CONGRATULATING RAY HAGAR

HON. DEAN HELLER

OF NEVADA

IN THE UNITED STATES SENATE

August 5, 2015 

Mr. HELLER: Mr. President, today, I wish to congratulate Ray Hagar on his retirement after decades of bringing Northern Nevada extraordinary news coverage. It gives me great pleasure to recognize Ray’s hard work and unwavering dedication to the local community and for showcasing journalistic integrity and excellence to the Silver State.

Ray is truly a role model to many in the local community, embodying the battle born spirit of genuine loyalty, determination, and resilience. He is a fifth-generation Nevadan, bringing unique insight to an array of topics, especially in his political coverage. Ray has spent time at several news outlets, including the Reno Evening Gazette and the Nevada State Journal, and most recently served as a member of the political team with the Reno Gazette Journal and as a regular host on Nevada’s most-watched political talk show, “Nevada Newsmakers.” His 15 years of political coverage with the Reno Gazette Journal brought Nevadans only the most accurate journalism. He is also the co-author of “Johnson-Jeffries: Dateline Reno,” a novel about the 1910 fight between Jack Johnson and Jim Jeffries and its effects on Nevada. His lengthy and extensive career touched the lives of many across the state, keeping residents up-to-date and knowledgeable on key topics.   

Ray always made sure to place himself in the middle of the action to gain a full understanding of what he was reporting on. Even as a young boy growing up, he was eager to be fully engrossed in his surroundings. One story that Ray references as a good learning experience was during his football career with Bishop Manogue High School. It was 1969 and the Bishop Manogue High School Miners, coached by Christ Ault, were playing against Carson High School, my alma mater. The Miners were behind but were inside the 5-yard line with enough time to clench a final victory. At the time, Ray was playing offensive guard and was punched in the face by an opposing player. Ray retaliated, ultimately receiving a penalty that caused the Miners to lose the game and was kicked off the football team. Later that night, he turned up at Coach Ault’s home, asking for a second chance and continued on in the season. Though I am sure this was devastating at the time, it shows Ray’s sense of commitment and humility.  

Throughout his career, Ray was a true journalist, gaining insight from all sides to convey a thorough picture to his audience. If anything important was going on, you could always count on Ray to have an accurate story ready to share. I will never forget some of the stories that Ray reported on, especially his interaction with former New York Yankee manager, Billy Martin. If that doesn’t illustrate a sincere effort to get the real story, then I don’t know what does. I had the pleasure of working with Ray using an open-door policy and appreciate the relationship we built throughout the years.

Ray left his footprint on Nevada journalism, a mark that will remain in the Northern Nevada community for years to come. His legacy of thorough and fair coverage will never be forgotten. Surely, future political writers will have big shoes to fill after his incredible career.

Ray has demonstrated absolute dedication to excellent reporting, bringing Nevada politics outside of the walls of the Legislature and Congress to audiences across the state. I am both humbled and honored by his hard work and am proud to call him a fellow Nevadan. Today, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in congratulating an upstanding Nevadan and friend, Ray Hagar, on his retirement. I give my deepest appreciation for all that he has done and offer him my best wishes for many successful and fulfilling years to come.