News briefs for Jan. 29, 2003

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003 | 10:29 a.m.

One pedestrian killed, one injured

One pedestrian was killed and another was in critical condition this morning after being hit by a car about 7:20 p.m. Tuesday while crossing Sahara Avenue at Sixth Street, Metro Police and University Medical Center officials said.

Metro Police are investigating the accident. No charges have been filed, but alcohol and jaywalking by the pedestrians may have played a role in the accident, officers and witnesses said.

Yong Vancil, 48, died just before midnight, and Jae Kim, 41, of Las Vegas was in serious condition, UMC spokesman Rick Plummer said. They were trying to cross Sahara from south to north when they were hit by a 2003 Honda, Lt. William Redfairn of Metro's Traffic Bureau said.

Motorcycle rider injured in crash

Metro Police accident investigators are examining an auto-motorcycle accident that left the Kawasaki driver in critical condition about 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

The motorcycle was northbound on Decatur Boulevard at Via San Andros in the center lane, witnesses told police.

The front of the motorcycle, driven by Dean McKenzie, 29, of Las Vegas struck the right side of a 1977 Mercury driven by Ursula B. Cabebe, 70, of Las Vegas.

No citations have been issued. It appears that the car failed to yield the right of way, but the traffic investigation is continuing, police said.

County to tackle cost-cutting list

Clark County commissioners gave county staff a tough but clear list of financial chores Tuesday.

At a meeting to set priorities, commissioners told staff to minimize escalating costs at the $200 million Regional Justice Center, stop the financial hemorrhaging at University Medical Center and find ways to cover the increasing costs of public safety, parks and airport security.

"It was one of the best board meetings that I've ever been to," County Manager Thom Reilly said. "They provided very clear direction. When I work with my staff and allocate resources, we will know in six months to a year if we are getting the job done."

Other priorities, new or reaffirmed by commissioners Tuesday, included public education about the effects of three years of drought; implementing measures in county plans to control air pollution; and participation in the ongoing court battle over the planned Yucca Mountain nuclear waste dump.