Las Vegas Sun

Archive for August 14, 2003

Welfare rolls lowest in a year: CARSON CITY -- The number of people drawing welfare benefits in Nevada in June dropped to the lowest level in a year with 27,621 receiving cash assistance in June, the state Welfare Division reported Wednesday.; 11:24 a.m.

AG argues water-use permit for Yucca: CARSON CITY -- The state Attorney General's Office is arguing that the Energy Department should not be granted an application for water use at Yucca Mountain because the construction and operation of the proposed high ...; 11:21 a.m.

Terrorism drills to begin in Las Vegas Valley next week: Jace Radke; The fairgrounds outside of the small Southern Nevada town of Logandale are best known for carnival rides, cotton candy and corn dogs during the Clark County fair. But next week the fairgrounds will be the ...; 11:20 a.m.

Cop: Ex-teacher admitted 'cuddling': Erica D. Johnson; The former substitute teacher and Boy Scout leader charged with sexually assaulting a 12-year-old family member and an 8-year-old family friend allegedly admitted to molesting one of the boys, according to grand jury transcripts released ...; 11:19 a.m.

County recorder gives up idea for online business: Clark County Recorder Frances Deane said today she has abandoned a concept for marketing county records online through a for-profit company.; 11:17 a.m.

Kenny charge unnerves many at county offices: Erin Neff; Wednesday's news that a federal criminal charge had been leveled against former Clark County Commissioner Erin Kenny had many people at the County Government Center anxious and wondering what's next.; 11:17 a.m.

Gaming briefs for August 14, 2003: The owner of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Wednesday reported declines in profit and cash flow in the second quarter as increased marketing costs, administrative expenses and interest expenses cut ...; 11:16 a.m.

Report: Minimal harm from transport of nukes: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- Federal studies on transporting nuclear waste show little risk of public harm from accidents or terrorist attacks, the General Accounting Office concludes in a report to be released today. But the report admits ...; 11:15 a.m.

Judge demands seized files in club raid: Jace Radke; U.S. Magistrate Peggy Leen has ordered that original copies of documents taken by FBI agents from the Crazy Horse Too topless club be turned over to her, so she can determine if the seized items ...; 11:14 a.m.

Man, 79, drives off in ambulance: A 79-year-old man who said he was tired of waiting to be treated at Valley Hospital was charged Wednesday night with stealing an ambulance and leading Metro Police on a slow chase until he ran ...; 11:13 a.m.

Women's conference on money scheduled: The conference will feature presentations on saving, investing and retirement planning. The event also will include presentations from Tracy Eichler, a director with UBS Wealth Management USA, and Dee Lee, a retirement planning specialist and ...; 11:10 a.m.

Nevada vying to recover share of water: Southern Nevada water officials are in Sacramento negotiating with the six other Colorado River basin states in what could be a critical effort to win back water cut by the federal government Jan. 1.; 11:09 a.m.

Judges limiting victims' statements despite law: Erica D. Johnson; Josie Hsueh wanted to tell a judge about the nightmare she's lived since her parents were hit head-on by a drunken driver in January.; 11:08 a.m.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: As if by MAGIC, the stars come out: Then, it was a certain designer bag. And later it became the latest PDA.; 11:07 a.m.

LV hospital operator's restructuring hurts results: Michelle Swafford; Kindred Healthcare, operator of two Las Vegas hospitals and a few associated operations, Wednesday reported a loss of $43 million, or $2.49 per share, for the second quarter.; 11:06 a.m.

Binion may be thinking of deal: By Liz Benston; Executives at Horseshoe Gaming Holding Corp. of Las Vegas for the first time Wednesday confirmed that the company may be interested in merger or acquisition deals -- but declined further comment.; 11:06 a.m.

S. Nevada brothel eyes casino deal: Joe Richards, who operates the Cherry Patch and Mabel's Ranch in the 100-person town of Crystal, said today that he has an agreement with Daily Planet Ltd., Melbourne, to build the casino and topless dancing ...; 11:04 a.m.

More students are attaining high school, college diplomas: Jennifer Knight; Nevadans are more educated than they were 10 years ago, but the state still remains below the national average in those attaining a college degree, according to a new report based on 2000 Census numbers.; 11:03 a.m.

State making gains in education, income: By Timothy Pratt; Alan Chen, spokesman for Chinatown Mall, has seen the Spring Mountain Road commercial center double in size in less than a decade.; 11:02 a.m.

Glitch panics shareholders: Deanna Riccardi, administrator for investor relations at the Las Vegas-based chemical company, said she fielded about 20 telephone calls from worried shareholders when the glitch occurred sometime between noon and 1 p.m., Las Vegas time.; 11:01 a.m.

Vegas lender posts loss: That compares to a second-quarter 2002 profit of $2.1 million, or 22 cents per share.; 11:01 a.m.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Harter put her trust in outsiders: Here's hoping that Craig Thompson and Max Urick know their athletic directors.; 10:19 a.m.

Prime Time: The pick-up action has been constant this summer inside Durango High's sweat box of a gym, and the line to the water cooler forms instantly after games.; 10:18 a.m.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Cannery decides to put a lid on boxing business: Dean Juipe; The debut had its entertaining moments and appeared to be a success. The stands were set for 1,500 and were almost completely filled with 1,200 paying customers and another 300 comps.; 10:02 a.m.

Getting his due: Dean Juipe; Unfailingly agreeable and cordial, Hedgemon Lewis has made a lifetime of friends in and out of boxing.; 10:01 a.m.

Guest columnist Linda Frohlich: 'Papi' played big role in my career: Many things have shaped not only my basketball career, but my personal life as well.; 10:00 a.m.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Friday's races at Del Mar: 1st Race -- WINSOME DAME -- Solis scales Headley trainee for owner Stronach Stables, needs prompt start and clean trip from inner post at sod dash, potent team. JUNIPER SPRINGS -- P. Val atop Mullins ...; 9:57 a.m.

Fight schedule: At Dover, Del., Andrew Golota, Chicago, vs. Brian Nix, Rochester, N.Y., 10, heavyweights; Tony Marshall, Guyana, vs. Shakir Ashanti, Greensboro, N.C., 8, junior middleweights.; 9:56 a.m.

Friday's horse racing entries: Post Time 4 p.m.; 9:55 a.m.

Experience, clean programs crucial to Hamrick's hiring: Steve Guiremand; Been there. Done that.; 9:53 a.m.

Claridge itching to ditch cast: Steve Guiremand; Ryan Claridge began the week as a starting linebacker for UNLV. Now he seems better suited to be a podiatrist.; 9:53 a.m.

Veterans home looks forward to third wing: Dan Kulin; A year after the first handful of veterans moved into the Nevada Veterans Nursing Home in Boulder City, the facility is moving patients into its second wing, and officials say the home could open its ...; 9:51 a.m.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Scelzi looks to move up Funny Car standings: With his first NHRA Funny Car victory under his belt, Gary Scelzi is ready to make a statement in the final third of the NHRA Powerade Drag Racing Series season.; 9:51 a.m.

Reid likes chances of veterans hospital being built in LV: Dan Kulin; Bolstering the hopes of local veterans, Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., said Wednesday that he's confident a new veterans hospital and clinic will be built in Las Vegas during the next two or three years.; 9:48 a.m.

Energy Department moving closer to picking law firm: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- The Energy Department may be moving closer to selecting a law firm to review the Yucca Mountain Project license application, but a firm fighting in court to get the contract is not in ...; 9:41 a.m.

Obituaries for August 14, 2003: Constance Arpino, 71, of Las Vegas died Saturday in Las Vegas. Born July 14, 1932, in Boston, she was a retired personnel supervisor at an insurance company.; 9:41 a.m.

Male nurse charged with fondling Louisiana tourist: Jen Lawson; A man who worked as a nurse at Sunrise Hospital was arrested early Wednesday by Metro Police after a tourist from Louisiana accused him of fondling her while she was being treated for dizziness and ...; 9:41 a.m.

Tax department says casinos won't be hit with new tax: CARSON CITY -- Casinos apparently will not have to pay the new higher payroll tax assessed to banks, under proposed regulations drafted by the state Taxation Department.; 9:40 a.m.

$1 million gift pushes Nevada State College closer to building: Jennifer Knight; After years of struggling to raise its first dollar, the fledgling Nevada State College at Henderson received a $1 million gift from an anonymous donor Wednesday to build its first campus building.; 9:40 a.m.

News briefs for August 14, 2003: Mike O'Callaghan Middle School and a home on Radwick Drive near Washington Avenue and Monroe Street were without natural gas service Wednesday night after a construction crew cut a 2-inch line.; 9:40 a.m.

Head Start alumni thank fed program for success: Afsha Bawany; When Henderson's new Head Start facility opens Sept. 2 it will be filled with children from babies to 5 year olds.; 9:39 a.m.

Jail contractor sues county: Erica D. Johnson; The construction company responsible for the renovation of the Clark County Detention Center and the construction of the Regional Justice Center, which is 19 months behind schedule, has filed a lawsuit against Clark County stemming ...; 9:39 a.m.

Appeals court delays ruling on inmates' interest: CARSON CITY -- A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that more hearings will be required to determine if Nevada's prison system illegally used interest earned on money in an inmate's account.; 9:38 a.m.

Suits filed in helicopter crash: Jennifer Knight; The families of five of the six people who were killed in a Grand Canyon tour helicopter crash have filed civil lawsuits in District Court in Las Vegas seeking damages.; 9:38 a.m.

AMA chief says arbitration pacts up to patients, doctors: CARSON CITY -- The American Medical Association does not have a policy against doctors signing binding arbitration agreements with patients, the president of the organization said.; 9:37 a.m.

School funding policies criticized by group at protest: By Emily Richmond; A frequent critic of the Clark County School District said Wednesday administrators haven't done enough to ensure qualified special education teachers are in every classroom, particularly at high-risk schools serving large numbers of minority students.; 9:36 a.m.

Burned-out barbecue joint leaves locals feeling empty: Malia Spencer; Rick Laspaluto and his lunch companion were disappointed to see the yellow fire tape surrounding what was left of H&H Bar-B-Q and More. Laspaluto, a local financial consultant, had been bragging to his friend for ...; 9:36 a.m.

Two Metro cops in shooting are ID'd: The officers are Sgt. Al Cervantes, 47, who has been with Metro for 23 years, and Detective Allen Garris, 50, who has been with the department for 11 years. Both are assigned to the robbery ...; 9:36 a.m.

Suspect in Las Vegas killing gives up in Oklahoma City: Jen Lawson; A 33-year-old man who Metro Police say shot and killed his ex-girlfriend outside a karaoke bar last week surrendered to FBI agents Wednesday after a five-hour standoff at a house in Oklahoma City.; 9:35 a.m.

Private donations needed for Pentagon's 9-11 memorial: Dick Benoit; The campaign goal to raise $1 million for a Sept. 11 victims memorial at the Pentagon is hundreds of thousands of dollars short.; 9:18 a.m.

Nonprofits criticize Maryland slots plan: Gretchen Parker; ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- The Ehrlich administration slot-machine bill killed by state lawmakers would be one of the least profitable paths for the state to take if it decides to expand gambling, according to a study ...; 9:15 a.m.

Torres-Martinez tribe OKs new compact: Don Thompson; SACRAMENTO -- The Davis administration signed its first new Indian gambling compact in 3 1/2 years Wednesday, one that will bring some money to the hard-hit state treasury. But officials cautioned the deal has little ...; 9:15 a.m.

Judge: $25 million lottery ticket belongs to couple: Wayne Parry; HACKENSACK, N.J. -- A state judge ruled Wednesday that a $25 million lottery ticket belongs to a Bergen County couple who presented the ticket to lottery officials.; 9:15 a.m.

Governor: Casinos trying to decrease profits: John O'connor; SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Wednesday accused some riverboat casino owners of a "cynical" attempt to avoid paying higher state taxes by reducing profits.; 9:14 a.m.

Hospital executive wins leadership honors: The awards event recognize nurses and their contributions to health care.; 9:14 a.m.

Community briefs for August 14, 2003: A free support class entitled From Darkness to Light will be offered from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday by the Barbara Greenspun WomensCare Center of Excellence, 100 N. Green Valley Parkway, Suite No. 330.; 9:14 a.m.

Under Cover of the Night: 'Underground Lounge' series keeps music fans guessing: Spencer Patterson; No, the Northern Californian was not dragged off to be part of some new reality TV show.; 9:06 a.m.

Letter: Politics should be full-time job: Wake up, Nevadans, and start running state and local government like a 21st century business rather than an 18th century feudal system.; 8:45 a.m.

Letter: Don't be so quick to judge: Furthermore, what you and I believe about absolute truth is only perception because God is different to everybody and "sinners" are a part of all churches in one way or another. Even if you are ...; 8:45 a.m.

Letter: Not on fast track, Yucca is long overdue: You dismiss the observation by the Nuclear Energy Institute that the potential repository is located on federal property with existing security measures in place and that it adjoins the presumably secure airspace of the Nellis ...; 8:44 a.m.

Editorial: National gem needs protection: Ensign's bill would amend the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998. As a member of the House that year, Ensign co-authored the bill with then-Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev. Since the act's passage, $566 ...; 8:43 a.m.

Editorial: Don't assign civilians to front-line duties: Writing in The New York Times, Brookings Institution fellow P.W. Singer last month criticized this trend, saying that in Iraq there is one private military worker for every 10 soldiers fighting the war (as opposed ...; 8:43 a.m.

Where I Stand -- Terry Hickman: Education underfunded: IN NEVADA there will always be competing financial priorities. Of all the many investments we can make as individuals and as a nation, I say that the most important is in public education.; 8:22 a.m.

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Mail rife with odd messages: Ruthe Deskin; My e-mail contained the message: "Ruthe Deskin. Why not enhance your manhood?"; 8:21 a.m.

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