Print edition for April 11, 2003

Officer facing charges was disciplined earlier: The latest trouble for 41-year-old David E. Logue, a narcotics officer, stems from an accident he had at about 10 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday. According to the police report, Patrol Officer Petra Ziros drove up on Logue on Hacienda Avenue west of Decatur Boulevard. Logue was trying to remove a construction barrier from under his department-issued 2001 Ford Expedition, which had fresh damage under the front right portion of the sport utility vehicle, according to the police reports.

UNLV students eye prof-rating website: Jennifer Knight; Pssst.

Nevada tax measures die: CARSON CITY -- Individual bills to boost the taxes of big casinos, levy a sales tax on services, and impose fees on satellite TV viewers officially died in the Senate Taxation Committee on Thursday.

Prayer banned at school events: By Emily Richmond; The Clark County School Board approved a new regulation Thursday that bans organized prayer at school-sponsored events such as graduation, while at the same time reaffirming that religious expression by individual speakers will not be stifled.

Malpractice bill voted down: CARSON CITY -- The Senate Commerce and Labor Committee voted out a slimmed-down version of a medical malpractice bill today to beat a legislative deadline.

Boy, 14, killed in rollover after collision on Interstate 15: A 14-year-old California boy died early today after he was ejected from a car that rolled over on Interstate 15 after being struck by another vehicle, the Nevada Highway Patrol said.

More studies planned for city's 61 acres: Judy Odierna; As members of the Las Vegas City Council, city administrators and experts engage in a two-day brainstorming session to plan the future development of the 61-acre parcel of land downtown, Mayor Oscar Goodman on Thursday said that several projects are under consideration.

Columnist Jeff German: 'Satan city' cops left out of loop: It's that Justice Department authorities prosecuting the suspects failed to inform local lawmen, particularly Sheriff Bill Young, that Las Vegas was considered a target.

Anti-French crusaders step up pitch to RTC: Anti-French protesters continued their attack on the Regional Transportation Commission's purchase of buses from Europe on Thursday, with one promising to seek a court injunction barring the agency from fulfilling the contract.

Metro Police office evacuated: The building at Sixth and Fremont streets, where casino workers receive their sheriff's work cards, was evacuated around 10 a.m. today, fire department spokesman Tim Szymanski said.

Bankers lend support to Guinn's gross receipts tax: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- One by one the bankers came to the witness table Thursday and said they would prefer a broad-based business tax to a stiff financial institutions tax.

Wind prompts dust advisory: Officials were advising construction site operators and residents about the potential for dust in the air due to the winds and were advising construction site operators to take steps to lessen the dust.

Gaming officials, IRS reach deal on tip taxes: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- After years of negotiating, gaming industry leaders and the Internal Revenue Service finally struck a deal on tip taxes paid by casino employees, thanks to a little pressure from Nevada senators.

Real estate transfer tax increase resisted: Jennifer Shubinski; Real estate agents are opposing proposals that would increase Nevada's real estate transfer tax, and said the increase would hurt homebuyers and ultimately home sales.

Delta's 'Song' airline explains Vegas strategy: When new low-fare Delta Air Lines subsidiary Song Airlines makes its debut in Las Vegas August, it won't result in the reduction of flights by the parent company.

Illinois plan to up casino taxes lowers license value: By Liz Benston; A plan to raise Illinois tax revenue by further increasing the nation's highest casino taxes would significantly diminish the value of a 10th available riverboat casino license in that state, representatives of MGM MIRAGE and Harrah's Entertainment Inc. said Thursday.

Maine officials debate Vegas-backed casino: AUGUSTA, Maine -- Proponents of a gambling casino in Maine made their pitch to a legislative panel today at a hearing that many regarded as a mere formality.

A few things about spring: Steve Guiremand; IF YOU GO

Rebels find 5 answers ...: Actually, this one was answered back on Nov. 30 when junior Kurt Nantkes, subbing at the last moment for the injured Thomas, engineered UNLV to a stunning 36-33 upset of 13th-ranked Colorado State in chilly Fort Collins.

... but others still remain: With potential game-breakers Larry Croom, Deon Burnett and Dominique Dorsey, it's hard to believe UNLV ranked a dreadful 104th nationally in kickoff returns and 96th in punt returns in 2002.

New privacy rules could leave patients' families in dark: Jace Radke; Ruth Whittacre's family didn't have any problems making their way to the maternity ward to celebrate the birth of a baby girl Wednesday evening at St. Rose Dominican Hospital-Sienna Campus.

Shooting leaves one dead2: The incident occurred shortly before 11 p.m. and may have been gang-related, police said. The call came into dispatch as a possible robbery or attempted carjacking.

Man killed in accident ID'd: Uy was killed and five others were injured -- including four passengers in the car Uy was driving -- about 11:45 p.m. in a two-car collision, Boulder City Police said.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: DeJoria stylin' as 50th birthday nears: Hair-care product king John Paul DeJoria was once homeless. Now he is a multimillionaire who sits atop the John Paul Mitchell empire.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Masters now a riot waiting to happen: Dean Juipe; There once was a time when the mere mention of Augusta National elicited thoughts of magnolias, beautiful spring days and the world's most picturesque golf course.

UNLV sweeps DH from UC Riverside: The Rebels (18-25, 2-4 MWC) took the opener 3-0 behind a masterful two-hit performance from McDonald. In what was the best game of the freshman's brief career, she carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning before giving up a single.

Rebels top Utah in series opener: UNLV reliever Ben Scheinbaum (4-0) picked up the win. He threw 3 2/3 innings, giving up one run on three hits. Starter Matt Luca gave up three runs off five hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Tyson trying to get fight in New Jersey: The deal with the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority calls for the former heavyweight champion to appear on the undercard of a June 21 card at Continental Airlines Arena. The main event would feature current heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis.

Gladiators face another tough test: Adam Candee; Ten games into a 16-game season, the Las Vegas Gladiators are playing the type of simple, efficient arena football they expected from day one.

Firm looking at record company: Talks between Apple and Vivendi Universal, Universal Music Group's parent company, have been held secretly for months, the Times said.

Consumer sentiment improves: Consumer sentiment improves

Attorney defending couple in Angelil lawsuit gives evidence to police: Erica Johnson; The attorney defending the California couple charged with trying to extort millions of dollars from Celine Dion's husband has given police what he claims is evidence of the couple's allegations of sexual assault.

$1.4 billion school budget hinges on Guinn tax plan: By Emily Richmond; The Clark County School Board got a first look Thursday at its proposed $1.4 billion budget for 2003-04 fiscal year, a draft built around the hope that Gov. Kenny Guinn's proposal for new and increased taxes win legislative approval.

Sandoval says feds aren't offering money for Yucca: At a University of Nevada, Las Vegas, forum Thursday night, Nevada Attorney General Brian Sandoval said people ask him all of the time if it wouldn't be wiser for the state to get paid for the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository instead of spending millions to try to keep it from opening.

Earnings meet expectations: GE earned $3 billion, or 30 cents per share, for the three-month period ended March 31, compared with net income of $2.5 billion, or 25 cents per share, for the same period last year. Before a one-time charge, GE had earnings of $3.2 billion, or 32 cents per share.

Legislative briefs for April 11, 2003: Heeding the advice of the Nevada Press Association, an Assembly panel on Thursday amended a homeland security bill to create a new class of records that may be kept confidential.

Uncertainty, softness seen in AC casino market: John Curran; ATLANTIC CITY -- There was a time when Rose Steeves took the bus down to Showboat Casino Hotel twice a month, to play the slot machines.

Mississippi casinos report dip in business: Matt Volz; JACKSON, Miss. -- Some Mississippi casinos are reporting thin crowds and slow revenues since the war with Iraq in March.

Projects being lined up for downtown parcel: Judy Odierna; As members of the Las Vegas City Council, city administrators and experts engage in a two-day brainstorming session to plan the development of the 61-acre parcel of land downtown, Mayor Oscar Goodman on Thursday said that several projects are under consideration.

Teen sentenced for shooting brother: District Judge Donald Mosley sentenced Matthew Arrants, 19, to four to 10 years in prison in the Jan. 21 shooting of Joshua Arrants, 18, at their home near Racetrack Road and Burkholder Boulevard.

Jurors consider death for Dotson: Erica D. Johnson; A defense attorney fought back tears Thursday as she pleaded with jurors to spare the life of a man convicted in the brutal killing of an elderly Las Vegas woman.

State health office being consolidated in Las Vegas: The state Office of Consumer Health Assistance, which helps consumers and injured employees understand their rights under insurance plans, is being consolidated in Las Vegas.

Obituaries for April 11, 2003: Sergio V. Alvarez, 82, of Las Vegas died Tuesday in a local hospice. He was born Jan. 27, 1921, in Cline, Utah. A resident for 48 years, he was a retired high school teacher, a World War II Navy veteran, a member of the Elks and Eagles.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Las Vegas' 'Mr. Hockey' skates shift in NHL: It had been nearly four years since I had spoken with Bob Strumm, who for my money will always be "Mister Hockey" in Las Vegas.

Romano lends hand in victory: Jason Romano's flight from Los Angeles landed at McCarran International Airport Wednesday afternoon, and he said he was pleased to be in Las Vegas.

Thurston has eye on LA: Las Vegas second baseman Joe Thurston got a look at the first bobblehead doll of himself late Thursday afternoon, just after he had a heart-to-heart talk with Joe Amalfitano.

PCL box: Las Vegas vs. Edmonton: Attendance--2,347. Time--2:34. Umpires: HP--Dowsy; 1B--Bullock; 3B--Kelley.

Riverboat proposed: He is trying to collect the 500 signatures needed for a petition calling for an election on the issue.

Merger with Ohio track OK'd: MTR announced in December it had agreed to purchase Scioto Downs Inc. near Columbus, Ohio, for $19 million.

PCL Standings: AMERICAN CONFERENCE

News briefs for April 11, 2003: A 42-year-old man died after being stabbed while taking food out of a common refrigerator, but no charges have been filed, Metro Police said.

$21 million more sought in higher education budget: Jennifer Knight; Nevada's bill for higher education just went up by nearly $21 million -- but the state Senate's leader is challenging the university system to find a "creative" way to pay for it.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Rumsfeld on target again: Don't tell the families of the Marines killed and wounded, the night after the statue was pulled down, that the war is over. Digging out the fanatics, who came to Iraq to kill Americans, and the Saddam loyalists isn't a finished job. Our fighting forces will handle them, as they did the Republican Guard divisions, but the combat casualty lists must cease before we can say this war is over. Dealing with snipers and pockets of trained killers is nasty work that can be, and usually is, costly in human suffering and heartbreaks.

Arena League standings: AMERICAN CONFERENCE

Judge not quitting Schiff tax case: Schiff was in federal court Thursday asking that George recuse himself from the case because in a March 19 hearing George said that Schiff's claim that federal income tax payment is voluntary was "nonsense."

More lake areas opened to personal watercraft: The National Park Service has opened even more areas of Lake Mead to personal watercraft in a newly published map.

Mayors wrestle some big steers in rodeo: "Now hard left! Now hard right! Real hard!"

Scene Selection -- Geoff Carter: 'Spirited Away' is an animated masterpiece: I'm not a big fan of the award that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently started giving to animated films. While I'm not aware of how those in the animation trade feel about the special Oscar, I think of it as a consolation prize for films that are, in many cases, as good as the Best Picture nominees.

Political notebook: Sandoval hangs up on Democrats' do-not-call plan: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- Attorney General Brian Sandoval crowed in a press release Thursday about the money he was giving back to the state's general fund.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Santa Anita: Saturday's card

Editorial: Image will be Job 1 in Las Vegas' Ward 1: McDonald's strategy for recovering centers on looking ahead. He points to the voter turnout of only 18 percent in the primary. In the general election, he says, voters in Ward 1 will not take his victory for granted. He predicts his supporters will turn out in force to give him a third term. Part of Moncrief's strategy centers on the past -- McDonald's past. The city and state found McDonald in violation of ethics standards, and she says it is time to bring integrity back to the City Council. She is seeking support from the more than 2,600 voters in ...

Letter: Wrong to bash celebrities: Oh, really? Then can't the Republican "heroes" -- actors Ronald Reagan, the star of "Bedtime for Bonzo" (Bonzo was a chimpanzee), Charlton "Moses" Heston and John "combat hero" Wayne (who never even served in the military) -- also be included in this description? The constant Republican criticism of the decent celebrities and other entertainers who adhere to their ethical principles is exceedingly hypocritical.

Letter: We must take aggressive stand against terrorism: Anti-war people prefer a more defensive, more internationally safe posture in the fight against the world of terrorism. War only with international consensus and support. Some, perhaps, say no war, period. If this means greater risk of another successful terrorist attack on America, it is the price of being a law-abiding "good guy" in the international community.

Columnist Krauthammer to speak in lecture series: Krauthammer, who is a syndicated columnist for the Washington Post, an essayist for Time magazine, an analyst for Fox News and a contributing editor to the Weekly Standard and the New Republic, will be at Temple Beth Shalom, speaking as part of the Shirley and Sidney Chaplin Lecture Series.

Editorial: Joy runs headlong into reality: Even once Iraq's military forces have been vanquished, there could be attacks from terrorists for years. Thursday's suicide bombing in Baghdad, an attack that injured four Marines, is what we can come to expect. There also could be a long period of civil unrest as warring religious and ethnic factions try to settle old scores or fight for power. Simmering hatred likely was responsible as two Shiite Muslim clerics were hacked to death on Thursday. One of the clerics murdered was an exile who had just returned to Iraq and had sought the support of Iraqis for U.S. troops. Not ...

Black Expo to feature business, cultural achievement: The expo is 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Cashman Center exhibit hall, 850 Las Vegas Blvd. North.

Provost doesn't regret actions: Dan Kulin; John Provost's political enemies went after him for his appearance on a game show, an accidental fax and lawsuit he filed against the city last fall.

Community briefs for April 11, 2003: The Silver Bowl Antique and Collectible Market will be held from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Double-deckers to join CAT fleet: Launce Rake; Coming soon to Las Vegas: Double-decker buses to ply the Strip and downtown.

Stricter requirements for teacher assistants debated: The new federal law requires teacher assistants at Title I schools hold at least an associate's degree or have completed at least two years of college credits. Currently a high school diploma is all that is required in many states, including Nevada.

Blood drives: April 19: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., LDS Hacienda Chapel, 6325 W. Hacienda Ave.; 8 a.m. to noon, LDS, 4500 Pennwood Ave.; 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Emergency Room Lounge, 3550 S. Decatur Blvd.; noon to 5 p.m., Vista Chevrolet, 5501 Drexel Road; 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Magic Star Casino, 2000 S. Boulder Highway.

Prep Schedule: TODAY

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Fast start pleasant surprise for Tracy: LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Paul Tracy of Las Vegas finds himself in unfamiliar territory heading into the third race of the 2003 CART Champ Car season.

Columnist Barb Henderson: Renovation closes local fish hatchery: Barb Henderson; The Lake Mead Fish Hatchery, which releases approximately 500,000 fish annually into Southern Nevada waters, will close Monday for the start of an $8 million renovation project that is intended to bring the hatchery up to code and enhance the fish population.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Celine's commercialized album lites up our lives: Spencer Patterson; You can tell a lot about Celine Dion's new album, "One Heart," without even listening to the CD.

Las Vegas Area Fishing Report: Anglers land largemouth bass near river areas of Lake Mead: Walt DeMattos, a Lake Mead creel census clerk, reported that boaters fishing Overton Beach near the Muddy and Virgin Rivers areas continued to have success landing largemouth bass that ranged from 2-3 pounds. Top-water lures landed the fish.

Spreading the Jam: Spencer Patterson; What: "Area 51 Soundtest 3-D."

Arts society enjoys order of Schubert: Marilyn LaRocque; The Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society invites the public to spend an afternoon with composer Franz Schubert this weekend.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: For lovers of fine food, every day is 'A New Day': Dinner at Bradley Ogden at Caesars Palace and then to the Celine Dion show, "A New Day ..." was a fine idea. But for the first time since the hotel opened, I almost lost my way.

Gagnon is still making an impression with audiences: Who: Andre-Philippe Gagnon.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Duprey selling his way into music lovers' hearts: In a little more than a year Frank Sinatra tribute artist Brian Duprey has gone from being a salesman to a lounge performer to having a spot in "Legends in Concert," the premier impressionist show in the country.

On Display for April 11, 2003: In honor of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, Nevada Watercolor Society member Terry Fukuoka's landscapes and floral works are on display through June 3 at Sunrise Library, 5400 Harris Ave. 507-3900.

Datebook for April 11, 2003: Las Vegas-Clark County Library District presents "Reading Las Vegas," a reading program for adults beginning with writing workshops with Joyce Spizer, at 1 p.m. Saturday at the West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd. Admission is free. 507-3940.

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: TV news is a muse for award-winning Madigan: Lisa Ferguson; In the newspaper business, it's not often you interview someone who can fully appreciate what it's like to sit on this side of the desk, asking the "tough questions" and praying for answers fit for print.

For the Ataris, music is much more than a game: Spencer Patterson; Who: The Ataris, the Juliana Theory, Further Seems Forever, Yellowcard.

Performing Arts for April 11, 2003: Schubert

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Boycott not answer: While many of my friends have been boycotting Germany for the past number of decades, I have done my level best not to support anything the French government thinks is good. I have always believed those folks have no scruples, just a sense of the money, and that has given rise to some terrible policy decisions. In case you can't read the large words between these lines, street walkers seem to have higher moral standards than the French.

Columnist Jeff German: Homeless ranking should be improved: Is there no end in sight?

Columnist Jon Ralston: Nevadans for Real Tax Dodging: "I swear that I support a broad-based business tax," intoned the second.

Editorial: Get behind broad tax on business: The Legislature is 2 1/2 months into its four-month session, and its primary mission of passing a tax bill to rescue education and other state services remains a tangle of proposals. It's made a little progress, however. At the start of the session we heard a lot of irresponsible talk about eliminating the state's deficit of more than $700 million by cutting programs. That has died down, thanks in part to Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, a fiscal conservative who acknowledged that Gov. Kenny Guinn had already cut Nevada's budget down to the bone.

Editorial: Protect buyers, not builders, on defects: Many defects in new homes are immediately obvious and buyers spot them during the walk-through just before signing their purchase agreements. Some defects, however, such as leaky roofs, can take a long time to discover. That's why we oppose Assembly Bill 373, which affects countertops, fireplaces, roofs, windows and other manufactured products builders install at new homes. The bill would make defects in these products exempt from lawsuits after one year of ownership. The bill would also shorten the time -- from 10 years to four -- for lawsuits regarding plumbing, electrical and sewer-system defects, and defects in driveways, patios ...

Letter: Iraqis speak out; U.S. critics can't: JOHN OWENS

Letter: Smoking should be banned in all public places: A short time ago I was on a five-hour flight from Atlanta back to Las Vegas. No smoking allowed! Now if smokers can sit in a plane for hours without smoking, why can't they sit in a restaurant or casino for a few hours, without feeding their nicotine addiction? I am not against that filthy habit for those who care to partake in smoking in its place. I am, however, against smoking where it can damage my health or jeopardize my life.

Scalding cases on rise: WEEKEND EDITION: April 12, 2003

Columnist Benjamin Grove: Reid, Chu hug, then slug it out over dump: Benjamin Grove; The unusual moment unfolded last week in that warmest and fuzziest of settings: a Senate budget hearing. It's that time of year again when lawmakers scour budget requests made by federal departments for the next fiscal year. Cabinet secretaries and federal project managers spent the last few weeks trudging up to Capitol Hill to justify -- and beg for -- their multibillion-dollar requests.

Columnist Erin Neff: Business group's sales tax on services is a bust: Erin Neff; And so on the 65th day, business created a plan.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Segway a sure way to danger: And they did it without seeking comments from the one Southern Nevadan who requested to testify at Tuesday's Senate Transportation Committee hearing. At issue was Senate Bill 363, which seeks to classify a new motorized toy -- the Segway Human Transporter -- as a pedestrian.

Beatles Forever: Spencer Patterson; WEEKEND EDITION: April 13, 2003

Columnist Timothy McDarrah: Bout features big underdog: Timothy McDarrah; Cathy Mason asked, and she has received.

Safety issues give students impetus for inventions: By Emily Richmond; WEEKEND EDITION: April 12, 2003

Ensign introduces bill on abortion: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., has introduced a bill that would ban non-parents from taking a minor across state lines for an abortion without parental consent.

Boy, 14, killed in Interstate 15 rollover: A 14-year-old boy died early today from injuries suffered after he was ejected from a car that rolled over on Interstate 15 after being struck by another vehicle, the Nevada Highway Patrol said.

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