Print edition for April 5, 2002

Nuke cask test questioned: Erin Neff and Benjamin Grove; A Nuclear Regulatory Commission official said this week that his agency has limited information on the safety of nuclear waste casks, giving Nevada officials more ammunition in their fight against a nuclear waste repository.

Review: Dependable Freeman steals the show in 'High Crimes': Geoff Carter; High Crimes

Oscar postpones fight after hand injury: Dean Juipe; Top Rank announced Thursday that Oscar De La Hoya has an injured hand and has been forced to pull out of his May 4 fight with Fernando Vargas at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

News briefs for April 5, 2002: Las Vegas' mayor-turned-actor now has an art exhibit based entirely on his likeness.

Two bodies found in LV home: Metro Police today are trying to find 28-year-old Timmy John Weber for questioning after two people were found dead in a home on First Street near Bonanza Road.

Laughlin hotel-casino agrees to union contract: The union, which was initially rejected by Flamingo-Laughlin hotel workers in July 1993, won a second election in April 1999, capping a six-year battle with management before the National Labor Relations Board to represent workers at the Park Place Entertainment Corp.-owned property.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Marnell wants strong showing at home: As a Southern California native, NHRA Pro Stock driver George Marnell had a special sense of pride when he won the season-opening Winternationals in Pomona in February.

Mustangs post another victory: The Mustangs received goals from Josh Jasek, Mike Sullivan, Sean Fox and Justin Johnson.

Vegas company touted in Business Week: Shares of Acres Gaming, which closed at $5.35 Thursday and were up 16 cents this morning, should reach $10 in the next 12 months, Bain was quoted by the magazine as saying. Bain expects the company to earn 52 cents a share in fiscal 2002 on $31.3 million in revenue, according to the magazine.

NPC provides collateral for debt: David Strow; Nevada Power Co. received some short-term financial security Thursday, when its bankers agreed to let the utility keep a $200 million credit line.

Business briefs for April 5, 2002: The March rate announced today by the Labor Department, was an increase of 0.2 percentage points from the previous month. Economists had been expecting a rise to at least 5.6 percent.

Slam loses: Slam loses

Son finds home with dad: Steve Guiremand; He has coached under the likes of Bruce Snyder and Gary Moeller. But the head coach that new UNLV tight ends assistant David Robinson is forever linked with is his current one -- John Robinson.

Columnist Dean Juipe: 2000 boxing team comes under attack: Dean Juipe; Things rarely seem worse in retrospect than they did at the time, but I guess there are exceptions.

Residents prefer highway bypass: Jeffrey Libby; Boulder City residents still appear largely in favor of a $340 million state highway that would reroute traffic along U.S. 93 around the south side of town.

LV's Agassi named as 'Caring Athlete': Victoria Sun; Andre Agassi stood in a corner of Eddie Goodwin's fourth grade classroom at the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy next to Senator Harry Reid D-Nev., enamored of what was unfolding before his eyes.

Review: 'Y Tu Mama Tambien' an incomparable road movie: Grade: *** 1/2

LV firm accuses investors of short-selling: The small Las Vegas building materials company, now renamed Composite Industries of America Inc., sued the defendants in U.S. District Court.

Festival planners hope to stengthen local ties: Kimberley McGee; Tickets: $5; $3 for children; children under 5 admitted free.

State may hire experts to lobby U.S. senators: CARSON CITY -- State officials hope to use part of an emergency $3 million allocation to hire experts in terrorism to convince U.S. Senators to vote against a nuclear dump at Yucca Mountain.

Victim advocate won't be forced to testify: Kim Smith; Even though he knows his decision will "cripple" the case against a battery suspect, District Judge Michael Cherry said Thursday he will not force a domestic violence shelter to reveal information desperately sought by prosecutors.

10 bigger than 100 for Force: By Brian Hilderbrand; As strange as it may seem, John Force is not as obsessed with winning his 100th National Hot Rod Association race as one might think.

Child found safe in stolen vehicle: A 3-year-old child strapped in a car seat was discovered safe miles from where the car he was in was stolen Thursday afternoon, Metro Police said.

Box score: Calgary-Las Vegas: E -- Erickson, Wood, Chen. DP Calgary, Las Vegas. LOB -- Fresno 5, Las Vegas 10. 2B-- Abad, Pose (2), Kinkade, Allen, Bell, Martinez. HR -- Nunez, Greene C., Thurston. SH -- Martinez. SF -- Kinkade, Greene T. SB -- Erickson. CS --Wathan.

San Diego matches to air on Metro 48: The league features the best women's soccer players in the world, including Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain, Tiffeny Milbrett, Briana Scurry and the Spirit's Julie Foudy and Shannon MacMillan.

Outlooks differ on Boyd Gaming: Meanwhile, rating agency Moody's Investors Service maintained its negative outlook, saying it believed financial pressure from construction of the $1 billion Borgata in Atlantic City could be "severe." Both agencies have "junk" ratings on Boyd; a negative outlook reflects the possibility of future credit downgrades.

Easy pickings: Auto theft big business in valley: Jace Radke; In the shadows of garages and parking lots a new group of professionals is doing big business in Las Vegas.

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

Review: 'Angel Blade' offers seedy view of Vegas: Geoff Carter; Angel Blade

Casino earnings likely to show recovery: David Strow; April could provide some of the strongest evidence yet of recovery on the Las Vegas Strip, as gaming's largest companies prepare to report first quarter results to investors.

World Series of Poker set to begin: This year's tournament will feature 37 separate events, up from 27 a year ago. It will conclude May 20-24 with the championship, a five-day, no limit Texas hold 'em event. The buy-in for that event is $10,000, though many players win entries into the game by winning "satellite" tournaments.

Two area power plants among dirtiest in U.S.: Two power plants in Clark County are among the worst 500 nationwide for air pollution, environmentalists said Thursday.

Columnist Larry Dixon: Snake has been a great role model: Larry Dixon; Yesterday I mentioned that this year's 2002 NHRA Powerade Drag Racing Series marked the 40th anniversary for our team owner Don "The Snake" Prudhomme. When I stop to think about everything he has accomplished in his career as both a driver and now a multi-car team owner, it is really remarkable.

Attendance down for major LV convention: Attendance at the National Association of Broadcasters convention next week in Las Vegas is expected to be down by more than 20 percent from last year's 115,000 turnout as weak advertising sales continue to hurt the industry.

Arsenio Hall still running the show: Kirk Baird; Who: Arsenio Hall.

Las Vegas bats shine in opener: Victoria Sun; Unlike the parent Los Angeles Dodgers who have mustered a pitiful two runs in their first three games, the Las Vegas 51s had little trouble scoring in their season opener.

PT's Pubs sale advances with OK from regulators: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Gaming Control Board gave preliminary approval Thursday to Blake Sartini and his wife, Delise, to expand their growing slot machine route business in Las Vegas with the purchase of PT's Pubs, the largest chain of video poker taverns in Clark County.

Letter: Disabled citizens betrayed by Bush administration: Sadly, President Bush has broken this pledge by using a recess appointment to install Gerald Reynolds as the head of the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights.

Busch qualifying results: 1. (21) Jeff Green, Chevy, 193.493 mph.

Community briefs for April 5, 2002: The Alzheimer's Association presents "Beginning the Journey: A Legal and Financial Look at Alzheimer's Disease," at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the North Las Vegas Library, 2300 Civic Center Drive.

'Whorehouse' response at Aladdin bodes well for genre: Joe Delaney; If you are fortunate enough to secure tickets for "Best Little Whorehouse In Texas," at the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts through Sunday, you will be able to enjoy the definitive Miss Mona, Ann-Margret, too long away from these parts.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Country legend Clark has enjoyed varied career: Joe Delaney; Multiple-award winning musician, singer and comedian Roy Clark has become an Orleans Showroom regular the past two years ... A master of all the stringed instruments, he also plays trumpet, trombone and piano ... Clark first served notice that he was a main showroom headliner in Las Vegas three decades ago starring in the Landmark's "Country Music USA" series.

Nearly $3 million from grant to be used for health lab projects: CARSON CITY -- About 30 percent of a $10.4 million federal grant to fight bioterrorism will be used to establish a state health laboratory in Las Vegas and to upgrade the one in Reno.

Thursday's prep results: BASEBALL

Where I Stand: Mike O'Callaghan: Not a security issue: MORE THAN FIVE YEARS HAVE PASSED since Sen. Frank Murkowski, R-Alaska, sent me a blistering letter because this column had defamed Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho. Well, Murkowski, a banker from Alaska now planning on going home and becoming governor, is still in the Senate and so is Craig. Both are still trying to push nuke waste down the throats of Nevadans and ripping up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Nuke veto first move in congressional chess game: Benjamin Grove; WEEKEND EDITION

Donna's House offers safe haven: Sandy Thompson; A safe child exchange and visitation center described as a landmark program in Las Vegas is up and running.

Editorial: Will nation see through nuke lies?: Another lie that Nevada and the nation are now being asked to swallow is that transportation of nuclear waste -- 43 states would have Yucca-bound routes -- is perfectly safe. It's bad enough that the president's approval of Yucca came before the site itself has been proven safe. But it was a doubly bad decision when considering that it was made before any safe plan for transportation has emerged.

Columnist Benjamin Grove: Nuke waste goes prime time, creates fuss: Benjamin Grove; Two leading nuclear waste container manufacturers threw off the gloves and came out swinging last week, making the bout over waste transportation more interesting.

Hula broadcast comes to mainland: Kirk Baird; What: Luau and Merry Monarch Festival broadcast.

Local artists' works caught in 'Intersection': Kimberley McGee; What: "Intersection: Recent Works by Las Vegas Photographers."

Obituaries for April 5, 2002: Leroy Augustus Badie, 84, of Las Vegas died Tuesday in a local hospital. He was born Oct. 8, 1917, in New Orleans. A resident for 19 years, he was a retired casino assistant shift manager.

Hotel executive plans cancer center: By Emily Richmond; Cancer deaths

Officials battle safety woes in work zones: When a 22-year-old Nellis airman died crashing his sport-utility vehicle through a construction zone on Interstate 15 early Thursday morning, he became the latest fatality in what state officials say is a growing problem.

LV's Monteiro wins first pro golf event: The event was part of the U.S. Challenge Golf Tour.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Answers are simple, but not easy: It makes him weary.

Goodman hopes city will add to fund: Goodman has asked City Manager Virginia Valentine to poll the six council members to see if they want to contribute additional funds toward the fight. The city has already provided $100,000 to the state's fund.

Ralph Siraco's Santa Anita selections: 1st Race -- Comedy Class - Nakatani atop Spawr trainee for owner Golden Eagle Farm, draws good post for sprint opener, Class may be no laughing matter for foes. Trackofthecat - Draws just inside top pick for allowance/claimer, McCarron on Zucker trainee, Track-of-the-cat may be to winners circle. Value Play -- Fort Donna

Columnist Erin Neff: Prepare to be spun on euphemistic Yucca tour: Erin Neff; Good things typically come in packages -- you know, birthdays, holidays, surprises -- but not in this case.

Review: Allen and Co. in 'Trouble' from the start: Geoff Carter; Big Trouble

Letter: County loses money on taxes: Clark County is wasting so much money I can't believe it. I unknowingly mailed my quarterly property tax payment late. I mailed $508. I now owe $20.32 in penalty fees. I have no problem with paying the late charge. My concern is why did the Clark County Treasurer's Office mail me back my $508? Wouldn't you think that money would have been deposited into an interest-bearing account that benefits Clark County residents, like myself of 30 years.

Columnist Susan Snyder: LVAM is portrait of patriotism: They promise the guys won't have to wear tights.

Editorial: No plan, no heart, no toilet: Instead, at a time when homelessness is growing, we have a city with no plan and, worse, a mayor who disparages the men and women out on the streets. He has left no doubt as to his true feelings, which are that the homeless should get out of Dodge. If cities were judged solely by how well they treated the least fortunate among us, Las Vegas would be labeled a disgrace.

New gaming chief assumes hot seat: John Porretto; JACKSON, Miss. -- If Larry Gregory was looking for a challenge when he took the helm at the Mississippi Gaming Commission, he hit the jackpot.

Bar association seeks nominees: Nominations may be submitted to the Clark County Bar Association by either mailing nominations to: CCBA/Public Services Director, Liberty Bell Nomination, P.O. Box 657, Las Vegas, NV 89125; faxing to 387-7867 or sending e-mail to robinf@ clarkcountybar.org.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Few moves left in Yucca fight: And as the timer starts ticking down from 90 days, the pieces arrayed on the nuclear industry's side of the Capitol Hill board will far outnumber those on the Nevada side. And before checkmate is declared sometime this summer, we will discover whether the state's king (also known in this version of the game as a whip) can maneuver out of a position that even Bobby Fischer probably could not escape.

Hotel neighbors face thrill-ride fight again: Diana Sahagun; Residents living near the Stratosphere are bracing for a repeat battle with hotel executives next week, when the company is scheduled to present plans to the city of Las Vegas for a thrill ride.

Review: It's easy to love 'Jessica Stein': Geoff Carter; Kissing Jessica Stein

Las Vegas Catholic officials struggle with church image: Stacy J. Willis; WEEKEND EDITION

Editorial: Seniors' drug plan should be a priority: There is a problem, though. The program only has enough funding for 7,500 seniors, a limit it reached in March. In a month's time, the waiting list already has grown to 600. That number doesn't even take into account those seniors who need help but aren't eligible -- only those with annual incomes of $21,500 or less can sign up.

Performing arts April 5, 2002: Plays staged

Columnists Jerry Fink: Boulder Station is Mr. Rogers' neighborhood: By Jerry Fink; Slide guitarist Roy Rogers may not have a horse, but he's got a trigger finger.

High court: Calif. agency can be sued: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court Thursday reinstated a suit by a wealthy Las Vegas man who charges he was harassed, his privacy was invaded and he was pursued by California officials who claim he owes $13 million in back income taxes and penalties in that state.

Fallen police dog will be honored: Keith Paul; The first Metro Police dog that died in the line of duty will be buried Monday alongside other K-9 veterans in a service with the department's honor guard.

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Unusual custody arrangement backfires: Sandy Thompson; Jessica Harrison, now 6, is being concealed in Mexico in contempt of a Family Court order, says her grandmother, Lydia Harrison. Lydia and her son, Mark Harrison, say they have not seen Jessica in nearly two years.

U.S. Boxing Championship results: All weights in pounds

Letter: Court opponent would politicize judicial branch: Murphy also states, "What does it take to initiate a reform so badly needed?" It will take a constitutional amendment to accomplish the goal Murphy seeks. A monumental task requiring a two-thirds vote of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures.

On display April 5, 2002: "Trash or Treasure," an exhibit of works selected from a competition of the same name, is on display Thursday through June 4 at Spring Valley Library, 4280 S. Jones Blvd. Call 507-3820.

Self-defense claimed in killing of woman in front of 10 children: Kim Smith; Three weeks after convicted armed robber Robert Carter was paroled from prison, prosecutors say, he shot his way into his former girlfriend's home and gunned her down in front of 10 children.

Murder convict wants out of plea deal: Kim Smith; Convicted killer and rapist Christopher Williams, who was expected to be sentenced Thursday, wants to plead for his life in front of a jury.

Fire forces evacuation at Fitzgeralds: After firefighters arrived at the hotel and learned the blaze was on the eighth floor, a second alarm was called in case the fire expanded.

'Dateline' takes an unvarnished look at Vegas crime: Kirk Baird; When it comes to solving a murder case, there are usually three time frames.

Stock dip hits thousands: WEEKEND EDITION

Letter: Save wilds in Southern Nevada: At first I didn't pay much attention to it, but it struck me as something we should seriously consider, given the rapid growth of Las Vegas and development's imminent encroachment in areas such as Red Rock Canyon and the McCullough Mountains.

Peaks and Valli: By Jerry Fink; WEEKEND EDITION

Editorial: Failing to make the right choices: These transmission line projects are important to the well-being of Southern Nevada's economy and should be given top priority. Nevada Power officials previously had said that the construction of 100 miles of new transmission lines by 2005 would have doubled the amount of energy available to our region. Without new electricity hookups the economy can't continue to grow.

Nevada receives a stamp of approval: Diana Sahagun; With so many high-profile Southern Nevada officials on hand during Thursday's unveiling of the "Greetings from Nevada" postage stamp, there was bound to be some confusion.

Strip club owner, cab firms reach agreement: Kim Smith; Olympic Garden owner Pete Eliadis, who filed a lawsuit in December alleging cabdrivers were diverting his customers to other adult nightclubs, has reached a tentative agreement with four cab companies.

Girl Scouts: Nine decades of learning: Kimberley McGee; Information

Columnist Jeff German: Taxicab Authority chief has hands full: Former FBI Agent John Plunkett, who is running the state Taxicab Authority, is finding that out after eight months on the job.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Don't quit nuke fight: I just returned from a weeklong sojourn to other climes to learn that everything I thought was going to happen, didn't. And I don't know what to do about it. Do you?

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Time to clear up confusion behind ratings: Who rates the ratings? That question came to mind after reading the recent news release about AAA's Four Diamond Awards in Nevada for restaurants. There was no mention of any AAA Five Diamond Awards recipients. How could that be? For the answer(s) I turned to AAA spokeswoman Lisa Foster, who had sent the release.

Letter: City neglects the homeless: Some of the homeless have lost their jobs because of the Sept. 11 disaster, and they cannot find work. To be herded off the streets is very demeaning and humiliating to these people.

Political notebook: Controversy gives Wings to campaign for Congress: Erin Neff; Las Vegas was able to nab Paul McCartney tonight to try to make up for the tens of millions of dollars the proposed Tyson-Lewis bout would have brought to town.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: When term limits become a reality: Pledging to stay only three terms, or six years, Nethercutt reneged on his promise when, in 2000, it was time for his diapers to be brought home to Spokane from Washington. This didn't bother his constituents, and he not only won again two years ago, but he also looks like a winner for a fifth term this fall.