Area briefs

(AP) - A new Nevada Ethics Commission opinion could provide ammunition to those who want to block public employees from serving in the Legislature or other elected offices.

In the decision, the Ethics Commission said it doesn't have a clearly defined rule against such situations, and each should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Several legislators hold jobs with local governments and pass legislation that affects the governments.

In the opinion, the Ethics Commission found that Kathleen Ancho, a secretary to the Lander County sheriff, couldn't also serve as a Lander County commissioner because "she would be serving two masters" and that would, "at the very least," appear improper.

Teen seat belt enforcement begins this weekend

(Staff reports) - The Carson City Sheriff's Department is taking part in a new enforcement program designed to get teens to wear seat belts. Nevada and one other state are going to be the pilot states for this new teen seat-belt program.

Saturday through Nov. 4, deputies will be working overtime, looking for teens not wearing seat belts.

"If teens are stopped for a traffic violation and they are not wearing their seat belt, they will get a ticket," said Deputy Jarrod Adams. "Remember, if you are 18 years old or older and you are driving a car, you will get a ticket for having unrestrained teens in your car. Traffic accidents are still the number one killer of America's youth."

Last year, 34 teenagers died in car accidents in Nevada, at least two of them were in Carson City and one in Storey County.

Officials say only nine of them were wearing seat belts.

Nevada and Colorado are the only two states to get funding for the overtime for this program from the Joining Forces Grant, Office of Traffic Safety, Department of Public Safety. The enforcement comes during "National Teen Driver Safety Week."

Any questions, contact Deputy Adams at 887-2020, ext. 5314, or Sgt. Mike Cullen at 887-2020, ext. 3171.