Area Briefing, July 10-16

AGENCY SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT ON TRANSPORTATION PLAN

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada is seeking public comment on a new 2015-19 Transportation Improvement Program and an associated amendment to the 2013-35 Regional Transportation Plan.

The documents, available at rtcsnv.com or through print or compact disc by request, identify long- and short-term transportation priorities and projects for highways, transit, bikeways and pedestrian safety in Clark County. The amendment deals with how the proposed projects would affect air quality.

The documents are developed in cooperation with the U.S. and Nevada departments of Transportation, Clark County, Boulder City and the cities of Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas.

Residents can submit comments through 5 p.m. July 23 at rtcsnv.com, by email to Kelley Mulroy at mulroyk@rtcsnv.com, by phone at 702-676-1606, by fax at 702-676-1518 or by mail to RTC (c/o Communications), 600 S. Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89106.

MUNICIPAL COURT INTRODUCES WARRANT SEARCH WEBSITE

Las Vegas Municipal Court recently introduced a new warrant search website.

Residents and law enforcement personnel can visit lasvegasnevada.gov/warrants for information on individuals with warrants in the city of Las Vegas.

Anyone can submit anonymous tips, or people with warrants may surrender themselves. They also may contact the court to satisfy their warrants. Additionally, law enforcement personnel can view or print wanted posters to assist in locating defendants.

Other new online features are available at municourt.lasvegasnevada.gov, where individuals can view their cases, enter a plea on most traffic cases, make payments, view class requirements and check court dates. Site upgrades also allow individuals to post bail for eligible inmates in the city Detention Center. Another new feature allows attorneys to look up client cases, get case assignments and act on behalf of their clients. Bondsmen may also look up bond information.

The court’s new interactive phone system, meanwhile, enables the public to make payments for most traffic tickets on which they have entered a plea, check a warrant status and obtain case information. The services are available by calling 702-229-3504.

In addition, those seeking information about Municipal Court cases can look up and print a case report via www.lasvegasnevada.gov/courtsearch.

For more information, call 702-229-3504.

POLICE POST CALLS TO TWITTER DURING TWEET-A-THON

The Metropolitan Police Department took part June 27 in a Global Police Tweet-a-thon, hosting an eight-hour Tweet-Along.

Police public information officers rode along during a Northeast Area Command shift to tweet calls to twitter.com/lvmpd, using the hashtag #poltwt. Followers of the feed were encouraged to tweet questions.

The purpose of the Tweet-a-thon was to call attention to policing and law enforcement agencies’ use of social media.

HENDERSON, LAS VEGAS FIREFIGHTERS RAISE AWARENESS OF HOT VEHICLES

Henderson and Las Vegas firefighters launched the annual Check Your Seats in the Heat outreach campaign June 25 at the Henderson Fire Training Center, 401 Parkson Road.

The effort aims to spread awareness and remind motorists of the dangers of leaving children and pets in hot vehicles during the summer. The campaign includes the distribution of safety awareness ribbons to serve as reminders to motorists and posters to hang in local businesses.

This is the first year Las Vegas and Henderson firefighters partnered for the outreach.

Henderson Fire Chief Steve Goble and Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Chief William McDonald spoke at the campaign launch. Attendees also included elected officials from both municipalities.

For more information, visit hendersonfirefighters.com or lasvegasfirefighters.net.

FREE EVENT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES TO OFFER LEGAL EXPERTISE

A free lecture titled “Operating Your Small Business to Minimize the Threat of a Lawsuit” is planned for 5 to 7 p.m. July 15 in the lecture room at the West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd.

Attendees may meet with an attorney for a free 15-minute, one-on-one consultation following the program, part of the library’s Ask-a-Lawyer series.

To register, call 702-507-3964.

FLASH FLOOD SEASON UNDERWAY IN CLARK COUNTY

Flash flood season in Clark County is July through September, and area officials gathered June 30 to raise awareness about its dangers.

Clark County commissioners and county Regional Flood Control District officials held the public awareness event at the Desert Rose Golf Course, 5483 Club House Drive, where a $100 million construction project is expected to protect thousands of homes and lives from flash flooding.

Other community projects to improve flood safety also were discussed at the gathering.

For more information, visit www.regionalflood.org.

POLICE SEARCH AND RESCUE UNIT EARNS RE-ACCREDITATION

The Metropolitan Police Department’s Search and Rescue Unit completed the re-accreditation process June 14 through the Mountain Rescue Association.

The Search and Rescue Unit, staffed by police and volunteers, has four components: the Mountain Rescue Team, the Dive Team, tactical emergency medical support and helicopter rescue.

The Mountain Rescue Team conducts technical rescues throughout Clark County and other areas as requested, responding to between 135 and 185 rescue missions annually. The team has been accredited through the Mountain Rescue Association since 1994.

The association is dedicated to saving lives through rescue and mountain safety education.

For more information, visit lvmpdsar.blogspot.com.

EVENT TO OFFER INFORMATION ABOUT MEDICARE SCAMS

Two free discussions regarding Medicare scams are set for 10 and 11 a.m. July 18 at 1120 Shadow Lane.

The event is to be put on by University Medical Center and will cover how Medicare beneficiaries can protect their identity and detect fraud, errors and abuse in the system.

For more information, call 383-2229, visit umcsn.com or email amy.runge@umcsn.com.

WORKSHOP PLANNED ON PROPOSED AMENDMENTS REGARDING DAM SAFETY

A workshop on proposed amendments regarding dam safety is scheduled for 10 a.m. July 10 at the Nevada Division of Water Resources office, 400 Shadow Lane, Suite 201, to solicit public comments regarding the issue.

The Nevada Division of Water Resources is proposing the amendments under Chapter 535 of the Nevada Administrative Code.

Proposed amendments include the addition of environmental loss as a factor in determining hazard classification and a requirement for a dam owner to maintain operating manuals and activity logs; inclusion of a hazard classification report for approval of plans and specifications; clarification of notification requirements for construction or alteration of a dam; revisions to conditions for abandonment of a dam or a closure of a file associated with a decommissioned dam; and the revision of language pertaining to storm water detention dams to reflect changes to Nevada revised statutes in 2013.

A copy of all materials relating to the proposal may be obtained at the workshop or at water.nv.gov. Written comments may be sent to the Division of Water Resources’ office by 5 p.m. July 14.

GROUP OFFERS WAYS TO PROTECT PROPERTY FROM LIGHTNING DAMAGE

The Institute for Business & Home Safety recently issued a reminder to take steps to prevent lightning-related damage at homes and businesses due to the increased chances for thunderstorms and lightning during summer.

The group recommended that residents inquire with utility companies or licensed electricians regarding a certified lightning protection system.

Other measures include:

— Plug electronic devices such as laptops and DVD players into a surge protection device, not a power strip. Also connect telephone, cable and/or satellite TV and network lines to the device.

— Check packaging labels to be sure the surge protection device has been tested to UL 1449.

— Purchase a surge protection device with a joule rating of more than 1,000. The rating typically ranges from 200 to several thousand; the higher the number, the better.

— Look for a surge protection device with a clamping voltage rating of between 330 to 400 volts.

For more information on lightning protection, visit disastersafety.org/lightning.

OFFICIALS CELEBRATE UPCOMING NORTH LAS VEGAS IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

North Las Vegas and state officials celebrated the launch of four community improvement projects in the city during an event June 24 at Desert Horizons Park, 3750 Simmons St.

The four projects are expected to provide significant upgrades to local roadways and neighboring communities, allowing for improved pedestrian access, enhanced public safety and additional landscaping. The projects include:

— A pedestrian bridge at Losee and Lone Mountain roads.

— The rehabilitation of Carey Avenue from Revere Street to Interstate 15.

— The installation of traffic signals and repaving on Losee Road from Craig Road to the 215 Beltway.

— Enhanced pedestrian access and repaving on Simmons Street from Cheyenne Avenue to Alexander Road.

The projects are set to be funded by fuel tax revenues and are expected to create 262 new jobs.

For more information, visit rtcsnv.com/fri.

EVENT TO TEACH WOMEN CONFLICT-FREE SELF-DEFENSE

A free self-defense workshop for women is set for 6-8 p.m. July 19 at the Westgate Flamingo Bay Resort, 5625 W. Flamingo Road.

The workshop will focus on escaping attacks without physical conflict.

Donations will be accepted at the door to benefit the nonprofit Can You Identify Me?, dedicated to helping resolve cases involving unidentified crime victims.

For more information, visit simpleselfdefenseforwomen.com or canyouidentifyme.org.

MEASURES CAN HELP PETS COPE WITH EXTREME HEAT

Pet owners can take simple steps to protect their furry friends from the heat, according to The Animal Foundation.

The nonprofit shelter’s tips are:

— Pet owners can be charged with a misdemeanor for leaving pets in unattended cars during extreme heat. Even with the windows cracked and the air conditioning on, pets can die in as quickly as 10 minutes in such situations. To report pets locked in cars, call 311.

— Bring your pets indoors. Shady outdoor areas are no longer cooling when the temperature gets too high.

— Provide plenty of clean, fresh water. Pets can get dehydrated quickly, and having access to water will help keep them cool.

— Walk pets during the early morning or early evening, when the sun is least harsh.

— Avoid burning your pets’ sensitive paw pads by walking them on grass or dirt instead of asphalt, when available.

— Know the signs of pet heat stroke. Symptoms include excessive panting, increased heart and respiratory rate, difficulty breathing, drooling, mild weakness, stupor/fainting and a body temperature of more than 104 degrees. Pets may also have seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Animals with flat faces, such as pugs and Persian cats, along with elderly or overweight pets, are more susceptible to heat stroke.

— If a pet shows signs of heat stroke, owners should move it to a cooler area, offer small amounts of water or ice cubes and take it to a full-service veterinarian immediately.

For more information, visit animalfoundation.com.

SITES PROVIDE SHELTER DURING HOT WEATHER

With triple-digit temperatures descending on the valley, shelters are scheduled to be open for homeless people and other individuals looking to escape the outdoors and keep hydrated.

Shelter is available daily during the summer from:

— 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for men at Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, 1511 Las Vegas Blvd. North.

—7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for adults at The Salvation Army, 31 W. Owens Ave., North Las Vegas.

— 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for women and children at The Shade Tree, 1 W. Owens Ave., North Las Vegas.

The Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition’s Inclement Weather Shelter Program also offers extra daytime shelter options to anyone in the community. In addition, some valley organizations and facilities offer cooling stations during heat waves.

Residents can dial 211 to find the nearest cooling station or visit helphopehome.org.

SAFE SUMMER NIGHTS TO FEATURE MUSIC, ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATION

Residents are invited to enjoy free entertainment, refreshments, health services and a resource fair while getting to know each other during a city of Las Vegas-sponsored Safe Summer Nights event set for 6-8 p.m. July 18 at the East Las Vegas Community Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave.

Music, children’s games and face painting are planned, and free hot dogs and water will be available while supplies last. Attendees also can learn about community resources, including summer activities for youths, health services, community safety, money management programs and adult education opportunities.

For more information, contact Lisa Campbell at 702-229-5406 or lcampbell@lasvegasnevada.gov.