News briefs for February 2, 2005

Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2005 | 11:10 a.m.

Ensign to head subcommittee

Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev. will lead the Senate's Technology, Innovation and Competitiveness subcommittee. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, named Ensign chairman of that committee Tuesday.

The Commerce Committee reorganized its subcommittees, creating this one based on Ensign's work on the Senate's High Tech Task force.

The subcommittee will oversee the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Office of Technology Assessment, a committee spokeswoman said. The subcommittee will also monitor the U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace and its progress in technology research.

Ensign will also head the Senate Republican High Tech Task Force, a group that serves as a link to lawmakers for representatives of the technology industry, according to his office.

Suspect arrested in fatal stabbing

Metro Police arrested a 36-year-old man Tuesday in connection with the fatal stabbing of a man found Jan. 26 on Fourth Street in downtown Las Vegas.

Luis Manuel Galego of Las Vegas had argued with the victim, Leovet Ramirez, 29, shortly before the killing, Sgt. Ken Hefner said. The pair were believed to be acquaintances.

Ramirez's body was discovered by some citizens who flagged down a Republic Services garbage truck for help, police said. The trash crew called 911.

Galego was arrested at First Street and Bonanza Road, police said. He remained jailed this morning, charged with murder, authorities said.

New judge sought in land-deal case

Louis Palazzo and Ross Goodman, son of Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, have asked for a new judge to hear the case in which they are trying to force an elderly woman to sell her downtown property.

District Judge Kenneth Cory was assigned to the case, but last week disclosed that he represented the woman, Christine Von Sturm, about 15 years ago.

John Netzorg, the attorney for Palazzo and Goodman, said Cory's prior relationship could be an issue because part of the case revolves around the question of whether Von Sturm was competent to enter into a deal with Palazzo and Goodman.

Von Sturm's attorney David Rivers is arguing, among other issues, that Palazzo and Goodman, who together formed the partnership Palco, used inside information to take advantage of a woman in her 80s who was not competent enough to make the deal.

Commission to discuss proposals

The Clark County Commission set two new ordinances for public hearing later this month.

One ordinance would add a 2 percent tax on car rentals, with proceeds going to a training facility run for the hotel and restaurant industry. The other would bar motorists for stopping or standing in the road to pick up day laborers.

Both ordinances were set for public discussion and possible votes Feb. 15.

Sewer project to restrict traffic

Motorists can expect delays when traveling at the Bonanza and Mojave roads intersection when a city of Las Vegas Public Works Department sewer improvement project begins on Thursday.

Traffic lanes will be restricted on both Bonanza and Mojave roads. Washington Avenue and Stewart Avenue are suggested as alternate routes for east-west travel.

North-south alternatives include Eastern Avenue and Pecos Road.