Ex-Tahoe resident Joseph Balius files for bankruptcy

By Kathryn Reed

Joseph Balius, best known in South Lake Tahoe for leaving Lake Tahoe Community College students who were residing at the Alder Inn in a lurch when he skipped town, has filed for bankruptcy.

Balius, whose first name is Shelly but goes by his middle name of Joseph, filed the paperwork with his wife, Kira, in Las Vegas. Court documents show a Henderson address for the couple. It is believed they moved to this town next to Vegas when they abruptly left Tahoe last fall.

There is a creditors’ meeting on July 30 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Nevada, with South Lake Tahoe residents part of that group.

The Balius’ attorney did not return phone calls.

South Lake Tahoe police officials did not return a call inquiring if they still had an open case against Balius.

The issue with the students has long since been settled.