News briefs for Sept. 30, 2002

Monday, Sept. 30, 2002 | 11:13 a.m.

Meeting planned on park changes

Las Vegas officials scheduled a final meeting at 5:30 p.m. today for residents living near Circle Park near downtown Las Vegas.

Councilman Gary Reese, who represents the area, said improvements to the park include a jogging path, walking path and a unique spiral labyrinth made of stepping stones.

Reese has worked with residents living in the older Huntridge area to draw final plans for the park on Maryland Parkway near Charleston Boulevard.

Kasey Baker with HCA Architects and a resident of the area donated services to design the proposed park improvements, including pedestrian-controlled stoplights and a 3-foot-tall barrier surrounding the park made of block, boulders and tree planters.

Las Vegas and Clark County have each committed $600,000 for a total cost of $1.2 million.

Grant to fight drugs and alcohol

Nevada will receive a $3 million annual grant for three years to reduce illegal drug, alcohol and tobacco use among children, Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson announced last week.

The grant will support statewide planning and strategies to reach youth, parents and families with effective substance abuse prevention programs.

The State Incentive Grant program is administered by Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

A full 85 percent of the funds awarded through the grant program are directed to support community-based programs.

Driver critical after crash

A Las Vegas choreographer remains in critical condition at University Medical Center after being injured in a head-on car crash Saturday afternoon.

A van driven by Kyla Quintera, 35, collided with a pickup truck headed north in the southbound lanes on Valley View Boulevard near U.S. 95, police said.

Quintera's 2-year-old daughter, who was a passenger in the van, was treated and released.

The Nevada Highway Patrol is investigating the accident and is waiting for the results of blood tests to determine if the driver of the truck was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash.

The driver of the truck remains in the hospital in serious condition.

The Peace Corps

will have a general information meeting 4 p.m. Tuesday at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Office of International Programs, CBC Room B323. It will feature a talk by Rebecca Kramer, who served with the Peace Corps in Ghana, West Africa. For more information, call 895-3896.