Las Vegas Sun

Archive for August 3, 2001

Technology data center opens in downtown Las Vegas: Kevin Ferguson; A Dallas high-tech company has turned part of the first floor of an old downtown Las Vegas bank building into a technology data center.; 11:03 a.m.

Nevada Power parent returns to profitability: A revised energy policy enacted by Nevada lawmakers this year has helped Sierra Pacific Resources Inc. end four consecutive quarters of losses, the Nevada electric utility said today.; 11:02 a.m.

Pooling resources: Contractors combine to help homeowners finish their fouled-up pool projects: Grace Leong; Las Vegas homeowner Otto Hofmann found out the hard way that he should never pay a pool contractor before obtaining a lien release.; 11:02 a.m.

Bondholder claims LV phone operator insolvent: Fir Tree Partners owns more than a quarter of Mpower's 13 percent senior notes due 2010. It argued the company faces an "unsustainable debt burden" and "hugely negative cash flow," and will run out of ...; 11:00 a.m.

Analyst lowers estimates: Barone decreased his 2001 earnings estimate from $1.40 to $1.35 per share. This implies net income of $43.1 million for the year, down from earlier estimates of $44.7 million, based on Southwest's 31.9 million shares ...; 11:00 a.m.

New air quality rules may hurt industry: In 1988 an explosion at a rocket-fuel manufacturing facility in Henderson killed two people, injured hundreds and forced Clark County to rethink the suitability of the Las Vegas Valley for heavy industry.; 10:59 a.m.

Binion book on sale: An ultimate Las Vegas insider, Binion met his demise at the hands of two outsiders, his live-in girlfriend, Sandy Murphy, a one-time topless dancer, and her new lover, Rick Tabish, a married Montana contractor.; 10:57 a.m.

Sisters' testimony contradicts that given by Vigoa's wife: Kim Smith; In June, Jose Vigoa's wife provided him an alibi for a $188,000 casino heist. A month later, her sisters apparently ruined it.; 10:56 a.m.

Beating the heat: Seniors encouraged to take advantage of public facilities during summer: By Emily Richmond; Seniors, infants and young children are at the greatest risk for heat exposure, a potentially fatal condition that is largely avoidable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta has issued these tips for ...; 10:56 a.m.

Moore says he has plan to open college: Jennifer Knight; Nevada State College at Henderson President Richard Moore says that, despite a limited budget, he has a plan to open the startup school.; 10:51 a.m.

Detectives seek links between LV, Calif. slayings: Keith Paul; Metro Police detectives are comparing the unsolved brutal slaying of an 84-year-old Las Vegas woman in her home to two murders of elderly women in Southern California for any possible links.; 10:51 a.m.

Officers' actions in shootout clear use-of-force panel: Keith Paul; Metro Police's use-of-force board ruled Thursday that two SWAT officers acted properly when they fired at a man who shot one of the officers. The man also had taken a woman hostage.; 10:47 a.m.

Heller: Nevada missed chance: CARSON CITY -- Secretary of State Dean Heller says the Legislature "missed a genuine opportunity for election reform" by failing to pass several of his proposals, but a county official suggests there were flaws in ...; 10:47 a.m.

Affordable-housing delay seen as good thing by officials: Jeffrey Libby; Subsidized housing in Henderson for low-income workers will not likely be built with redevelopment funding for another 10 years, but this is a good thing, Henderson redevelopment officials say.; 10:45 a.m.

Goodman says developers of downtown project on schedule: Diana Sahagun; Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman said Thursday that the developers of a downtown 61-acre parcel are on-track to submit a preliminary agreement to the City Council Sept. 5.; 10:42 a.m.

Jury doesn't buy consensual-sex defense by Dozier: Erica Johnson; Clarence "Jim' Dozier said the sex was consensual. A sexually explicit videotape led jurors to believe otherwise.; 10:42 a.m.

Kyle Busch to make big-league debut at 16: INDIANAPOLIS -- Jack Roush has developed a reputation over the years as having a keen eye for young racing talent.; 10:39 a.m.

Four fighters ready to rumble: Dean Juipe; There was no sign of a fight breaking out, even though a couple of them are inevitable.; 10:38 a.m.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Hispanics drive boxing, Arum says: Dean Juipe; There's an entertaining fight card in town Saturday night, but hardly anyone is buying a ticket.; 10:38 a.m.

Fifth Dimension's Townson dies at 68: In the mid-1960s, shortly before the Fifth Dimension hit it big on the charts, they were five young unknown singers who got a big break in Las Vegas.; 10:38 a.m.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Sunday's races at Del Mar: 2nd Race -- Don't Forget - Flores takes Gallagher trainee here, draws good post for sprint distance, shouldn't Forget how to win. Belaruse - Baze aboard Sadler trainee, draws well, rider-trainer combo are dangerous pair. ...; 10:38 a.m.

Slater chooses Robinson for hall induction: Steve Guiremand; Offensive linemen are usually the forgotten soldiers on the football field. The only time they get noticed is when they get penalized for holding or jumping offsides.; 10:37 a.m.

Obituaries for August 3, 2001: Manuel J. Adler, 52, of Las Vegas died Monday in Las Vegas. He was born Sept. 5, 1948, in Mexico City. A resident for 15 years, he was a Caesars Palace banquet waiter for 12 ...; 10:37 a.m.

Don't bet on majors coming to LV: Steve Addy and Diana Sahagun; Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman remains perpetually hopeful that a major league sports team will one day settle in the city. It has been one of his goals since taking office in 1999.; 10:37 a.m.

Former constable Bonaventura dies: John Bonaventura, a maverick Las Vegas constable who during a turbulent six years in the 1980s battled government leaders over issues including service fees and his job responsibilities, died Sunday. He was 62.; 10:36 a.m.

Agassi school featured on Sunday CBS show: The show will be highlighted by a segment titled "Andre Goes To School," showing the groundbreaking of the Andre Agassi Charter School located in North Las Vegas and an interview with the Las Vegan.; 10:34 a.m.

Women's league to play in Henderson: Kickoff is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. The 27-team league will open training camp Sept. 15 and start its season Oct. 27.; 10:33 a.m.

Venetian museums set for Sept. 16 opening: David Strow; A pair of much-awaited museums by Russia's State Hermitage Museum and New York's Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation will open at the Venetian Sept. 16.; 10:33 a.m.

UNLV pitching coach job goes to Floridian: Spassoff begins his first season with the Rebel baseball program after serving as the pitching coach at UNC-Greensboro last season. A native of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Spassoff had a stellar pitching career at the ...; 10:33 a.m.

Customers claim injuries from LV resort water attractions: Katie Bill sued the hotel-casino and the operators of the Wave Pool, alleging she was injured on Aug. 1, 1999, when they failed to properly regulate the power of the wave machine, causing the pool ...; 10:32 a.m.

Casino guard apparently walks off with $148,000: Muriel Rucker, 39, was given two containers of money to take from the main cashier cage to the vault shortly after midnight. Instead, she took the money and left the Club Cal-Neva casino, police believe.; 10:31 a.m.

Tropicana AC casino fined for INS violations: Laurence Arnold; WASHINGTON -- Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City has agreed to pay $75,000 in civil penalties to settle allegations of workplace discrimination against non-citizens.; 10:30 a.m.

James, Scherer mentioned for Gaming Commission post: David Strow; With Brian Sandoval's term as chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission now at an end, speculation is starting in earnest over who his successor will be.; 10:28 a.m.

Evidence not backing charges in Cecola Black Book case: Cecola, the founder of the Club Paradise topless dancing club in Las Vegas, was nominated by the control board for inclusion on the state's list of persons excluded from casinos in September 2000. The board's ...; 10:28 a.m.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Del Mar: 1st Race -- Vitesse -- McCarron scales Hofmans trainee, draws good post for sprint opener, adds blinkers to the package for this. Constraint -- Nakatani aboard this one-of-two Baffert-trained 'hidden entries' for owners Bob & ...; 10:28 a.m.

PCL Box: Colorado Spring-Las Vegas: E--Flores (13). LOB--Colo. Springs 5, Las Vegas 9. 2B--Cruz, DiFelice, Hiatt, Donnels, Branson. HR--Hiatt (35), Donnels (2), Pena (10). SF--Huskey. SB--Prieto (25), T.Mota (10).; 10:27 a.m.

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 2 p.m.; 10:21 a.m.

This week's races: NASCAR WINSTON CUP; 10:19 a.m.

Workshops to explain medical marijuana law: CARSON CITY -- The state Department of Agriculture has scheduled public workshops in Sparks and Las Vegas to explain how the new medical marijuana law will work.; 10:18 a.m.

More school-construction staff sought: Terry Webster; An additional $85 million would be spent by the Clark County School District over the next eight years under a plan to add supervisors and other staff to the district's school construction program.; 10:17 a.m.

News briefs for August 3, 2001: Lawyers for a man who was awarded $33 million by a Clark County jury in January over a land deal with developer William Peccole have rejected the $5 million judgment the judge offered instead.; 10:16 a.m.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Stewart aiming for political correctness: INDIANAPOLIS -- Tony Stewart has come under fire from NASCAR, fans and sponsors alike for being one of the few outspoken drivers on the Winston Cup circuit.; 10:13 a.m.

Kiefer wins seventh straight to lead 51s: Steve Addy; Red-hot Mark Kiefer got his seventh straight win, striking out 12, allowing three hits and walking none in seven shutout innings as Las Vegas routed Colorado Springs on Thursday before 2,919 at Cashman Field.; 10:07 a.m.

Letter: Thanks for race coverage: By Ron Kantowski; Brian Hilderbrand does a super job as has everyone who has ever reported on motor sports for the Sun. But the expanded daily news is special to me, and to many others. Thanks again to ...; 10:00 a.m.

Letter: Prep star defended: By Ron Kantowski; Lenny has a great relationship with Gary Charles, the Panthers' coach, as well as the team members. On occasion he has played with them as part of their team. This does not mean that he ...; 9:59 a.m.

Kyle Busch finishes ninth in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut: The 16-year-old Las Vegas native was forced to start at the back of the 36-car field after bringing out his backup truck, but picked his way through the field and finished ninth in the Power ...; 9:55 a.m.

USAC-Silver Bullet results: At Indianapolis Raceway Park; 9:55 a.m.

Salt Lake trip up for grabs at state tourney: Spencer Patterson; AMERICAN LEGION STATE TOURNAMENT; 9:53 a.m.

Long history behind 'Broadway' concert event: What: The Performing Arts Society of Nevada's "Broadway Sound Connection."; 9:45 a.m.

Review: Chan kicks back in 'Rush Hour 2': Geoff Carter; Fast Facts; 9:43 a.m.

Date Book for Aug. 3, 2001: The West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd., presents its Steven Spielberg Film Festival beginning at 11:10 a.m. Saturday with a screening of "Amistad," followed at 2 p.m. by "Saving Private Ryan." The festival continues ...; 9:40 a.m.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Las Vegas musicians are making themselves at home: Las Vegas has every kind of venue for live entertainment imaginable, from tiny lounges stuck in dark corners of casinos to 12,000-seat concert halls.; 9:39 a.m.

Exhibit features ambitious commission of Rodin's art: Kimberley McGee; Fast Facts; 9:38 a.m.

After lengthy odyssey, Poe is 'Haunted' no more: Kirk Baird; Making "Haunted," Poe's latest album, was a difficult battle she waged over five years.; 9:36 a.m.

Performing Arts for Aug. 3, 2001: Ongoing event; 9:34 a.m.

DOE official promises probe into alleged conflict: The inspector general of the Department of Energy today promised Nevada Sens. Harry Reid and John Ensign a full, fair and unbiased investigation into an alleged conflict of interest involving the DOE and a Chicago-based ...; 9:33 a.m.

Where I Stand--Mike O'Callaghan: Notes from the week: COUNTY COMMISSIONER Yvonne Atkinson Gates has requested a close look at the Quick Cares operated by UMC before they increase in number. After recognizing the success of the Quick Cares, she writes, "However, as we ...; 9:33 a.m.

On Display for Aug. 3, 2001: "Birds in Flight," an exhibit of stop-action photography by Russell C. Hansen, is on display through Sept. 30 at the Nevada State Museum and Historical Society, 700 Twin Lakes Drive. Call 486-5205.; 9:33 a.m.

Editorial: Fresh look at county overdue: Bob Forbuss, who formerly ran Mercy Ambulance and is the ex-chairman of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, is a member of the committee, but it's unfortunate that the panel lacks individuals who are, or ...; 9:32 a.m.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: NOBHILL proves to be a true San Francisco treat: NOBHILL at MGM Grand had barely opened the night I dined there with two friends, yet within minutes after we were seated the dining room was full. I've already described this lovely, low-key San Francisco-style ...; 9:32 a.m.

Editorial: Don't let ranchers fleece the taxpayers: The BLM's action is understandable. After all, these are lands that the federal government is responsible to protect on the public's behalf. For that matter, critics of the federal government's grazing program have long argued ...; 9:32 a.m.

Letter: Election reform is not needed: After World War II, I waited five years for my quota to be legally admitted to these United States. Vonne Chowning's uncle from Coquille, Ore., was my sponsor.; 9:31 a.m.

Letter: Homeless group is at it again: This is the same group of people who say they do everything possible for the homeless, yet wouldn't even open a bathroom for the homeless till the city gave them $15,000 for six months use.; 9:30 a.m.

Letter: Sun's coverage of Hispanics is exceptional: The recent articles written by Timothy Pratt from a historical and informative standpoint of the Hispanic community are refreshing, stimulating and compelling.; 9:30 a.m.

More T-storms might light up the weekend: Lightning lit up skies surrounding the Las Vegas Valley Thursday evening, but less than an inch of rain fell as the line of summer storms rumbled through Southern Nevada.Weather forecasters gave a chance for more ...; 9:27 a.m.

Review: 'Thunder' makes noise at New Frontier: Joe Delaney; "Thunder from Down Under," Australia's loud and clear answer to Chippendales, is offering "Enter The Millennium," an all-new production at the New Frontier. The makeshift showroom seats 240 and was at 90-percent capacity for the ...; 9:25 a.m.

First female rabbi in Las Vegas likes breaking new ground: Stacy J. Willis; The Jewish rituals will be the same, but the rabbi -- standing barely 5 feet tall and reaching out to a crowd of hundreds -- will be breaking new ground.; 9:25 a.m.

Edison on the move: Education firm setting up shop in seven schools: Terry Webster; Just four months after the School Board approved its contract, Edison Schools is moving into Clark County.; 9:25 a.m.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Cole owes 'Unforgettable' idea to conductor: Joe Delaney; Natalie Cole, appearing tonight through Sunday in the Paris Las Vegas le Theatre des Arts, is the proud possessor of eight Grammy Awards, eight gold albums and three platinum albums with a repertoire that includes ...; 9:25 a.m.

Community briefs for August 3, 2001: For the month of August, KVVU Channel 5 will present "Take Five for Kids," a program that will target families in transition and assist youth by supply school supplies and backpacks.; 9:24 a.m.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Getting a read on Pahrump: The man on the other side of the pump at Pahrump's Union 76 station was relieved to see prices had dropped.; 9:22 a.m.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Is Springfield's break permanent?: Kate Maddox; Rick Springfield's accident onstage at the MGM Grand this week has many on the Strip wondering if the former soap opera stud will return to "EFX Alive" following what is expected to be a lengthy ...; 9:21 a.m.

Still Byrne-ing: Talking Heads frontman supporting solo effort: Kirk Baird; Who: David Byrne.; 9:19 a.m.

'Murder in Sin City' offers inside look at Binion case: Editor's note: This is the first in a series of seven excerpts from the new book, "Murder in Sin City: The Death of a Las Vegas Casino Boss." The book was written by Jeff German, ...; 5:33 a.m.

Maimed trooper continues battle with state: CARSON CITY -- Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Ken Gager says his legal battle with the state for the last three years has been worse than the mail bomb that maimed him in 1993, costing him ...; 4:53 a.m.

Connecting countries: Mexico-to-Canada highway would ease Hoover Dam traffic: Imagine traveling on a highway for more than 3,300 miles with uninterrupted cellular telephone service, up-to-the-minute traffic warnings and Internet connections at rest stops.; 4:51 a.m.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Betting it all on the Strip: The 45-year-old masseur came to Las Vegas looking for what lures so many.; 4:50 a.m.

Penn's State: Kimberley McGee; Don't let Penn Jillette fool you.; 4:50 a.m.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Mayor rushes to justice over snub: Kate Maddox; Back in February our illustrious mayor Oscar Goodman once again got the opportunity to flex his acting chops. After originally being informed that hizzoner would merely be an extra in "Rush Hour II," which opened ...; 4:50 a.m.

Where I Stand--Timothy Hay: Keeping utilities honest: RECENT STUDIES show Nevada leading the nation in rate increases for electric services. These increases are due, in part, to the Western United States' departure from traditional utility regulation and experimenting with market-based pricing, in ...; 4:50 a.m.

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Relatives concerned about girl's placement: Sandy Thompson; ANNIE WAS only 3 years old when her 18-month-old brother, Adrian, died. But relatives say she clearly remembers that fateful day in 1997.; 4:50 a.m.

Letter: Governor just doesn't belong: MARIA STRAVROS; 4:50 a.m.

Letter: Goodman plan for homeless is a good start: There is not one homeless population or one cause of homelessness. From United Way's perspective there are five basic target groups -- those who are homeless by chance (lost jobs, temporary economic hardships, abuse, etc.); ...; 4:49 a.m.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Mr. Reilly's Mission Impossible: IF EVER THERE WERE a governmental petri dish where idealism would seem destined to wither rather than flourish, it is the Clark County Government Center.; 4:49 a.m.

Editorial: Awestruck by aura of West Wing: Not only did Bush pressure Norwood, but the president also flattered the congressman, taking advantage of his fondness for him. "I don't make any secret about it -- I love the man," the smitten Norwood ...; 4:49 a.m.

Columnist Jeff German: Family hopes for Panaro's release: FEDERAL prosecutors call Robert Panaro a feared member of the Buffalo mob, someone who's capable of approving a gangland hit.; 4:49 a.m.

Editorial: Energy companies hope for a windfall: It is unthinkable that the House would even consider huge tax breaks at a time when these same energy producers are reaping record profits at the expense of consumers. It is hoped that the Senate, ...; 4:49 a.m.

Where I Stand--Classic Hank: An offer for return of Cary Sayegh: TODAY: Jerald Burgess, who 20 years ago was acquitted in the 1978 kidnapping of 6-year-old Cary Sayeg, was convicted last week on federal firearms charges. In this Nov. 16, 1978, column Hank pleads with the ...; 4:49 a.m.

The world is a stage for UNLV performers: Rebecca Malone; Students at UNLV are taking their talents overseas to perform in the world's largest arts festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.; 4:49 a.m.

Historic gymnasium more than a basketball court: Kimberley McGee; In the rural town of Overton, past the "new" school (built in 1951) on Anderson Street, sits a brick-and-mortar symbol of American history.; 4:49 a.m.

Camp Fund can help kids have good summer: "He enjoys being around other kids his age and could learn and benefit from this program," she says. "It would be a true blessing to be a part of an organization such as this. I ...; 4:49 a.m.

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