News briefs for May 22, 2002

Wednesday, May 22, 2002 | 9:43 a.m.

Mother takes plea agreement

A Las Vegas woman who gave her young son the keys to the car he later died in entered a plea agreement Tuesday.

Deanna Evans pleaded guilty to attempted child abuse and neglect in connection with the October 2000 death of her son, Kenny Smith, 3.

Prosecutors said the boy died after he opened the trunk of his mother's car, crawled inside and accidentally locked himself inside. Evans was charged with child abuse and neglect after admitting she gave the boy the keys despite knowing he had unlocked the car in the past.

As a result of the plea agreement, Evans will spend 30 days in jail and serve five years' probation, said Chief Deputy District Attorney Doug Herndon. Should she violate probation, she could get a four- to 10-year prison sentence.

Evans will be formally sentenced July 9.

NLV approves $251 mil. budget

The North Las Vegas City Council approved a $251 million budget for 2003 on Tuesday at a special meeting, adding $50,000 for a temporary traffic signal.

Mayor Michael Montandon and council members said they were concerned about increasing traffic at Lone Mountain Road and Clayton Avenue. The intersection is in a developing area of the city.

Currently there is a four-way stop sign at Lone Mountain and Clayton, NLV Public Works Director Jim Bell said.

To install a fully controlled signal and turn lanes would require up to $300,000, Bell said.

Councilwoman Stephanie Smith said there was an immediate need for a signal at the intersection.

"We should be more proactive, instead of reactive," Smith said.

The council unanimously approved the amended budget with the additional funds for a temporary signal. The budget year begins on July 1.

Police team up for traffic watch

Metro Police traffic officers will participate in "Joining Forces" DUI and traffic enforcement activities Thursday and Friday.

Officers will be joined by Nevada Highway Patrol troopers from 2 to 10 p.m. Thursday in the area of Tropicana Avenue, Flamingo Road, Paradise Road and Maryland Parkway, focusing on traffic enforcement, proper use of seat belts and child restraints.

Again from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, officers will conduct a DUI saturation patrol in the southeast valley, concentrating on an area bounded by Maryland Parkway, Tropicana Avenue, Pecos Road and Flamingo Road.

The North Las Vegas City Council

has officially changed its meeting time. The June 5 council meeting at North Las Vegas City Hall, 2200 Civic Center Drive, will begin at 6 p.m. The council had been meeting at 7 p.m., but decided to start an hour earlier.