Print edition for October 9, 2001

Texaco, Chevron merger OK'd: HOUSTON -- Chevron Corp. shareholders today approved the $45 billion purchase of Texaco Inc., a combination that will create the fourth-biggest investor-owned oil company.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Why did Rebels run it up? Because they could: Having attended a high school of 400 students that was aligned in a conference where the next-smallest school enrolled roughly 2,500, I got used to coming up on the short end of 56-7 football games.

News briefs for October 9, 2001: A second support center for laid-off workers will open in Henderson on Wednesday.

Longtime Las Vegas television producer Harker dies at 59: If you needed a sharp executive to produce your television show in Las Vegas during the past three decades, John Harker was the go-to guy.

Letter: Business first, people last: Davis says this increase will continue so that those who became unemployed can get back on their feet until some sense of normalcy will hopefully return. This governor always speaks in a common-sense manner, directly and without notes or TelePromp-Ters.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Wednesday's races at Santa Anita: 1st Race -- Incantation -- Pedroza on Carava trainee, draws inner post for sprint opener, adds blinkers for this. Sunset Serenade -- Pincay scales Ward trainee for owner Golden Eagle Farm, needs prompt start and clear trip from rail post, lasix here. Value Play -- Sinceyouwentaway

Columnist Susan Snyder: A day for modern pioneers: There will be no such nonsense Saturday during Spring Mountain Ranch State Park's annual Pioneer Living Day. But pioneer stock will abound.

LVCVA launches toll-free phone number: The LVCVA said both resources allow visitors to make room reservations and to take advantage of special promotions.

Panelist urges women in gaming to be aggressive: Kevin Ferguson; The casino industry has been on par with corporate America in promoting women to executive levels, some observers say. But a panelist at a Las Vegas gaming conference said that's not good enough.

Lawyer: Boardwalk stock sale benefited major stockholders: CARSON CITY -- An attorney for a minority shareholder in the Holiday Inn Boardwalk on the Las Vegas Strip says minority stockholders were shortchanged when the property was sold to Mirage Resorts Inc. for $135 million in 1997.

Letter: Hotels treat workers, local residents badly: How they can do this and have a clear conscience is beyond me. I can only imagine how the residents of Las Vegas here must feel. They are the ones who spend their money here, not elsewhere, to help keep the economy of our town afloat.

Immunization schedule for October 9, 2001: HENDERSON PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER: 129 W. Lake Mead Drive, Building A, Suite 10, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Plea agreement taken in 1991 killing: Kim Smith; A former Las Vegas man escaped a possible death sentence Monday by pleading the equivalent of no contest to second-degree murder and robbery in connection with the 10-year-old slaying of his girlfriend.

General Dynamics losing support for shipbuilding deal: General Dynamics, the No. 5 defense contractor, said about 14.86 million Newport News shares were pledged to its tender offer when it expired on Friday, down about 35 percent from Sept. 24. It renewed its $67.50 a share cash offer, which has been extended weekly for several months, until Oct. 12.

Letter: Ban trucks on dam permanently: The truck traffic is now flowing south on U.S. 95 to Laughlin and Needles, to Interstate 40 in Kingman. I drove this route on Oct. 3 and, although there were some slowdowns, traffic was usually 60 mph and no problems.

General Mills, Pillsbury deal opposed: The Federal Trade Commission staff argues that letting the giggling, blue-eyed Pillsbury character be the mascot for both General Mills and International Multifoods Corp., the biggest U.S. distributor of vending-machine snacks, would undermine the brand's value, the people said.

Ex-Sierra Pacific partner in new merger: HOUSTON -- Northwest Natural Gas Co. has agreed to buy Portland General Electric Co. for $2.98 billion in a deal combining Oregon's largest natural gas and electric utilities.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Katz marks territory in Philly: Kate Maddox; "I start on Monday at the new station," said Katz, who has been pulling double duty by taping the afternoon Philly talk show from Las Vegas for weeks. "And I'm really looking forward to not having to wake up in the middle of the night to get to work."

U.S. strikes could stall momentum of airlines: Brad Foss; NEW YORK -- Just as airlines began luring travelers back to the skies with tighter security and lower fares, the industry's much-needed comeback could be threatened by the U.S. airstrikes on Afghanistan.

Murphy's lawyers fight for bail while appeal considered: Lawyers for Sandy Murphy on Monday asked District Judge Joseph Bonaventure to release her from prison on bail while she appeals her murder conviction in the death of Ted Binion.

From the heart: Vicki Lawrence tour targets cholesterol, high blood pressure: The stress that the gray-haired mama brought to her bickering television family was exorbitant both on CBS' "The Carol Burnett Show" and later on NBC's '80s situation comedy "Mama's Family." In nearly every skit, Mama Harper, played by Vicki Lawrence, left audiences laughing, while driving her television daughter, Eunice (played by Burnett) to a near-nervous breakdown.

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

Court briefs for October 9, 2001: Slightly more than a month after her boyfriend was sentenced to life in prison for the slaying of a tourist at the Stratosphere, a woman has entered a plea agreement.

Atlantic City mayor fights for political life: John Curran; ATLANTIC CITY -- He's a three-term mayor with incumbency and a big campaign war chest in his favor.

Basic pitcher agrees to play for Rebels: The 6-foot-1 Elliott, a member of the Sun's all-state first team last spring, went 7-3 with one save, a 2.98 ERA and 73 strikeouts and 18 walks in 58 2/3 innings for Basic.

New plan for college savings started: CARSON CITY -- A new plan to save money for college expenses, such as books, room and board and lab fees, is being introduced by state Treasurer Brian Krolicki.

Monday's prep results: GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Docking causes controversy: Davis Legrand Weaver, the operator of the Bucksport Marina, told the board Monday that docking the boat at the marina would benefit the area. The vessel, owned by R.A. Green, now operates in the Waccamaw River and a launch shuttles patrons to the boat from the marina.

UNLV women eighth in Oregon tournament: UNLV got an all-around solid team effort with three players turning in rounds of 76. Freshmen Tina Mabanta, Angela Olivarri and Hwanhee Lee are all tied for 24th place at 4-over par. Junior Erin Borcherts struggled on the greens and shot 79 on her former home course, as did fellow Rebel Christine Hentzner.

Editorial: Working together is essential: Into this uncertain time steps Tom Ridge, who on Monday began his first day as head of the new Office of Homeland Security. His mission is to create a national strategy to protect the United States from terrorist attacks. It will help Ridge, the former governor of Pennsylvania, that he is a friend of President Bush, to whom he will report directly. In Washington proximity is power, and Ridge's office is in the West Wing not far from the Oval Office. But the task at hand for Ridge won't be easy. He will oversee terrorism responsibilities for about 40 federal ...

Editorial: City Council gives homeless the shaft: The mayor and the City Council can offer up all the excuses they want, but the reality is that the city could have afforded this request. The Clark County Commission in August set aside $100,000 to help pay for the tent shelter this winter. And as far as the laid-off workers go, last week the commission not only agreed to provide them with breaks on their medical bills at the county-run medical clinics, but the commission also approved giving $200,000 to the United Way for its rent-assistance program.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Not-so-friendly words: I use the plural because, while the bulk of those Americans who will go into harm's way in this fight to the finish of the terrorist zealots who would destroy us in our homes and places of work and worship are in the military, many are also the policemen, firemen and members of other law enforcement agencies whose responsibility it will be to keep us safe at home in the face of the unfathomable. As it has been since Sept. 11, this nation will remain united and focused on our goal to win what could be a long and casualty-laden ...

Community briefs for October 9, 2001: The Las Vegas Chapter of Service Corps of Retired Executives will present the next "How to Really Start Your Own Business" workshop at 9 a.m. Thursday at the Foley Federal Building, 300 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Suite 1100.

Condemned killer Johnson sentenced in another shooting: Kim Smith; Quadruple murderer Donte Johnson didn't ask for mercy Monday before he was sentenced on another charge of attempted murder. Instead, he told the judge to "hurry up."

Yakama Nation breaks ground for events center: The 3,500-seat center should be finished by April, said Jeff Connor, marketing director for the casino on the Yakama Nation reservation.

UNLV men, women picked in middle of the pack: Steve Addy; DENVER -- The Mountain West media doesn't think UNLV's basketball teams will be half-bad this season.

2001 Invensys Classic PGA Tournament entry list: Stephen Allan

Securities license suspended: Moody is the Las Vegas manager of Moody Investment, a branch of Irvine, Calif., brokerage Finance 500 Inc. He was accused of failing to "reasonably supervise" broker Tony Dean Davis, when he failed to discover and stop him from making 28 unauthorized third-party wire transfers from customer accounts over an 11-month period.

National crisis may prompt new state laws: Erin Neff; Congress acted swiftly to fund recovery efforts, stabilize the airline industry and authorize military and security measures after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

PGA Tour money list: PGA Tour money list

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

Invensys notebook: TPC at the Canyons joins rotation: Victoria Sun; For the first time, the Tournament Players Club at the Canyons will be one of three golf courses in the rotation of the $4.5 million Invensys Classic, joining the TPC at Summerlin and Southern Highlands.

Education to get less from state's general fund: CARSON CITY -- The public schools and the University and Community College System of Nevada in the coming biennium will receive a smaller share of the state's general fund budget.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Odds favor Jack Sprague in LVMS truck race: Jack Sprague isn't a betting man, but he has to like his odds of winning the 2001 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship.

House panel talks Yucca security: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- The best way to protect nuclear waste from terrorists is to ship it from sites around the country to a high-security location in Nevada, a key senator on energy issues said today.

NASCAR Truck race weekend schedule: 9 a.m.-noon -- NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series optional test

2001 Invensys Classic PGA Tournament facts: PURSE: $4.5 million. The winner will receive $810,000.

Invensys Classic: Wednesday's tee times: Southern Highlands

Thrill limits: As amusement rides climb higher, doctors heighten their concern: Jeffrey Libby; Amusement parks around the globe are competing in a golden era, building ever-higher, faster rides that hurtle thrill seekers through ever-sharper, more teeth-chattering corkscrews and loops.

Carry-on limits spelled out for airline passengers: McCarran International Airport on Wednesday will begin restricting the number of carry-on bags passengers can take aboard commercial flights, having laid the groundwork last week for a program federal officials have made mandatory at all airports.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Rich golfers have fingers crossed, too: Dean Juipe; It's as if the well will never run dry, that the prize money will never do anything but continue to increase.

Dad Andrade inspired by son: Victoria Sun; When Billy Andrade struggled on the golf course most of last year, the hardest thing for him to deal with wasn't missing cuts.

Senators seek help in getting anti-terrorism site at NTS: Mathis Winkler; Nevada's U.S. senators are asking businesses to help them bring a national counterterrorism training center to the Nevada Test Site.

Hefty purse draws top players: Victoria Sun; As they say on Broadway, "The show must go on."

Obituaries for October 9, 2001: Virginia Lee Ashley, 73, of Las Vegas died Friday in Las Vegas. She was born Jan. 15, 1928, in Chicago. A resident for 40 years, she was a casino cashier and hostess.

Mayor to announce he won't run for governor: Erin Neff; Months of prodding from Democratic officials did not lure Goodman into a race against Republican incumbent Kenny Guinn.

Flying now big concern for pro golfers: Victoria Sun; Even before terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes and crashed them into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, PGA Tour player Steve Flesch wasn't particularly fond of flying.

Major League Baseball playoff schedule: Tuesday

Dorsey earns praise from Hall of Famer: Steve Guiremand; NFL Hall of Fame running back and Las Vegas resident Hugh McElhenny has been a frequent visitor to UNLV coach John Robinson's weekly luncheons the last few years.

Guggenheim plans donations to N.Y., local relief efforts: The Guggenheim Las Vegas museum had pledged a portion of this week's ticket sales to help victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and Las Vegans who have been laid off in the wake of the nationwide economic crunch from the disasters.

MWC men's basketball poll: Top returnee: Josh Davis, Wyoming

State eyes proposal to raise bar for college entrance: Jennifer Knight; A plan is in the works to boost the reputation of Nevada's universities by raising college entrance requirements, which, officials say, will attract the state's best and brightest.

Former LV man died in attack: To honor musician and recording engineer John Puckett, who was killed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on New York City, Las Vegan Joyce Puckett last week flew the American flag that had been draped on their mother's casket.

2001 Invensys PGA Tournament golfer profiles: EXEMPT STATUS: 23rd on 2000 money list

Casinos bringing back some laid-off workers: David Strow; Two of the city's largest casino operators have recalled some laid-off workers, but are cautioning that employment levels in Las Vegas will fluctuate with changing and generally weak business conditions.

MWC women's basketball poll: Top returnee: Linda Frohlich, UNLV

Toms repeats at Michelob: Hank Kurz Jr; WILLIAMSBURG, Va. -- It wasn't all that long ago that David Toms was a struggling pro, going tournament to tournament, hoping to get that payday that justified the pursuit.

Prep Schedule: MONDAY

Airlines face growth, security issues: COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- McCarran International Airport will be the fifth-busiest airport in the nation by 2006, up from its current No. 7 ranking, an aviation consultant says.

Nine locals will compete in tournament: Victoria Sun; Were it not for the Founders Club of Las Vegas, former UNLV golfer Jeremy Anderson doesn't think he would have made it through the PGA Tour's Qualifying School last fall.

Vandals destroy new work done at Magical Forest: Daniela Mohor; Vandals caused about $20,000 in damage last weekend to the Magical Forest display at Opportunity Village on Oakey Boulevard.

Community seeks to save memory of historic school: Terry Webster; Madison Elementary School has endured desegregation, fire, criticism from the state Department of Education and a community protest over its name being changed.

Critics wary of county's choice for public defender: Adrienne Packer; Clark County administrators announced Tuesday that they plan to recommend that Deputy Public Defender Marcus Cooper replace retired public defender Morgan Harris.