Stories published April 18, 2003Las Vegas Sun

2004 start planned for south LV casino: By Liz Benston; Coast Casinos Inc. executives said Thursday the company expects to break ground next year on its planned Southcoast resort on South Las Vegas Boulevard, confirming a schedule reported in the company's recent annual report.

New Tenet probe involves NLV hospital: Tenet Healthcare Corp., the hospital company facing a Medicare audit and other investigations, received a U.S. government subpoena Thursday for information about agreements made with a group of cancer doctors in Southern Nevada and California.

Columnist Barb Henderson: Bloodhound teams lend helping hand to Metro Police: Barb Henderson; Bloodhounds have an adorable droopy face, a distinctive howl and a reputation for having a strong sense of smell.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Member of elite, King still has game: When it comes to tough tickets, you can put the LPGA Hall of Fame alongside Springsteen at the Meadlowlands, or Barbra at the Garden. Although the admittance standards have been relaxed over the years, maybe that was just so JoAnne Carner and Nancy Lopez would have somebody to talk to at the induction ceremony.

Editorial: Lobbying provision lacks teeth: According to an affidavit filed in District Court by Commissioner Mark James, he has been lobbied aggressively by his predecessor, Erin Kenny, who left office in January. James' affidavit was in response to a lawsuit filed last week by developer Jim Rhodes. The lawsuit sought to prevent James from proposing an ordinance that would prevent high-density development on lands bordering Red Rock. Rhodes, a homebuilder, recently purchased the gypsum mine and would be affected by the ordinance. The lawsuit, which contended that James, an attorney, had a conflict of interest because he once represented Rhodes, was dismissed this week in ...

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Santa Anita: 2nd Race -- DISTINCTIVE FLYER -- Draws good post for sprint distance, Solis scales Mayberry trainee, need only be a Flyer to grad Distinctive diploma. EXY -- Baze aboard Treece trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from inner post for maiden/claimer, enters maiden Exy-its a graduate? Value Play -- FIVE RIVERS

Highland Games pass test: When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Columnist Benjamin Grove: Pokorney takes his place at Arlington: Benjamin Grove; "Your courage, your talent, your leadership have given us -- up to this point -- a tremendous combat victory," Myers said.

County smoking limits suffer: CARSON CITY -- By a 19-1 vote, the Senate on Thursday approved a bill that would allow the state to continue to regulate smoking in public places, despite efforts to give counties a chance to impose stricter restrictions.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Prana is on a roll already: Perhaps not, but they are about to get some serious competition.

Columnist Erin Neff: Republican lawmakers step up to necessity of taxes: Erin Neff; Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, Assistant Senate Majority Leader Ray Rawson and Assistant Assembly Minority Leader Josh Griffin are a trio of the GOP's highest regarded.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Hissing at a dog day afternoon: The mail is going to be awful, but restraint has never been one of my strengths.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Red Rock saga is revealing: Every one of those companies is controlled by Jim Rhodes, the developer who wants to erect houses on that land near Red Rock and who has long been seen as having great influence with Kenny.

Letter: Veterans' needs ignored by Bush and by Congress: How does the president and Congress dare to cut veterans benefits and at the same time give a tax break to the rich? Haven't they heard that the same people they will be cutting benefits for have been fighting a war. Also, there are veterans of other wars who are depending on these benefits.

Letter: Tax cut won't fix the economy: He argues that the tax cut will create jobs that will promote the economy's growth. Baloney. History has shown otherwise. Trickle-down economics has not worked. Reagan's immense tax cut for the rich brought on the record-breaking deficit and the rich tramped their way to the bank with their ill-gotten loot. It took Bill Clinton to put the bleeding Treasury back into the black.

Editorial: Guinn's tax plan down, but not out: If there is any good to come out of last week's vote, it is that those lawmakers opposed to the governor's plan no longer can just say they don't like it. They'll have to offer an alternative and defend it. So far the alternatives bandied about by state legislators have focused on expanding the sales tax. But all that would do is shift more of the tax burden to individuals, another shaft for consumers. In light of that, it's hard for us to believe that legislators won't ultimately come around and pass a broad-based business tax.

UNLV students are sharing their food with the homeless: Jennifer Knight; WEEKEND EDITION: April 19, 2003

Sports news briefs for April 18, 2003: McLain Ward of Brewster, N.Y., riding Viktor, owned by Ward and Harry Gill, won the first round of the Budweiser World Cup show jumping championships Thursday evening at the Thomas & Mack Center. Malin Baryard of Sweden was second aboard H&M Butterfly Fly. Three-time world champion Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil finished third on Baloubet Du Rouet.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: This business owner is one smooth operator: Spencer Patterson; For most of us, the words "Smoothie King" conjure images of bananas, strawberries and calcium supplements.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: New vets must be alert: The veterans of Gulf War II had better hope that their nation's enthusiasm doesn't fade as fast as it did following past wars. Don't worry about your friends and families forgetting what you did. When you later need help for problems resulting from military service the memories of White House executives, administration appointees and members of Congress won't be as good. Many of them will spend dollars on a new study, some pork they want for their state or for a project of a contributor to their last election rather than pay for your ills. If you don't believe it, ...

Obituaries for April 18, 2003: Latasha Jozette Anderson, 18, of Las Vegas died Tuesday in Las Vegas. She was born Feb. 5, 1985, in Berkeley, Calif. A resident for six years, she was a student.

Editorial: End at-large races in Henderson, NLV: David Damore, a University of Nevada, Las Vegas assistant political science professor, said that challengers can benefit under a ward system because there is less territory to cover to reach voters, but also cautioned that "incumbents can tighten their grip on a smaller area." Evidence of the latter would seem to come from Las Vegas Councilmen Gary Reese and Lawrence Weekly, who both crushed their opponents and eliminated the need for a run-off election. But there was a glaring exception: Councilman Michael McDonald. He actually received fewer votes than his challenger, so he will have to face Janet Moncrief in ...

Boulevard to get scenic byway funds: The scenic byway grant will also be used to highlight the historic nature, tourist qualities and unique aspects "of this special stretch of urban American road history," Mineta's spokesman said.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Patriotism should be as high at election time as it is in wartime: So what has been one of the goals of almost every war we have fought? Freedom and the right for Americans and the other people in the world to select their leaders in free elections. This has always been on the minds of Americans ever since they defeated the tyranny of a king who ruled without their approval.

Bass Instinct: Rare arm ailment can't keep Goo Goo Dolls' Takac off stage: Spencer Patterson; For the past two weeks the 38-year-old bassist has been nursing a rare arm condition known as cellulitis, which has forced him off the road.

Prosecutors push for death sentence for killer of elderly woman: Erica D. Johnson; Prosecutors on Thursday told jurors that Anthony Dotson, the Las Vegas man convicted in the slaying of an elderly Las Vegas woman five years ago, should pay for his crime with his life.

Regents want ultimate sacrifice honored: Jennifer Knight; Several members of the state Board of Regents want the families of Nevada's fallen warriors to rest easy when it comes to putting their kids through college.

School district keeps close watch: By Emily Richmond; Education measures While the Clark County School District has two bills moving forward, other education-related legislation pending includes:

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Easter offers a wide variety of dining choices: There is no shortage of Easter dining specials. Many restaurants are offering early dining times. Restaurants at many of the hotels will feature special holiday menus in addition to their regular menus.

NLV teen wins Youth of Year honor: Ambrosia Hafen-Hayes, 16, won the award based on an essay, school transcripts and a speech about her club experiences and personal growth, according to a statement from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas.

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: All is relative for funnyman Rocky LaPorte: Lisa Ferguson; Few things are more important to Rocky LaPorte than his family. After all, they're good for laughs.

Political notebook: GOP to make housecall for doctors: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- Neither doctors nor lawyers emerged satisfied when Senate Bill 97, designed to address the medical malpractice crisis, was gutted in committee last week.

Senate adds all elected officials to county pay-raise bill: CARSON CITY -- A controversial plan to give all county elective officials a pay raise starting next July cleared a hurdle in the Senate Thursday.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Putting the right spin on Easter: At our house, it was more like April Fool's Day.

Editorial: The public can help reduce DUI: A man behind the wheel of a pickup truck speeding through a quiet neighborhood has once again brought the tragedy of drunken driving to the forefront of public attention. The pleasant scene of a father out bicycling with his 8-year-old son was shattered Tuesday afternoon in northwest Las Vegas when the truck collided with them, killing the father and injuring the son. The driver sped off with the father's body on his hood. He stopped only to throw the body onto the ground and was involved in at least four other hit-and-run accidents before the truck broke down, Metro Police ...

Zakouto trial may send a message on domestic violence: Erica D. Johnson; After watching a videotape of Marina Cannon unsuccessfully begging a Family Court judge to keep her estranged husband, Vitaly Zakouto, from killing her, jurors took less than two hours Thursday to decide that Zakouto should spend the rest of his life in prison.

Clean out the fridge: Recycle instead: You just didn't have the heart -- or maybe the inclination -- to get rid of that old refrigerator when you bought a new one several years ago, so you stuck it in your garage, plugged it in and used it to keep cases of soda cold.

Community briefs for April 18, 2003: In honor of National Donate Life Month, a celebration for all of the kidney recipients who received a life-saving transplant at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday in the hospital's auditorium, 3186 S. Maryland Parkway.

Maturing Humperdinck at home on Route 66: Who: Engelbert Humperdinck.

Datebook for April 18, 2003: The Las Vegas Highland Games and Celtic Gathering will be from 9 a.m. to midnight through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Freedom Park, North Pecos Road and East Washington Avenue. Events and entertainment include Highland bands, pipers and dancing, a dog show, Celtic-themed merchandise and food. Admission is $10; $8 for senior citizens; $5 for students; under 12 free. 433-2637.

Letter: French attacks are small-minded: To threaten harm to anyone in this country for supporting the war in Iraq or not supporting this war is downright idiotic and should, under no circumstances, be tolerated.

Letter: Not voting is not an option: We are "The People." We have an obligation and an inalienable right to vote on issues and people that could change our lives, and all of our opinions are important. If you know people who do not vote, you should urge that they do so to express their given right to agree or disagree. It is a privilege not every country allows or encourages. America is different. We have an obligation to vote to prevent unequal or biased representation in every form of our government.

On Display for April 18, 2003: An abstract sculpture exhibit, "Suite 21," by Evgeni Vodenircharov, is on display Monday through May 30 at the Clark County Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway. 455-8239.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: USA sees through Bashar: The claim of Syrian officials that they haven't given a safe haven to fleeing Iraqi officials and that they didn't allow thousands of Hamas and Hezbollah guerrillas to travel from Lebanon through their country to "kill Americans," is only another series of Middle East lies. The next claim will be that they haven't been buying Saddam Hussein's oil and selling it for a profit despite the sanctions placed on such actions by the United Nations. When the U.S. shut down the Iraqi pipeline that could carry 200,000 barrels daily to Syria, the screams became even louder. This action sure got ...

Laugh doctor: Kirk Baird; Howie Mandel was 24 when he first walked onstage during amateur night at the famed Comedy Store in Los Angeles. In town for a business trip, Mandel, who had no previous experience as a comedian, performed well enough to catch the eye of a producer in the audience, who hired him that night for a guest spot on the game show, "Make Me Laugh."

Drought survives current weather: The waves of rain and snow that have moved through the Southwest and the Rocky Mountains since February have done little to improve a three-year drought, water officials heard Thursday.

PUC moves on exit fees, time-of-day metering: Kevin Rademacher; The state Public Utilities Commission Thursday granted Nevada Power Co.'s request for reconsideration of a March ruling to allow two customers -- the Riviera Hotel and the Imperial Palace -- to leave the company's grid without paying exit fees.

Second Nevadan tested for SARS: A Washoe County resident who just returned from Asia is also being tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome. It is the first suspected case in Northern Nevada. The person is confined to the home.

Letter: Rhodes should reconsider plan for Red Rock: Despite public opposition, Jim Rhodes, a developer, recently bought 2,400 acres on Blue Diamond Hill with the obvious intent of developing it. Rhodes should seriously consider being a good citizen by selling, swapping, or even donating the land to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area rather than becoming a perpetual pariah to his community by building on Blue Diamond Hill. What will it be: A lasting legacy for the environment for present and future generations to enjoy, or degradation of our wonderful Red Rock for the financial benefit of Jim Rhodes?

Performing Arts for April 18, 2003: Guitar music

Columnist Jeff German: System creates unethical conduct: Enforcing ethical behavior, you see, doesn't work here.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Acts have us drifting through confusion: "Bobby Ruffin's Tribute to the Drifters" is wringing fond memories out of fans at Fitzgerald's second-floor showroom Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The Drifters were a doo-wop group formed in 1953 by Clyde McPhatter (lead singer), brothers Gerhart and Andrew Thrasher and Bill Pinkney. Within a year McPhatter and the Drifters had recorded "Money Honey," "Such A Night," and "Honey Love."

Church bringing angelic voice to Aladdin: Marilyn LaRocque; When: 8 p.m. Saturday.

Bass averaging 2 lbs. near Overton Beach: NDOW creel census clerks reported that boaters fishing the Overton Beach area of Lake Mead, left of the boat ramp, continued to have success landing a few largemouth bass that averaged 2 pounds. Top-water lures continue to be the bait of choice.

Columnist Jeff German: Star power returns to the Strip: So we shouldn't be surprised to hear that Celine Dion's "A New Day" show, less than a month old, is pumping up business at Caesars Palace.

FAO to emerge from bankruptcy next week: Michael Rubinkam; PHILADELPHIA -- Toy retailer FAO Inc. said Thursday it has secured the financing it needs to emerge from bankruptcy and hopes to do so early next week.

Officer shoots man to death because of alleged attack: Jen Lawson; A Metro Police officer shot and killed a man who allegedly raised a golf club over his head in an apparent attempt to beat the officer this morning.

MGM MIRAGE in pact for NY slots: By Liz Benston; The New York Racing Association said Thursday it has awarded a contract to MGM MIRAGE to operate 4,500 video lottery terminals at New York's Aqueduct racetrack in Queens.

Nevada Assembly softens candidate filing requirements: AP; AB285 was designed to alleviate problems that Assemblywoman Ellen Koivisto, D-Las Vegas, experienced in two different election cycles.

Save for 18, Kung shines on first day: Even though he owns an engineering degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Justin Kung is unemployed. Yet he couldn't have been happier Thursday afternoon.

In Saiki's case, home is where the birdies are: Adam Candee; Kim Saiki left the LPGA Tour in the middle of 2001, as a viral inner-ear infection caused vertigo symptoms and forced her to skip half the season.

Clapinski has itch that age won't cure: 51s snapshot

Message goes out: Nature will be nurtured: The state Senate sent a clear message to would-be developers of Blue Diamond Hill: Leave it alone.

Officer shoots man to death: Jen Lawson; A Metro Police officer shot and killed a man who allegedly raised a golf club over his head in an apparent attempt to beat the officer this morning.

Testimony wraps up in Nevada Power rate case: Kevin Rademacher; Attorneys were packing boxes and filing out of the state Public Utilities Commission's Las Vegas offices late Thursday morning after testimony concluded in Nevada Power Co.'s $195 million rate case.

40 candidates miss deadlines for campaign reports: CARSON CITY -- The names of 40 political candidates, half of them from Clark County, have been turned over to state Attorney General Brian Sandoval for action because they filed late or didn't file their campaign expense and contribution reports.

Legislators wrestle with gambling expansion plans: Lawmakers are getting a barrage of phone calls and e-mails from both sides. The topic drew a standing-room-only crowd for a 7 a.m. Wednesday hearing of the House Special Committee on Ways and Means, established this session to tackle the state's huge budget gap.

Prosecutor: Suspect may have been doing drugs: Erica D. Johnson; The man authorities say went on a drunken driving rampage in a northwest neighborhood could have also had drugs in his system when a bicycling father and son were hit, killing the father, a Clark County prosecutor said this morning.

Vegas hospital operator eyes acquisitions: Chief Executive Alan Miller said there are several opportunities for acquisitions. But Universal Health won't complete any transactions in the second quarter of 2003, he said.

Kim Gervasoni named Nevada's women's basketball coach: AP; Gervasoni's appointment was announced on Friday.

Employers Insurance Co. posts annual loss: Those totals represent a 198 percent increase over the $18.5 million in premiums written for the fourth quarter of 2001. For the year, Employers Insurance said it wrote $185.5 million in premiums, up from $113.3 million in 2001.

French shot at Yucca Mountain contract criticized: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Critics of France for its anti-war stance are questioning whether a French company should be considered for a lucrative Yucca Mountain contract.

NASCAR fan faces prison time for flooding Fox with angry e-mails: Mark Pratt; BOSTON -- A NASCAR fan faces up to a year in prison for flooding Fox Entertainment with more than a half-million e-mails because he was angry the network aired a Boston Red Sox game instead of an auto race.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Cash will flow at The Winston: The Winston, NASCAR's annual all-star race, is unique from other sports' all-star events in that each competitor who qualifies for the limited-field race drives as hard -- if not harder -- as he would if it were one of the 36 points races.

Maverick unveils quieter new chopper: Maverick's new chopper has an automatic rotor speed control system and a Fenestron tail rotor that is encased -- as opposed to exposed to the wind, which reduces the noise the helicopter makes.

World Series of Poker makes Internet debut: By Liz Benston; The 34th annual World Series of Poker at Binion's Horseshoe is expected to draw as many as 8,000 players from around the globe as well as hundreds of tourists who will watch an event that has become the gambling industry's top spectator sport.

SARS not stopping Nevada missions: The Nevada Commission on Tourism plans tourism-building campaigns in Japan and China next week. A Commission on Economic Development tour to Hong Kong and China in June is still planned.

Iraq pipeline: Wives of local Marine reservists keep family members informed: Jennifer Knight; Elisa Williams and Deanna Goguen have created their own version of the military's Central Command in Las Vegas.

This week in motor sports: Site: Imola, Italy.

Heritage Days may be near the end: Dan Kulin; A Henderson tradition older than the city may be ending.

Vegas outlet store to close: The apparel and home furnishings retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last month.

Gambling addict appeals court decision: EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- A compulsive gambler is appealing a federal judge's dismissal of his lawsuit against a riverboat casino he claims lured him to gamble away his life savings.

Racing board sets hearing: The state commission did not specify its charges Thursday against Jim Rasmussen, but it scheduled a May 15 hearing in Des Moines after finding probable cause that he violated state gambling regulations.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Annika's game isn't PGA caliber: Dean Juipe; If the question is "Will Annika Sorenstam make the cut at the Colonial next month?" the answer is "No."

Lower gas prices hailed: Prices at the pump are beginning to drop in the Las Vegas Valley and could drop even more, to the delight of motorists and gas station owners alike.

Legislative briefs for April 18, 2003: A bill that would prohibit telemarketing calls to everyone except people who sign up to receive them was approved by the Senate 21-0. Senate Bill 255 would require a person put his or her name on a "do call" list with the state attorney general's office before telemarketers could call.

Panel removes gross receipts tax from bill: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- A Senate panel's vote Thursday to remove the gross receipts tax on business from the governor's $1 billion revenue plan won't likely spell death for the proposal.

Faga, Olsens true Ironmen at UNLV: Steve Guiremand; The city of Indian Springs is only about an hour's drive northwest of the UNLV campus up Highway 95. But for most college football recruiters, it might as well be on the moon.

Passenger describes ride in truck: Jen Lawson; Donations should be made to "The Holt Family" and brought to any branch of Nevada State Bank.

News briefs for April 18, 2003: A man found late Wednesday sitting outside a home in the 300 block of North Eighth Street was shot to death, and Metro Police are asking for the public's help in solving the case.

EICON reports loss, strong growth: EICON reported $55.2 million in premiums written for the quarter ending Dec. 31, up from $18.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2001. For the year, Employers Insurance said it wrote $185.5 million in premiums, up from $113.3 million in 2001.

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