Print edition for August 1, 2003

Gov. Bush urged to veto expansion bill: David Royse; TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Antigambling and anti-dog racing groups are urging Gov. Jeb Bush to veto a measure they say would dramatically increase the stakes and hours at card rooms at dog and horse tracks.

Kida hopes to draw on experience: MASAO KIDA FILE

Blood drives scheduled: Monday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Community College of Southern Nevada, 6375 W. Charleston Blvd.

Letter: Consumers don't often know about business taxes: In the first sentence, he states that it is a myth that businesses do not pay taxes. He then goes on to explain in detail how it is the consumer who pays the taxes. Mr. Eggleston states that only the people who do business with the taxed business have to pay the taxes. True, but I would like to see a list of the untaxed businesses with which I can choose to do business. Which companies can I purchase goods or services from that pay no taxes?

Judge dismisses lawsuit by IAP: CARSON CITY -- A federal judge Thursday dismissed the Independent American Party's lawsuit that argued that the party's rights were violated by a ruling by the Nevada Supreme Court that allowed the Legislature to pass a tax measure without a two-thirds vote.

Letter: Seismic study should be remote: I don't believe that we need to have some fools setting off charges underground to see how much movement they can make across the developed area of the valley. How about a little common sense?

Letter: No escape from loud car stereos: These overly loud stereos in automobiles are a nuisance, to say the least. Some cause the dashboard in my pickup to vibrate, and even make ripples in my coffee cup while I'm at a red light beside them.

Smith's claim against Ferraro rejected: Dan Kulin; Former Boulder City Councilman Bill Smith, who lost the June mayoral race by 18 votes, has been dealt another defeat by the Secretary of State's Office.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Neil focus of brothel complaint: Turns out authorities in Lyon County had just withdrawn an arrest warrant for the former Motley Crue vocalist for allegedly assaulting a prostitute on the Fourth of July at the Moonlight BunnyRanch near Carson City.

Editorial: Self-revealing moment: On Monday Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., raised eyebrows with some remarks he made following his appearance on the television news discussion show "Face to Face With Jon Ralston." Gibbons, who is considering a run for the U.S. Senate against Democratic Sen. Harry Reid or for a seat on the Nevada Supreme Court, told Ralston that the state's highest court intrigued him because its pension benefits were better than those he receives as a congressman. The Northern Nevadan's political rise has been inextricably linked to what ostensibly are his fiscally conservative views, so it was an interesting juxtaposition that Gibbons' interest ...

Letter: Speed limits are key to road safety: We have more control of a slower-moving vehicle. If we reduce the number of accidents -- this should cut down our insurance rates. This in itself is enough of an incentive for me to obey the speed limits. How about for you?

Letter: Lakes must be drained to lower utility bills: Now things are starting to get a little out of hand. I have not seen anything about draining all those lakes that have been sucking up water (and power to keep them full) for years. Why should my 12-foot-by-50-foot yard suffer so ducks can swim off West Sahara Avenue?

Editorial: No private pay at state universities: The current base salary for the president of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is $209,000. The president of the University of Nevada, Reno, earns a base salary of $207,000. Each also receives $31,000 a year to help cover car, housing and other expenses. At first these sound like reasonable, even attractive, compensation packages. But a university system study of presidential salaries at comparable universities in 14 other Western states shows a disparity. At universities in those states, the average base salary was found to be $235,000. Additionally, many of those salaries are bolstered by free cars and houses, golf ...

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: When to carry or not carry firearms: Mom canned venison and we corned large pieces of it in huge crocks in our root cellar. Fried squirrels, rabbits and grouse were every bit as good as any gourmet meals served today at fancy restaurants. After hunting all day in the cold weather or sweating in the fields during summer months, the meals were truly delicious in every respect. Oh yes, don't forget the wild blueberry pie to end the meal.

Nevada youth hopes to don crown of Miss Teen USA: WEEKEND EDITION: August 2, 2003

Columnist Jon Ralston: 1993's past is 2003's prologue: At the risk of defiling the corpse known as the 2003 Legislature -- this is one dead dog that should stay buried -- a final exhumation is called for because of the enduring controversy over the two-thirds requirement to pass taxes. Although the Supreme Court ruled that the constitutional amendment somehow had evanescent qualities -- a bizarre legal finding yet to be resolved -- what's more interesting is the genesis of the supermajority provision in Nevada, and how 10 years ago the prologue to the future was being written.

Boy says camp will help him be helpful: One would-be camper says a scholarship for this summer would help him get ready for the sixth grade.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Manriquez a great state rep: Yvonne Manriquez plans to change that. And if anyone can do it, she can.

Chelsea buys Vegas outlet mall for $104 million: Friday afternoon, Roseland, N.J.-based Chelsea Property Group said it bought the 477,000-square-foot Belz Factory Outlet World for $104 million from entities affiliated with privately held Estein & Associates USA Ltd.

White shines bright as Diamond: Kirk Baird; What: "America's Neil Diamond Tribute" with Jay White.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Las Vegas gets a taste of real German cuisine: Get ready for the next round of new restaurants to open, including Hofbrahaus Las Vegas, a replica of the historic original Hofbrahaus Munich the royal court brewery built in 1589.

'Anthology' cleans up New Zealand band's catalog: Spencer Patterson; For years, tracking down the Clean's recorded output might as well have been the 13th labor of Hercules.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Getting a true read on literacy: The orange dragon on the purple tag affixed to my key chain might show we're doing something right.

Shatner: Future of Star Trek' franchise in doubt: What: Creation Entertainment's Official "Star Trek" Convention.

Datebook for August 1, 2003: The North Las Vegas Library District Summer Reading Club brings its season to a close with a puppet show at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the library's main branch, 2300 Civic Center Drive. The event is free. 633-1070.

No lull for Tull as it readies for Las Vegas: Spencer Patterson; You can't bungle in the jungle in Las Vegas, so Jethro Tull will land on the sand instead.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: While rumors swirl, Stewart stays focused: INDIANAPOLIS -- Tony Stewart will be racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend, but the big question is whether he will be running here next May -- in the Indianapolis 500 -- with team owner Chip Ganassi.

Music Festival tuned up for a long run: Conceived as a way to bring promising young musicians together with world-class professionals, the event provides a learning environment with courses and seminars during the day and concerts at night.

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 2 p.m.

Flying the coup: Spencer Patterson; Who: Alice Cooper with Ted Nugent.

On Display for August 1, 2003: Watercolor paintings of Western landscapes and rock art by Utah artist William L. Rowe can be see at the "Blue Mesa" exhibit at the Lost City Museum in Overton during the month of August. Admission is $2. 397-2193.

Columnist Jeff German: Let's hope exhibit's successes will be contagious: Last Wednesday the megaresort held a small reception outside the entrance to Shark Reef to celebrate the popular aquarium's accreditation by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA), the country's most respected overseer of zoological facilities.

Where I Stand -- Patricia Mulroy: Getting water-smart: AN UNPRECEDENTED drought has struck the Colorado River and shattered the illusion of infinite water. Lake Mead has plummeted, its decline marked by a stark white ring around its stone banks. In less than four years the lake has dropped 70 feet. In more meaningful terms, Lake Mead now holds approximately three trillion fewer gallons of water than in February 2000.

Performing arts for August 1, 2003: 'Bat Boy'

Columnist Erin Neff: On national stage, Nevada still plays a bit role: Erin Neff; Nevada finds itself on the bottom of every social barometer, has thousands of tons of nuclear waste coming its way and continues to suffer the pains only the nation's fastest-growing state can comprehend.

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: Blue-collar Barcena forged comedy career on own terms: Lisa Ferguson; When it comes to playing tough crowds, it seems Willie Barcena has performed for some of the toughest.

Scene Selection -- Geoff Carter: 'Tully' takes its time in telling a thoughtful story: In his review of writer/director Hilary Birmingham's 2000 debut film, "Tully," finally available on DVD (Hart Sharp Video, $22.99), Roger Ebert wrote that the film confirmed a long-held suspicion of his: "Audiences are more touched by goodness than by sadness."

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Gilmore brings smoky sounds to amphitheater: Spencer Patterson; Jimmie Dale Gilmore has been called his generation's Willie Nelson.

More issues driven by voters may reach ballot: Erin Neff; WEEKEND EDITION Aug. 2-3, 2003

Making a Scene: Kirk Baird; WEEKEND EDITION: August 3, 2003

Taking the initiative: Erin Neff; WEEKEND EDITION Aug. 2-3, 2003

Newcastle quarantine lifted in Clark County: CARSON CITY -- A quarantine over a small area in northeast Las Vegas, imposed to prevent the spread of the Exotic Newcastle Disease in birds, has been lifted, federal and state official say.

Duarte found guilty on all counts, faces 2 to 40 years: Erica D. Johnson; Jurors on Thursday convicted the man prosecutors say drove the getaway car in a 1999 robbery outside the Desert Inn, wrapping up the final case in a string of casino heists in which two of the man's accomplices were also convicted.

Conference on money matters set: Speakers include Dee Lee, author of "Let's Talk Money," and Tracy Eichler, director of UBS Wealth Management USA. Former U.S. Treasurer Rosario Marin will be the featured speaker.

Federal business with MCI suspended: Federal business with MCI suspended

Just another Brickyard in the wall: INDIANAPOLIS -- Going into last year's Brickyard 400, Las Vegas native Kurt Busch was fifth in NASCAR Winston Cup points and was being hailed as a legitimate contender for the series championship.

Trauma program seeks members: The Trauma Prevention Program and its volunteers work with emergency responders such as Metro Police, the Las Vegas Valley's fire departments and all local hospitals and ambulance companies to assist family members, witnesses or close friends to comfort them at the scene of the tragedies.

Senate energy bill could mean more nuke waste in Nev.: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- Incentives for renewable energy production approved in the Senate energy bill Thursday night could bode well for Nevada, but a push for more nuclear power development could eventually translate into more waste coming into the state.

Editorial: Baby-seat alarms are necessary: "It's frustrating knowing you have an idea that could have saved some of these kids," Stauffer told Sun reporter Emily Richmond, referring to two babies that have died from heat exposure this summer in Las Vegas after having been accidentally left alone in cars. And Hand said, "It bothers me that we have a way to save lives and we're not doing it yet."

Editorial: Big cat trafficking should be stopped: Exotic pet store owners who oppose the legislation say that it would hurt legitimate operators already obeying the law and that the sales of these animals would go underground. Despite their concerns, there is no reason why lions and tigers should be kept by someone who doesn't have a legitimate reason to do so. Ensign, a veterinarian, has noted that keeping a lion or tiger is dangerous for the animals and the keepers. Along with being carriers for deadly diseases, these animals can be mistreated or malnourished if they're not cared for properly. They also can injure their keepers -- ...

State's probe of Hunt moving slowly: Erin Neff; Most political eyes are looking ahead to the 2004 elections and have long ago shelved any lasting memories of the balloting last year.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Del Mar: 1st Race -- SHINING STRIKE -- P. Val atop Baffert trainee for owners Bob & Beverly Lewis, draws good post for sprint opener, ready to Strike for Shining victory? STORMY SPIRIT -- Smith scales Spawr trainee, draws middle post in dash claimer, has the Spirit to be factor here. Value Play -- GRAN AMIGA

Hermansen glad to still be around: Nick Christensen; The trade deadline came and went, and the only hit the Las Vegas 51s took was a pitcher who wasn't with the team, anyway.

Columnist Barb Henderson: Bighorn support group reviving the herd: Barb Henderson; In the early 1960s, eight concerned sportsmen and sportswomen felt something needed to be done for sheep and their habitat. Hence, the Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn.

Fishing report: Weather a factor, but there's action between fronts: Fishing pressure dropped off from the previous week because of weather fronts that came through the area. Anglers fishing between fronts in coves near Overton Beach were successful landing largemouth bass that weighed 2-3 pounds.

State Legion wide open: Adam Candee; LEGION GLANCE

51s SNAPSHOT: Ruan swiped another one Wednesday and is 34-for-39 on the season, fifth-best in the PCL.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: These are your parks: This situation has outdoor enthusiasts recalling when Interior Secretary Gale Norton's mentor, then-Interior boss James Watt, had his own agenda that threatened public lands and parks. That's when a former assistant secretary from the Ford and Nixon years, Nathaniel Reed, recommended that President Ronald Reagan fire Watt.

Community briefs for August 1, 2003: CARSON CITY -- The state Department of Corrections has hired its first female chaplain, the Rev. Jane Foraker-Thompson, to supervise the other three chaplains in the system.

Sports briefs: Newspaper intern Shani George, who landed an exclusive jailhouse interview with a former Baylor University player accused of killing a teammate, is today the focus of attention.

East Carolina's Hamrick next in line: Steve Guiremand; East Carolina athletic director Mike Hamrick will be the next candidate to interview for UNLV's vacant athletic director's job beginning on Monday.

Vegas rated 10th best city for Hispanics: By Timothy Pratt; 1. Miami

Columnist Dean Juipe: Kobe should settle with his accuser: Dean Juipe; It's clear the incident involving Kobe Bryant has the potential for a lengthy shelf life. It may even be with us for as much as another year.

HealthSouth probe widens with involvement of IRS: Jay Reeves; BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Two more HealthSouth Corp. executives agreed to plead guilty to charges announced Thursday, including filing false tax returns to hide a scheme to overstate earnings by at least $3.5 billion.

Officer who killed shooting suspect ID'd: The officer has been identified as Thurman Buchanan, 37. He was hired by Metro in 1998 and works as a patrol officer, Officer Jose Montoya, spokesman for Metro, said.

May selling Lord & Taylor space back to Fashion Show: Jennifer Shubinski; May Department Stores Co. said today it has dropped plans for a Lord & Taylor department store at the Fashion Show mall on the Las Vegas Strip and plans to sell its 138,000-square-foot space there back to mall owner The Rouse Co.

Gaming briefs for August 1, 2003: TLC Casino Enterprises said Thursday it completed the acquisition of 100 percent of stock in Four Queens Inc., which operates the Four Queens hotel in downtown Las Vegas.

Reilly seeks 2 percent pay hike: Salaries

Suit claims companies dumping illegally: The suit filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court names Nevada Construction Cleanup, Western Elite and Lunas Construction as defendants, claiming that the companies are part of a racketeering scheme that is costing Republic money and endangering the health of Nevadans.

Ad, PR accounts acquired: Sean McKinley and Peter Poggione, who formerly headed Swamp Rhino Advertising/SRPR in Las Vegas, formed Star7 Communications and took over Starr Seigle Advertising and StarrPR accounts.

Near-collisions down at McCarran, across U.S.: Jace Radke; Pilot education, technology and good sight lines from the tower at McCarran International Airport have helped drop the number of near-collisions between aircraft on the airport's runways.

Vegas' hackers' meeting stresses e-danger: Kevin Rademacher; The government reiterated its warning Thursday that hackers may be planning a major attack that would exploit a vulnerability in Microsoft software. For more' information on the Windows flaw and its remedy, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's National Infrastructure Protection Center's website atwww.nipc.gov. To report suspicious activity, contact the Infrastructure Protection Center's Watch Office at 888-585-9078.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Performer gives crowd the full Monti: Rock is guilty of having absolutely no singing ability.

Rain cools valley after hottest July: After sweltering through the hottest July on record, Las Vegas got a needed shower Thursday.

Columnist Jeff German: The smiles return to Drug Court: They can thank Chief District Judge Gene Porter for guiding them out of the depths of despair.

Glitch sends 911 call to Henderson police: A man who lives in southwest Las Vegas near the Henderson border called 911 when a solicitor vandalized his house. The call was answered by the Henderson Police 911 center, Detra Page, spokeswoman for Sprint, said.

Ancient dwelling discovered: Afsha Bawany; The valley's cities are relatively young. Las Vegas turns 100 in 2005, and Henderson recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Problem of teen street racing continues: Malia Spencer and Will Oremus; A North Las Vegas teen who got into an impromptu drag race in front of Cheyenne High School after a party was seriously injured early Thursday after he lost control of his car, police said.

Senators oppose new 'Net gambling measure: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON-- A Senate panel quickly and unanimously passed a bill Thursday aimed at crippling Internet gambling through banning the use of credit cards, checks or money transfers to place or pay out bets. With the House's approval of a similar bill in June, Thursday's action moves the bill closer to final approval than ever before.

Officials hope outlet mall will invigorate downtown: Jennifer Shubinski; An outlet mall that city leaders hope will be the catalyst for downtown Las Vegas redevelopment greeted shoppers this morning during a "soft opening" aimed at giving the stores time to work the kinks out.

Obituaries for August 1, 2003: Corazon Acayan, 70, of Las Vegas died Thursday in a local hospital. She was born June 13, 1933, in the Philippines. A resident for 25 years, she was a retired administrator at a rest home and former president of the Agila Lions Club.

Police visited home of boy before death: Jennifer Knight; Less than a month before 3-year-old Stephen Caldwell died, police responded to complaints of slapping sounds and a child crying at the motel where Stephen was living with his mother and her boyfriend, according to police reports released Thursday.

Sex-offender priest's status unsettled: A Roman Catholic priest sentenced as a sex offender to probation at a Missouri counseling center remained in a Las Vegas rooming house Thursday while Nevada and Missouri officials negotiate how he'll be supervised, authorities said.

Officers cleared in Moncrief sobriety test: Three Metro Police officers who escorted Las Vegas City Councilwoman Janet Moncrief from a restaurant on July 10 to administer a field sobriety test after an off-duty Metro employee alleged Moncrief had been drinking and driving have been cleared of acting improperly, authorities said.

New AD will make more than Robinson: Steve Guiremand; Whoever lands the UNLV athletic director job later this month will come at a much higher price than the previous Rebels AD.

Company reports rise in profits: Net income rose to $400 million, or 20 cents a share, from $364 million, or 18 cents, a year earlier. Revenue in the period ended June 30 increased 6.6 percent to $6.18 billion from $5.8 billion, Burbank, Calif.-based Disney said in a statement.