Print edition for June 7, 2002

Yucca fight in Senate looking grim: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Nevada Sens. Harry Reid and John Ensign are not throwing in the towel in their effort in the Senate to kill making Yucca Mountain a nuclear waste repository, despite signs this week that at least 51 senators intend to vote for the project.

Hotels want out of health plan: Downtown Las Vegas hotels, saying they're strapped for cash, are proposing to pullout of the Culinary Union's health plan and switch employees to company medical insurance to save millions of dollars.

Bomb scare prompts high school evacuation: School police officials could not be reached, but officials of Community College of Southern Nevada, which has a tech center on the campus, confirmed that a bomb scare after 8 a.m. prompted the evacuation. No threat was found.

Principal pair: Gundersons have contributed greatly to education in valley: By Emily Richmond; This is a love story that began more than 30 years ago in a Clark County School District principal's office, when basketball star Barry met cheerleader June.

A-bomb memorabilia on display here before California auction: Morris "Dick" Jeppson spent an hour and a half scrambling over a five-ton bomb, the only one aboard the B-29 that day.

Letter: Racial profiling in Washington: If the Washington gang wants to investigate noncitizens coming into this country, then do it to every nationality from every country.

Nevada Power request to issue bonds granted: The state Public Utilities Commission today granted Nevada Power Co. permission to issue $300 million in secured long-term bonds.

Cher makes return to MGM Grand: Tickets -- $39.75, $75.25 and $150.25 -- go on sale Saturday at the arena box office, and can also be purchased at Las Vegas Tickermaster locations. Wristband distribution begins at 10 p.m. today, concluding at 9 a.m. Saturday. A random number will then be drawn at 9:30 a.m. to determine placement in line. A wristband does not guarantee that a ticket can be purchased and there is a limit of eight tickets per person.

Metro to add homeland security position: Keith Paul; Metro Police will add a newly created homeland security position to "help connect the dots" of information gathered so that police are not left scrambling to respond in the event of a terrorist attack, Sheriff Jerry Keller told the Sun Thursday.

Musical Arts Society tackles opera and Broadway tunes: What: "Bizet to Broadway."

Letter: Trauma center must be saved: The important thing is to try to keep this trauma center going, so the citizens will have swift and proper treatment in case of emergency.

More doctors ask for special legislative session on insurance: CARSON CITY -- A society that represents about 210 anesthesiologists in Nevada is calling on Gov. Kenny Guinn to convene a special session of the Legislature to cure the medical malpractice insurance crisis that has struck Southern Nevada.

Review: Atmospheric 'The Others' visits familiar territory: Geoff Carter; Late in Norton Juster's wonderful book "The Phantom Tollbooth," the protagonist asks a giant, horrible bird if he's a demon. The bird replies with something to the effect of "I try to be, but really I'm more of a nuisance."

State to freeze Medicaid payments: CARSON CITY -- Faced with a $27 million deficit next fiscal year, Nevada's Medicaid program is freezing or reducing rates to those who provide services to the medically needy.

Rejection of atomic license plate criticized: Troy Wade, chairman of the foundation, said he believes the decision this week was "nothing less than politics clouding common sense."

Review: Audiences shouldn't keep this 'Company': Geoff Carter; 'Bad Company'

Letter: Government spending hitting new heights: Does anybody still believe that Republicans are the party of smaller government? Smaller than what? Maybe a teensy-weensy bit smaller than the Democrats. But, at the national level, the two parties are Tweedledum and Tweedledee.

Vegas sports on TV/Radio: Friday

Davis' inspiration is Holland's opus: Spencer Patterson; What: Dave Holland Quintet.

Voters will be asked to dig deep: Adrienne Packer; A recent poll showing a high percentage of voters support increased taxes to fund homeless services and improve roads should encourage proponents of advisory questions expected to appear on November's ballot.

Silverton UFO sightings in the eyes of the beholders: John Darger and his family came all the way from Salt Lake City to catch a glimpse of a UFO predicted to appear in Las Vegas on Thursday.

Travel agents question airline practices: The travel agency industry, pummelled by airlines that quit paying ticket commissions, will challenge airline practices before a government commission next week.

Local players tackle revised 'Godpsell': What: "Godspell."

Critics: Nevada Power-Sierra Pacific merger not working: When Nevada Power Co. of Las Vegas merged into Sierra Pacific Resources of Reno in July 1999, the $2.5 billion marriage was viewed as a way to keep the local utility under the control of a Nevada company.

Bellagio expansion plan may be revived: By Liz Benston; MGM MIRAGE is considering a $275 million expansion of its Bellagio resort on the Las Vegas Strip, a company spokesman said today.

Sahara Avenue project OK'd: The council also approved his application for a special use permit for a 40,000-square-foot casino that would be attached to the east side of the property.

Report: Vegas airline loan guarantee likely to be rejected: TheDeal.com financial news Internet site reported today that National is expected to be the third airline in two weeks to have a loan guarantee application rejected by the Air Transportation Stabilization Board. An ATSB representative could not be reached for comment on the report or on how soon a decision would be reached.

Tour de France: Nevada Opera Theater brings 'Gigi' to Paris Las Vegas: Marilyn LaRocque; When: 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Datebook for June 7, 2002: The sixth annual Las Vegas International Beer Festival, featuring live music, arts and crafts displays and food from area restaurants, will be from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday at Bruce Trent Park, 1600 N. Rampart Blvd. Admission, which includes access to concerts and beer sampling, is $30. Call 807-3371.

Romeo does his mentors proud at Mirage: Siegfried and Roy make white tigers appear. Their protege, Darren Romeo, produces a white piano.

On Display for June 7, 2002: "Bodies in Motion: The Physics of Human Movement," an interactive exhibit, is on display through Aug. 31 at Lied Discovery Children's Museum, 833 Las Vegas Blvd. North. Call 382-3445.

Performing Arts for June 7, 2002: Plays staged

Changes on tap at festival: Kirk Baird; What: Sixth annual Las Vegas International Beer Festival.

Jones is content with place in music history: Kirk Baird; When: 8 p.m. Saturday.

Lettermen leader recalls group's Vegas roots: Who: The Lettermen.

Jobless rate declines: The Labor Department reported today that the jobless rate fell 0.2 percentage points last month from an eight-year high of 6.0 percent in April. Economists had predicted the May rate would edge up to 6.1 percent.

Usual Suspects suspend improv for a strict script: Kirk Baird; What: "Beyond Therapy," starring the Usual Suspects.

UAW's new era begins with officers' swearing in: Ed Garsten; First he removed his jacket, then his tie. By the time new United Auto Workers union president Ron Gettelfinger was finished delivering his rousing 25-minute inaugural speech in Las Vegas Thursday, he was ready for a fight against anyone standing in the way of organized labor.

Editorial: Politics, thin skin, don't mix: Boggs McDonald reacted to the trifling fuss as if she were being persecuted on religious grounds, stating, "... God will be my rock, my sword, my shield." Referencing a passage of Scripture about the Apostle Paul, she said, "No weapon formed against me shall prosper. I send you right back into the fire in the name of Jesus Christ." She also likened politicians to crawfish in a barrel, climbing over each other to get ahead. Now, we think the crawfish analogy was fine -- not necessarily accurate, but more on the level of the issue at hand. Drawing so fervently ...

Editorial: Right prescription filled on licensing: While the Board of Medical Examiners made the correct decision on licensing, it is disappointing that it did so in Reno. It's been a year and a half since the board last met in Las Vegas and the earliest it may meet down here again is 2003. That simply is unacceptable. The board, just like any other state agency, should be responsive and in tune to the needs of Southern Nevada, home to nearly two out of three Nevadans.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: A patriotic U.S. history: LYNN V. CHENEY and I haven't always agreed on some of her very conservative political views given on television, but when it comes to education, she's right on target. The opportunity to teach government and history to Basic High School students was one of my most exciting experiences. What I learned from those students in five years has helped me become a better citizen and a more inquisitive student of life. Learning flows both from the teacher to student and from the student to teacher in a healthy classroom atmosphere. Fortunately, I was blessed with good students with parents who ...

Columnist Jerry Fink: Blues and barbecue make for a perfect match: It's the kind of fusion I like -- blues and barbecue. What can be more natural?

Columnist Susan Snyder: Bobbie Jo is caught in a trap: To fully appreciate the possible impact of Bobbie Jo Childers' trapshooting prowess, you need to see where she works.

Lakers game part of Rebels' season deal: Fans who become a new scholarship ticket holder through June 28 will receive two free tickets to the Lakers-Suns game. Plaza season ticket buyers will get free plaza seats ($154 value), while balcony ticket buyers will get free balcony seats ($24 value).

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Bistro has same old charm: Eastsiders who have been trekking to Summerlin to dine at Mama Jo's Italian Bistro, at 8427 W. Lake Mead Blvd., now have a Mama Jo's of their own.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: LV's Tracy looks to maintain fast start: Paul Tracy is on a roll heading into this weekend's Grand Prix of Monterey at Laguna Seca Raceway, but the 33-year-old Las Vegas resident knows all too well how quickly fortune can change in racing.

Obituaries for June 7, 2002: Fern L. Baldwin, 87, of Las Vegas died Tuesday in a local care center. She was born Oct. 5, 1914, in Lost Creek, Ky. A resident for 21 years, she was a film technician and a member of Take off Pounds Safely and Keep off Pounds Sensibly.

Emerald hearing advances with agent's testimony: Nicole Ziegler Dizon; CHICAGO -- Rosemont Mayor Donald Stephens had a bad feeling about casino executive Kevin Flynn after meeting with him in 1997, so he consulted then-Gov. Jim Edgar, who told him the company Flynn represented was going to lose its gambling license, according to testimony Thursday in the Gaming Board case against Emerald Casino Inc.

Running great Scott to speak at LV banquet: Steve Guiremand; Steve Scott says he has cut back on his running now that he doesn't compete professionally anymore.

New casino seeks approval: The owners hope to get approval from the Gaming Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in time to open in the spring of 2003.

Letter to the Sports Editor: Free kicking Cup analysts: Keep up the good work.

News briefs for June 7, 2002: A Las Vegas man accused of stabbing his wife to death in front of their youngest child has been ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation at a state mental health facility in Northern Nevada.

Letter to the Sports Editor: Kudos to Chuck Pope: Our daughter has had the honor and privilege to play for coach Pope. There's nobody more responsible for her being able to continue her softball career at the collegiate level than Chuck Pope and (assistant) Jerry Streets. There have been many other young ladies that have passed under their tutelage that share that distinction. I would hope they are all better people for it.

Mack to take up-close look at fight: Dean Juipe; When the Nevada State Athletic Commission voted against licensing Mike Tyson, the majority ruled but it was not a unanimous decision.

Las Vegas casinos still hope to cash in: By Liz Benston; It's fight weekend in the nation's boxing capital: Visitors gawk at glittering signboards and crackling video displays touting the Mike Tyson-Lennox Lewis matchup, an event that could become the most lucrative and well-watched heavyweight championship in the history of the sport. This weekend, however, will be different. The fight is nearly 1,600 miles away, in Memphis, Tenn.

War Emblem stalks history in New York: Ralph Siraco; History will be made in New York on Saturday. It will be made at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y. And, depending upon the outcome of the race, either a 12th Triple Crown winner will be crowned or a politically and emotionally charged renewal of the Belmont Stakes will produce another near-miss.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Good, Evil square off in Memphis: Dean Juipe; If anyone can beat Lennox Lewis -- and Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman already have -- it's Mike Tyson.

Gibbons sees success for Cabinet post: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., who for months has advocated making the nation's homeland security director a Cabinet-level secretary, said the plan announced by President Bush was certain to spark congressional and governmental turf battles.

Robbery suspect faces charges in plot to escape: Keith Paul; A rudimentary sketch with notes detailing an escape plan from the Clark County jail led investigators to believe the alleged leader of a deadly robbery gang was trying to break out with others, Metro Police officials said Thursday.

School employees agree: More money education solution: By Emily Richmond; When it comes to how lawmakers could best improve education, Clark County School District employees and Superintendent Carlos Garcia appear to be on the same page.

Little progress made in bus talks: Despite calls from throughout the community to resume talks, the managers of Clark County's bus system and striking drivers reported no real movement Thursday to reopen negotiations.

Nevada Power bond sale rests on vote by PUC: The state Public Utilities Commission was scheduled to vote today on a recommendation from its chairman that Nevada Power Co. be granted permission to issue $300 million in secured long-term bonds.

Police officers named in shooting: Keith Paul; Metro Police Thursday released the names of an officer and a trainee involved in a shooting earlier this week that left a 22-year-old Las Vegas man wounded.

Mining industry launches pre-emptive strike against new taxes: Erin Neff; A new ad being run by the Nevada Mining Association sends a clear message to lawmakers -- don't raise our taxes.

Partial eclipse of the sun best in Southwest: Mary Manning and Jean Reid Norman; The partial eclipse of the Sun Monday can be viewed at the Planetarium at the Community College of Southern Nevada, 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave., student observatory.

Catching babies little different from catching crooks: Keith Paul; Lt. Chris Hoye has faced some scary situations in Las Vegas during his 14 1/2 years with Metro Police, but nothing had him more afraid than what he saw Wednesday.

Firefighter benefit to aid burn foundation: The Sept. 11 heroes are in town for the second annual Festival of Fire to raise money for the Clark County Firefighters Burn Foundation.

Henderson offers cooking workshops: Participation in either workshop is $10 (ages 50 and up). Participants will assist in food preparation and cooking. Each workshop will feature either a Mexican or Korean dish.

'Show and tell killer' seeks clemency: By Cy Ryan; CARSON CITY -- Sandy Marie Shaw, dubbed the "show and tell" killer after committing a 1986 murder in Las Vegas when she was 15, is going to have to spend at least two to three more years in prison before she has another chance at clemency.

Political notebook: Nicknames adding spice to Primary Election ballot: Erin Neff; Nicknames have appeared on ballots as long as Michael and Robert have preferred Mike and Bobby.

Senators' visit spotlights new land-use legislation: Members of Nevada's congressional delegation will come to Clark County to discuss proposed legislation that would protect hundreds of thousands of environmentally sensitive acres and open up thousands more for development.

Community briefs for June 7, 2002: Free meals will be given to about 300 children of low-income families at three community centers during summer months, the Clark County Parks and Community Services Department announced Thursday.

Workers immune in molestation case: CARSON CITY -- A federal appeals court has sharply criticized two state child welfare workers for placing a "known sexual predator" into a foster home with two young children, one of whom was then molested.

Jail mate testifies in Briller murder trial: Kim Smith; When Donald Stenger and Stephen Briller ran into each other in the Clark County Detention Center two years after they last saw one another, they immediately began catching up.

It's graduation time for seniors: The commencement season begins with Boulder City High School's graduation tonight and concludes June 15.

PCL Box: Las Vegas - Sacramento: WP--Hiljus.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Hollywood Park: Saturday's card

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 1:15 p.m.

Bowling: PWBA tournament: Second Round (12-game pinfall totals)

Bowling: Suncoast Senior World: Round of 32

Privatizing government: WEEKEND EDITION: June 9, 2002

Opinions vary on California tort reform law: WEEKEND EDITION: June 9, 2002

Doctors cite lower premiums as evidence of effectiveness: WEEKEND EDITION: June 9, 2002

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Less medical patchwork: Let's take a look at the shortage of nurses and its impact on patients. This shortage didn't just pop up last year. I can recall writing about the problem 14 years ago and giving some suggestions. Then in 1991 the late Gen. Harry Wald, a casino executive, saw the problem and did his best to provide some answers. Among Wald's ideas was the creation of Army Reserve Officers Training Corps at UNLV with concentration on providing nurses for the military. Both the Department of Defense and UNLV leaders turned their backs on Wald's ideas.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Lawyer doubles as travel agent: "In the wake of what happened on 9/11, anyone who tries to get someone on a plane without an ID is either an idiot or arrogant," Walker said recently.

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Blame it on someone else, then sue: Sandy Thompson; I am an addict, and it's their fault. I am addicted to The New York Times Sunday crossword puzzles (forget those puny daily puzzles -- I go straight for the hard stuff). I also was addicted to Ravensburger jigsaw puzzles (not the simple 500-piece ones but the 1,500 to 5,000 ones). Although I have not done a jigsaw puzzle in a while, I still suffer from the painful effects of when I did.

Editorial: Fine tune CAT bus contract: Now the decision is not so universally praised. A majority of CAT drivers are striking, claiming through their union that cheap labor should no longer be the underpinning of the system's success. Riders are now being forced to wait much longer in the hot summer sun for a bus, if they are lucky enough to be served at all. ATC Vancom, the multinational private management company, is importing replacement drivers from some of its other transit services around the country -- an act that the history of labor-management struggles shows can turn ugly.

Columnist Erin Neff: Bookmaker sets imaginary lines for this fall's elections: Erin Neff; And with sports books bursting thanks to hockey and basketball finals, Tyson madness and a Triple Crown contender, political junkies and pundits are champing at the bit for this fall's elections.

Editorial: Bush's turnaround was right decision: Ridge, if he is tapped to head the new Cabinet department that Congress certainly will approve, will have to work hard to make sure that all his divisions and employees, who previously worked in different departments, will leave old turf battles behind. And homeland security is more than a reshuffling of agencies within government. What really matters is getting all government employees and division chiefs to work together in defeating a common enemy: terrorists.

Columnist Benjamin Grove: Amid pressure, Edwards likely to OK Yucca: Benjamin Grove; Many of the chamber's 100 members have openly declared their stance on the controversial nuclear waste plan, and it seems to have majority support. But as a Senate showdown nears, a number of lawmakers have kept relatively mum about how they intend to vote.

Columnist Jeff German: Post-9/11 jobless get help from contract: Union leaders, still bothered by the post-Sept. 11 layoffs, included language in the just-ratified five-year agreement designed to make it easier for some 2,000 of their members who still are unemployed to find new jobs.

Letter: Comments from Boggs McDonald were out of line: Boggs McDonald is completely deluded in her concept of our government when, as a city councilwoman, she makes the public statement, "We are a Christian people."

Letter: Treat bus drivers with due respect: They do work hard and deserve every penny they earn. But so do the fixed route drivers, who have all sorts of people they have to pick up, and for the lowest wages of all drivers in the country.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: More questions than answers: Looking backward we can see the mistakes that got us into this fix. Promises of a national insurance outfit, St. Paul Cos., and its purchase of an insurance system already successful started us on the downhill slide into our present day problems. As long as the economy was great, and St. Paul was profiting from other investments, everything went along smoothly. Then came the stock market decline, and the medical malpractice insurance business became an unnecessary burden. This encouraged the company to fold its tent and leave Nevada and some other states that are now holding bags of misery.

Students learn to vent their anger: WEEKEND EDITION: June 8, 2002

'Hep cats' help Sun Camp Fund: Donors to the Las Vegas Sun Camp Fund come from all walks of life. Their generosity ranges from $5 from retirees living on Social Security to several thousand dollars from wealthy residents.

Song and Danza: WEEKEND EDITION: June 9, 2002

Columnist Susan Snyder: Nuns gain opinionated habits: In Indiana.

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