Print edition for February 4, 2002

Editorial: New court program may end long waits: A new program will offer people involved in car accident lawsuits an option to cut those years to months. Anyone seeking less than $40,000 in damages qualifies for the Short Jury Trial program, which begins next month. Those seeking more than $40,000 can also qualify if both sides agree to participate in the program. There are some rules: Each side must split payment of a $1,500 fee for the extra cost of the quick jury trial, lawyers for each side must present their case within three hours once the trial starts, and both parties must agree that the jury's decision ...

Letter: Schools expose own students to vulturous firms: These students are ignorant to the fact of the difficulty to pay back credit cards with such a high rate. Especially due to the fact that most students do not have a job, and will be in debt before they start working.

Letter: So many nations despise America: This is nothing new, just business as usual. Here we are trying to sell democracy to the whole world, and our leading corporations are showing them a good example of the famous "ugly American." It's no wonder we are despised by many countries. We may think the world is in wonder of our military might, but they also know of our moral and ethical decline. The latter will eventually do us in.

Trends for February 4, 2002: Lisa Ferguson; Ah, the Olympic Games: the artistry. The pageantry. The athleticism. The patriotism.

Rebels' women's team posts another shutout: The Lady Rebels (3-0) opened the day by sweeping three doubles matches for one team point. Paulina Janus and Aga Abram won at the top spot, Marianne Bakken and Gyorgyi Zsiros teamed up for a victory at No. 2 and Tracie Chong and Leentjie Oosthuizen posted an 8-1 win on Court Three.

Women's tennis box: Weber State-UNLV: Results of Sunday's women's tennis match at the Fertitta Tennis Complex:

UNLV defeats Cal for second win of season: Donnie Watts (1-0) earned the win for the Rebels in relief. He pitched 1 2/3 innings and gave up only one run. Starter David Seccombe pitched 4 2/3 innings, but needed one more out to qualify for the win. He gave up four runs on seven hits with four strikeouts.

Editorial: Hoping to change the subject: Nevada Power executives say that would cut the proposed 25 percent increase in half because it would be spread out over twice as long a time. But of course that's sophistry. The utility isn't scaling back its request -- consumers will just get dinged by Nevada Power over a longer period of time. The net amount collected by Nevada Power over six years actually would be $1.207 billion -- $922 million plus $138 million for the first three years' interest plus $147 million for the second three years' interest. The $147 million is of course not a factor if the ...

Books score despite underdog winning Super Bowl: What do those guys in Vegas know about posting lines when a 14-point dog wins by three?

Abraham to announce plan on environmental cleanup: Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham is expected to announce today an accelerated approach to environmental cleanup that is expected to save time and money at former nuclear weapons facilities such as the Nevada Test Site.

Immunization schedule for February 4, 2002: DISTRICT HEALTH CENTER: 625 Shadow Lane, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Las Vegas man fined: The SEC sued World Homes, Chief Executive Merle Ferguson and Susan Donohue, secretary and treasurer of the company, in U.S. District Court in June. The SEC accused World Homes and Ferguson of issuing "several false and misleading press releases" from January 2000 through February 2001 and engaging in improper stock sales.

Growth numbers tallied: Bob Cooper, economic development manager for the city, said 40 companies have relocated of expanded to Henderson in the past three years, bringing in 1,000 jobs.

Slain man suspected of starting shootout: Keith Paul; A 21-year-old man killed in a gun battle inside a bar was suspected of starting the gang-related shootout that also wounded six other people early Saturday, Metro Police said.

Local charities had a merrier Christmas than expected: Las Vegas charities feared that the generosity locals showed to New York and Washington after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks would hurt the annual Christmas giving, which accounts for almost a third of their annual budgets.

House committee kills gambling legislation: The nine members of the committee present for the four-hour hearing voted unanimously to keep the bills in committee. One would have allowed one stand-alone casino each in Waikiki and Kapolei. Another bill would have allowed a casino-resort in Kapolei.

New Regent Hobbs has lots of homework: Jennifer Knight; Talk about a learning curve. The surprise appointment of Laura Lopez Hobbs to the university's Board of Regents caught her so off guard, she didn't have time to study.

Support shown to broaden laws for licenses: By Timothy Pratt; A move to help undocumented immigrants get their Nevada driver's licenses is gaining momentum in Clark County.

Rebel recap: Foul trouble did not stop UNLV: the numbers; First half

Cleaning up: Inspectors to look for code violations: Mathis Winkler; Bracing himself against icy winds in his city-issued golf shirt, North Las Vegas code enforcement inspector Dale Stefanisko set out last week to check up on trash-laden yards and illegally parked cars.

Birth announcements for February 4, 2002: Jan. 24:

Auschwitz survivor honored: Kohn's induction into the honor group of the 51-year-old, Philadelphia-based organization was conducted at the Lowden Veterans Center and Museum and was attended by state and regional officials of the Chapel of Four Chaplains.

Box score: DePaul-UNLV: Percentages: FG .406, FT .682, 3P .364.

Illinois officials focus on gaming: John Kelly; CHICAGO -- Gambling interests dumped at least $300,000 into state election campaigns during the second half of last year, with most going to key state legislators and little reaching the six candidates for governor.

Burton cabbie referrals vanish: The heated debate over whether cabbies should receive kickbacks from local businesses has resulted in more fallout.

Columnist Dean Juipe: This game's not what it used to be: Dean Juipe; Ten years ago they could have played this game at any time of the day and drawn 18,000 spectators to the Thomas & Mack Center.

Senator proposes bidding for licenses: Brandon Loomis; CHICAGO -- State Sen. Patrick O'Malley, a Republican candidate for governor, said Illinois should require competitive bidding for casino licenses.

Vegas company buys gaming software firm: IGCA, a Las Vegas-based slot manufacturer, will issue 49 percent of its outstanding stock to GET shareholders in the acquisition. IGCA currently has 10.5 million outstanding shares.

Winner took his best shot at record: Victoria Sun; He wanted to break a record.

Coalition to continue hospital negotiations: By Emily Richmond; A coalition of firefighters, police officers, Culinary members, teachers and construction workers expects to return to the bargaining table Tuesday to try to hammer out deals for hospitalization coverage at five area hospitals.

MASH plan faces a gentler council: Diana Sahagun; When MASH Village this week proposes a contentious land exchange that was shot down a year ago, agency officials will appear before a less hostile Las Vegas City Council that in recent months has pushed homeless issues to the forefront.

Funding expected for Lake Mead Hospital: Adrienne Packer; After a yearlong battle over Clark County funds designated to assist hospitals that treat low-income patients, county commissioners are expected Tuesday to give a portion to Lake Mead Hospital and Medical Center in North Las Vegas.

Rebels use balanced scoring attack to down DePaul: Steve Addy; WHAT: UNLV (11-7, 3-3) at New Mexico (13-7, 3-3)

R&R wins Nevada casino resort account: David Strow; R&R Partners Inc. has been named the agency of record for Park Place Entertainment Corp.'s eight Nevada properties, securing yet another huge gaming and tourism contract for the powerful Las Vegas advertising and public relations firm.

More money sought to meet Yucca deadline: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration is asking Congress for a $152 million increase for Yucca Mountain to push the site forward as the nation's nuclear waste dump.

DA to review 'voluminous' Tyson files: Prosecutors in the district attorney's office this week expect to pore over a "voluminous" police file recommending sexual assault charges against boxer Mike Tyson.

Cox seeking $110,000 each from alleged cable pirates: Grace Leong; Las Vegas cable television operator Cox Communications wants a federal judge to impose more than $1 million in civil penalties against seven of 39 Las Vegas Valley residents accused of cable theft to drive home its message that cable piracy is a serious crime.

Awards ceremony planned Friday: The awards ceremony will recognize small, medium and large companies, nonprofit and government agencies as well as their CEOs and Human Resource professionals for quality and innovative leadership within their organizations.

Russo talking like candidate, but he hasn't decided yet: Erin Neff; Despite his television ads and harsh words for Gov. Kenny Guinn, past candidate Aaron Russo says he hasn't decided whether to run for governor again.

Obituaries for February 4, 2002: Alice Bell Andrews, 71, of Las Vegas died Friday in a local hospice. A resident for 33 years, she was born Sept. 22, 1930, in Cleburne, Texas.

Letter: 'Notch Babies' are still waiting: JOSEPH CONTE

Las Vegas Marathon results: 1. Abebe Yimir, Las Vegas, 2 hours, 18 minutes, 48 seconds.

New Nevada ad campaign targeting lovers of the outdoors: The Nevada Commission on Tourism will appeal to outdoor adventure seekers in a new series of advertisements that showcase the state's wild back country.

For most, goal was simply the finish line: Victoria Sun; As runners completed the half-marathon in conjunction with the 36th Las Vegas Marathon, encouraging shouts could be heard all around Sunday morning.

All eyes will be on looser massage ordinance: Jeffrey Libby; Massage therapists may soon be able to go to Henderson homes or hotels to give rubdowns to members of the opposite sex, a consumer convenience currently illegal throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

Venetian accused of thwarting discrimination investigation: The NERC said former Venetian employee Kenneth Stuart filed a complaint alleging harassment and racial discrimination under Title 7 of the U.S. Civil Rights Act on March 23.

Fluoride could lead to corrosion at Yucca, report says: The Energy Department has discovered levels of fluoride in water and rock at the proposed Yucca Mountain repository that could cause early corrosion of containers and titanium shields designed to protect buried nuclear waste.

Apex industrial area might get its water: The Las Vegas Valley Water District and executives of a long-planned industrial park northeast of the Las Vegas Valley have tentatively agreed to a settlement that would give the area water for development.

News briefs for February 4, 2002: After a tip to the Secret Witness hotline, Metro Police about noon on Friday found a gray Lincoln Continental suspected in a fatal hit-and-run accident with a bicyclist.

Schools in line for state funds: CARSON CITY -- The Clark County School District, which may have a budget shortfall of $12 million to $15 million next fiscal year, could get a boost in funding Tuesday.

Columnist Ralph Siraco: Came Home, Mizzen Mast race to Calif. wins: Ralph Siraco; Santa Anita hosted a pair of weekend races that proved entertaining if not conclusive.

Foothill's Ford could end up taking junior college route: Steve Guiremand; John Ford says he is still verbally committed to UNLV. But don't expect the talented 6-foot-2, 220-pound senior running back from Foothill High in Henderson to sign a letter of intent with John Robinson's Rebels when the national signing period begins on Wednesday.