Crime and safety news from around the valley, Aug. 20-26, 2015

Boyd School of Law partners with nonprofits for Community Law Day Aug. 22

A series of free legal education classes are set to be offered through UNLV's William S. Boyd School of Law during Community Law Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 22 at UNLV, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway.

The intricacies of bankruptcy law, small claims procedures, divorce, paternity/custody, guardianship, criminal record sealing, tenants' rights, and access to tax refunds for Nevada families are topics set to be discussed. The classes are designed to cover specific areas of law that will help individuals understand court procedures, documentation requirements and changes to laws. Individuals who attend the classes may apply for pro bono assistance. The event is co-sponsored by the UNLV Boyd School of Law, the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada and Nevada Legal Services.

The event is free and open to the public and will offer some courses in Spanish.

For more information, call 702-895-3671, 702-386-1070 or visit law.unlv.edu/event/6th-annual-community-law-day. Class descriptions and a schedule of free classes offered throughout the fall are available at lacsn.org.

Public feedback sought on state transportation projects

The Nevada Department of Transportation is seeking public comment on its planned projects.

The projects are outlined in the department's four-year planning document, available at estip.nevadadot.com.

The projects would aim to improve the capacity of Nevada's transportation system, such as increasing the number of lanes, constructing new roads and road extensions and conducting road maintenance and intersection improvements. Work also would include transit, rail, pedestrian walkway and bicycle facility projects.

Public comments must be submitted before Aug. 30 via email at tocpeacock@dot.state.nv.us or by mail to NDOT Program Development, Planning Office, Attn. Coy Peacock, Room 205, 1263 S. Stewart St., Carson City, NV 89712.

Drone owners must refrain from flying aircraft during fires

The Nevada Division of Forestry advised owners of unmanned aircraft, also known as drones, to keep them on the ground whenever firefighters and aircraft are battling fires.

Drones have previously interfered with manned aircraft involved in wildland firefighting operations, state officials said. Offenders may suffer civil and/or criminal consequences, including a fine ranging from $1,000 to $25,000.

For more information on unmanned aircraft rules and guidelines, visit knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Henderson police honor department volunteers

The Henderson Police Department recently honored volunteers who donated thousands of hours in the Henderson Police Volunteer Program.

Lifetime Achievement Award recipients were Walter Sandbrook, with 4,155 hours; Bill White, with 4,175 hours; and Alan Tanzillo, with 4,673 hours.

Also, 28 volunteers who gave more than 500 hours earned gold status; eight volunteers who donated between 250 and 499 hours earned silver status; and 16 volunteers who gave 100 to 249 hours earned bronze status.

The program has 114 volunteers assisting in various assignments with the department, including helping in desk coverage, greeting visitors, handling mail, filing, checking area parking lots and issuing citations to vehicles in violation of Nevada handicapped parking laws. Volunteers also assist at the city Animal Care and Control Bureau.

Volunteers are recruited from residents who attend the Henderson Police Citizens' Academy and from throughout the community.

Visit cityofhenderson.com.

Horizon Ridge Parkway project to cause lane restrictions

Lane restrictions are planned through September on Horizon Ridge Parkway between Green Valley Parkway and Valle Verde Drive as Southwest Gas replaces a high-pressure gas line.

The eastbound left lane of Horizon Ridge Parkway between Green Valley Parkway and Valle Verde Drive will be closed until the construction is completed, according to the city of Henderson. The project will affect traffic in both directions of Horizon Ridge Parkway.

During construction, slated from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, eastbound motorists will be redirected to a westbound lane, reducing traffic to one lane in each direction. From 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily, one eastbound lane and both westbound lanes will be open on Horizon Ridge Parkway. Night work will not be conducted.

Visit cityofhenderson.com.

Metro launches decentralized approach to police work around the valley

The Metropolitan Police Department recently moved its manpower to area commands around the valley as part of its decentralization effort. Investigative functions that were in a central location were dispersed at the department's eight area commands in Clark County, with 175 detectives and 32 sergeants moving to those sites. Investigative functions that have been shifted to the area commands include street robberies, domestic violence and violent crimes.

A centralized model was formerly used at the department because the county had a smaller population. With an increased population, there is a greater need to have specialized resources where the crime occurs, the department said.

Decentralization will allow Metro to: conduct investigations in a more timely manner; conduct better communication between investigators and the patrol officers who know the trouble spots; gain more expertise on the issues affecting a particular area and be more equipped to deal with its problems; create a collaborative approach to strengthen community policing efforts; and empower captains and shift lieutenants to prioritize their unique crime problems and develop the best strategies to combat them.

Visit lvmpd.com.

Eatery seeks new school supplies for children at women's shelter

Residents can donate new school supplies through Aug. 21 at three valley Crazy Pita Rotisserie & Grill locations for children living at the Shade Tree, 1 W. Owens Ave. Donations for children in kindergarten through high school can be dropped off at 10975 Sage Park Drive, Suite 100, in Downtown Summerlin; 6587 Las Vegas Blvd. South at Town Square Las Vegas; and 2225 Village Walk Drive, Suite 175, at The District at Green Valley Ranch.

The Shade Tree is a shelter for women, children and their pets affected by domestic violence.

Visit theshadetree.org or crazypita.com.

Fostering Futures to honor advocates of children in foster care

Fostering Futures of Las Vegas, formerly Court Appointed Special Advocates, plans to honor volunteers who speak for children in foster care, as well as other valley child advocates, during a gala scheduled from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 10 inside the Titian and Veronese ballrooms at The Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

Tickets are available for $200 per seat or $1,800 for a table of 10 at fosteringfutureslv.org. Proceeds will benefit Fostering Futures of Las Vegas.

Fostering Futures of Las Vegas is a community-based program that recruits, trains and supports volunteers to advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children in courtrooms and communities.

DOT plans upgrades on US Highway 95 in north valley

The Nevada Department of Transportation plans paving upgrades through mid-September along U.S. Highway 95 between Ann Road and Horse Drive.

Detours are scheduled to be in place during the project, part of a $35.7 million, 4-mile widening of U.S. 95 between Ann Road and Durango Drive, expected to be complete in late September. Las Vegas Paving is the general contractor.

Visit nvroads.com.

Exhibitors sought to showcase health and safety products, services

The city of Henderson Fire and Police departments are seeking businesses and nonprofits to exhibit during the Henderson Community Expo 2015 — National Night Out, planned from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 17 in the south parking lot at the Galleria at Sunset mall, 1300 W. Sunset Road.

Exhibitors must register by Sept. 24. The fee is $95 for businesses and $25 for nonprofits. The fee includes a 10-foot-by-10-foot tent canopy, an 8-foot table and two chairs. Registration forms are available at cityofhenderson.com.

Applicants should offer products and services promoting health and wellness, crime and fire prevention and public safety. Interactive demonstrations and activities that appeal to all age groups are encouraged.

Henderson's Fire and Police departments are partnering with community organizations, civic groups and area businesses to increase public awareness regarding health and safety resources in Southern Nevada.

The free event will be open to the public. Call the Henderson Fire Department at 702-267-2222 or email kathryn.hooper@cityofhenderson.com.

Free legal assistance and education clinics planned for seniors

Clinics for free legal assistance and free legal education are planned for seniors in the coming months.

— Legal education clinics at the West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd., are slated from 5 to 6 p.m. Aug. 26, addressing fundamentals of landlord/tenant law; and Oct. 28, dealing with sealing criminal records.

— Legal assistance clinics at the West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd., are set from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 16, covering identity theft, and Nov. 18, focusing on estate planning basics.

— Legal assistance clinics at the Green Valley Library, 2797 N. Green Valley Parkway, are scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 21, focusing on identity theft; and Dec. 16, addressing estate planning basics.

Contact Carmela Reed at Nevada Legal Services at 702-386-0404, ext. 140, or creed@nlslaw.net.