Deadline Jan. 31 for grand jury complaints

In the six months since a Douglas County grand jury was impaneled, residents haven't found much to complain about.

District Judge Dave Gamble said Thursday jurors have reviewed 15 complaints. That compares to 26 complaints which were investigated by the two previous grand juries.

"Actually, this is good news," Gamble said. "It would indicate there doesn't appear to be any major revolution with regard to county government."

Complaints are due by Jan. 31 at 5 p.m.

Gamble described some of the complaints as "substantive."

"The grand jury has been working diligently. Their results will be reflected in their report," Gamble said.

The judge said he expected the report to be issued in the summer.

Jurors review all aspects of county government, the school district and the county's general improvement districts and towns.

They also may investigate criminal matters submitted by the district attorney.

The grand jury issued a criminal indictment against Karen Bodden in September. She goes on trial Monday before Gamble in the September 2006 murder of her husband, Robin Bodden, an aircraft mechanic at Minden-Tahoe Airport.

Complaint forms are available on the Douglas County Web site, in the county libraries and at the judges' offices in the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center in MInden.

The form asks for the date, name, address and telephone number of the complainant and the agency or person about whom the complaint is made.

The complainant is asked to describe the complaint in detail and what action the grand jury should take.

The complainant may submit documents and correspondence relating to the allegation.

Forms must be signed and notarized before review by grand jurors.

Gamble said the complainant does not have to be a Douglas County resident, but the allegation must concern a county matter.

Gamble and District Judge Michael Gibbons selected 17 grand jurors and 19 alternates last July.

The county budgeted $100,000 for the jury which includes jury pay of $40 a day.

Previous Douglas County grand juries were called in 2000-01, 1993-94 and 1988-90.

DETAILS

Grand jury complaint forms are available at Douglas County's libraries in Stateline and Minden, court clerk's offices at the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center, 1625 Eighth St., Minden, 89423 and online at http://cltr.co.douglas.nv.us/CourtClerk/default.asp. The forms may be mailed or dropped off at the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center. The deadline is 5 p.m. Jan. 31. Information, Judge Gamble's office, 782-9961, or Judge GIbbons' office, 782-9951.