Print edition for November 12, 2002

Volunteers needed for Angel program: Of particular need are Spanish-speaking volunteers.

Las Vegan gets journalism honor: Ryan Brooks, a senior at Murray State University in Murray, Ky., was named the 2001 Journalist of the Year in March by the Kentucky Intercollegiate Press Association.

Community briefs for Nov. 12, 2002: The American Red Cross will hold a Pet CPR course from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday at 3672 N. Rancho Drive.

Editorial: Legislators must unite over Yucca: Law firms hired by the state will argue in separate cases that the Department of Energy, without proper notification to Nevada or Congress, changed the rules regarding how a site would be determined suitable for storing high-level nuclear waste; that the Environmental Protection Agency set 100,000 years as the regulatory time frame for protecting against radiation, when the National Academy of Sciences recommended 1 million years, and that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission deviated from the Nuclear Waste Policy Act when it ruled that the site's geology does not have to be the main barrier against deadly radiation.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Truth about our war: In the world of national and international security, clarifying one's remarks is based more on science. The science of real world actions and the science of warfare. It is sometimes not very pretty either.

Member of Gaughan gaming family, Jackie Jr., dies at 54: John F. Gaughan co-owned two downtown casinos with his father, John D. "Jackie" Gaughan, in the 1980s but unlike his brother, Michael, or their legendary dad, he never really pursued a gaming career.

Obituaries for Nov. 12, 2002: Fred J. Belcastro, 76, of Las Vegas died Sunday in a local hospital. He was born Jan. 28, 1926, in Chicago. A resident for two years, he was a retired developer and a World War II Army veteran.

Nevada tax revenues, proposals: AP; Large revenue sources and tax revenue amounts in the current $1.8 billion state budget:

1964 The Tribute captures a moment in time: Spencer Patterson; Generally speaking, The Beatles' post-1966 work is considered the band's most groundbreaking material.

Belle of the Ball: Bossardet brings 'Beauty and the Beast' to Aladdin: Complete with lavish sets, rich costumes and special effects, Disney's 1994 inaugural production, however, was well-received by audiences.

Editorial: Prioritize security, not Jan. 1 deadline: The TSA was created by Congress a year ago as part of our awakening after Sept. 11, and its first directive was to ensure that by Jan. 1, 2003, all baggage would be screened. With the horror of what happened after 19 terrorists boarded planes with box knives fresh on everyone's mind, no one questioned the deadline. Some time later it became apparent that the deadline was unrealistic. Randy Walker, director of aviation at McCarran International Airport, sounded an early alarm, one which is now emanating from nearly all of the nation's larger airports. The TSA says it will make ...

Letter: This election was not a mandate for the far right: This is not a mandate to the Republican Party to move to the far right. Nor is it a statement to the Democrats that liberalism is moribund and without a future.

Highlights of September win report on Nevada casinos: AP; -STATEWIDE: $810.1 million, up 6.1 percent.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Fatal flaws in Vegas traffic: We have given them nearly everything:

Letter: Current policies are dangerous: It is reported that President Bush and his Republican allies are planning to make the current tax cuts permanent. They even want to add a few more "tax relief measures" to appease their supporters. At the same time they are looking at an expanded war on al-Qaida and opening a full blown war against Iraq.

Letter: Airline security needs consistency: I'm pretty sure I could do more damage to someone with these forks than I could with nail clippers that were being confiscated, or any of the other things that still are, for no apparent good reason.

BLM land sale to offer 1,139 acres: The Bureau of Land Management will offer 1,139 acres for sale in the Las Vegas Valley Friday.

Recreation centers a bonus for parents on no-school days: Erica D. Johnson; Clark County schools were out Monday in honor of Veterans Day, but 13-year-old Steve Maglich said the last thing he wanted to do was stay at home.

Fate of mentally retarded killer to be decided by Pardons Board: CARSON CITY -- Two-time killer Thomas Nevius is scheduled to go before the state Pardons Board next week to learn whether his death sentence will be commuted because he is mentally retarded.

Columnist Jeff German: Police had their shot at Walters: But don't count on a curtain call until you see it yourself. Some of the cops who pursued the politically connected Walters still aren't ready to give up.

Las Vegan appointed to panel: Plotkin succeeds Sam Smith. Guinn also reappointed Aileen Martin of Sparks and Anita Laruy of Las Vegas to new terms.

Rebels' Frederick wins MPSF weekly honor: Frederick provided the game-winning goal for the Rebels on a penalty kick in a 2-0 shutout of 22nd-ranked and league leader New Mexico on Sunday in the regular-season finale.

Nevada gaming win up from 9/01: CARSON CITY -- For the second straight month, Nevada casinos posted increased winnings, this time reporting September revenues that were up 6 percent from the very weak numbers in September 2001.

America West to benefit from LV airline failure: America West Airlines will be the primary beneficiary of last week's closure of National Airlines of Las Vegas, a New York airline analyst said. Southwest Airlines also is expected to benefit to some degree from the shutdown.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Gordon will keep lookout for Stewart, Martin: Jeff Gordon knows a thing or two about racing for a NASCAR Winston Cup championship and the four-time champion knows how he will be racing in Sunday's season finale.

Pilots eager for upgrade: Dan Kulin; The North Las Vegas Airport could see about 20 percent more takeoffs and landings annually if a system that helps pilots land in bad weather is installed next year, according to a Federal Aviation Administration report.

Las Vegas business television program launching Friday: In Business is the newest entry in the lineup of local programming on Las Vegas ONE, cable channels 1 and 39. Gillan will continue to co-anchor Las Vegas ONE's "NewsONE at Nine" Monday through Friday nights.

Developer forced to stop digging at Las Vegas Wash: Jeffrey Libby; Down among the cattail and bulrush of the Las Vegas Wash, Strip developer Commerce Associates early this year dug up a third of an acre of protected wetlands without a required federal permit.

Former Bears Super Bowl star shuffles into Caesars Palace: Ted Barg clutched his dark Chicago Bears helmet, adorned with 10 silver ink-scrawled autographs of Bears from varied eras, as if it were made by Faberge. He wore a leather Bears jacket, a Bears T-shirt, a Bears cap -- and apprehension.

State park's future to be debated: An open meeting on the future of Floyd Lamb State Park and open space in the Tule Springs area will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Centennial High School, 10200 Centennial Parkway.

Veterans Day doesn't mean a day off in college: Jennifer Knight; For many people, the Veterans Day holiday Monday was used for reflection or family time, but for UNLV student Alicia Sosa, it meant one full day of serious study time before her next exams roll around.

Columnist Dean Juipe: What's fair is open to debate: Dean Juipe; Like the sign says, Violators will be Prosecuted.

Vegas movie rentals cut: But Smith's said it is keeping one video and DVD rental center open at a Henderson store at 830 S. Boulder Highway because of "exceptionally high rental use and profitability there," said spokeswoman Marsha Gilford.

Ship passengers detained: Several passengers aboard a Sterling Casino Lines ship wanted to leave when the boat returned to port about midway through a scheduled six-hour voyage Saturday night, but cruise employees refused to let them exit, said Ed Rome, one of the passengers.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Rebels go a long way for a little tennis: As we try to decide which is more distant, a time share on Neptune or the Rebels' football bowl hopes, here are this week's notes:

Prep playoff schedules: THURSDAY

Las Vegas is Park's place: Steve Guiremand; The injury report in Air Force's media release this week lists wide receiver Anthony Park as questionable for Saturday's game with UNLV with a knee sprain. But the 5-foot-11, 170-pound junior from Las Vegas High School says he'll be ready to go when the Falcons arrive at Sam Boyd Stadium.

County commissioner will have surgery to improve hearing: Adrienne Packer; Clark County Commissioner Bruce Woodbury and radio host Rush Limbaugh are about to have more in common than their political party.

UNLV women lead Founders tournament: Led by four players in the top 20, the Rebels have a three-stroke advantage over Mountain West Conference rival New Mexico and a four-stroke lead on 13th-ranked Pepperdine.

Pedestrian killed in Cal Nev Ari: The woman was walking in the northbound lanes of U.S. 95 when she was hit by the truck. A 2000 Kia came behind the truck and also struck the woman. She died at the scene. Neither driver was injured.

State senator switches parties: CARSON CITY -- Sen. Ray Shaffer, D-North Las Vegas, a 19-year veteran legislator, today jumped to the Republican Party, dealing another blow to the state's reeling Democrats.

Tip jars not hurt by slots: Gamblers spent $85.5 million on tip jars in Washington County in fiscal 2002, county gaming officials reported. That's almost $10 million more than they spent on tip jars the previous year.

Key tech executive quits: Key tech executive quits

Company cutting 1,500 jobs: Company cutting 1,500 jobs

Local sports calendar: Women's golf: UNLV Las Vegas Showdown at Anthem Country Club.

Analyst initiates coverage: Boyd's rating reflects the company's diversification nationwide, continued growth from its Delta Downs "racino" in Louisiana and the potential of the Borgata, a $1 billion luxury casino the company is launching with partner MGM MIRAGE next summer, Falcone said.

Potlatch: Lawsuit shouldn't hurt $66 million expansion: Potlatch Corp. said Monday that it was sued by consumer products giant Procter & Gamble Co. after Potlatch hired two key technical experts from P&G that would work at the company's North Las Vegas plant.

Homeless: Ballot defeat no surprise: On the eve of the biggest homeless event of the year, homeless Las Vegans say they are not dwelling on the overwhelming defeat last week of a ballot initiative to assist them, but rather are looking ahead to helping themselves.

Transient nature of Nevada linked to low generosity ranking: By Timothy Pratt; Nevada ranks among the stingiest states when it comes to donating to charities, according to a national report.

Revenue, profit advance: Vestin said revenue increased 77 percent to $8.8 million. The company reported strong demand for its loans because of the strong real estate market and the effect of the stagnant U.S. economy on the commercial banking industry.