Stories published July 26, 2002Las Vegas Sun

Sex assault suspect escapes for six hours: Wilber Woodard, 59, was being held without bail this morning in the Clark County jail on sexual assault of a person under the age of 14 and lewdness with a minor charges, along with an escape charge.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Don't dismiss Ruiz without reading this: Dean Juipe; Rarely has a man fought so little in Las Vegas and yet so enraptured bettors.

Reid renews battle to strengthen security at nuclear power plants: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Fresh from his failed fight against the nuclear energy industry over Yucca Mountain, Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., is renewing his battle with nuclear utilities on another front: strengthening plant security.

Ira's Account: Sternberg rides the waves on radio shows: Where: KDWN AM-720

Sharpton: Casino company has not improved: Stephen Curran; The Rev. Al Sharpton said Thursday it's business as usual for MGM MIRAGE when it comes to employing minority contractors.

Murderer sentenced to prison: James Turner Jr. declined to make a statement before District Judge Donald Mosley sentenced him in the July 2001 death of Miranda Johnson, 21.

Political notebook: Court keeps Williams off ballot: Erin Neff; The Nevada Supreme Court sustained a decision Thursday keeping Democrat Michael Williams off the ballot in the Clark County Commission E race.

Bail revocation sought in case of DEA agent: Deputy District Attorney Pam Weckerly told District Judge Joseph Bonaventure that Steven Kinney, 42, had violated a temporary protective order by entering the home of Kinney's estranged wife, Ruth, on June 2.

Court briefs for July 26, 2002: The trial of four young men accused of kidnapping and gang-raping a Las Vegas woman has been postponed until Sept. 16.

Texas casino shuts down; tribe vows fight to reopen: Juan A. Lozano; ALABAMA-COUSHATTA RESERVATION, Texas -- Heeding a federal court order, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe shut down its casino at midnight Thursday.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Saving trauma center: I'm not sure that even the most reasonable law will encourage insurers to react in a reasonable manner. Most doctors have a close personal relationship with their patients and most lawyers have strong feelings about the welfare of their injured clients. Other than profit, I find little motivation for the insurers to be concerned about anything that will benefit patients, doctors or lawyers.

Wetlands trail improved, ready for visitors: The bridge improvement enhances visitor safety while protecting natural and cultural resources in the Las Vegas Wash, which runs east of Las Vegas, Dickinson said.

Senate OKs $73 million in projects for Nevada: The full Senate is expected to vote on the spending bill in September, said Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev.

Editorial: Chief was correct to call upon the FBI: In announcing his own department's Internal Affairs investigation, Mayberry said the case will have the highest priority. "This investigation will be thorough, it will be comprehensive, and we will leave no stone unturned," Mayberry said. We agree with the chief's assessment that this investigation is a top priority and requires an independent review as well. The FBI will gather facts for review by the Department of Justice. This independent review will protect the officers and the department against any lingering questions.

W.Va. operation boosts Penn profits: Vicki Smith; Penn National Gaming Inc., the Wyomissing, Pa.-based parent of racetracks and casinos, posted a 40 percent increase in net income for the second quarter.

Holyfield absent, but Ruiz to fight anyway: Dean Juipe; It has been 31 months since John Ruiz has fought anyone other than Evander Holyfield, which opens the door for more than a little speculation.

Two who lodged complaints could testify at Mack trial: Diana Sahagun; Two men who lodged ethics complaints against Las Vegas Councilman Michael Mack but failed to testify against him could be heard for the first time in Mack's upcoming ethics trial.

Who bassist's death linked to cocaine use: Keith Paul; Legendary rock bassist John Entwistle of The Who died in a Hard Rock hotel room last month from a heart attack caused by using cocaine, the Clark County coroner said Thursday.

Camp extends children's opportunities: A week at camp would be the only real summer vacation for a 10-year-old girl, her mother says.

UNLV student creates cookbook showcasing politicians' recipes: Jennifer Knight; WEEKEND EDITION: July 27, 2002

Wyrick's Tricks: Kirk Baird; WEEKEND EDITION: July 28, 2002

Columnist Susan Snyder: Bidding farewell to a Landmark: "You guys are really going out of business? Oh why? You guys have the best milkshakes," the Marriott employee said to Betty Littley, cashier at Las Vegas' Landmark Pharmacy.

Revered leader in blood donation field retires: WEEKEND EDITION: July 27, 2002

Blue Men still drumming up a lot of excitement: Joe Delaney; "Blue Man Group: Live at Luxor," now in its third year, stands alone as the only production show in a major Strip hotel performing seven days a week and doing 14 shows. The 1,200-seat Luxor Theater was full at the early weekday show we attended. The audience was thoroughly warmed up and involved before the Blue Man Group made its appearance.

On Display for July 26, 2002: Local artist Betty Pardo's paintings, through Aug. 18 at the Las Vegas Art Museum, 9600 W. Sahara Ave.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Epicurean Club continues to build Vegas foundation: The first anniversary of the Epicurean Club was a grand affair, celebrated in style at the Stirling Club Las Vegas. Food and beverage directors from our town's leading hotels and restaurants and other food-involved executives make up the membership.

Animated 'Alibaba' debuts: The film opens today at Brenden Theatres Las Vegas 14, Regal Cinemas Boulder Station and Regal Cinemas Texas Station 18.

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Children's Attorneys Project is worthwhile: Sandy Thompson; Hiltz is the lead attorney for the Children's Attorneys Project (CAP), which represents children in Family Court. The children are the clients. He and the three other CAP attorneys make their clients' wishes known to the judge, social worker and others involved in the cases.

Letter: Double standard applied to killing: With the current bombing in Gaza City where 15 Palestinians were killed and 50 injured, the media was outraged. It's "mere reporting" when an Israeli is killed in a suicide bombing, but it's "underhanded," "murder," "horrible" and a "war crime" when a Palestinian murderer is a coward.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Charmed by devotion to chimes: Sam Micco is a dealer.

Obituaries for July 26, 2002: D. Cameron

Columnist Joe Delaney: Anderson brings gimmick-free show to Orleans: Joe Delaney; Louie Anderson, the Gentle Giant of Comedy, has moved his live onstage chat room comedy format to the warm, friendly, state-of-the-art Orleans Showroom, appearing there through Sunday ... Anderson is conversational, topical, and gentle ... He never raises his voice, resorts to scatology or becomes visceral as so many comedians do today.

Today's Big Time schedule: At Green Valley Main Open Division quarterfinals

NCAA has been nice to Big Time ... so far: Spencer Patterson and Victoria Sun; The NCAA's new summer basketball guidelines have clouded the future of the 8-year-old adidas Big Time Tournament, but event director Larry McKay said he is encouraged by the feedback he has received from college basketball's governing body this week.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Solving medical crisis: The good news is that on the eve of the Nevada Legislature's special session to fix what is a looming crisis, on the day before the Gang of 63 show up in Carson City to cobble together a plan they have tried to hash out with Gov. Kenny Guinn that may or may not work, at the appointed time when they think they have it all figured out, I am going to add my two cents. After all, that's the American way.

Former Super Bowl MVP Williams weds at Sam Boyd: Steve Addy; Add another doozie to Las Vegas' long, strange history of quickie marriages. Also, add one more football game to Southern Nevada's busy sports calendar.

Community briefs for July 26, 2002: Las Vegas officials are inviting residents to beat the heat with a pool party in the northwest on Saturday.

Datebook for July 26, 2002: An Italian Night, which includes a spaghetti-and-meatball dinner and Italian entertainment, is 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. today at Las Vegas Senior Center, 451 E. Bonanza Road. Admission is $5. Call 229-6454.

Arts group revisits works of Verdi: When: 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

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

Columnist Benjamin Grove: Real-life spying nothing like in the movies: Benjamin Grove; Easily lost in the crowd was a quiet, unassuming, middle-aged guy -- small in stature with a receding hairline, but otherwise completely unremarkable in appearance.

'Bones' a powerful book right out of the headlines: Helen Holzer; Title: "The Lovely Bones." x

Letter: Who checks on Las Vegas roads?: Is there a department that is responsible to check back on the companies that dig trenches across the road or dig holes to fix whatever? Does anyone go back later when the "repair" has sagged and now has become a nuisance to every car, every day?

'Singles Ward' opening today: The movie opens today at Regal Cinemas Boulder Station and Regal Cinemas Texas Station 18.

Performing arts for July 26, 2002: Outdoor musical

Columnist Jerry Fink: Can we get footloose at new Cafe Michele?: But can they dance?

Letter: Islam believes in equality for all human beings: I am a Muslim woman from a Muslim country and as far as women's status in Islam is concerned, Islam is the only religion which gave dignity and respect to women as far back as the seventh century, in the backward Arabia. Here I quote a Western writer, Karen Armstrong's words, in her book "A History of God" (Chapter 5 -- Unity: The God of Islam):

Woman who sued Dion's husband pleads not guilty to theft charges: Kim Smith; A California woman who claims singer Celine Dion's husband sexually assaulted her two years ago proclaimed her innocence on unrelated theft charges Thursday.

State faces a taxing dilemma: Erin Neff; WEEKEND EDITION: July 28, 2002

Venerable Jack Jones remains a popular draw: By Jerry Fink; Singer Jack Jones' first professional performance was in 1957 at the defunct Thunderbird Hotel in Las Vegas. He was 19.

International hit to replace 'Storm': "Mamma Mia!" features the music of the Swedish rock group ABBA. The production opened in London in 1999, where it continues to play at the Prince Edward Theatre. The musical also is playing on Broadway and in Toronto and is on tour in the United States with two production companies.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Tagliani restless for another street fight: By Brian Hilderbrand; Alex Tagliani admitted he had trouble sleeping this week as he began mentally preparing for Sunday's Molson Indy Vancouver CART race.

Houdini Museum adds to impressive collection: Kirk Baird; What: Houdini Museum.

Murder trial delayed as beating of prosecution witness is probed: Kim Smith; The murder trial of a man accused of killing his estranged girlfriend's sister came to an abrupt halt when it was revealed a key witness was beaten before he could take the stand.

Editorial: Nevadans shouldn't back down: It also bears noting that there are hurdles that the Energy Department still must overcome before it can get a license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to build a dump. The licensing process will allow Nevada to point out the defects in the federal government's plans to ship and bury 77,000 tons of nuclear waste, a process that could lead to the license being denied. Nevada state government also will try to derail the dump through lawsuits filed in federal court. Both options, while facing considerable odds for success, still should be aggressively pursued.

PCL box: Las Vegas - Memphis: HB--Walrond (Cabrera), Stemle (Ross).

Plan to increase pay for bilingual workers closer to fruition: By Timothy Pratt; In a move that Clark County Manager Thom Reilly called part of a "comprehensive outreach" to Hispanic citizens, a push to obtain extra pay for bilingual county employees drew closer to being resolved this week.

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 10 a.m.

Medical malpractice crisis: Decision is in lawmakers' hands: WEEKEND EDITION: July 28, 2002

Columnist Erin Neff: Special legislative session is mostly about PR: Erin Neff; Every time President George W. Bush speaks to anyone anymore, there's this handy backdrop with a pleasant catch phrase designed to reinforce what he says (or more often in Bush's case, what he's trying to say.)

Letter: Israel need not issue an apology: No, Israel has nothing to apologize for. Israel killed the man who had caused the deaths of hundreds of Israelis. Israel killed the man who was planning a mass bombing to murder hundreds more Israelis. Israel truly has nothing to apologize for and no one to apologize to. In fact, the nations of this planet ought to be getting down on their knees and apologizing to Israel for allowing the terrorists to exist.

Letter: Founders' belief in government, not God, matters: Miller quoted Benjamin Franklin's speech where he requested that the Constitutional Convention start each session with a prayer. But Miller conveniently fails to mention that Franklin's suggestion was turned down by the other delegates and the sessions did not start with a prayer.

Columnist Jeff German: Las Vegas could be in lap of luxury: They're looking to grab a piece of the action from the G-strings of the dancers and put it into city coffers.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Prospects of failure are traumatic: This is one of those legislative conflicts where the victor has been declared before it begins. The physicians have won because the Legislature has been called back for the emergency purpose of passing tort reform. All that's left is to determine whether their victory is marginal or massive.

Editorial: Patients' needs are paramount: The Legislature begins meeting in special session Monday for one purpose -- to relieve the health-care crisis imperiling patients, particularly in Southern Nevada. University Medical Center's trauma center, which closed for 10 days earlier this month, could abruptly close again if the Legislature fails to restore a working balance among patients, doctors, lawyers and insurers.

Casinos hope to cash in on Hong Kong flight: By Richard N. Velotta; Las Vegas will solidify its marketing reach into Southeast Asia next week with the inauguration of nonstop flights linking McCarran International Airport with Hong Kong.

California carrier adds Fresno flights: A spokesman for the Fresno-based airline, which flies twin-engine DC-9 and MD-80 jets, said strong advance bookings have encouraged the company to add flights Fridays and Mondays, beginning Aug. 2. The airline is able to add the flights with its existing fleet.

News briefs for July 26, 2002: The Clark County School Board approved Thursday the $2.8 million purchase of a 42-acre site in Summerlin for the construction of a new high school.

Settlement reached in crash: The two companies that leased the bus to Bruins Transportation agreed to share the cost of claims filed in New Jersey and New York City under a settlement announced Thursday. Bruins and its insurer went out of business.

FBI joins investigation of Henderson arrest: Keith Paul; The FBI has begun a civil rights investigation into how an 84-year-old man sustained broken ribs and other injuries after being arrested by Henderson Police officers Sunday.

New York man involved in hoax reportedly marries twice in Nevada: A Brooklyn man who claimed to be a New York Police officer once trapped in the rubble of Sept. 11 has apparently married twice in Nevada to two women within one week, according to sources and marriage records in Clark and Douglas counties.

Regulators OK private salon for high-rollers: Lisa Snedeker; MGM Grand hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip will be the first in the state to offer wealthy gamblers the chance to place their bets in private.

Earnings briefs for July 26, 2002: Community Bank of Nevada reported a second-quarter profit of $924,000 or $2.10 per share and said year-over-year loans and other assets grew 25 percent to $353 million.

Flights' seats convert to beds: When Singapore Airlines inaugurates nonstop service linking Hong Kong with Las Vegas next week, its business-class passengers will be among the first of the airline's customers to use seats that can fold out into a double bed.

DA calls UMC ad violation of policy: Adrienne Packer; A University Medical Center advertisement advocating tort reform to end the medical malpractice crisis violated Clark County's policy prohibiting the use of taxpayer money to promote one side of a political issue, the District Attorney's office ruled.

Football tickets on sale Saturday: Fans can purchase season and single-game tickets four ways: Log on to the website www.unlvtickets.com, call 739-FANS, visit the UNLV tickets outlet at all Station casinos and Fiesta casinos or the Galleria Mall at Sunset, Boulevard Mall or Meadows Mall or visit the Thomas & Mack Box Office.

Hard Rock settles complaints over sex acts at club: Lisa Snedeker; LAS VEGAS -- The Hard Rock hotel-casino paid a $100,000 fine to state gambling regulators Thursday to settle complaints, including public sex acts taking place in a nightclub.

Centennial's bittersweet spring on the back burner: Spencer Patterson; The 2002 prep baseball season had all the makings of a dream year for Centennial High School. Until the state championship game, that is.

Las Vegas new home sales strong: Jennifer Robison; A real estate research firm unveiled data Thursday that show new home sales in the Las Vegas Valley were down slightly in June, though sales remain on course to break last year's record.

Rebels honored: Two of the conference champion Lady Rebels' sophomore All-MWC singles and doubles player Agnieszka Abram and senior Marianne Bakken -- were repeat honorees with Bakken having earned the award all four years of her career. Joining them in 2002 were freshmen Tracie Chong and MWC Freshman of the Year Gyorgyi Zsiros. Junior All-MWC singles and doubles performer Paulina Janus rounded out the UNLV women's contingent.

Nevada investigating fraud claim against telemarketer: Grace Leong; The Nevada Attorney General's office on Thursday asked a court for permission to immediately subpoena the financial records of FR and ST Inc. doing business as U.S. Health and Discount Services of Las Vegas and five of its managers.

Governor unveils reform package: Gov. Kenny Guinn this morning formally proclaimed a special legislative session and offered a proposal to help curb skyrocketing medical malpractice insurance rates.

11th-hour district redrawing policy criticized: Jeffrey Libby; In Henderson, City Clerk Monica Simmons is waiting, counting the days.

Seed scatterers: Plants restored on disturbed wildlands: Christo Morris slipped a brown paper bag over the gangly branch of a creosote bush, pinched it shut and shook. He gently pulled the bag off and peered inside at the little white balls that fell into the bottom.

Looking for a few good men (who can dunk): Victoria Sun; Marquette coach Tom Crean made a striking impression on Brandon Jenkins the day he visited him at Southeastern High School in Detroit.

Discrimination suits filed by 2 airport workers: Adrienne Packer; Two McCarran International Airport employees filed lawsuits against management this week, claiming they were repeatedly passed over for promotions because of their race and religion.

Nevada, Illinois differ on slot problem: By Liz Benston; The discovery of an obscure flaw involving IGT and Bally slot machines led to two very different reactions by gambling regulators in Nevada and Illinois.

White House could soon join Yucca money fight: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- The White House soon may enter the fray over the Yucca Mountain budget as Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., maneuvers to slash money for the nuclear waste dump project.

Business briefs for July 26, 2002: The company that produces the annual Comdex trade show, historically Las Vegas' largest convention, will have its stock trading suspended Monday.

Nevada's grade schools face fed failure: CARSON CITY -- More than 50 percent of Nevada's elementary schools could be listed next year as failing, under a new federal education act.

Resort height limits proposed: The ordinance would affect areas zoned for casinos, which currently have no limitations.

Transportation agency ads cleared by DA: The Clark County district attorney's office gave a clean bill of health today to the regional transportation agency's advertising campaign, a campaign that critics say unfairly benefits an upcoming ballot question.

Discount carrier seeks alliance: Company Vice President Mark Hill told the Globe that working with a carrier such as Dallas-based Southwest, the largest discount airline, would expand the number of U.S. destinations WestJet could offer to travelers.