The archive
Conversations from 2026
85 episodes, newest first.
Episode 270Department of Child & Family ServicesOn this episode of Community Conversation, host Megan Ray sits down with Kelsey Keema, Social Services Manager III with the Nevada Department of Human Services, Division of Child and Family Services, to discuss the critical need for foster families across rural Nevada. During the conversation, we…
Episode 269NHP Sgt. Cruz MarinIn this episode of Community Conversation, Megan Ray sits down with Sergeant Cruz Marin of the Nevada State Police Highway Patrol to discuss highway safety, common causes of serious crashes, and what every driver can do to help prevent them. The conversation includes: • Lessons we can learn from the…
Episode 268Elko City Police Department and Children Advocacy Center Detective Cassandra BraincaIn this episode of Community Conversation, host Megan Ray is joined by Detective Cassandra Barainca of the Elko City Police Department and the Great Basin Children’s Advocacy Center to discuss protecting children both in person and online. Topics include: Back-to-school safety, Walking to school and…
Episode 267Elko Co. Sheriff School Resource Officer Brett CarterOn this episode of Community Conversation, Sergeant Brett Carter of the Elko County Sheriff’s Office joins host Megan Ray to discuss what every parent, student, and driver should know before heading back to school. In this episode, we cover: School zone safety and speed limits School bus laws and…
Episode 266Elko Co. Transportation Districton this episode of Community Conversation, host Megan Ray is visiting with the Elko County School District Transportation Department. Transportation Supervisors Misty Horttor and Brittney Reasbeck share everything parents, students, and motorists need to know before the first day of school. We…
Episode 2657 Diamond Dog TrainingOn this episode of Community Conversation, host Megan Ray sits down with Shannon Bachman and Sheri Markert of 7 Diamond Dog Training to discuss the important roles working dogs play in our communities. They explain the differences between service dogs, guide dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support…
Episode 264PACE CoalitionOn this episode of Community Conversation, host Megan Ray sits down with Lauryn Nunley, CHWII, Executive Director of PACE Coalition, to discuss the coalition’s mission of prevention, education, and community wellness across Northeastern Nevada. Lauryn shares how PACE is working to prevent substance…
Episode 263Elko F.I.S.H.On this episode of Community Conversation, host Megan Ray sits down with Pastor Tim Royal, Director of Elko F.I.S.H. (Friends In Service Helping), to discuss how the organization continues to meet the growing needs of individuals and families across Northeastern Nevada. Learn about the many services…
Episode 262Elko County Natural ResourcesOn this episode of Community Conversation, host Megan Ray sits down with Curtis Moore, Director of the Elko County Natural Resources Office and Assistant County Manager, to discuss several important topics affecting Northeastern Nevada. The conversation covers this year’s Mormon cricket outbreaks…
Episode 261Nevada Cattlemen’s AssociationOn this episode of Community Conversation, host Megan Ray sits down with Curtis Moore, Director of the Elko County Natural Resources Office and Assistant County Manager, to discuss several important topics affecting Northeastern Nevada. The conversation covers this year’s Mormon cricket outbreaks…
Episode 260Step Bros Lawn ProsJoin host Megan Ray as she visits with Tripp (14) and Orion (12), the founders of Step Bros. Lawn Pros, along with their mom, Dawn Warner. Hear how the boys turned a simple idea into a growing lawn care business, the generous community member who helped them get started with their first mower, and…
Episode 259Elko Elks LodgeOn this episode of Community Conversation, host Megan Ray sits down with Glen Hanington and Ben Reed Jr. of the Great Basin Elks Lodge #1472 to discuss the rich history of the Elks, the organization’s commitment to serving Northeastern Nevada, and the many ways members are making a difference in…
Episode 258LifequestOn this episode of Community Conversation, host Megan Ray is joined by Janell Anderson, LCSW and Clinical Director of LifeQuest Elko, and Mardi Robinson, Office Manager, for a conversation about mental health services, community resources, and the growing impact of equine-assisted therapy in…
Episode 2574th of July America 250Celebrate Independence Day through the stories and traditions that have made Elko County’s Fourth of July celebrations a cherished part of our community for generations. On this special episode of Community Conversation, host Megan Ray is joined by Jan Petersen and Annette Kerr (ECUA) to explore the…
Episode 256NV State ParksJoin host Megan Ray for a statewide conversation with Tyler Kerver, Education & Information Officer, and Jonathan Brunjes, Administrator for Nevada State Parks. From hidden gems and scenic camping destinations to family-friendly adventures, volunteer opportunities, conservation efforts, and America…
Episode 255Elko Fire Dept. Chief JohnstonFire service is often associated with responding to fires, but today’s firefighters do so much more. On this episode of Community Conversation, host Megan Ray sits down with City of Elko Fire Chief James Johnston to discuss the many responsibilities of the Elko Fire Department, from emergency…
Episode 254Elko Sheriff Aitor NarvaziaElko County Sheriff Aitor Narvazia joins Megan Ray on this episode of Community Conversation to discuss public safety across one of the nation’s largest counties, the role of the Sheriff’s Office, and the challenges and rewards of serving the people of Elko County. In recognition of National Safety…
Episode 253Elko PD Chief Ward & Capt. MooreOn this episode of Community Conversation host Megan Ray sits down with Elko Police Chief Kyle Ward and Captain Rick Moore of the Elko Police Department. Chief Ward shares his journey to becoming Elko’s newest Police Chief, his vision for the department, and the priorities he has for serving and…
Episode 2524-H K9 ProgramOn this episode of Community Conversation as we spotlight the growing Elko County 4-H Dog Program with special guests Abby Valdez, Kayla Valdez, and co-leader Angela Valdez. Learn how this newly revamped program has nearly doubled in participation in just its second year, helping local youth develop…
Episode 251Elko Mayor KennerOn this episode of Community Conversation, host Megan Ray sits down with Elko Mayor Reece Keener to reflect on his eight years leading the City of Elko. Mayor Keener discusses how Elko has changed during his time in office, the accomplishments he’s most proud of, and the challenges that came with…
Episode 250VFWOn this episode of Community Conversation, host Megan Ray welcomes representatives from VFW Post 2350, the Gasper J. Salaz Post in Elko. Joining the conversation are Commander Mike Silva, Quartermaster Rob Gould, and Junior Vice Commander Christina Bradford. The discussion explores the mission of…
Episode 249Ruby B. SuttonOn this episode of Community Conversation, host Megan Ray sits down with Ruby B. Sutton, mining engineer, entrepreneur, founder of STEMher Magazine, and founder and director of the Ms. Elko County and Teen Miss Elko County Leadership Program. Ruby shares her inspiring journey, her passion for STEM…
Episode 248TDC AthleticsThis episode of Community Conversation, host Megan Ray sits down with the leadership team from TDC Athletics in Spring Creek to discuss an exciting new chapter for the organization. Recently transitioning to nonprofit status, TDC Athletics is expanding its mission to provide affordable and…
Episode 247Brett Badger & Robert Clark of Body Mind & Soul Support SolutionsMegan Ray sits down with Brett Badger of Body, Mind & Soul/NV Support Solutions and Robert Clark program participant and board member for a powerful and honest conversation about recovery, reentry, addiction, trauma, second chances, and rebuilding life after incarceration. Both guests shared…