Thursday, Feb. 6, 2003 | 9:51 a.m.
Smallpox program put on hold
Nevada's smallpox vaccination plan is on hold pending more information from the federal government and a formal response to concerns about compensation for anyone harmed by the shots.
The state would request the vaccine only after it has distributed documentation on potential adverse effects, said Jim Najima, public health preparedness coordinator for the state.
Najima also said he wants assurances from Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson that the state would not be held liable.
Based on historic data, a small number of people vaccinated will face serious illness, and federal officials acknowledge they need a way to offer compensation for lost wages and medical expenses.
Rundle to face two murder trials
William Rundle will face two trials, one on charges of killing his wife and stealing from her, and the other on charges of killing his 87-year-old mother and stealing from her.
District Judge Joseph Pavlikowski ordered the separation of the two cases during Rundle's arraignment Wednesday.
Rundle, 57, had already pleaded not guilty to murder and robbery charges in the death of his 63-year-old wife, Shirley. Wednesday he also pleaded not guilty to new murder and theft charges in the death of his mother, Willa Rundle. Authorities have said that Willa Rundle is dead but her body has not been found.
The trial involving the death of Rundle's wife is scheduled to begin Wednesday.
A date for the trial concerning Rundle's mother has not been set.
A grand jury indicted Rundle on the new charges two weeks ago.
Flebbe files for NLV City Council
Howard Flebbe filed Wednesday as a candidate for the North Las Vegas City Council.
Flebbe is seeking election in Ward 2, which is currently represented by Councilman William Robinson, who is running for re-election.
Flebbe, Robinson and Planning Commission member Nelson Stone are the council candidates in Ward 2. The candidate filing deadline is Friday.
Also, incumbent Toy Gregory drew an opponent for the Municipal Judge Department 1 position.
Gregory will face opposition from alternate Judge Denise McCurry.
The primary election will be April 8, and the general election will be June 3.
Motorcycle rider dies after collision
A motorcycle rider died after a collision with a pickup truck late Wednesday, Metro Police said.
David Demag, 30, of Las Vegas was thrown from his vehicle, which was eastbound on Desert Inn Road near Rainbow Boulevard. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at University Medical Center, police said.
A Ford pickup truck driven by Robert McCormack was making a left turn from westbound Desert Inn to go south on Rainbow, police said. No charges have been filed and Metro's traffic investigation is ongoing.
It was the 14th fatal traffic collision in Metro's jurisdiction this year.
Police search for car in fatal crash
North Las Vegas Police are asking the public's help in finding a motorist who left an accident site in the 4000 block of West Cheyenne Avenue where a man was found dead.
Officers found the body of Jimmie Lee Vernon, 32, of North Las Vegas near the center median about 6:40 p.m. on Wednesday.
Police are looking for a gray or silver Mercedes-Benz that should have substantial damage to the front end and bumper area. The vehicle could have a broken left headlight, headlight wiper arm and left turn signal.
Anyone with information is asked to call the North Las Vegas Police Department Traffic Bureau at 633-1740.
Prison chaplain fights sex charges
A Catholic priest who has been a chaplain at three state prisons in Carson City resigned to return to Nebraska to fight an allegation of sexual misconduct at Boys Town, a facility for troubled youths in Omaha.
The Rev. James F. Kelly had been a chaplain at the prisons since 1995. A lawsuit filed in Nebraska alleges that Kelly and a family counselor molested a young man there in the 1970s.
Jackie Crawford, director of the Corrections Department, said Kelly "vehemently denies the allegations."
Kelly, 70, could not immediately be reached for comment.
Planes busy with live-fire practice
Area residents may notice more noise than usual between 12:45 and 2 p.m. Friday as aircraft land and take off during a live fire power demonstration on the Nellis Air Force Nevada Test and Training Range.
More than 10 types of Air Force fighters, bombers and attack and support aircraft will participate.
The showcase will include bombs, cannon rounds and rockets. There is no danger to the public, Air Force officials said. The area is routinely used for munitions and flight training.
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