Local news briefs for May 24, 2000

Wednesday, May 24, 2000 | 11:15 a.m.

Health district warns about fruit

After three local confirmed cases of salmonella poisoning, Clark County health officials have issued a reminder about washing fruit properly.

At least 39 people in five Western states have been stricken with the uncommon type of bacteria known as salmonella poona. Infections can result from cutting through contaminated fruit rinds without scrubbing with soap and hot, running water.

One to three days after exposure to salmonella poona, a person may experience fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea lasting two to five days. The infection is generally not life threatening but can pose a danger to young children, the elderly and those with weaker immune systems, the health district said.

Rollover victims are identified

The two victims of a fatal single-car accident on U.S. 95 northwest of Las Vegas have been identified.

The rollover killed Brian A. Barnum, 23, of Alabaster, Ala., and 19-year-old Stephanie Lynn Painter of New Martinsville, W.Va., according to the Clark County coroner's office.

The accident occurred Monday morning about 10 miles southeast of Indian Springs when the vehicle veered off the highway onto the shoulder but Barnum overcorrected. That sent the car into a deadly roll, throwing both victims from the car. Neither were wearing their safety belts, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol.

Black leaders will discuss agenda

About 100 black leaders from Nevada are in Washington, D.C., today to discuss their political agenda and meet with influential playmakers on Capitol Hill.

"It is important for the leaders of Nevada's African-American community to experience firsthand how our nation's capital operates and to network with business representatives and members of the executive and legislative branches who share similar interests and goals," said Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., who is hosting a three-day conference for the Nevadans beginning today.

Reid held a similar conference for Nevada Hispanic leaders in September.

The group will meet with prominent black leaders including Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater and Bob Johnson, president of Black Entertainment Television. Guests at a Thursday roundtable discussion include Reps. John Lewis, D-Ga., Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Tex., and John Conyers, D-Mich.

Among the Nevadans who planned to participate: state Sen. Joe Neal, Assemblyman Wendell Williams, Clark County Commissioner Yvonne Atkinson Gates, Las Vegas City Councilman Lawrence Weekly and Clark County School Board member Shirley Barber.

Finalists compete for state honors

Five Clark County teachers have been named state finalists for the 2000 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teachers.

Steven Loyd of Hyde Park Middle School in Las Vegas was selected as a finalist for excellence in science teaching at the elementary level. Named for mathematics teaching at the secondary level were Irma Pumphrey also of Hyde Park Middle School and Steven Isaak of Bonanza High School in Las Vegas.

Chosen for math teaching at the elementary level were Kristian Postlewait of David Cox Elementary School in Henderson and Susan Bremer of Fay Herron Elementary School in North Las Vegas.

They will receive an education grant of $750 from the National Science Foundation and are candidates for the national award which will be announced later by the White House.