Incline woman finds medallion

Incline Village resident Wendy Gallo — with the help of her chocolate Lab, Eli — found the medallion Wednesday, solving the annual Nevada Day Treasure Hunt.

“I walk that area all the time,” she said. “It was pretty dumb luck.”

Gallo, who has lived in Incline Village for more than 20 years, said she and some friends started reading the clues and putting together the medallion could be in their area.

“We just got a little curious, I guess,” she said.

She said she and her history buff friends made a deal: They would work to solve the clues, and she would go out and hunt. Her search led her down to a trail off of Country Club Way and Incline Way in Incline Village. However, it was Eli who solved the final mystery.

“I was looking on the trail,” she said. “I turned around, and there’s the dog with it hanging out of his mouth.”

Laurie Olson organized the 13th annual hunt with her family, coinciding with the state’s birthday each year. The treasure, a small acrylic square containing a Nevada Day Treasure Hunt medallion, could have been anywhere in Carson City or Churchill, Douglas, Lyon, Storey, Mineral or Washoe counties.

The prize would have been forfeited had the hidden treasure not been found within 15 clues. Gallo found the treasure on the 13th clue.

As the winner, she will receive a $1,000 prize.

“Eli will get a big steak bone, at least,” she said.