Print edition for January 24, 2002

Scientific panel calls Yucca study 'weak to moderate': An independent scientific panel released a report on the Energy Department's work at the proposed Yucca Mountain repository, calling it "weak to moderate."

Clarification sought on campaign funds: CARSON CITY -- State election officials received a request for interpretation into whether a Las Vegas councilman was legally allowed to use campaign funds to pay for his defense of ethics and criminal charges.

Sun Boys Hoops Top 10: Teams ranked jointly by the Sun and Sparks Tribune. Records through Tuesday's games.

Moapa justice of the peace killed in fire at her home: Kim Smith; Longtime Moapa Justice of the Peace Marley Robinson was killed early this morning in a fire at her home.

Scientific panel rips Yucca study: An independent scientific panel released a report on the Energy Department's work at the proposed Yucca Mountain repository, calling it "weak to moderate."

Analysis: Herrera's run could bring tension to board: Adrienne Packer; Barbs from Republicans were expected during Clark County Commissioner Dario Herrera's run for Congress, but the young Democrat has also encountered obstacles from unexpected sources: his colleagues.

Rate cut approved: The decrease combines requests from Dec. 26 and Tuesday and will lower the typical residential customer's winter monthly bill using 79 therms of gas by more than 18 percent from $67.79 to $55.34.

Stratosphere punished for violating Harrah's patent: Chris Jones; U.S. District Judge Lloyd George in Las Vegas on Wednesday issued an injunction that prohibits Stratosphere Corp. and other gaming operators from infringing on a marketing patent held by Harrah's Entertainment Inc., Harrah's said.

Columnist Paul Del Giudice: Upland game bird season to close: Upland game bird hunters have a week to get in their final hunts because quail and chukar hunting seasons come to a close in Nevada on Jan. 31, according to the Nevada Division of Wildlife.

Las Vegas' fire safety rating at risk: Diana Sahagun; A national insurance group says unless the Las Vegas Fire Department improves over the next year, it will downgrade the city's rating which, in turn, could have a potential effect on insurance premiums across the city.

UMC Quick Cares at issue in government enterprise debate: CARSON CITY -- University Medical Center Quick Cares in Las Vegas were the primary target during a meeting Wednesday of a legislative study subcommittee studying competition between government and private enterprise.

Auto sales helped Nevada post gain in November: The state Department of Taxation reported today taxable sales rose to $2.5 billion, spurred mostly by auto sales driven by low and no-interest financing.

Analyst reiterates 'strong buy': In a research note, Curtis cited five factors: better-than-expected room rate pricing trends in Las Vegas; the reduction of MGM MIRAGE's work force by 3,000 "full-time equivalents," which Curtis said will save the company up to $100 million per year; a better-than-expected rebound in high-end business from Asia; the possibility MGM MIRAGE will be awarded a gaming license in the Chinese city of Macau, which could boost earnings by at least $20 million; and the fact that 11 percent of MGM MIRAGE's stock has been sold short, which could trigger a rush by short sellers to cover their positions by ...

Goodman files Yucca petition in Washington: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham's recommendation to build a high-level nuclear waste site at Yucca Mountain will cause "immediate and irreparable harm" to Las Vegas, the city charged in a court documents filed in federal court today.

NATPE organizers see show attendance slide: But what happens when the network moguls don't show up?

Shuffle Master sees key shifts in management: David Strow; A Las Vegas gaming supply company announced a big shift in its upper management Wednesday, as the company's chairman and a member of its board of directors tendered their resignations.

Judge blocks foreclosure of Saxton building: An involuntary Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition to liquidate Saxton's assets was filed against the Las Vegas developer on Dec. 20 by two other creditors, including Wells Fargo Bank, who say they are owed $712,560 in unsecured claims.

IGT earnings surpass analyst expectations: International Game Technology of Reno, the No. 1 slot machine manufacturer, today reported higher earnings for the first quarter of its fiscal year, surpassing analyst expectations.

Gambling bill fails to pass: Legislation was introduced in Taiwan last year that would legalize gambling in Penghu, an island chain located between Taiwan and mainland China. Officials from Venetian owner Las Vegas Sands Inc. and MGM MIRAGE visited Penghu to examine the possibility of building casinos there, and Las Vegas Sands owner Sheldon Adelson discussed it about a year ago with Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian.

Dangerous liaison: Daring bridge project begins near dam: By Launce Rake; Workers this week dangled from ropes and clung to narrow ledges of Black Canyon, shouting distance from Hoover Dam.

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Borders is still real news: Ruthe Deskin; Myram Borders, who recently retired as chief of the Las Vegas News Bureau, represents the best in a career that began with her graduation from the University of Nevada, Reno, school of journalism, and included the position of Bureau Chief from United Press for many years.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Top Rank, HBO unhappy with Mayweather: Dean Juipe; It was a scenario Top Rank had arranged and expected Floyd Mayweather Jr. to follow.

Community briefs for January 24, 2002: North Las Vegas Municipal Judge Warren VanLandschoot treated about 50 colleagues from around the state to a dinner at the city's jail on Thursday.

Mobile home: Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art displays Calder's rare pieces: Kimberley McGee; But the expansive and colorful mobiles Alexander Calder first began building in the 1930s are studies of the mind of an artist who is considered by critics to be the greatest sculptor of the 20th century.

Team has high hopes for 'Only in Las Vegas': That's what Chris Harrison of StarCatcher Productions has in mind. His Las Vegas-based company, which operates from Studio 702 on South Valley View Boulevard, plans to produce a series of 26 television shows hosted by John Daly and Brenda Epperson called "Only in Las Vegas."

Probation, weekends in jail handed down in double fatal: Kim Smith; Karen Morris, accused of causing a fatal accident while talking on a cell phone, said she was grateful for the chance to apologize.

Tyson tries to explain his actions: Mike Tyson stopped short of apologizing for his actions in Tuesday's press conference melee in New York that was to announce his fight with heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis at the MGM Grand on April 6, but at least he tried to explain them.

Prep girls basketball standings: CLASS 4A

LV could lose top fire safety rating; premiums at risk: Diana Sahagun; A national insurance group says unless the Las Vegas Fire Department improves over the next year, it will downgrade the city's rating which, in turn, could have a potential effect on insurance premiums across the city.

58 percent using Millennium Scholarship: Jennifer Knight; About 58 percent of the high school students who qualify for Millennium Scholarships are taking advantage of the program, according to figures released Wednesday.

Barry Bonds headlines Big League Challenge: The contest will also feature defending champion Rafael Palmeiro, Luis Gonzalez, Jim Thome, Todd Helton, Shawn Green and Richie Sexson.

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

Obituaries for January 24, 2002: Abel Barcelon, 75, of Las Vegas died Sunday in a local hospital. He was born June 23, 1926, in Las Animas, Colo. A resident for 52 years, he was a retired insurance agent, World War II Army veteran and a member of the Moose.

Prep wrestling standings: CLASS 4A

Prep boys basketball standings: CLASS 4A

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Gorman grad Carter joins CCSN roster: Spencer Patterson; Jason Carter, the first-team center on last year's Sun all-state squad, is back in Las Vegas.

Mack clears ethics hurdle: Diana Sahagun; Las Vegas Councilman Michael Mack has one last hurdle ahead of him on the road to ethical victory as a lawsuit alleging he tried to broker a deal between two rival car dealers appears to be settled.

North Las Vegas planning briefs: North Las Vegas planning commissioners on Thursday unanimously approved changes to the city's comprehensive plan that will allow developers to build a master-planned community on 1,900 acres at the northern end of the city.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Top Fuel driver Russell in top form at Arizona tests: You can count NHRA Top Fueler Darrell Russell among the drivers who wish the 2002 NHRA Powerade Drag Racing Series were starting this weekend.

News briefs for January 24, 2002: The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada has scheduled another public hearing to accept comments on proposed Nevada Power Co. rate increases.

Editorial: State should deny Tyson a license: It may be justifiably said that Las Vegas is the world's greatest venue for professional boxing. A role of the athletic commission is to ensure that no harm comes to that reputation. One way to view Tuesday's press conference in New York is as a preview of what will happen April 6 in Las Vegas if the fight is allowed. This strong warning sign should alone be enough to withhold Nevada's seal of approval in the form of a boxing license.

Planners reject bid by investors: Mathis Winkler; Investors in a mortgage company's fraudulent scheme will have to take their case to the North Las Vegas City Council and possibly to the courts, after planning commissioners early today refused to let them complete a half-built mobile home park.

Man, 22, guilty in deadly game: Kim Smith; A 22-year-old Las Vegas man faces a 20-year to life sentence after being convicted Wednesday of second-degree murder with use of a deadly weapon in the October 2000 shooting of his girlfriend.

Herrera's run could impede county business: Adrienne Packer; Barbs from Republicans were expected during Clark County Commissioner Dario Herrera's run for Congress, but the young Democrat has also encountered obstacles from unexpected sources: his colleagues.

Sun Girls Hoops Top 10: Teams ranked jointly by the Sun and Sparks Tribune. Records through Tuesday's games.

NFL injury report: PHILADELPHIA AT ST. LOUIS -- Eagles: QUESTIONABLE: OLB Ike Reese (foot); CB Troy Vincent (groin). PROBABLE: TE Chad Lewis (shoulder); TE Jeff Thomason (calf). Rams: QUESTIONABLE: FS Richard Coady (ankle); DT Jeff Zgonina (elbow). PROBABLE: DB Willie Gary (ankle); WR Torry Holt (wrist); T Ryan Tucker (ankle); QB Kurt Warner (ribs).

Ralph Siraco's Santa Anita selections: 1st Race -- Midnite Meeting -- Hustling Espinoza on Sadler trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from inner post for sprint opener, Meeting in winners circle? Shesmyhucklebery -- Has had many chances, draws well for maiden-claimer, connections of Spawr/Pincay are only reason to stick with her. Value Play -- Slew Summer

Wranglers trying to drum up interest for 2003: Victoria Sun; Even though the Las Vegas Thunder folded in 1999, its booster club stuck together.

Editorial: A change of heart on Yucca Mountain?: Conversions do occur in politics, but Nevadans would see this one as miraculous if Young, who previously has been a strong supporter of sending nuclear waste to Nevada, followed through on his musings and joined our state in its fight against Yucca Mountain. It would be like President Bush admitting that his tax cut was poorly thought out and should be postponed, or if Sen. Ted Kennedy suddenly advocated smaller government.

Letter: Bush will keep us headed deeper into recession: Many pundits, however, only talk about the financial impact on the banks that hold the worthless paper that once represented the backbone of Enron's wheeling and dealing. They also talk about the business community's faith in one of the "Big Five," Arthur Anderson and what that will do to other companies that use this prestigious firm to certify their balance sheet and accounting systems. But what about the impact on every small investor who holds a piece of paper (stock) that once represented his or her future security?

Goodman talking to mayors in D.C.: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Mayor Oscar Goodman at the White House today missed his chance to bend the ear of President Bush on the topic of nuclear waste, but he is cornering fellow mayors.

County to join probe of AeroTech fire: Keith Paul; Clark County officials will conduct a "routine" inquiry of the fire department's investigation into the fatal blaze at a model rocket engine plant. The investigation has been at the center of allegations of document shredding and a coverup.

New county TV policy issued: Adrienne Packer; A draft policy governing the use of Clark County's government access channel was released Wednesday, four months after critics claimed elected officials who appeared on the station during election season gained unfair advantages.

Internet travel agency expands: Buying Classic Custom Vacations, which had about $300 million in sales last year, will expand Expedia's wholesale business and deepen its offerings in locations such as Hawaii and Mexico, Expedia Chief Financial Officer Gregory Stanger said.

Letter: Stop cruelty by boycotting circus: He was quoted as saying, "You do not get an 8,000-pound elephant to do something against its will."

Ex-Michigan coach builds Aztecs into feared opponent: Steve Addy; Two months shy of his 57th birthday, San Diego State coach Steve Fisher still has a florid complexion and squinty smile, but no one calls him apple-cheeked anymore.

Southern Nevada pioneer, activist Wilcox dies at 98: The eldest of 12 children, Jesma Wilcox always put the young ones first.

Court order on census won't affect Nevada: By Timothy Pratt; The Commerce Department must release figures that could compensate for either an under-count or over-count in the 2000 Census, a federal court ruled this week.

Boy in serious condition after attack by Great Danes: Jace Radke and Emily Richmond; Eleven-year-old Michael Foley has always been an animal lover, his mother says.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Teach Ire Mike a lesson: Having seen the replay of the Mike Tyson-Lennox Lewis ruckus about a dozen times, I'm still confused whether it was supposed to be a boxing news conference or a bonus episode of "Oz," HBO's critically acclaimed prison drama.

PBA Orleans Open results: Round of Eight

Letter: No voting problems here?: It's a good thing we live in the good old U.S. of A., where this can't happen. Except maybe in Florida.

Mosley discounts loss: Dean Juipe; In an effort to emphasize the insignificance of his loss to Vernon Forrest when both were amateurs, Shane Mosley has turned to Mike Tyson.

Las Vegas area fishing report: Anglers having success with trout at Lake Mead: Anglers continue to enjoy fair fishing for rainbow trout in Lake Mead following the Nevada Division of Wildlife's weekly plants at Horsepower Cove, Hemenway Harbor, South Saddle Cove and B-5 (Pumphouse) Cove.

State politicians fear consequences: Erin Neff; Nevada lawmakers happily accepted campaign contributions from Enron a year ago, but are now hoping they don't get burned by the company's meltdown.

Soldier cited for meritorious service: Dick Benoit; Army Sgt. 1st Class Mark W. Grumbach, Rancho High School class of 1981, has been decorated with the Meritorious Service Medal, awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces who distinguish themselves by either outstanding achievement or meritorious service in noncombat situations.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Straight talk on dump: So, in keeping with this long-standing tradition, I will respectfully disagree with Sherman Frederick's treatise on Yucca Mountain that he wrote this past Sunday in which he decries the idea of Nevadans using the "Chicken Little" approach to the nuclear waste issue.

Officer caught in gunfight; no injuries: No one was hurt during the exchange of gunfire, and police arrested a 16-year-old in connection with the shootout involving two groups.

Fed chairman optimistic: "There have been signs recently that some of the forces that have been restraining the economy over the past year are starting to diminish and that activity is beginning to firm," Greenspan told the Senate Budget Committee.

Perkins seeks anti-Yucca support: Erin Neff; Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins is hoping to chip away support for Yucca Mountain one state at a time.

Prep girls soccer standings: CLASS 4A

Nevada pension plans suffer $22 million loss: Erin Neff; Nevada's Public Employees Retirement System lost $22 million when Enron stock shares plummeted from about $70 to under 70 cents in a year.

Three indicted in shooting of 8-year-old girl: Kim Smith; Three men will be arraigned Jan. 31 in connection with a shooting that left an 8-year-old bystander in critical condition.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Taking a look at Park Place's entertainment history: Joe Delaney; Our Park Place analysis really begins in Atlantic City ... Las Vegas hotel veterans and acts that made Las Vegas popular did the same for Atlantic City ... The late Billy Weinberger Sr., president and a major factor in the growth of Caesars Palace, was the guiding light for Bally's Park Place in its formative years before returning to Las Vegas and joining The Mirage.