Print edition for October 30, 2001

Former Henderson Councilman Kesterson dies at 81: Jace Radke; As a city councilman, Robert Kesterson served as one of the early voices that helped shape Henderson. But his role as a family man defined his life.

Program helps laid-off hotel workers train to land new jobs: Mathis Winkler; Information For more information about the Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow, call 362-8544 or go to www.lasvegasfit.com

Columnist Susan Snyder: Don't open up and say 'ah': "The columnist is a ninny."

Letter: Anti-Muslim sentiment stirred: Arab and Muslim countries, even the "not U.S. friendly" ones, have explicitly condemned the terror attack against the U.S. Most, if not all, have supported the U.S. mission to extradite the criminals. However, they had justifiable concerns about expanding this war into other countries.

Letter: United States must learn, grow greater: I was, and still am, totally opposed to the Vietnam conflict. We, not them, were the aggressors in that mess. No Vietnamese person ever attacked the United States.

Bill offers $30 million for flood control: The bill also funds up to $59.6 million for activities at the Nevada Test Site, the Department of Energy and the University and Community College System of Nevada, Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., the Senate's majority whip, said.

Letter: Make sure salad bars are safe: I suggest an extension of the eye in the sky to guard the purity of those open containers -- greens, veggies, toppings, salad dressings, fresh fruits and desserts -- just as carefully as they monitor the other green.

Local filmmaker has big, scary dreams: Kirk Baird; Twenty-seven years and several independent, straight-to-video flicks later, he's still not over that family outing.

Editorial: Don't take fun out of trick-or-treating: Sure, parents should take precautions -- the children's costumes should be easy to see in the dark, all candy should be examined by an adult before it's eaten and parents may want to limit their children's trick-or-treating to neighborhoods they know well. But the bottom line is that parents should allow their children to go out and trick-or-treat. These are edgy times we live in, but there's no reason to unnecessarily stop children from sharing in what has been time-honored fun -- including the painful bellyache the morning after.

Community briefs for October 30, 2001: KLVX Channel 10 will broadcast the station's first "JobQuest," a 90-minute live program at 8 p.m. Thursday.

Regent rescinds intern request: Jennifer Knight; Regent Linda Howard has pulled her name from consideration for a paid internship at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, despite a state Ethics Commission ruling that it was OK for her to pursue the job.

Obituaries for October 30, 2001: Donald Ricky Bell, 45, of Las Vegas died Oct. 18 in Las Vegas. He was born Oct. 26, 1955, in Las Vegas. A resident for 45 years, he was a cook/baker.

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

Texas company still eyes LV golf course: Diana Sahagun; Representatives of Texas-based Evergreen Alliance Golf have told Las Vegas officials that the company is still interested in operating a golf course, even after it was passed over by the City Council earlier this month.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Keep Halloween safe: I understand the need for the administration to conduct much of our war effort shrouded in the kind of secrecy that doesn't telegraph our every punch to the enemy. There must be, however, some form of communication with the citizens of the United States that would better serve our need and desire to know what is going on and the obvious requirements of the military to not share that information with the enemy.

Public tours planned Saturday at Yucca: Visitors to the site of the proposed high-level nuclear waste repository, 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas, will be able to talk with scientists and engineers and view the work accomplished so far.

Sidewalk sales are sought: Diana Sahagun; Some downtown business owners say sidewalks sales can help ensure their survival by attracting more shoppers, but without the support of the councilman representing that area, the owners may have to depend on window shoppers.

Rodman asks judge to keep Court TV from his trial: Kim Smith; Former NBA star Dennis Rodman doesn't want Court TV to air the trial that will begin against him this week in Clark County District Court.

Editorial: Don't waste money on 'good news': Kenny says that the celebrations still are needed, especially since residents are beset with negative news. And, Kenny says, the commissioners are forced to spend money to promote these events since the media doesn't cover them. Despite Kenny's assertions, the media do let people know when these parks and new recreation centers open. It's just that they don't shower as much attention on the elected officials as these politicians want. The grand opening extravagances are to promote the commissioners and their political futures -- at taxpayer expense.

Rio in deal with men's magazine: Harrah's and Maxim will sponsor a series of parties, under the name Maxim Lounge, intended to draw New York hipsters, Hollywood celebrities and gamblers that want to be around them, the Journal reported.

Lawmakers tackle tough issue of death penalty: Erin Neff; No issue dogged this year's Legislature the way Nevada's death penalty did.

Stock upgraded on N.Y. casino move: UBS gaming analyst Robin Farley raised her 12-month price target for IGT form $49 to $60, an 18 percent premium over Monday's close. Farley also raised her 2003 earnings estimate from $3.55 to $3.71.

Dating game: Teens juggle seriousness, levity in social circles: But add to the list "hooking up," "friends with benefits," and "hitting it, then quitting it" and you're likely to be more current with the reality of teen dating.

Shooting range still has hot spot: Jace Radke; The Metro Police firearm training center remains closed today after explosions rocked an ammunition bunker on the northeast Las Vegas property Sunday and a "hot spot" was detected Monday.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Goodman sets firm goals: Kate Maddox; Well, one thing is certain: There is pressure for Goodman to follow in his old man's footsteps. "People talk to me about it," Goodman said. "But I'm just trying to walk before I run." (Nice double entendre. Spoken like a true pol.) But you wouldn't rule out a run for mayor, or any Nevada political position, in the future, right? With the same upbeat attitude as his famous pop, Goodman said, "It's definitely not out of the question."

Crisis counselor offers help to school officials: Terry Webster; Near ground zero in New York City, the silence is deafening.

With law in limbo, many will have to leave U.S.: By Timothy Pratt; Silvia Ramirez, 34, has lived in the United States almost half of her life. She and her husband, Benjamin Limon, came from Guanajuato, Mexico, in 1988 with their son, Angel, who was only 2 at the time.

Caution urged on scariest night: Recent terrorist attacks and anthrax incidents may be making this Halloween scarier than past ones.

County manager picks third assistant: Adrienne Packer; Clark County Manager Thom Reilly said today that with commissioners' blessing, he hopes to hire Catherine Cortez-Masto, an attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice, as his third assistant manager.

State slated for lower-octane gas: Jeffrey Libby; The main gasoline pipeline into Nevada will be pumping a lower-octane blend later this week as part of private industry agreement to move toward a cleaner gas formula.

Layoff charges contribute to MGM MIRAGE loss: David Strow; Las Vegas Strip casino giant MGM MIRAGE today reported a loss for the quarter ended Sept. 30, as the post-Sept. 11 tourism slowdown and one-time charges took their toll on the company's earnings.

Settlement reached in construction defect case: Grace Leong; A judge on Monday approved an $8.6 million settlement of a construction defect lawsuit that pitted Las Vegas condominium owners against contractor Picerne Development Corp. and developers KCN Ltd. Partnership and KCN Nevada Inc.

Nevada tax amnesty plan moves forward: RENO -- A tax amnesty program is nearing approval that would allow thousands of Nevada businesses to pay delinquent taxes without being hit with penalties and interest.

Hotel threatens to derail monorail: Diana Sahagun; Stratosphere executives pushing for approval of a giant thrill ride could sideline a downtown monorail plan that has been the focus of efforts by city and state officials for years.

National talking with two lenders: National Airlines is negotiating with two lenders to secure the financing needed to reorganize finances and emerge from bankruptcy.

State may receive $5 million in fed anti-terror funds: By Emily Richmond; Nevada is expected to receive at least $5 million in federal funds to help local officials prepare against potential bioterrorism threats, Gov. Kenny Guinn said Monday.

Economic gauge at 7 1/2 year low: The New York-based Conference Board said today that its Consumer Confidence Index sank to 85.5 from 97 in September. Analysts were expecting a reading of 96.

Wednesday's horse racing entries: OAK TREE MEETING

Ralph Siraco's selections for Wednesday's races at Santa Anita: 1st Race -- Delavallade -- Delahoussaye atop Kruljac trainee, draws outside box in turf mile opener, it could be a Dela-Dela victory. Mabel Kent -- Draws good box, Solis aboard Jory trainee, well spotted for solid effort. Value Play -- Katie's Sunshine

Plan to revamp county announced: Adrienne Packer; Hoping to improve services and cut costs, Clark County Manager Thom Reilly this morning unveiled a new plan to consolidate divisions and allocate vacant positions to departments with the greatest customer demands.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: The wait is over: Childress picks Robby Gordon: So much for drama.

Columnist Dean Juipe: An ode to UNLV golfers: Dean Juipe; There once was a golf program in Las Vegas

News briefs for October 30, 2001: Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., today co-signed a bill aimed at putting more passengers on airplanes by making trips tax deductible.

Lowestfare.com subsidiary moving to Las Vegas: Maupintour LLC will close its office in Lawrence, a college town of about 50,000 residents, on Dec. 31. A spokeswoman said the move would leave 39 Maupintour employees with the choice of being laid off or relocating to Las Vegas. Some key employees are being offered relocation packages.

Townsend talks plant safety: RENO -- Sen. Randolph Townsend, R-Reno, has called on the state attorney general's office and the Douglas County district attorney's office to launch an investigation into whether criminal charges should be filed in regard to the plant explosion in Minden last month that killed one man and injured four others.

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Tight end makes move to defense: Steve Guiremand; UNLV loses four of its top five defensive ends, including all-Mountain West Conference first-teamer Anton Palepoi, to graduation after this season. So landing some top-notch replacements will obviously be a recruiting priority this winter.

UNLV Calendar: Tuesday -- Women's Soccer hosts Southern Utah, 7:30 p.m.

Tournament game tickets go on sale: Tournament passes for the Las Vegas Tourney (Nov. 19-21) are $100, good for all 12 games. Passes for the Las Vegas Invitational (Nov. 22-24) and the Las Vegas Classic (Dec. 20-22) are $150 each.

Spoonhour hoping to restore Rebels' crowds: Steve Addy; After climbing to 13th nationally in 1997-98, UNLV men's basketball attendance has dwindled the past three seasons. Here are the Rebels' most recent figures, with their NCAA ranking:

Todd emerges as GV's power hitter: Leah Robinson; It's hard not to notice Jenn Todd. The 6-foot-3 Green Valley junior is an imposing presence on the volleyball court, slamming balls past her opponents so fast, all they can do is watch.

Guinn calls for vigilance in face of latest threat: Gov. Kenny Guinn today urged all Nevadans to remain vigilant in the wake of the latest FBI terrorist warning.