Stories published November 9, 2001Las Vegas Sun

Putting the pieces together: FBI traces whereabouts of hijackers in Las Vegas: Two months after the Sept. 11 attacks in New York and Washington, most of the FBI's grunt work in tracking the movements of five hijackers who passed through Las Vegas this summer has been completed.

Central animal shelter urged: Adrienne Packer; The inconvenience pet owners endure bouncing from one animal shelter to another in search of lost pets could be abolished if Clark County follows recommendations made by its Animal Advisory Committee.

Editorial: More aid for jobless Nevadans: Congress, meanwhile, still is locked in a debate over how much to increase unemployment benefits and whether health insurance coverage should be offered to laid-off workers. It's not clear when that impasse will end. So it is encouraging that Gov. Kenny Guinn has set up a $57 million program to help some of the workers who have lost their jobs since Sept. 11, funding that's expected to last for 18 months. Under Guinn's plan, a laid-off worker with a family of four would be eligible for an extra $229 in welfare benefits and another $200 in medical coverage every month.

Goodman says arena deal could come next week: Diana Sahagun; Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman as soon as early as next week expects that the city will complete a deal with a developer to build a 9,500-seat downtown arena, providing a venue for events such as minor-league hockey and the Harlem Globetrotters.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Veterans, today is yours: My father and his friends would visit about their experiences during World War I, which had ended only 15 or 16 years earlier. When they were talking I would crawl out of my bed and quietly sit on the stair steps listening to their experiences. The curiosity they raised in my mind kept me asking questions of every WW I veteran. The late Fred Rinker of Henderson was the last man who told me of his experiences and kept my attention about what many old-timers called the Great War.

Dance troupe spotlights aborigine culture: Kimberley McGee; With slow movements and soft lighting, a lone Bangarra dancer begins a story onstage that began more than 40,000 years ago with the indigenous Australian tribe of the aborigines.

Jazz legend makes a go of it outside Big Apple: Trumpeter Marvin Stamm, who lives in a small town 50 miles from New York City, says people who think the Big Apple is a major jazz center are wrong.

Darkstone and Co. add flair to magic at New Frontier: Joe Delaney; David Darkstone's "Illusions and Beyond," doing 2 and 9 p.m. performances at the New Frontier, returns to its former noon and 2 p.m. schedule on Nov. 20. Darkstone shares the nicely refurbished stage setting with comedy-juggler Will Roya and Darkstone's assistants Renee, Chris and Marshall for a fast-paced, 65-minute, quality presentation.

Mexico names consul for new Las Vegas office: Rendon-Talavera is a career diplomat who was most recently consul of Mexico in Brownsville, Texas. She will oversee the consulate when it opens in downtown Las Vegas sometime next month.

Musical Arts Society to show its colors: A Veterans Day weekend concert opening the 39th season of the Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society has taken on new significance in light of the tragic events of Sept. 11, and President Bush's declaration of war on terrorism.

City, county officials discuss planning, annexation conflicts: Las Vegas and Clark County policy makers met Thursday in an effort to resolve issues blocking an agreement that would end planning and annexation conflicts for the Las Vegas Valley's fast-growing northwest.

Columnist Benjamin Grove: A prime time to dip into the pork barrel: Benjamin Grove; Chaney in February had maxed out credit cards, cashed in a few stocks and mortgaged her daughter's land to sink more than $100,000 into a dream: a beauty school for struggling low-income women in a West Las Vegas neighborhood.

Comments due on proposed rails for LV-L.A. Amtrak line: Angela Soo; Public comment ends today for a proposed 19-mile Amtrak project that would run through a desert tortoise habitat area and eventually resume a rail service between Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Chefs build a feast for annual fund-raiser: What would local charities do without the assistance of our town's generous chefs and contributing hotels? Noted for their kind hearts as well as their talent, a number of chefs cooked for the 5th Annual Rebuilding Together Christmas in April fund-raiser at Four Seasons.

Parade highlights weekend of Veterans Day events: A parade and prayer service in Las Vegas, a tribute in Henderson and the honoring of veterans of Pearl Harbor in Boulder City are among the Veterans Day events on tap for this weekend.

Community news briefs for November 9, 2001: United Blood Services, 6930 W. Charleston Blvd., will have blood drives at these locations: Monday: 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Silverton hotel, 3333 Blue Diamond Road; 7 a.m.-12 noon, New-Com Inc., 412 E. Gowan Road.

Teachers protest at board meeting: Terry Webster; Overcrowded classrooms. Paltry pay. Rising health insurance costs. Inadequate supplies.

Cox cable lineup gaining new channels, losing others: Cox Communications will debut several new networks on its cable television system Thursday, including the Fox News Network, three religion-oriented networks and two Hispanic networks.

New analysis plan for student testing proposed: Terry Webster; Clark County School Board members Thursday received a preview of a plan being designed to study testing data and raise student achievement.

Letter: If we can only survive until the next election: We knew Sept. 11 would be blamed for the rising unemployment, falling stock market and lack of consumer confidence. We knew "W" would ask for our support and cessation of criticism because we are now "at war" -- a war that hasn't even been declared.

Laid-off workers get help with rent: Mathis Winkler; City officials are likely to use $200,000 in federal money to help recently laid-off workers in North Las Vegas pay their rent.

Veteran rocker is still so Money: Lisa Ferguson; As has been the case for many Americans, it's been a tough year for Eddie Money.

School District braces for shortfall: Terry Webster; As the local economy declines, so does the Clark County School District's financial outlook, officials said.

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

Editorial: Homeless shelter funding just in time: The only disappointing thing about the City Council's decision to approve more funds for the homeless was the comments made by Mayor Oscar Goodman leading up to the vote. Goodman took the opportunity, once again, to beat up on the homeless. "Las Vegas has gained a reputation as having a heart that reaches out to the homeless, and that is unacceptable to me," Goodman said.

Columnist Joe Delaney: The Dice Man is still on a 'Bad Boy' roll: Joe Delaney; Andrew "Dice" Clay, also called the "Bad Boy of Comedy," headlines a special benefit performance Saturday at 8 p.m in the Stardust's Wayne Newton Theater ... Clay and his Bad Boy Comedy Club -- Jim Norton, Bobby Lee and Uncle Joe Diaz -- are donating this show's proceeds to the New York City Police Department's Endowment Association's Widows and Children's Fund.

Day's pay proposed for donations: Workers who have not yet given donations to help Americans locally and nationally in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks are being urged to donate a day's pay via their computers.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Fitzgeralds has King-sized search for Elvis: Is there an Elvis in the house?

Columnist Susan Snyder: A day to remember vets and moms: And even though she may never have laid hands on a weapon, she served her country just the same.

Metro reaches out to Asian community in diversity plan: Angela Soo; What would have been considered a disadvantage to Metro Police Capt. Gary Schofield decades ago is now a valued quality at the police department.

County official Cotton retires after 15 years: Adrienne Packer; George Cotton, director of the Clark County's Equal Employment Opportunity division, retired on Thursday after 15 years at the County Government Center, saying he wants to "take a break from public service."

News briefs for November 9, 2001: Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., met today with four Nevada military leaders to discuss the role of the state's bases in the war on terrorism.

Redevelopment plan for site near I-15 is detailed: Mathis Winkler; The land would have to be cheap, if not free, and city officials would have to clean up surrounding areas.

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Everyone should walk in educators' shoes: Sandy Thompson; An educator for more than 20 years, Murphy has strong opinions about the importance of teachers connecting with their students, and what approaches they should use to ensure their students are learning the material being taught.

What will be open, closed on Monday: SAFETY: Police and fire emergency services open as usual. Administrative offices closed.

Letter: Make terrorists pay the price: It is now time for our government to begin actions necessary to confiscate those funds. That money should then be used to pay for the loss of the World Trade Center, the cleanup costs, compensate those who lost their jobs and money to the heirs of those who lost their lives on Sept. 11.

It's Show Time: Even Mr. Las Vegas has trouble going 24/7.

Letter: Gov. Davis is striking out: First, he mismanaged California's energy. Second, he cried wolf and pulled the trigger on terrorist attacks on California's bridges in spite of a lack of data from the FBI. One more strike will put him on the ash heap where he belongs.

Jeni balances stand-up gigs with acting: While Jay Leno, David Letterman and other comedians were wrestling with the sensitive issue of mixing humor and the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Richard Jeni had no such qualms.

Editorial: A moment to honor veterans on this day: The United States has always entered wars reluctantly. But when this nation has become engaged, especially when its citizens or our armed forces are directly attacked, it has done so with a ferocity that the enemy didn't expect from such a peaceful people -- as is the case now with our war against terrorism.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Some winners and losers: He rationalizes his vote to deny the extended military leave pay by saying the funds used don't benefit the general public. Somebody should tell him to get real. Who does he think benefits from the military services if it's not each and every one of us?

Still Smokin': Smoking a cigar usually is a special occasion, one that requires the right amount of time and the right place to be thoroughly enjoyed.

Rebels look to play out campaign 'for pride': Steve Guiremand; Their hopes of a postseason bowl were officially dashed with last week's 42-14 loss to Utah. So just what do the UNLV Rebels have left to play for in their last two games of the 2001 season?

Obituaries for November 9, 2001: William S. Anderson, 72, of Las Vegas died Wednesday in a local hospital. He was born May 26, 1929, in Sausalito, Calif. A resident for 40 years, he was a retired supervisor of maintenance for the city of North Las Vegas, a World War II and Korean War Navy veteran and a member of the American Legion.

Columnist Steve Guiremand: Thomas puts on the brakes to negotiate learning curve: Steve Guiremand; My, how soon they forget.

Officer joining race for sheriff: Keith Paul; A veteran Metro Police lieutenant, who is currently fighting a 1996 demotion, on Thursday announced he is running for sheriff.

Groups promoting gambling may merge: "We'll have to sit down and see if we can do a little back and forth on things and come up with some common ground," said Joe Young, owner of Omaha's Choo Choo Bar and Grill and a head of Help Education Through Lottery Proceeds, or HELP.

Columnist Sal DeFilippo: Browns and Greens visible in late autumn: Sal DeFilippo; Much like the scenery in late autumn, the NFL was completely dominated by Greens and Browns last week.

3 local teams advance, but Douglas shines: Spencer Patterson; Southern Nevada will send three of four teams into the semifinals, but watching the Douglas Tigers Thursday night, you couldn't help but wonder if the large-school girls volleyball state title still goes through the state's northern half.

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

Ibeabuchi enters into plea bargain: Kim Smith; Former heavyweight boxer Ikemefula "Ike" Ibeabuchi may one day fight again after entering a plea agreement with prosecutors in his sexual assault case Thursday.

Visitor-hungry Vegas welcomes Comdex: David Strow; Las Vegas and the information technology industry may have never been so glad to see each other.

Code violations, disputes delay Justice Center completion: Adrienne Packer; Completion of Clark County's most expensive -- and troubled -- project is expected to be delayed again partly because of fire code violations and ongoing disputes involving subcontractors.

2 for the show: Spencer Patterson; All games 7 p.m.

2001 prep state football, volleyball, soccer playoff schedules and results: 4A SUNRISE REGION TOURNAMENT

Museum to open exhibits on Veterans Day: Information

Columnist Dean Juipe: Rebels short and this is no tall tale: Dean Juipe; Green Valley basketball coach Jim Allen looked out at the team in front of him on the court and remarked on its most obvious physical characteristic.

Festival brings help to area residents: Kimberley McGee; Longtime North Las Vegans Laura Coleman and Christine Johnston had an idea to boost the morale of their city: a block party so big, the entire community would be represented in music, art and food.

Gaughan looks to wrap up Winston West championship: If recent history is any indication, Brendan Gaughan will be celebrating his second consecutive NASCAR Winston West championship on Saturday.

Rebels ready to test drive lineup: Steve Addy; Preseason exhibitions are almost always drab affairs, but UNLV will have extra incentive Saturday in its first dry run under new coach Charlie Spoonhour.

Mandalay out with multi-casino slot card: David Strow; Mandalay Resort Group became the second casino operator to introduce a multi-property slot club card for its Las Vegas Strip-area casinos this week, when it introduced its "One Club" card at its casinos in Las Vegas and Laughlin.

Regents hope to curb CCSN student government funding: Jennifer Knight; A Board of Regents proposal to rein in spending at the Community College of Southern Nevada could remove about $330,000 annually from the student government budget.

This week's races: NASCAR WINSTON CUP Pennzoil 400

Rebel women advance to title game: Victoria Sun; One goal away from having her college soccer career come to a bitter end at the hands of pesky Air Force, UNLV senior midfielder Anita Pedford took charge of the game the way she has most of the season.

New retailers likely to replace House2Home: Grace Leong; Home furnishings retailer House2Home Inc., which filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Santa Ana, Calif., on Wednesday, said it plans to close its two Las Vegas-area stores and lay off some 240 Las Vegas workers.

Rahman foresees duplicate success vs. Lewis: Dean Juipe; As shocking as his fight was with Lennox Lewis in April, Hasim Rahman envisions something of a repeat performance when the past and present heavyweight champions square off again Nov. 17 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Telephone rate hike request filed: The dominant local phone provider in the Las Vegas Valley on Thursday filed a petition for a rate increase of unspecified magnitude with state regulators.

Bishop surges into lead at PWBA event: Bishop's 300 helped add to her 9,299 tournament total and 226.47 average. The five-year pro leads Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, of North Richland Hills, Texas, by 230 pins.

Palms ready to open, will cater to everyone: David Strow; To a city spoiled by a three-year wave of megaresort openings, next Thursday's debut of the Palms hotel-casino might not seem that big of a deal.

Programs to remember war years through songs: In a two-day salute to veterans, local performers and members from Nevada Theatre Arts Company will pay tribute to the songs that during wartime eras pulled U.S. citizens together and reflected the spirit of the nation.

NHRA qualifying results: Ponoma, Calif.

Doctors paying $145,000 in probe: David Strow; A Florida-based physician management group has agreed to pay the state of Nevada $145,000 to settle overbilling investigations by the state attorney general's office.

Frohlich scores 22 as Lady Rebels win easily: Just over four minutes into the contest, UNLV found itself ahead 15-4 and never looked back. Later in the first half, UNLV used separate runs of 9-0 and 11-0 to take a 51-25 halftime lead.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Hollywood Park: 1st Race -- Southerly Wind -- British-bred draws good box for turf route opener, Flores scales Vienna trainee, should be well placed to get the win. Merhy -- Training at Anita, Smith astride Shirreffs trainee for owner Thoroughbred Corporation, solid contender. Value Play -- Dunhill

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

LVCVA plans fireworks, weekend-long party for New Year's holiday: Jace Radke; If all goes as planned, a cascading American flag made of fireworks will light the Las Vegas sky during the first minutes of 2002, the finale to a weekend-long celebration that planners are calling "America's Party."

Tennis: UNLV women compete in Arizona tournament: The 32-player singles draw and 16-team doubles draw is made up of players from UNLV, ASU, California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, San Diego and Texas Tech.

New state college hands out applications: Jennifer Knight; Nevada State College at Henderson doesn't have land, teachers or a complete curriculum, but at least 700 students took home applications for admission this week to become part of the school's founding class.

Builder, defense contractor settle litigation: WGI had accused Raytheon of fraud in the sale of its construction division to WGI last year and sued the Lexington-based defense contractor for more than $1 billion. Raytheon itself had $1 billion in claims against WGI.

Prep Girls Volleyball All-Stars: All-Sunrise Region: Jenn Todd, GV; Kelsi Thoman, GV; Lacee Koelliker, Sil; Deanna Appuglise, Sil; Vitorina Tipoti, Val; Ashley Ogle, LV; Coach: Erin Hill, GV.

Culture steps up a notch in Las Vegas: Kimberley McGee; Authors, books, appetizers and chit-chat.

Letter: Bush team stifles public information: Another information clampdown was issued by Attorney General John Ashcroft in his Oct. 12 memo reversing the Freedom of Information policies, in place since 1993. Ashcroft called on agencies to withhold information "whenever the law permits," and to be assured that the "Department of Justice will defend your decisions."

Letter: Screeners must be well-trained: Who cares whether they are employees of the federal government or on the payroll of a private company! It might be well for the decision makers to focus on the issues of competency and training necessary for the job at hand.

Columnist Jeff German: Outlook cloudy as AFL-CIO convenes: IN THE LAST decade, Culinary Workers Local 226 in Las Vegas has been a source of pride to the American Labor movement.

Editorial: Zoning squabbles must end: Elected officials of the City Council and the County Commission who represent wards in the northwest have tried to forge an agreement that would set up a coherent master plan that both bodies would have to follow. But so far squabbling between the city and the county repeatedly has prevented passage of a land use guide. Last week the County Commission narrowly approved a land use pact by a 4-3 vote, but the City Council rejected it because of a provision that would hamstring the city's efforts at annexation.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Look for spirited USO finale: Kate Maddox; The sold-out benefit concert will also have one of the largest finale numbers in Las Vegas history. I can't reveal the details, but more than 300 performers (including a 100-person choir) plan to close the monumental event with a bang.

Businesses find kids an important bottom line: Daniela Mohor; Employees at Nevada Title Co. don't exchange gifts at Christmas time. They have good reason.

Contest urges students to develop future fuel: Two Las Vegas chemical engineering students helped spark the eight-member University Nevada, Reno chemical car team to a third-place finish this week at the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Chem E Car Competition in Reno.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Is millionaire next up for Guinn?: I know what you're thinking: The only important altar here is the one where the democratic process has been sacrificed by sprinkling anointing fluids on Gov. Kenny Guinn. Those who do so -- consultants such as Sig Rogich, Pete Ernaut and Billy Vassiliadis -- have the power to ensure all other gubernatorial suitors are jilted before the voters can even ask if they want the job. They play the inside game to perfection, ruthlessly shutting off money, locking up special interests and raising enough money to buy grass roots and air TV ads to overwhelm the competition. The organmeister plays ...

Letter: Coast Guard an airport option: Since the Coast Guard already is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, this seems like such a no-brainer. These men and women in uniform are already trained for this type of duty. They know how to follow orders, they understand the consequences of dereliction of duty, they can't unionize, and they won't go on strike. The traveling public will have an enhanced sense of security, a real increase in security, and it will put terrorists on notice that Uncle Sam is watching.

Security issues dominate GOP governors' talks here: Erin Neff; When the Republican Governors Association meets each year, the discussion is about three things -- politics, politics, politics.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Coats for kids is a warm idea: When it's 112 and mid-July, it's really tough to think about winter coats.

Many laid-off workers ineligible for food stamps: By Timothy Pratt; Thousands of workers laid off in Las Vegas after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks are not eligible for food stamps -- despite being legal, tax-paying residents.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Las Vegas: We are the 'World': Kate Maddox; Over the years MTV has developed a love-love relationship with Las Vegas. They love the Hard Rock Hotel for parties. They love Fremont Street for extreme sporting events. They love entertaining their corporate bigwigs at local casinos. They love it so much that now they want seven youthful exhibitionists to enjoy all that Sin City has to offer.

Latest scare for the birds: But now there is a solution to the monthlong mystery surrounding the white powdery substance spread by someone near the parked Mercedes of Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman at City Hall.

Fraud, child-porn defendant sues Metro Police: The lawsuit, filed in Clark County District Court Thursday morning, states that when Metro arrested Perry on July 17 for allegedly committing securities fraud police made an "unlawful seizure and detention of moneys belonging to the plaintiffs."

Finding faith: Terrorist attacks spark religious revival: Stacy J. Willis; They wanted comfort, guidance and reprieve. They wanted a sense of security. The meaning of life. The meaning of death. Salvation.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Top drivers battle at Baja 1000: If there is any question that today's SCORE Baja 1000 is the Super Bowl of off-road racing, you need look no further than the entry list for the 34th running of the 1,000-kilometer event.

Sisters' story is one of courage: Keith Paul; Two young Las Vegas sisters, one kidnapped by her estranged husband and the other shot in the face as part of an apparent revenge plot, found enough courage to save themselves and try to help each other.

Ethics panel won't refund fine: CARSON CITY -- The state Ethics Commission on Thursday denied a request to refund a $473 penalty assessed against E. Louis Overstreet, who was accused of filing a frivolous ethics complaint against a Clark County school board member.

Emergency crews test response time: Chances are that responders would react to a hazardous chemical spill caused by a terrorist as they would respond to a spill that was simply an accident.

Datebook: Las Vegas' Cultural and Community Affairs Division will celebrate the life of dancer, choreographer and director Cholly "Pops" Atkins at 1 p.m. Saturday at the West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd. Admission is free. Call 229-4800.

Dazzling dialogue fouls up 'Heist': Geoff Carter; "You're too hip to be happy," Danny DeVito snarls at Gene Hackman late in David Mamet's appropriately dubbed "Heist." I chuckled at the line, only later realizing that in the context of the scene, it made no sense whatsoever. Much of "Heist" follows suit, with dialogue so dazzling as to blind the viewer to the fact that there's not much going on. Tell me: Who just got robbed?

Icahn told neighbors against ride: Diana Sahagun; An hourlong meeting on Thursday with billionaire investor and Stratosphere owner Carl Icahn did little to change the opinion of Las Vegas Councilman Gary Reese, who is vehemently opposed to the prospect of a 700-foot thrill ride at the hotel.

Unitarians gets first permanent minister: Stacy J. Willis; The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Las Vegas on Sunday will install its first permanent minister in more than 30 years.

Las Vegas Sun

Print edition for November 9, 2001

Today's frontpage

Blogs

Punchy Points: UFC 100

No. 5: The Matchmaker: Silva avoids spotlight, aims it at fighters

Elsewhere

Goalie chooses Mudbugs over Wranglers

The Bull's-Eye

Real drama follows Desert Classic victory by 'The Power' (UPDATED)

Elsewhere

Spike TV's 'UFC's Ultimate 100: Greatest Fights' airs tonight

The Kats Report

LV Phil 'Spectacular' at Springs Preserve was great -- for the music (1 Comment)

Punchy Points: UFC 100

No. 6: The Ref: Dean relishes role, making right calls (1 Comment)

The Bull's-Eye

Canadian is first in Desert Classic's final four, Barney joins him (UPDATED) (2 Comments)

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