Area Briefing

SAFE VILLAGE CRIME PROGRAM OFFICERS HONORED

Awards were distributed to various Metropolitan Police Department officers Aug. 15 for their participation in a program said to have reduced crime in West Las Vegas. The officers who took part in the Safe Village initiative formed crucial community ties that led to lower crime rates in West Las Vegas, according to the department. The awards were distributed during a commendation ceremony at the department's headquarters, 400 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Building B. The thirty-three officers who were honored at the event also include two who received the Lifesaving Award for assisting resident in need of medical help. Also, four officers were given the Medal of Honor, and one received the Medal of Valor.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS TO BE 1ST TUESDAY TOPIC

Officers will discuss potential disasters and emergency preparedness with residents during the Metropolitan Police Department's 1st Tuesday program, set for 7 to 8 p.m. Sept. 4 at the department's valleywide area commands.

The 1st Tuesday program is a free open house-style event that takes place monthly on the first Tuesday. After speakers discuss assigned topics, residents can learn more about their neighborhoods and meet their local police officers. For a list of area commands or other additional information, visit lvmpd.com or call 828-3111.

BUILDING PERMITS PACKAGED WITH WATER HEATERS, SOFTENERS

Valley governments and several Home Depot sites have launched a pilot program to make obtaining a permit less of a hassle with regard to items such as water heaters or softeners, HVAC systems and gas/electric meters.

Customers will be able to obtain the proper permits at the stores, saving them time and an extra trip, city officials said. Participating jurisdictions include the cities of Henderson, Las Vegas and North Las Vegas. Clark County is expected to take part in the program beginning in September, according to the Nevada State Contractors Board, which helped create the program.

Currently, permit terminals are scheduled to be at 11 Home Depot locations valleywide, the board said. The Henderson location is 1030 W. Sunset Road. The North Las Vegas locations are 855 E. Dorrell Lane and 1275 W. Craig Road. The Las Vegas sites are 7881 W. Tropical Parkway, 9705 W. Charleston Blvd., 861 S. Rainbow Blvd., 1401 S. Lamb Blvd., 4750 S. Decatur Blvd., 6025 S. Pecos Road, 4195 S. Fort Apache Road and 7015 Arroyo Crossing Parkway.

Each terminal is designed to interface with the various building department systems and will allow customers to obtain water heater, water softener, HVAC, gas/electric meter and other related permits and schedule an inspection through the jurisdictions' websites. The Home Depot will collect the payment from customers for the building permits at no cost to the participating jurisdictions. The purpose of the pilot program is to help contractors and homeowners obtain proper building permits. Permits are required to keep the public safe by making sure certain appliances are installed properly and that construction meets safety codes. The cities' agreements are for 90 days, with six-month renewal options. Home Depot will analyze the future of the project based on its outcome and then decide whether to expand it to other Nevada jurisdictions, the contractors board said.

POLICE SEEK CROSSING GUARD VOLUNTEERS

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department seeks reliable adults to serve as school crossing guards throughout the school year. The guards will assist elementary schoolchildren crossing the streets. For more information, call 828-3446.

NEW POLICE VIDEO SEEKS TO RAISE AWARENESS OF SYNTHETIC DRUGS

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department recently introduced an informational video dealing with synthetic drugs.

The video, online at youtube.com/watch?v=OwxfR-3jXwc, includes information about how the drugs can be fatal and how users can exhibit bizarre and violent behavior.

The video provides a brief overview of the issue, with images of what the drug packets look like. The packets often have colorful labels with bogus disclaimers, such as "not for human consumption," or harmless-sounding names, such as bath salts, potpourri and plant feeder, police said.

As more synthetic compounds are being outlawed, chemists and drug dealers are continuously updating and re-engineering their products, according to police.

Narcotics detectives are stepping up their efforts to stay ahead of the threat, police said.

CLASSES TO TEACH KIDS TO AVOID DANGER

Nevada Child Seekers plans free radKIDS classes at the Silver Springs Recreation Center, 1951 Silver Springs Parkway, Henderson, to teach children how to avoid and escape dangerous situations.

Classes for 6- to 8-year-olds are set for 9-10:30 a.m. Saturdays from Sept. 15-Oct. 20. Classes for 9- to 12-year-olds are set for Saturdays from Nov. 3-Dec. 8.

Parents will receive a family manual to help reinforce the safety skills learned.

Registration can be conducted at cityofhenderson.com under the parks and recreation section or in person at the recreation center.

For more information, visit nevadachildseekers.org or call 458-7009.

SUNRISE-AREA SEWER PROJECT TO CAUSE LANE CLOSURES, RESTRICTIONS

Street closures and lane restrictions are scheduled through at least Sept. 21 along several roads in the Sunrise area as the Clark County Water Reclamation District conducts a sewer rehabilitation project.

The project includes Betty Lane between Washington and Harris avenues, Washington Avenue from Christy to Betty lanes and Christy Lane from Owens to Washington avenues, the district said.

Work is set to take place 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Christy Lane will be closed to through traffic between Washington and Owens avenues during work hours. Residents along the work zone will have access to their homes, the district said. Christy Lane will open to through traffic during the nighttime hours, but lane restrictions will be in place.

Alternate routes should be taken to Eldorado High School, 1139 N. Linn Lane, for the first few weeks of the school year, according to the district.

Lane restrictions will be in place during nonworking hours, and trenches and safety barriers will be in place.

During the project, sewer collection lines are scheduled to be replaced and relined, temporary bypass pumps and lines are set to be installed and manholes will be rehabilitated.

For more information and traffic updates, call the project hot line at 668-8668 or visit thelvpipeline.com.