Economy shows weakness during annual food drive
A slowing economy and a changing population because of the foreclosure crisis may be the cause for a less-than-jolly canned food collection in Henderson this holiday season, a Boy Scout of America official said.
Henderson Boy Scouts packed 2,847 boxes of food, or about 78 tons, for Saturday's Scouting for Food collection. That's down about 18 percent from last year, said Gary Lewis, activities and marketing director for the Boy Scouts of America Las Vegas Area Council.
"There were a lot of houses that were flat-out empty," he said. "That probably plays into it."
Clark County was the hardest hit by foreclosures at the end of 2007, according to RealtyTrak.
Boy Scouts collected about 221 tons of food from Southern Nevada homes to fill the Thanksgiving baskets of thousands of needy families. That is short of its 230-ton goal and two tons less than last year's collection. Lewis said the economy could also be a factor.
More than 8,000 young people and 4,000 parents and leaders helped this year. Lewis said the council increased its goal this year because the needs of the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities doubled in just a few months.
Economic woes aren't lost on the youngest residents, especially after lifting and sorting tons of cans and boxes.
Cub Scout Preston Longbrake, 10, said that he's worried about the economy, even though his knowledge of it is limited to toy shopping with his parents. He was one of 8,000 Scouts participating in the collection.
"I'm scared a little because sometimes I ask my parents to buy stuff and they say no a lot, because they're scared they might lose their jobs," said the Sue H. Morrow Elementary School student.
His mother, Patty Longbrake, said some families are struggling more this year, which is why she wanted her son to participate in the collection.
"You have to watch your money. Even if you have a decent job, you never know what can happen these days," she said.
Those who work with the needy are expecting a lot more need this year. They hope to have the volunteers and donated food to keep up with it. The Scouting for Food effort helps fill Southern Nevada food pantries.
"Our increase (in need) is due specifically to the economy," said Sue McCullough, a director of Emergency Aid of Boulder City, a nonprofit charity. "People are losing jobs and getting their hours cut."
In October, 242 families came to Emergency Aid for help. At about the same time last year, there were about half that number.
"You can see, that's double in a year," she said. "These numbers are terrifying."
This year, she expects 225 families will receive a turkey basket from Emergency Aid. That's up from about 200 in previous years.
"With the state of the economy, there are a whole lot of people who need assistance," said William Cobb, an officer with the Salvation Army Corps in Henderson.
The Henderson Rotary Club bought 150 of the 300 turkeys the Salvation Army will distribute this year. The Boys Scouts will provide the side dishes, but the group is still short on turkeys.
Some aid workers are optimistic. "People recognize times are hard, but I look forward to a good year because people's hearts are open," said Joel Ritchie, Scouting for Food coordinator for the Eldorado district. "People are looking forward to giving this year."
All of the 105 packs and troops in Ritchie's district participated in the drive this year — more than 800 children and teens assisted with hauling bags from homes to sorting centers.
Eldorado Scouts collected 42 tons. Silverado Scouts collected 36 tons, both areas saw a 17 percent decrease from last year's collection. That isn't good news to aid organizations.
"We're projecting 4,000 families this year for turkeys," said Leslie Carmine, community relations coordinator for Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada. For Thanksgiving 2007, it provided baskets for about 3,000.
The organization also serves two meals to the needy on Nov. 25 and 27 at its 1501 Las Vegas Blvd. North campus.
source: LasVegasSun.com
BC Council split evident in annual review
City Manager Vicki Mayes' annual evaluation by the City Council played the same Monday as it did last year: Three council members were strong supporters and two were highly critical.
The next day, reviews of City Attorney Dave Olsen and City Clerk Pamella Malmstrom split the same way, but the comments were less harsh.
In the two days of special City Council meetings aired on the city's cable station BCTV, longtime council members Mayor Roger Tobler, Councilwoman Andrea Anderson and Councilman Mike Pacini said the three appointed officials treat elected officials fairly and encourage open discussion.
Councilman Travis Chandler and Councilwoman Linda Strickland, who hold the two newest seats, said Mayes, Olsen and Malmstrom treat them with disdain and unwillingness.
The two said both Mayes and Olsen act to further their political agendas and not in the best interest of the city.
Mayes has served as city manager since 2004 and was city clerk from 1992 until her appointment to city manager. Olsen has been city attorney since 1999, when she came to Boulder City from Ely.
Mayor Roger Tobler was the first to praise Mayes at the evaluation.
Under Mayes' direction, he said, Boulder City is "moving forward and running smoothly." He lauded her budgetary leadership and her communication with the council.
Councilwoman Andrea Anderson called Mayes "outstanding," and blamed Chandler and Strickland for unrest on the council, saying they had come on the board wanting to get rid of Mayes.
Chandler said in the year since Mayes' last review, several of her actions have caused him concern.
"What we have here is a city manager who has an agenda of her own and she's pursuing it," he said. "The problem is, that's not how our system of government works."
Chandler said he was displeased that Mayes had enacted a media policy last year without consulting the council.
Strickland, in addition to completing the three-page evaluation form all council members filled out for Mayes, submitted a 13-page attachment detailing her concerns with the city manager.
Mayes reacts positively to directions from the three longtime council members, and negatively to her and Chandler, often rolling her eyes or shaking her head while they speak, Strickland said.
"There's a lack of team effort, between the council members and our city manager," she said. "It's ineffective team favoritism and lack of a fair playing field. ... Part of the problem is the fact that she can act how she acts and there's no consequence, no discussion, no reprimand, because of the current makeup of the council."
Pacini said if Mayes has an agenda, it's to do what's best for the city.
"She wouldn't be sitting here if she didn't have some kind of vision to bring to the table," he said.
The council made about 20 long-term goals to Mayes for the coming year, chiefly charging her with creating a fallback plan for the city's budget, getting new permits from the Southern Nevada Health District for the municipal landfill and continuing to pursue renewable energy options for the Eldorado Valley.
Tracy Strickland, husband of Linda Strickland, was the lone resident to criticize Mayes during public comment, while 22 people expressed support.
Many of them are current or former city employees or council members, and nearly all said they have known Mayes for as long as she's been city manager or longer.
Iris Bletsch, a former mayor, said she voted in 2004 to appoint Mayes, whom she called "exemplary."
"I have to pat myself on back, because I think its one of the best decisions I've ever made," she said.
Most, in addition to praising Mayes, attacked Chandler and Strickland and the council's frequent 3-2 split votes.
Olsen and Malmstrom came under scrutiny the following day, with a similar split on the council.
Anderson told Olsen that he's timely and always fair, but suggested he more carefully proofread contracts before presenting them to the public.
Tobler three times interrupted Chandler's evaluation of Olsen, during which the council member criticized the attorney's positions on the Nevada Open Meeting Law and his public criticism of a criminal complaint filed against Malmstrom, while not addressing the one filed against Strickland.
"Do you always take a very, very narrow interpretation of the rule? No, you don't. Sometimes you take an extremely broad interpretation of the rule," said Chandler, who is an attorney. "You pick and choose your style of lawyering."
Tobler told Olsen he appreciates his legal expertise.
"Not being an attorney, I do have confidence in your job and what you do," he said. "I believe you tell us what you really think is right and wrong, not what we want you to rule."
He did ask him to be more active in contract administration and to alert the council if he's overloaded with cases.
Pacini told Olsen he appreciated his presence in the community.
"City Hall doesn't just end when we shut the door. We're everywhere," he said.
Strickland, an attorney, told Olsen she wished they would communicate better and use each other's legal expertise as a resource, and Olsen said he agreed.
"Between you and I, I'm at an impasse," Strickland said. "I feel that as a council member, you're not responding to my questions anymore. I just really want to get to the level with you that you are somebody I can work with, someone who appreciates comments being made and gives me feedback when needed."
She said she thinks he's the most powerful and influential of the three appointed officials, and expects him to be above "politicizing."
Pacini called Malmstrom, who has been city clerk since 2005, "tremendous," and a self-starter who has "grace under pressure."
Anderson commended Malmstrom's professionalism, saying she's timely and thorough and presents an "excellent public image."
Chandler said though his review of Malmstrom last year was all positive, he was bothered this year by Malmstrom's advocacy of removing council reports from agendas, and her "unilateral policy decision" to remove generic reports from city committee agendas.
Strickland said earlier this year, after the filing of a recall petition aiming to oust her and Chandler, her relationship with Malmstrom had deteriorated.
She said she's concerned with Malmstrom's capacity to keep records and record minutes, noting she doesn't trust the minutes recorded and now reviews the council tapes against the meetings for accuracy.
Malmstrom invited Strickland to her office to discuss their personal relationship.
Source: LasVegasSun.com
Rec center hosting teeny boppers
Maybe too young to know the Frug, the Freddie or the Jitterbug, Boulder City youngsters will dance like it's 1959 anyway on Friday at the 18th annual Teeny Bopper Dance.
Dancers can don poodle skirts and blue suede shoes at the sock-hop inspired party for all ages, but mostly kids.
Patty Sullivan, recreation program coordinator, was inspired to start the city tradition after a wedding, when she noticed the children were first on the dance floor.
"The bottom line is everybody has fun — it doesn't matter how old you are," she said. "It's more fun if you have a little kid in your life and you want to break loose. It's special for them. It's not like you're dragging them to an adult event. It's for them."
Children younger than 7 must have a responsible person with them.
Councilman Mike Pacini will spin vintage tunes and lead the Chicken Dance for the 100 people the city expects.
Source: LasVegasSun.com
Two more suspicious fires hit Boulder City
At least two fires late Friday night and early Saturday morning continued a recent rash of presumed arsons in the same neighborhood.
A fire around midnight Saturday in the 1500 block of Georgia Avenue destroyed a garage door, causing at least $3,000 in damage, the home's owner said.
The other reported fire, in the 800 block of Fairway Drive, was discovered Saturday morning and destroyed a floormat at a front door, according to the home owner.
Police reports stated both incidents are suspected arsons.
Marty Harward, who lives on Georgia, said her barking beagles woke her up and led her to the fire. A rubber trash can in her driveway had been lit, melted and spread flames into her garage.
She said her insurance will replace her garage door and rid her home of the smoke damage.
On Nov. 9, police arrested three teenagers and charged them in two fires, on Avenue B and Sixth Street and in a parking lot on Avenue B.
The teens, who were charged as juveniles, were taken to the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center in Las Vegas. They told police those were the only fires they'd set, detective Brett Wibrew said.
Boulder City police and fire officials are investigating four other fires last month that they believe were intentional and related, three that destroyed residential property. Another five fires from June to August may also be suspicious, they said.
Sgt. Vince Albowicz, who is investigating the latest fires, would not comment.
Source: LasVegasSun.com
For the fourth time since her arrest last year, former Boulder City Councilwoman Karla Burton will wait to be tried on driving under the influence charges.
Attorney John Watkins, who is representing Burton, said he would ask that a trial before Las Vegas Justice of the Peace William Jansen set for tomorrow be postponed.
Burton said she was disappointed by the delay and was looking forward to closing the case after nearly two years.
"I want it over with," she said.
Watkins said he was still waiting on a videotape of the arrest taken from a police vehicle. Three police cars were on the scene, he said, but he has received video from only two.
A new hearing date will be set when he appears before Jansen on Wednesday, Watkins said.
Deputy District Attorney Jason Dworin said he was unaware of any missing information or impending delays.
On Feb. 6, 2007, Burton was arrested after Boulder City police saw her in her car at a gas station parking lot on Nevada Highway, according to police records. She was charged with DUI after failing a field sobriety test, records say. Her blood alcohol content was .274, more than three times the legal limit of .08, police records say.
Watkins said the tapes show that, after police officers identified Burton and determined that they believed she was impaired, they waited in the parking lot until Burton drove away.
"I find that offensive," he said, adding he planned to bring the issue up at the trial.
Watkins had requested a delay in March, saying he was missing the videotape, and a trial date in September was held over by Deputy District Attorney Bruce Nelson, who said one witness could not make the court date.
Cassie Tomlin can be reached at 948-2073 or cassie.tomlin@hbcpub.com.
source: lasvegassun.com
At least two fires late Friday night and early Saturday morning continued a recent rash of presumed arsons in the same neighborhood.
A fire around midnight Saturday in the 1500 block of Georgia Avenue destroyed a garage door, causing at least $3,000 in damage, the home's owner said.
The other reported fire, in the 800 block of Fairway Drive, was discovered Saturday morning and destroyed a floormat at a front door, according to the home owner.
Police reports stated both incidents are suspected arsons.
Marty Harward, who lives on Georgia, said her barking beagles woke her up and led her to the fire. A rubber trash can in her driveway had been lit, melted and spread flames into her garage.
She said her insurance will replace her garage door and rid her home of the smoke damage.
On Nov. 9, police arrested three teenagers and charged them in two fires, on Avenue B and Sixth Street and in a parking lot on Avenue B.
The teens, who were charged as juveniles, were taken to the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center in Las Vegas. They told police those were the only fires they'd set, detective Brett Wibrew said.
Boulder City police and fire officials are investigating four other fires last month that they believe were intentional and related, three that destroyed residential property. Another five fires from June to August may also be suspicious, they said.
Sgt. Vince Albowicz, who is investigating the latest fires, would not comment.
Cassie Tomlin can be reached at 948-2073 or cassie.tomlin@hbcpub.com.
Source: lasvegassun.com
Tue, Nov 18, 2008 (midnight)
City Manager Vicki Mayes' annual evaluation by the City Council played the same on Monday as it did last year: Three council members were strong supporters and two were highly critical.
The three with the longest council service gave exclusively positive reviews, while the two newest members were almost entirely negative during the special council meeting, which was aired on the city's cable station BCTV.
Mayes has served as city manager since 2004 and was previously city clerk since 1992.
Mayor Roger Tobler was the first to praise Mayes at the forum, an evaluation made public after a 2005 change in Nevada state law.
Under Mayes' direction, he said, Boulder City is "moving forward and running smoothly." He lauded her budgetary leadership and her communication with the council.
Councilwoman Andrea Anderson called Mayes "outstanding," and later blamed Councilman Travis Chandler and Councilwoman Linda Strickland for unrest on the council, saying they'd come on the board wanting to "get rid" of Mayes.
Chandler said in the year since Mayes' last review, several of her actions have caused him "grave concern."
"What we have here is a city manager who has an agenda of her own and she's pursuing it," he said. "The problem is, that's not how our system of government works."
Chandler said he was displeased that Mayes had enacted a media policy last year without consulting the council and said she had yelled at him. Tobler and Strickland said they'd both been yelled at as well.
Chandler accused Mayes of "usurping the power of the council and violating the City Charter."
Strickland, in addition to completing the three-page evaluation form all council members filled out for Mayes, submitted a 13-page attachment detailing her concerns with the city manager.
Mayes has at least once not followed a council directive, which she called "borderline insubordination," she said.
In addition, Mayes reacts positively to the incumbents — Tobler, Anderson and Councilman Mike Pacini — and negatively to her and Chandler, often rolling her eyes or shaking her head while they speak, Strickland said.
"There's a lack of team effort, between the council members and our city manager," she said. "It's ineffective team favoritism and lack of a fair playing field. ... Part of the problem is the fact that she can act how she acts and there's no consequence, no discussion, no reprimand, because of the current makeup of the council."
Pacini said if Mayes has an agenda, it's to do what's best for the city.
"She wouldn't be sitting here if she didn't have some kind of vision to bring to the table," he said. "She listens to mine and I listen to hers."
The council made about 20 long-term goals to Mayes for the coming year, chiefly charging her with creating a fallback plan for the city's budget, getting new permits from the Southern Nevada Health District for the municipal landfill and continuing to pursue renewable energy options for the Eldorado Valley.
Tracy Strickland, husband of Linda Strickland, was the lone resident to criticize Mayes during public comment, while 22 people expressed support.
Many of the supporters are current or former city employees or council members, and nearly all said they have known Mayes as long as she's been city manager or longer.
Many, in addition to praising Mayes, attacked Chandler and Strickland and the council's frequent 3-2 split votes.
Iris Bletsch, a former mayor, said she voted in 2004 to appoint Mayes, whom she called "exemplary."
"I have to pat myself on back, because I think its one of the best decisions I've ever made," she said.
Cassie Tomlin can be reached at 948-2073 or cassie.tomlin@hbcpub.com.
source: lasvegassun.com
So far, Clark County public schools have cut $133 million by putting off expansion of empowerment schools, full-day kindergarten and gifted and talented education and canceling new programs such as assistance for students struggling with proficiency exams.
Now further cuts would come from programs that would affect students, School District officials say. Anticipating that more cuts are in their future, they are asking parents what should be trimmed first.
In the meantime, Schools Superintendent Walt Rulffes has asked principals to consider 3.5 percent cuts at the school level and the School District's central administrative staff to look at 12 percent cuts.
Two meetings have been set for Tuesday and Wednesday nights to gather parents' comments, and on the School District show "School Matters," Rulffes and other officials took phoned-in questions from the public about budgets and finances.
After the town hall meetings Tuesday and Wednesday, School District staff will come up with recommendations to bring to the School Board in December, Jeff Weiler, the School District's chief financial officer, said.
Gov. Jim Gibbons has told state agencies, including school districts, to come up with estimates of how additional cuts of 4 percent, 7 percent or 11 percent would affect them. That could amount to additional cuts of $27 million up to $75 million from this school year, Weiler said.
Scott Bailey, principal of Keith and Karen Hayes Elementary School in Summerlin, said schools are now looking at eliminating people.
"If you took general cuts and cut everything that's textbooks, field trips, supplies, you still wouldn't be able to cut 3.5 percent," he said. "It has to be staff."
Basic High School Principal David Bechtel said he expects further cuts would mean larger class sizes. Classes that cater to a small population of students, such as honors and Advanced Placement courses, could also be on the chopping block, he said.
"I worry about my kids, and I worry about what's happening next month," he said.
Many other issues are being considered, School District officials said. Some include eliminating a $200 supply card all teachers are given, instituting four-day school weeks, doing away with block scheduling and requiring pay-for-play for sports and activities.
"It's a real struggle when 85 percent of our budgets goes to salaries, so there's only 15 percent we can work with," School Board member Carolyn Edwards said.
The $200 supply card each teacher receives was started by Rulffes three years ago. Many teachers dip into their salary to pay for classroom supplies, so the $200 helps with that costs. Pulling the cards would save $4 million across the School District.
"It's something that we very reluctantly would pull back on," Weiler said.
In transportation, high school students who live between two and three from school may have to walk instead of taking the bus. Lower gas prices are already saving $600,000 per month, Jim McIntosh, director of the accounting department, said.
A four-day school week is not as cost efficient as parents have proposed, Rulffes said, and it could provide additional challenges for parents who work Monday through Friday and would be required to find child care once a week. Additionally, it would cut several days from the school year, he said.
Block scheduling is something that could potentially save $11 million if it were dropped, but, Rulffes said, there are some strong advocates of the eight-period schedule, which gives students the opportunity to make up credits if they are deficient or take additional courses.
Paying for sports and activities is one option, Weiler said, but so is reducing the number of games played or events attended. If students pay a fee to participate, it would be on a sliding scale so all students can be involved regardless of household income, he said.
"We would not want to preclude a student that couldn't afford to pay," Weiler said. "It's not a popular thing but it would allow us to maintain it."
Vennita Wilson, parent of an Elton Garrett Middle School student, said she cannot support cuts in sports and activities.
"For some kids, that's their only outlet," she said. "I think they can cut more administratively."
The 12 percent cut Rulffes ordered in administration amounts to $32 million and 280 positions, Weiler said.
After discussing the situation with Garrett Junior High School Principal Jamey Hood, Wilson said one of her greatest concerns was the possibility of the School District cutting a line item as opposed to allowing principals the flexibility to make the cuts themselves.
"We fear the School Board is just going to arbitrarily across the district say the schools have to cut this," she said. "North Las Vegas schools have different needs than Boulder City schools."
District officials have heard the call for flexibility, Weiler said.
"That's what we're hearing from them, and it's something we as a district support as much as possible," he said.
Some principals have also argued that various school levels have different needs. At the elementary level, for example, the only things that can be cut are staffing or instructional supplies, Deborah Harbin, principal at Elise L. Wolff Elementary School, said. Any additional programs, such as after school activities, are paid for by parents.
"No matter what we cut, it's going to affect us," she said.
John R. Beatty Elementary School PTA President Natalie Carter said she recently met with PTA members from Roger Gehring, James Gibson, Charlotte Hill and Louis Wiener Jr. elementary schools to come up with ideas and present a united front at the town hall meetings.
They decided block scheduling could be cut, she said.
The group also discussed eliminating the regional superintendent offices, she said.
The group was adamantly against larger class sizes, she said.
"We don't want to see students added to classrooms," she said. "The classrooms are already overpopulated. It's not worth it."
Hayes Elementary School principal Hayes said the meetings to discuss the cuts weren't easy on parents or staff.
"The initial response from parent groups was 'We're tired of cutting. No more cuts period,'" he said.
To balance its budget without affecting the schools, the School District is considering dipping into its rainy day fund, which amounts to 2 percent of the total budget set aside in case of emergency.
As a temporary answer, the fund will be reduced for only this year to 1 percent, or $83 million, Jim McIntosh, director of the accounting department, said during a Nov. 5 School Board special session.
The 2 percent is already much lower than similar school districts across the nation, McIntosh said, and a further cut would affect the School District's bond rating, which determines how much it pays to borrow money.
"We are very quickly getting to a point where we are removing all safety nets from the district," he said. "That leaves no margin of error in 2009."
The issue will be discussed during a Dec. 11 regular board meeting to allow for public feedback.
Frances Vanderploeg can be reached at 990-2660 or frances.vanderploeg@hbcpub.com. Ashley Livingston can be reached at 990-8925 or ashley.livingston@hbcpub.com.
source: lasvegassun.com
Boulder City High junior Matt Lundgren keeps adding to his impressive resume.
Lundgren won the 3A boys state cross country meet Saturdayfor his third career individual running state championship.
"This is amazing. It's been a great year and there's no better way to finish it off," he said.
He ran the 3.1-mile course at Veterans Memorial Park in Boulder City in 17 minutes, 15.83 seconds, finishing nine seconds ahead of Spring Creek High senior Ben Stephens. Lundgren is the first individual cross country state champion in the school's history.
Lundgren previously had won individual state titles in the 1,600-meter and 3,200-meter races in track.
Lundgren isn't finished with his cross country season quite yet. He is competing in the Footlocker West Region Cross Country championship in Walnut, Calif., Dec. 5.
Boulder City cross country coach Joe Ringen said Lundgren can improve on his career over the next year and a half.
"As a junior, he has three more seasons to improve and cap his high school career in 2010 with a chance to set some impressive standards for 3A cross country and track," Ringen said.
Lowry High captured the team title, beating the Eagles 45-59.
"The team had its chance to run past Lowry. The effort on Saturday came up short, but it did so with solid, competitive races by everyone," Ringen said. "Their second place is an appropriate recognition of the team's year. No one should regret the effort nor the outcome."
Boulder City had two other runners finish in the top 15. Junior Taylor Clifford was fifth at 18:02.06. Senior Michael Kelso took ninth at 18:22.08, and junior Daniel Edmondson was 12th at 18:53.77.
Senior Sara Richner led the Boulder City girls with a fourth-place finish at 22:27.35. The team did not field enough runners to record a team score.
"She saved her best race of the season for her final state meet performance," Ringen said. "She continued the girls' tradition of having a top-five placer at state."
Boulder City's other two girls were junior Lue Tobler, (34th, 26:49.91) and senior Cassidy Young (45th, 34:22.8).
Brent Hinckley can be reached at 948-2074 or brent.hinckley@hbcpub.com.
Brent Hinckley can be reached at 990-7822 or brent.hinckley@hbcpub.com.
Source: lasvegassun.com
Ferrence's opinion should be in letters
EDITOR:
In response to Boulder Dam Credit Union's "From The Manager's Desk" of Nov. 6, I can only say that I'm very disappointed with the tone of Bill Ferrence's diatribe.
He obviously has the right to express his opinion, but I believe that he has crossed the line by using space that is paid for by the credit union to personally attack members of the community and duly elected officials.
In the past, I've considered commenting on the fact that he feels entitled to criticize the appearance of some Boulder City homes, but I felt that since he didn't include names and addresses, his observations were generic in nature and merely harmless grumbling.
But this time he's gone too far. I would sincerely like to know why Mr. Ferrence believes that he has the right to use space that is paid for by the credit union to launch his personal opinions concerning city officials and local personalities.
He is nothing more than a local businessman, and if he wishes to express his personal and political beliefs in the Boulder City News, then he should write a letter to the editor like everyone else. If that exposure isn't sufficient, then he should put his name on the ballot, instead of sniping at city leaders from the sidelines.
MATT DI TERESA
Source: lasvegassun.com
A tragic, almost unbelievable thing happens every day in Southern Nevada: Dogs and cats by the hundreds are euthanized at local shelters.
Most of us are unaware of the magnitude of this problem, since the killing occurs behind closed doors at shelters most of us will never see or even drive by.
But rest assured, it's happening and it's getting worse as animals are abandoned due to foreclosures.
Just as abandoned puppies, kittens and grown pets are brought in to shelters by the hundreds every day, hundreds more must be killed daily because their time has run out.
The numbers are staggering. Clark County Animal Control alone reported 17,843 animals were impounded from July 2007 through June 2008. Of those, 10,757 were euthanized and just 3,432 were adopted. In all, some 30,000 animals were euthanized at valley shelters last year.
The only way to prevent this tragedy is to stop uncontrolled breeding of dogs and cats. That's why we support a proposed ordinance that would prohibit residents of unincorporated Clark County from owning a dog or cat that hasn't been sterilized unless the owner has a pet fancier permit or has a medical exemption from a veterinarian. If a litter is born without this permit, animal control would take the puppies or kittens along with the mother.
This is a tough measure, but it is also a proactive one we hope will send a message. Clark County is taking a courageous lead on a difficult issue, and we encourage area municipalities to follow that lead.
What's most important is that mass births — and the resulting euthanasia — of unwanted pets be stopped in Southern Nevada.
source:lasvegassun.com
Lori DeCreny
Thu, Nov 13, 2008 (midnight)
Many organizations in Boulder City hold annual events that are either rummage sales, garage sales or something in between.
This past weekend the Senior Center held its own Sidewalk Sale. Anyone who has been involved in these events knows the immense amount of time and energy that goes into making them profitable. If volunteers were paid by the hour, instead of with gratitude and self-satisfaction, it would be virtually impossible to make a profit. Hours upon hours of manual labor is required in order for an organization to come out ahead.
But before the first item is sold, a lot of people must donate a plethora of items.
"One man's junk is another man's treasure" — how true!
Our Sidewalk Sale was filled with donated trinkets, books, stuffed animals, jewelry, greeting cards, tools and a whole lot more. So the first big "thank you" must be to all of those individuals who thought to donate items to the Senior Center.
When someone wants to donate here, I always ask, if we are unable to use it ourselves, would it be OK to sell it. Except in rare circumstances the answer has always been "yes!"
After items are donated, someone must sort through boxes and boxes and decide what is worth selling and how it should be priced. Volunteer Sue Stauffer worked endlessly sorting, organizing and pricing. Sue was definitely the "go-to" person. A huge "thank you" goes to Sue for her tireless efforts and endless devotion to making this a success.
While Sue was the ringleader, no one person could have accomplished the task alone, so I would like to acknowledge a number of individuals who also contributed their time and talents toward helping make this sale a great success.
The following people will not receive a paycheck, but they sure have my deepest appreciation and respect for their help last weekend: Phyllis, June, Erma, Carolyn, Paul, Tom, Carl, and Tim. The funds earned from this sale will enable the center to continue its mission to the seniors of Boulder City.
Attention stamp collectors
The Boulder City Senior Center wants to start a club for stamp collectors. This would be an opportunity for collectors in Boulder City to meet, buy, sell or exchange material with other collectors. We don't know how many interested parties are out there, but we do know that such activities do take place at other senior centers.
Those who are interested in pursuing a stamp collectors group, please contact Dave Jacobson by e-mail (cow-daddin@sbcglobal.net) or by phone (714) 623-8140.
This Week at the Senior Center
Thursday
8 a.m. — Wood carvers
1 p.m. — Canasta, pinochle
1 p.m. — Chatty Hatters
1 p.m. — Social Security
6:30 p.m. — Weight Watchers
Friday
8:30 a.m. — Book cleaners
9:15 a.m. — T'ai chi
12:30 p.m. — Duplicate bridge
1 p.m. — 500 cards
1 p.m. — Pinochle
Saturday
9 a.m. — VFW rummage sale
9 a.m. — Weight Watchers
Sunday
10 a.m. — United Methodist Church of Boulder City
Monday
9 a.m. — Toe clinic
11:30 a.m. — Mah jongg
1 p.m. — Wood carving
1 p.m. — Party bridge
7 p.m. — Lake Mountain homeowners association
Tuesday
9 a.m. — Congressman Jon Porter's representative
9:30 a.m. — Writer's roundtable
10 a.m. — Coin collecting
12:45 p.m. — Poker
1 p.m. — Pinochle
6 p.m. — Weight Watchers
Wednesday
9 a.m. — Blood pressure
9 a.m. — Weight Watchers
9:15 a.m. — T'ai chi
9:30 a.m. — Senior Help
12:30 p.m. — Open music jam
12:45 p.m. — Bingo
6 p.m. — Duplicate bridge
Lunch Menu
Subject to change
Thursday — Beef stroganoff, rice, winter veggies, salad bar with fruit
Friday — Hearty beef vegetable soup, rolls/crackers, salad bar with fruit
Monday — Meatloaf, au gratin potatoes, zucchini, salad bar with fruit
Tuesday — Pork roast, potato, carrots, salad bar with fruit
Wednesday — Veggie meatballs, salad bar, fruit, crackers/rolls
Source: lasvegfassun.com
Birthdays
November 14: Donald Ray, Vernon Lomprey, Amanda Jacobs, Tammy Shipp, Thomas Smith, Sharon Vinson, Vicki Baker, George Peavey, Denny Gilmore, Audrey Gardiner, Ian Berg, Karen Cable, Ayla MacEachern, Katherine Rodriguez, Edward Bennett Jr., Irene Taylor, Lloyd Emery, Lola Warnick, Sherrille Solomon, David Littler, Jennifer Ullrich, Jon Davis, Beverly Roberts, Timothy O'Connor, Brittany Bhame, Ilana Melton.
November 15: Hazel Wright, Joyce Hartig, Wayne Fehler, Jean Teal, Tony Price, Larry Ford, Jason Baratcart, Carolee Cox, Lavina Rebman, Nona Brown, Chad Palmira, Richard McKiernan, Louise Travers, Austin Donnelly, Butch Smith.
November 16: Kenneth Kirby, Cindy Garbat, Vincent Rath, Donald Smale, Jill Mackie, Cornelia Cooper, Elizabeth May, Charles Williams, Tom Schaffer, Brandi Melissa Hardt, Ann Bailey, Sheldon Murray, Justin Austin, Russell Grater, Patrick Bailey, Rhonda Winfrey, Paul Whitmoyer, Chris Bennett.
November 17: Jackie Summer, Cynthia Cole, Ron Staton, Laura Thornton, Cindy Goodale, Colleen Jerecki, Marian Davenport, Diane MacKay, Izella Wilbur, Brenda Rodgers, James Nelson, John Donnelly, Mary Windham, Cecile Lambert, Thomas Austin, Maurice Flores.
November 18: Marcia Morrissey, Ryan Undverdorf, Jonathan Powell, Claudia Smith, Leota Dean, Phillip Friedmann, Kirby Strickland, James Tanksley, Jamie Dale, Dianne Maxon, Jessie Carroll, Don McCleary, Robin Sheeler, Coleen Schaefer, Bill Moorhead, Clifford Reed, J.R. Cole, Megan Knopp.
November 19: Doug Darden, Timothy Moore, Violet Summers, Paula Morton, Brian Jivan, Lillian Bunda, Steve Agan, Debbie Barth, Tara Clark, Jane Haag, Juanita White, Bonnie Lee Rowles, John Lansford, Brenda Brown, Jennifer O'Brien, Randy Aton, Eddie Digangi.
November 20: Melissa Montana, Michael Curl, Teddy Fenton, Mike Fraser, Eileen McHugh, Salliee Wegren, Wade Boyce, Neil Larson, Gordon Fraser, Georgia Marian, Fern Pace, Venice Tobler, Katherine Ritter, Jim Robbins, Bernadine Bellender.
Anniversaries
November 14: Mary and Clark Higgins.
November 15: Grace Lee and David Guyette, 1955; Alica and Robin Rodgers, 1963; Sharon and Harold Barrell, 1963; Margie and Dean Scharringhauser, 1971; Sharon and Nick Walling.
November 16: Marj and Merv Rowan, Georgia and Jim Budd, Lea and Ralph Kittleson.
November 17: Lynn and John Bigelow, 1972; Jonnie and Brad Newburn, 1984; Nola and Stan Empy.
November 18: Joan and James Kunde, 1953; Patricia and Richard Haas, 1967; Julie and Robert Szyinski, 1972; Sue and John Marcheano, 1981; Margaret and Max Wallace, Roni and Neil Thormodsgaard, Julie and Steve Hurd.
November 19: Carol and Bill Brezette, Jill and David O'Dell, Veronica and Stephen Porter; Alicia and Troy Ware, Gerry and John Skonetch, 1946.
November 20: Clara and Frank Turner, 1935; Mildred and Carl Manke, 1941; Anita and Bart Hyde, Rae and Fred McAnlis, 1993.
Source: lasvegassun.com
The Nevada Department of Wildlife successfully captured 50 desert bighorn sheep from Henderson's River Mountains on Oct. 31 for release in Lincoln County mountain ranges.
Department officials called the transfers, which are done annually to help fledgling herds across the state, a success beyond their expectations.
After capturing sheep in the River Mountains, which host the herds that graze in Boulder City's Hemenway Park, the department performed capture and release projects in three more Clark County mountain ranges from Nov. 1 through 4.
A total of 107 sheep were relocated to the Delamar and the Meadow Valley mountain ranges.
"I don't think it could have gone any better," said Steven Kimble, a department supervising biologist for the game division. "There are a lot of things that go into this effort. We need to have the right weather and there are a ton of logistics in coordinating volunteers, but I think everything went perfect this year."
A secondary goal for the River Mountain transfer was to thin the number of sheep that graze in the Hemenway Park and grassy areas along U.S. 93, Kimble said.
The department has safety concerns about the sheep grazing in the roads and the surrounding neighborhoods.
"The water and shade in Hemenway Park has been a big reason why those herds have thrived," Kimble said. "We will see less them in the upcoming months because it has cooled off and they'll be more comfortable in the mountains. By next summer we'll hopefully have less of them out in the park."
Boulder City resident Joyce Meagher, who lives at the base of the River Mountains, said she has noticed a steady increase in sheep population since moving near the park in 2005.
Meagher recognizes the need for the transfers but said her family enjoys watching the sheep graze through a nearby vacant lot.
"It's not a nuisance at all, in fact we enjoy it," she said. "It's very unique to live here. I don't think anyone has a problem with the sheep."
About 30 volunteers, most of whom were from local sportsmen groups, assisted throughout the four-day effort.
After the sheep were captured in the mountains with net-guns in the mountains, a department veterinarian monitored the animal's health.
The 30 ewes, 13 rams and seven lambs were then blindfolded and transported via helicopter.
The department has been performing sheep transfers in Nevada since 1968 and attributes the efforts to helping the species nearly double in population since 1990 to nearly 6,500 sheep in 2007.
Kimble said that more desert bighorn sheep hunting tags — one of the rarest to draw in Nevada — could be allotted as herd populations increase.
Sean Ammerman can be reached at 990-2661 or sean.ammerman@hbcpub.com.
source: lasvegassun.com
Three teenagers were arrested Sunday in Boulder City on arson charges after firefighters and police responded about 5 p.m. to two fires within a block of each other.
The fires were started in trash bins within minutes of each other at Avenue B and Sixth Street and in the parking lot of 870 Avenue B, detective Brett Wibrew said. They had been ignited with fireworks.
While police and fire officials were investigating the scene, fireworks went off down the street, Wibrew said, and the three teens, ages 13, 14 and 16, were caught and questioned.
The three told police about a third, similar fire that had gone unreported at Oasis Park. Wibrew said evidence at that scene showed it also had been started with fireworks.
The teens, who were charged as juveniles, were taken to the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center in Las Vegas, Wibrew said.
Boulder City police and Fire Department investigators are still looking into four other fires last month that they believe were intentional and related, three that destroyed residential property. Another five fires from June to August may also be suspicious, they said.
The teens told police Sunday was the first night they had set fires, Wibrew said.
Three of the October fires were set within hours of each other late Oct. 9 and early Oct. 10, he said. One destroyed a backyard deck on Mount Williamson Way, another a shed and part of a backyard on Kendrick Place and the third one a tree on Eighth Street, he said.
Another fire sometime between Oct. 18 and 22 destroyed a tree in the 900 block of Fairway Drive, Wibrew said. The fire went undiscovered for several days, he said.
All four of the October fires were determined to be intentionally set and appear to be related, Wibrew said.
It was the latest in a series of nine blazes since June, all but one near Georgia Avenue and Adams Boulevard, that police and fire officials are investigating. The earlier fires were in trash cans and brush.
Six of the nine blazes were found to be set by humans and the others are of an undetermined cause, Wibrew said.
No one has been injured in any of the fires, he said.
The similar nature of the fires caused the Police Department to start looking for an arsonist, Wibrew said.
"I started seeing a consistency," he said.
Fire Chief Kevin Nicholson said fire investigators are working with detectives to find the people responsible.
"What is concerning is when you have several ones similar in nature and no reasoning behind them," Nicholson said.
Police are asking anyone with information to call 293-9224.
Cassie Tomlin can be reached at 948-2073 or cassie.tomlin@hbcpub.com. Jean Reid Norman can be reached at 990-2658 or jean.norman@hbcpub.com.
Source: lasvegassun.com
Thu, Nov 13, 2008 (midnight)
The question of whether or not comments by City Council members should be allowed at the conclusion of council meetings was back on the agenda again at the Oct. 28 meeting. It was put on the agenda by Mayor Roger Tobler because of repeated advice from the attorney general's office, the Nevada Public Agency Insurance Pool and the Compensation Trust, the city attorney and others.
Tobler is concerned that this practice, well entrenched in Boulder City, will at sometime result in a lawsuit negating council action. He was concerned enough to bring a representative of the state insurance pool to talk to the council. This representative advised against the practice.
The two council members who most object to curtailing the practice are Linda Strickland and Travis Chandler. This is puzzling to me, because both of them were elected, in part, on a platform of straightening out city government and its finances and making it more transparent and responsive to voters.
The Open Meeting Law is designed to increase transparency and voter response. These laws swept the country after the early days of cronyism and corruption in government entities around the country, such as the Daly machine in Chicago and Tammany Hall in New York, where the good old boys met in the infamous smoke-filled room and decided government business behind closed doors without public participation.
Now Chandler and Strickland are saying it's OK for council members to talk about matters not on the agenda after the meeting is, essentially, over. The public does not know these matters are coming up and has no opportunity to express opinions about them. The two council members claim that what is introduced during these informal comments are not controversial and do not require action or voter participation.
How do they know? Are they going to censor what other members say? Take a comment as innocent as Councilwoman Andrea Anderson announcing an upcoming event outdoors at the library. How do they know some citizens won't object to who is performing or what is being performed? It is made a part of the official council meeting, but the voters didn't know about it ahead of time and couldn't voice an opinion.
Chandler again claimed a ban on these comments would infringe on his freedom of speech and, as he often does, used his lawyerly background to invoke the U.S. Constitution. In regard to the insurance pool representative's opinion, Chandler arrogantly stated he doesn't want to be instructed "by this fellow who is not an attorney."
He goes on to say, "If I want advice as to whether or not we are breaking the law and I get that advice from an attorney ... why would I listen to someone who is not an attorney?"
In my experience, some of the people who are well versed in their area of work know more about the law of that area than most attorneys. In addition, the council has been advised by the city attorney and the attorney general to stop the practice.
Personally, I like the council comments at the end of the meetings. I wish they were free to express their opinions in any way they wanted. In fact, they are free to do so if they will only take the time and effort to get it on the agenda. Otherwise, as Anderson put it during the lengthy debate between lectures by Chandler on the Constitution, "We are treading on thin ice here."
Tobler, who in my opinion has done a masterful job this past year steering the council through many such debates, is conscientiously trying to keep the city out of legal trouble.
The council finally moved, with Chandler voting "no," to ban the comment section of council meetings pending an opinion from the attorney general.
Strange. I thought they already had that opinion.
Bill Erin is a Boulder City News columnist.
Sally Denton, an investigative journalist who began her news career at the Boulder City News in 1975 and went on to pen five historical books, will be inducted Thursday into the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame at UNR.
She is the 43rd honoree and joins the ranks of authors Mark Twain and Robert Laxalt.
Denton, the daughter of Ralph and Sara Denton, was born in Elko, grew up in Boulder City, and attended UNR before graduating in Colorado. The job at her hometown paper was her first, until she was fired by then-Publisher Morry Zenoff for "rather too candid coverage of local politics," she said.
Her latest book is "Passion and Principle: John and Jessie Fremont, the Couple Whose Power, Politics, and Love Shaped Nineteenth-Century America," about the explorer who is the namesake of downtown Las Vegas' Fremont Street.
Denton is also the author, with Roger Morris, of the 2001 book about Las Vegas, "The Money and the Power: The Making of Las Vegas and Its Hold on America."
Her sixth book will be published next year: "A Force of Nature: Helen Gahagan Douglas and the War for America's Future," about an opera singer-turned-California congresswoman who served in the 1940s.
Denton's work about Las Vegas has been published in the New York Times, and her stories have run in the Washington Post and American Heritage.
She now lives in Santa Fe, N.M., where she teaches documentary film courses at the College of Santa Fe.
Cassie Tomlin can be reached at 948-2073 or cassie.tomlin@hbcpub.com.
Source:lasvegassun.com
The Creekside Grill at Boulder Creek Golf Club will change hands Sunday after its operators won the right in District Court to be the exclusive provider of food and beverages in the pavilion tent outside the club.
District Judge Douglas Herndon ruled Nov. 5 in favor of D&M Enterprises and owner Veronica Topchi in lawsuits between the restaurant and the city over terms of the contract.
"I have no more money to run it. They've run me out," said Topchi, who will continue to operate Toto's Mexican restaurant on Nevada Highway.
The Creekside will reopen within a day or so under the management of Andy Schaper and Bill Atkin, who have contracts with the city for golf professional and golf maintenance services, City Manager Vicki Mayes said. It will continue to be called the Creekside Grill, she said.
Topchi said her contract with the city made her the exclusive provider of food in the pavilion and on the golf course, while the city maintained outside caterers could be used.
In October 2007, Topchi sued the city for breach of the contract. The city countersued in February, alleging unspecified damages.
The lawsuits are still scheduled to go to trial Monday to determine whether the city will pay Topchi damages and whether Topchi will have to pay tens of thousands of dollars in back rent.
"The ruling is welcome in that it defines the responsibility of the parties for trial," David Rivers, Topchi's attorney, said. "We now know that the court agrees with the Topchis that they had an exclusive right to provide food and beverage at the pavilion. And the city has been interfering with that right for some time."
Attorney Ryan Johnson, who is representing the city in the case, said the city believes that D&M breached the contract and will argue as much during the trial. City Attorney Dave Olsen is not representing the city, because he will be a witness in the trial as the person who drafted the agreement.
"We disagree on a number of levels with the Topchis," Johnson said, though he declined to elaborate.
He said the city had begun eviction proceedings, but they were no longer necessary, because D&M is closing the restaurant.
Topchi said the restaurant would close without fanfare after lunch on Sunday.
The city told Topchi last year to stop booking events in the pavilion while it awaits a new facility to be built by Hawthorn Suites, Topchi said.
It appears the pavilion has not been used for months, since the Hawthorn Suites deal was signed, Rivers said.
"It looks to me like the city preferred to lose money rather than at least book while they could," he said.
Cassie Tomlin can be reached at 948-2073 or cassie.tomlin@hbcpub.com. Jean Reid Norman can be reached at 990-2658 or jean.norman@hbcpub.com.
Source: lasvegassun.com
"Justify my love," Madonna once demanded.
And we do whatever the Material Mom commands.
So, to this end, we have chosen to validate Madge's obvious affection for us by ranking every one of her studio albums in descending order, right up to our favorites.
Read on, and ready yourself for Madonna's two-night stand in town this weekend:
12. "Who's That Girl?," "I'm Breathless," "Selection from Evita"
Argentina isn't crying for you, dear, it's shedding tears at your insistence upon putting out terminally lame soundtrack albums. Still, all of them have their moments: "Breathless" gave us "Vogue," one of Madonna's most aerobic tunes; the title cut for "Who's That Girl?" is solid, though that might be the worst disc she's even been associated with thanks to the incriminating presence of Scritti Politti; "Evita" is as ambitious as it is overblown. Just thank your "Lucky Star" there was no soundtrack for "Body of Evidence."
11. "American Life"
Madonna's decision to rap on the title cut was almost as poor a choice as getting hitched to Mr. Ritchie without a pre-nup -- dude is currently replacing his windshield wiper fluid with cognac. But that gaffe aside, this disc is actually kinda underrated: more svelte pop from French producer Mirwais with "Hollywood" being one of her better tunes. It's not great, and it has its ups ("Love Profusion") and its downs ("Mother and Father") but hey, that's "Life."
10. "Hard Candy"
"Come on in to my store, I got candy galore," Madonna pants on the opening cut to her latest disc. "Don't pretend you're not hungry, I've seen it before." Hmmm, wonder what she could be talking about here? Wacky Wafers? Nerds? Zagnut bars? Like all that junk, this disc is disposable, colored by huge trance synths, a hip-hop production and lots of heavy breathing, but it's still pretty tasty. "Get stupid, get stupid, get stupid. Don't stop it," Madonna commands on "Give It 2 Me," and those are pretty much the words we live by.
9. "Bedtime Stories"
Yeah, we know, understatement and Madonna go together like vomit and velour, but this is one of Madonna's warmest and most inviting albums, a blown kiss instead of a blown ... oh, never mind. Babyface, the Isley Brothers and Bjork bed hop with Madge until the mattress needs to be flipped.
8. "Like A Virgin"
Though it contains two of her signature tunes -- the title cut and "Material Girl" -- this one is like parachute pants, the Noid and Corey Feldman's career prospects -- it hasn't held up all that well with age.
7. "Confessions on a Dancefloor"
Sweaty leotard pop that comes on like a series of heart palpitations, this Disco Stu-approved confection is like eating cotton candy for breakfast. First single, "Hung Up," conjures up enough body heat to melt a polar ice cap.
6. "Erotica"
The image of a nude Material Girl, thumbing a ride at the side of the road as depicted in her "Sex" book, tends to cast a long, leggy shadow over this album, but it shouldn't: At the time of its release, this was perhaps her most forward-looking disc, with the libidinous dance pop of "Fever" and "Deeper and Deeper" prefacing the electronica boom to come. Hard to believe that this is one of her poorest sellers, but then again, Viagra had yet to be invented.
5. "Ray of Light"
An album that lives up to its name, this disc saw Madonna embracing techno like some long-lost relative. What makes "Ray of Light" so inviting is that it revels in the nuances of the genre rather than its bombast for a sleek, seductive sound that's a caress instead of a grope.
4. "Like A Prayer"
Burning crosses, black Je |