Print edition for July 24, 2002

State: Possibility of Japanese beetle infestation is low: Stephen Curran; Inspectors from the Nevada Department of Agriculture uncovered a stowaway on a Federal Express cargo plane during a routine search of the aircraft last week.

All ages included in final plans for Anthem project: Jeffrey Libby; Henderson's largest master-planned community on Tuesday gained city approval for full build-out of its 5,100-acre project.

Flash-flood watch through 9 tonight: A watch means that flash floods are possible but not eminent, as thunderstorms are expected to roll in from the south through the afternoon.

Police seeking information on drive-by shooting: Shots were fired from one car to another on Lake Mead Boulevard and Rancho Drive outside Texas Station. One man was dead when the shooting ended, officers said.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Thursday's races at Del Mar: Thursday's card

Man facing life in prison bails himself out of sentence: Kim Smith; A Las Vegas man facing two life sentences for getting his 13-year-old stepdaughter pregnant made bail before his sentencing Tuesday and may have left Las Vegas.

Vegas employees honored: The winners are Ann Clements, a clerk with the Opportunity Village Thrift Store in downtown Las Vegas; Anna Riecken, a warehouse worker with Mar/Maxx Distributors; Robert Currier, an assistant management analyst with the Las Vegas Valley Water District and James Haertel, an office assistant at University Medical Center.

PCL box: Las Vegas - Memphis: HBP--Kellner (by Rodriguez).

Five arrested in Adelphia stock fraud investigation: Devlin Barrett; NEW YORK -- The founder of cable television giant Adelphia Communications Corp. was arrested today along with two of his sons, accused of looting the now-bankrupt company and using it as their "personal piggy bank."

Bay area chef to open eatery at Caesars Palace: The restaurant, to be called Bradley Ogden, will be situated near the 4,000-seat Colosseum that Caesars Palace is building to house Celine Dion's upcoming run at the property.

'Drug czar' blasts proponents of pot legalization initiative: Proponents of a state ballot initiative to legalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana are throwing up a smoke screen when they say the measure is meant to help law enforcement, the White House drug czar said today.

No refunds to be issued for lake watercraft users: Instead next spring, when personal watercrafts are expected to be back on the lake, each 2002 annual vessel pass will be good also for 2003 at no additional cost, according to the Lake Mead rangers.

Hootie frontman Rucker to play benefit: The outdoor concert raises money for the construction of the Lili Claire Foundation / University of Nevada, Las Vegas Life Skills Center, which will provide life skills and job training to people with neurogenetic disorders such as Williams or Down's syndrome when it is completed in January.

Perkins, Raggio optimistic about session: Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins and state Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio both expressed optimism that the Legislature will pass comprehensive medical malpractice reforms within a five-day period next week.

Separate ways: UNLV Interfaith Center is breaking up: Stacy J. Willis; The Rev. Bartholomew Hutcherson calls the end "inevitable."

Justice Dept. hit with suit alleging racism: Robert Torres, who is Mexican-American, claims that during his tenure in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Las Vegas, Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard Zlotnick made repeated racist remarks against Torres and other Hispanics, according to the suit.

Army spends big on recruits: Recruitment is a big business for the U.S. Army, as the government spends more than $15,000 per recruit to attract the best and brightest.

State to announce new Yucca offensive: Cy Ryan and Mary Manning; CARSON CITY -- Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa today was expected to announce a renewed legal offensive against a proposed nuclear waste repository 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas

Jurors look at pillow, sheet in murder case: Kim Smith; A single pillow and a blue Martha Stewart queen-sized flat sheet could mean the difference between life and death for a Las Vegas man on trial this week for a 5-year-old slaying.

Arraignment set for man accused of seducing teen: Kim Smith; A Las Vegas man accused of seducing and kidnapping his best friend's 14-year-old daughter will be arraigned next month on 13 felony counts in connection with the case.

Wade right in: Spencer Patterson; He was generally the No. 4 option on his own Cheyenne High squad last season, but Lorenzo Wade won't be playing second fiddle to many players in Nevada next winter.

Analysts raise earnings estimates: "Harrah's strong organic growth, coupled with the recent pullback in the company's stock, make (the company) a compelling value," said David Anders, a gaming industry analyst with Merrill Lynch.

Community briefs for July 24, 2002: The Henderson Citizens for Neighborhood Libraries will hold its campaign kickoff from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday at Green Valley Ranch's BullShrimp Restaurant, to support efforts to educate the residents of Henderson about the need for more libraries in their community and to encourage them to vote for the 4-cent tax override on Nov. 5.

UNLV coaches getting a recruiting eyeful: Victoria Sun; UNLV basketball coaches have been busy evaluating players and making themselves visible to key recruits this week at the adidas Big Time Tournament that concludes Friday night.

Celebrities donate bras for charity: Only in Las Vegas can you bid on celebrity bras.

MGM MIRAGE earnings soar; beat expectations: By Liz Benston; Las Vegas Strip casino resort operator MGM MIRAGE today reported record earnings for the second quarter that were helped by a better-than-expected recovery from the effects of Sept. 11 and a particularly strong performance by its Bellagio hotel-casino.

Search still on for three thought dead at Lake Mead: A search for three men who are missing and presumed drowned in Lake Mead continued this morning, with park rangers using special monitors to scan deep water for evidence.

Firm faces union drive: The Teamsters began picketing last week at Golden State's office at 2055 Las Vegas Blvd. as part of an organizing drive targeting several hundred Golden State workers in Los Angeles, El Paso, Texas, Tucson, Ariz., and Tijuana, Mexico.

Analyst upgrades company: Shares of MGM MIRAGE have declined nearly 25 percent from April 25, primarily due to broader market declines but also because of the potential impact of higher gaming taxes in Illinois and Indiana, where the company has no exposure, Lerner said.

LV financial adviser pleads guilty: His previous plea of not guilty was withdrawn.

Players receive an education during tourney: Spencer Patterson and Victoria Sun; They came to Las Vegas to play basketball, but more than 4,000 players in this week's adidas Big Time Tournament also may leave with an education of sorts.

Analyst initiates coverage: Thomas Weisel gaming analyst Jake Fuller has a "buy" rating on Las Vegas-based Boyd Gaming and a 12-month price target of $20 per share. Glendale, Calif.-based casino operator Pinnacle Entertainment has an "attractive" rating.

Hospital ad under scrutiny: Adrienne Packer; The Clark County district attorney's office is investigating a University Medical Center advertisement advocating the position held by state physicians that tort reform will resolve the medical malpractice crisis.

Foes allege irregularities in Nebraska gambling petition: Kevin O'Hanlon; LINCOLN, Neb. -- Calling the petition drive to legalize video slot gambling "insidious" and a threat to the state, a grass-roots group has filed a lawsuit challenging the petition's legality.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Prep tourney has faults, but so what?: Dean Juipe; It's easy to have a skeptical perspective when it comes to these mammoth prep basketball tournaments, such as the Big Time that's running in Las Vegas this week.

Agency widens workplace probes: By Timothy Pratt; The agency charged with enforcing state laws against discrimination in the workplace is putting more teeth in its work by using sanctions it has overlooked for decades, an official said.

Profits up for Aztar Hard Rock, Ameristar: The Phoenix company's results were hurt by higher taxes in New Jersey.

Overworked surgeons say trauma unit may close: Orthopedic surgeons say they are hopeful the University Medical Center trauma unit can remain open at least through Aug. 26 but warn that it may have to close again if they don't get the help they are seeking from state lawmakers.

Today's Big Time schedule: At Green Valley Main 9 a.m. - Rhode Island Breakers (R.I.) vs. Alabama Ice (Ala.)

Balsamic vinegar an expensive taste: Max Jacobson; We know that the true stuff, a dark, syrupy liquid that some people do not even identify as a vinegar, comes from Italy's Emilia-Romagna province, usually from the city of Modena, or sometimes from Reggio-Emilia. We also know that it has been around for at least 400 years, according to historical record. A 100-milliliter (a little over three ounce) bottle rated as age 75 years, can sell for close to $200 in this country, making it more expensive than most any wine.

Obituaries for July 24, 2002: Mabel Irene Anderson, 95, of Henderson died Tuesday in a local hospital. She was born March 28, 1907, in Minneapolis. A recent resident of Las Vegas, she was a retired schoolteacher.

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Roy's opens second restaurant in Hawaiian splendor: Elizabeth Foyt; The pre-opening dinner, done in classical Hawaiian fashion, reflecting the company's island heritage, also included a traditional Hawaiian blessing done ceremonially by a Kuma (wise teacher) to bring good fortune to the restaurant on East Flamingo, near Paradise Road.

She Loves Lucy: Love of classic TV draws artist Koast to 'I Love Lucy': For Linda Koast, an anxious feeling was brewing within. It was telling her something in her life was about to change.

Savvy wine buys: '98 Iron Horse Wedding Cuvee Sparkling Wine: Available at International Wine, $26.99.

Editorial: California a leader on emissions issue: Whenever there's a push to update the CAFE standards, Congress is bullied by the auto industry into making only weak changes. Because gas mileages remain low, emissions remain high, contributing to global warming and health-threatening air pollution. Consequently, it's time for states to take their own action. California showed the way Monday, when Gov. Gray Davis signed a bill requiring automobiles and light trucks sold in his state to meet vastly more strict emission standards after 2009. The auto industry, claiming that only the federal government can set fuel standards, says it will sue. It should use its resources instead ...

UNLV Hall of Fame: 5 individuals, 1 team picked for induction: The ceremony will take place at the MGM Grand Conference Center, with a 6 p.m. reception to be followed by dinner and the awards presentation. For further information or for tickets, call 895-4411.

51s lose in Memphis: The Redbirds' first five hitters in the lineup went 7-for-15 for the game, garnering five RBIs and scoring all six Memphis runs.

Editorial: Whatever happened to dignity?: The reason for the evasiveness and low profile can be traced to the White House not wanting newspaper photos or television images of the event appearing in Nevada. The White House wasn't about to create a permanent reminder for Nevadans of the man who lied to this state's residents when he said during the 2000 presidential campaign that a Yucca Mountain decision would be based on science and not on politics. Photos of Bush, as he signed into law the legislation sending 77,000 tons of nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain, would have been political poison in Nevada. An additional reason ...

MWC honors six UNLV golfers: Earning the honor for their achievements in the classroom and on the golf course were a trio of players from both the UNLV men's and women's teams. Lady Rebels Erin Borcherts, Christine Hentzner and Tina Mabanta made the 21-person women's team, and Brandon Askew, J .C. Deacon and Ryan Moore were recognized on the men's side.

Columnist Peter Benton: Nationwide to replace Buy.Com on PGA ladder: Peter Benton; One of the country's largest insurance and financial service organizations and the PGA Tour have entered into a five-year partnership.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Michael Andretti ready to take risk as owner: Michael Andretti admitted he is taking a gamble by buying the majority interest in Team Green, which fields cars for Andretti, Las Vegan Paul Tracy and Dario Franchitti in the CART series.

Letter: Eating meat can be a deadly habit: The recall was occasioned by a high incidence of infection with a deadly strain of E. coli bacteria. The bacteria are introduced by fecal contamination of the carcasses and can cause bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps and, in some cases, kidney failure and death.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Maddened by a dearth of carts: On three different occasions, with my shopping list in hand, I was able to purchase only a few things. There were no shopping carts inside or outside the store, and those small baskets are hardly a substitute for a cart when a shopping list includes bulky items.

Columnist Victoria Sun: Moore's run continues at Public Links: Victoria Sun; Following the NCAA Men's Golf Championships, Ryan Moore planned on a relaxing summer at home in Puyallup, Wash.

Former Niner Mike Cofer moving up in NASCAR ranks: Former NFL placekicker Mike Cofer will attempt to qualify for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race Aug. 2 at Indianapolis Raceway Park for Las Vegas-based Quality Motorsports.

Letter: Let voters decide who is qualified: Jared Shafer, the current public administrator, said none of the 12 candidates for this office will "have a clue what is going on." All the candidates must then learn from scratch. Being 18, as I am, may be of great benefit.

Letter: As a society we must fund public schools: We all need to think about this, because this is the Pandora's box the Supreme Court has opened with its voucher ruling. As soon as the public or government denies a voucher to a school because of its religious curriculum, we will have started down a road the Constitution's writers never wanted us to travel.