Local news briefs for February 9, 2001

Friday, Feb. 9, 2001 | 10:34 a.m.

Microsurgeon honored by state

Dr. William A. Zamboni, a microsurgeon at the University of Nevada School of Medicine in Las Vegas, will receive the first Rudolf W. Gunnerman Silver State Award for Excellence in Science and Technology for his advances in surgically reattaching limbs.

Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt will present the award to Zamboni on Monday at the Desert Research Institute in Reno.

The $5,000 award, administered by the institute, recognizes scientific achievement and technology developed in Nevada, DRI President Stephen G. Wells said.

Zamboni's research showed that putting patients into hyperbaric chambers after limb reattachment surgery causes blood vessels, skin, muscle and nerve tissues to regenerate more quickly and completely. The 100 percent oxygen in the chamber seems to reduce or reverse chemical changes that inhibit recovery occurring in the body after a severe trauma.

Funds to help search for kids

Drivers now have yet another choice of license plates to place on vehicles and help a good cause at the same time.

Special plates that will help support the Nevada Missing Children Clearinghouse are now available at all full-service Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety offices.

The plates are light purple with the phrase "Protect Nevada's Children" under the state name and "Children's Fund" at the bottom. The letters are multi-colored. Green handprints are on the left side of the plate.

The clearinghouse was created in 1991 in response to the staggering number of children reported missing each year, according to Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa.

While most were returned home safely, 8,000 Nevada children were reported missing for periods of time in 1999. The clearinghouse receives missing child reports from throughout the state, maintains a statewide database and works in tandem with national clearinghouses.

The plates are $51, which includes a $1 prison industry fee. The renewal fee is $20. Personalized plates are also available for $86, and are renewable for $40.

Nevada receives D in report

A national study of child safety in automobiles gives Nevada a grade of D for its efforts in protecting youngsters.

The report by the National Safe Kids Campaign was released Thursday in Carson City and Nevada scored 64 out of a possible 100 points.

Jeannie Cosgrove, director of Clark County Safe Kids Coalition, said, "This poor national report card demonstrates what many of us already know -- that Nevadans can do a better job taking care of our child passengers."

Nevada was one of 18 states to receive poor grades in the national report.

The report said Nevada law fails to expressly recognize the importance of "properly" securing both the child and the child safety seat.