Las Vegas news briefs

Wednesday, April 14, 1999 | 11:43 a.m.

Eleven billboards in Las Vegas, Reno and Elko will soon be featuring anti-smoking messages instead of the pleasure of cigarettes.

Under the national settlement between the tobacco companies and the states, outdoor billboards touting smoking must be removed by April 22.

Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa said Tuesday 11 outdoor signs will be used to deliver anti-tobacco messages through mid-January 2000.

Maurer to resign city attorney post

North Las Vegas City Attorney Richard Maurer plans to resign in September to pursue other interests.

City Manager Pat Importuna said that in Maurer's letter of resignation, the city attorney wants to give the city ample notice in order to allow for a smooth transition.

Maurer was appointed city attorney in September 1989. His annual salary is $105,990.

Trial delayed until July 26 for McGilbra

Michael McGilbra will stand trial July 26 on charges related to an explosion at an apartment complex that authorities said was an apparent suicide attempt by the 40-year-old.

District Judge Joseph Pavlikowski rescheduled the trial Tuesday, which had been set for April 12, after defense attorneys said they would need more time to prepare their case.

McGilbra is charged with felony counts of endangering property by explosive and malicious injury to private property and a gross misdemeanor count of performing an act in disregard of safety. On Jan. 4 a natural gas explosion destroyed parts of the La Fiesta Apartments, 1492 N. Lamb Blvd.

NLV celebrates opening of basin

North Las Vegas Mayor Michael Montandon helped cut the ribbon today opening the $10.4 million Lower Las Vegas Wash Detention Basin, a major project that can store 1,100 acre-feet of storm water.

The North Las Vegas flood control project, bounded by Washburn Road on the south and Hammer Lane on the north, will handle 92 square miles of drainage from the Spring Mountains, said Gale Fraser, director of the Clark County Regional Flood Control District.