State briefs

Carson City

DMV wins award for self-service kiosks

(Appeal Capitol Bureau) - DMV Director Ginny Lewis and the department's self-service kiosks won top honors for Best Kiosk Application for Government, Education or a Nonprofit Agency at KioskCom's Fifth Annual Excellence Awards at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

Lewis was honored for developing the kiosk project to improve service to customers who pay fees with cash. The first kiosks opened in June 2004. There are now 22 statewide.

They are the only kiosks in the nation that take cash as well as credit cards, give change and provide drivers with their documents on the spot.

Motorists can use the kiosks to renew vehicle registrations as well as driver's licenses. The kiosks can also handle vehicle insurance verifications.

Nearly 300,000 transactions have been handled at DMV's kiosks so far.

Munn announces for Assembly in Vegas

(Appeal Capitol Bureau) - Kris Munn has announced plans to run for the Assembly seat being vacated by Bob Seale.

Both are Republicans. Seale served in the 2005 session but has decided not to seek a second term.

Seale endorsed Munn's candidacy in District 21, describing him as "a man who will lower taxes, reform government and improve education."

He is currently manager of land planning and development for a large home builder in Southern Nevada.

Smith announces for third term

(Appeal Capitol Bureau) - Assemblywoman Debbie Smith, D-Sparks, has announced she will run for a third term representing District 30.

District 30 includes Sparks and Reno bordered by Pyramid Way, Interstate 80, Highway 395 and extends to the north encompassing most of Sun Valley, Panther Valley and parts of Lemmon and Golden valleys.

Smith served in 2001 following her appointment to fill the seat vacated by Jan Evans but was defeated in 2002. She ran again in 2004 and reclaimed the seat from Don Gustavson.

This past session, Smith served on the Ways and Means Committee and was vice chairwoman of the Assembly Education Committee.