Print edition for January 22, 2002

Columnist Kate Maddox: Palms: The suite and lowdown: Kate Maddox; "The place looks incredible," the Palms spy said. "Those kids are going to go wild in there ... it's unreal."

PBA Orleans Casino Open results: 1, Steve Hoskins, Tarpon Springs, Fla., 2,214. 2, Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo., 2,203. 3, Wes Godwin, Monroe, N.C., 2,148. 4, Brian Voss, Atlanta, 2,131. 5, Eric Forkel, Northridge, Calif., 2,125. 6, Rudy Kasimakis, Gouldsboro, Pa., 2,116.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: State full of patriots: For sure, there have been inquiries into my lineage. And there have been some who are certain that my IQ is somewhat limiting. And, still others, seriously consider me a menace to polite and civilized society, especially the way they would like that society to be. But never, I don't think, has my love and dedication to country been called into question.

Timber rivals end hostile takeover bid: The deal, announced Monday, was resisted for years by the Willamette board of directors, led by Chairman William Swindells Jr., grandson of a company co-founder.

School District to sell used furniture: The furniture comes from schools that recently have received new furniture under the School District's furniture replacement program. Part of the 1998 bond issue, the program allows older schools to have their furniture evaluated and replaced if it is found to need it.

Index of leading indicators posts strong gain: The New York-based Conference Board said today that the December gain in its Index of Leading Economic Indicators was the largest since February 1996 and followed a revised rise of 0.8 percent in November and 0.1 percent in October.

Man says video clears friend in brick killing: Kim Smith; A self-proclaimed filmmaker who captured a deadly confrontation on tape two weeks ago says he has a second videotape that proves his friend has been falsely accused of murder. Johnny Ashby, who calls himself Sozay Feddi, told the Sun during an interview at the Clark County Detention Center Monday that he shot two videos the evening Kris Gregory, 21, was beaten to death.

Panel will hear experts on future of death penalty: Erin Neff; Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie wants the public to have its say on the death penalty, but she also is readying her gavel for a committee hearing this week.

Columnist Dean Juipe: So-so Rebels avoid being upstaged: Dean Juipe; It was a moment of almost unprecedented drama at a UNLV basketball game and close to 10,000 fans were riveted on the action.

Officials say state needs transit funds: Southern Nevada is teetering on the brink of transportation collapse and is in desperate need of federal funding, local officials told the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Monday.

Yucca tops lawmakers' agenda: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Perhaps no single issue has dominated the attention of Nevada lawmakers in Congress in the past 20 years more than Yucca Mountain.

Planners facing marathon meeting: Mathis Winkler; Unlike their City Council counterparts, who rarely spend more than an hour in meetings , North Las Vegas planning commissioners frequently debate issues late into the night.

Arizona tracks in fight over tribal slots deal: Scott Thomsen; PHOENIX -- For more than two years, Gov. Jane Hull has been trying to negotiate a new set of agreements for Indian casino operations that would allow tribes to put unused slot machines into play and give the state a cut of the money they bring in.

Letter: Nuclear waste could be target: Now, let's stop and think if Yucca Mountain has all of our atomic waste buried under it, just where do you think they (or anyone else) are going to aim at the next time? I can't imagine that anyone would actually believe that sooner or later another bin Laden-type wouldn't try to do better than the World Trade Center ... and go after Yucca Mountain. And if they manage to get better bombs or whatever they use, somebody had better start thinking just what the death toll would be on that.

City sees rise in tourism in November: The largest business increase came in convention attendance, which rose 67 percent to 18,321. Room nights occupied increased 1.5 percent to 260,000, airline traffic into Laughlin/Bullhead City, Ariz., airport increased 10.5 percent to 8,700, and daily traffic along Highway 163 rose 32 percent to 6,000.

Blood drives set: Friday: 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Boulder Station; 2-7 p.m., Wolfe Elementary School, 4027 Washburn Road; 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Las Vegas Valley Water District, 1001 S. Valley View Blvd.

Seastrand, widow of former NLV mayor, dies at 69: Rosel Ruesch Seastrand, widow of former North Las Vegas Mayor James Seastrand, was remembered Monday for her courage and determination to finish a university education after raising four children.

Poll finds support for state lottery: The Oklahoma Poll surveyed 752 people statewide and found that 67 percent supported a state lottery. Twenty-nine percent expressed opposition and 4 percent said they were undecided.

Vegas slot maker cancels merger, names president: Abdo was named chief financial officer of IGCA in September, and will continue in that role. IGCA did not specify who Abdo replaced; the company listed Barrett Johnson as its president last year. The chief executive of IGCA, Roland Thomas, resigned in October after IGCA called off a merger with Xertain Inc.

Come on down! Priceless 'Price Is Right' celebrates its 30th anniversary Vegas style: Kimberley McGee; For the first time away from the Bob Barker Studio in Hollywood, the legendary game-show host and Rod Roddy welcomed contestants to "The Price is Right" in Las Vegas.

Wary of court, county may delay vote on Reno's cat litter mine: AP; Officials for the Chicago-based Oil-Dri Corp. said they would welcome a delay in the final verdict on their mining project if it meant the Washoe County Commission would base its decision on scientific data rather than emotional criticism from the mine's future neighbors.

Editorial: We've heard that song before: Armey, in an interview with Sun political reporter Erin Neff, said if Nevadans wanted better odds at defeating Yucca Mountain, they should elect Republicans to Congress, not Democrats like Rep. Shelley Berkley. "Let's say next year, John Ensign comes to me, Jim Gibbons comes to me, Lynette Boggs McDonald comes to me and Jon Porter comes to me. I'll listen to them," Armey said. "If Shelley Berkley comes up and says, 'Dick, I really want you to save me from some grief,' I'm not interested."

Letter: Bush needs to explain Yucca science to us: If he accepts Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham's recommendation, the president should be invited to come to Las Vegas for an open forum, with questions and answers, to explain that science. The citizens of Las Vegas deserve no less than a demonstration that someone who makes such a decision, with potentially adverse effects on their welfare, fully understands the "sound science."

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: TV analyst McReynolds keeps one foot in the garage: After 15 years as a NASCAR Winston Cup crew chief, Larry McReynolds had little difficulty making the adjustment last year to his new role as a television analyst.

Internet giant posts first profit: For the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, the world's largest Internet retailer said it earned $5 million, or 1 cent a share, compared with a loss of $545 million, or $1.53 per share, in the year-ago period.

Close to the nest: Since Sept. 11, college students less willing to venture very far: Jennifer Knight; Pushing the kids out of the nest is a little tougher these days. Life seems more fragile, and family seems even more precious since 9-11.

Community briefs for January 22, 2002: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers hikes and walks free of charge, but reservations are required for all programs, which begin at the Visitors Center. To make reservations or for information call 363-1922. Some upcoming programs:

Obituaries for January 22, 2002: Walter L. Barnett, 70, of Las Vegas died Thursday in a local hospital. He was born June 24, 1931, in Oklahoma City. A resident for 15 years, he was a retired television and radio salesman.

Letter: Tax reductions spur economy: As we begin a new year, we now find a little more take-home pay as a result of the tax relief. Same as before, the liberals will be screaming while they spend, spend, spend. It's simple economic theory: the more money one has, the more money that is spent. Hmmmm, let's see -- oh yes -- that means a stimulated economy. Nuff said!

Columnist Susan Snyder: Tons of cash needed to tend to tot: A news report published last week says Kirk Kerkorian's ex-wife is seeking child support payments of $320,000 a month.

Gibbons: Go after Latin American drugs: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Congress this year should spend more money busting up drug markets in South America that finance terrorists, said Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., a member of the House Intelligence Committee.

Alaska GOP rep wary of nuclear traffic: The nuclear energy industry may have to clear yet another hurdle before radioactive waste can be shipped to Nevada.

Kelly records career high as Rebels hold off feisty CSU: Steve Addy; Of the four Mountain West basketball games played Monday, UNLV's 75-68 home victory over Colorado State was least worthy of sealing in a time capsule.

Southern Nevada teams post wins over North foes: Spencer Patterson; The 4A state boys basketball tournament is still a month away, but on Monday Southern Nevadans received a strong indication the trophy will likely be theirs for a 10th straight year.

Defendant on lonely mission for 'truth': Keith Paul; Donell Johnson knows his client has robbed casinos, banks and jewelry stores, gambled the money and spent it freely on homes, women and cars. But Johnson swears his client didn't rob the Treasure Island in July 2000.

Filing doesn't surprise Kmart's LV shoppers: Shoppers at the Kmart store in Las Vegas on Sahara Avenue near Eastern Avenue said today they weren't surprised by today's bankruptcy filing.

Mag-lev train gets new boost: A high-speed magnetic levitation train may be back on track for Las Vegas after a key congressional leader pledged support Monday.

City Hall expansion to begin: Jeffrey Libby; Demolition of a part of Civic Center Plaza is expected to begin by the end of this week, starting a three-year, $39.5 million expansion that will quadruple the size of City Hall.

QB coach hopes to get Thomas back on track: Steve Guiremand; Vince Alcalde said he has had just one brief meeting with UNLV quarterback Jason Thomas. But expect the duo to be spending a lot of time together the rest of this year.

Kmart files for Chap. 11: Alexandra R. Moses; DETROIT -- Kmart Corp., known for its BlueLight Special and discount prices, filed for bankruptcy protection today, becoming the largest retailer ever to seek shelter from creditors under Chapter 11.

More security changes in store at McCarran: Jace Radke; Airport designers have always let traveler comfort and convenience guide their plans, but since safety has moved to the forefront the nation's airports face millions of dollars in renovations if they are to meet new federal security standards.

Ex-labor secretary joins board of MGM MIRAGE: Herman served as the federal government's top labor official from May 1997 until the end of Clinton's administration in January 2001. She was the first black person to serve as labor secretary.

Dreams of Olympic glory vanishing in Vegas: 2002 attendees not rushing to casinos: Las Vegas apparently isn't getting the Winter Olympic Games spinoff it was hoping for.

Goodman takes anti-Yucca drive to D.C.: Diana Sahagun; Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman will be playing to a new audience this week when he pitches his anti-Yucca Mountain message to more than 100 mayors representing cities along proposed transportation routes for 77,000 tons of high-level nuclear waste.

Bank of America quarterly profits rise: CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Bank of America Corp. said today its fourth quarter profits rose 49 percent, but that the recession led to lower earnings for the year.

Rebel recap: UNLV jumped to early lead: the numbers; First half

Tyson goes berserk: Dean Juipe; Reacting belligerently at a press conference today in New York City to announce his April 6 fight in Las Vegas with Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson went into a rage and put the proposed fight into immediate jeopardy.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Las Vegas emerges as a real minor player: The cover page of this week's e-mail from the Women's American Football League (WAFL) proclaims "There Can Be Only One!"

Ethics charge hits Herrera: Adrienne Packer; A Las Vegas resident who helped craft a new billboard ordinance has filed an ethics complaint against Clark County Commissioner Dario Herrera for voting on the new law despite his wife's involvement in the billboard industry.

Peggy Lee dies at 81: Singer was fan favorite in LV: Peggy Lee, a singer-composer whose smoky, insinuating voice in such songs as "Is That All There Is?" and "Fever" made her a jazz and pop legend and whose resilience helped her overcome setbacks such as falling from a Las Vegas stage 15 years ago, died Monday in Los Angeles. She was 81.

News briefs for January 22, 2002: Gov. Kenny Guinn is scheduled to launch a newly named Internet program Wednesday to help the unemployed find jobs.