Print edition for August 9, 2002

Fewer mid-size cars planned: The move is aimed at saving money and focusing on marketing efforts.

Editorial: Put safety ahead of old zoning: It's on the inside edge of this zone that county commissioners have approved the building of 52 single-family homes. Approval was granted despite objections from the Air Force, whose representatives have pointed out to the commissioners the potential for tragedy. Commissioners reasoned they didn't have a choice because the zoning allowing residential development for that area predates the Accident Potential Zone.

Three arrested for chemicals used in gambling scam: Police seized the goods in a Bangkok raid at the request of the FBI, which intercepted parcels of the items sent to the United States, police Maj. Surasit Sangaphong told the Associated Press.

Productivity grows at 1.1%: The downshifting in business efficiency came after productivity -- the amount of output per hour of work -- soared at a rate of 8.6 percent in the first quarter, the strongest showing since the spring of 1983, the Labor Department reported today.

Low inventory levels dampen July retail sales: Anne D'innocenzio; NEW YORK -- Scant inventories and consumer skittishness dampened July sales for many retailers, but a number of merchants raised their profit outlook Thursday as they didn't have to resort to heavy discounting to get rid of summer shorts and T-shirts.

Letter: Temporary site for nuke storage may be needed: The answer to your question lies in the fact that the temporary facility in Utah would not have been required had the Department of Energy met the mandate in the 1982 Nuclear Waste Policy Act to begin waste acceptance from utilities in January 1998.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Del Mar: Saturday's card

Report: Flatley interested in buying hotel-casino: A report in today's Mirror of London said Flatley is offering 500 million euros, or $485.9 million under the current exchange rate, for the 2,567-room Strip resort.

Community briefs for August 9, 2002: About 150 people are needed to volunteer as "victims " when Las Vegas, Clark County and the U.S. Department of Justice conduct a simulated disaster.

Henderson awarded Johann scholarship: Sophomore defender Chris Henderson, a local product out of Green Valley High School in Henderson, is this year's scholarship recipient. As a rookie in 2001, Henderson played in 13 games with one shot on goal.

Editorial: Aid for sick workers may yet finally arrive: The first draft of the Energy Department's rule to implement the program, revealed in May of this year, was terrible. It would have made it harder for nuclear weapons workers, many of whom are seriously ill or near death, to get compensation. That draft rule would have allowed government contractors to contest compensation claims, a situation that directly ran counter to the intent of the legislation to get the workers immediate compensation.

Sun executive dies in crash: Ed Koch and Keith Paul; Las Vegas Sun Associate Editor Sandra "Sandy" Thompson, an ardent and compassionate family rights advocate whose award-winning column changed state guardianship laws, was killed today in an automobile accident. She was 54.

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 10 a.m.

Mexican-Americans unclear about Fox's vision for immigrants: By Timothy Pratt; On returning from Mexico City -- and Mexico President Vicente Fox's inauguration of a new council that will represent the 20 million people of Mexican background living in the United States -- several Nevadans invited to the ceremony said they were honored, but confused.

Perseid meteors are on the way: The best show on Earth -- in August, anyway -- is coming to Southern Nevada's skies this weekend.

Colville Tribes reaches agreement with state: The Colvilles will be allowed to operate up to 4,800 similar slot machines, which dispense vouchers for money instead of coins and do not have a pull-down arm. The Nevada-style slots must be removed.

History found: Bomber that crashed in 1948 located at bottom of Lake Mead: By Ed Koch; Lake Mead has given up the secret of perhaps its most popular legend, as a crew of local divers say they have found and photographed a B-29 Superfortress bomber that crashed and sank 300 feet into the lake's waters 54 years ago.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Fittipaldi to NASCAR not as weird as it seems: At first glance, Petty Enterprises' decision to hire CART veteran Christian Fittipaldi and groom him for a full-time NASCAR Winston Cup campaign in 2004 seemed like an odd move.

High court upholds murder conviction: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court today upheld the first-degree murder conviction of Mack Mason, who fatally shot another man in a dispute over a woman in Clark County.

GOP getting more involved on local level: Jace Radke; The Republican National Committee is getting involved on a local level with statewide races, putting the congressional bids of Jon Porter and Lynette Boggs McDonald in the spotlight, RNC Chairman Marc Racicot said.

Summit View's woes remain: CARSON CITY -- An administrative appeal will be filed to try to prevent the state from awarding a contract to an international firm to reopen Summit View, the male juvenile detention center North Las Vegas.

Obituaries for August 9, 2002: Karen Louise Arrison, 61, of Las Vegas died Thursday in a local hospice. She was born Oct. 31, 1940, in Ware, Mass. A resident for 17 years, she was a retired inspector for an electronics manufacturer.

News briefs for August 9, 2002: Three teenagers have been charged in the murder of a teenager in North Las Vegas.

Telecom firm sold to Asian group for $250 million: Bruce Meyerson; NEW YORK -- Global Crossing sold itself for $250 million today to the same Asian companies that tried to buy the fiber-optic network company for three times as much when it first filed for bankruptcy.

Las Vegas Area Fishing Report: NEVADA DIVISION OF WILDLIFE

Rebel teams earns classroom kudos: The women's squad was named an ITA Academic All-American Team for the sixth time in the last seven years. The honor is earned by any program that has a collective grade point average of 3.20 or above. The seven Lady Rebel netters this year combined to post a stunning 3.47 (ranging from a 3.05 to a 3.92).

Misplaced radioactive device raises concerns: A radioactive source misplaced for two hours at a local casino during a training exercise raised the concerns of Nevada radiological officials.

Suspect confesses murder at church service: Keith Paul; Frank Marques was seeking redemption.

On Display for August 9, 2002: Artists Shirley Aday, Shirley Robinson and Carolynn Slater's paintings, through Aug. 31 at Lost City Museum, 721 Moapa Valley Drive, Overton. Admission is $2; under 17 free. (702) 397-2193.

Dorsey says problems are behind him: Steve Guiremand; Dominique Dorsey was the Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year in 2001 and, when healthy, arguably was the league's most exciting player. But the diminutive tailback said he would much rather focus on the future than the past.

Where I Stand -- Guest columnist Randy Walker: A viable safety option: CONGRESS PASSED the Aviation and Transportation Security Act in November, establishing an ambitious schedule for changes in aviation security, from the federalization of airport screening and law enforcement personnel to requiring 100 percent of checked baggage to be screened.

Cop's attorney tries to shake witness story: Kim Smith; Determined to prove his client's innocence, defense attorney Steve Stein paraded Jack Brandon, a former Metro detective and suspected robber, before a jury Thursday.

Aerotech may face criminal charges: Adrienne Packer; A state fire marshal probe into a fiery explosion at a Las Vegas model rocket fuel plant that killed one concludes that Aerotech, Inc. was culpable for the October blaze and could be subjected to criminal charges, sources told the Sun.

Republican race is among most watched: Erin Neff; Although Richard Bunker has known every political player in the state for the past 30 years, he worries whether voters know who he is.

PCL box: Las Vegas - Omaha: HBP--Berroa (by Springer). T-2:09. A-5,008.

Firm wins airport land-use contract: Applied Analysis principal Jeremy Arguero said his company will provide consulting services to the Clark County Department of Aviation on land releases and exchanges.

Columnist Dean Juipe: UNLV can boast about its facilities: Dean Juipe; It's the game within the game. And it's played by every major university.

Columnist Barb Henderson: It's good to be outdoors: Barb Henderson; What a magnificent opportunity for me, to be able to write a weekly column for the Las Vegas Sun, sharing information and stories with the sportsmen/sportswomen who live in and visit our neck of the woods.

Ethics Commission settles its case against North Las Vegas constable: CARSON CITY -- The state Ethics Commission agreed to an out-of-court settlement Thursday with North Las Vegas Constable Herb Brown, who had been fined $10,000 for distributing false campaign information about his opponent in 1998.

Ill. officials aim for quick sale of Emerald license: Nicole Ziegler Dizon; CHICAGO -- Illinois gambling officials approved a deal Thursday that bars Emerald Casino's owners from doing gambling business in the state and puts its license up for sale, setting the stage for a bidding war.

MGM Grand casino fined for booze giveaway: The plea settles a 22-count complaint by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. But the casino still faces an investigation by state gambling regulators.

Letter: We are the U.S.A. -- not America: Schools should teach children that the country they live in is named the United States of America. There are other United States around the world and to differentiate you have to add America. We are not Americans, as Kinum stated.

Harrah's opens casino in Southern California: The $125 million resort, owned by the Rincon San Luiseno Band of Mission Indians, is the 26th gaming property operated by Harrah's Entertainment Inc.

Planners OK 1,800 homes in northwest: Diana Sahagun; Despite protests by neighboring residents, the Las Vegas Planning Commission on Thursday approved plans for Pulte Homes to build up to 1,800 homes in the northwest.

Candidates say the economy, taxes are biggest concerns: Although doctors pressed candidates running for state Senate District 8 for more malpractice relief, the voters are more worried about taxes, education and the economy, candidates said Thursday.

Open bilingual positions prompt waiver request: By Emily Richmond; With a bilingual teacher shortage nearing a crisis point, Clark County School District officials have asked the Nevada Department of Education to consider waiving some licensing requirements in order to get more Spanish speakers into the classrooms.

Letter: Ethics complaint is a waste of time: I am sick to death of the innuendos and outright lies that have been spread by candidates and their managers. The latest case in point: Clark County Commission candidate Tony Badillo's lame ethics committee suit against Commissioner Myrna Williams.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Bootlegger Bistro still a shoo-in for fun, food: The combination of family style Italian cooking and lounge-style spontaneous entertainment is a super way to spend an evening. Even for someone like me, who long ago gave up late night dining and night life.

Reid, Ensign praise compromise public lands bill: Stephen Curran; Federal and local elected leaders joined conservationists and developers Thursday to champion a land-use bill that promises to open up federal land for new uses while protecting thousands of acres as designated wilderness.

Fewer high school grads attending college right away: Jennifer Knight; University system analysts are at a loss to explain why the number of Nevada high school graduates opting to attend the state's colleges has reached a three-year low -- particularly at a time when more college aid is available and enrollment is up overall.

Schwikert on top heading into finals: Nancy Armour; First-round leaders

WorldCom uncovers $3.3 billion more in accounting problems: Matt Moore; NEW YORK -- WorldCom Inc. uncovered another $3.3 billion in bogus accounting, bringing the total to some $7.1 billion.

Furniture mart, retailers may be near agreement: Diana Sahagun; After days of negotiations, a group of local retailers appears to have worked out its concerns with developers of a proposed downtown furniture mart.

BofA Foundation contributes $370,000: The money helped fund a variety of programs and projects in the areas of education, health and human services, arts and culture and community development.

Determined Reno team to play for Legion title: Victoria Sun; The last time a team from Reno won the American Legion State Tournament, most of the players on this year's roster hadn't been born.

MountainView lab receives accreditation: MountainView will be one of more than 6,000 CAP-accredited laboratories nationwide.

Democrats court Hispanics in LV: By Timothy Pratt; While munching on beans wrapped in tortillas, national Democratic leaders made sure they got this message out at their summer meeting held Thursday in Las Vegas: They're after Hispanic candidates and votes, and they're going to get them.

Customer service survey of energy producers ranks Nevada Power parent last: J.D. Power and Associates, Westlake Village, Calif., a marketing information services firm that conducts customer surveys on a number of consumer products, said last week Sierra Pacific Resources Inc., which operates Las Vegas' dominant utility company, finished last in customer satisfaction among 12 utility companies operating in the western United States.

Regulators support new standards on work cards: CARSON CITY -- A new state regulation on issuing work cards for casino employees was unveiled Thursday, and civil rights groups toned down their initial criticism of the measure.

Sir Isaak: Kirk Baird; WEEKEND EDITION: August 11, 2002

There's still time to join camp contributors: Sometimes simple things, such as toasting marshmallows and singing around the campfire and spending time around camp counselors who are positive role models are the memories children will carry with them through the rest of their lives.

Letter: Death penalty not the answer: The persons who committed these atrocious acts need to be put away and never see the light of day. I agree that society should never have to worry that the same person would repeat these acts on another child.

Tenuta shapes act of her own accord: Kirk Baird; WEEKEND EDITION: August 11, 2002

Letter: Vets suffer while others get aid: Veterans, who sacrificed for America, wait months and years for deserved compensation for service-connected problems. Why the long wait? We need the dollars for foreign countries.

Letter: Teen shares loss over tragic death: Sandy was a dear friend of mine, and she illuminated me with her passion for journalism. I considered her then, and even still to this moment, a woman who altered the status quo of journalism and exposed the injustices of society with each striking composition. Even if one did not know her, Sandy's words and demeanor made a crucial impact. She was someone that I aspired to be, and in those moments of doubt and darkness, she comforted me.

Columnist Jeff German: Traffic case raises questions of favoritism: The misdemeanor citation often is handed out following an accident if an officer thinks a motorist's speed was a contributing factor.

Letter: Naval officials treated unfairly: Several top admirals got bounced, not for their own behavior, but for failure to find and punish those who had manhandled the women. After the Anita Hill-Clarence Thomas hearings, however, the Navy found it expedient to use the Tailhook scandal for exercises in self-flagellation. The initial investigation, it was said, had been suppressed. In 1992, a secretary of the Navy was forced out, the inspector general of the Navy was reassigned, and the commander of the Naval Investigative Service and the Navy judge advocate general were forced to retire.

Editorial: Sandy Thompson's name will live on: The name Sandy Thompson stands for a lot of things in the Las Vegas community. Above all it stands for caring. Where children needed help, Sandy was there. Where senior citizens needed help, Sandy was there. Where the whole community needed leadership in its programs to help anyone, Sandy was there. Her name will forever be associated with caring because her memory will live on in Southern Nevada. Sandy Thompson, wife and mother, community leader, vice president/associate editor of the Las Vegas Sun, died Friday morning in a traffic accident while driving to the newspaper.

Letter: Consider sale of water district: We would receive more than enough cash to pay off the outstanding bonds. That would release the taxes now used to service these bonds. This includes the 0.025 percent sales tax, which could be applied to the RTC transportation proposal. (Or heaven forbid actually reduce the very regressive sales tax.)

Letter: Consider effects of marijuana: As a retired musician/entertainer, I've never used any type of drugs myself, but many I worked with have. They are in a world of their own. Their bodies are in a slow-mode situation.

NLV is taking a bite out of crime: WEEKEND EDITION: August 10, 2002

Letter: Our right to sue is the only thing that was capped: But I'm not sure who the Big Bad Wolf really is.

This camp receives stamp of approval from children: WEEKEND EDITION: August 10, 2002

Where I Stand -- Guest columnist: Paul R. Brown: The 'unlivable wage': THE "WORKING POOR." The phrase sounds innocuous. Being poor isn't. Being poor is a toothache with no cash or insurance to see a dentist. Being poor is an old car that breaks down in heavy traffic. Being poor is sweating at a bus stop when it's 110 degrees.

Editorial: Not much promise in a UMC sale: Clark County government officials suggested last week that the government should consider selling University Medical Center to a private, nonprofit group if the county-run hospital keeps losing millions of dollars. Last year UMC lost almost $6 million, bringing to mind the period during the 1990s when the Clark County Commission, which oversees the operations of the hospital, had to pump $17 million into UMC so it could keep running.

Sharp insurance discounts not likely soon: WEEKEND EDITION: August 11, 2002

State insurance division could use more clout: Steve Kanigher and Cy Ryan; WEEKEND EDITION: August 11, 2002

Datebook for August 9, 2002: The Las Vegas Department of Leisure Services presents "Castaway Party," 7 to 10 p.m. today at Garside Pool, 300 S. Torrey Pines Drive. With swimming, snacks for sale, and a "Wilson" contest. Bring your "Wilson." Admission is $1. 229-5072.

Performing arts for August 9, 2002: Outdoor musical

Columnist Jerry Fink: Seven up and running as a popular Strip club: Young people in their 20s looking chic and hip -- and older people looking chic, but at the age where they hope not to break a hip.

Parents need to listen, set boundaries to keep children safe: AP; - Tell your children which homes they can visit when you're not there.

'Honky Tonk Angels' a fun return to basics: Before Garth Brooks and his ilk changed it all with explosive, supercharged performances, country music shows were pretty basic stuff.

The many faces of Cher: Multifaceted diva says current tour is her last: In four decades Cher has moved from campy hippie singer to co-host of a television variety show to 1970s songstress to 80s pop star to Academy Award-winning actress to infomercial host to comeback artist.