Crime and safety news from around the valley, Feb. 18-24, 2016

Lake Mead Boulevard safety improvement projecting public meeting: The Nevada Department of Transportation is planning a public information meeting about planned pedestrian and motorist safety upgrades along Lake Mead Boulevard from Civic Center Drive to Pecos Road from 4 to 7 p.m. Feb. 24 at North Las Vegas City Hall Council Chambers, 2250 Las Vegas Blvd. North. Proposed improvements call for narrowing outside travel lanes for widened sidewalks, reconstructing drop inlets, creating handicap complaint driveways and crossway ramps, replacing two-left lane turns with a raised median, and constructing two new pedestrian crossings with refuge islands and beacon warnings. The public is encouraged to attend. Comments may be submitted for the public record in writing at the meeting or verbally at the meeting. Written or emailed comments will be accepted through 5 p.m. March 11 to: Lori Campbell, project coordinator, 1263 S. Stewart St., Carson City, NV 89713; phone: 775-888-7462, email: lcampbell@dot.state.nv.us. RSVP with Julie Maxey, NDOT, at jmaxey@dot.state.nv.us or 775-888-7171.

Speeding saturation patrol: Beginning Feb. 19, the Henderson Police Department, in conjunction with officers throughout the Las Vegas Valley, will be conducting special traffic enforcement targeting speeders over the next two weeks. The officers will be able to target several different streets at a time using saturation patrols throughout Henderson to stop speeding vehicles. Officers will target areas that are known for high speeds and the areas that have received the most citizen complaints.

Public information meeting: The Nevada Department of Transportation is planning a public information meeting about planned pedestrian and motorist safety upgrades along Charleston Boulevard from Hillside Place to Burnham Avenue, and between Arden Street and Nellis Boulevard. The meeting is set from 4 to 7 p.m. Feb. 23 in the ballroom of the East Las Vegas Community Senior Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave. Proposed improvements call for pedestrian bulb outs and rapid flashing beacons at the intersections of Hillside Place, 17th Street and Burnham Avenue as well as median widening and travel lane restriping from Arden Street to Nellis Boulevard. Other enhancements include constructing handicap ramps and raising worm median islands while extending the eastbound to northbound left turns at Charleston and Nellis boulevards. The public is encouraged to attend. Comments may be submitted for the public record in writing at the meeting or verbally to a court reporter who will be present at the meeting. Written or emailed comments will be accepted through 5 p.m. March 11. Direct comments to Lori Campbell, project coordinator, 1263 S. Stewart St., Carson City, NV 89713; phone: 775-888-7462, email: lcampbell@dot.state.nv.us.

Coffee with a Cop: From 8 to 10 a.m. Feb. 23, residents are invited to try a small McCafe Coffee and speak with local law enforcement officers for the annual Coffee with a Cop at two McDonald's restaurants. Locations include: 075 S. Buffalo Drive and 3700 S. Paradise Road.

Flood control project: A flood control and road widening project will cause lane shifts and lane closures on Rainbow Boulevard between Sunset and Russell roads for about 15 months beginning Feb. 15. That section of Rainbow will be reduced to one lane in each direction from 9 p.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Tuesday, and for those same hours overnight Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Moving forward, this same lane reduction will be in place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday nights through Friday mornings daily. Also, lane shifts will be in place from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day, with two travel lanes open to traffic in each direction during those hours. The project is expected to be complete sometime in April 2017. The project includes the installation of a new flood control tunnel under approximately 1.3 miles of Rainbow between Sunset and Russell Roads. There will also be some work on storm drain infrastructure facilities and underground utilities near adjacent to Rainbow on Sunset, Russell, Post Road, Sobb Avenue, Patrick Lane and Oquendo Road. When complete, the flood control improvements will remove the flood zone designation from the rural neighborhoods that are east of Rainbow, south of Hacienda, north of Sunset and west of Jones Boulevard. Also, as part of this project, Rainbow will be widened to provide three continuous lanes of travel in each direction from Sunset to Russell. The widening, which entails filling gaps in the pavement and paving the road shoulder, will be done first to accommodate the lane shifts for the flood control work. Visit rtcsnv.com/fri.

U.S. Highway 95 lane restrictions: In an effort to give a major upgrade to Stephanie Street, U.S. Highway 95 northbound lanes and southbound lanes will shift to use a temporary lane for about 30 days starting the week of Feb. 14. On Feb. 17, between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m., Nevada Highway Patrol will close the southbound lanes for several minutes to allow a crane to be moved across the roadway to the construction area. The work is part of the $18.5 million Stephanie Street Bridge and Roadway project. Work began in June 2015 and is scheduled to be completed in April 2016. It includes a new two-lane bridge on Stephanie over U.S. 95 to augment the current two-lane structure, along with construction of the new Stufflebeam Avenue to intersect with Stephanie Street. Bicycle and pedestrian features will be added along both roadways, including slightly elevated bike lanes on Stephanie Street and Stufflebeam Avenue.

Tax presentation: Nevada Legal Services is planning a free presentation about IRS tax collection and collection options from 7 to 8 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Clark County Library Jewel Box Theater, 1401 E. Flamingo Road. Topics include: How did my IRS tax debt happen? If I owe the IRS, can it take my car, take my house or send me to jail? How long can the IRS collect taxes from me? What if I can't afford to fully pay my tax debt? Visit lvccld.org or call 702-507-3400.

Tenants' rights clinic: Nevada Legal Services and the UNLV Boyd School of Law plan to host free community education presentations on common landlord-tenant issues. The classes are set from 3 to 5 p.m. Feb. 19, March 4 and 18, and April 1 and 15 at the North Las Vegas Justice Court, 2428 N. Martin Luther King Blvd, Building A. Attendees must go through court security.

Seeing Orange: As Southern Nevada rebounds from the economic recession, it is experiencing growth in population and development. In response, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada launched Seeing Orange, a campaign to provide the public with information about construction projects. The community can call 702-928-2663 or visit seeingorangenv.com to submit questions and get project information.

Nighttime lane restrictions on state Route 160: The Nevada Department of Transportation will be making nighttime lane restrictions along state Route 160 between the Red Rock Canyon Road junction and Mile Marker 16.6 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday through Feb. 24. A pilot car operation will be in place. Restrictions are needed for a $16.5 million, 5-mile-long highway widening from two lanes to four travel lanes. Other work includes flattening side slope shoulders for safer vehicle turnouts, installing new drainage pipe, placing guardrails and hydro-seeding 38 acres. The project is scheduled for completion in early 2017. Motorists should use caution while traveling through the work zone, heed construction signage, or take alternate routes, if possible. Visit nvroads.com.

Pool positions available: Clark County Parks and Recreation is recruiting to fill positions for the 2016 pool season. Positions are available for those 15½ or older from $9 to $15 per hour based on experience and certifications. The Aquatics Department is seeking applicants to fill cashier, lifeguard, water safety instructor and management positions. Those who hold the American Red Cross lifeguard certification or are interested in cashier positions can fill out an application online at clarkcountynv.gov/parks. Those who need certification can enroll in a lifeguard training class at either Hollywood Aquatics Center, 1550 S. Hollywood Blvd., or Desert Breeze Aquatic Facility, 8275 W. Spring Mountain Road.

Airport Connector Project construction: Ongoing construction of the Airport Connector Project will reduce the number of travel lanes on a half-mile section of the eastbound 215 Beltway between Exit 10 (Sunset Road, McCarran Airport) and Exit 9 (Warm Springs Road) for the next 15 months. This section of the beltway typically has four traffic lanes but will be reduced to three lanes until spring 2017. The lane reduction is necessary while crews install new storm-drain facilities, build a new retaining wall, and reconstruct a ramp linking to the Warm Springs Road exit. This construction will not impact traffic on the westbound beltway at this time. Previously enacted lane restrictions and closures will remain in place, including the closure of the ramp that brings traffic from Sunset Road to the southbound Airport Connector, and lane reductions on southbound Airport Connector as vehicles exit the tunnel. Also, access to the northbound Airport Connector from George Crockett Road remains closed. These closures are all part of the Phase 2 Airport Connector Project, which includes construction of a new flyover ramp and bridge connecting southbound Airport Connector to the eastbound beltway, widening the off-ramp from the eastbound beltway to Warm Springs Road and construction of a new bridge for that off-ramp, and the widening of a bridge carrying westbound beltway traffic over the Airport Connector. The entire project is expected to be finished in fall 2017. Additional lane closures and lane shifts are expected during the project, and notice of those traffic impacts will be provided on electronic message boards in the area and through Clark County social media sites. The Public Works Department has set up a page at ClarkCountyNV.gov/PubWorks to provide details on the scope of the project. The public can also contact the department at 702-455-6000 or via email at InTheWorks@ClarkCountyNV.gov.

Fraudulent contractor: The Nevada State Contractors Board is issuing a Consumer Alert to warn Southern Nevada residents, specifically those located in and around North Las Vegas, that unlicensed contractor and convicted felon, Michael Delbridge, is back out in the community and taking advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. In the two weeks since his release, the board has received three additional complaints from homeowners that Delbridge has taken their money with little to no work performed. Each of these cases are pending approval from the District Attorney's Office to prosecute on related unlicensed contractor charges. Delbridge has preyed on unsuspecting homeowners, usually seniors, by claiming to be a licensed contractor, underbidding the job, promising to absorb the cost of all fees and permits associated with the project, and asking for a 50 percent cash deposit so he can take advantage of his "vendor sales," allowing the homeowner to get a better deal on materials. Delbridge then performs a small percentage of the work using hired help in most cases and then abandons the project. After abandoning, Delbridge has offered his victims a refund of all or part of the homeowner's money, yet has failed to do so, generally citing a number of excuses. Delbridge has operated under the names, "Southwest Construction," "Roadrunner Construction" and "Michael Delbridge Construction." On April 22, 2015, he pleaded guilty to felony charges of engaging in business without a license. The board encourages anyone looking to have work performed on their home to always verify a contractor's license number on the Board's website or contact the board directly at 702-486-1100 before signing a contract.

Forensic science informational event: The American Academy of Forensic Sciences is planning to hold its annual scientific meeting from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, 900 Las Vegas Blvd. North. The event is set to cover forensic sciences and is to include a CSI Mini-Camp for families to learn the processes forensic scientists use and an adults-only showcase called Demystifying the Forensic Sciences. The showcase will be moderated by Dr. Bruce Goldberger, past president of AAFS and director of the UF Health Forensic Medicine, and include experts and professors in the field to discuss forensic science disciplines and how each contributes to solving crimes. The showcase will be followed by a reception where ticket holders will have an opportunity to meet the scientists. Advance tickets are required and are $10. The event is not recommended for children. Visit lvnhm.org.

Community safety forum: The Mob Museum, 300 Stewart Ave., announced its 2016 Community Safety Forum calendar. Forums are to be held from 2 to 3 p.m. the third Sunday of the month. They are sponsored by NV Energy and are free and open to the public. Attendance at a forum presentation includes free general admission to the museum following the presentation as well as live streaming of the event. Upcoming Community Safety Forum dates and topics include: Feb. 21, The Active Shooter; and March 20, The Ins and Outs of the Clark County District Attorney's Office. Visit themobmuseum.org.

Minimum Wage and Overtime — There are Huge Traps and the Government is About to Make it Worse: Fisher & Phillips LLP, a labor and employment law firm, and the city of Las Vegas plan to present the free seminar from 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 24 inside the Las Vegas City Hall Achievement Room, 495 S. Main St. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m., and all attendees should check in at the City Hall reception desk. Space is limited. Pre-register at tinyurl.com/govhugetraps.

Sealing criminal records classes: Nevada Legal Services and the UNLV Boyd School of Law plans to host free presentations on how to seal your criminal record from 3 to 5 p.m. Fridays through May 2 at the Clark County Law Library, 309 S. Third St. There is no class on Feb. 12 or March 25. To reserve a seat, call 702-455-4696.

Applications for Henderson police: Candidates interested in applying for the Henderson Police Department as a police officer or corrections officer are invited to apply. Online applications will be accepted until 5:30 p.m. March 31. Visit joinhpd.com.

Tropicana Avenue lane restrictions: The Nevada Department of Transportation plans to restrict one lane of west and eastbound traffic along East Tropicana Avenue (state Route 593) between Eastern Avenue and McLeod Drive through April 3. The 24-hour-a-day lane restrictions are needed for $7.67 million in upgrades along Tropicana. Aggregate Industries is the general contractor. The 4-mile-long project between Eastern and Boulder Highway calls for new asphalt pavement, raised median islands, and electrical wiring, among other things. Construction is scheduled to finish in October. Motorists should use caution while traveling through the work zone, heed construction signage, and take alternate routes, if possible. Visit nvroads.com.

Winter safety on the mountain: Snow is predicted for the Mount Charleston area that includes Lee Canyon. The Mount Charleston Winter Alliance is urging visitors to prepare for severe winter conditions before visiting the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. Some tips include: When traveling to the mountain, start with a full tank of gas. There are no gas stations onsite. Always carry with you: tire chains/tow strap, cellphone, flashlight, ice scraper, jumper cable, snow shovel, blanket/sleeping bag, first-aid kit, compass, maps, bag of sand/kitty litter for traction, spare batteries, nonperishable foods and water. To receive the most up-to-date winter road and driving conditions, chain requirements and road closures, visit mtcharlestowinter.com. For real-time road information, dial 511 within Nevada and 1-877-687-6237 outside of Nevada.

Rape Crisis Center seeks volunteers: The Rape Crisis Center is increasing the number of volunteer training sessions in 2016 to better meet the needs of sexual assault victims and their families. This year, the center will offer three 50-hour five-week training sessions in late winter, summer and fall. Those who are interested in participating must complete an application and set up an interview prior to the beginning of training. Interviews are being scheduled. Volunteer training is a total of 50 hours and includes learning about the services of the center, community resources for sexual assault victims, how to respond to individuals in crisis, how the investigation and criminal justice process works for sexual assault cases, and numerous other topics. New volunteers must be at least 21 and be able to successfully pass a background check, drug screening and commit to a minimum of six months of volunteer service of at least six hours per week. Volunteers of varying age, gender identity, racial and ethnic background, sexual orientation, and language abilities are encouraged to apply. Call 702-385-2153.

NDOT lighting installation: In January the Nevada Department of Transportation is set to make $1.2 million in lighting improvements along a 35-mile stretch of Interstate 15 from Jean to the I-15/U.S. Highway 95 "Spaghetti Bowl" interchange in Las Vegas. Acme Electric is the general contractor. Work calls for replacing 550 high-pressure sodium fixtures with light-emitting diode lamps. Work will occur during nighttime hours when traffic is minimal. Anticipated completion is by spring 2016. Visit nvroads.com.

State Route 160 changes: The Nevada Department of Transportation awarded a $16.5 million contract to Aggregate Industries SWR Inc. for a 5-mile widening of state Route 160 (Blue Diamond Road) in southwest Clark County. The project will widen the highway from two lanes to four travel lanes between Mile Marker 10.89 (just past state Route 159 or the Red Rock Canyon Road junction) and Mile Marker 16.63. The improvements will flatten side slope shoulders for safer vehicle turnouts while installing new drainage pipe and tortoise fencing. Other work consists of placing barrier and guardrails as well as hydro-seeding 38 acres. Construction will entail moving enough dirt to fill 1,800 average sized swimming pools, and enough placing asphalt to pave 8,000 driveways. The project is scheduled for completion in early 2017. Although the speed limit will be lowered to 55 mph during construction, one lane will remain open at all times. Visit nvroads.com.

Boulder Highway improvements: The Nevada Department of Transportation is planning on making several pedestrian safety improvements to Boulder Highway (state Route 582) in 2016 and 2017, including an overhead rapid flashing beacon and Danish-offset median island at Boulder Highway and Sun Valley Drive, near the Eastside Cannery. NDOT will also be lowering the speed limit from 55 mph to 45 mph along a two-mile stretch of Boulder Highway from Galleria Drive north in early 2016.

Yellow Dot program: The 2015 Nevada Legislature passed AB 176, bringing the Yellow Dot program to Nevada. The voluntary program has participants provide important medical information about themselves and their passengers in the glovebox of their vehicles. First responders are alerted that this information is in the vehicle by a yellow dot decal placed in the lower left corner of the rear window. Residents can pick up a free Yellow Dot kit at one of more than 40 participating locations across the valley. For a list, visit rtcsnv.com/yellowdot, or to request the kit, call 702-676-1754 or email YD@rtcsnv.com.

Report illegal discharge activity: The Nevada Department of Transportation urges residents to protect water quality through prevention by reporting illicit drainage and discharge onto state roads and transportation facilities. Illicit discharge is anything entering a roadway drainage system that is not natural stormwater. Pesticides, construction dirt or materials, as well as materials from neighboring properties and roadway runoff containing fertilizers, vehicle oil and chemicals are examples. New legislation grants NDOT rights to issue permits for certain water discharges onto state roadways, as well as assess fines if needed. Illicit discharge onto state transportation facilities can be reported by contacting 775-888-7013 with the location and type of drainage or discharge. For more information, visit nevadadot.com/stormwater. In addition, a pollutant spill impacting a Nevada waterway must be reported to the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection's spill reporting hotline at 888-331-6337.