Conor Shine

Story Archive

Clark County elections chief to retire
Friday, Jan. 25, 2013
After 14 years on the job and overseeing more than a dozen elections, the head of Clark County’s Election Department is retiring, according to a county official. No exact date has been set for Registrar of Voters Larry Lomax to leave office.
Call to eliminate Las Vegas constable renewed in light of office's newest controversy
Friday, Jan. 25, 2013
Questions surrounding involvement of the Las Vegas Township Constable’s Office in the Assemblyman Steven Brooks case have county commissioners looking at abolishing the office.
New police review panel to hear case involving fatal shooting of unarmed veteran
Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013
A recently revamped coroner’s inquest process will get its first test run in late February with the case of 43-year-old Gulf War veteran Stanley Gibson, who was shot and killed by a Metro Police officer in December 2011.
Las Vegas government gets low marks on transparency
Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013
The city of Las Vegas received low grades for its transparency when it comes to posting details of its spending online, according to a new study released Wednesday by the United States Public Interest Research Group Education Fund.
New restaurant to offer customers 'Dinner in the Sky'
Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013
Thrill-seeking food lovers will have a new place to dine this spring with views of the Las Vegas Strip that rival any other restaurant in the city. Dinner in the Sky will hoist groups of diners seated around a table 180 feet into the air where they will be served gourmet meals from a rotating cast of chefs while taking in panoramic views of the valley. Construction has already begun on the T-shaped tower, west of the Interstate 15 near City Center, which will hold two tables each capable of accommodating 22 people plus waiters and a chef.
Property owners filing fewer appeals over assessments, county reports
Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013
The number of appeals of property tax assessments dropped significantly for the second year in a row, the Clark County Assessor’s Office said Wednesday.
Council wants more study before signing off on new parking meters for downtown
Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013
The Las Vegas City Council heard a proposal at its Wednesday meeting for a $1.4 million plan to replace select single-vehicle parking meters in the city with multibay meters that serve several cars at once and accept debit or credit cards.
Las Vegas Fire Chief Mike Myers announces he'll retire
Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013
Las Vegas Fire and Rescue Chief Mike Myers announced his retirement Tuesday afternoon after 27 years with the department.
Hearing officers appointed for reviews of fatal police shootings
Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013
Two weeks after overhauling the coroner’s inquest process, the Clark County Commission appointed 10 people Tuesday to serve as hearing officers in the revamped police fatality public fact-finding proceedings.
Las Vegas council to hear pilot plan where food trucks have dedicated parking spots
Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013
hree months after restricting where food trucks can do business, the Las Vegas City Council will consider a new proposal giving the mobile vendors more room downtown to operate legally.
Developer's proposed land swap efforts win county's approval
Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013
The Clark County Commission voted Tuesday to support efforts by developer Jim Rhodes to swap his 2,600 acres near Red Rock National Conservation Area with less controversial federal land.
Parking meters, food trucks, Ogden business plans up for Las Vegas council review
Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013
The Las Vegas City Council’s meeting Wednesday will be highlighted by several downtown-related items, including changes to parking and new restaurant openings.
County to take another look at changes to promote residential recycling
Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013
Clark County commissioners agree they’d like to see more recycling in the unincorporated parts of the county. With only about 3 percent of recyclable materials from residents in those areas currently finding their way into the red, white and blue bins, there’s lots of room for improvement. What commissioners can’t agree on is how to boost residential recycling, which has been the subject of numerous reviews, studies and committees over the past eight years.
City, firefighters turn to fact-finding to resolve contract differences
Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013
After months at impasse, firefighters and the city of Las Vegas are scheduled next month to resume efforts to reach a contract agreement, this time with the help of a third party. Over the course of three days starting Feb. 4, an independent fact-finder will hear arguments and evidence from both sides and issue recommendations about the disputes that could help end negotiations that had been stalled since an impasse was declared in May 2012.
Commission to tackle familiar issues of recycling, Rhodes project near Red Rock
Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013
Two long-standing issues — recycling and a controversial housing development near Red Rock — will be back up for discussion at Tuesday’s Clark County Commission meeting.
County shooting complex now offering 'golfing with guns'
Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013
A new $3 million sporting clay course opening Friday at the Clark County Shooting Complex will give visitors and valley residents a chance to “golf with guns” while enjoying scenic overlooks of the Las Vegas Valley.
Clark County residents to receive discount cards for prescriptions
Monday, Jan. 14, 2013
Clark County residents looking to save money on prescription drugs can check their mail this week for a new discount card. The Clark County Prescription Discount Card arrives in the mailboxes of every county resident this week.
Henderson mayor to announce re-election bid Monday
Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013
Henderson Mayor Andy Hafen plans to announce his re-election plans at an event Monday evening, but a billboard in the city may have already tipped his hand.
Nevada secretary of state gets mixed reaction to voter verification proposal
Friday, Jan. 11, 2013
Nevada Secretary of State Ross Miller drew a mix of cheers and boos Friday at UNLV as he presented a proposal to implement photographic verification of voters at polling places.
Debate simmers over law requiring publication of property assessment roll
Friday, Jan. 11, 2013
Even as this year's edition of the Clark County property assessment roll was being delivered, there was debate on whether the publication should be the last.
Mayor Goodman has plenty to tout about downtown Las Vegas in State of City address
Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013
Mayor Caroyln Goodman reflected on a busy 2012 in Las Vegas and painted an optimistic picture for the city in 2013 in her annual State of the City address Thursday evening. The opening of the Smith Center for the Performing Arts, a move to a new City Hall building and the launch of the Mob Museum and the Neon Museum in downtown Las Vegas all made for an eventful year for the city.
Forum brings together lawmakers, local government officials to prioritize legislative issues
Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013
More than 100 state and local government leaders took part in a Thursday morning gathering at UNLV to help set the stage for a more unified voice from Southern Nevada when the 2013 Legislature opens next month.
Heated debate to follow embrace of controversial report on LV fire operations
Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013
A contentious nine months await the city of Las Vegas as it debates whether to fully privatize its emergency medical services. The council discussed a December report on the fire department, which listed 23 recommendations to improve service and efficiency, at its Wednesday meeting.
Licenses revoked from businesses bit in Metro stolen goods sting
Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013
The Las Vegas City Council cracked down Wednesday on two downtown convenience stores accused of selling stolen goods, revoking their licenses and fining the owners several thousand dollars each.
Coroner's office gets another crack at reality TV
Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013
The Clark County Coroner’s Office is getting ready for its close-up after an agreement was approved earlier this week allowing cameras to begin filming the day-to-day workings of the office for potential use in a reality television show. The coroner’s office’s first brush with the entertainment industry came in 2011 when producers from the Discovery Channel spent time filming at the office for a television show. No episodes of that show were ever made and the production contract expired, allowing the coroner’s office to seek a new partner in the venture.
Commissioners OK plan to consider change of UMC governance
Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013
In a special meeting called Tuesday afternoon, the Clark County Commission had only one item to discuss: the future of University Medical Center’s governance structure.
Fire & Rescue study discussion on tap for Las Vegas council
Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013
With the Las Vegas City Council convening for its first meeting of the new year on Wednesday, one issue looms large on the agenda. The council will discuss and possibly take action on recommendations from a major study of the fire department that was released in December.
UMC, county social services must adapt to health care law, commissioners told
Monday, Jan. 7, 2013
Changes from the Affordable Care Act that go into effect in 2014 will have a significant impact on University Medical Center and Clark County’s social services department.
Commission shelves coroner's inquests for new 'police fatality review process'
Monday, Jan. 7, 2013
The Clark County Commission voted Monday to do away with the controversial coroner’s inquest process, introducing a new fact-finding process into fatal officer involved shootings. In a 4-2 vote, the board approved a new “police fatality review process” that streamlines some elements from the previous coroner’s inquest.
Sisolak wins election as county commission chairman
Monday, Jan. 7, 2013
Steve Sisolak is the new chairman of the Clark County Commission. He was elected to the post Monday morning by his peers in 4-2 vote with Commissioners Tom Collins and Lawrence Weekly opposed.
County commission to pick new leader, discuss UMC oversight in meetings this week
Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013
Packed agendas await Clark County commissioners in their first week of meetings in 2013. Commissioners will pick a new board chair at their Monday meeting, which begins at 9 a.m., and Tuesday will conduct a special meeting beginning at 2 p.m. to discuss changing University Medical Center’s governance structure.
Monopoly-themed party opens community chest for Shade Tree
Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013
Inside a lavish mansion in the hills of the Anthem Country Club, men in top hats serve hors d'oeuvres while women dressed as police officers threaten to take partygoers to jail, where bail is always $50. Around the living room, cards representing properties from the Boardwalk to Mediterranean Avenue line the walls, waiting to be bought by the attendees.
Hundreds of thousands ring in 2013 in Las Vegas
Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013
With fireworks, fanfare and frivolity, Las Vegas once again showed the world Monday night how to put on a New Year's Eve party as 300,000-plus New Year's Eve revelers on the Las Vegas Strip and Fremont Street braved sub-freezing temperatures to toast the first few ticks of 2013.
Blog: Celebrating New Year's Eve, Vegas style
Monday, Dec. 31, 2012
Despite a nip in the air as temperatures drop into the 30s, Las Vegas is giving its traditional warm New Year's Eve welcome to hundreds of thousands of visitors tonight throughout the Strip and in the downtown's Fremont Street. As the expected gathering of some 314,000 revelers celebrate, Sun reporters and photographers will be capturing the sights and sounds of celebration.
Metro Police restricting vehicle access to the Strip starting at 5 p.m. Monday
Friday, Dec. 28, 2012
Local law enforcement officers will begin restricting access to the Las Vegas Strip at 5 p.m. Monday in preparation for the hundreds of thousands of revelers that will flood the boulevard to ring in the New Year, Metro Police said Friday. Las Vegas Boulevard will be closed from Russell Road to Sahara Avenue on Monday night and early Tuesday morning due to the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Man arrested in sexual assault near Las Vegas Strip
Friday, Dec. 28, 2012
A California man suspected in a September sexual assault near the Las Vegas Strip was arrested last weekend, Metro Police said Friday.
Las Vegas man barred from preparing tax returns for others
Friday, Dec. 28, 2012
A civil injunction was signed Thursday by a Nevada U.S. District Court judge forbidding Benyam Tewolde, the reported co-owner of several Instant Tax Service franchises in Las Vegas, from preparing taxes for others.
Passenger traffic at Las Vegas airport dips slightly in November
Friday, Dec. 28, 2012
Passenger traffic at McCarran International Airport dropped slightly for the third month in a row in November, according to statistics released Friday. Traffic dropped 0.3 percent in November compared to the same month last year, with a total of 3.31 million travelers arriving or departing.
Bargain-hunters' paradise awaits in Boulder City thrift shop
St. Jude's Ranch gift shop 'one of the best-kept secrets in the valley'
Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012
At first glance, the gift shop at St. Jude’s Ranch in Boulder City looks like any other valley thrift shop. The one-story, Spanish Revival building is packed with clothing racks brimming with lightly used hats, shoes, purses, shirts, coats and even a few cocktail dresses. But on closer inspection, the labels of many of the garments look like they’d be more at home at a high-end mall on the Strip.
Eighth case of West Nile identified in Clark County
Friday, Dec. 21, 2012
A Clark County woman has been infected with West Nile virus, the eighth case recorded in the county this year, the Southern Nevada Health District reported Friday.
Fire causes $20,000 damage at northeast apartment complex
Friday, Dec. 21, 2012
An early morning fire at a northeast valley apartment complex caused $20,000 damage but no injuries, the Clark County Fire Department said.
Man hit by truck while crossing street dies
Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012
A man hit by a truck last week while crossing a street in North Las Vegas has died, police said Thursday. The incident occurred about 9:35 p.m. Dec. 14 near Owens Avenue and Stocker Street.
Pizza boxes spark fire at Las Vegas Middle School
Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012
A kitchen fire at a Las Vegas middle school forced a brief evacuation Thursday morning, the Clark County Fire Department said.
Officer suffers minor injuries when patrol car struck by suspected drunken driver
Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012
A Metro Police officer was transported to the hospital with minor injuries Thursday morning after his patrol car was struck by a drunk driver, police said.
Las Vegas Council backs Metro's request for sales tax increase
Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012
The Las Vegas City Council voted Wednesday to support Metro Police’s request to the Legislature to raise the sales tax by a quarter-cent in order to hire more police officers.
County commissioners want work records before paying constable's new deputies
Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012
Clark County commissioners refused Tuesday to pay two Las Vegas Township constable deputies who may have been hired to circumvent a previous ruling by the board.
County backs Metro's request to Legislature to increase sales tax, add police
Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012
Clark County commissioners voted Tuesday to support Metro Police’s request to the Legislature to raise the sales tax by a quarter-cent to hire new officers. Voters approved a half-cent sales tax increase in 2004, but only a quarter-cent increase has been enacted so far.
Ultimate standby: Rapid intervention teams ready to rescue trapped firefighters
Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012
As smoke poured out of a home Monday afternoon near McCarran International Airport, a team of Clark County firefighters rushed in, searching for a trapped comrade. Battling low visibility, the team of four searched the interior of the one-story house on their hands and knees. The firefighters worked their way around the perimeter, then went room to room.
In discussing tragedy with youngsters, experts say be calm, reassuring and straightforward
Friday, Dec. 14, 2012
In the wake of Friday’s deadly mass-shooting at a Connecticut elementary school, it’s natural for students across the country to be unnerved and upset, said Rosemary Virtuoso, an official who oversees the Clark County School District’s crisis response team
Las Vegans can soon buy Powerball tickets in California
Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012
Las Vegans making the 40-minute drive south to Primm to buy lottery tickets will have a new game to play starting next year.