Print edition for October 4, 2001

LV couple is charged in child's drowning death: Gregory S. Jones and Rovelyn Aban were charged Sept. 19 in connection with the death of Aban's daughter, Ammacyn.

Sun Statewide Prep Football Top 10: Teams ranked jointly by the Sun and Sparks Tribune.

Orleans told to fix hotel room doors: CARSON CITY -- The Orleans hotel-casino in Las Vegas must make changes including widening the doors in more than 800 rooms to accommodate people with disabilities, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday.

Lobster restaurant claws back: Adrienne Packer; After losing a lengthy battle with his megaresort neighbor, the owner of Rosewood Grille fought Wednesday to keep a presence on the Las Vegas Strip with the addition of a nine-story shopping center.

Impersonation charge levied: According to the indictment, Norma Olga Benavidez began telling people in June 2000 that she was the personal assistant to the head of the INS office in Las Vegas and she could help them with the immigration process for a fee.

Acquisition announced: Hanson has been distributing Aristocrat's slot products in the upper Midwest since 1990. Its territory includes Native American casinos in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and North and South Dakota.

Vegas convention business picking up: Las Vegas' tourism and convention business is rebounding from the terrorist attacks -- but slower than for rivals that are less dependent on the airline industry.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Who hears a Horton at UNLV?: At first glance, you wouldn't think Dr. Frankenstein and Mr. and Mrs. bin Laden would have anything in common with UNLV football coach John Robinson. But judging from the reaction to the team's 0-4 start, the Rebel football coach also has created a monster.

Sun wins award for support ofmilitary: The Nevada Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve on Saturday awarded the Sun the Pro Patria Award, the highest of 31 honors given during its annual awards banquet.

NFL Injury Report: ARIZONA AT PHILADELPHIA -- Cardinals: OUT: DT Marcus Bell (elbow); DT Mao Tosi (knee). DOUBTFUL: WR Rob Moore (hamstring). QUESTIONABLE: CB Corey Chavous (toe).Eagles: QUESTIONABLE: MLB Barry Gardner (hamstring); SS Tim Hauck (hamstring); RB Duce Staley (shoulder).

Editorial: It's time for deeds, not just words: Giuliani also was correct to dismiss any notion of moral relativism when discussing terrorism and the destruction it has sown. "We are right and they are wrong. It's as simple as that," Giuliani said. "And by that I mean that America and its allies are right about democracy, about religious, political and economic freedom. And the terrorists are wrong and, in fact, evil in their mass destruction of human life in the name of addressing alleged injustices."

Las Vegas museum, curator part ways: Kimberley McGee; The Las Vegas Art Museum has released curator James Mann from his contract because of what museum officials describe as artistic differences.

Attacks altering college courses: Jennifer Knight; Last month's terrorist attacks forever changed America's political landscape. Now, they are changing the college curriculums of tomorrow.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Friday's races at Santa Anita: 1st Race -- Multiple Meetings -- Gomez climbs on Carava trainee for owner Golden Eagle Farm, draws good box for sprint opener, Meetings trying to be Mulitple winner. High Bolly -- Draws alongside top pick, Solis atop Sadler trainee, fits this heat well. Value Play -- Starship Saratoga

City had planned for short economic downturn: Diana Sahagun; The city of Las Vegas can weather the short-term economic storm caused by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, but any long-term effects could be more difficult to overcome, officials said.

Vegas builders launch quality initiative: Grace Leong; The Southern Nevada Home Builders Association said Wednesday it's starting a program to improve the quality of local construction work and expand the number of qualified workers in its industry.

Letter: El Al arms its pilots, too: Ronan should be informed that El Al also does arm its pilots.

Walters gets new golf deal: Diana Sahagun; The president of a Texas-based golf company whose bid on a Las Vegas contract was rejected in favor of high-roller Billy Walters says the City Council was more concerned with political ties than with qualifications.

Fast friends ... for life: It was, quite simply, the worst week of Jimmy Vasser's life.

Guardsmen train for duty at state's regional airports: Jeffrey Libby; Nevada National Guard soldiers on Wednesday lay on their bellies behind sandbags, popping off rounds from M4 rifles. Practicing at an open desert firing range a few miles north of Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, they were preparing for duty at Nevada's three regional airports.

Drivers keep grip on wheel, faith: John Milburn; It doesn't tell him his speed, track position or oil temperature. But for Jeff Gordon, the information is at least as important.

Prep football picks: Cimarron just can't lose four in a row: Spencer Patterson; Chaparral and Cheyenne scored late last week to rough up my record a bit, but 50 wins after five weeks isn't too shabby. With injuries starting to mount for some of the area's top teams, however, almost nothing can be taken for granted the rest of the way.

Flying fear hurting conference business: Las Vegas' tourism and convention business is rebounding slower from the terrorist attacks than for rivals that are less dependent on the airline industry for customers.

County challenged to debate on NW land use: Diana Sahagun; After ripping Clark County commissioners for stalling a land-use plan in the northwest, Las Vegas City Councilman Larry Brown challenged them to a public debate about their motives in the area.

Auto racing schedules, winners and points standings: Feb. 18 - Daytona 500, Daytona Beach, Fla. (Michael Waltrip)

'I could have sworn I saw that bin Laden dude': Dean Juipe; When Cliff Couser agreed a month ago to take a late-September fight in Uzbekistan, there was no hint that visiting the former Russian republic -- which borders on Afghanistan -- would pose any unforeseen dangers.

Columnist Paul DelGiudice: It's wonderful to watch enthusiasm toward hunting: Paul DelGiudice; It's wonderful to write about the first hunting experiences of young people. Not only does it take us back to the memories of our first outdoor experiences and all the feelings that invokes, but it also assures us that a sport we enjoy so much will continue through the generations.

Las Vegas council briefs: The city of Las Vegas on Wednesday voted to set aside $500,000 to supplement salaries of city employees called to active military duty as a result of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Senators criticize claim of safety against bio attack: WASHINGTON -- Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson was rebuked Wednesday by two senators who accused him of overstating the government's ability to handle a bioterrorism attack and misleading the public.

City puts off MASH decision: By Timothy Pratt; The Las Vegas City Council Wednesday delayed for an indefinite period of time any decision about whether to provide $50,000 to the MASH Village shelter for help in financing winter beds for the homeless.

Sun Athletes of the Week: Justin Arnold and Chaz Lahodny: School: Chaparral

Obituaries for October 4, 2001: Francisco J. Acosta, 26, of Las Vegas died Monday in Las Vegas. Born Feb. 18, 1975, in Mexico, he was a resident for five years.

Las Vegas area fishing report: Boaters continue to find success at Lake Mead: Boaters continue to have fair to good success for striped and largemouth bass on the waters at Lake Mead, while shore anglers are still waiting for the water temperature to cool and for the game fish to move to within casting range.

News briefs for October 4, 2001: A former Las Vegas teacher accused of having sex with a student was sentenced Wednesday to two to eight years in prison.

Rudd looking for intervention in title chase: Jenn Fryer; CONCORD, N.C. - Ricky Rudd jokes about being able to hear Jeff Gordon bad-mouthing other drivers over the roaring engines in the garage.

Lady Rebels to take strides against cancer: Lady Rebels to take strides against cancer

Sunrise showdown: Spencer Patterson; Even for the casual high school football fan, it jumped off the schedule way back in the preseason.

Board recommends approval for diamond slot developer: CARSON CITY -- The state Gaming Control Board on Wednesday recommended approval for a permanent license for a company that has developed a slot machine that gives diamonds as payouts.

State kicks DOE out of hearing site: CARSON CITY -- A state official who opposes the Yucca Mountain project barred the Department of Energy from hosting a public hearing at the Capitol regarding the proposed nuclear waste repository.

LV tech firm cuts workforce: The company's software broadcasts conference calls on company Intranet systems. It also develops technology bringing video capabilities to wireless devices like cell phones and personal digital assistants.

2002 Formula One schedule: March 17 - Malaysian Grand Prix, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

LV slot maker announces acquisition: Hanson has been distributing Aristocrat's slot products in the upper Midwest since 1990. Its territory includes Native American casinos in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and North and South Dakota.

Las Vegas escapes S&P 'credit watch' report: Adrienne Packer; Clark County's reputation for being resilient has kept it off a "credit watch" list issued Wednesday by Standard & Poor's in response to sagging tourism rates nationwide.

Speedway's F1 course layout may be changed: Steve Herman; INDIANAPOLIS - It might be time to spice up the marriage between Formula One and the world's most famous race track.

One Tokyo-Vegas flight cut: The company announced it is cutting several flights between Asia and the United States due to declining demand.

Janzen, Parnevik to play in LV tourney: The tournament will be held Oct. 10-14 at the Tournament Players Club at Summerlin, the TPC at the Canyons and Southern Highlands.

School Board wants teachers to sell program: Terry Webster; Teachers, principals and other staff members in the Clark County School District will be asked to help promote the School Board's new management style under a proposed public outreach campaign.

Berkley bill would cut Medicare paperwork: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Doctors drowning in Medicare paperwork would get some relief under a newly re-tooled bill, Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., said Wednesday.

Deal signed with Harrah's: Aristocrat's "Cash Express" system allows casinos to offer players multiple progressive jackpots on linked slot machines. When a game on the system enters a bonus round, the player is guaranteed to win one of four progressive jackpots, ranging from $20 to $40,000.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Promoter takes shot with all-local card: Dean Juipe; Promoting fight cards in Las Vegas is a tricky business.

Marshals task force lands 40 fugitives in Nevada: Jace Radke; A fugitive task force led by the U.S. Marshals Service has arrested 63 fugitives, 40 in Nevada, during a recently completed two-week operation.

Fight schedule: Friday

Briggs becoming a force on defense: Steve Guiremand; Anton Palepoi gets most of the media attention, and deservedly so. But UNLV's other starting defensive end, Ahmad Briggs, is also starting to make a name for himself this season.

Rissman, architect of Strip hotels, dies of cancer at 74: Mary Manning and Ed Koch; Homer A. Rissman, a longtime Las Vegas architect, made a unique contribution to the Strip skyline when he designed the tent-shaped Circus Circus.

Softball: UNLV women host Utah, Marymount: Softball: UNLV women host Utah, Marymount

Wednesday's prep results: GIRLS GOLF

Gibson urges Southern tax unity: Jeffrey Libby; Henderson Mayor Jim Gibson is calling upon Southern Nevada leaders to band together and demand a fundamental shift in the way the state shares tax money with local governments.

CART champion a winner again: Mike Harris; HOUSTON - It wasn't exactly relief Gil de Ferran felt when he took the checkered flag in England two weeks ago, cutting a season-long winless string. It was more like fulfillment.

Alleged hijacker used computers at LV's Cyber Zone: FBI agents have confirmed that at least one suspected hijacker and possible others gained access to the Worldwide Web at the Cyber Zone on South Maryland Parkway prior to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

Boyd sees minimal impact from slowdown: The estimated reduction in cash flow is less than 5 percent of the cash flow reported by Boyd in the quarter ending Sept. 30, 2000. Boyd will report its earnings for the third quarter of 2001 on Oct. 15.

Laid-off workers find support at makeshift site: Mathis Winkler; Many came to file for unemployment, others wanted food stamps. A lot of people said they needed help in paying their rent, and a few were looking for retraining programs.

Lives turned around: 2,000 homeless take advantage of Stand Down: Daniela Mohor; Shay Johnson went to the annual Stand Down for the Homeless Wednesday hoping to get a health checkup.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Angioplasty surgery doesn't keep Jim Yates down: Michael Jordan may have grabbed the headlines, but the biggest comeback in sports last week belonged to NHRA Pro Stock driver Jim Yates.

Friday's horse racing entries: Post Time 1 p.m.

Studio CEO: Imagination key to gaming, movie success: David Strow; Alex Yemenidjian, chairman and chief executive of filmmaking giant Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., might have seemed to be an odd choice to deliver a keynote address at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas.

Letter: Casinos should help workers who lost jobs: Help should be rendered, but the casinos should render it. Double the gaming tax to 13 percent and plenty of dollars will be available. The same casinos have, in effect, used taxpayer dollars to subsidize their casinos in other states and pay two to three times more taxes elsewhere.

Letter: Adding to our list of enemies?: And Beijing has already indicated that it would gladly cooperate in an anti-terrorism coalition, as long as it is organized through the United Nations. The logic of "collective security" against terrorism dictates that in exchange for the help of our dubious allies in finding and punishing those who attacked our nation, we must be willing to reciprocate should any of those nations be attacked.

Park Place interested in bankrupt property: Park Place has held a one-third position in the Aladdin's junk bonds since 1999. In a restructuring, Park Place could gain an ownership stake in the property if these bonds were converted to equity -- a strategy used by financier Carl Icahn several years ago to take control of the Stratosphere. The Aladdin is located just south of Paris Las Vegas, a Park Place-owned property.

Guggenheim Las Vegas banking on bikes: Kimberley McGee; When the show opened in 1998 it attracted more than 300,000 people.

Prep football standings: CLASS 4A

Prep girls golf standings: CLASS 4A

Community briefs for October 4, 2001: The Family to Family Connection invites parents and children to the Harvest Jamboree 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at University Medical Center's Family Resource Center, 1120 Shadow Lane.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Reno entertainment scene going strong: Joe Delaney; My first awareness of Reno was in the late 1940s, driving around the United States first for Decca Records, now MCA, and a few years later setting up distributors for its wholly owned subsidiary, Coral Records.

General awards medals to Nevada National Guard members in Egypt: Dick Benoit; The Nevada Army National Guard's 1864th Transportation Co., which headed to Egypt only days after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, returned safely to Las Vegas at 4 a.m. Wednesday after two weeks supporting the war exercise Bright Star.

Catching up with: Arnold Parker: High School: Cimarron-Memorial ('99)

Prep boys tennis standings: CLASS 4A

Up and running: Guggenheim, Hermitage museums finally debut: Kimberley McGee; And Las Vegas is the lucky recipient.

Prep girls tennis standings: CLASS 4A

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: A report made too late: The report also points out that our nation's physical borders are full of holes and that our "cyber borders" are even more porous. It adds that, "The United States is today very poorly organized to design and implement any comprehensive strategy to protect the homeland." It then goes on to lay out methods and organization changes to fix these shortcomings.

Prep boys soccer standings: CLASS 4A

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Youth takes center stage at forum: Ruthe Deskin; A recent event in Las Vegas symbolizes the continuity that we are being asked to observe.