Print edition for August 21, 2003

Residents decry county's pre-flood efforts: Steve Kanigher and Jen Lawson; Angry residents who live in the vicinity of storm-drenched Gowan Road say local government could have done more to prevent flooding in their neighborhood, but public officials say they can only do so much with the funding they have.

District: 48 more schools needed: By Emily Richmond; When the Clark County School District finishes building 88 new schools in 2008, as a $3.5 billion capital plan passed in 1998 promised, there will be little down time to celebrate.

Another threat of thunderstorms is forecast for today: Rochelle Rogner kept a wary eye on black clouds passing in the sky Wednesday afternoon as she moved a carpet from her northwest Las Vegas home. Her house was drenched in a downpour and flooding late Tuesday.

Firefighters find some don't want to be rescued: Jen Lawson; Dwight Fuller, a fire engineer at Las Vegas Fire and Rescue's Station 9, and other rescuers were helping stranded drivers in the area of Gowan and Campbell roads when they found "an older man who didn't want to leave his car there."

L.A.-to-Vegas highway reopened: The main highway for gamblers to travel to Las Vegas from Southern California was reopened this morning after a day-long closure resulting from desert flooding produced a 220-mile detour for motorists.

Judge OKS settlement in Mirage case: Under an agreement approved by Clark County District Court Judge Joseph Bonaventure on Wednesday, Christopher Morishita pleaded guilty to failing to maintain records and report currency transactions. He will receive 36 months of probation during which he will not be allowed to hold a gaming-related position and will be required to disclose his case with potential employers who hold state gaming licenses.

County to pay $1.1 million to homeowners in '99 flood: Erica D. Johnson; Clark County will pay a group of Las Vegas homeowners $1.1 million for water damage to their homes and property during the 100-year flood four years ago.

Power company terminates energy marketing deal: Kevin Rademacher; Allegheny Energy Supply Co. on Wednesday terminated an exclusive, 15-year agreement to market energy produced by the Las Vegas Cogeneration II power plant.

Insurance may cover most flood-related car losses: Kevin Rademacher; Regardless of how the cars found their way into Tuesday's Northwest Las Vegas flood waters, the damages should be covered.

News briefs for August 21, 2003: The Nevada Supreme Court Wednesday rejected the appeal of Gregory N. Leonard, sentenced to death for the 1995 strangulation of a 65-year-old man in Las Vegas.

Officials say most flood systems worked: Some parts of the $840 million invested in flood-control structures in the past decade kept areas hit hard in 1999 from damage from Tuesday's deluge, but other parts were overwhelmed, flood control officials said.

Opening new trauma center no easy task: Jennifer Knight; Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center may want to open a trauma center, but it faces an uphill battle finding the medical residents and specialists to staff it, members of the medical community said Wednesday.

Exercises are getting real: Jace Radke; What has mainly been a tabletop exercise became a little more real Wednesday as helicopters and National Guardsmen in chemical-resistant blue suits descended on Logandale during the busiest day of a two-week terrorism drill.

LV begins to assess the storm's damage: Mary Manning and Timothy Pratt; The Nevada Insurance Council offers the following tips to homeowners who are trying to protect their families and property after a flash flood:

Angry outbursts mark comments on alley deal: Sito Negron and Ed Koch; In a city of billion-dollar deals and mass land development, the Las Vegas City Council took about an hour Wednesday before giving away 500 square feet of a vacated downtown alley that was as much a political football as a real estate transaction.

State lifts hiring freeze: CARSON CITY -- A hiring freeze that had kept 1,500 to 1,800 state government jobs vacant since the late '90s has been lifted.

Electric box shock described by LV man: Dan Kulin and Emily Richmond; A electric box nearly identical to the one that apparently electrocuted a tourist on the Strip last week, severely shocked a dog in a Las Vegas park last summer, sending the dog into convulsions and causing it to bite its owner when he tried to help the pet, according to court records.

Union agitating at big Henderson pharmacy: Michelle Swafford; Nearly 2,000 local and international union members gathered Wednesday afternoon at Medco Health Solutions in Henderson to protest what they called high health insurance premiums and low wages.

Effect on home sales expected to be small: Jennifer Shubinski; Flash floods this week in northwest Las Vegas shouldn't hurt new or resale home sales in the area in the long-run, experts say.

Hotels report ups, downs from flood: Tuesday's flash flood resulted in a few dozen displaced Las Vegas residents booking rooms in area hotels, but at least one lodging property will benefit from a flood of a different sort -- a flood of insurance agents.

LV businesses largely unscathed: Kevin Rademacher; Despite mounting homeowner losses from the powerful summer thunderstorm that drenched northwest Las Vegas on Tuesday, businesses in the area largely escaped unscathed.

Sports news briefs for August 21, 2003: Security was heightened around World University Games venues in an around Daegu, South Korea, following reports today that the event could be a target for chemical terror attacks.

Pupfish could be player in battle for Yucca water: CARSON CITY -- The tiny pupfish, an endangered species found at Devil's Hole in the Amargosa Valley, may play a part in whether the federal government gets water rights for the proposed nuclear repository at Yucca Mountain.

National survey says UNLV professors hard to find: Jennifer Knight; Professors at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, have received poor marks in a popular nationwide student survey, placing 10th in the unflattering category of instructors who "make themselves scarce."

Guinn names Lee state health officer: CARSON CITY -- Nevada has a state health officer for the first time in more than 19 months.

Health District says hazards lingering: Will Oremus; The floodwaters have come and gone, but Clark County Health District officials say hazards linger in the northwest Las Vegas neighborhoods affected by Tuesday's storm.

Wife's tip leads to timely warning: By Timothy Pratt; Behind every great man, there's a great woman, they say.

High school near orchard approved: Sito Negron and Ed Koch; Nearly four hours of listening to mostly opposing viewpoints failed to persuade the Las Vegas City Council late Wednesday to prevent the construction of a high school next to the historic Gilcrease Orchard.

Obituaries for August 21, 2003: Charles Francis Augustine, 63, of Las Vegas died Tuesday in Las Vegas. He was born Feb. 8, 1940, in DuBuque, Iowa. A resident for 16 years, he was an airline pilot and a Vietnam War Air Force veteran.

Moncrief replaces planning official: Las Vegas Councilwoman Janet Moncrief has replaced a veteran planning commissioner who had supported her opponent in the recent municipal election, but in the process she may have given herself a new opponent in four years.

Potter lifts retailer's results: Barnes & Noble said it earned $13.7 million, or 20 cents a share, for the second quarter.

Crossing guards in short supply: By Emily Richmond; With the start of the school year just days away, Clark County School District needs at least 25 more crossing guards to try to make sure children aren't run over while traversing streets around schools.

School menus get failing grade: By Emily Richmond; Due in part to a lack of vegetarian and vegan menu items, cafeteria fare in Clark County's elementary schools earned a failing grade Wednesday from a medical watchdog group.

County responds to lawsuit by contractor: Erica D. Johnson; Clark County attorneys on Wednesday responded to a lawsuit filed by the construction company responsible for the renovation of the Clark County Detention Center and the construction of the behind-schedule Regional Justice Center.

Economic index rises: Economic index rises

Doughnut maker's profit soars -- stock falls: Krispy Kreme earned $13 million, or 21 cents per share vs. $8.9 million or 15 cents in the year-ago quarter. That beat the consensus estimate of analysts surveyed by research firm Thomson First Call by a penny.

Weak link?: Steve Guiremand; Ruschard Dodd-Masters has read the preseason college football magazines. He has heard the sports talk shows.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Jones, Tyson going in different directions: Dean Juipe; Roy Jones Jr. appears headed for a fight with Antonio Tarver, while Mike Tyson entertains the idea of appearing in a K-1 fight this fall.

Fight schedule: At San Jose, Calif., (HBO), Jose Navarro, Los Angeles, vs. Adonis Rivas, Nicaragua, 12, junior bantamweights.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Kenny Bernstein eyes one more Nationals title: Kenny Bernstein retired at the end of last season with six NHRA championships and 65 national-event victories in both the Funny Car and Top Fuel categories.

Women's rights and lefts: Dean Juipe; Christy Martin has her supporters.

Agency approves plan to move casino: Larry Gregory, executive director of the Gaming Commission, said the decision to allow Treasure Bay to move a few hundred feet on the Gulf Coast was made after reviewing cases involving casino sites and after consulting with staff attorneys.

Settlement over laundering reports approved: Under an agreement approved by Clark County District Court Judge Joseph Bonaventure Wednesday, Christopher Morishita pleaded guilty to failing to maintain records and report currency transactions. He will receive 36 months of probation during which he will not be allowed to hold a gaming-related position and will be required to disclose his case with potential employers who hold state gaming licenses.

UNLV's Moore ousted in match play opener: Alan Robinson; OAKMONT, Pa. -- While most of the favorites overcame the trouble spots that make Oakmont Country Club one of the world's toughest courses, UNLV's Ryan Moore came up short Wednesday in the first round of match play in the U.S. Amateur.

Friday's horse racing entries: Post Time 3:30 p.m.

Firm to seek Ill. gaming license: The license would be pursued with that help of the suburban Chicago towns of Crestwood, Riverdale, Blue Island, Ford Heights, Alsip, Midlothian, Posen, Robbins, Calumet Park and Phoenix, the company said in a statement Wednesday.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Friday's races at Del Mar: 1st Race -- GOLDEN PENNY -- Desormeaux aboard, draws good post for mile opener, Penny turns into dollars for backers? LOVE IN THE MORNIN -- Draws good rail post for two-turn claimer, Baze in the irons, could get the trip here. Value Play -- FORCE THE WAY

Guest columnist Linda Frohlich: Playoffs still in sight as final week nears: Just when you think that it is over and you start packing your bags, here comes your boyfriend and he tells you that he is sorry for everything and promises that he is going to change for the better. He tells you that he loves you and doesn't want you to leave.

LV's Schwikert steps up to help U.S. team: Stepping in as an emergency replacement for injured teammate and reigning U.S. all-around champion Courtney Cupets, Schwikert received solid scores in the vault and uneven bars to help the short-handed American women win their first gold medal in the World Gymnastics Championships at the Arrowhead Pond.

Drivers: Fightin' is simply part of racin': Jenna Fryer; BRISTOL, Tenn. -- The first NASCAR race televised live in its entirety ended with brothers Bobby and Donnie Allison fighting Cale Yarborough after the finish.

Gaughan surrenders truck series points lead: Brendan Gaughan of Las Vegas came out of Wednesday night's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway with a fourth-place finish and an intact truck, but lost the series points lead to Travis Kvapil.

U.S. women's gymnastics team overcomes injuries, wins gold: Nancy Armour; ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The U.S. women were trying to come up with a suitable nickname for their scrappy team when Chellsie Memmel suggested, "The Five Left Standing."

Lobos may make run at MWC title: Steve Guiremand; Editor's note: Fourth in a series previewing MWC football.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: No second chances in gymnastics: Created in 1881, the International Gymnastics Federation is the longest standing federation in sports. It even predates the International Olympic Committee. And the Olympic Organizing Committee Money Under the Table Club.

Animated Actress: Christina Bianco brings tyke to life in 'Dora the Explorer Live!': "It just came naturally to me," Bianco said recently from El Paso, Texas, where "Dora the Explorer Live! Search for the City of Lost Toys," was being performed at the Abraham Chavez Theatre.

Letter: Victim impact statements vital: I am a senior citizen who depended on Tony for companionship and financial help and his knowledge of construction. He had a regular, 50-hour-a-week job but keeping the roof over our heads in good repair was itself practically a full-time job.

Letter: Middle class not on GOP's agenda: The only reason I can imagine why they would vote Republican is that they must think the party works against the interests of minorities, when in reality it's about class, not color.

Letter: Medicare funds for cancer care could be cut: This legislation will cut $16 billion from Medicare's funding for cancer care and thus, if unchanged, will systematically dismantle community-based cancer care in the country. Chemotherapy will no longer be available to us as it is today. The proposed slashing of cancer funding will affect everyone, not only seniors. Hopefully the readers will not need chemotherapy, but what if someone close to them or a family member does?

Editorial: Storm saw valley pull together: Metro Police and firefighters proved they were ready and capable. Swift-water rescues are treacherous but the helicopter pilots, the search-and-rescue officers lowered from the helicopters' cables, and the firefighters responding by truck all demonstrated their courage and skills. No one was killed and there were no reports of serious injury -- a fine tribute to the responders' training and experience. Highway Patrol troopers and Metro traffic officers kept things under control on the streets, a real testament to professionalism as the flooding began at rush hour and tens of thousands of commuters were on the roads. Las Vegas City Hall ...

Editorial: Terrorism in Iraq is taking its toll: No group has yet taken responsibility for Tuesday's attack -- and we don't know yet if the strikes are being coordinated between Saddam loyalists and foreign terrorists -- but it's obvious that they're intended to create even more misery for the Iraqi people. Along with killing Iraqis, the terrorists have used explosives to cut off the main water supply to Iraq and shut down one of the main exporting pipelines for oil, an important source of revenue for the country. The terrorists believe intolerable conditions will cause more Iraqis to ask the United States to leave. Attacking the Jordanian embassy ...

Where I Stand -- Wayne Pacelle: Unnecessary danger: IN THE PAST five years at least nine people have been mauled to death by tigers, scores have been attacked and many have suffered grievous injuries. In separate incidents in Texas, thought to hold perhaps half of the nation's 10,000 to 15,000 pet tigers and other big cats, a 10-year-old girl helping her stepfather groom the animal died after the tiger clamped her head in its jaws; a 4-year-old girl's arm was torn off; and a 3-year-old boy posing for a photograph inside the cage was fatally savaged by his grandfather's pet.

Nevadan flies first Raptor sortie for Air Force: Dick Benoit; Lt. Col. Jeffrey "Cobra" Harrigan, son of Priscilla Harrigan of Henderson, is the first Air Education and Training Command pilot to fly in an F/A-22 Raptor, the U.S. Air Force's newest fighter.

Community briefs for August 21, 2003: "Let's Take U Out of Fatigue," will be held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays in the education room of the Oncology Unit at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, 3186 S. Maryland Parkway.

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Fuhrman questions unanswered: Ruthe Deskin; Fuhrman, you might recall, was the Los Angeles Police Department detective who became the sacrificial lamb in the O.J. Simpson murder trial. That, of course, is a matter of opinion -- mine.