News Briefs

Administrator of veterans home to leave post Nov. 1

Mark McBride, administrator at the Nevada State Veterans Home in Boulder City, will step down from his position Nov. 1 to accept a job in the private sector.

Linda Gelinger has been named interim administrator and begins Nov. 2, according to the Nevada Department of Veterans Services.

"Mark has spent this past year with Nevada Department of Veterans Services and the home, and has served with professionalism and efficiency. He has demonstrated passion and sincerity in his dedication to his role and responsibilities as administrator," said Wendy Simons, deputy director of wellness for the department.

The veterans home houses 180 residents and the administrator is responsible for supervising the home's staff, overseeing community partnerships and volunteers and keeping up to date on regulatory expectations and inspections.

"It is truly a 24/7 obligation that Mark has handled well," Simons said. "He leaves big shoes to fill and will be missed."

Gelinger, who has family members in the military, is currently a member of the board of examiners for long-term care administrators and has worked in skilled nursing and assisted living faciliies.

"We have extreme confidence in her commitment to quality and service for the population we serve. She has a very war and outgoing personality that will be enjoyed by many," Simons said.

Injured hiker rescued from Lake Mead trail

An injured hiker was rescued from the Gold Strike trail at Lake Mead National Recreation Area early Monday morning.

Metropolitan Police Department's search and rescue unit received a call at 1:15 a.m. about a man who jumped from a 6-foot elevation about 1.5-2 miles from the trail head and reportedly injured his head and leg.

The man was rescued a few hours later. His condition is unknown at this time.

Hospital seeks opinions about local health care

Boulder City Hospital is asking residents for their opinions about the community's health needs.

Results of the survey will be used by the hospital administration and staff to get a better understanding of local health care needs and to guide efforts to improve services and the quality of care provided by the hospital.

The University of Nevada, School of Medicine will assist in administering the survey and analyzing the results.

The survey is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BCH-2015 and is available through Nov. 1. Paper copies of the survey are available in the hospital's lobby.

If you have any questions or comments about the survey, contact Rebecca Ricksecker at Boulder City Hospital at 702-293-4111 or Dr. John Packham at 775-784-1235.

Relay for Life looking for cancer survivors

In preparation for its event next year and other activities to raise awareness of cancer, Relay for Life Boulder City is looking for all cancer survivors and caregivers. Information can be sent to rbcnvsurvivorsandcaregivers@gmail.com.

Lake Mohave to drop; Lake Mead ramps built

Officials from the Bureau of Reclamation, Lower Colorado Region, are lowering water levels at Lake Mohave to aid in annual endangered fish species conservation.

Launch ramps are expected to remain open during the annual drawdown, but boaters are advised to be alert of the changing lakes. Because new sandbars and vegetation may appear, it is best to follow the main channel buoy markers and reduce speed, until familiar with the new water depths.

Also, officials at Lake Mead National Recreation Area say construction is complete on the launch ramps at Echo Bay, Boulder Harbor, Hemenway Harbor, Temple Bar and South Cove. Construction is 95 percent complete at Callville Bay. All locations now have solid concrete ramps all the way to the water.

Fluctuating water levels also have caused a change to red-lighted navigational aids in the upper Boulder Basin area.

For more information about current lake conditions, visit www.nps.gov/lake/learn/news/lakeconditions.htm.

VFW Auxiliary welcomes men, changes name

At its 116th annual national convention in Pittsburgh, Pa., delegates of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States amended their national bylaws, allowing male family members to join the Ladies Auxiliary VFW. As a result, the organization's name changed to VFW Auxiliary.

"It's an exciting time to be a member of the Auxiliary," said VFW Auxiliary National President Francisca Guilford. "Women comprise nearly 20 percent of our nation's military, and this change allows all spouses, fathers, grandfathers, sons, grandsons and brothers to serve others in honor of their veteran."

If you are a male or female relative of someone who served in overseas combat, you may be eligible to join the VFW Auxiliary. If you are interested in serving veterans, active-duty military, their families, and your community in honor of the sacrifices and commitment of those who has served in uniform, visit www.vfwauxiliary.org to contact Susan J. Garlow, of local Auxiliary Post 36, at 702-293-4239.

RTC seeks submissions for anti-graffiti art contest

To keep Southern Nevada graffiti-free and teach youth about the importance of respecting others' property, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada invites Clark County elementary, middle and high school students to submit artwork for its ninth annual Anti-Graffiti Art Contest. The theme "Keep Southern Nevada Graffiti Free" challenges students valleywide to create artwork that encourages Southern Nevadans to respect property by keeping it free of graffiti.

Participants' entries should have artwork with a message related to keeping Southern Nevada graffiti-free, have a horizontal format on 11-by-17-inch paper, be colorful through the use of colored pencils, markers or paint, and be original in concept.

The contest is open to students, who must be residents of Clark County. The winning artwork will be unveiled in December during a special event hosted at the winning school. The top entries will be featured on an RTC transit vehicle and other transit amenities for up to one year.

Entry forms must be securely attached to the back of the artwork and submitted to the RTC on or before 5 p.m. Oct. 29. Submissions should be delivered to the RTC, Attention: Monika Bertaki, 600 S. Grand Central Parkway, Suite 350, Las Vegas, NV, 89106. Artwork may be rolled up but cannot be folded.

For further information, contact Bertaki, RTC public affairs administrator, at 702-676-1749 or by email at bertakim@rtcsnv.com.