Nevada briefs

     Reno mayor calls for
     vice squad's return
     
      RENO -- Reno Mayor Jeff Griffin has called for a return of the city's police vice squad to deal with a growing number of topless bars and other sex-related businesses.
      At a budget workshop Friday, Griffin said police, rather than the finance department's business license division, should be monitoring such businesses.
      "That shouldn't be the enforcement agency," he said, adding its duties should be transferred to a police vice squad.
      The Police Department eliminated its vice squad during the 1991-92 recession.
      The City Council postponed debate on the matter until Thursday when the police budget will be reviewed.
      The council approved new rules of conduct for dancers last year and now is considering an ordinance to regulate out-call nude dancers.
     
     Washoe declares
     war on mosquitoes
     
      RENO -- Washoe County health officials have begun their annual battle against mosquitoes.
      Helicopter crews sprayed various marshy areas Tuesday through Thursday. Plans call for more spraying in June.
      "We've been everywhere from Cold Springs to Washoe Valley, virtually every place that's been wet," said Dan Ariaz, vector control coordinator at the Washoe District Health Department.
      The county approved $140,000 in additional money for mosquito abatement after a third straight wet winter created ideal breeding conditions for the biting insects.
      Neighborhoods along the Carson River face the worst insect problems in Carson City.