Print edition for January 18, 2002

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Inductees treated to grand reception: Members of the Las Vegas Chapter of the Chaine des Rotisseurs, an international gourmet society, lingered longer than usual after the annual holiday induction dinner on Dec. 19 at Bellagio. It was such a mellow event.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Odds are, DeLuca's on target: Kate Maddox; Andy DeLuca: soothsayer?

Ralph Siraco's Santa Anita selections: 1st Race -- Manly Valentine -- Training at Hollypark, draws good rail post for mile opener, trainer O'Neill makes significant rider change to Rollins here. Cat Blade -- Brazilian-bred fits claiming level here, Blanc on one of two Hines-trained entries, needs crafty trip. Value Play -- Inwood

Abraham asked to recuse himself: Abraham is expected to recommend Yucca Mountain, 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas, as the nation's high-level nuclear waste repository.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Addicts take on Las Vegas: The American College of Addictionology and Compulsive Disorders conducted its annual convention in Las Vegas this week.

The Icemen cometh (again): Victoria Sun; If everything falls into place, Las Vegas will have at least one new minor league hockey team for the 2003-04 season.

Juco helped season younger Spoonhour: Steve Addy; When you're a coach's son, you are issued unique baggage that can get awfully heavy.

WCHL vs. IHL: WCHL

Letter: Bush to squirm over 'Enrongate': Keep this image in mind. "Enrongate" is going to be a scandal touching the administration. The commander-in-chief won't be able to hide behind the "war" on this one.

Community news briefs for January 18, 2002: Guided hikes and informative talks are offered by the Lake Mead National Recreation Area free at the park's Alan Bible Visitor Center northeast of Boulder City. Reservations are required for the guided hikes. Call 293-8990. Upcoming programs:

Letter: Passenger lauds benevolence of CAT bus drivers: I have been a resident here for almost four years. I have utilized the CAT service fairly frequently. I have found the service and drivers' attitudes extremely above average.

Sun auction nets nearly $900 for Summer Camp Fund: This year marked the fourth holiday season that the Sun has held an auction to part with the promotional items that are given to the newspaper staff during the year.

Profits improve for three LV bank operators: Three financial organizations operating in Southern Nevada reported significant improvements in their fourth quarter earnings on Wednesday and Thursday.

Letter: Senator stands by Fox News efforts: We received a number of letters from concerned Nevadans with one simple question, "Why can't Fox News run on Cox Cable?" When I asked Cox Cable the same question, I was told that it was a money difference between Cox Cable and Fox News. I specifically told the local Cox representatives and their corporate headquarters that, if their decision not to carry Fox News was based on a fiscal business decision, I would understand. I wanted to make sure that the decision was not based on politics. Some view Fox News as presenting more of a balanced news product because ...

Performance standards are under attack: CARSON CITY -- Performance standards aren't always reliable in evaluating state agencies, says a legislative audit released Thursday.

High court rules in favor of former CCSN administrator: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court today refused to reinstate a gross misdemeanor charge of nepotism against Orlando Sandoval, a former administrator at the Community College of Southern Nevada.

Tiguas unhappy with ruling on casino: Chris Roberts; EL PASO, Texas -- Disappointed and defiant, the Tigua Indians late Thursday night said a federal appeals court ruling supporting the state's efforts to close their casino didn't settle issues of tribal sovereignty.

Holiday closings: UTILITIES: Closed: Nevada Power, Las Vegas Valley Water District, Cox Communications cable TV. Open: Sprint, Southwest Gas.

Nevada flunks with education funding: The state Legislature will have to attend summer school if it is to earn a passing grade in how it funds education.

Politial notebook: Green candidate not in House race as a spoiler: Erin Neff; Lane Startin doesn't see himself as a spoiler, although he admits his candidacy for Congress could take votes from the Democratic incumbent.

Obituaries for January 18, 2002: Eunice Banham, 72, of Las Vegas died Jan. 6 in Las Vegas. She was born Feb. 14, 1929, in England. A resident for 10 years, she was a bar and grill owner.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Despite illness, Fontana still flashes legendary skills: Carl Fontana is one of the world's greatest trombone players, a gentle giant in his profession. Usually, as he waits for his part in a number, he meticulously oils his slide or puts the instrument on a stand and sits expressionless on a stool, looking like a musical Buddha -- and to many he is a god.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Politics, economics and death -- Yucca Mountain legacy: There is no link between promoting the dumping of deadly industrial nuke waste on Nevada and patriotism. The wealthy energy corporations that have used nuclear power to gain additional wealth were licensed by a government that had little foresight. The energy corporations presented no plans for handling the waste and neither did our government. Now both the government and the corporations have determined that, despite all of the related problems, Yucca Mountain is the place.

Columnist Kate Maddox: MGM MIRAGE unloads gallery: Kate Maddox; MGM MIRAGE and PaperBall agreed to the operating terms in December. The gallery and its retail division are overseen by Paperball, and the staff has been increased to 20 employees. Calls to MGM MIRAGE concerning the changes were referred to Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art Marketing Director Matthew Hileman.

Shedding the 'Northtown' image: Mathis Winkler; WEEKEND EDITION

Patriotism plays role in Scouts' cookie sale: Rebecca Malone; WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Jeff German: Power company zaps the little guy: These Las Vegans, many with families to support, are collecting unemployment checks and trying to cope with mounting monthly expenses.

Letter: Republicans started Yucca process rolling: Mr. Ralston needs to dig deeper to find the actual root. The 1982 elections of U.S. Sen. Jacob "Chic" Hecht, R-Nev., and Rep. Barbara Vucanovich, R-Nev., provided the dump's critical mass, with Sen. Paul Laxalt, R-Nev., presiding as high priest.

Letter: Don't question our patriotism: Within less than two weeks I had been offered a great job with one of the city's corporate mainstays. Within three months I was once again a college student at the Community College of Southern Nevada and would soon be accepted at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as an English major. I made new friends who have come to mean the world to me, and I enjoyed the closeness I was able to re-establish with my immediate family. In short, the Silver State became my home.

No Doubting Thomas: WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Susan Snyder: Finding age matters on sales hunt: We hit the road on our two-wheelers last Sunday morning with four friends who love garage sales as much as pedaling around town.

Rosemont casino figure indicted: Mike Robinson; CHICAGO -- A former business associate of Rosemont Mayor Don Stephens was indicted Thursday with an insurance agent on charges of fraudulently pocketing $288,670 in insurance premiums paid by Rosemont.

Red Rock drive could face closures: The scenic drive at the Red Rock Conservation Area could be closed as many as 65 days per year by 2021, a recently released BLM study says.

Sacred songs featured in concert series: The Rev. Dr. Lisle Stewart will sing sacred classics, gospel songs and show tunes Saturday as part of Green Valley Presbyterian Church's third annual concert series.

Datebook: Vladislav Tamarov will sign copies of his book, "Afghanistan: A Russian Soldier's Story," at 2 p.m. Saturday at Borders, 2323 S. Decatur Blvd. Call 258-0999.

Editorial: Take a hard look at fall of Enron: The Justice Department is investigating whether any laws were broken, and Congress itself is launching probes. Enron had close ties to the White House, but so far there has been no evidence that the Bush administration tried to help rescue Enron. The fallout from Enron's failure will spread to the accounting profession, as government investigators look into the cozy relationship that sometimes exists between auditors and the companies that they're supposed to be giving unvarnished advice to. In this case, accounting giant Arthur Andersen was aware of what was going on, yet didn't tell Enron to hit the brakes.

Machinists' union tries organizing LV mechanics: Grace Leong; The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers launched a national recruitment drive last week starting with nearly 5,000-Las Vegas area mechanics, who the union claims are underpaid compared with their unionized counterparts in California.

Drugs found in home of Metro officer trainer: Keith Paul; A Metro Police officer who trains recruits at the department's academy was relieved of duty and faces possible criminal charges after drugs were found in his Henderson home last week.

Revenues up as gamblers stay close to home: State figures show casinos statewide reported adjusted gross proceeds of $676.7 million for 2001, up about 7 percent from the 2000 total of $631.8 million. Adjusted gross proceeds is the casino income left over after gamblers' winnings are paid.

White House delays overhaul: The plan, which would end the Federal Trade Commission's antitrust oversight of those industries and give it responsibility for others, was supposed to be announced at a news conference Thursday. But the news conference was first postponed and then canceled without explanation.

MGM MIRAGE still trying for new casino in Chicago: David Strow; MGM MIRAGE's efforts to place a casino in the heart of metropolitan Chicago may soon be moving forward again.

LV-Colorado Springs flights planned: Allegiant Air, which currently has nonstop round-trip flights between Fresno and McCarran International Airport six days a week, will be the only carrier serving the Colorado Springs market with direct Las Vegas flights.

New bag screening begins: No unusual delays at McCarran: Kim Smith and Emily Richmond; People flying out of the nation's airports, which are implementing new baggage screening techniques today, came prepared to wait.

Stock upgraded by Salomon: Gaming analyst Michael Reitbrock assigned an outperform rating to Park Place, up from neutral. He raised his price target from $9 to $13.

UNLV women open season in Texas: Coached by Karen Dennis in her 10th year at the helm, the Rebels are led by sprinter Michele Davis. She was the Mountain West Conference's Athlete of the Year in 2001.

State files suit against 12 drug manufacturers: CARSON CITY -- Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa has filed suit against 12 major drug manufacturers, accusing them of "reaping tens of millions of dollars in illegal profits" at the expense of national consumers and government agencies.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Some things never change: THE KARINE A. was intercepted in the Red Sea by Israeli commandos early this month. It was loaded with tons of mortar rounds, antitank missiles, C-4 explosives and Katyusha rockets. All of these items were packaged to be dropped in the water and then be retrieved by Palestinian terrorists.

Services set for newspaper exec Melton: Melton, a columnist, editor, publisher and Gannett executive during a journalism career that spanned 55 years, died Jan. 13 at his Reno home following a long heart illness. He was 70.

Parliamentary expert hired to help battle nuke dump: Dove, an expert on congressional procedure, is being paid $3,000 a month to serve as the state's parliamentary expert, the Washington journal Roll Call reported Thursday.

World Fighting Alliance card at Mandalay Bay: Included on the mixed martial arts program which starts at 8 p.m. is a title fight between middleweights Jermaine "Bam Bam" Andre and Ron "Machine Gun" Jhun.

Audit reveals millions in errors at DMV: CARSON CITY -- Lackadaisical accounting at the state Department of Motor Vehicles has led to millions of dollars in errors, which temporarily shortchanged the state and some local governments, a legislative audit says.

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

More study sought on homeless plan: By Timothy Pratt; A five-point plan for reducing homelessness in the Las Vegas Valley will not be put into action by the Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition until more study is done, a task force decided Thursday.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Anderson showcases his comedic versatility: Joe Delaney; Louie Anderson, comedy's gentle giant, starts a fortnight's stand tonight in the Rio's Samba Theatre ... Anderson's comedic style belies his Comedy Store origins ... He tells very funny, true-life anecdotes, the human comedy; hitting home, one-on-one, with the entire audience ... It's not the usual set-up/punch-line format; Anderson is the consummate storyteller.

McDonald's use of funds ethically 'gray': Erin Neff; When Las Vegas City Councilman Michael McDonald used $23,000 of campaign money to pay his attorney the councilman landed squarely in an ethical gray area.

Uptown guy: Indefatigable Holmes sets boundless goals: When: 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday (dark Sunday).

Homeless harassed? Police deny existence of 'cleanup' campaigns: Jeffrey Libby; Connie Jack Taylor spent five days in jail because he threw a cigarette on the ground in a Henderson parking lot.

Suspect in Collins killing faces extradition: Jace Radke; A man accused of slaying an aspiring Las Vegas rap singer 20 months ago is facing extradition after being arrested in Spain two weeks ago.

Workshop to offer a child's view of germs: Kimberley McGee; Where: Lied Discovery Children's Museum, 833 Las Vegas Blvd. North.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Busch to tune up in Phoenix race: Eight days before he is scheduled to compete in his first Budweiser Shootout prior to the Daytona 500, Las Vegas native Kurt Busch will warm up for the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season by driving in a NASCAR Southwest Series race at Phoenix International Raceway.

Analysis: Partisan politics could hurt efforts to halt Yucca: WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Don't let hurdles block Donna's House: Sandy Thompson; After working for more than a year on the project, Family Court officials last fall contracted with Palo Verde Child and Family Services to open a home-like facility for the exchange of children for visitation. It also would provide a safe, appropriate setting for supervised visitation in certain domestic violence and child abuse and neglect cases. Court-ordered supervised visitation between children and their parents can be costly. Under the project, it would be $5 per person per visit.

'The Who's Tommy' true to rock roots: Joe Delaney; "The Who's Tommy," a Jeffrey Finn production being performed at the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts through Sunday, is a first-rate road-company production.

Las Vegas Little Theatre stages 'Beyond Therapy': When: 8 p.m. today and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday (additional performances ar.

Court briefs for January 18, 2002: A 64-year-old murder suspect entered a plea agreement Thursday in a December stabbing death in Laughlin.

Columnist Benjamin Grove: Sununu once fought against dump in New Hampshire: Benjamin Grove; The state is a "clearly inappropriate" place to dump the deadly stuff, the governor said in a United Press International wire story. He pledged to "prepare the strongest possible case to make sure (the state) is not selected."

Review: 'Snow Dogs' is a ruff ride: Geoff Carter; Starring: Cuba Gooding Jr., James Coburn, M. Emmet Walsh and Joanna Bacalso.

Performing Arts for Jan. 18, 2001: Honor bands

Gas attack-threatening bank robber sentenced: Kim Smith; A 30-year-old mentally ill man, who during an attempted robbery threatened to release sarin gas, was sentenced Thursday to three to 11 years in prison.

Water Authority to pump power too: The government agency providing water for your faucet may soon be lighting up your living room.

Porter to decide on topless club tipping: Kim Smith; District Judge Gene Porter will decide Tuesday if employees of the topless club Pussycats are guilty of violating another judge's order not to tip cab drivers.

Donations are music to ears of students: Rebecca Malone; Send a request to the International House of Blues Foundation, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89119. Fax requests to 632-7681. Requests must include student profile and explanation of how instruction will be delivered.

UNLV routed on the road: That was nearly as cold as the shooting performance by the UNLV Lady Rebels in their 75-58 loss to the Wyoming Cowgirls at Arena Auditorium.

Study attacks DOE monitoring of radioactive water: The Department of Energy is failing to monitor ground water contaminated with radiation as a result of underground nuclear experiments, according to a study released Thursday.

Graphic action carries 'Black Hawk Down': Geoff Carter; "Why aren't you shooting?" a soldier demands of another early in "Black Hawk Down," a Ridley Scott film based on Mark Bowden's account of the U.S. military's October 1993 insertion into Somalia. "We're not being shot at yet," his comrade-in-arms replies. The soldier looks at the carnage around him and asks, "How can you tell?"

Nevada's bad grade in gun checks criticized: Brendan Riley; CARSON CITY -- An official of the state Department of Public Safety is questioning a national advocacy group's report that gave Nevada an "F" for its background checks on people buying guns.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: D.C. steals state taxes: Many of the arguments against allowing states with sales taxes to include the Internet have been put forth by people who don't see the possible damage such tax-free sales can do. I received letters that said the sales aren't large enough to hurt any state or local retail business. Other arguments included the need to ban these taxes until the Internet becomes strong enough to compete with the local retailers. None of the anti-tax gang gave much consideration to the taxpayers as people. Of course, there was the usual cry that there should be no new taxes. Sorry folks, taxing ...

Unsolicited packages from Saudi embassy trigger scare in Vegas: AP; A Saudi embassy official in Washington said the packages containing a videotape, a booklet and a book were sent to 5,000 randomly selected schools nationwide to promote tolerance and understanding.

Off-road race set for valley: The City of Henderson is reaching into off-road racing's storied past to stage a SCORE International desert race in the Las Vegas Valley for the first time in more than a decade.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Two favorites and two 'dogs the view here: Dean Juipe; There's an exception to every rule, but this is pretty ironclad: Home teams are always favored in the second round of the National Football League playoffs. Yet they don't always win.

Editorial: They think the price is right: Does anyone else notice a trend here? Instead of behaving like a city government -- sticking to finding ways to improve parks, streets and our quality of life -- the mayor and City Council are in danger of looking like they're partners in a marketing and advertising agency.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Daunting tasks for Guinn, Reid: Guinn put his credibility on the line -- along with other state Republicans -- when he praised George W. Bush during Campaign '00 for declaring he would decide the suitability of Yucca Mountain based on that pleasant-sounding but hollow determinant known as "sound science." Reid similarly invested his credibility last June when he induced Majority Leader Tom Daschle to announce authoritatively, "As long as we're in the majority, it's dead."

Texas-El Paso 93, Nevada 64: AP; Costello, who led UTEP (7-11 overall, 2-5 WAC) with 28 points, hit all four of his 3-pointer and was 6-of-8 from the field. He hit 12-of-15 from the free-throw line.