News briefs for December 2, 2004

Thursday, Dec. 2, 2004 | 9:33 a.m.

Revelers can ride CAT free

Partiers this New Year's Eve will have one more alternative to facing holiday traffic.

The Regional Transportation Commission announced Wednesday it will offer free rides on its CAT and MAX bus lines on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1

The offer continues the agency's tradition of offering the free service from 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve to 6 p.m. on New Year's Day. It is valid on all CAT and MAX routes, according to the RTC, although riders are encouraged to contact the RTC for possible changes to the routes.

For more information, call RTC Customer Service at 228-RIDE or visit www.rtcsouthernnevada.com.

Fire damages Las Vegas home

A fire blazed through a house near Sahara Avenue and Fort Apache Road on Wednesday, gutting one room and causing heavy smoke damage throughout the house, according to Las Vegas Fire & Rescue.

A woman who lives at the house was treated for minor smoke inhalation at the scene of the fire. No firefighters were injured.

The damage to the house is estimated at $100,000.

Fire investigators said the cause of the fire was not intentional and ruled it an accident. No further details were available.

Congress honors Sun Youth Forum

The Sun Youth Forum has been given congressional recognition.

The forum, which was held for the 49th time last month, was honored by Rep. Jon Porter, R-Nev., for its induction into the Excellence in Education Hall of Fame.

The Sun Youth Forum was started by Sun founder Hank Greenspun to give youth a place to discuss issues of the day.

More than 1,000 high school participants from around the valley came to the Youth Forum last week at the Las Vegas Convention Center and discussed a variety of issues with community leaders.