Print edition for February 17, 2001

Teens arrested in Phoenix for commissioner's carjacking: Investigators believe the BB gun and the toy gun were used to simulate weapons in four forced car thefts this week in Las Vegas.

Obligation to history brings actress back to Nevada: Tom Gardner; Judd felt a duty to share an era that she calls both sad and wonderful with the current generation by developing "WWII SWAK," a one-woman performance that largely evolved from letters written by people at home and at the front - many of them "Sealed With a Kiss."

Thomas introduces bill to eliminate snowmobile ban: "I'm not interested in watching snowmachining in national parks continue as it has in the past," he said. "No one will deny that there are issues that need to be addressed."

Hearings on deregulation start third week of Legislature: Brendan Riley; The Senate Commerce and Labor Committee will start hearings on utility deregulation issues on Monday - and will continue those hearings Tuesday through Thursday.

Accused killer apparent suicide victim: Tom Gardner; An investigation into Thomas Soria's death last month is continuing but evidence so far is "characteristic of a suicide," Douglas County Sheriff Ron Pierini said.

Rebels down Air Force: Steve Addy; COLORADO SPRINGS -- The Rebels are playing only for pride now. They showed Saturday night that they still have some left.

Genetic testing bill increases crime prosecution time: Siobhan McDonough; Washoe County Sheriff's Department officials told the Assembly Judiciary Committee that genetic testing is producing more evidence, but laws that limit prosecutions can hinder the use of the information.

Consumer advocate wants rate increase dismissed: In a document filed with the Public Utilities Commission on Thursday, Hay asked the commission to dismiss the rate increase.

Forget Vegas, neighbor Boulder City relishes in no gambling, little growth: Angie Wagner; "I live here in Boulder City. It's not so big, but it sure is pretty," poet David Durand rattles off outside a local hardware store, the lawn mowers neatly lined up in front.

Legislation to reduce withholding, reporting of Mississippi gaming winnings before Senate: Presently, the state requires a 5 percent state tax to be withheld on jackpots of $1,200 or more. Usually this involves hand-paid jackpots on slot machines, in which the players is given a withholding statement.

Pending Bill could help Billy Walters get his seized millions: Brendan Riley; SB36, sought by Senate Judiciary Chairman Mark James, R-Las Vegas, is up for a Tuesday committee hearing.

Holiday promises to be a big one on the slopes: At Kirkwood, for instance, operators hope for a repeat of the record crowd of 8,000 they got for last years President's Day weekend.

Ralph Siraco's Selections for Saturday's races at Santa Anita: 2nd Race -- Festega - Nakatani scales Baffert trainee, draws good post for maiden-claimer 7-panel outing, connections are right. Kissout - Gomez aboard Carava trainee, may sit a good trip from inner post here, been knocking on diploma door. Value Play -- Jeds Knight

Feds, Elko County reach tentative deal in Forest Service dispute: Scott Sonner; "It's a pretty big victory for us," said state Assemblyman John Carpenter, R-Elko, one of the leaders of the effort to rebuild the road.

Letter: Clinton's idea of a tax break: Letter: Clinton's idea of a tax break

Letter: Helmet law benefits inexpert motorcyclists: Of course everyone understands that accidents and "fender benders" happen. Something an experienced motorcyclist would recognize and be ready to counter might mean trouble for an inexperienced rider. What people who are not seasoned motorcycle riders don't understand is how much of a disadvantage they are at when avoiding and surviving accidents, at least until they have experience. While a 21-year-old may have more common sense than a 16-year-old, without experience on a motorcycle they are equally ill prepared for riding in traffic.

Editorial: Hold elections if there are vacancies: If the city of Las Vegas wants to debate costs, the fact is the city already spends a huge amount each year on its television station, which often is nothing more than public relations for its city council. In contrast, a special election is a relative drop in the bucket in the city's budget. More importantly, it is a wise expenditure to ensure that the will of the people is respected, a hallmark of representative government.

Albright reflects on U.S., world: Trude B. Feldman; On Jan. 20 Madeleine Korbel Albright, America's first female secretary of state, relinquished her reins of power to Gen. Colin L. Powell, the first black to hold the position.

Columnist Jon Ralston: For McDonald, damage is done: SO MICHAEL MCDONALD is guilty and Mayor Oscar Goodman and the rest of 'em are innocent.

Columnist jeff German: Del Papa not one to cross: THE DICTIONARY describes a vindictive person as someone who has a desire for revenge.

Editorial: Pay raise produces big stink: In June council members are scheduled to receive a $5,000 annual raise in their salaries and the mayor would net an $8,000 hike -- all to go into effect before they would have to first face the voters. Federal, state and local governments traditionally have prevented elected officials from dipping into their treasuries to boost their salaries unless, of course, they are willing to first stand for re-election. Otherwise, there is the temptation to line their pockets, knowing full well there is nothing the voters could do to stop it.

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Extend foster care services to age 21: Sandy Thompson; WHAT DOES the future hold for foster children after they leave the system?

Columnist Susan Snyder: Is Vegas built for people?: Why do people leave the Las Vegas Valley?

Gambling Prevention 101: Middle school students in Minnesota are taught that they are eight times more likely to be killed on a family vacation by a terrorist than of winning the state lottery.

Smithsonian given $14.5 million from Lemelson center: The latest gift brings the foundation's total commitment to the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to $40 million.

Columnist Kate Maddox: 'Plaid' lads on Strip search: Kate Maddox; "Forever Plaid" is still looking for a home. The popular production, which departs the Flamingo Las Vegas on Feb. 28 after a six-year run, was initially anticipating a move to the Lady Luck downtown. But that deal fell through at the last minute.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Good cover for Bush: THE PRESIDENT is "bewildered." The American people should be exhausted.

Public safety funding up to voters: Jeffrey Libby; Just one question remains regarding construction of a new fire station that will overlook the Anthem Del Webb master-planned community: Will there be any firefighters to man the place?

State mental health system stuck in turmoil: Stacy J. Willis; When Craig Smith's 25-year-old daughter told him the television was talking to her, he knew she needed help.