News briefs for August 8, 2002

Thursday, Aug. 8, 2002 | 9:46 a.m.

B-29 lost in lake believed found

The National Park Service has contacted federal experts to do a condition assessment and site documentation of what is believed to be the long-lost B-29 Superfortress that crashed and sank into Lake Mead 54 years ago.

The announcement to bring in the Submerged Resource Center -- the first underwater archeology team of the federal government -- comes a day before a scheduled Friday news conference by the local diving crew that says it found the lost bomber "Beetle Bomb" and has photographed it.

At that news conference, which was announced to the Las Vegas media last week, the dive team is expected to release both videotaped footage and photos of the plane that is the source of one of the lake's most enduring legends.

The Beetle Bomb caught fire over Lake Mead on July 21, 1948, and crashed into the lake. All five crew members survived. Why the plane crashed remains a mystery.

Former broker gets 52 months

A former broker who pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money-laundering charges has been sentenced in U.S. District Court to 52 months in prison and ordered to pay $2.5 million in restitution.

Tony Dean Davis, who was a registered securities broker with Moody Investment Consultations, pleaded guilty to forging client signatures on letters of authority over an 11-month period in 1997. Victims reported that $3 million was taken.

Commission OKs Coyote project

The Clark County Commission on Wednesday approved a plan to develop the community proposed for Coyote Springs, moving the development a step closer to reality.

The commission approved the "specific plan" for the development on 13,000 acres on the Clark County-Lincoln County line. Developer Coyote Springs Investments hopes to eventually make the community home to more than 100,000 people.

While the commission approved the plan, the developer still must submit a detailed development agreement to the county for approval.

Cities group elects councilwoman

The Nevada League of Cities has named Las Vegas Councilwoman Lynette Boggs McDonald its new president.

Boggs McDonald will be sworn in during the organization's annual banquet on Saturday in Minden.

Boulder City Councilman Michael Pacini will become the first vice president, Reno Mayor Jeff Griffin will be second vice president and Tom Cook, a member of the Town Board of Gardnerville, will remain third vice president.

A new secretary and treasurer will be named at the organization's annual business meeting on Saturday.