11, ‘The Reut’ of which the lift is named after him.”

The stories of Dick’s efforts and accomplishments have been chronicled in several books, including “Mountain Dreamers” and “Avalanche Hunters” as well as numerous trade journals and other articles.

Dick’s passion and drive played a significant role in making what Kirkwood is today.

His life will be celebrated at a memorial service with family, friends and admirers at Kirkwood on Aug. 6. Details are being finalized.

A business boot camp for entrepreneurs and small businesses will be Sept. 27-29 in South Lake Tahoe.

The boot camp is designed to build your business and help you create your business plan.

This three-day course that will cover market analysis, marketing strategies, finances, business law, pitfalls of small business and more.

For information or to register, call (775) 588.1728, ext. 303 or email emily@tahoechamber.org.

Lake Tahoe Community College’s music department’s “Music of the Night” fundraiser concert features music from the Broadway musicals “Phantom of the Opera” and “Jekyll and Hyde” on July 23 in the college’s Duke Theatre.

The concert will feature LTCC music instructor Mark D. Williams and friends.

Tickets are $15 general admission and are available at the door or in advance. Email Williams@ltcc.edu for tickets or information.

The concert starts at 8pm.

Proceeds go toward the music department’s purchase of a concert grand piano.

Senate Bill 140, which was passed this year by the Nevada Legislature and signed by Gov. Brian Sandoval, goes into effect Oct. 1. The law prohibits the use of a cellular phone or other handheld wireless communications device while operating a motor vehicle in certain circumstances.

This is a primary law which means that officers do not need to observe a separate violation before initiating a traffic enforcement stop.

To help educate the motoring public and to create as much awareness about this important law, traffic enforcement officers who observe this violation may initiate a traffic stop; however, no citations for using this handheld device maybe issued until Jan. 1, 2012.

Meet the State Park naturalist in front of the Nature Center at Ed Z’berg-Sugar Pine Point State Park for a special full moon hike into the Dolder Nature Preserve portion of the park on July 16 at 8:30pm and Aug. 13 at 8pm.

The 90-minute tour will lead you to the shore of Lake Tahoe for a spectacular sight as the moon shines on the glimmering waters.

The park, which is normally closed to visitors after dark, will unveil itself for this special guided tour. Wear layered clothing and be prepared for our changing Tahoe weather.

Cost is $10 per person; 12 and under free.

For information, call (530) 583.3074.

Nothing is more beautiful than the waters of Lake Tahoe by morning light. Join California State Park Rangers and West Shore Sports at Ed Z’berg-Sugar Pine Point State Park for this unique kayak tour as we take a leisurely paddle along the shore line.

Experience the early morning beauty while learning about the natural and cultural history of the area.

No previous experience required.

Kayaks, life vests and instructions are provided. Wear synthetic clothing rather than cotton (swimsuit, shirt, shorts, lightweight pants, jacket and warm cap). Bring water, retainer strap for glasses and water shoes.

Dates are July 19 (arrive at 4:50am) and Aug. 23 (arrive at 5:50am).

Cost is $25 per person, with an 18-person limit.

Reservations required: (530) 525.9920.

Proceeds benefit the Sierra State Parks Foundation.

Navigating your kayak by moonlight is a mystical experience you won’t soon forget. Join California State Park rangers and West Shore Sports at Ed Z’berg-Sugar Pine Point State Park for this unique kayak tour watching for a grand view of the moon rising into the night’s sky while learning about the area’s unique history.

Paddle leisurely while admiring the moon’s silvery light reflecting off the water’s surface.

No previous experience required.

Kayaks, life vests and instructions are provided. Wear synthetic clothing rather than cotton (swimsuit, shirt, shorts, lightweight pants, jacket and warm cap).

Bring water, retainer strap for glasses and water shoes. Proceeds benefit the Sierra State Parks Foundation.

Dates are July 14 and Aug. 11 starting at 7:30pm.

Cost is $25 per person, with an 18-person limit.

Reservations required: (530) 525.9920.

Valhalla Holiday Gala  is Dec. 3 from 5:30-10:30pm at the Grand Hall of the Tallac Site on the South Shore.

The magnificent Valhalla Grand Hall, of the vintage 1924 Heller Estate, listed on the National Historic Register of Historic Places, hosts the 16th annual Valhalla Holiday Faire. Featuring a 40-foot high natural stone fireplace, the Grand Hall will be decorated in a festive Holiday mode Nov. 19-20 from 10am-5pm.

Twenty-five local vendors and artists will be offering a varied assortment of hand-made and other special items for purchase at this South Shore event.

Father Christmas comes to visit as local school choirs and other musical groups perform through out the two-day Holiday Festival.

Raffle tickets for raffle packages of items donated by the vendors will be available as well as hot mulled wine, hot cider, water, sodas, and cookies will be available for purchase.

The event is free.

Founded by front man guitarist Davin Kangas in 2002, the Cash Only Band started out as a Johnny Cash Tribute band. Also featured will be the music of other popular artists including Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson and David Allen Coe.

They play Aug. 28 at 7:30pm at the Boathouse Theatre on the South Shore.