News briefs for July 23, 2002

Tuesday, July 23, 2002 | 11:11 a.m.

Writers on homeless tax sought

Clark County is searching for volunteers to write an argument against the homeless tax ballot question that will appear on the November general election ballot.

State law requires the registrar of voters to assemble two committees of three volunteers to write arguments for and against ballot questions. The arguments appear in sample ballots mailed to all registered voters.

Registrar of Voters Larry Lomax said he has struggled to find more than one volunteer opposed to the homeless initiative, which would raise the property tax rate one cent to help fund homeless programs. The tax increase would amount to $7 a year for a homes with an assessed value of $200,000.

Those interested may contact the county Election Department at 455-2784.

Court tells judge to reconsider decision

CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court Monday ordered District Judge Mark Gibbons to reconsider his decision not to appoint an attorney to represent convicted killer Artis L. Moore on his second appeal.

Moore was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for his role in the killing of bartender Salvatore Zendano at the O'Aces bar and grill in May 1998. He was the driver of the car. His two companions went into the bar to pull off the robbery.

Kenshawn Maxey was convicted of shooting the bartender and accidentally fatally wounded his partner Lashawn Levi.

Moore lost his initial appeal to the Supreme Court. He started a second petition and asked Gibbons to appoint an attorney for him. Gibbons refused.

The Supreme Court said Gibbons may wish to reconsider because Moore has two life terms without parole, has only a 12th grade education and claimed he did not understand the proceedings.

Beetles found on plane

CARSON CITY -- The state Department of Agriculture says it is concerned that the destructive Japanese beetle may have gained entry into the Las Vegas area.

The beetle grubs damage lawns, foliage, flowers, fruits, golf courses and pastures. It can take years to get rid of them.

Robert Gronowski of the department said Monday the agency discovered live beetles during a routine inspection of aircraft at McCarran International Airport. He added the pest may be gaining entry into Nevada via airline flights from other states.

A Japanese beetle infestation was discovered in 1991 in Las Vegas on a private golf course. It took three years and cost $300,000 to eliminate the beetles. An adult female beetle can lay up to 300 eggs.

Gronowski said one fertilized female hitching a ride inside an airplane and accidentally released in Nevada could start an infestation.

The department has increased the number of traps for the Japanese beetle around the airports in Las Vegas and Reno.