Las Vegas news briefs for June 22, 1999

Tuesday, June 22, 1999 | 11:31 a.m.

Veterans advocate to seek Assembly

The chairman of a local veterans group has announced his candidacy for Democrat Tom Collins' Assembly seat.

Republican Ed Gobel, chairman of Veterans in Politics, is starting his campaign early in his effort to win the District 1 seat in 2000.

"I plan to keep my promise to speak to every resident twice before the election," Gobel said. "Because I'm in a wheelchair it takes me a little more time to get around."

Gobel, a disabled Vietnam veteran, served as Gov. Kenny Guinn's campaign veterans coordinator. He has also been active at legislative hearings addressing health care, education and veterans issues.

Gobel's platform includes returning overcharged taxes to taxpayers, mandating the teaching of historic documents such as the Bill of Rights in schools and requiring the same rules for government and private industry in bid processes.

State receives grant from feds

Nevada is getting a funding boost to fight crime at the state and local level.

The Justice Department's Bureau of Justice Assistance has allocated $3.9 million to the state for drug enforcement, anti-gang efforts and community based crime prevention programs.

"These funds will give Nevada law enforcement an even greater opportunity to continue their battle against drug trafficking in our communities," Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev., said. "The people of Nevada deserve the peace of mind that comes with safe neighborhoods, and this funding will only help in meeting this goal."

Fund-raiser will help libraries, UNLV

The Friends of the North Las Vegas Library District and the Las Vegas Chapter of the American Institute of Architects will host a fund-raiser, "Art and Architecture '99 -- Giving Life to Mind," at the Flamingo Hilton for the library district and the UNLV School of Architecture Scholarship Fund.

The black-tie optional event begins at 6 p.m. Friday with a silent auction featuring original pieces of artwork donated by local artists and architects, followed by music, dinner and a presentation about art and architecture by a nationally known architect.

For more information, call 895-0936 or 263-7111.

Man found shot is identified

A Las Vegas man found shot to death June 14 at a home in the 1600 block of Basswood Avenue has been identified as Radamas Franklin, 26.

North Las Vegas Police believe Franklin was shot by the resident of the home, Sandra Dunlap, 34. Dunlap had an extended protective order against Franklin, police said.

Boy, 15, identified as crash victim

The victim of a single-car crash involving a police chase June 14 has been identified as Reginald Burton, 15.

Metro Police say Burton was driving a stolen 1998 Ford Mustang near Pecos Road and Las Vegas Boulevard when an officer pulled him over for speeding. Burton sped away, leading officers on a chase until he crashed the car into a median near Lake Mead Boulevard and North Walnut Road, police say.

For the record

A Las Vegas woman police suspect was shot by her roommate June 16 has been identified as Mary Banister, 75. Metro Police say Banister was found shot to death in her mobile home in the 1400 block of Palm Street. Her roommate, Joel Marks, 58, was booked at the Clark County Detention Center on suspicion of murder.

Officials from Corrections Services Corp., Clark & Sullivan Constructors and the Nevada State Prison System will present plans for the new 200-bed juvenile prison facility at 6 p.m. June 30 at the Clark County Library Theater. For more information, call the League of Women Voters Juvenile Justice Committee at 361-0380.