News briefs for March 14, 2001

Wednesday, March 14, 2001 | 10:45 a.m.

Developers set for NLV meeting

As many as 100 developers could crowd into the conference room at the North Las Vegas Library Thursday to learn more about the city's plans for land that will be auctioned off in May.

The Bureau of Land Management will begin auctioning 7,500 acres it owns in North Las Vegas on May 9. In preparation for that, representatives from the city will be joined by other agencies to present information to the development community, Mike Majewski, economic development manager for the city, said.

In addition to city and BLM staff, representatives from the Clark County School District, Nevada Power and Southwest Gas are scheduled to make presentations and field questions.

Phil Guerrero, BLM spokesman, said 27 parcels will be available for sale May 9. This includes 1,905 acres that the city wants to be developed into a master planned community.

Man receives 18 years

A Las Vegas man suspected of hiring a hit man to kill his business partner three years ago was sentenced to 18 years in prison Tuesday.

Heath Iliescu, 27, must serve at least six years in prison before becoming eligible for parole in connection with the December 1997 death of Bruce Ray Fisher, Chief Deputy District Attorney David Wall said.

Iliescu pleaded guilty to attempted murder and was sentenced by District Judge Mark Gibbons.

Police believe Iliescu had a dispute with Fisher and hired Jason Paris to kill him.

Paris pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and had agreed to testify against Iliescu if he had gone to trial, Wall said. He is expected to receive a 10-to-25-year sentence.

Bigger supply in state expected

Gov. Kenny Guinn is endorsing plans by Williams Gas Pipeline to expand its system to deliver more natural gas to Clark County.

Guinn said Tuesday this project could significantly boost the state's ability to produce electricity. He was to present his letter of support today to officials of Williams Gas Pipeline at the company's Blue Diamond Meter Station.

The governor said he was committed to working with all regulatory agencies to streamline the permitting process to allow companies to begin their projects quickly.

Williams needs permits from Clark County pollution officials to construct and operate a pipeline expansion.

"By expanding the capacity of its Kern River system, Williams Gas Pipeline will be able to deliver more natural gas to Nevada which would be delivered to Nevada utilities and power generators to produce more energy and stabilize power costs, the governor said.