Print edition for February 22, 2002

Tyson dodges 10 counts in sexual assault cases: Jeff German and Keith Paul; Metro Police sought 10 counts of sexual assault against Mike Tyson accusing the former boxing champion of attacking two women, who both say Tyson overpowered them at his Las Vegas home, according to police reports obtained by the Sun.

Potential for abuse cited in ethics cases: Diana Sahagun; East Coast car dealer John Staluppi Jr. didn't make secret his reasons for launching last summer a massive legal and ethical campaign against Las Vegas Councilman Michael Mack.

Poll cites nuclear waste as top concern: Erin Neff; Clark County voters cite nuclear waste as the most critical issue facing them, according to a new poll tied to the launch of a subscription news service.

Funny family feud fuels 'Tony n' Tina's Wedding' at Rio: "Tony n' Tina's Wedding" is dinner theater at its best -- a smoothly constructed comedy that draws the audience into the soap-opera lives of two New York families at a wedding and reception that teeters on the brink of disaster.

Tyson wants to reapply for license: Mike Tyson, with sexual assault charges no longer hanging over his head, wants to reapply for a Nevada boxing license with the hope of fighting heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis in Las Vegas this year, his attorney said this morning.

Clearer policies sought for hiring of firefighters: Adrienne Packer; Concerned about perceptions that nepotism and outside influences affect the Clark County Fire Department's hiring process, County Manager Thom Reilly has requested that clearer policies be developed.

Undocumented immigrants' scholarship status unclear: By Timothy Pratt; The Millennium Scholarship has provided an opportunity for undocumented immigrants who have been shut out of higher education to get a degree.

Boxer dodges 10 counts in sexual assault cases: Jeff German and Keith Paul; Metro Police sought 10 counts of sexual assault against Mike Tyson accusing the former boxing champion of attacking two women, who both say Tyson overpowered them at his Las Vegas home, according to police reports obtained by the Sun.

Off-court assist: Classmates pitch in to help basketball player: By Emily Richmond; Students on Thursday placed $1, $5 and even $20 bills in brown paper bags, which were being passed around during fifth period at Durango High School in Las Vegas.

Company posts flat earnings: The company reported net income of $2.55 million for the quarter, which was identical to its net income in the year-ago period. The company earned 14 cents per diluted share, also unchanged. This fell 1 cent below analyst expectations for the quarter.

Gaming industry legends applauded by UNLV Hall: David Strow; Steve Wynn, E. Parry Thomas and William "Si" Redd were made the first inductees Thursday into the Nevada Business Hall of Fame.

Internet gambling still faces obstacles: CARSON CITY -- There are still a number of hurdles that must be overcome before Nevada casinos can be allowed to participate in Internet gaming, a state official said Thursday.

Study at center of debate on death penalty: Erin Neff; A controversial death penalty study took center stage Thursday as state lawmakers try to determine whether Nevada's capital punishment system is broken enough to warrant fixing.

Texas casino operator sues key figures: Hollywood Casino Corp. of Dallas, operator of riverboat casinos in Illinois, Mississippi and Louisiana, filed suit in Texas federal court against Jack Pratt, the company's founder, former chief executive and largest shareholder. The lawsuit, alleging violations of securities laws, also named former Hollywood General Counsel William Pratt and shareholder Harold Simmons of Dallas as defendants. The two Pratts control 34 percent of Hollywood's stock, and both are current directors of Hollywood.

Resort launching poker tourney: Doug Dalton, the Bellagio's director of poker operations, said the first and second tournaments will be timed with the famed World Series of Poker at Binion's Horseshoe. Poker tournaments at the World Series begin April 19 and run through May 24; the Bellagio will host its first $3,000 buy-in tournament April 17-19, and a $10,000 buy-in tournament several days after the World Series ends.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Piano virtuoso Ruiz settles in at Blue Note: Joe Delaney; Piano virtuoso Hilton Ruiz, New York City-born, of Puerto Rican descent, has few peers when it comes to combining the excitement of Afro-Caribbean rhythms with true jazz improvisation ... Performing twice a night through Saturday, Ruiz ranks as a Blue Note Las Vegas highlight, one of its strongest weeks in the club's short Las Vegas history.

Columnist Benjamin Grove: Tyson fight would be blow to nation's capital: Benjamin Grove; It was about Mike Tyson.

Prep state tournament schedule, results: Boys Basketball

Community news briefs for February 22, 2002: Tuesday: 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Stratosphere, 2000 S. Las Vegas Blvd.; 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Imperial Palace, 3535 Las Vegas Blvd., South; 7 a.m.-1 p.m., Painters Union, 1701 Whitney Mesa Drive.

Columnist Susan Snyder: A strident view of safety issue: Didn't see it? Dang. Maybe you should read the Sun on weekdays, too.

Neighborhood revival: Downtown residents are organizing and building a sense of community: Diana Sahagun; When Ben Contine and his fiancee were shopping for a house in late 2000, they were looking for something they couldn't find in Las Vegas' newer tract developments.

Editorial: Gamers can do more as battle heats up: Consider the billions that have been spent building The Mirage, Treasure Island, MGM Grand, Luxor, Excalibur, Aladdin, Monte Carlo, Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, Paris, The Venetian, New York-New York and other properties during the time that the Department of Energy was drilling away at Yucca Mountain, planning to turn it into the world's most dangerous site for the next million years. And imagine the almost $9.5 billion in gross gambling revenue earned in Nevada in 2001 and the $61 billion earned nationally. Then consider the industry's contribution to the fight to keep Nevada free of nuclear waste: $250,000 from the Nevada ...

DVD Review: 'Moulin Rouge' DVD gives Luhrmann his due: Geoff Carter; Of the five films nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award, only "Moulin Rouge" is available on DVD. It's not surprising -- it's the only film that was released long before the studios' pre-Oscar blitz, when every Film of Significance is released and pumped full of enough promotional juice to make a star of every man, woman and child in America. If you're wondering what happened to your 15 minutes of fame, call Universal and ask if they're done applying it to Russell Crowe.

Letter: Making mockery of our system of democracy: Today we look back with wonder at how our founding fathers could have allowed only white males who owned property to vote in their democracy. Seventy years from now Americans will look back at us and wonder how we could have allowed wealthy people and corporations to have such a controlling voice in our elections and our government.

Sitcom stardom eludes Irrera: Kirk Baird; Dom Irrera is the sitcom equivalent of a bridesmaid.

Columnist Jeff German: Tyson in for tough round in Nevada: But don't ever accuse the former heavyweight champ of not being a fighter.

'Perfect storm' led to energy crisis: The $922 million question in Southern Nevada's power crisis is whether Nevada Power Co. was the victim of market conditions beyond its control or the culprit behind poor management decisions.

Vets home still nagged by problems: "It's just amazing what we keep running into in this facility," said Dan O'Brien, the manager of the state Public Works Board, which oversees completion of the project.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Getting the real story: The same negative evaluation can't be given the men and women reporting from war zones and where terrorists roam freely. At the time of this writing we have been told that Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl is dead in Pakistan. In addition to Pearl, there are eight other Western media people who have died in and around Afghanistan since Sept. 11, 2001.

Back from the brink: These days, a Popsicle is one of life's great pleasures for Jerry Lewis.

Judge denies restraining order against Storey County brothel: AP; By SANDRA CHEREB

Editorial: Plan does more harm than good: Despite his assurances, Ridge, the former governor of Pennsylvania, knows better. Even if all the spent nuclear fuel is taken away from the nation's 103 commercial reactors, it doesn't mean that a risk has been eliminated. The nuclear reactors stay right where they are, and those reactors still are in jeopardy from a terrorist attack. And don't forget, it was the nuclear reactors -- not nuclear waste -- that were a threat to the public when there were catastrophic meltdowns at Chernobyl in the former Soviet Union and at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania.

Columnist Susan Snyder: This sting is no walk in the park: Larry Loder watched the morning traffic on East Charleston Boulevard whiz past for several seconds before gingerly placing one foot on the roadway.

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Teen wants more of a say in his life: Sandy Thompson; Marty (not his real name) wrote an essay declaring his independence from his mother and to end the "constant fighting" with her and his brother. Based on an American's right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, he says he should have more control over matters that affect him -- particularly about with whom he lives.

Dancers given chance to shine at showcase: Kimberley McGee; It's a decades-old tradition that spotlights originality in a city famed for its leggy showgirls and elaborate production shows.

Obituaries for February 22, 2002: Carl D. Alpers, 69, of Las Vegas died Thursday in Las Vegas. He was born Aug. 8, 1932, in Chicago. A resident for five years, he was a retired machinist and a Korean War Navy veteran.

Letter: No support for sports complex: Mayor Goodman, with ample justification, cites the limited dollar involvement of Big Casino Inc. in worthwhile civic projects. Then he ruins the message by pointing his finger at their unwillingness to support the crown jewel of his edifice complex -- a big-time sports palace.

Highlights of fiscal 2001 gross and net profits report on Nevada casinos: AP; - STATEWIDE: $554.4 million net, or 3.1 percent of $18.1 billion gross.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Pearl is a jewel in MGM Grand's crown: As rare as its namesake, Pearl Chinese restaurant at MGM Grand is a sublime, authentic take on classic Cantonese cuisine. "Make no mistake, Pearl is not fusion, merged or blended Chinese fare," Tobias F. Mattstedt, MGM Grand vice president of food & beverage, said.

Film History, By George: WEEKEND EDITION

Sowing seeds of improved communities: Kimberley McGee; In the early 1900s government-funded cooperative education was used by farmers throughout the nation to better cultivate their crops.

Review: 'Dragonfly' proves a lifeless effort: Geoff Carter; "Dragonfly" is, at best, a half-baked descendent of "The Sixth Sense." We can almost see dead people, but not quite; it's almost as if they're embarrassed to be seen in this lifeless hulk. Say what you will about the dead, but they know one of their own.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Female racer Robinson looking forward to LV: Because her team -- BAM Racing -- did not come together in earnest until the first week of January, Robinson said the Las Vegas race will be a better gauge of where the operation stands as it attempts a 24-race schedule this season.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Stern warning: Guitarist won't be at Grammys: If the name of legendary jazz guitarist Mike Stern is called out as a winner during the 44th annual Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles Wednesday night, someone will have to collect the trophy for him.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Goodman has lost credibility: And his comments about the gaming industry, vis a vis Yucca Mountain, reinforce that what Park Place's Tom Gallagher implied last week could be the ultimate result: Goodman could become irrelevant.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: President takes a big Yucca-size bite out of Silver State: After the president said he was going to allow the energy moguls to use and abuse us, the Republican Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert told the press he would move rapidly to override Nevada Gov. Kenny Guinn's expected veto of Bush's action. He also told the New York Times, "After two decades of study, we know this remote location beneath the Nevada desert is a safe, secure and viable site."

Exhibits focus on games and sky: Kimberley McGee; From dreamy photos of the sky, to dreams won on the ground, two exhibits at the West Las Vegas Arts Center celebrate Black History Month with images of art and history.

Datebook: Tim McLoughlin will read from and sign copies of his book "Heart of the Old Country" at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Barnes & Noble, 567 N. Stephanie St. in Henderson. Call 434-1607.

Chaparral girls slip by GV to claim soccer title: Victoria Sun; The Chaparral girls soccer team got a little extra motivation to win the 4A Southern State Championship from an unlikely source -- the Chaparral boys team.

Gaels reclaim state basketball title: Spencer Patterson; RENO -- After battling into overtime in 2000 and squandering a 14-point lead last year, Bishop Gorman's boys basketball team left nothing to chance in their third-straight state championship appearance.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Waste, charges and lies: GOV. KENNY GUINN joined Sens. Harry Reid and John Ensign in the White House to relay their fears of nuke waste being dumped on the Silver State. The governor, always a gentleman, said he wanted the opportunity to express his feelings "face-to-face."

More money asked for fire academy: Jennifer Knight; The contractor that built the Fire Science Academy in Carlin wants an additional $1 million to correct construction defects at the facility, slated to open May 1.

Letter: Bush initiates act of terrorism against U.S.: Bush declared a war on terrorism and is now speculating to advance possible military action against Iraq, a known supplier and supporter of terrorist activities worldwide.

Review: 'Queen' bows to vampire kitsch: Geoff Carter; What can we glean from Michael Rymer's version of Anne Rice's "Queen of the Damned" doesn't compare to Neil Jordan's "Interview with a Vampire," based on the same material. Rymer has reportedly called Jordan's vampire movie a "Merchant-Ivory" film, which I guess he believes is shorthand for "butt-numbing costume drama," and calls his film a "Trainspotting"-style venture, meaning it's a triumph of style and storytelling.

Utah to consider resolution on Yucca: The resolution was introduced Feb. 4, before Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham and President Bush approved the site 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas for the burial of 77,000 tons of commercial spent fuel and defense wastes.

Retail power company eyes deal with Le Reve: Malcolm Hall; San Diego-based Sempra Energy, which developed a partnership with the Venetian on a $70 million heating and cooling plant, is attempting to strike similar deals with other resort properties, including Steve Wynn's Le Reve.

Softening market persuades Rouse to hold Hughes Center: Jennifer Robison; The Rouse Co., the Las Vegas Valley's largest developer, has quietly taken its most prominent local commercial development off the market due to a softening office sector.

Woman denies plot to kill her husband: Keith Paul; A woman whose brother allegedly killed her husband for insurance money denies that she had anything to do with her husband's death, her attorney said.

Actors Rep pays homage to Rodgers and Hart: For more than 20 years songwriters Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart created richly romantic and sometimes cynical songs about life and love.

Editorial: Care for foster kids until age 21: Recognizing the obvious problem, the 2001 Legislature authorized an extra $1 fee for all documents filed with county recorders, with the proceeds dedicated to providing services to foster children between 18 and 21. The money is accumulating and planning for how to spend it is under way at the state Division of Child and Family Services. Ideas include using the money to match federal Medicaid funds, thereby offering at least health insurance until the child is 21. Other plans revolve around subsidizing housing, food and education costs.

Letter: We should get a piece of the pie: As the majority of the waste actually comes from private-sector, energy-producing nuclear power plants, I feel compelled to ask these power plant owners for a cut of their earnings.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Selling your body for fun and profit: Dean Juipe; Sports fans have grown accustomed to advertising and advertisements intruding on their games.

Editorial: Campaign of lies would be damaging: When he visited Las Vegas on Wednesday, Rumsfeld assured reporters that spreading falsehoods wouldn't be part of a U.S. information campaign. "I don't lie. People who work for me don't lie. And that's just a fact," he said. We hope that Rumsfeld sticks by his pledge, which should include stopping any disinformation program before it gets off the ground. Planting disinformation with foreign nations to counter their propaganda -- including our allies as was proposed -- ultimately would undermine our credibility with the very nations whose views we are trying to change. Besides, if we're disseminating lies, who is going ...

Fight between 'friendly rivals' is in the cards: Dean Juipe; If Paulie Ayala and Bones Adams were baseball players, a trading card company would have them pose with big smiles and crossed bats, just as yesteryear sluggers such as Joe Adcock and Ted Kluszewski once were asked to do. The term "Friendly Rivals" would be superimposed above their images, as if it weren't already obvious.

UNLV golf 10 strokes back in Hawaii tourney: At 7-under for the tourney, San Diego State leads second-place Auburn by seven shots and the Rebels by 10.

Court briefs for February 22, 2002: Eight criminal charges have been filed against a Durango High School special education teacher's aide as the result of an alleged relationship with a 16-year-old student.

Ralph Siraco's Santa Anita selections: 1st Race -- Fuse Quick -- Eddie D. climbs aboard Gallagher trainee, draws outside box for sprint opener, Fuse burns Quick enough for victory. Para Alquilar -- Draws alongside top pick, Solis atop Sadler trainee for owner Granja Vista Del Rio Stable, Para Aquil-winner? Value Play -- Templar Knight

Company ordered to stop securities sales: The state Securities Division issued a cease-and-desist order Thursday forbidding Allstate Finance and agents James McCarn, Ray Bliese, Richard Coyer, Carolyn Loizzo and Laura Walls from selling securities in the state.

Pedestrian hit by bus, dies: Larry Vincent Kubis was standing on the east side of Las Vegas Boulevard, about 775 feet south of Riviera Boulevard, with a group of pedestrians waiting to cross the street about 10:15 p.m., Metro Police said.

Homebound Rebels can't afford to ignore hot SDSU: Steve Addy; WHAT: San Diego State (16-10, 5-6 MWC) at UNLV (15-9, 6-5)

New reports indicate recession may be over: The National Association for Business Economics said 60 percent of the economists on its forecasting panel believe the economy has turned the corner and is growing again. Only two of the 37 forecasters said they believe the downturn will linger into the spring.

UNLV on track to land NCAA Tournament bid: Steve Guiremand; The UNLV women's basketball team hasn't made an NCAA Tournament appearance since 1994 when it lost to Montana, 77-67, in the first round.

Centennial girls to meet Douglas for state title: Spencer Patterson; Tonight's 4A boys championship

News briefs for February 22, 2002: Arson is to blame for a fire in a vacant house early Thursday morning, Las Vegas Fire Department officials said.

Political notebook: Unavailable? No, just out of pocket: Erin Neff; A new catch phrase is becoming hip among unreachable politicians.

Fired Metro Police officer returns to work: Keith Paul; The first Metro Police officer fired under the department's truthfulness policy returned to work this week as part of a deal that also protects the department from a potential lawsuit.

WMS looks to rebuild in wake of slot woes: CARSON CITY -- A major slot machine manufacturer told Nevada gaming regulators Thursday it is "rebuilding the company" after the discovery that its machines were easy targets for some slot cheaters.

Warmer weather springs early: It feels like spring in Las Vegas, even though the calendar says it's late winter.

Architect OK'd for state college: Mathis Winkler; Nevada Public Works Board members Thursday approved an architectural firm for the proposed state college in Henderson, but not before chiding the Board of Regents over the way the firm was selected.

Rebels play Creighton in own tournament: On Saturday, the 4-5 Rebels will play Creighton at 3 p.m. followed by a game against Michigan State (0-0) at 7 p.m. The round-robin tournament concludes Sunday with UNLV hosting UC Santa Barbara (7-5) at 3 p.m.

Cheyenne to play Gorman for boys crown: Spencer Patterson; RENO -- Twelve months ago, Bishop Gorman's boys basketball team took the floor at Nevada-Reno's Lawlor Events Center as an overwhelming favorite to capture the 2001 state championship.

Other sky divers blamed in death of videographer: Kim Smith; The family of a famous sky-diving videographer blames a Las Vegas company and another sky diver for his death, the family's attorney said in opening statements Thursday in the jury trial of a lawsuit.

Prep title game coming to LV: Spencer Patterson; RENO -- Nevada's large-school high school football championship will return to Sam Boyd Stadium next season, and discussions are under way about the possiblility of bringing the state basketball tournament to the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion, Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association Director Jerry Hughes said Thursday.