Print edition for August 29, 2003

Nine Title I schools didn't make adequate progress: Emily Richmond and Cy Ryan; Six Clark County elementary schools and three middle schools that receive an extra share of federal dollars failed to make "adequate yearly progress" on statewide exams as required by the No Child Left Behind Act, education officials said this morning.

Urban sprawl, health problems linked: Launce Rake and Mary Manning; A national study is urging cities, states and the federal government to fund more paths for bicyclists and pedestrians -- but also finds that Las Vegas does not have as big a problem as other areas.

County workers: Scandal unfairly reflects on them: Will Oremus; As a cloud of corruption charges swirls around the top level of Clark County's government, many of the county's rank-and-file feel they're the ones being rained on.

Berkley boosting union effort: Berkley, D-Nev., rallied workers at the central plant for Al Phillips the Cleaner Inc. near Tropicana Avenue and Industrial Road.

District looks at dangerous, failing schools: By Emily Richmond; The U.S. Department of Education has told Nevada to identify which of its schools are dangerous and begin offering transfers for students at those schools to safer campuses this fall.

Mandalay Bay, Conn. casino in deal for marketing: By Liz Benston; Mandalay Resort Group's Mandalay Bay resort in Las Vegas has developed a marketing partnership with the Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut to attract customers to each other's properties.

Teens say gang activity common in northwest: Erica D. Johnson; Some local teenagers say the recent arrest of nine alleged gang members charged in a violent attack in a northwest neighborhood didn't surprise them because gang violence is prevalent at Las Vegas Valley high schools.

Judge approves Aladdin plan: The Aladdin hotel-casino is another step closer to going Hollywood after a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge in Las Vegas on Thursday approved the Strip property's reorganization plan.

Homeless coalition could have asked for additional funding: By Timothy Pratt; A local coalition of private and public agencies recently discovered that it asked for $1.2 million less than it could have in its annual grant application.

First hearing set for today: Jace Radke; Las Vegas strip club owner Michael Galardi and three San Diego city councilmen turned themselves in to federal officials this morning, responding to an indictment charging them with wire fraud.

LV drug wholesalers in legal battles with state regulators: Cy Ryan and Michelle Swafford; Two Las Vegas drug wholesalers involved in a long-running dispute with state regulators are now accused of selling counterfeit prescription drugs and buying and selling $8.5 million in drugs in transactions involving unlicensed companies.

Nevada taxable sales hit high mark for year: CARSON CITY -- Nevada merchants registered $3.1 billion in taxable sales in June, an increase of 8.3 percent and the biggest percentage increase in the first six months of the year.

Not guilty plea entered for Bambi producer: Sito Negron; The Bambi hunting guide wasn't in court for his arraignment Thursday, but his lawyer entered a not guilty plea and the initial hearing on the case was set for Oct. 14.

Eight schools fail to make 'adequate yearly progress': By Emily Richmond; Five Clark County elementary schools and three middle schools that receive an extra share of federal dollars failed to make the "adequate yearly progress" on statewide exams as required by the No Child Left Behind Act, education officials said this morning.

County workers say scandal unfairly reflects on them: Will Oremus; A cloud of corruption charges is swirling around the top level of Clark County's government, but many of the county's rank-and-file feel like they're the ones being rained on.

Suspect in BC killing faces mental evaluation: Perry Monroe, 29, appeared this morning before Justice of the Peace Deborah Lippis, who said a District Court judge will make the decision of whether Monroe must go to Lakes Crossing, the state hospital for the mentally ill, to receive further evaluation.

Rebels have revenge in mind: Steve Guiremand; John Robinson has been on the losing side 62 times in his 190 games as a college head coach. But when it comes to embarrassing losses, nothing tops last year's 38-21 defeat at Toledo.

Fires strike two western LV homes: Two Las Vegas men suffered minor burns after a fire in their home, Las Vegas Fire Dept. spokesman Tim Szymanski said.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Celebs share in conventional wisdom: The MAGIC convention (Men's Apparel Guild in California), which wrapped Thursday, brought mass quantities of famous faces -- from Dennis Rodman to Gwen Stefani -- to hot and cool spots all over town.

Teen arrested in 'Net attack: Ted Bridis; WASHINGTON -- U.S. cyber investigators arrested a Minnesota teenager today on charges of unleashing a damaging virus-like infection weeks ago on the Internet, officials said.

Obituaries for August 29, 2003: Edwin Joseph Adamczyk, 43, of Las Vegas died Sunday in Las Vegas. He was born Sept. 22, 1959, in California. A resident for 15 years, he was a taxicab driver.

Toledo (0-0) at UNLV (0-0): Steve Guiremand; No. / Name / Pos.

Second clinic for homeless gets grant: When the new clinic opens by early next year, it will be the first time the Las Vegas Valley has had two clinics offering free care specifically to the homeless, said Brian Brooks, director of Healthcare for the Homeless, a project run by Nevada Health Centers.

Teachers' contract OK'd: The teachers' union contract includes 2 percent pay hikes over each of the next two years, as funded by the Legislature during the last session. The district will also contribute $106,000 a year to help cover tuition costs for teachers studying urban education, union officials said.

Report cites growing violence in forests: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- The window of a U.S. Forest Service vehicle was shot out last May near Mount Charleston, and that was cited Tuesday as an example of a rise in violence against federal natural resource workers.

Teen sought in shooting of father: Morrison George is believed to be driving a 1989 white Jeep Grand Cherokee with Nevada plates 487NZX and he may be carrying a small-caliber handgun, Officer Justin Roberts, spokesman for the department, said.

Holiday closings: SAFETY: Police and fire emergency services will be operating as usual though administrative offices will be closed.

Columnist Steve Guiremand: Van Pelt's mouth still running: Steve Guiremand; Call him "Bad Brad" or "Brash Brad." Or just plain entertaining.

Program aims at keeping siblings in touch: Malia Spencer; WEEKEND EDITION: August 30, 2003

Elks plan friendly family festival: Malia Spencer; Labor Day weekend has long marked the unofficial end of summer for many people, and the Henderson/Green Valley Elks Lodge is offering Las Vegas Valley residents another way to celebrate.

$82 million offered to end water fight: Southern Nevada has offered to buy $82 million in water from California in an effort to break a yearlong logjam that has blocked billions of gallons of water from reaching Las Vegas consumers.

Gaming briefs for August 29, 2003: Park Place Entertainment Corp. has been named employer of the year by the Nevada AFL-CIO. The labor federation announced the honor this week at its annual convention in Reno.

The indicted: Job: Aide to San Diego City Councilman Charles Lewis

Enron ruling pushes Sierra Pacific closer to financial edge: Kevin Rademacher; Nevada Power Co. and its parent company -- Sierra Pacific Resources -- moved deeper into financial distress Thursday when the cash-strapped, money-losing utility was ordered to pay $309 million to the notorious energy giant Enron Corp.

Local reactions range from fear to disappointment: From the halls of local government to the environs of adult entertainment businesses, response to federal indictments in San Diego Thursday related to a strip club scandal ranged from disappointment to fears that it could tarnish both government and the industry.

Sex club 'touching' rule at center of bribery case: Erin Neff; Seven people -- including Las Vegas topless club owner Michael Galardi and former Clark County Commissioner turned Galardi lobbyist Lance Malone -- were indicted on fraud and bribery charges stemming from Galardi's alleged effort to repeal a San Diego ordinance that bans contact between topless dancers and patrons.

Political scandal nothing new: From the large-scale Operation Yobo in the 1980s to the conviction of a Clark County justice of the peace caught buying cacti stolen from public lands in the 1990s, Las Vegas has had its share of political corruption drama.

Incidents leading to indictment: The indictment outlines the following incidents and conversations:

Fishing report: Bass fishing improves at Lake Mead: Striped bass fishing has been outstanding in recent days with the fish being caught on Lake Mead's surface by boaters near Boulder Beach.

Letter: Why so bothered about gay love?: Mr. Lewis is comparing apples to oranges when he states that homosexuality is equivalent to murder and spousal abuse, which are learned behaviors. A "natural part of the human order" would be sexuality, hair color, height and weight.

Columnist Erin Neff: Ashcroft trying to keep America from thinking: Erin Neff; The only thing missing in his brief stopover during his 16-city tour was the supreme law of the land he's supposed to uphold as the nation's top cop -- the U.S. Constitution.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Workers earn applause: A good example of productive power came during World War II when our nation built more ships and airplanes than Germany and Japan could sink and shoot down. Our military people were heroic on the battlefield, oceans and in the air, but they wouldn't have tasted victory in less than four years without the production lines at home.

Letter: Despite flooding, still a great place: Sure, local gas prices are outrageous, we're enduring the worst drought in decades and our streets will be torn up for another couple of years by flood-control projects. But is there a better place to live? No!

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Las Vegas version of Fiamma an eye-popper: Except for the cheerful fireplace (always ablaze) and the private screening/party room, Fiamma is a complete transformation from olio!, the previous Italian restaurant at MGM. It is smashing.

Where I Stand -- Mike Sloan: Taking advantage of us: AS I WAS RETURNING to Las Vegas from visiting my new granddaughter in Alabama a couple of weeks ago, two things occurred that made me reflect on the missed opportunity of the last legislative session. The first was a chance reading of an Alabama newspaper, which told of the Republican governor's courageous efforts to shift the tax burden in Alabama from the poorest citizens to big business and the state's wealthiest citizens.

Las Vegas poets prepare for grand Slam: Crossing the country in a black Ford minivan dubbed the "Black Widow," he and his girlfriend, slam poet Hilary Thomas, listen to Harry Potter audio tapes to break up the long drives, and park the van to watch rented movies on a laptop connected to a surround-sound system.

Columnist Geoff Carter -- Scene Selection: Epic 'Two Towers' will whet appetites for 'Return': And it is. Where "Fellowship" was an odyssey, "Towers" is a true epic in the classic style -- three hours of death, destruction, hope and glory, shock and awe. The near-indescribable Battle of Helm's Deep takes up nearly a third of the picture, and there's still talking trees, battling wizards and snarling Orcs to contend with.

Retailer loses $5 million in second quarter: The loss was equivalent to 6 cents per share in the quarter that ended July 30. That compared with a loss of $293 million, or 58 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

'Beginnings' showcases Allman's brilliance: Spencer Patterson; In the pantheon of rock legends cut down in their prime, Duane Allman rarely gets his due.

Middle child thrilled about camp prospect: The boy has a lot of energy, she says, and is "always very helpful and a very fast learner."

Formal investigation opened: The publisher initially disclosed in June that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission had begun an inquiry into its financial statements for the first quarter of this year and for all of 2002. The SEC notified Penthouse July 23 that it was opening a formal investigation, the company said in a filing released Wednesday.

State's bond rating stays strong: CARSON CITY -- Despite the turmoil in the Legislature over taxes and an uncertain economy, the state has retained its strong bond rating.

51s' Hill getting job done at the plate and behind it: 51s snap shot

Editorial: What's in it for me, anyway?: While Boulder City could have done more, some residents actually complained the City Council went too far. Bill Smith, who lost his bid last year to become mayor, argues that the water-use restrictions aren't fair because Boulder City's growth is stagnant. The city of about 15,000 has an ordinance that limits growth to 120 homes a year; the county overall adds about 20,000 new homes every year. "What I'm saying is if they want us to be a good neighbor and recognize there's a water shortage, they need to recognize that they need to stop adding new users," Smith says. ...

Venetian Showroom scores a victory with 'V': "V: The Ultimate Variety Show" is a galaxy of entertainers, each outstanding in his own right.

FBI agent pays fine in shooting into hotel cooler: Sito Negron; An FBI agent who fired two rounds into a walk-in cooler at a Strip hotel in May has paid the Barbary Coast $12,517 for the damage and paid a $105 fine after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge, authorities said.

DUI checkpoints planned: Metro Police's traffic officers will be saturating downtown Las Vegas beginning at 6 p.m. today to watch for drunken drivers. Between 6 p.m. Saturday and 2 a.m. Sunday, Metro will set up a DUI checkpoint in southeast Las Vegas.

Strike slows Wranglers from building a team: As he scours Western Canada for young talent to stock the Las Vegas Wranglers' roster, Glen Gulutzan, the team's coach and general manager, has discovered two common themes on the minds of prospects.

Deadline arrives for Do Not Call list: As of Oct. 1, telemarketers who dial people on the Do Not Call list are subject to fines of $11,000 per call.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Del Mar: 1st Race -- BOLD AMERICAN -- Daws good outside post for sprint opener, Valdivia atop Frankel trainee for owner Juddmonte Farms, solid connections. VIRGINIA MISS -- Solis scales for trainer Paasch, needs prompt start and clean trip from inner post for maiden dash, Miss to hit graduation here? Value Play -- MISTY WATER

On Display for August 29, 2003: "Mother Road," an exhibit featuring Route 66, begins its run Wednesday at the Brunz Rosowsky Gallery, 103 E. Charleston Blvd. A reception will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the gallery. 474-4123.

'Erin being Erin': Erin Neff; WEEKEND EDITION: August 31, 2003

Soccer teams ready to open: The Rebels have been picked to finish fourth in the Mountain West Conference in a preseason vote by the league's coaches.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Tailgating a dirty deed for Rebels fans: Sorry, Rebels fans, this isn't going to be the year.

Winslow is ready to make noise(s) in Vegas: Kirk Baird; For the rest of us it's as "that guy makin' all the noises" in the "Police Academy" movies and "Spaceballs."

Where I Stand -- Tony Sanchez: An increasing presence: MUCH HAS been written about the recently concluded 2003 state legislative session -- or I should more accurately say sessions -- and the resulting impact on Nevada residents. Whether the debate centered around taxes, education, health care or anti-terrorism measures, there were significant legislative policy gains.

Letter: Patriot Act threatens many of our freedoms: The referent for "enemy combatants" is so general that even demonstrators might be considered terrorists. He also wants to maintain various "data mining" projects that might be used in police "witch hunts" but have questionable value in catching terrorists.

Columnist Jon Ralston: System invites corruption: If Galardi and Malone wanted to ensure the San Diego elected officials kept their hands off a no-touch ordinance by greasing their palms, wouldn't they have tried to execute the same kind of illicit handshake deal with Las Vegas pols? The situations are almost identical -- everyone recalls the lap dance controversy last year. So if Galardi and Malone had loose lips on calls to the San Diego folks, wouldn't they have been flapping away with the locals, too?

The Beat Goes On: Ringo's aptitude examined as All Starr Band hits Vegas: Spencer Patterson; It's called the Ringo Starr Test.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Don't hate us because we're odd: We have given so much.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Busch's sponsor unhappy with antics: Apparently, the folks at Newell Rubbermaid -- the primary sponsor of Kurt Busch's NASCAR Winston Cup car -- don't subscribe to the theory that any publicity is good publicity.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Rebels face 'must win' right away: Dean Juipe; It's awfully early for a "must win" game, but that's the situation for UNLV as it opens the football season tonight with Toledo at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Letter: New face needed in Oval Office for peace, prosperity: Our servicemen are dying. How sad it is. Violence begets violence. There are many people who feel we need a fresh new face occupying the White House. Then, maybe, we would have a chance for more peace, for more prosperity, and for a more effective government.

Performing Arts for August 29, 2003: Jazz

Star receiver Johnson suspended for his role in use of phone card: Steve Guiremand; UNLV will be without arguably its best offensive player when it opens its 2003 football season tonight against Toledo at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Datebook for August 29, 2003: Author Tess Gerritsen, author of "The Sinner," will hold a book reading and signing and talk about her book at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road. The event is free. 507-3459.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Bands ready to test their metal at festival: Spencer Patterson; As a member of local metal band Bloodshot, the 31-year-old drummer has an even more vested interest in making sure the three-day event at the Huntridge Theatre comes off.

Woman fights 12-year uphill battle in court over sight loss: Malia Spencer; Anya Duke says she has always been a fighter.

Editorial: Bush fawns over large polluters: Last week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued new rules that will enable thousands of industrial plants to modernize their facilities without having to install new pollution controls. Owners of power plants, refineries, chemical plants and other large industrial facilities were elated by the decision. The reason for that is the Bush administration's rules that disregard the intent of the Clean Air Act, which requires industrial plants to install the latest anti-pollution devices when they upgrade their facilities.

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: 'Last Comic Standing' winner Phan has big plans: Lisa Ferguson; In July the comedian won the top prize on NBC's reality series "Last Comic Standing: The Search for the Funniest Person in America," beating out a houseful of other stand-up comics to win a sitcom-development deal with the peacock network and his own special on cable's Comedy Central.

Letter: Bush neglecting war on poverty: President Bush is handling our economy by giving tax breaks to the wealthiest 1 percent of the population and squandering the healthy surplus inherited from the Clinton administration,

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: School provides space for the future: The first part of the project will be to bring the first educational space simulator and mission control system to the West Coast.

Columnist Barb Henderson: Labor Day weekend means extra day of fun: Barb Henderson; Perhaps you are among those outdoor adventurers who have made plans for a venturesome trip over this three-day weekend.

Islamic families share a bond at young school: Afsha Bawany; Deboney Coleman is one student in a class of three in Omar Haikal Islamic Academy's seventh grade. The 12-year-old likes it that way.

Editorial: Not making the grade: Clark County School District officials thought they had at least another two years to comply with the "dangerous schools" provision of the No Child Left Behind Act. Late last week they learned from the U.S. Education Department that they have to comply immediately. The confusion and the sudden logistical problems the district now faces are typical of this federal legislation.

Gamblin' Man: Spencer Patterson; WEEKEND EDITION: August 31, 2003

More blood needed for holiday: It is increasing its hours this week at its main center to bring in more donors and its staff is working overtime.

Flood victims can get repair tips: The clinics will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at these stores: 9705 W. Charleston Blvd., 940-2400; 1401 S. Lamb Blvd., 641-9600; 7881 W. Tropical Parkway, 839-5100; 2200 E. Serene Ave., 837-4300; 6025 S. Pecos Road, 547-4100; 1030 W. Sunset Road, Henderson, 435-9200; 861 S. Rainbow Blvd., 870-9600; 1275 W. Craig Road, North Las Vegas, 642-2600; 4750 S. Decatur Blvd., 871-9428.

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

Editorial: 'Free' space is costly: All of which makes this a fair question: Should groups not affiliated with the district pay for their use of school facilities? The district pays more than $1.3 million a year for utilities, maintenance and other costs related to providing space free of charge to youth and adult groups. District staff analysts are working on a proposal that would set a fee schedule for various organizations, a proposal that has raised alarm within some groups.

Basic gets nod to top Bonanza in opener: Adam Candee; You missed me, didn't you?

Camp would create good memories: A foster mother writes that since she took in her foster daughter, she has been trying to create new memories to replace bad ones from her past.