Local news briefs for December 12, 2000

Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2000 | 10:47 a.m.

Repairs to UNLV field begin

Repairs to UNLV's intramural sports field began Monday after the National Finals Rodeo left Las Vegas.

The field, in the northwest corner of the campus, was rented by NFR officials to meet the parking and storage needs of rodeo participants, Jeff Wells of the campus recreation office said.

Each year after the rodeo leaves town, in addition to the rental fee, NFR officials give the university's campus recreation office between $5,000 and $10,000 to repair damage done to the field, Wells said.

This year grass in one corner of the field was trampled and sections through the middle were also damaged. Groundskeepers expect the grass to grow back before students return for the next semester, which begins Jan. 16, Wells said.

Las Vegas opens new safety center

A new building and safety permit center opened Monday in the city of Las Vegas' West Service Center.

Limited services will be offered at the new satellite center, located at 7551 Sauer Drive, just south of the Rainbow Library.

Permits can be obtained there for block and retaining walls, patio covers, re-roofing, portable spas, and changing water heaters, water softeners and electrical service panels.

To obtain any other permit, residents must go to the Development Services Center, 731 S. Fourth St.

For more information contact the city at 229-6256 or 229-6052.

Money to go to toys, books

United Way of Southern Nevada has more than $47,000 to spend on toys for needy children this holiday season.

The money was distributed in June as part of a 1997 settlement of an antitrust lawsuit brought by 44 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia against the Toys R Us chain.

The agency will use the money to buy books, toys and educational materials for needy children throughout Clark County.

The state attorney general's Bureau of Consumer Protection distributed the money to charities in Washoe Valley and Churchill County as well.

All of the toys and books purchased will be handed out by the Marine Corps as part of the Toys for Tots program.

City planning man activities

The city of Las Vegas is involved in a number of holiday activities this season, including canned food and toy drives.

The public is welcome to participate in the annual city employee holiday canned food and toy drive by dropping off items at bins located throughout city facilities. The toys will be taken to the KLAS Channel 8 Toys for Tots drive, which ends Friday.

Councilman Gary Reese will hold holiday dinners Monday in Meadows Village and on Dec. 19 at the Rafael Rivera Community Center. Both events are from 4 to 8 p.m.

Councilman Michael McDonald is collecting toys for charity throughout the month of December.

Councilman Lawrence Weekly is delivering toys to Ward 5 elementary schools and will adopt five families for the holidays today through Thursday and Councilman Michael Mack will sponsor a Beanie Baby Giveaway throughout December.

For information on any of the council events, call 229-6405.