Print edition for December 13, 2002

Columnist Benjamin Grove: Give our airborne firefighters safe planes: Benjamin Grove; Wass, 42, loved the adventure of the job, swooping down low and racing off after a drop.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Exhibiting signs of the future: Those who financed famous casinos along the Strip and downtown are credited with creating Las Vegas.

Letter: Master planning does not exist in southwest: You quoted incoming County Commissioner Rory Reid as saying: "The general rule has to be that the master plan prevails ... A lot of people went to a lot of work to plan their communities."

Remembering old Las Vegas: WEEKEND EDITION: Dec. 14, 2002

Editorial: Protect rural heritage that is Blue Diamond: The 300 residents of Blue Diamond had the scare of their lives earlier this year when John Laing Homes made headway with a proposal to add 8,400 houses to their midst. Reason prevailed after some tense town meetings and the proposal was withdrawn. Now Clark County is moving to protect Blue Diamond from such incompatible proposals.

Letter: Truman better than Thurmond: Lott, in his initial apology, expressed haziness as to Truman being a better man for the country than Thurmond. He should check the history books. They show that Truman ended World War II by authorizing the atomic bombing of Japan. Truman sponsored the Marshall Plan and NATO, and he began the successful Cold War against the Soviet Union. What a contrast to Lott's lousy performance as Senate Republican leader. In this post civil rights era, are we suddenly stuck with a racist majority leader of the Senate?

Columnist Erin Neff: Tax issue is a political tightrope for Perkins: Erin Neff; Despite his tall stature, Perkins speaks so quietly that it is usually the petite Barbara Buckley at his side who voices the Democratic Party's concerns in Carson City.

On Display for December 13, 2002: A local quilters group displays small panels to full-size quilts through Sunday at Sunrise Library, 5400 Harris Ave.

Letter: Refreshing to read the truth: Having read Thomas Friedman and Maureen Dowd's columns, and being in complete agreement with them, I find it refreshing to not being the only "radical kook" on the block. The Chicago media would never publish Bush-bashing.

Editorial: Burning a cross is terrorism: Historians trace the world history of cross burning back to northern Europe in the time of the crusades, when they were used as symbols in rallying warriors. In the United States, after the time of the Civil War and well into the 20th century, murderous criminals adopted the burning cross as their symbol. Its fire against the dark of night summoned the hate within themselves and stood as a symbol of violence to come, violence that included burning families out of their homes and merciless beatings and lynchings. The horror these criminals unleashed upon black Americans is well documented and ...

Columnist Jeff German: Regents should be appointed: Instead it avoided a public confrontation and left many unanswered questions about the trio's conduct and its own ability to hold itself accountable to the public.

Obituaries for Dec. 13, 2002: Barnard Bell, 83, of Las Vegas died Dec. 4 in a local care center. He was born March 3, 1919, in California. A resident for 25 years, he was a retired from the Navy and a veteran of World War II and Korea and a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Letter: Homeless have to want to fix life: I came from outside Cleveland, where the homeless have a problem. The temperatures can go below zero and be above 100.

Editorial: Secrecy is the victor; public is the loser: U.S. District Judge John Bates, who was appointed by President Bush, didn't deal with the broader merits of the case, instead narrowly ruling that the General Accounting Office didn't have legal standing to file the lawsuit. That view also is troubling. If the GAO can't compel federal agencies to turn over records, it would weaken Congress' oversight of the executive branch.

Letter: Senator's plan to help doctors misses the mark: I have a better idea. Why don't the doctors, hospitals, etc., clean up their act and police their own professionals, thereby assuring the insurance companies and HMOs that medical costs will not be a burden on anyone.

Editorial: Right path: New vote, new board: The homes are approved for the district of Commissioner Bruce Woodbury. Although citing "overwhelming reasons" for denying the project, he cagily voted for it after realizing he was outnumbered. The board's procedure allows commissioners who vote for a project to call for a reconsideration, traditionally at a meeting a month hence. Also calling for reconsideration was lame-duck commissioner Erin Kenny, a forceful supporter of the development. Kenny asked for it to be heard earlier than normal, on Dec. 18, when she and Commissioner Dario Herrera, who voted with her, will still be on the board.

White Hot: Spencer Patterson; Verdine White was an aspiring 19-year-old classical musician when his brother, Maurice, invited him to join new group Earth, Wind & Fire in 1970.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Rap music's image has matured with time: Spencer Patterson; When Public Enemy arrived on the national music scene in the late 1980s, Chuck D was branded a dangerous individual.

Greyhound, horse racing entrepreneur Funk dies: In 1947, 18-year-old Albert Funk and his father, David, opened the Caliente Race Track in Tijuana, Mexico -- the first combination dog-horse track in North America.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Gentleman turns 80: But the guest of honor, John Kell Houssels, wouldn't leave. That's because a man turns 80 just once, if he is lucky, and Kell was not about to miss a minute of his surprise birthday celebration.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Regents cover for a race-baiter: I'm not sure what is more offensive -- the disgusting use of race as a political prophylactic to cover up an abuse of power, or the abuse of power itself. I know this, though: Both are more egregious than labeling an elected official an idiot in a newspaper column, which is what student Hubert Hensen called Howard for objecting to raising GPA admission standards in the university system.

Guest columnist Jim Gibbons: Sept. 11 attacks aided by disjointed intelligence: Jim Gibbons; Jim Gibbons, a member of Congress from Nevada's 2nd Congressional District, was a member of the Joint Congressional Intelligence Inquiry Committee, which investigated the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The panel released its findings last week.

Datebook on December 13, 2002: The second "Gift of Lights" will run through Jan. 1, 5-9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, 5-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at Sunset Park, 2601 E. Sunset Road. Admission is $10 per car. Partial proceeds benefit Clark County Parks and Recreation Scholarship Fund for Disadvantaged Children.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Volunteerism can't truly be measured: I met Smith last year as he drove from trash bin to trash bin along Interstate 15 collecting aluminum cans to raise money for Overton's senior center. He made a weekly pilgrimage between Overton and Mesquite, looking for cans on both sides of the highway.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: S&R photo tickles former VP: Happily, A&E (Cox cable channel 32) rebroadcasts the previous day's show at 7 p.m.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: An educational visit: And now, even though my advancing age puts me well beyond the qualifications for a return trip to elementary school, I have a new and even better memory to cherish of the third grade. This time it is Mrs. Joyce Schneider's class in Room 33-A at the John C. Vanderburg School. And this one I will not forget, either.

Scene selection -- Geoff Carter: 'Y Tu Mama Tambien' DVD is the mother lode: Idon't have many regrets, but one of my biggest is that I never finished a high school Spanish class. (Or typing; I cut that class, too.)

Columnist Jeff German: Taking a small bite out of crime: But it's not because of a lack of effort.

Family advocates protest Arkansas lottery: Peggy Harris; LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- As legislators ponder where to find millions more dollars for Arkansas' public schools, an advocacy group for children and families spoke Thursday against using lotteries as a source.

Prosecutors to seek Rundle death penalty: Erica D. Johnson; Prosecutors will seek the death penalty in the case of William Rundle, the local man accused of killing his wife with a baseball bat and dumping her body off a remote California highway.

Cop shot six times; suspect is killed: A Metro Police patrol officer was shot six times after a routine traffic stop in eastern Las Vegas Thursday night, and police shot and killed the suspect about an hour later after a massive manhunt.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Lodico and orchestra still giving musical tutorials: They aren't exactly dinosaurs, but to kids brought up on the limited beats of today's rock 'n' roll Carl Lodico and his Big Band might seem prehistoric.

Nevada officials concerned about next NRC chairman: WASHINGTON -- Nevada lawmakers will be anxiously watching the Bush administration as it seeks a replacement for Richard Meserve, who on Thursday resigned his post as Nuclear Regulatory Commission chairman, effective in March.

Audit findings raise questions about tax needs: Erin Neff; Several Republicans believe three audits released Wednesday prove that Nevada needs to gain greater fiscal control over state agencies before taxes are raised to erase an $800 million deficit.

Sports news briefs for December 13, 2002: Joe Glenn was hired as Wyoming's football coach Thursday after leading successful Division I-AA and Division II programs in Montana and Colorado.

Nevada Fishing Report: Anglers who were on hand for last week's trout plants had very good success for trout at all of the stocking locations by fishing with Super Duper lures and PowerBait. This week's plants will take place today at Horsepower Cove, Hemenway Harbor, B-3 Cove and B-5 Cove.

Earnings up for supplier: Net income at the Las Vegas-based company rose from $2.8 million for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended Oct. 31, 2001, to $4.4 million for the fourth quarter of this year.

'La Cage' a little less risque, but still fun: What: "An Evening at La Cage."

Performing Arts for December 13, 2002: Holiday concerts

Bucking bull is euthanized: Tragedy visited the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo on Thursday, when the bucking bull Freeloader fractured his spine in a spill out of the chute and humane euthanasia was chosen to put the animal out of its misery.

Metal Christmas: Ex-Megadeth guitarist touring with orchestra: Spencer Patterson; When: 8 p.m. Saturday.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Epicurean event provides food for thought: Arecord turnout for the first annual Epicurean Club Fund-Raiser of more than 700 supporters assured that the dedicated group of food and beverage executives would soon be choosing their first scholarship students.

Firm refinancing some debt: Firm refinancing some debt

Rebels seek patience at Bradley: Steve Guiremand; What: UNLV at Bradley When: Saturday, 5 p.m. Where: Carver Arena, Peoria Ill. Civic Center Radio: KBAD 920-AM

EOB leaders look for alternatives to election process: Judy Odierna; The five Economic Opportunity Board members chosen in Tuesday's election may not have a chance to run again in the future.

Scientists: Nuke waste containers unsafe: Metal containers designed to store high-level nuclear waste in a Yucca Mountain repository would dissolve, risking radiation release, scientists working for the state of Nevada said Thursday.

School Board honors dad who helped save sports: By Emily Richmond; Las Vegas resident Ted Boyack was honored Thursday by the Clark County School Board for his successful effort to save middle school athletics from the budget chopping block, but the inspiration for his crusade was absent.

Las Vegas' new home prices rising steeply: Jennifer Shubinski; The median new home price in the Las Vegas metropolitan area is expected to top $200,000 by the end of 2003 -- creating an even greater need for affordable housing, market analysts said.

Prince fans expecting a night at the improv: Spencer Patterson; Has Prince saved his best for last?

Lobo fans ready to make trek: Steve Guiremand; New Mexico athletic director Rudy Davalos is promising a whole lot of fans wearing cherry red at the 11th annual Las Vegas Bowl on Christmas Day. And that could translate into a lot of green for the city of Las Vegas, especially downtown.

Cash-strappped RTC slashes six bus routes: The RTC eliminated these bus routes Thursday:

Company elects new directors: Stockholders voted to adjourn the meeting until Dec. 23 to vote on a stock incentive plan.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Title game betting line is puzzling: Dean Juipe; Without a rooting interest in either team, I was pleased to see Miami and Ohio State emerge as the participants in this season's national championship game, the Fiesta Bowl.

Plaza owner narrows loss in third quarter: The company owns the Plaza hotel-casino in downtown Las Vegas and is controlled by downtown casino pioneer Jackie Gaughan.

Wholesale prices fall, consumer confidence increases: Separately, U.S. consumer confidence rose in December for a second straight month, pulling away from a nine-year low and signaling Americans may have enough faith in the economy to keep spending, a University of Michigan survey showed.

Correction: The Sun regrets the error.

Binion's plans to launch Internet casino: By Liz Benston; Downtown landmark Binion's Horseshoe introduced a "play for fun" website this week that is intended to serve as a first step to launching a real-money Internet casino for foreign bettors.

Political notebook: Lawmakers probe contested election: Erin Neff; Taxes and budgets are dominating government discussions statewide, but some lawmakers have been acting more like private eyes than accountants.

Columnist Barb Henderson: Boaters can navigate web: Barb Henderson; Ahoy Mates!

Mayor defends Fremont Street arrests: Judy Odierna; Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman defended Thursday's series of arrests on Fremont Street by city marshals and Metro Police, calling the action part of the city's cleanup efforts in the area.

Board approves blanket apology: Jennifer Knight; In an effort to put the issue to rest, the Board of Regents agreed Thursday to issue a sweeping apology regarding the conduct of three of its members.

Columnist Steve Guiremand: Heisman finally full of excitement: Steve Guiremand; How they voted

'This is Ours': LV Philharmonic instills a sense of local pride during holiday season: Kristin Peterson; When: 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Community briefs for Dec. 13, 2002: The Henderson post offices, 404 Boulder Highway and 1575 Horizon Ridge Parkway, are hosting their annual "Toys For Tots" Christmas gift drives.

Crime spree defendant appears in court: Joseph Antonetti, 27, appeared before Justice of the Peace Karen Bennett-Haron.

NFR Seventh Round Results: NFR average-1, Will Lowe, 590 points on seven head. 2 (tie), Cody Jessee and Jason Jeter, 583. 4, Mark Gomes, 576.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Hollywood Park: 2nd Race -- SLEWCITY LILY -- P. Val atop Aguirre trainee for owner JPF Investments, draws good post for sprint outing, Lily set to Slew in this City. CONSIGNADA -- Chilean-bred draws outside post in five-filly field for allowance run, Solis scales McAnally trainee, yada for 'nada here. Value Play -- DOT 'N IRV

Judge OKs Aladdin utility deal: Adam Goldman; A federal bankruptcy judge has approved a settlement involving the Aladdin resort and the Northwind utility plant that should help clear the way for a future sale of the hotel-casino, court records show.

Man sentenced in DUI that injured woman: Erica D. Johnson; A local choreographer who was critically injured when she was hit head-on by a drunk driver will never again enjoy the quality of life she once had, Kyla Quintero's family members told a District Court judge Thursday.

Blood drives scheduled: Tuesday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Centennial High School; 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Martinez Elementary School, 350 E. Judson Ave., North Las Vegas.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Joint isn't jumping after New Year's: Probably not, but a dearth of announced upcoming concerts has fueled speculation about the future of big-ticket bands at the Hard Rock Hotel's premier concert venue -- make that Las Vegas' premier concert venue, if not the best concert hall west of the Mississippi.

Gift of life: Neighbors bonded as one gives kidney to other: For four years, Barbara Morgan and Regi Fellows have been friendly next-door neighbors in Spring Valley.

Suit against priest delayed: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court on Thursday said a civil lawsuit filed against the Rev. Mark Roberts, a Catholic priest in Henderson, should be delayed until criminal charges of sexual abuse against him are resolved.

Bush plan criticized by environmentalists: The plan, announced Thursday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission, calls for an increase in fuel efficiency from the current 20.7 miles per gallon to 22.2 mpg by the 2007 model year. Agency officials said it is based on what is possible with available technology, without requiring automakers to sacrifice performance or reduce vehicle weight.

News briefs for Dec. 13, 2002: Metro Police asked the public for help in capturing a robbery suspect.

Columnist Adam Candee: Holiday Classic endures changes: Adam Candee; On the surface, most everything about next week's 26th Annual Holiday Prep Classic basketball tournament will look just as it has in past years.

Water meeting may be best hope: With time running out to avert a threatened cutoff of some Colorado River water for Las Vegas and California, officials with water agencies will meet here next week in what some are characterizing as the last, best hope to head off federal action.

Bareback rider's future is literally cast in stone: Cody Jessee is like most bareback riders in that he will want his tombstone to reflect that he was a solid son, a loving husband and father, and he treated rodeo with the reverence it deserved.

Prep results: Palo Verde 9, Western 0 Goals: M. Lucero 3, K. Lambert 2, J. Fields 2, F. Finley, N. Velez; Shutout-A. Johannes

Columnist Sal DeFilippo: Taking a knee twice and punting can work for Texans: Sal DeFilippo; After watching last week's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, it's obvious the expansion Houston Texans need a new offensive strategy.

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 12:30 p.m.

Trauma cases deplete area blood supply: "If blood donors don't respond now," donor recruitment director Jan Dalby said, "Southern Nevada hospitals may not have enough blood to handle anticipated holiday usage."

Station buys land near Indian casino: The vacant parcel, located in an industrial area, was privately owned and wasn't controlled by the United Auburn Indian Community.