Revered health care educator dies of the very affliction he battled

John McNeil dedicated his life to educating Southern Nevadans about the importance of stroke prevention. His devotion improved the lives of thousands who have suffered cerebral hemorrhages.

McNeil, who in July celebrated his 40th anniversary with the local office of American Heart and Stroke Association, suffered a massive cerebral hemorrhage Monday. He died Wednesday afternoon. He was 75.

Southern Nevada American Heart Association Executive Director Jason Belland said McNeil's efforts helped untold locals through education and his work to improve medical treatment for stroke victims.

"He's the greatest person that I've known as far as a colleague," Belland said. "He cared about everyone's problems probably more than himself. He was so selfless in the time and energy that he put into educating people about heart disease and stroke."

McNeil's memorial services are set for 10 a.m. Thursday at Christ the King Catholic Church at 4925 S. Torrey Pines Drive.

STATION MATCH: Consider it a sign of an improving local economy -- or at least increased business at local gaming giant Station Casinos.

The casino company, which employs some 13,000 locals, is restoring its 401(k) retirement match. A spokesperson this week also confirmed that Station management has approved raises in July for employees with at least one year of service.

Station Casinos has gone through tumultuous times in recent months, experiencing everything from bankruptcy reorganization to a labor battle with the Culinary union Local 226.

ENDLESS ELECTION: At least it seems that way. The North Las Vegas City Council race between Wade "One-Vote Winner" Wagner and Richard Cherchio continues in the courts. After a hearing this week, District Judge Susan Scann has agreed to reconsider evidence of possible improper votes in the election.

No matter the final outcome of this fight, the case already has illustrated the need for improvements in the local system when vote counts are contested.

BERKLEY-HELLER: The dust from President Barack Obama's recess appointment of Richard Cordray to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is still settling, but that hasn't prevented U.S. Senate candidate Shelley Berkley from seizing the moment and accusing incumbent Sen. Dean Heller of having an "anti-consumer protection history."

Berkley accuses former Rep. Heller of voting against credit card and Wall Street reform bills and of helping to block Cordray's appointment. In my blog at lvrj.com, I'll explain why this is one election-year issue Heller can't afford to neglect.

ARSON INDICTMENT: Some cops might grouse, but the decision Thursday by District Judge Douglas Herndon to dismiss the problematic arson indictment against construction defect attorney Nancy Quon and boyfriend/ex-cop William Ronald Webb helps clear the field in the investigation of Quon's possible role in corrupting local homeowners associations.

CITY HALL APPOINTMENT: Longtime federal probation officer Felipe Ortiz has been chosen as a community liaison and special assistant to Las Vegas City Councilman Bob Coffin. Ortiz, who is bilingual, will assist Coffin with citizen outreach in Ward 3. The downtown-area ward has seen a dramatic increase in Latino residents.

YOUNG ACTOR: Las Vegas resident Cheri Edelman is the proud mother of Joshua Edelman, who landed a moment in "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo." The Schofield Middle School eighth-grader played the character Gottfried Vanger as a child.

Trouble is, at 13, Joshua isn't old enough to see himself on the big screen.

"The movie is rated R, so he hasn't seen it yet," mom says.

ON THE BOULEVARD: Perennial Republican congressional candidate Kenneth Wegner has decided to throw his well-worn hat into the ring for a fourth time. He's pursuing the newly created CD 4 seat. ... On Jan. 12 at All-American Sports Park, officials will dedicate the John McDonald Football Field. For many years, he coached youngsters and gave everyone a chance to play football. He is the father of former Las Vegas City Councilman Michael McDonald.

Have an item for the Bard of the Boulevard? Email comments and contributions to Smith@reviewjournal.com or call 702-383-0295. He also blogs at lvrj.com/blogs/smith.