Print edition for March 6, 2002

Cannon's life: EDUCATION: Graduated from Dixie Junior College in St. George, 1931; bachelor's degree in education from Arizona Teachers College, Flagstaff, Ariz., 1933; law degree from University of Arizona, 1937; honorary doctorate of law degrees from Arizona State College, 1962, and UNLV, 1970.

FDIC chief: Bank data reported too slowly: Chris Jones; The chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. on Tuesday cited a debate about the lending practices of Southern Nevada banks to support his call for improved access to current financial information.

Former U.S. Sen. Cannon dies at age 90: Howard Cannon, a World War II hero and four-term U.S. senator who became one of the state's most powerful and endearing figures of the last half century, died today. He was 90.

Software firm plans major expansion: Diana Sahagun; Techies from the local Westwood Studios Inc. may one day design the newest video game for Sony Playstation 2 at a new high-tech campus in Summerlin.

UMC trauma care gets a quick fix: Jace Radke; The trauma center at University Medical Center will remain open for at least the next three months after Clark County commissioners unanimously voted Tuesday to place part-time trauma surgeons under county insurance.

Rate hike foes say e-mails point to bad deal: Opponents of a $922 million rate hike request from Nevada Power Co. alleged that a series of e-mails proves the utility could have spent far less money on energy purchased from other generators.

Water usage in south hot topic at state summit: FALLON -- An assembly representing land-use interests across the state on Tuesday called for an increase in the price of water in Southern Nevada as a way of cutting usage.

Tuesday's prep results: BOYS GOLF

College wish list to reach $1.4 billion: Jennifer Knight; The university and community college wish list for funding in the next biennium is expected to reach $1.4 billion.

Lake Mead 'island' could be a paradise for developers: Mathis Winkler; It's still not clear whether land at one of the principal gateways to North Las Vegas will ever be redeveloped, but city officials now know that it would cost about $1.15 million to relocate residents and businesses on "Lake Mead island."

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Golf course farewell event raises funds for Red Cross: Elizabeth Foyt; Supporters and players toasted the tournament during a splendid pre-event cocktail party at the Stirling Club where Phyllis McGuire, honorary tournament chair, and Craig Johnson, tournament chairman welcomed guests including participants Mick and Patti Galatio of Desert Wind Homes, Esther Quisenberry, Ted Rodriguez of Mustang Tile, David and Mary Vail, Jim Gould with Toni Reiser, Debbie Herman, KLAS Channel 8 weatherman Mark Pfister and Maggie Bock of Rosemary's.

Senior RX closes in on capacity: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn's prescription drug program for low-income senior citizens will reach a crucial point later this month when it tops out at 7,500 enrollees.

Former Rebel Anthony signs with Milwaukee: "It's like hitting the lottery," Anthony said. "It's a great opportunity to contribute on a team that has a chance to get to the finals, so it's a godsend for me and I'm looking forward to it."

Columnist Victoria Sun: Rebels to host nation's best golfers: Victoria Sun; The UNLV men's golf team will face its toughest test starting Friday when it hosts the Callaway Golf Las Vegas Intercollegiate Tournament at Southern Highlands.

Obituaries for March 6, 2002: Martha Frances Benge, 95, of Las Vegas died Saturday in a local care center. She was born Jan. 1, 1907, in Lexington, Ky. A resident for six years, she was a retired nurse and World War II Army veteran.

Edwards expounds on NPR career: National Public Radio newsman Bob Edwards took a month off from "Morning Edition " last year an unusually long break for him and listeners were worried that he might have left the program for good.

Officials deny Macau sale talk: Shares of Genting, operator of Malaysia's only casino resort, rose Tuesday and today on the Kuala Lumpur exchange on speculation that it was negotiating with Wynn to acquire 30 percent of Wynn Resorts Macau. Wynn was awarded one of three gaming licenses by the Chinese city and former Portugese colony last month, and plans to invest at least $500 million in a casino resort there.

Letter: President had criticism coming: It is public knowledge that Bush lied to Gov. Kenny Guinn and other Republican leaders about how he would handle his decision on Yucca. That lie played a huge role in how Nevada voters voted. And, alas, Nevada lost the battle about Yucca.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Villasanta enjoying final say: "This is a benchmark event because retail establishments now recognize the importance of offering women of all shapes and sizes exquisite clothing," Villasanta said.

New Mexico hoping to redeem shaky season: Steve Addy; New Mexico has come to Las Vegas for a quickee divorce. The Lobos intend to liberate themselves from a season of headaches, infighting and frustration.

Homeless man is set on fire: Officers found the man still on fire when they arrived at an underpass of U.S. 95 near Martin Luther King Boulevard about 6:50 a.m. today.

For openers, stores offer high-tech wine gadgetry: Max Jacobson; Until wine producers adopt the screw-top en masse, the challenge for anyone opening a wine bottle remains getting the cork out in a timely fashion, without breakage.

News briefs for March 6, 2002: Clark County's Public Works division was directed Tuesday to move forward with negotiations that may deliver Algiers Motel owner Larry Kifer about 2.5 acres near Harmon Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard.

Frohlich nets top honor -- again: Steve Guiremand; Regina Miller knew she had recruited a pretty good basketball player back in 1998 when she convinced a young member from the German National team named Linda Frohlich to play her college basketball at UNLV.

Letter: Public must push for tort reform in medical field: Nevada's doctors have felt overwhelmed by recent events. Unfortunately, as doctors concentrating on medical care, we are poorly organized to tackle the lawyers' lobby or the intricacies of the legislative process. Smug letters from attorneys insisting on the unrestricted right to sue to infinity have made things untenable for many doctors in Nevada.

Navel academy: The style-conscious hit fashion trend on the button: "Do you feel light-headed, nauseous, queasy ... faint?" the 28-year-old piercer asked rhythmically before inserting a steel belly ring into Lail's midriff.

Letter: Reid calls them as he sees them: With regard to Mr. Bryant's statement that thousands of Nevadans pray for President Bush's success in the war effort, I respond as an American first and a Nevadan second that I pray for my country's success, not the president's success. Mr. Bryant lacks credibility in suggesting that the war on terror is about President Bush and not our country.

Mechanics, cleaners OK contract, averting strike: The ratification -- approved by 59 percent of the voting membership -- averted a strike that could have started as soon as Thursday. Analysts have said a walkout would have grounded United and forced it into bankruptcy.

Jurors visit scene of three deaths: Kim Smith; After getting an up-close look at the site where three Las Vegas residents lost their lives last April, jurors in the Mitchell Dettloff case listened Tuesday as witness after witness described the fatal accident.

Preaching may lead to healing: By Timothy Pratt; Schedule The Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS continues with these events:

Malone sues Station over campaign flier: Kim Smith; Former Clark County Commissioner Lance Malone has filed a libel suit against Station Casinos executives over an anonymous flier that was critical of his vote approving the casino of a competitor.

Reid calls for better health tracking: Reid said an unexplained outbreak of childhood leukemia in Fallon has spurred him to introduce legislation aimed at establishing a better national health information network. The Centers for Disease Control needs help in that area, Reid said.

Seven charged in stealing from ATMs at casinos: Kim Smith; A federal grand jury Tuesday indicted seven people for allegedly stealing credit cards, making false IDs and stealing thousands of dollars from casino ATMs.

City puts online gambling on the shelf: Diana Sahagun; The Las Vegas City Council today voted to delay indefinitely a proposal to sell use of the city's name and seal to an online casino.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Controversy still follows CART like a black cloud: Much like NASCAR's Sterling Marlin, Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) just can't seem to avoid controversy.

Ralph Siraco's Santa Anita selections: 1st Race -- Hurry Up Haleigh -- Draws good rail post for mile opener, hustling Pedroza on main man Carava trainee, Haleigh should Hurry Up enough to graduate here. General's Madame -- Espinoza on Bacorn trainee for owner Naify, outside post in small field of maiden--claimers, Madame diploma here? Value Play -- Barefoot Caity

Story lines abound in LV: Steve Addy; Conference games only

Savvy wine buys: Chateau d'Or et de Gueules '98 Syrah Blend: Available at Marche Bacchus and Las Vegas Wine Company, $10.99.

Las Vegas schools placed on notice for overcrowding: Schools placed on notice as of December 2001 because of overcrowded classrooms are:

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

Drug conviction overturned: CARSON CITY -- In a 2-1 decision, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the drug conviction of a North Las Vegas man because authorities barged into his home too quickly after knocking.

UNLV has home court advantage, momentum going into tournament: AP; The Runnin' Rebels were in disarray, playing for their seventh coach in the past eight years. UNLV wasn't supposed to be a factor, much less a contender for a spot in the NCAA tournament.

Community briefs for March 6, 2002: Lake Mead National Recreation Area seeks volunteers for its third annual Great American Cleanup 9 a.m.-noon Saturday at Boulder Beach.

Editorial: Yucca not just hazard to Nevada: One of the most prominent opponents of Yucca Mountain outside Nevada -- and who isn't a Johnny-come-lately to the issue -- is the House minority leader, Richard Gephardt, D-Mo. Last weekend Gephardt did the kind of thing that will help Nevadans significantly as they try to garner enough votes in Congress to override Bush's decision. Gephardt spoke at an anti-Yucca Mountain rally held at a train depot in Webster Groves, a city in the metropolitan area of St. Louis. Gephardt said that unless the waste stays on site at the nuclear power plants where it now is safely kept, nuclear ...

Mountain West Capsules: Steve Addy; Here is a capsule look at the Mountain West men's basketball tournament, which begins Thursday at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Winnings missing after man collapses, dies: John Curran; ATLANTIC CITY -- John April didn't even get to tell his wife about the $10,000 slot machine jackpot. He was gone before he had the chance. So was the money.

UNLV roundup: Women golfers stand 14th: Again the Rebels were paced by freshman Hwanhee Lee. Despite battling a broken hearing aid just before the start of Tuesday's round, Lee managed to fire a 76. She is seven-over-par after two rounds and is tied for 27th individually.

Developer, residents compromise on hillside: Jeffrey Libby; Developer Rich MacDonald gave up 70 apartment units in about three hours Tuesday, but he won approval for a 632-acre hillside development that had waited for a go-ahead for more than a year.

Columnist Dean Juipe: It's a script Shakespeare would enjoy: Dean Juipe; Armed with a morbid curiosity, it's apparent that Jayson Williams wanted to see someone die.

Panel: Permitting needed for responsible off-roading: FALLON -- Participants in the Nevada Land-Use Summit called for new requirements governing off-road vehicle enthusiasts, including registration fees and the need for those venturing into federally managed areas to file land-use plans.

Profs seek more taxes for buildings: CARSON CITY -- A coalition of university and community college faculty is suggesting the state raise its share of the property tax by 15 cents to avoid cuts in construction, including campus buildings.

Editorial: Leaders in Congress have need to know: The secure offices have been in place since the Cold War days, when the prospects of a third world war were thought to be high. For the past six months the government has been quietly staffing them once again. While it was legitimate for the government to treat the operation as classified, it wasn't right that key members of Congress were not informed.

Boulder City soldier 'gave the ultimate,' even in death: Jeffrey Libby; Patricia Marek, mother of Pfc. Matthew Allen Commons of Boulder City, knew something was wrong Monday when her 21-year-old son failed to call home as usual.

Palms owner reports strong start for resort: David Strow; Three months after the $265 million Palms hotel-casino opened its doors, the property's president says he's happy with the early results.

Coverage set at 'strong buy': The target price is a 39 percent premium over current trading levels.

Hilton claims NATPE didn't pay for rooms, meeting space: Grace Leong; The National Association of Television Program Executives, already facing declining attendance at its annual Las Vegas convention, is now being sued by a hotel that claims NATPE failed to pay for rooms and meeting space it reserved for the January event.

Class size threatens school accreditation: By Emily Richmond; Two-thirds of Clark County's 33 high schools have been told to reduce their class sizes or risk their accreditation status, a demand Superintendent Carlos Garcia said may be impossible to meet anytime soon.

Analysts mixed on Mandalay, other operators: Mandalay reported a loss of 10 cents per share prior to one-time charges. However, Robertson Stephens analyst Harry Curtis focused on positive remarks made by company officials on a conference call with investors.

State lawmaker Tiffany in hospital: Erin Neff; State Assemblywoman Sandra Tiffany remains in intensive care today in a California hospital following complications from an emergency surgery to remove a kidney stone.

Royal Hotel timeshare project expanded: Resort Magic, a subsidiary of USA Investment Partners, Las Vegas, plans a $100 million, 40-story tower with 426 timeshare units at the site at Convention Center Drive, near Las Vegas Boulevard.

City makes final payment on Neonopolis project: Diana Sahagun; A $1 million payment to developers of the downtown Neonopolis project signals the city of Las Vegas' final major financial commitment to a project many say is the key to redevelopment in the city's core.

Las Vegas casino giant issuing notes: The eight-year notes are priced to yield 7.875 percent. Park Place said it will use proceeds to pay down bank debt.

Panel: Mosley violated judicial canons: Kim Smith; An attorney for District Judge Donald Mosley said he intends to file an appeal with the Nevada Supreme Court after the state's commission on judicial discipline Tuesday found the judge violated seven judicial canons.