Print edition for December 6, 2000

County rethinks plan for clean air: Adrienne Packer and Launce Rake; When Clark County commissioners voted to withdraw a federally required air pollution plan Tuesday, they triggered an 18-month clock to resubmit a more thorough proposal to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Parents, not casinos, blamed for growth in gambling addiction among children: David Strow; If your child or grandchild is under 21, the thought that he or she could be addicted to gambling is probably one of the least of your worries.

Internal DOE probe urged: Nevada Sen. Harry Reid plans to ask the Department of Energy's inspector general to investigate whether criminal laws were violated in the drafting of a report that recommends Yucca Mountain as the nation's high-level nuclear waste dump.

Shooting scenes of war: Jace Radke; On the web

Edison Schools' chances slim: Terry Webster; If the nation's largest public school management firm comes to Clark County, it will live or die on its ability to raise student achievement, the firm's president said Tuesday.

Terrible's waiting on permits: Terrible's waiting on permits

Education funds lost in charter school closure: The closure of the Techworld Charter School after just nine weeks of operation has cost the Clark County School District $315,000 in lost state funds to educate the 80 students who were displaced, local school officials say.

County manager survives year of pressure: Adrienne Packer; A meeting that many predicted would spell the end for Clark County Manager Dale Askew instead became a day of relief Tuesday for the top administrator, who has been under fire for more than a year.

Obituaries for December 6, 2000: Lena Marie Aspero

Battle plan on betting ban is sought: Jeff German and Cy Ryan; Casino industry leaders gathered today in a long-awaited summit to rally support in the battle against the NCAA's push to ban betting on college sports.

LV firm expects record fiscal year: The news triggered a buying spree in Alliance's stock, which shot up more than 30 percent after the announcement.

Teachers win round for business tax petition: CARSON CITY -- The schoolteachers' union has won the opening round in the legal battle over its plan to impose a 4 percent business profits tax to raise anywhere from $200 million to $270 million a year for education.

Asbestos claims lead to manufacturer's bankruptcy: LANCASTER, Pa. -- Armstrong World Industries Inc., a major manufacturer of floor coverings and ceiling systems, said today it filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to resolve its asbestos-related liabilities.

Ward changes taint recall petitions: But as recall proponents Monday began verifying signatures on their many petitions against registered voter lists, they realized that about 1,000 people who signed don't live in Ward 1 anymore.

No decision yet, candidates say: And Guinn told the Sun this morning he has not yet decided who will chair the board, which is responsible for day-to-day regulation of the gaming industry in the state. Guinn said he won't name a chairman until the post is vacant upon the retirement of current Chairman Steve DuCharme.

Tuesday's prep results: GIRLS SOCCER

Columnist Jon Ralston: There's a new sheriff in town these days: It hasn't been a good year for Southern Nevada cops, or actually ex-cops, in elective office.

Letter: Poppy will pull W.'s strings: His ego was hurt and he is seeking his revenge on the country that did not re-elect him. He is doing this by foisting his magically competent son on the nation in the guise of a presidential candidate.

Fitzgeralds in bankruptcy, three casinos being sold: Financial results

California woman killed in automobile accident: Jessica Winter, a passenger in the van, was pronounced dead at the scene. Sanchez suffered serious injuries and was flown to the University of Utah Medical Center in Salt Lake City.

Eldorado's Trujillo resigns: Spencer Patterson; Coming off the most successful season in his tenure as head football coach, Eldorado High School's Ken Trujillo has resigned in order to spend more time with his family.

Edwards to get new trial on some mail fraud counts: Melinda Deslatte; U.S. District Judge Frank Polozola threw out the mail fraud convictions - two against Edwards and his son Stephen and a third against co-defendant Bobby Johnson.

Las Vegas area fishing report: LAKE MEAD: Striped bass have taken to deep water and boaters are catching a small number of fish by dropping baits to depths of 80 feet or more. Some stripers continue to be caught near the surface following Nevada Division of Wildlife trout plants. Boaters who have been fishing in the Virgin Bowl have had recent success for stripers and catfish by fishing with baits. However, the success has been gradually dropping off.

Billboard's top artists and songs honored: Artist of the year: Destiny's Child.

Legislative auditor to examine New Orleans Harrah's books: Legislative Auditor Dan Kyle said he received a call from Gov. Mike Foster's office Monday asking "what it would take for me to go into Harrah's" to study its finances.

Lajeunesse experiencing NFR deja vu: Lan Lajeunesse came into last year's National Finals Rodeo as a virtual unknown and left with the bareback riding world championship and the NFR average championship.

NFR notebook: Billy Etbauer on track for fourth title: Billy Etbauer of Edmond, Okla., continued his quest for his fourth saddle bronc world championship with a second-place finish in Tuesday's National Finals Rodeo fifth go-round at the Thomas & Mack.

Isle of Capri files suit against city of Kimmswick: David Scott; In the suit filed Tuesday in Jefferson County Circuit Court, the Biloxi, Miss.-based company asked the court to bar Kimmswick from condemning or annexing the planned casino site. The suit charges that the city's efforts are not intended to serve the public good, as required by state law.

Boyd Stadium could be soccer venue if L.A. lands Olympics: Victoria Sun; If Los Angeles wins its bid to host the 2012 Summer Olympics, Las Vegas may benefit as well.

Editorial: Threats do merit response: DMV Director Richard Kirkland, who was supported by Gov. Kenny Guinn in adding the guards, noted that employees have been grabbed by the throat or threatened with death or other harm. Sen. Bill O'Donnell, R-Las Vegas, backs the additional measures, contending that armed guards are the best deterrent to crimes. But Sen. Ray Rawson, R-Las Vegas, questions the need, saying armed guards in government agencies have been a failure. Instead, Rawson said, a way must be found to lessen the tensions.

Thursday's horse racing entries: Post Time 12:30 p.m.

Ribbons a warning of DUI: Officers from the Nevada Highway Patrol and Metro Police were present at a ceremony that marked the 13th year of decorating the highway. State Sen. Jon Porter, R-Henderson, and Sandy Heverly of Stop DUI also attended.

Savvy wine buy: Monterra '98 Syrah: Max Jacobson; To paraphrase what it says on this wine's label, just because Syrah is a hardy, easy-to-cultivate vine doesn't mean that it is easy to grow wine-worthy grapes. Syrah was brought to California by Rhone Rangers such as Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon Winery, but now the grape is being made well all over California, by people such as John Alban in Arroyo Grande and by various vintners in Napa and in Monterey, where the Delicato family operates this vineyard. Some think Syrah will be as popular as Merlot, and soon. This wine is redolent of plums, lavender and wild red ...

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Everybody is an all-star: Next to Oregon's home uniforms and Georgia firing its coach following a 7-4 season, the most ridiculous development in college football is all these superfluous all-star teams.

Rural and mental health care issues to come before 2001 Legislature: Lisa Snedeker; "It's going to take money and people," said the committee chairwoman, Assemblywoman Ellen Koivisto, D-Las Vegas. "What we see is a situation that goes on and on and on and we finally respond when it becomes an emergency. So we're going to do something."

Local news briefs for December 6, 2000: The Henderson City Council on Tuesday rejected a proposed "high-end" development on 10 acres of largely undeveloped desert abutting a residential neighborhood along Horizon Ridge Parkway.

Editorial: Fed chairman's remarks promising: Meanwhile, George W. Bush and Dick Cheney recently have suggested that Bush's $1.3 trillion tax cut may be necessary to stimulate the economy, which has shown some signs of slowing from its record pace. Economic warning signals certainly must be heeded, but dramatic measures don't seem warranted now. The economy still is healthy, which hopefully will dampen enthusiasm for irresponsible tax cuts that could spur inflation.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Certificates certifiably rewarding: If you're one of those perfect types who shop for holiday gifts in August and have them wrapped and ready by September, this column is not for you. But if you're like the majority of gift givers still looking for ideas, read on.

Letter: Kenny must face the music: Suddenly she became interested in the taxpayers' dollars, and she singled out Askew in the "interest" of Clark County taxpayers.

Letter: Don't take away the privilege to cast ballot: There are a lot of people who feel like I do, and I feel sorry for those who live in Florida. Don't let this happen if at all possible, and you have any say-so.

2 HOT 2 Handle: Demand high for PlayStation2: Officials for Sony, manufacturer of one the holiday season's most popular holiday gift items, say 100,000 units are being shipped to North American retailers every week.

County plans to reinstitute fees for pet owners: Adrienne Packer; Pet owners may again pay to license their prized ones, but a new satellite animal shelter would keep them closer to home when they stray under a plan Clark County unleashed Tuesday.

Sisqo of 'Thong Song' fame dominates Billboard Music Awards: Angie Wagner; Sisqo's hit "The Thong Song" led him to male artist of the year, new artist of the year and four other honors Tuesday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

LV-based National Airlines in bankruptcy: National blamed the filing on escalating fuel prices. But it's been no secret that just one gaming company -- Harrah's Entertainment Inc. -- is a financial backer of National.

Jury votes guilty in mail-order snake case: Greg Tuttle; A Las Vegas man who mailed a rattlesnake in a flimsy cardboard box to an undercover agent in Pennsylvania could face two years in prison following his conviction Tuesday in federal court.

Court briefs for December 6, 2000: A 32-year-old Las Vegas man was sentenced to three to 10 years in prison Tuesday on a manslaughter charge.

Columnist Paula DelGiudice: Nevada hunting figures to improve: Paula DelGiudice; The Nevada Division of Wildlife urges hunters not to put away their shotguns for the season just yet. The best hunting of the season may be yet to come.

Gaming Board stands by rules allowing riverboat casinos to serve liquor until 4 a.m.: Martha Irvine; Their unanimous decision came despite pressure from the Joint Commission on Administrative Rules, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers, to have riverboats match the 2 a.m. closing time for bars.

Elizabeth Foyt: Local developers host Soiree for Philharmonic: Kitty and Ron Boeddeker were hosts of a glorious night of musical entertainment in the rotunda at South Shore Golf Club, the newly opened membership club at Lake Las Vegas. Under the soaring dome guests were invited to indulge first in fine wines, champagnes and delectable foods, and ultimately in the pleasure of the wondrous songs performed by soprano Heather Neill and her husband, baritone Stuart Neill. The handsome couple, who are regularly toasted in their appearances at New York's Lincoln Center, other national venues and on their European tours, were in Las Vegas to visit Heather's parents, George and ...

Billboard winners: Artist of the year: Destiny's Child.

Ensign learns about Senate: Bart Jansen; Then an aide called his name and ushered him back to the meeting - in the direction whence he came.

Aladdin fires back at firm: Korte-Bellew & Associates Construction Co., which said its requests for payment were repeatedly ignored despite completing the project in three instead of the planned eight months, sued Aladdin Gaming in Clark County District Court to foreclose on the hotel-casino and requested that proceeds of the foreclosure sale be applied to the debt.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Thursday's races at Hollywood Park: 1st Race -- Aussie Girl - Training at Anita, draws good post for the route opener, Pedroza on Gaines horse. Tasket Basket - Draws just outside top pick, Gomez aboard Hess horse, a factor throughout. Value Play -- Maui's Magic

Check out what's happening at Red Rock: The events are free, but reservations are required. Call 363-1922. All events begin at the visitor's center.

Report: Sixth-largest pager company declares bankruptcy and closes: HACKENSACK, N.J. -- TSR Wireless, a pager service provider and retailer of wireless devices, has apparently declared bankruptcy and halted business, leaving 2.5 million subscribers in limbo and 1,700 people jobless.

Supreme Court reverses verdict in toddler's death: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court Tuesday reversed the first-degree murder conviction of a Las Vegas day-care operator -- the third time in two days the court has overturned murder convictions because of faulty jury instructions.

Brotherson's true grit is his greatest asset: Steve Addy; If Rebels coach Bill Bayno didn't bail on Danny Brotherson after the Maui Invitational, he sure isn't going to bail now.

Columnist Victoria Sun: Former Rebel Anderson goes back to school: Victoria Sun; Former UNLV golfer Jeremy Anderson was back in the classroom Tuesday.

Accused Reno cop cleared in criminal investigation: A surveillance camera recorded the incident, in which Johnson allegedly choked Tijerina and directed racial slurs at him while he was strapped into a chair at the Eldorado Hotel & Casino.

Merger between IBL, ABA called off: Victoria Sun; The proposed merger between the International Basketball League and ABA 2000 was nullified Tuesday after the two leagues could not agree on several financial and other issues.

Columnist Jeff Haney: Motivation can be key to bowl betting: It's a tried-and-true approach, but one that should continue to serve college football bowl bettors well: Determining which teams are highly motivated -- and which are not.

No shortage of raw seafood in the desert: Max Jacobson; The quality and variety one encounters can be a real surprise.

Bear League pleads innocent to illegal cub movement: Following Tuesday's brief hearing in Tahoe City, Bryant was booked by sheriff's deputies on misdemeanor charges of unlawful taking and possession of a wild animal and then released.

Community news briefs for December 6, 2000: Seniors United's annual Christmas/Hanukkah party will be 1-3:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the West Flamingo Senior Center, 6225 W. Flamingo Road.

Baby boomers expected to fuel tourism growth: Martin Griffith; Glenn Schaeffer, president and chief financial officer of Mandalay Resort Group, stressed the importance of reaching the lucrative baby boom market at the 17th annual Governor's Conference on Travel and Tourism.