Sparks Mayor Ron Smith says he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last month adding that the cancer was caught early. 

Mayor Smith released this statement:

I can’t tell you how excited I am to be the new mayor of the City of Sparks! I am looking forward to continuing the momentum of moving our great city forward.
I did, however, want to let you know that in mid-December, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It was caught early, and I am very positive, as are my doctors, that I will respond well to treatment. I ask for your thoughts, prayers and encouragement, as well as privacy, as I go through this journey. There may be appointments and engagements that I will not be able to attend, but our Mayor pro tempore Ed Lawson and our other council members will be available in my place. Again, there are so many great plans for Sparks and I’m looking forward to moving our city onto the future!