Print edition for March 1, 2001

City of Henderson likely to buy three downtown shops: Jeffrey Libby; Judee Foster was born on the craps table of a jazz club in 1948, daughter of a dancer and a union musician, and she says the old Henderson downtown she grew up in was never meant to be another Green Valley.

Death threats made against officer: Keith Paul; Death threats were made Wednesday against the North Las Vegas Police officer who shot and killed a Western High School student who reportedly brandished a toy gun Tuesday.

Airline fined over Las Vegas flight advertisments: Honolulu-based Aloha was fined $10,000 for failing to disclose taxes and passenger facility charges on its $99 flights. A spokeswoman for the company said the additional taxes and fees added about $30 to the fare.

Local news briefs for March 1, 2001: A 59-year-old woman was killed on Wednesday when the car she was riding in turned into the path of an oncoming vehicle in Henderson.

15 store closures include some in Nevada: The company operates seven stores in Las Vegas, one in Henderson, five in Reno, two in Sparks and one in South Lake Tahoe, but the company has not determined which stores will close.

Electric rate hike is set in motion: CARSON CITY -- Sierra Pacific Resources Inc. is being allowed to put its $311 million rate increase into effect today after telling a district judge that any delay could lead to blackouts similar to what occurred in California.

Pitino: 'Nothing is imminent': Steve Addy; As if wishing will make it so, Rebels boosters and UNLV officials insist the courtship of basketball coach Rick Pitino is going well and he could be signed next week.

Battle brewing over CCSN's interim president: Jennifer Knight; The state Board of Regents is divided over the pick for Community College of Southern Nevada's next interim president.

Officer takes witness stand at uncle's DUI crash trial: Kim Smith; A Metro officer who is the nephew of a man charged with causing a deadly car crash last March took the stand Wednesday in the trial of Clark Morse.

Unions sue over job losses: The plaintiffs included the Culinary Workers Union local 226, Bartenders Union local 165, International Brotherhood of Teamsters local 995 and International Union of Operating Engineers local 501.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Carter, Jordan named players of the year: Spencer Patterson; After leading their teams to division titles and berths in last week's 4A Boys Basketball State tournament, Bishop Gorman's Jason Carter and Green Valley's Jamar Jordan have been named players of the year for their respective regions by area coaches.

LV mental health center in need of funding: CARSON CITY -- The Las Vegas Mental Health Center needs an emergency appropriation of $363,000 to correct health and safety violations or it will lose its federal certification, state officials said today.

Creditor moves against Reno tech company: The medical research and development company formerly operated at 1601 East Flamingo Road in Las Vegas, court papers said. Curtis Orgill, a company official, could not be reached for comment on the petition or whether the company is still open.

Merger rumors flying on Strip: David Strow; One year after MGM Grand Inc. launched its $6.4 billion takeover of Mirage Resorts Inc., the gaming industry is once again buzzing with rumors of the next big takeover.

Water Street set for big makeover: Jeffrey Libby; Henderson's main thoroughfare through its old downtown is going to get a significant makeover to help spark its rebirth.

Pay hikes for county officials proposed: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- Given a choice, most elected officials would not be politically willing to raise their own salaries.

Legislative briefs for March 1, 2001: Wedding chapels could become one-stop marriage shops complete with the ability to issue licenses under a bill proposed Wednesday in the Assembly.

Court briefs for March 1, 2001: A mistrial was declared Wednesday in the punishment phase in the case of the beating death of a 3-year-old girl.

West LV store fights city over liquor license: Diana Sahagun; One week after the Las Vegas City Council unanimously revoked a liquor license from a West Las Vegas convenience store after employees were caught selling alcohol to minors, beer and wine are still being sold at the site.

Columnist Paula DelGiudice: Hunting season dates established: Paula DelGiudice; April (and the deadline for applying for big game tags in Nevada) is just around the corner, so hunters are beginning to think about next fall and planning their hunting seasons. So, too, are Nevada Division of Wildlife officials.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Don't be so sure Pitino is heading West: Provided Channel 8's Rick Pitino sources are more informed than its downtown dome stadium or NFL-exhibition-game-at-Sam-Boyd-Stadium sources, there's still a chance the slick former Celtics, Kentucky and Providence coach will take over at UNLV as early as next week.

Las Vegas area fishing reports: LAKE MEAD: There has been light fishing pressure during the past week because of storms that have swept the area.

Land eyed by Magic, Agassi may soon be sold: Diana Sahagun; A piece of land in West Las Vegas that has stood vacant for more than a year after being eyed by retired basketball star Magic Johnson and tennis champ Andre Agassi could soon have a new owner.

Race week schedule: 3:30 p.m. -- Gates open at The Bullring

Red Cross handles queries from families: Inquiries from immediate family members will be accepted after 11:17 a.m. today at 791-3311, ext. 3007. The Red Cross enforces a 24-hour waiting period after a disaster for such requests.

Nevada firms fork over $1.4 million at GOP event: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- The Republican Governors Association walked away from an annual winter conference $7 million richer -- thanks in part to Las Vegas donors.

Former local Exemplary Mother of the Year, Galatz, dies at 83: She was the mother of prominent local attorney Neil Galatz and former Colorado River Commissioner Karen Galatz, who also served as press secretary to former Gov. Richard Bryan.

Earnhardt's record in Las Vegas: Earnhardt's record in Las Vegas

Court asked to review ruling in Rhodes case: Diana Sahagun; Deputy Attorney General Greg Hojnowski this morning filed an appeal with the Nevada Supreme Court challenging a decision by District Judge Michael Cherry to dismiss a felony charge against North Las Vegas City Councilman John Rhodes.

Assembly committee endorses divorce seminars: Siobhan McDonough; CARSON CITY -- An Assembly panel voted Wednesday to give permanent status to a Las Vegas pilot program that helps to steer divorcing parents into smoother relationships for the sake of their children.

Man given 20 to 50 years in restaurant robbery where officer was shot: Kim Smith; One of four people arrested in connection with a robbery that left a Metro officer sightless in one eye apologized to the officer this morning minutes before getting a 20-to 50-year prison sentence.

Woman hopes killers of her parents 'find salvation': The daughter of the Candy Lady was forgiving and charitable toward the seemingly unremorseful teenager sentenced to life in prison for killing her parents.

Obituaries for March 1, 2001: George Adams, 77, of Las Vegas died Tuesday in a local care center. He was born Dec. 26, 1923, in Scotland. A resident for 26 years, he was a glazer in the manufacturing industry and a veteran of the British Royals.

Ruiz not making excuses as he preps for rematch: Dean Juipe; The information gets to John Ruiz secondhand, yet he doesn't question its validity.

Pact signed with slot maker: Under the agreement, Shuffle Master said it will adapt games from the Madrid company's library to run on its slot machine system, then distribute these games in certain North American markets, including Nevada.

Columnist Rusty Wallace: Sponsor treating fans with 'garage' on midway: Rusty Wallace; We have something really neat planned for this weekend out at Las Vegas Motor Speedway that I think you fans are going to love.

Concealed-weapons bill upsets police: John Wilkerson; CARSON CITY -- Sheriffs and police chiefs asked lawmakers Wednesday to kill a bill that would let weekend tourists pack their registered concealed weapons -- without notifying Nevada authorities.

Motor mouth: With primary sponsorships for NASCAR Winston Cup cars running as high as $15 million, drivers these days choose their words carefully and go out of their way not to be controversial.

Softball: UNLV-Southern Utah games are rained out: The Rebels traveled to the Easton Classic at UCLA today and will be back at Rebel Diamond on March 31 against San Diego State.

Reid, Porter woo Mexican Consulate to Las Vegas: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., is throwing his political muscle behind an effort to establish a Mexican Consulate in Las Vegas, an issue also touted by state Sen. Jon Porter, R-Henderson.

Teachers' union calls on lawmakers to enact tax: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- Now that the Nevada Supreme Court has ruled an initiative petition unconstitutional, the state's teachers' union hopes to pressure lawmakers into taking up their tax proposal.

Nevada has had quakes of magnitude 7 or more: By Mary Manning; Nevada has had its share of magnitude 7 or greater temblors -- about once every 30 years, seismologists around the state said Wednesday after Seattle's 6.8 magnitude event.

Practice makes perfect for new Trotter Rosegreen: Victoria Sun; Who: Harlem Globetrotters 75th Anniversary Tour Where: Thomas & Mack Center When: Friday, 7 p.m. Tickets: $10 to $75

Ensign calls for more school funds: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Freshman Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., pitched a plan to send more federal money for education to fast-growing states like Nevada during his first speech on the Senate floor today.

Rebel seniors recall the happier times: Steve Addy; The Rebels' six seniors know their best days are behind them.

Driver appearances: TODAY

LV condo developer to correct Fair Housing Act violations: Grace Leong; The U.S. Justice Department sued a builder of four Las Vegas condominium complexes Wednesday, alleging it violated the federal Fair Housing Act when it failed to make the common areas and ground-floor units of the buildings accessible to people with disabilities.

Williams wants to expand 'order-out corridor': Adrienne Packer; Two years after Clark County Commissioner Myrna Williams introduced the county's first "order-out corridor," she is looking for support to expand the program into another troubled area.

Nuclear testing device report is ready for public scrutiny: A Department of Energy plan to move a device that will help test the safety of the nation's nuclear stockpile to the Nevada Test Site is one step closer with the release of an environmental impact report.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Shows give resorts an identity: Joe Delaney; Identification ... This column has been arguing for acts or shows being identified with their hotels ... There are excellent examples all around town ... Cirque du Soleil started in a tent on the Mirage grounds ... Now "O" is synonymous with Bellagio and "Mystere" with Treasure Island ... This is also the fact with Siegfried & Roy and Danny Gans, in their respective theaters at the Mirage.

Notebook: Winston West cars will try to defeat the weather tonight: The rain that has pounded Southern Nevada for the past few days has wreaked havoc with the schedule at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Editorial: Polluters dealt loss; public wins: In a concurring opinion, Justice Stephen Breyer noted Congress' intention in passing the Clean Air Act in 1970. Sen. Edward Muskie, the primary sponsor of the legislation, said the act's purpose was to establish what the public interest requires to protect the health of the people, not "to be limited by what is or appears to be technologically or economically feasible."

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Voting for U.S.A.'s good: GOOD LUCK, MR. PRESIDENT. Your plans to close unneeded military bases to save dollars for more important programs is right on target. The Pentagon's budget is bloated by a 23 percent excess in base capacity that cost millions of dollars to keep functioning.

'Intimidator' gone, but the show goes on: By Brian Hilderbrand; The stars of NASCAR's Winston Cup Series return to Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend for the fourth annual UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400, but they will be doing so with heavy hearts.

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Ruling is nakedly laughable: Ruthe Deskin; We definitely need more topless clubs in Las Vegas.

Editorial: Taking a new tack on merger deals?: But now, Mineta said, the DOT will provide an analysis of airline mergers, including their impact on passengers and on airports. It is hoped this is a recognition by the Bush administration that merger mania should be looked at skeptically, since some of these megadeals have ended up harming consumers and competition.

Earnhardt biography: A look at Dale Earnhardt, seven-time Winston Cup champion:

Community news briefs for March 1, 2001: Goodwill of Southern Nevada helped more than 370 people with disabilities last year, the nonprofit agency has announced.

Letter: Walters' money stolen by state: Nevada's Gestapo seizes a citizen's $2.8 million without a conviction? The authorities who benefit from this stolen loot must now show to themselves that there is a preponderance of evidence?

Judge being asked to make public Jarbidge settlement plan: Scott Sonner; RENO, Nev. - Elko County lawyers wants a federal judge to make public the confidential settlement that county activists and government negotiators are considering in a Forest Service dispute over a closed road and a threatened fish.

Two Las Vegans help make frigate operate more smoothly: Dick Benoit; Two Las Vegas area high school graduates, Adam Peplinski and B.J. Daniel, are now shipmates aboard the Navy frigate USS Rodney M. Davis, a 453-foot combat ship scheduled to deploy from its homeport of Everett, Wash., for three months of counterdrug operations in the Southeast Pacific.

Letter: Presidential election not federal process: Aside from the sheer, brazen unconstitutionality of it all, it seems that Reid wants Las Vegas, Nev., to be renamed "Las Vegas, D.C."

Letter: Commissioners make right call: I would like to add that the Southern Nevada Group of the Sierra Club was the lead environmental group working on this issue.

Bill would require sports agents to register with secretary of state: CARSON CITY -- A bill designed to protect student athletes from unscrupulous agents was introduced Wednesday in the Assembly.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Mahamadkadyz Abdullaev could be one of the biggest names in boxing: Dean Juipe; He doesn't speak English.

Suite Dreams: Kirk Baird; Suite facts

Reno rail trench causing sharp divisions on city council: Scott Sonner; RENO, Nev. - Reno City Councilman David Rigdon says the city has lost confidence in Mayor Jeff Griffin and other members of the council as a result of their push to build a $218 million railroad trench through downtown.

SEC: Nevadans hit by cyber-investment scheme: Kevin Ferguson; An Internet business incorporated in Nevada is alleged to have perpetrated a fraudulent cyber-investment scheme targeting thousands of investors throughout the country, the Securities and Exchange Commission alleged in a lawsuit filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court.

Food company accused of cooking its books: David Strow; The Securities and Exchange Commission slapped Amazon Natural Treasures Inc. with a federal lawsuit Wednesday, accusing the small Las Vegas company of fraud against investors and customers.

Mandalay plotting long-term expansion plans for Strip: David Strow; Despite a flat quarterly earnings report, Mandalay Resort Group officials are maintaining a cautiously optimistic outlook on the Las Vegas market for the remainder of 2001.

Prep All-Star teams: All-Sunrise Region: Jamar Jordan, GV; Sam Jackson, Val; Maurice Thomas, DP; Dave Lainhart, FH; Terry Robinson, Chap; Jeremy Atwater, LV; MVP: Jordan.