Print edition for September 19, 2002

Townsend backs off investment plan: CARSON CITY -- After being hit with sharp criticism, Sen. Randolph Townsend, R-Reno, is retreating from his plan to try to persuade the state Public Employees Retirement System to invest $200 million in emerging businesses in Nevada to diversify the state's economy.

Citi settles lending probe: David Ho; WASHINGTON -- Citigroup Inc. agreed to repay customers $215 million to settle federal charges that a company it acquired manipulated people into buying overpriced mortgages and credit insurance.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Sanchez sues NSAC over license denial: Dean Juipe; Having suffered not one but two brutal knockouts in the previous two years, Augie Sanchez was denied a boxing license by the Nevada State Athletic Commission earlier this year. Now he's suing the NSAC, using the claim that it has overstepped its bounds.

Assets to be auctioned off: Kristen Hays; HOUSTON -- Bidders will compete for everything short of Kenneth Lay's desk when Enron Corp. auctions at least 10,000 items next week -- from computers and artwork to Enron stress balls and a 5-foot-tall stainless steel "E."

Ordinance proposed to protect sensitive areas: The law, proposed by Commission Chairman Dario Herrera, would put development standards in buffer zones around prized natural places around the county, including the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, the Valley of Fire State Park, federal protected wilderness and other areas.

Dele investigation continues amid grim report: PAPEETE, Tahiti -- FBI agents have joined Tahiti police in investigating the disappearance of Bison Dele, the former NBA and Bishop Gorman player who vanished with two others during a sailboat cruise.

Showcasing a 'new' skill: Dean Juipe; As an up-and-coming fighter a few years ago, Derrick Jefferson hammered his way through an assortment of opponents and was preoccupied with knocking each and every one of them out.

Six airlines want National slots: Phoenix-based America West Airlines announced Tuesday that it had petitioned the Department of Transportation for the slots. A DOT spokesman said US Airways, Delta, Frontier, American and United airlines also have asked to take over the slots.

Brimmer ready to move on to Toledo: Steve Guiremand; NEXT UP

Furniture Mart startup seen for coming winter: Everyone, it seems, is satisfied that the long-awaited, highly touted $1 billion World Market Center is ready.

Guinn's task force completing details on future tax strategy: If you enjoy drinking a beer or going to an adult cabaret, or if you own property, you could pay higher taxes under a plan being developed by Gov. Kenny Guinn's tax task force.

Governor announces budget cuts: CARSON CITY -- The state will lay off workers, cut programs in mental health and other services and reduce state aid to Clark and Washoe counties in order to save $38 million this fiscal year, Gov. Kenny Guinn announced this morning.

News briefs for Sept. 19, 2002: North Las Vegas Police detectives are investigating the death of a 40-year-old man found next to a car at Comstock Drive and Hassell Avenue about 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

College's problem blamed on lack of funds: Jennifer Knight; An absence of legislative funding and a lack of administrative oversight are to blame for Nevada State College at Henderson's failure to file accreditation papers, officials said.

Gaming group honors UNLV's Bybee: By Liz Benston; Long before problem gambling became a household word in the close-knit casino industry, one man made a commitment to explore the issue and help push a somewhat reluctant group of casino chiefs into action.

Pamplin pleads guilty in stabbing death of his wife: Kim Smith; As tears streamed down his face, a 31-year-old Las Vegas man apologized Wednesday for slashing his wife to death in front of at least one of their three small children.

Longtime regulator leaving: Because of the sensitivity of his position, Thar said he would not be interviewing for another job until a leadership transition at the agency "is such that I would be in more of a consulting, advisory role."

State of change: Growth defines California in new century: AP; The state enters the 21st Century almost 35 million strong, and adding the equivalent of another Los Angeles every five years.

High pay-per-view ratings for LV fight: HBO said Thursday that last weekend's fight between 154-pounders generated 900,000 buys and revenue of $45.6 million, making it the second biggest non-heavyweight pay-per-view event ever behind De La Hoya's 1999 fight with Felix Trinidad.

Cat takes a giant leap after stay atop pole: Erica D. Johnson and Mary Manning; A cat named Doggie was dubbed "Rocky the Flying Squirrel" by neighbors after jumping from the top of a 40-foot electric pole to the ground Tuesday during a rescue attempt by Nevada Power Co. workers.

Hunt campaign donors questioned: Erin Neff and Dan Kulin; The Nevada secretary of state's office is asking donors associated with Vestin Mortgage who gave nearly $160,000 to attorney general candidate John Hunt's campaign to respond to allegations the money was given illegally.

List of winners at the 3rd annual Latin Grammy awards: AP; Latin Children's Album: "Xuxa So Para Baixinhos Vol. 2," Xuxa.

Executives explain growth strategies at G2E conference: Liz Benston and Richard N. Velotta; A parade of executives from major Las Vegas casino companies impressed visitors at an industry conference and trade show Wednesday with bullish financial outlooks for the remainder of the year and early next year.

Ballot question rejected: Councilor Eber Weinstein proposed a ballot question that asked whether voters would support a casino if it resulted in reduced property taxes.

Businesses near airport ask for more parking room: Owners of businesses oriented toward the gay and lesbian community charged Wednesday that Clark County Aviation Department officials have deliberately cut off access to parking in a congested area north of McCarran International Airport.

Southern Nevada called worst place for pregnant women: Jeffrey Libby; Southern Nevada has become the worst place in the country for a woman to deliver a baby, the president of a national group of medical doctors said Wednesday in a letter presented to Gov. Kenny Guinn.

Mulroy says takeover would cut power rates: Southern Nevada Water Authority general manager Pat Mulroy told local developers, architects and land use planners that her agency's bid to acquire Nevada Power Co. amounts to a refinancing plan that will save ratepayers lots of money.

North Las Vegas Council briefs for Sept. 19, 2002: North Las Vegas will receive almost $3.2 million from Pardee Construction Co. within the next five days, ending a legal battle that went to the state's highest court over whether the company owed the city for water connection fees.

$2 million bail set in fatal crash: Kim Smith; A $2 million bail was set Wednesday for a 21-year-old Las Vegas man indicted in the crash that killed Las Vegas Sun Vice President and Associate Editor Sandy Thompson.

Jury deliberates in murder trial: Kim Smith; The jury in the murder trial of a Colorado man returned to court this morning to resume deliberations after closing arguments on Wednesday.

Pot initiative leader challenges drug czar: By Emily Richmond; Billy Rogers, spokesman for Nevadans for Responsible Law Enforcement, said Wednesday he was dismayed to learn Walters' trip to Las Vegas would be paid for with taxpayer dollars. Rogers offered to front Walters the cost of a round-trip airline ticket, provided it was an economy class seat.

Rehab firm under SEC scrutiny: The investigation comes amid disclosures that HealthSouth's earnings would be sharply lower than expected and that its founder and chairman, Richard Scrushy, sold half his stake in the company weeks before the profit warning.

Rule calls for casinos to report suspicious transactions: Jeannine Aversa; WASHINGTON -- Casinos will have to file reports on suspicious financial transactions to the federal government as part of the Bush administration's effort to catch drug dealers, terrorists and others involved in money laundering.

UNLV to host Nike championship clinic: The clinic, which is being held in conjunction with Rebel practices, will be run by coach Charlie Spoonhour. The clinic will also include NBA analyst Hubie Brown as a featured speaker.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: 'White Tiger' grateful to Grambling: He wasn't Grambling's first "White Tiger," though it's a good bet that Eric Parks has a better haircut than Bruce Jenner did in a TV movie about Jim Gregory, the first white football player at Grambling.

Some Comdex shows canceled: The organizers of Comdex Chicago, at one time one of the largest technology trade shows in the nation, announced Wednesday the show's cancellation because of declining interest.

Casino take up from 2001: The August total was 6.4 percent higher than $60.7 million than the same period last year.

25 cent lottery tickets offered: Change Play, with bets from 25 to 99 cents, will pay winners according to how much they bet and the size of that day's pool, The Detroit News reported Thursday.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Jim Yates gets a gorilla off his back: Jim Yates accomplished a lot more than taking over the NHRA Pro Stock points lead with his win Monday at the rain-delayed Lucas Oil Nationals in Reading, Pa.

Court reinstates parental rights of jailed father: CARSON CITY -- The parental rights of a father should not automatically be terminated because he goes to prison, the Nevada Supreme Court has ruled.

Jurors return to decide killer's fate: Kim Smith; A Clark County jury that must decide if a Las Vegas man convicted of killing his girlfriend should one day have a chance at parole resumed deliberations this morning.

Lions beginning to roar: Spencer Patterson; Kyle Homeyer vividly remembers the helplessness that washed over him every time he and his Sierra Vista football team walked onto the field last season.

Editorial: Training, funding, are vital: Preparedness, especially since Oklahoma City and Sept. 11, requires such training and plenty of it. Acquiring the equipment to instantly communicate with all area support services, and then acquiring the skill to expertly use the equipment and coordinate a huge response effort, is the challenge facing emergency crews all over the country. The residents of the Las Vegas Valley, because of exercises such as today's, can feel assured that our hospitals and other emergency service agencies and crews are working diligently to improve their readiness.

Correction: The Sun corrects its errors. If you find a mistake, call 385-3111 to report it.

Latin music becoming more mainstream, artists say: AP; "I'm in love with Latin people," Hewitt gushed as she strutted down the carpet before entering the Kodak Theatre.

Nellis captain wins Bronze Star for his actions in Afghanistan: Dick Benoit; An Air Force special tactics operator now assigned to Nellis Air Force Base is the fifth person at the base in recent weeks to be awarded the Bronze Star for action in Operation Enduring Freedom.

Desert Pines gets nod against C-M: Spencer Patterson; Teams ranked jointly by the Sun and the SparksTribune

Letter: Camera-happy society feared: If she believes that, then she should also be in favor of the following:

Obituaries for Sept. 19, 2002: C. Phillip Allen, 79, of North Las Vegas died Saturday in a local hospital. He was born Dec. 21, 1922, in Riverside, Calif. A resident for 45 years, he was a retired sound technician, a World War II Navy veteran, a member of the National Rifle Association and a civil defense radio operator.

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Primary thoughts on voting: Ruthe Deskin; In spite of the inducement of early voting, I failed to cast my vote in the primary election.

Prep Standings -- Boys Tennis: CLASS 4A

Council starts ball rolling on Fremont revitalization plan: The Las Vegas City Council is attempting to clear its first major hurdle to creating an entertainment district in a rundown neighborhood east of the Fremont Street Experience by introducing a bill that will waive the 1,500-foot distance requirement between bars.

Catching up with ... VANESHA BAILEY: Where she is now: Arizona

Prep Standings -- Football: Northeast Division

Prep Standings -- Girls Golf: CLASS 4A

Letter: New college chief is tops: We were fortunate to have him in Utah, where he turned a small community college into a comprehensive state college. He left a legacy of accomplishments and was universally loved and respected by students, staff, faculty and the community.

Community briefs for Sept. 19, 2002: Culture Shock Las Vegas, a nonprofit hip hop dance company and youth outreach program, will hold its Back to School Jam from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Brinley Community School, 6150 Smoke Ranch Road.

Paintball games banned in forests: Paintball is banned in the areas of Kyle Canyon, Lee Canyon, Cold Creek, Lovell Canyon, Mount Potosi, Trout Canyon, and Carpenter Canyon.

State unemployment rate drops: CARSON CITY -- Nevada's unemployment fell to its lowest level of the year in August, but at the same time the number of those on welfare reached its peak during the month.

Review: Televised MGM Grand show stuck in 'Idol': Kirk Baird; Before I dive into this review of "American Idol in Vegas," I have a confession. And it's a whopper, considering I cover pop culture for the Las Vegas Sun.

Sun Prep Athletes of the Week: Travonte Darby and Estefania Serrano: Class: Senior

Letter: Mental health services are shortchanged: The public never sees how many of these misdemeanor miscreants are mentally ill (a reasonable guess is one out of five).

Editorial: Domestic violence law needs tweaking: Under existing law, a domestic violence charge can't be negotiated down to a lesser offense -- even if there may not be enough evidence to gain a conviction. The review commission believes it would be better to at least obtain a lesser conviction so that the abuser can be punished and possibly put in a treatment program, such as for substance abuse. Domestic violence wasn't taken seriously enough in the past, and we believe that the vigorous prosecution of spousal abusers is long overdue. Letting this crime go unpunished not only can result in more serious injuries if the attacks ...

Prep Standings -- Boys Soccer: CLASS 4A

Signs of dissension grow: The newest chapter of the seemingly neverending story of Clark County's evolving billboard regulations opened Wednesday.

Prep Standings -- Girls Volleyball: CLASS 4A

Prep Standings -- Girls Tennis: CLASS 4A

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Sorting out the lies: The almost immediate response by the White House was negative. USA Today wrote, "This is not a matter of inspections. It is about disarmament of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and the Iraqi regime's compliance with all other Security Council resolutions." White House spokesman Scott McClellan said, "This is a tactical step by Iraq in hopes of avoiding strong U.N. Security Council action. As such, it is a tactic that will fail."

Hotel employees give $1.9 million: The MGM-MIRAGE employee-funded Voice Foundation provides employees at the hotels the opportunity to make direct contributions or to divert a portion of their paycheck to one of four funds.

Displaying resolve: Despite skepticism, Guggenheim Las Vegas remains on course: Lynn Goya; Las Vegas as a cultural icon is just too easy to lampoon.

MASH Village site faces uncertain future: By Timothy Pratt; The Las Vegas Valley will remain without a homeless shelter for intact families for the near future, according to a plan announced Wednesday by city officials at the Las Vegas City Council meeting.