Local Briefs

Thursday, Dec. 5, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

* MILLER APPEARANCE -- Gov. Bob Miller planned to make his first public appearance tonight since his prostate surgery Nov. 18. In a traditional ceremony, he will flip the switch to light the state Christmas tree in front of the Capitol. There will be a simultaneous lighting of other trees and decorations in downtown Carson City. The governor has been recovering at the mansion for nearly two weeks. It rained heavily through the early morning in Carson City but a spokesman for the governor said he intends to show up despite the inclement weather.

* PUBLIC COMMENTS -- The North Las Vegas City Council voted 4-1 Wednesday night to alter the way it receives public comments at its meetings. In the past, citizens were allowed to file a "request to appear" form about a week before the meeting and their issues were placed on the agenda for discussion and possible action. That procedure was eliminated in an ordinance change sponsored by Councilman John Rhodes. Now, consistent with other local councils and commissions, citizens will be able to speak during the "public forum" section at the end of the meeting. Mayor James Seastrand opposed the change, arguing that it would hamper the council's ability to be responsive to city residents' concerns.

* MAN SURRENDERS -- A 19-year-old man wanted on burglary, home invasion and assault charges has surrendered to police. Guy Madmon saw his picture in the Nov. 27 SUN and turned himself in to the local FBI office at 12:40 p.m. Wednesday.