State briefs

The Nevada Supreme Court has again mandated domestic violence training for judges in the state.

"We want our judges to be able to handle domestic violence cases in the best possible way," said Chief Justice Bob Rose.

He said the order is designed to ensure every judge in the state receives adequate education to update their abilities to handle domestic violence.

The high court issued a similar order in 1993, which Rose described as a landmark step in judicial education.

He said many new judges have joined the bench since then, and the Supreme Court has decided mandatory judicial education is again needed.

Specific training programs are now being developed to be held in Las Vegas and Reno during November.

State controller recognized for excellence

State Controller Steve Martin and his office has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.

This is the eighth consecutive year that the State Controller's Office has received this award.

The office also received the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting for the publication Citizens' Assets.

Martin was appointed in July following the unexpected death of former Controller Kathy Augustine on July 11.

Arts Awards and Cultural Affairs Grants deadlines approaching

Two major deadlines are approaching for the annual Arts Awards and Cultural Affairs Grants.

Oct. 2 is the deadline for Cultural Affairs grants. The Commission for Cultural Affairs has $3 million of grant funds each year for governments and nonprofit organizations to rehabilitate, preserve, and restore historic buildings for cultural uses.

Grants have supported more than 70 facilities in the state including Virginia City's historic Fourth Ward School.

More information is available from Teresa Moiola at 687-8323.

Nominations for the 27th annual Governor's Arts Awards must be postmarked no later than Sept. 30.

Awards will be made this year in six categories and announced in a ceremony at University of Nevada, Reno on March 22.

The categories are: excellence in the arts, excellence in folk arts, leadership in arts education, leadership for arts organizations, leadership by individuals and patronage in the arts.

For information including guidelines and for nomination packets, contact the Nevada Arts Council at 687-6680.

For information on either program, go to www.NevadaCulture.org.

Foundation offers $14 million in substance-abuse treatment grants

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is seeking applicants for $14 million in substance-abuse grants.

The focus is on programs to prevent, treat, and reduce harm caused by alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. All nonprofits are eligible.

According to a foundation official, proposals dealing with alcohol and other drugs should focus on improving the quality of addiction treatment.

Proposals dealing with tobacco use and exposure should focus on research dealing with clean indoor-air laws, tobacco cessation and general policy improvements.

The deadline for application of brief proposals online is Nov. 14.

More information is at www.rwjf.org.