Minden-Tahoe Airport Manager Heather MacDonnell

THE HISTORY OF THE MINDEN-TAHOE AIRPORT

With the assistance of information from Historian Wayne Scarpasi, Minden-Tahoe Airport Manager Heather MacDonnell shared an abundance of information with the Rotary Club of Minden about how our local airport got its start, how it has grown and what the future may hold.

Early discussions began in mid 1935 about two possible locations for an airport - Dangberg property or the Dresslerville area.  In January of 1941, the Dresslerville (Ranchos) land was ruled out as it was determined to be too close to the mountains.  So negotiations began with the Dangberg family for 600 acres - at a purchase price of $10 per acre.  The army was looking at the airport as a good location to back up the Pacific Fleet and possibly locate 400-500 men.  In a multi day closed door meeting, it was determined that Lemon Valley, what is now the Reno Stead Airport,  would be a better location for the army training center.  But construction still proceeded.  The first runway was dirt and eventually had an oil finish.  The second runway was added in October and featured a hard runway.

Throughout 1943 and 1944, when the population of Minden was only about 2000, early civilian flight schools were established.  In addition, the USAAF established a High-Altitude Flying Training Center in Minden as they were finding a 30% loss rate in the war with the C46’s which were not made for high altitude.  This designated training definitely decreased that loss rate.

When World War II ended, the Air Force pulled out of Minden within 2 weeks.  The land (996 acres) and infrastructure was officially donated back to Douglas County with an agreement that the County would maintain it.  Extension of the runways was done in the 1960’s.  

Hangars are in high demand -there are currently 78 County owned hangars that are occupied and 86 on the wait list for a hangar.  Additional land leases with private hangars create a revenue source for the County of approximately $600,000 per year through personal property taxes.  Current construction includes 13 new hangars and a bathroom with a need for more bathrooms.  In addition, the master plan is being updated as well as design work for lighting taxiway A.  This regional airport business community employs 376 people, as of 2022 and brings in tourism as well as serving firefighters, emergency services, and gliders.  No commercial flights are permitted since the longest runway is only 7400 feet.  There is no tower - air traffic is all controlled by radio chatter.

Exciting news for 2026 is that the airshow will return to Minden.  A volunteer committee is busy planning the event currently for 2026 and beyond.  From Dangberg ranch land to a thriving regional airport, we are fortunate to have this little gem in the Carson Valley!

WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was unanimously voted on by both the Past Presidents and the entire club that Pat Garrahan will be our next club President in 2026-27.  What a perfect way to start our second century!

The Rotary Club of Minden is happy to welcome the following new members:

• Ric Casper is a graduate from Carson City High (but is quick to add his 3 kids all graduated from Douglas High).  He attended BYU as an undergraduate and Yale Law School.  He worked for the US Attorney's office for 4 years before coming back home and working for the Douglas County District Attorney's Office.
• Loral Langemeier from Live Out Loud Publishing.  Loral has 2 kids (Logan age 25 and Tristan age 18).  She is a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan, has an MA from Omaha and is a writer.  AND she's dating President Graham.
• Eric Barter from Bad Boys Bail Bonds (Past President from the Rotary Club of Arcadia).  See the October 23rd newsletter for Eric's craft talk.
• Daniel Crawford, sponsored by Howard Vipperman. It was said he is the first native American to become a member in the Rotary Club of Minden. He is a Douglas County native, spent time in Diamond Valley, graduated from school in Douglas, served on tribal council, works for Washoe Native TANF as the project and resource specialist, and attended Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence Kansas.

We look forward to hearing the rest of the craft talks soon and getting to know you better!

NOVEMBER

11/21 6:30pm - Minden Fortnightly Fundraiser at CVIC

11/27, 8:30 am - Carson Valley Turkey Trot begins at Minden Park

DECEMBER

12/4 - Town of Gardnerville Christmas Kickoff/ Gazebo Lighting (Heritage Park) - need volunteers to serve hot cocoa and cake - more information to come

12/5 - Minden Park Gazebo Lighting, 5-7pm Rotarians can assist at CVIC hall

12/5 - Genoa Christmas kick off

12/6 - Genoa Breakfast with Santa

12/6 - Holiday Museum Gala - free admission at the Gardnerville museum - volunteers needed during the event

12/6 - CV Chamber Parade of Lights, 5-8pm - we will put together a float (Holiday Hoedown theme) - more information to come

12/12 FOOD DRIVE, 6am - 6pm – Channel 2 Share your Christmas Drive by Food Drive - all day at the Carson Valley Inn - Rotarians can make donations or assist with the food drive

12/13 Wreath Across America at Buckeye and Douglas County Cemeteries, 9am - Includes a ceremony for Veterans and wreaths placed on gravestones.  Rotarians needed to help with parking prior to the event at Eastside Memorial Park (1600 Buckeye Road)

12/19 (6-9pm), 12/20 (9am-1pm) - Project Santa Claus Toy Distribution - DC Fairgrounds - Rotarians help organize, wrap and distribute toys

12/20 (2pm - 8pm) Corley Ranch Christmas at the Corral - train rides, horse rides, craft and food vendors, hayrides, Santa photos, live music, silent auction - volunteer opportunities to be determined.

2026

4/9/26 District Foundation Dinner

5/1-5/3/26 District Conference at Grand Sierra Casino.  Register HERE

5/16/26 Rotary Club Minden's 5th Annual Giving Cup @ Genoa Lakes

6/9/26 Rotary Club Minden's 100 Year Anniversary Celebration @ CVI

November 20th - Ken Miller on the Rotary Foundation

November 27th - No meeting - Enjoy your Thanksgiving!