News briefs for Sept. 3, 2002

Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2002 | 10:09 a.m.

NLV residents seek council change

A group of citizens is trying to change the way items are placed on North Las Vegas City Council agendas.

The group launched a petition drive to gather about 2,000 voter signatures on Monday, organizer Mike Winne said.

Councilwoman Stephanie Smith was the first one to sign the petition.

Current policy requires at least two council members to endorse an item.

"I've always been opposed to that policy," Smith said. "Elected officials should be able to put anything on an agenda."

If enough signatures are collected on the petition, North Las Vegas residents could be asked to vote on the issue in spring 2003.

"I'm all for more public involvement," Smith said. "I think it's really critical for our form of government."

Woman's body is identified

The body of a woman found near the Las Vegas Beltway and Rainbow Boulevard Wednesday has been identified as Camille Ida Downing Goalstone, 21, of Las Vegas.

Goalstone's body was found near Rainbow and Warm Springs Road by a passerby Wednesday morning, Metro Police said.

The case remains under investigation, and anyone with information is asked to call Secret Witness at 385-5555 or police at 229-3521.

Telethon sets MDA record

The Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon raised a record $58.3 million in nationwide pledges through Monday.

Las Vegas residents contributed $700,866 to the telethon, which is in its 37th year in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association's research and services.

Originating from CBS Television City in Los Angeles, the telethon broke the record set a year ago of $56.8 million, telethon spokesman Bob Mackle said. The annual broadcast was shown on about 200 television stations.

Lewis, 76, is recovering from pulmonary fibrosis and was assisted in his hosting duties by Ed McMahon, comedians Wayne Brady and Norm Crosby, with performers Jann Carl, Cynthia Garrett, Bob Zany, Charo and Andy Williams.

The privately funded MDA works to combat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through research, services to people afflicted and professional and public health education.

Red Flag starts on Nellis range

Red Flag military exercises begin today over the skies of Southern Nevada.

The two-week exercise brings more than 2,400 people -- mostly Air Force personnel from the United States and other nations -- to Nellis Air Force Base. An extra 100 aircraft also come to the base for the exercise.

An air war will be simulated over the nearby Nevada Test and Training Range. Residents of the Las Vegas Valley will notice an increase in air operations between 9 and 11:30 a.m. and 3 and 5:30 p.m. weekdays this week and next.

For more information, call the Nellis Public Affairs Office, (702) 652-2750 or check out the Nellis website (nellis.af.mil/redflag/ default.htm).