Print edition for May 22, 2002

Columnist Steve Addy: 'First annual' tourney has a tough sell: Steve Addy; Years ago, a crusty old editor imparted lots of useful advice to this fledgling writer, most of which I've forgotten. But I knew it was useful at the time.

PWBA tournament: Tuesday at Fairview Heights, Ill.

Fight seen in School Board races: By Emily Richmond; There may be a dearth of candidates for seats in the state Assembly and Senate, but each of the three Clark County School Board incumbents up for re-election will face at least one challenger on the November ballot.

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

Brothers ID stepdad in murder-scene tape: Kim Smith; The sons of a Las Vegas woman killed around Christmas 2000 told a District Court judge Tuesday that a figure seen sneaking into their mother's home on the morning she died was their stepfather.

Ex-jail guard uses diaper defense: Kim Smith; A former Clark County corrections officer stood before jurors Tuesday and showed them why two inmates were "lying" when they said they were forced to grope him -- he wears diapers.

New trial allowed in killing of Rios: Kim Smith; A Las Vegas man serving a life sentence for murder in the slaying of a young bride in 1997 will get a new trial.

Cloud lifts in ethics case: CARSON CITY -- Las Vegas Councilman Michael McDonald did not violate any state law when he spent $23,319 in campaign money to defend himself against ethics and criminal charges, the state attorney general's office said Tuesday.

Letter: Nevada always stuck with nukes: I suspect many health problems will appear in Nevada residents in future years. Have we forgotten the many health problems caused by the nuclear testing years ago? The wind carried fallout that far exceeded Nevada's borders. Also, Nevada can look forward to a major drop in its tourist trade if this dumping is allowed.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: For shoes, slip into warehouse: I visited the first DSW in the Best of the West shopping center at Lake Mead and Rainbow boulevards shortly after it opened. On May 17 a second warehouse store opened in Henderson near the Costco on Marks Street, just up the street from Sunset Station. Since it was opening weekend the store was very busy.

News briefs for May 22, 2002: A Las Vegas woman who gave her young son the keys to the car he later died in entered a plea agreement Tuesday.

UNLV's Wickman earns Mountain West honor: Wickman posted a league-record .490 batting average in his debut with the Rebels. He also earned a spot on the first team all-MWC squad.

Letter: Interstate trash bad for Las Vegas: Couldn't the great Silver State spend some of your silver to clean out the junk? Otherwise, you may have to change your motto to the PB & J (Plastic Bag & Junk) State.

Community briefs for May 22, 2002: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers hikes, walks and programs free of charge, but reservations are required. To make reservations or for more information, call 363-1922. Some upcoming programs:

Schneiter opens play in NCAA Tournament: Schneiter, a senior from Worb, Switzerland, will take on Carlos Palencia of UC Santa Barbara in first-round action. Palencia, ranked 58th, has a record of 22-7 this season while playing in the top spot for the Gauchos.

Editorial: Homeless tax vote risky but worth it: This county-wide question would ask voters to approve a property tax increase of 1 cent for every $100 of their homes' assessed value. This increase would cost the owner of a $100,000 home an extra $3.50 a year. Tax rates vary from location to location within Clark County, but in the city of Las Vegas it would mean the owner of a $100,000 home would see his $1,139 property tax bill jump to $1,142.50. The increase would generate about $4 million a year that would be placed in a trust fund administered by regional elected officials.

Fire officials, county bosses finally working together: Adrienne Packer; When more than 300 New York firefighters perished in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, a new sensitivity toward the risks of firefighting was felt nationwide.

County hit with suit from park police officers over dangers: Jace Radke; Clark County Park Police officers filed suit Tuesday in U.S. District Court against the county, alleging that they are put in dangerous situations because of a lack of equipment, training and manpower.

Letter: School officials should listen to teachers' ideas: How many times have we heard our school district administration talk of teachers' shortfalls and the alarming rate of teachers prematurely leaving the classrooms? But when it comes time to make the necessary changes to see that our children's classrooms retain qualified, experienced teachers, that's where it stops.

Columnist Peter Benton: USGA, R&A trying to get on same page: Peter Benton; It appears the United States Golf Association and the European-based Royal and Ancient have finally gotten their heads together. Last week in a joint announcement, they set forth a statement of principles for formulating equipment rules and applying uniform standards worldwide for spring-like effect of driving clubs.

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Dinner party, auction among Byzantine festivities: Elizabeth Foyt; A gathering of notables from across the nation and the world who belong to the Order of St. John-Knights of Malta and the Order of St. George, the festivities began with a dinner party given at the Turnberry Place penthouse of Richard "Mac" MacDonald and his wife, Frances.

New INS security checks expected to cause delays: By Timothy Pratt; A new security check required on most applications to the Immigration and Naturalization Service is expected to cause some delays in the Las Vegas office.

County briefs for May 22, 2002: A steering committee made up of county administrators, representatives from Las Vegas and North Las Vegas and business and industry leaders will explore methods to improve the site.

Family's comments at sentencing fought: Kim Smith; Family members of those killed in an April 2000 crash should not be allowed to testify at the sentencing Friday of the driver convicted of leaving the scene of the accident, the driver's attorneys say.

Savvy wine buys: '99 Cape View Merlot: Available at Lee's Discount Liquors, $17.99.

Public administrator duties to change: Adrienne Packer; A day after a flurry of candidates filed for the public administrator's job, Clark County officials stripped the office of the public guardian role and placed it under the county manager's supervision.

Welfare rolls decline: CARSON CITY -- The number of welfare recipients declined slightly in April, the first drop in a year, but state officials don't think it's the start of a trend.

Obituaries for May 22, 2002: Corine Carter-Ringer, 71, of North Las Vegas died Friday in Las Vegas. She was born Nov. 17, 1930, in Louisiana. A resident for 60 years, she was a casino porter.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Teammates Castroneves, de Ferran Indy 500 favorites: Helio Castroneves is the favorite to win Sunday's Indianapolis 500, according to odds posted by Station Casinos.

Columnist Victoria Sun: SNWGA aims to secure Cup: Victoria Sun; Southern Nevada Women's Golf Association Silver Cup team captain Sherry Jackson works as an information technology manager for Nevada Power.

Editorial: When will it sink in for them?: This week Nevada received a boost in its uphill battle against Yucca Mountain. Jim Hall, chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board during the Clinton administration, says the Senate shouldn't decide Yucca Mountain's fate until nuclear waste shipping containers are adequately tested. Hall, a paid consultant for the state of Nevada, says it was irresponsible for the Energy Department to seek congressional approval for Yucca Mountain without detailed plans on how the waste would be shipped, including emergency preparedness plans in the event of an accident or terrorist attack. Hall isn't the only transportation expert to have weighed in on ...

PCL box: Las Vegas - Omaha: Time -- 2:33. Attendance -- 1,710. Umpires: HP-- Armendariz, 1b-- Aschwege, 3b-- Pasch.

Part of the landscape: Desert plants, trees soak up the sun at UNLV arboretum: True. The trumpet-shaped flowers clustered on slender branches are an engaging sight to anyone passing by on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus.

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

Terror threat a 'wild card' for economy: Jeannine Aversa; WASHINGTON -- America's recovery from last year's recession is gaining strength by the day but the threat of another terrorist attack is the big "economic wild card" facing the country, a top Treasury official said today.

Boaters concerned about rule changes for Lake Mead: About 200 people, many of them boaters, said they are concerned about National Park Service plans to change the rules for managing Lake Mead.

Henderson budget hits $351 million: Jeffrey Libby; A planned centerpiece for Henderson's city parks, its plaza tents now plainly visible south of Interstate 215, was among $44 million in construction projects approved Tuesday by the Henderson City Council, bumping the city budget to $351 million.

Who'll control Legislature? Leaders at odds: Erin Neff; Each party is hyping the end of the election filing period as the beginning to coming changes in the state's political landscape.

City hunts for funding for code enforcement: Jace Radke; Proprietary funds, $149 million; capital funds, $258 million; special revenue funds, $52 million; general funds, $354 million; other, $22 million.

Vegas sports on TV/Radio: Wednesday

Las Vegas benefits from Royal miscues: Victoria Sun; Fielding errors. Throwing errors.

Officer, sergeant get minor penalties: Keith Paul; A Metro Police officer seen on a casino security videotape punching a handcuffed suspect and a sergeant who withheld the tape were given minor suspensions for the incident, police officials told the Sun Tuesday.

Business unit to test new cashless slot technology: SDS Ticketing is an online slot accounting and security system for cashless slot machines that is compatible with machines from most manufacturers, helping to eliminate potential player confusion as to which games do or do not accept printed tickets, the Las Vegas company said.

Hopes pinned on Park Place meeting: Culinary Union leaders scheduled pivotal talks today with Park Place Entertainment in the hopes of moving closer to an industrywide collective bargaining agreement and averting a June 1 strike.

R.I. panel OKs ballot question on casino: Michael Mello; PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Narragansett Indians' bid to build a casino in West Warwick received a boost Tuesday from a key Senate panel.

Citibank to expand in Nevada: Chris Jones; Tuesday's merger deal between the parent companies of Citibank and California Federal Bank may alter the Nevada banking market, where both companies already enjoy a significant market share.

Retired apparel guru helps UNLV launch Rebel Pride Clothing Co.: Steve Guiremand; Mike Ellis thought he came to Las Vegas to retire from the retail and apparel business.

Awards honor Nevada business diversification: Chris Jones; Nevada political and business leaders have for years stressed the importance of reducing the state's economic dependence on gaming and tourism.

Suspect returned to county: Chief Deputy District Attorney Robert Daskas said he was told that officials at Lakes Crossing in Sparks are returning Vornelius Phillips to the Clark County Detention Center because he recently tried to escape from the facility.

World tournament tickets go on sale: The event will feature three teams from the U.S. (the Harlem Globetrotters, the Magic Johnson All-Stars and ABA Select) and others from China, Japan, England, Israel and Brazil. Johnson is likely to play for his team, organizers say, as will ex-NBA players John Salley and Ron Harper.

Rampart Commons opens: Retailers at Rampart Commons include Ann Taylor, Talbots, Capezio, Chico's, Gap, Banana Republic and Williams-Sonoma. Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids also opened their first Southern Nevada locations at the center.

Guinn may have money to burn on GOP: Erin Neff; Gov. Kenny Guinn is facing 16 opponents in his re-election bid, but his $2.3 million warchest won't be needed much to deflect criticism or defend himself against credible foes.

Dealers fired in dispute at World Series of Poker: By Richard N. Velotta; Twelve World Series of Poker dealers were fired Tuesday following a dispute with tournament managers over their pay.

Changing of the guard: Metro Police taking over airport security: Jeffrey Libby; First Sgt. Glenn Guy is going to Arizona to finish the cabin he started with his wife and two children last September.

Two fired executives may get large severance packages: Former Nevada Power Co. President Mark Ruelle and a former senior vice president may be in line for lucrative severance packages now that they are gone from the company.

Candidate filings: Congress

Electric company's power shuffle sorted out: The naming of former Clark County Manager Pat Shalmy as a new senior vice president of Nevada Power Co. is proving popular even among critics of the embattled utility.

Three men could face death penalty: Kim Smith; Three Las Vegas men accused of drowning two teenagers in a drug dispute will likely face the death penalty.

Striking drivers may halt paratransit service: Drivers of paratransit buses for the disabled, who have not been affected by a regional bus drivers strike, could be drawn into the dispute, the president of the union local said Tuesday.

At hearing, experts rip safety of waste transport: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Nevada assembled six experts who testified in the Senate today against a Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository, mostly arguing that the plan posed grave transportation risks.

Nevada employers honored: The companies are Sprint Corp., Sierra Health Services Inc. and Southwest Gas Corp. Also honored were Washoe County and the cities of Henderson and North Las Vegas.

Gap CEO announces retirement: President Millard "Mickey" Drexler on Tuesday announced plans to retire as CEO in a decision that raised new questions about the company's future.