Jeremy Twitchell

Story Archive

Officer in fatal shooting on leave for separate incident: City to settle suit over ice cream truck shooting for $700,000; Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009; City of Henderson officials said Thursday that Officer Luke Morrison, the officer involved in the 2008 shooting death of a woman during an incident after a traffic stop, is on paid administrative leave for a separate matter. The revelation came a day before a U.S. District Court judge is expected to approve a $700,000 settlement between the city and the woman’s family. Fred Horvath, acting human resources director for Henderson, said Morrison has been on paid administrative leave for three weeks, pending the outcome of an internal affairs investigation.
City’s rural past fades with ranch: Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009; The excavator rolled to a halt as workers ambled behind it wielding fire hoses to force the dust to settle.
Lenders to foreclose on Lake Las Vegas’ last golf course: Southshore, the resort’s private course, to be put up for sale Sept. 9; Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009; Lake Las Vegas’ third and final golf course, the private Southshore Golf Course, is heading for foreclosure. Like the two public courses it is mired in debt and, according to court documents, operating at a significant loss. The resort, which has been in bankruptcy reorganization since July 2008, has already abandoned its two public courses, The Falls and Reflection Bay, allowing them to enter foreclosure. Though the courses are being maintained, they remain closed. Like the two public courses, the Southshore Golf Course is mired in debt.
DEA searches Vegas pharmacy in probe of doctor: Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009; Federal agents searched for records of controlled substances at a Las Vegas pharmacy this morning as part of the investigation into the death of Michael Jackson. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency assisted by state and local law enforcement went to Applied Pharmacy Services on West Flamingo Road near Jones Boulevard about 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. The search is part of a probe of Jackson's personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, who has offices in Las Vegas and Houston.
New director takes reins at Henderson Chamber of Commerce: Health care options, economy topics at monthly luncheon; Friday, Aug. 7, 2009; With a casual passing of the gavel at its monthly luncheon this afternoon, the Henderson Chamber of Commerce welcomed Kirk Clausen, regional president for Wells Fargo & Company, as the new chairman of its Board of Directors.
Down the road, competition for M Resort?: Henderson working to annex 33 acres, zone it for casino-resort; Friday, Aug. 7, 2009; A minority investor in the M Resort has asked the city of Henderson to annex 33 acres across the street from the M Resort and zone it for a future casino-resort — including 10 acres that Clark County has targeted for a possible affordable housing project.
Council upholds higher speed limit on Seven Hills Drive: Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009; The Henderson City Council this week unanimously upheld a citizen advisory committee’s decision to increase the speed limit on a portion of Seven Hills Drive from 25 to 30 mph.
Money woes force Henderson cuts, again: Council parts with 48 vacant positions; mayor says services won’t be affected — for now; Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009; Increasingly dismal tax revenue has forced another round of budget cuts at Henderson City Hall, barely one month into the current fiscal year. The City Council on Tuesday night unanimously deleted 48 vacant positions and made a number of line-item budget cuts expected to save the city $8.9 million a year for the next five years. The police department, in lieu of making cuts, offered a plan to bring in an additional $1.1 million a year by housing more inmates from other jurisdictions in the city’s soon-to-be-expanded jail, among other means.
Henderson receives grant for toddler swim classes: Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009; Toddler swim classes, trail projects go out to bid, police and park grants.
Henderson forced to make more budget cuts: Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009; Increasingly dismal tax revenues prompted another round of budget cuts in Henderson Tuesday night, barely one month into the current fiscal year. By a unanimous vote, the council implemented the first level of a three-tier system of budget cuts, deleting vacant positions from the city’s staffing complement and making a number of line-item budget cuts expected to save the city $8.9 million a year for the next five years.
Henderson rejects proposed NV Energy project: Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009; NV Energy’s request to build a transmission line through three Henderson neighborhoods met a brick wall in the Henderson City Council on Tuesday night. After taking more than two hours of testimony from NV Energy and concerned neighbors, who filled the council chambers and spoke against the proposal with voices that frequently rippled with emotion, the Council unanimously denied the utility’s application.
Planners OK temporary move for charter school: Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009; Coral Academy of Science has a new home in Henderson – for now, at least.
The Silverado-based charter school, entering its third year, has been trying since March to expand into Henderson with a second campus for students in fourth through 10th grades.
Newly appointed councilwoman ready to serve: Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009; On her first full day as a Henderson City councilwoman, Debra March bustled into her office on the fourth floor of City Hall at 3:45 p.m. -- 15 minutes later than she had planned, thanks to traffic and her new key card for the city’s underground parking lot, which didn’t work.
Three charged with murder after man, 82, dies from beating: Monday, Aug. 3, 2009; An 82-year-old man who was beaten in July during an apparent robbery died Monday and three people who were facing other charges in connection with the alleged attack are now charged with murder, Henderson Police said.
Former Henderson football coach accused of theft: Monday, Aug. 3, 2009; A former Coronado High School football coach was arrested this morning on one felony count of theft stemming from allegations that he stole more than $17,000 in funds raised for the football team.
Police: Man sought in desert slaying likely still in Vegas: Monday, Aug. 3, 2009; Metro Police are asking for the public's help in locating a person of interest in the May death of a Cuban immigrant whose body was found on the side of State Route 160.
Hispanic rodeo approved at Boulder Highway site: Henderson planners grant permit for weekly cultural events rodeo; Friday, July 31, 2009; The Henderson Planning Commission unanimously issued a use permit Thursday for a weekly Hispanic Cultural Events Rodeo on Boulder Highway.
Lake Las Vegas marks completion of pipe work: Executives say bankrupt resort, fearing lake could drain, made repairs a priority; Wednesday, July 29, 2009; Lake Las Vegas’ ownership group announced today the completion of a $3 million rehabilitation project on the two drainage pipes that run beneath the resort’s 320-acre man-made lake. Jim Coyne, COO of Lake Las Vegas, said the Atalon Group, which acquired the resort in January 2008, made it a top priority to fix the worn pipes that carry water from the Las Vegas Wash for almost two miles beneath Lake Las Vegas and into Lake Mead.
Community activist lobbying for shade structures at all playgrounds: Wednesday, July 29, 2009; As the Las Vegas Valley enters the height of the summer heat, a valley resident is appealing to local government bodies to protect local children from the sun’s rays by placing shade structures over playgrounds. Community activist Peter “Chris” Christoff said he has been working on the project for more than five years, and in that time he’s seen favorable responses from Clark County, Las Vegas and the Clark County School District. Henderson and North Las Vegas, however, have been less receptive to his pleas and have lagged behind their counterparts, Christoff said.
Charter school seeking new location faces opposition: Private school says an additional school on Henderson cul-de-sac would pose a myriad of problems; Wednesday, July 29, 2009; A rapidly growing charter school in the Silverado Ranch area is trying to expand into Henderson, but its would-be neighbors at a private school say the street isn’t big enough for the both of them and are trying to block the move.
The Henderson Planning Commission is scheduled to hear both sides at a public hearing Thursday evening.
Second site considered for proposed space and science center: Tuesday, July 28, 2009; Tonight’s meeting of the Henderson Space and Science Center Advisory Board began with the revelation that the city is looking at a second possible site for the center in downtown Henderson. The volunteer board is tasked with planning, fundraising and building the estimated $63 million project. At present, the center is planned to go on 160 acres of city-owned land on Galleria Drive east of U.S. 95, but grading and water-level challenges the site may pose have prompted the city to draw up a Plan B.
Teens get a first-hand look at solar energy in action: Saturday, July 25, 2009; A solar-powered vitamin factory in Henderson served as the backdrop Friday morning for a group of valley teenagers learning about green technology. The teens are participating in a six-week summer course that has taken 50 at-risk students from around the valley to give them a glimpse of what their future can hold.
Two schools to reap benefits of redevelopment money: Friday, July 24, 2009; The Henderson Redevelopment Agency is giving $50,000 in unused program funds to Basic High School and C.T. Sewell Elementary for beautification and improvement projects. The agency collects a special tax from development within the city’s five designated redevelopment areas for improvements and re-investment into infrastructure in those areas.
Las Vegas ranked among Top 10 cities to start a business: Thursday, July 23, 2009; Despite its double-digit unemployment rate, nation-leading foreclosure rate and struggling tourism industry, Las Vegas earned an unexpected title this week when Entrepreneur Magazine listed the city as one of the Top 10 startup-friendly cities.
Henderson to get new $2.6 million library on Water Street: Down economy means bid came in lower than the expected $4.4 million and project can advance, director says; Thursday, July 23, 2009; A much lower than expected bid has permitted the Henderson Libraries to move forward with plans for a new building for the James I. Gibson Branch in the Water Street District. The district’s Board of Directors unanimously approved a $2.6 million contract with R&O Construction this morning for a 19,000-square foot building to be built in the new Lake Mead Crossing at Lake Mead Parkway and Water Street. Construction is expected to begin in mid-August and completed by April.
Amazon acquires Zappos for $847 million: Wednesday, July 22, 2009; Zappos.com, an online retailer based in Henderson with annual sales exceeding $1 billion, announced today that it is being acquired by Amazon.com. The company employs about 1,200 people in Henderson and a shipping facility in Kentucky.
Henderson City Council briefs: Wednesday, July 22, 2009; News briefs from Tuesday's Henderson City Council meeting.
Henderson council authorizes review of park fees: Wednesday, July 22, 2009; The Henderson City Council authorized a review of the city’s recreation fees at its Tuesday meeting, though a decision on who — if anyone — would be paying more isn’t expected for another year.
March reappointed, sworn in on Henderson City Council: Tuesday, July 21, 2009; The Henderson City Council did a do-over tonight of its appointment of Debra March to fill the remaining two years of newly elected Mayor Andy Hafen’s former seat. The council originally appointed March, a former Henderson planning commissioner, during a special meeting July 8.
Sun City Anthem restaurant reopening after two years: Saturday, July 18, 2009; After sitting vacant for nearly two years, Sun City Anthem’s Trumpets Restaurant is on track to reopen after the Henderson Planning Commission issued it a conditional use permit Thursday night.
Man accused of relationships with teen girls pleads not guilty: Friday, July 17, 2009; A Henderson man accused of carrying on sexual relationships with two 14-year-old girls pleaded not guilty to 61 charges at an arraignment this morning at the Regional Justice Center.
Henderson to review adjusting recreation fees: City has not raised its rates in a decade; expected to begin yearlong evaluation; Friday, July 17, 2009; The Henderson City Council is scheduled to authorize a review of the city’s recreation fees at its Tuesday meeting, though a decision on who — if anyone — will be paying more isn’t expected for another year.
Last year, the Council commissioned PROS Consulting to examine the city’s fee structure for parks and recreation to determine whether an increase would be warranted. The city has not raised it rates in 10 years, according to the study’s findings.
Business executives hope to find shoe that fits at Zappos seminars: Wednesday, July 15, 2009; Shoe retailer Zappos is hosting 22 executives from the United States, Canada and England at its Henderson headquarters this week for a peek into one of the corporate world’s most sought-after secrets: that of the billion-dollar online retailer’s success.
Group sees more needy children, fewer donors than past years: Henderson non-profit seeks more sponsors for Back to School event; Wednesday, July 15, 2009; Overwhelming requests have led organizers of an annual drive that provides school supplies for children from low-income Henderson area families to appeal to the community for help.
Owner, backers of Boulder City hotel eye redevelopment money for bailout: Saturday, July 4, 2009; Debates about the best way to use redevelopment money arose at the Clark County Government Center and Las Vegas City Hall over the past several months. Now it’s a hot topic in Boulder City because the owners and advocates of the historic Boulder Dam Hotel are asking the City Council to use such money to bail out the hotel.
Henderson leadership turnover creates challenges, opportunities: Friday, July 3, 2009; There’s been an election, a messy divorce and a Godfather-like buyout offer that proved too good for more than 100 Henderson employees to refuse. For various reasons, dozens of longtime, high-ranking city of Henderson employees have left in recent months, at a time the city is facing some of the most significant challenges in its history as falling revenues have necessitated $60 million in budget cuts over the last year.
Their departures raise the question of how well Henderson can assimilate replacements and replace their experience.
Ethics complaint filed against former mayor, councilman: Citizen cries foul over proposed Space and Science center; Thursday, July 2, 2009; A Henderson resident said he has filed an ethics complaint against former Mayor James B. Gibson and former Councilman Jack Clark for their connection with the city’s proposed Space and Science Center.
Sign of the times: BLM seeing dismal bids at land auctions: Thursday, July 2, 2009; The string of dismal showings at federal land auctions in Southern Nevada continued last week when an online auction that lasted for two months sold just four of 14 eligible properties for a total of $1.6 million.
New council members wary of $21 million gift for Henderson museum: Wednesday, July 1, 2009; The new-look Henderson City Council is trying to hold on to the $21 million that the previous council promised the board trying to build a space and science center -- at least until the money is needed.
Residents in Henderson, NLV vie for city council appointments: Tuesday, June 30, 2009; The Henderson City Clerk’s office has certified 16 residents who filed interest statements for the appointment to fill the final two years of newly elected Mayor Andy Hafen’s Ward 2 council seat.
Judge approves bankruptcy for Lake Las Vegas golf course: Reflection Bay, resort’s last public course, to close on Tuesday; Monday, June 29, 2009; Lake Las Vegas will close its second and last public golf course, Reflection Bay, tomorrow after a federal bankruptcy judge granted permission this morning to do so.
Survey says: NLV residents happy with city: Also: Majority feel unsafe despite drop in crime; Monday, June 29, 2009; Most North Las Vegas residents say they have a good quality of life and enjoy living in the city, despite thinking it still has an image problem and employment opportunities are scarce, a new survey indicates.
Henderson's Central Christian Church expanding again: Saturday, June 27, 2009; Henderson megachurch Central Christian is preparing to expand into the northeast part of the valley with its third satellite campus. Central Christian Church has merged with Orchard Valley Baptist Church, located on Tree Line Drive near Charleston Boulevard, and plans to expand the congregation’s existing building and open the Central Christian Northeast Campus in the near future.
Permit for group home denied: Friday, June 26, 2009; The operators of a group home in Henderson’s Serene Country Estates Neighborhood that last year housed homeless individuals were denied a use permit for an elderly group home at the same residence Thursday night.
Neighbors win battle against NV Energy transmission line: Henderson Planning Commission denies project, but utility can appeal to City Council; Friday, June 26, 2009; Neighbors living along the path of a proposed NV Energy transmission line won their fight with the utility Thursday night when the Henderson Planning Commission voted down the project. NV Energy had argued that a new transmission line in east Henderson would allow it to meet the area’s future needs in the most cost-efficient way. Residents living near and under the proposed line argued that the 135-foot towers and their 20 lines would devastate their property values and that paying millions more to build around their neighborhoods would be a justifiable expense.
CAT van damaged in Henderson wreck: Thursday, June 25, 2009; Henderson Police are investigating an accident involving a Citizens Area Transit special services van that occurred this afternoon shortly after 3 p.m. at Green Valley Parkway near Corporate Circle.
OSHA investigating worker injury at Henderson park: Thursday, June 25, 2009; A worksite accident at a Henderson park this morning sent a construction worker to the hospital after police say he was ejected from a truck on the site.
Program for repeat offenders sees success in graduates: Wednesday, June 24, 2009; Normally, the defendants’ box in Judge Douglas Hedger's courtroom is not an ideal place to be. And with 30 arrests from 2000-2008, Richard Heavin knows that well -- he's entered the Henderson Municipal Court judge's courtroom as a defendant on many occasions.
Henderson science center board accepts city’s $21 million gift: Wednesday, June 24, 2009; Henderson’s $21 million gift to jumpstart fundraising efforts for a space and science center will soon be in the hands of the advisory board appointed to oversee the effort. The board, which includes former Mayor James B. Gibson and former Councilman Jack Clark, approved the gift agreement Tuesday night at its second meeting, clearing the way for the city to transfer the money from its land fund as soon as July 1.
Hoover Dam sign hurt business, so it’s changed: Boulder City leaders complained, and state agency listened; Sunday, June 21, 2009; After a sign started diverting tourists visiting the Hoover Dam to another route, downtown Boulder City saw a drop in business. Heeding the complaints of business owners, the Transportation Department changed the sign in 14 days.