Local news briefs for November 3, 2000

Friday, Nov. 3, 2000 | 10:47 a.m.

Woman killed crossing street

A 19-year-old woman crossing Maryland Parkway outside of a crosswalk Thursday morning was hit by a sport utility and killed.

The accident happened at about 11:15 a.m. as Kelly D. Farar weaved through stopped traffic on Maryland Parkway, about 200 feet south of Sierra Vista Drive, Metro Police said.

As Farar moved from the east side of the street to the west she stepped in front of a Chevrolet Blazer in the center two-way turn lane and was hit, police said.

Police say that evidence at the scene could indicate that Farar was fleeing from the Sears store at the Boulevard Mall after shoplifting some clothing.

The accident was the 78th traffic related fatality in Metro's jurisdiction this year.

Shooting victim's name announced

Clark County coroner officials released the name of the man found shot to death in an alley Saturday as 35-year-old Rafael Rodriguez-Cervantes.

Residents told Metro Police that they heard two men arguing in the alley in the 600 block of North 11th Street and then heard gunshots. Rodriguez-Cervantes' body was found by police about 2:10 a.m. Saturday.

Anyone with information in this case is asked to call Metro's homicide unit at 229-3521 or Secret Witness at 385-5555.

School figures close to estimate

The Clark County School District has posted an official enrollment of 231,002 students for 2000-01, just 26 shy of its projected enrollment of 231,028.

The figure represents an increase of 6.4 percent or 13,800 students over the official 1999-2000 enrollment of 217,139. The Clark County School District currently stands as the sixth largest in the nation.

This year's enrollment was verified by an audit of the district's official count day on Friday, Sept. 22.

Enrollment figures are used by the state for calculating aid. In addition, the school district's Demographics, Zoning and Realty Department uses the enrollment numbers to monitor individual schools, anticipate growth and determine where to build new schools.

Lovelock teacher wins award

CARSON CITY -- A science teacher at the Pershing County High School in Lovelock has been named the 2001 Nevada Teacher of the year.

Valdine McLean, who has taught in the district since 1993, was honored at ceremonies today in Lovelock, said Keith Rheault, deputy state superintendent of public instruction.

Rheault said McLean has the qualities to inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn. And she has been able to gain the respect and admiration of students, parents and fellow teachers.

McLean was previously chosen as Teacher of the Year in Pershing County and was named a national recipient of the Presidential Award of Excellence in Mathematics and Science.

She has taught students in all grade levels as part of the biology, chemistry, physics and student leadership classes.

She will be entered in the national contest for teacher of the year.

National BLM chief moving on

The national director of the Bureau of Land Management is stepping down from his position later this month.

Tom Fry, who has served as director since last May, and was the department's acting director since November 1998, is leaving to become president of a trade association in Washington, D.C.

Fry also served as the BLM's deputy director, and before coming to the BLM was chief of staff for then Interior Director John Garamendi.

Chain postponing flu shot clinics

Rite Aid Corp. announced today that due to the increased severity of the flu vaccine shortage, it is postponing its flu shot clinics originally scheduled to start Monday at 400 store locations.

Suppliers have informed the company that they are unable to provide Rite Aid the amount of vaccine that was originally promised.