Print edition for December 13, 2001

Vegas-based casino operator selling stock: The Las Vegas-based riverboat casino operator will sell 4 million shares of stock at $20.50 per share; the $76.8 million reflects proceeds after underwriting discounts and related expenses.

Abraham: No Yucca decision: Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham said Wednesday that he has not decided whether to choose Yucca Mountain as the nation's only nuclear waste repository and has not set a deadline for when he would make that decision.

YMCA recreation contract with city runs into trouble: Diana Sahagun; An experiment by the city of Las Vegas to learn whether a private firm could save money by running a city recreation center could end up costing taxpayers up to $600,000 over the next three years.

Equipment supplier's earnings increase: Shuffle Master, a supplier of gaming equipment, reported net income of $2.8 million, or 15 cents per diluted share, on revenue of $11.8 million. In the year-ago period, the company earned $2.5 million, or 14 cents per share, on revenues of $11.5 million.

Test Site workers can get benefits for silicosis: A 2002 defense authorization bill would contain expanded aid for workers suffering from silicosis, a lung disease.

LV visitor count off in October: Visitor volume fell from 3.1 million to 2.9 million, convention attendance was off 6 percent to 266,102, occupancy levels were down 9.1 points to 82.6 percent and total room nights occupied were down 8.7 percent to 3.2 million.

Business briefs for December 13, 2001: NEWARK, N.J. -- Investors grabbed a piece of the rock today, pushing shares of Prudential Financial Inc. up 6 percent in its first day of trading.

Legality of county's recently passed billboard rules challenged: After nearly a year of sometimes rancorous debate, an ordinance governing billboard placement in unincorporated Clark County was supposed to be settled earlier this month.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Holyfield-Ruiz goes on, but no one cares: Dean Juipe; For a heavyweight title fight, this one has a low, low, low profile.

NFR notebook: Steer wrestler Fields matches NFR record: Victoria Sun; It has been three years since steer wrestler Bryan Fields won a go-round at the National Finals Rodeo.

LV company narrows quarterly loss: The Las Vegas gaming equipment company on Oct. 30 had reported a net loss of $1.9 million, or 16 cents per share, for the quarter ending Sept. 30, on revenues of $28.2 million. This compared to net income of $780,000, or 7 cents per share, in the year-ago period.

Groom named president: Groom, the former chief executive of Players International, was named interim president of the hotel-casino in early September, following the departure of John Shigley. He had been serving in that role ever since, while Park Place conducted a search for a permanent president.

VEGAS SPORTS ON TV-RADIO: VEGAS SPORTS ON TV-RADIO

New bill targets Nevada schools: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Nevada will get more federal money for schools with high percentages of poor students as part of a final agreement on a sweeping new education bill, Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., said.

Las Vegas area fishing report: Lake Mead bass are heading for the deep: Lake Mead fishing continues to make a steady decline as striped bass are moving away from shore and are headed toward deep water, where they will spend the winter months. Largemouth bass are also moving toward deep water, but will usually remain close to structure such as cliff walls.

News briefs for December 13, 2001: Pesola was found dead in an alley of the 2200 block of Sunrise Avenue near Eastern Avenue about 7:50 p.m. Pesola's girlfriend told Metro Police he had left her about about 30 minutes before he was found dead to meet someone, police said.

Little League sign ups: The Paradise Valley American Little League announces singup dates and sites for the 2002 season. Jan. 5 -- Cashman Field, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 16 and Jan. 23 -- Lake Elementary, 6-8 p.m. Jan. 19 and Jan. 26 -- Chaparral High School, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The league is for youths aged 5-16. The fees are $100 and $80 for tee-ball. All players must provide copies of their birth certificates and two proofs of address.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: The Strip at LVMS to host last preseason series test: Local drag racing fans will have an opportunity to see many of the top NHRA professional and sportsman teams test their equipment prior to the 2002 NHRA Powerade Drag Racing Series season opener when The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway hosts the series' final preseason test Feb. 1-3.

Terror added to Metro's New Year's watch: Jace Radke; In addition to controlling an estimated New Year's Eve crowd of 250,000 filled with rowdy drunks, pole climbers and flashers, Metro Police are preparing for possible threats of terrorism.

Expert gives tips on handling mass attack: CARSON CITY -- A disaster planning expert says the walking wounded from any mass attack should not be admitted to area hospitals as the hospitals should concentrate on treating those in critical condition. Dr. Henry Siegelson of Atlanta told Nevada's Homeland Security Committee Wednesday that vapor or gas is the mostly likely weapon to be used by terrorists. And he said the state should not rely on a national plan to transfer the victims out of state.

Columnist Paula DelGiudice: Reindeer: Myth versus reality: Paula DelGiudice; One of the most notable wildlife species associated with Christmas is the reindeer (more commonly known as the caribou). It is the subject of legend and song, and has been ascribed with unusual characteristics -- among them the ability to fly.

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

Maddux chips in to help raise money for youngsters: Steve Guiremand; Greg Maddux said he never played golf much before he made it to the big leagues back in the late 1980s.

Tailback never stopped in quest for end zone: Spencer Patterson; It had been a most atypical Antione White afternoon as Las Vegas and McQueen re-took the field for overtime to decide the 2001 4A state title.

Prep girls soccer standings: CLASS 4A

Prep boys basketball standings: CLASS 4A

Wildcats sweep top two All-State honors: Spencer Patterson; From their 13-game winning streak to their perfect record against in-state competition to their state title victory over the defending champs, the 2001 high school football season belonged to the Las Vegas Wildcats.

Sun 2001 All-State Football Team: Sun 2001 All-State Football Team

Prep wrestling standings: CLASS 4A

Prep girls basketball standings: CLASS 4A

Defense: Pool made splash: Noteworthy: Made 102 total tackles, including 42 solo takedowns, nine for loss and two sacks ... member of Wildcat defense that allowed 10 or fewer points in three of final four playoff games en route to 4A state title ... first-team All-Sunrise Region.

Connecticut fronton shuts down after quarter century: Diane Scarponi; MILFORD, Conn. -- Willie Northern had one last chance Wednesday to win her money back from Milford Jai Alai.

Correction: The Sun corrects its errors. If you find a mistake, call 385-3111 to report it.

2001 National Finals Rodeo results - Round 6: World standings: 1, Cody Ohl, Stephenville, Texas, $291,839. 2, Trevor Brazile, Pueblo, Colo., $211,667. 3, Jesse Bail, Camp Crook, S.D., $195,184. 4, Scott Johnston, Gustine, Texas, $172,599. 5, Cash Myers, Athens, Texas, $166,601. 6, Blair Burk, Durant, Okla., $145,489.

Conservation commitment is questioned: Las Vegas and Nevada environmentalists said Wednesday that they welcome Interior Secretary Gale Norton's stated commitment to conservation -- but they questioned whether the Bush administration official's commitment can be translated into reality.

House candidates raising money, endorsements: Erin Neff; Both major candidates for Nevada's 3rd Congressional District are claiming small victories this week.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Some Foxy war reporting: This week I opened one of my favorite morning newspapers, the Los Angeles Times, to see almost a full page dedicated to a story headlined, "War's Dangers Bond Journalists." It was all about the journalists covering the war in Afghanistan. The writer, David Shaw, always makes his reports interesting. Very simply, Shaw is a good writer and reporter.

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Holiday memories are priceless: Ruthe Deskin; I love the hustle and bustle of pre-Christmas shopping and planning, even if it does get frustrating at times.

Southern Nevadans can send messages to GIs: Dick Benoit; The "Give Thanks America" mobile tour will a make stop in Las Vegas Friday, allowing residents to send free streaming-video recorded messages to those in uniform.

Letter: Pretending 'war is peace': They warned that the terrorism offensive "points up the increasing lack of distinction between peace and war. As we begin the year 1984, Orwell's famous Newspeak dictum that 'peace is war' assumes greater reality. It is essential for Americans to understand that this is the kind of world we are living in, and why."

Norton urges cooperation with states: Communication is the key to balancing environmental protection with responsible development of public land in the West, Interior Secretary Gale Norton said Wednesday.

Guilty verdict returned in hazardous dumping: Kim Smith; A Las Vegas man who originally faced 29 felony charges for allegedly violating the Clean Water Act was instead found guilty Wednesday of five misdemeanor charges.

Letter: Social Security excess must go to private sector: In a similar manner the current administration has heard the proposals of a commission to save Social Security. The commission has presented some thoughts, which they suggested should be debated in Congress. That could take more than 12 months. Sounds like another stall to get them safely through the next election.

Nacho man: Victoria Sun; They partnered up on a hunch and it's paying off faster than they could have ever predicted.

Panel facing a taxing situation: Mathis Winkler; Meeting

Columnist Joe Delaney: Plenty of entertainment to be had this weekend: Joe Delaney; If you live here and want to see the country performers, rodeo riders and NFR back-up personnel relax and let their hair down, take an afternoon nap and plan to spend the hours from 11 p.m. to whenever with Ricky and the Redstreaks at the Stardust convention area; $5 admission charge.

Obituaries for December 13, 2001: Leona Nadine Alarid, 62, of Las Vegas died Sunday in Las Vegas. A mail clerk, she was born May 10, 1939, in Walsenburg, Colo.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: No Fun League redux: It was only six weeks ago that this writer, who had sworn off the NFL because in his estimation, it had become too stuffy and predictable, was thinking about rediscovering the pro game.

Editorial: Education pact is a mixed bag: The federal government will spend $26.5 billion on K-12 education in the next fiscal year, about $8 billion more than now. The final amount was almost $6 billion less than what the Democrats had wanted, but $4 billion more than what the president had sought. Just as important as the overall increase was the decision to significantly increase the share of money that goes to school districts based on their poverty rates.

Hardison, former boxer, prison official, dies at 58: Jeffrey Libby; Leon Hardison, well known in local boxing circles, died Monday at age 58 from the effects of an aneurysm.

Stamp, coin-collecting on rise: American patriotic-themed postage stamps are selling well, as the events of Sept. 11 bring new collectors into what in recent years has been a slumping hobby, one expert says.

Supreme Court upholds ruling on Henderson land: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court Wednesday ruled that the city of Henderson was entitled to reclaim 20 acres of land it had sold to a developer who didn't carry through with a promised commercial project.

Give 'em the boots: Cowboy-boot fans, retailers praise famous footwear: Cowboy boots made of cowhide can also be purchased. But they seem drab when held up next to a pair made of anteater, iguana or some other exotic skin.

Community briefs for December 13, 2001: The center, based in Ali's hometown Louisville, Ky., produces public programs, exhibitions, publications and a website in an effort to lead to a more peaceful society. A reception is included in the screening, which will be attended by Ali and his wife, Lonnie. Ticket packages are $100-$25,000.

Park Place CFO says departure is voluntary: David Strow; When Park Place Entertainment Corp. of Las Vegas announced the planned departure in January of Scott LaPorta on Tuesday, the company's chief financial officer became the fifth top executive to leave Park Place since the death of then-Chief Executive Arthur Goldberg in October 2000.

Man gunned down in LV tavern: Officers were called to the tavern in the 5800 block of East Lake Mead Boulevard near Sloan Lane about 2:30 this morning and found a wounded man on the floor of the empty bar, Metro Police said.

B.C. Chamber quits U.S. group: The Boulder City Chamber of Commerce has become the third Nevada chamber to withdraw from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce after the national organization decided to support the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Friday's races at Hollywood Park: 1st Race -- Two Four Dancer -- Pedroza on main man Carava trainee, draws good inner spot for route opener, NFR cowboy hunch play. First Class Code -- Smith scales Johnson trainee, well spotted in at this claiming level, Code may be enough Class to finish First. Value Play -- Our Sharon Stone

Harrah's outlook raised on riverboat strengths: Bear Stearns gaming analyst Jason Ader raised his fourth-quarter estimate to 35 cents per share and $211.8 million in cash flow, up from 31 cents per share and $199.7 million in cash flow. Ader hiked his 2002 earnings per share estimate from $2.08 to $2.14, and set a 2003 estimate of $2.35 per share.

Fight schedule: Tonight

Bigby's game, name no longer a mystery after strong outing: Steve Addy; WHAT: UNLV (3-3) at Loyola Marymount (5-3)

Panel clears Chu for Yucca post: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- A Senate panel on Wednesday approved Sandia Laboratories nuclear waste director Margaret Chu to be the next manager of the Yucca Mountain project.

Vegas man sentenced for fraud: Sentenced was Bryan Egan, who acted as a loan broker for several small business owners and who pleaded guilty in June to fraudulently obtaining about $2.35 million in loans from several banks.

Kids, adults educated on finances: Chris Jones; The basics of banking are anything but basic to many Americans.

Henderson lawmaker cleared of voter fraud: CARSON CITY -- Mineral County District Attorney Tom Wright has cleared Assemblywoman Sandra Tiffany, R-Henderson, and an associate of being involved in possible forging of voters' names on her initiative petition to break up the Clark County School District.

Niumatalolo quits UNLV for position at Navy: "We hate to lose Kenny but the opportunity at Navy was just too good," UNLV head coach John Robinson said. "He did a lot of nice things here and we wish him well."

JAL restoring service to Vegas: Japan Airlines will reinstate its nonstop flights between Las Vegas and Tokyo in March, a company spokeswoman said today.

Officials: Local schools safe from terrorist threat: The possibility of a terrorist threat to Nevada's schools was denied by local, state and federal officials Wednesday.

Sanchez survives scary KO: Dean Juipe; It was a tremendously unsettling scene, complete with an apparent life-and-death situation.

Vegas shopping mall operator may be in multibillion dollar deal: General Growth Properties Inc., the second-largest shopping mall owner in the United States, sold 8 million shares of its stock today for $300 million -- one day after saying it's in talks to buy a "multibillion dollar" group of shopping centers.

Wednesday's prep results: BOYS BASKETBALL

Dominant linebacker played through pain: Spencer Patterson; The stoic expression on Chad Pool's face belied the pain in his shoulder as the Las Vegas High defender exited the field during a week three win over Cimarron-Memorial in September.

Investor Harsch acquires Speedway Industrial Park: Jennifer Robison; Harsch Investment Properties has purchased the Speedway Industrial Park at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway from Bruton Smith for $44 million.