Print edition for December 5, 2003

Columnist Steve Guiremand: Heisman Trophy race narrowed to two horses: Steve Guiremand; It's almost time to turn in my 2003 Heisman Trophy ballot, and I'm having a problem.

Pat Tillman is football's real patriot: Even Pat Tillman's former college coach isn't quite certain about the wide blur that separates fact from fiction, even myth, about the NFLer-turned-Army Ranger.

Players 'believe' in winning: Steve Guiremand; Their starting center has yet to play a minute. Another key big man has played in just two games. And most of the top players were either in high school, junior college or injured a year ago.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: McCallum: Nothing beats Army-Navy game: Having spent four years playing football for the Navy -- or the Naval Academy, as he proudly refers to it on every reference -- and parts of six more with the Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, Napoleon McCallum has been directly involved in what arguably are the two greatest rivalries in football.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Elliott makes plans for Las Vegas race: The bad news for Bill Elliott fans is that their favorite driver will compete in a limited number of NASCAR Nextel Cup races beginning in 2004.

Chiefs WR Kennison hits back at Shanahan: Depending on what side of the Denver-Kansas City rivalry you stand on, Eddie Kennison is either a quitter who doesn't know when to stop talking or a model teammate who was just misunderstood.

It's official: Pedregon brothers will partner for 2004 season: One of the worst kept secrets in the NHRA pits was made official on Thursday when reigning NHRA Funny Car champion Tony Pedregon announced he would partner with his brother Cruz for the 2004 season.

LV banks expanding: Separately, Colonial BancGroup of Montgomery, Ala., said its Colonial Bank of Nevada subsidiary opened an office at 10565 S. Eastern Ave. in Henderson near the Anthem planned community.

Gaming briefs for Dec. 5, 2003: PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde has once again proposed building a casino to help pay for a Portland construction project.

DA describes girl, 9, taking care of siblings, slain mother: Erica D. Johnson; A 9-year-old girl who was in the house for five days while her mother lay slain in the bedroom cared for her three younger siblings and periodically wiped her mother's face with a wet towel in hopes that the dead woman would wake up.

Columnist Sal DeFelippo: Flutie hits paydirt on field, keeps bettors from payday: Sal DeFelippo; Doug Flutie is one of those guys you're supposed to want to see do well.

Eaton says Germans not in control at DaimlerChrysler: Dee-Ann Durbin; WILMINGTON, Del. -- Former Chrysler chairman Robert Eaton testified Thursday that the 1998 merger he negotiated with Daimler-Benz was not a takeover of Chrysler.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Ault unable to resist coaching temptation: Dean Juipe; What happened to Chris Ault could happen to anybody.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Deering lets music guide his career and life: "When people ask how long I have been playing, I always say since before I was born," said Deering, resident pianist at the Bootlegger Bistro from Thursdays through Sundays. "When my mother was pregnant with me, she played piano every day ... I think I picked up a lot of music then, because I had nothing else to do."

On Display for December 5, 2003: Art @ the Funk House presents the painting exhibit, "Prozac Abstract," until Jan. 31 at the Funk House, 1228 S. Casino Center. Admission is free. 678-6278 or 809-7220.

Coffee seller arrives in W. Va.: The giant coffee chain, with more than 7,200 outlets in 30 countries, will open the store today in this suburb of Huntington.

Legos lead to a new career: Heather Rawlyk; Who knew playing with Legos could pay off?

Letter: Far better uses for $1.2 million Bush collected: Channel 13 reported on the Bush foray, followed by a report on the homeless and the near-freezing weather conditions they are enduring at night. Catholic Charities and the Salvation Army had to open their shelters early so the homeless, including women and children, wouldn't freeze to death. Then Channel 13 reminded us it's the Thanksgiving season and we should all consider giving to help out the less fortunate. Too bad reporters weren't down at The Venetian, reminding the rich folks who could afford to dole out $2,000 a plate to hear Bush pontificate.

Holiday performances: ARTEMUS HAM HALL What: Boys Choir of Harlem.

Blood drives scheduled: Dec. 12: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Home Depot, 2200 Serene Ave.; 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Las Vegas High School.

Med school official resigns after probe over degree status: Jennifer Knight; Lisa Kaye Davis, the chief financial officer for the University of Nevada School of Medicine, resigned Thursday amid allegations that she lied about her degree when she applied for the job.

Inspiration Point: Travis embraces gospel for musical, personal growth: Spencer Patterson; A Las Vegas casino might seem an odd place for gospel music, but Randy Travis is out to prove the two can be a match made in heaven.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Community famous for stocking: Where?

Returning National Guard soldiers honored: The unit spent the past last six months in Baghdad guarding prisoners of war at the Abu Grahib prison. The company also spent time in the so-called Sunni Triangle, the area between Baghdad, Ramadi and Tikrit, where resistance to U.S. forces has been the deadliest.

Obituaries for Dec. 5, 2003: Anthony P. Albano, 82, of Henderson died Nov. 28 in a local hospital. He was born May 15, 1921, in Gates Township, N.Y. A resident for 17 years, he retired as a plant manager in the dairy products industry after 48 years and was a World War II Army Air Corps veteran.

Datebook for December 5, 2003: First Friday, a monthly cultural open house and street festival held in the downtown Las Vegas Arts District, will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. today. Maps of the arts district can be obtained at www.whirlygiglasvegas.org, or at the Funk House, 1228 S. Casino Center, S2Art at One E. Charleston Blvd., or at the Red Rooster Antique Mall, 1109 Western Ave. 384-0092.

Williams requests council hearing: Sito Negron; Assemblyman Wendell Williams on Thursday took the first step in challenging the city manager's decision to fire him by requesting a Las Vegas City Council hearing.

Holidays to shine bright with variety of performing-arts productions: Marilyn LaRocque; Performing-arts programs will fill the halls with sights and sounds of the holidays. Whether it's music, theater or dance, productions large and small add to the festive entertainment for all ages.

Probation visit turns up meth lab, porn: By Emily Richmond; A surprise visit by a probation officer to a Las Vegas man's home led to the discovery of a methamphetamine lab in the bathroom, an assortment of weapons, drug paraphernalia and a homemade pornographic video featuring a 17-year-old runaway, law enforcement officials said Thursday.

Peforming Arts for December 5, 2003: Christmas music

Quadra Mining buying Robinson mine near Ely: AP; LAS VEGAS- Canada-based Quadra Mining Ltd. has agreed to pay $18 million for the idle Robinson mine near Ely and plans to return the facility to full production early next year.

Letter: Bush's Iraq trip was inspirational: Sure it was a risk. But our president showed bravery in taking that risk. And he was a living example of gutsiness that you can bet will pump up the morale of our troops. Here's a guy who plans, prepares and does what's necessary. That's the same thing American troops have to do. I'll bet you that tens of thousands of combat troops now realize they have a leader who they can follow, a leader who will bravely risk his life to fly to the battle front to speak to them, encourage them, and let them know he's with them.

Federal grant awarded to help elderly: Sun Staff; Combined with matching local funds from the Alice and Harry L. Goldberg Foundation, the grant will fund a project to enable seniors to receive services where they live, keeping them out of institutional care.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Rump session in Geneva: Among them is Amram Mitzna, who lost by a landslide in Israel's last election. Also present is Yossi Beilin, who at one time was justice minister for Israel. Joining them is an assortment of Palestinians like Yasir Abed Rabbo, a former information minister. Actor Richard Dreyfus was the master of ceremonies for the conference opening.

Editorial: Are we in a drought, or in denial?: One, the water level at Lake Mead (our primary source of water) is down more than 70 feet and dropping. No one sees an end to the drought that has caused this continuing water loss.

Utility CFO leaves: Atkinson was named vice president and chief financial officer of Pope & Talbot, a Portland, Ore.-based manufacturer of wood products and pulp. Sierra Pacific is the parent of Nevada Power Co. of Las Vegas and an electric utility in Reno.

Sun Auction items still up for bid: There's still time to deck your halls with some of the promotional items the Sun receives during the course of the year and auctions for our favorite charity, the Sun Youth Summer Camp fund.

Designer laments politics in memorial contest: A Las Vegas developer who submitted one of the 5,201 entries in the World Trade Center memorial contest says the process was marred by politics that drove a wedge between victims' families and the company assigned to redevelop the site.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Chalow Kabob celebrates Mideast cuisine: Wine dinners galore, festive feasts for the holidays and more grand dining than royalty of yore ever imagined. And while all of this is happening, small, just-a-step-above-fast-food eateries are struggling to survive.

Lassoing the upcoming country performances: Willie Nelson, Joe Firstman, House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, 8:30 tonight, sold out.

Campaigns to get people to the polls target Nevada: Three political campaigns focusing on getting people to vote -- two of them urging people to use their franchise against President Bush -- are slated to begin in Nevada, which is considered a major swing state for 2004.

Editorial: Reasonable standards: In light of this unfairness, it is reassuring that within the next several days the U.S. Education Department is expected to soften the requirements. In the future, special education students with severe learning disabilities will be held to a different standard than the rest of the student population. Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas, a former special education teacher, said it "sounds like this an acknowledgement from the federal government that students with disabilities may learn in a different way, and at a different pace, than their mainstream peers." While students with severe learning disabilities will be scored differently, they still ...

Community briefs for Dec. 5, 2003: The 12th annual Magical Forest is open now 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Dec. 28 at Opportunity Village's campus, 6300 W. Oakey Blvd.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Firstman takes his second shot at Vegas: Spencer Patterson; But don't worry, the Joe Firstman you'll hear this evening at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay will bear little resemblance to the Joe Firstman you heard on Nov. 22 at the Aladdin.

Drought causes closing of lake boat ramp: Dan Kulin; The drought is taking another boat ramp out of commission at Lake Mead.

Ralph Siraco's Hollywood Park selections: 1st Race -- NOMONYNOMONYNOMONY -- Flores aboard Cerin trainee, draws good post for freshman sprint opener, provides more money for backers? TRICKINTHEPARK -- Martinez on co-owner O'Neill trainee, draws good box for dash claimer, the Trick here is to win In-the-park. Value Play -- LEVEE TOWN

Gibbons' land sales plan gets lukewarm reception: Rep. Jim Gibbons' plan to give education a larger cut of proceeds from the auctions of federal land in Southern Nevada did not receive a ringing endorsement at a hearing Thursday in Las Vegas.

Correction: Correction

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 12:30 p.m.

Columnist Barb Henderson: Wildlife conventions make plans to flock to Reno: Barb Henderson; Hunters and anglers will soon be Reno-bound.

Medical board is praised in audit: By Cy Ryan; RENO -- The state board that regulates doctors, which was sharply criticized during the last legislative session, is doing a good job protecting the public from incompetent physicians, according to an audit released today.

Columnist Jeff German: Watering down the water rules: This week we saw a perfect example of how mixed up the process of saving our most important resource has become.

'Dogs out to defend crown: Nick Christensen; Last month, Centennial's boys' soccer team lost in the 4A State Championship to South Tahoe from the North.

Regulators endorse new Nevada tax rule: "We can't cover every factual situation with a regulation," Control Board Chairman Dennis Neilander said, adding that both the board and the state Tax Commission will try to help clear up confusion by providing advisory opinions on request.

LV move to allow fountains irks water officials: Regional and local officials are scrambling to respond to Las Vegas' decision to create a class of exemptions for the ban on water fountains.

Fashion Show GM appointed: Joyner replaces Scott Freshwater, who was promoted to vice president, senior area leasing manager, of The Rouse Co., owner of Fashion Show and developer of the Summerlin planned community and the Hughes Center office park. Freshwater is now involved in leasing for several properties throughout the West, including Fashion Show.

Feds move against lender: The Securities and Exchange Commission on Thursday accused two Las Vegas-area women of defrauding investors by selling interests in a fund that falsely promised to pay an annual return of at least 12 percent.

Rancho Drive detours are urged: Dan Kulin; Drivers who frequently use Rancho Drive near U.S. 95 will want to find another way to get around that area next month when work is expected to begin on a new storm drain system.

Home car washing may screech to halt: The soapy, suburban ritual of Sunday afternoon car washes in the driveway may be, at least temporarily, a thing of the past under new water rules advanced by the Southern Nevada Water Authority last month.

Officer shoots man suspected in burglary: Jen Lawson and Christina Littlefield; A Metro Police officer shot and injured a suspected prowler who was armed with a baseball bat and a knife this morning in the gated, guarded community of Country Club Hills in Summerlin, police say.

Coast to build a third room tower at Orleans: By Liz Benston; Just over a year after completing a second room expansion at The Orleans hotel-casino in Las Vegas, owner Coast Casinos Inc. has unveiled plans to build a third hotel tower at the company's largest property.

America West plans growth after favorable changes: TEMPE, Ariz. -- Encouraged by the results of its pricing and financial restructuring strategy, America West Airlines is forging ahead with plans to grow 10 percent a year into the foreseeable future.

Number of homeless deaths rises: By Timothy Pratt; More homeless men and women have died in the streets and washes of the Las Vegas Valley in 2003 than in previous years, and more of them were killed in homicides and car and train accidents, according to data released Wednesday.

Evidence dispute delays trial in 311 Boyz case: Erica D. Johnson; The trial of Steven Gazlay, an alleged 311 Boyz gang member, expected to begin next week, was delayed Thursday in a dispute over possible evidence about the alleged victim who was burned on the face with a hot butter knife.

Upcoming season will provide answers we seek: Adam Candee; Ten questions about the 2003-04 boys' basketball season:

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Third anniversary is Terrible news: Who has a flagship property on Flamingo Road?

Three Hells Angels indicted in Arizona: Jace Radke; Three of the 42 alleged Hells Angels members indicted in Las Vegas in connection with the killing of three people at the Laughlin River Run in April 2002 also have been indicted on separate charges in Arizona.

SW Gas asks to raise rates: Southwest Gas Corp., the dominant provider of natural gas in Southern Nevada, has asked the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada for a $59.8 million rate increase that would raise the average customer's bill by $4.21 a month in the summer and $9.90 a month in the winter.

Guinn backs up U.S. 95 project with cash: Gov. Kenny Guinn rolled out a list of $195 million in improvements slated for one of Las Vegas' central transportation corridors during a press conference this morning.

Ozone news is both good and bad: Clark County air quality leaders are not celebrating news from federal environmental officials that Nevada is in compliance with the strictest standard for measuring ozone.

Auditors slam Taxicab Authority controls: CARSON CITY -- The Taxicab Authority, which regulates the industry in Clark County, has been lax in controlling its revenue and that has increased "the risk that errors or misuse could occur and go undetected," a legislative audit said Thursday.

Columnist Adam Candee: For all of the marbles: Adam Candee; Take a deep breath: The end of the prep football season is here.

New law redefines auto 'totals': The term "totaled" used to conjure up images of twisted, mangled wrecks that were beyond repair.

Agassi, others invest in downtown deal: Soon after the deal was announced, tennis star and Las Vegas resident Andre Agassi, former International Game Technology Chairman Chuck Mathewson and former Expedia executive Rich Barton contacted Golden Nugget buyers Tim Poster and Tom Breitling about investing in the $215 million deal.

Nevada among 36 states to increase taxes: CARSON CITY -- Nevada was not alone in raising taxes last fiscal year. Thirty-five other states enacted broad-based tax increases, a national report says.

Deputy DA announces plan to run for County Commission: By Timothy Pratt; Jerry Tao, a deputy district attorney, has announced his candidacy for the Clark County Commission.

Consumers hammer on alternative phone firms: Alana Roberts; Public Utilities Commission of Nevada officials were surprised to hear members of the public sound off more about their phone service than about their gas or electric service at a general consumer session Thursday in Las Vegas.

Fishing report: Local anglers turn in strong weekend at lake: Very good fishing was found over the weekend following the Nevada Department of Wildlife's trout plants in the Boulder Basin.

News briefs for Dec. 5, 2003: The Nevada Supreme Court Thursday rejected the appeal of Juan A. Reyes, sentenced to two consecutive life terms with parole for the murder of a man in Clark County in 1993.

Sports briefs for December 5, 2003: Sequoia Holmes, a 6-foot-1 forward and a three-sport star at Mojave High School, has signed a national letter of intent to play for UNLV starting next fall, Rebels coach Regina Miller announced.

VegasBeat -- Columnist Timothy McDarrah: Plot for HBO film is pretty rich: WEEKEND EDITION Dec. 6 - 7, 2003

Expanded holiday light show benefits local charity: Heather Rawlyk; WEEKEND EDITION Dec. 6 - 7, 2003

It's never too late to fish for Tuna: Spencer Patterson; Side project. The mere words are enough to send chills down the spines of musicians everywhere who love their bands.

Klein's Cause: WEEKEND EDITION Dec. 6 - 7, 2003

Editorial: Progressive program is saving girls: How long can a teenage girl working as a street prostitute last before her life is irreparably harmed? Not very long.

Teen's unsolved death may be linked to prostitution: Jen Lawson; WEEKEND EDITION Dec. 6 - 7, 2003

Where I Stand -- Columnist Mike O'Callaghan: Getting to know the real Ronald Reagan: WEEKEND EDITION Dec. 6 - 7, 2003

Mimicry never fails for indefatigable 'Legends': It's difficult to argue with success, and sometimes to explain it.

Federal agency aims to raise awareness on child prostitution: Jen Lawson; WEEKEND EDITION Dec. 6 - 7, 2003

Columnist Jeff German: County develops a good attitude: WEEKEND EDITION Dec. 6 - 7, 2003

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: Campus gigs leave Rogers in a school daze: Lisa Ferguson; "You can go in and have the best situation, and you can have the worst, so I just go in thinking the worst ... and it can only come up from there," he explains of the oft-cramped campus venues and "dynamic" student-body audiences he encounters during the 60-plus school shows he performs nationwide each year.

Letter: Contrast of war images haunting: Two segments of a recent telecast of the evening news haunt me.

Where I Stand -- Columnist Mike O'Callaghan: Who wins with drug bill?: WEEKEND EDITION Dec. 6 - 7, 2003

Children of the night: Jen Lawson; WEEKEND EDITION Dec. 6 - 7, 2003

Editorial: Not broke; don't fix it: Dec. 6 - 7, 2003

Columnist Susan Snyder: Out on a limb for a fake tree: WEEKEND EDITION Dec. 6 - 7, 2003

Letter: Reconstruction must be open: Upon signing the $87 billion emergency supplemental bill to fund military and reconstruction costs in Iraq, President Bush released a statement announcing the Inspector General in Iraq "shall refrain from initiating, carrying out or completing an audit or investigation or from issuing a subpoena which requires access to sensitive operation plans" because of reasons of national security.