Print edition for December 19, 2003

News briefs for Dec. 19, 2003: A man shot Dec. 12 in drive-by shooting in North Las Vegas died Monday at University Medical Center, Officer Justin Roberts, spokesman for the North Las Vegas Police Department, said.

Flu shots given to local TV station workers were legitimate, director says: KLAS-TV Channel 8 employees breathed a sigh of relief Thursday after verifying the flu vaccine they received this year was legitimate vaccine from a licensed medical doctor, News Director Bob Stoldal said.

Three kids rescued from blaze: Three small children were rescued today from a burning apartment building as a neighbor and firefighters endured thick, black smoke and flames to get them out.

Business briefs for Dec. 19, 2003: Revived merger talks between Kirk Kerkorian's Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. and Time Warner Inc. created a buzz in the entertainment industry Thursday over the DVD and cable prospects of a massive film library under one corporate roof, the Los Angeles Daily News reported.

Harrah's has potential bargaining chip for Binion's Horseshoe: By Liz Benston; Harrah's Entertainment Inc.'s pending acquisition of Midwest gambling boat operator Horseshoe Gaming Holding Corp. includes a $19 million promissory note held by Horseshoe owner Jack Binion against Binion's Horseshoe, a downtown casino owned by his sister Becky Binion Behnen.

$2.5 million for lake project is approved: Facing a drought that is dropping Lake Mead's water level, the Southern Nevada Water Authority's board on Thursday approved $2.5 million to buy materials to extend the upper and original intake through which nearly all of the region's drinking water flows.

Call taker fired over Moncrief incident: Jen Lawson; Sheriff Bill Young fired a 911 call-taker Thursday after he said she falsely claimed she saw Las Vegas Councilwoman Janet Moncrief driving her car after drinking last summer, then lied about her ties to Moncrief's political opponent.

Nevada's jobless rate at lowest point in 34 months: CARSON CITY -- Nevada's unemployment rate fell to 4.5 percent in November, a decline of four-tenths of a percentage point compared to a year ago and another sign the state's economy is on the upswing.

Off the streets: New shelter, services serve valley's homeless teens, children: By Timothy Pratt; Christina Buchanan moved from her house to a park bench at age 15.

Interstate Mortgage charges modified: A 78-count indictment against David Ferradino, head of the now-defunct lender, was reduced to 51 counts of theft by a Las Vegas grand jury. Ferradino is scheduled to be arraigned Jan. 7 in Clark County District Court.

Panel to study college system: CARSON CITY -- In the wake of the turmoil in the university and community college system, a legislative committee will be created to examine the hiring, firing and demotion policies of the system.

Monk who helped homeless honored: Brother David Buer, a Franciscan monk, will be honored by the County Commission at 3:30 p.m. today for seven years of serving the homeless as part of the candlelight vigil at American Burial & Cremation Services, 310 Foremaster Lane. Buer founded the Poverello House in Las Vegas and Henderson for the homeless.

Not like TV: Metro's real-life crime lab jammed into tiny quarters: Jen Lawson; Crime scene analysts on the television program "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" have roomy offices and spacious labs.

Big Las Vegas builder reports higher fourth-quarter earnings: LOS ANGELES -- KB Home, the sixth-largest U.S. home builder by stock market value and the largest in Las Vegas, Thursday said fiscal fourth-quarter profit increased 12 percent as low mortgage rates spurred sales.

Vegas investor's associates promoting racinos in Idaho: By Liz Benston; A group that emerged this month to promote slot machines at race tracks in Idaho has ties to Shawn Scott, a Las Vegas investor who has tangled with regulators in Nevada and New York.

Columnist Jeff German: Regents have gone way too far: So when I asked him how he felt these days about being a member of the Board of Regents, the misguided, misdirected public body that's supposed to oversee higher education in Nevada, he responded with his usual candor.

More middle school kids are depressed: By Emily Richmond; The number of middle school students who say they don't feel accepted at school and have felt depressed enough to stop doing regular activities is climbing, a new survey shows.

Fishing report: Bass fishing has been slow across most of Lake Mead: Fishing has slowed in the Boulder Basin in recent days as anglers have had some difficulty catching fish. One shore fisherman reported to the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) that he only caught one striped bass after casting a yellow Bomber Long-A lure for several hours last Saturday night at Pumphouse Cove.

Prosecutors claim Murphy is flight risk: Erica D. Johnson; In court documents filed late Thursday, prosecutors claim Sandy Murphy is a flight risk and a danger to the community who should remain behind bars without bail while she awaits a new trial.

Columnist Barb Henderson: Celebrate the holidays with a little time outdoors: Barb Henderson; With Christmas and the New Year fast approaching, I thought I would share a few outdoorsy ideas for you to ponder. Many sportsmen and sportswomen spend time, energy and money for wildlife and habitat throughout the year with a variety of conservation hunting and fishing programs.

Army job put Knight on track as tyrant: Alas, the 'Necks beat Norfolk State on Wednesday to give Thomas his first victory as a head coach.

UNLV takes aim at righting ship: Texas-San Antonio and South Florida will provide the opposition for the Lady Rebels tonight and Sunday afternoon games at Cox Pavilion, but it just as well may be the Harlem Globetrotters and Washington Generals.

Columnist Sal DeFilippo: Receiver picked wrong time to get on the Horn: Sal DeFilippo; Sometimes referees aren't the only ones who make bad calls.

Tale of two halves: Steve Guiremand; A not-so-funny thing happened to UNLV in its final tuneup game for Saturday night's showdown against undefeated Auburn.

Ralph Siraco's Hollywood Park selections: 1st Race -- AREYOUTALKINTOME -- Draws good post for dash opener, P. Val aboard Mitchell trainee, adds blinkers for this outing. GAME DAY HERO -- Baze aboard O'Neill horse, draws outer post in full field of maiden/claiming sprinters. Value Play -- HEZAWARE

Officer involved in third on-duty shooting: Jen Lawson; A Metro police officer who shot and killed an unarmed man Tuesday was involved in two nonfatal shootings in 2000 and 2001.

Nevada gaming commission approves restructuring at Resort at Summerlin: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Gaming Commission on Thursday approved a complicated deal permitting operators of the Rampart Casino at the Resort at Summerlin to share 50 percent of their profit with the company that owns the property.

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

State officials prepare for big Yucca hearing: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- Nevada officials want three federal agencies to justify actions they feel violated federal nuclear waste law, overruled scientific evidence and unconstitutionally pitted 49 states against one, all in the name of building a nuclear waste storage site at Yucca Mountain.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: 82nd returning to combat: This might be a "minor" adjustment for the Pentagon but it is probably a major adjustment for the soldiers and their families stationed at Ft. Bragg, N.C. Sudden departures for our military men and women have become a way of life for large numbers of them. The 1st Brigade spent six months in Afghanistan before returning home at the end of the summer. Never has there been a convenient war and in the world of today there are several inconvenient conflicts all going on at the same time.

Holiday gift list includes pink slip, wasabi: Last time -- The Titans won, 38-17, in Nashville on Oct. 12.

Sports briefs for December 19, 2003: The winning bid came from Grant DePorter, managing partner of Harry Caray's restaurant. He told radio station WLS-AM he plans to solicit ideas from Cubs fans on how to destroy the ball.

Nevada voters may number 1 million for 2004 election: CARSON CITY -- After a decline in voter registration in the last two elections, Secretary of State Dean Heller says the number of people who register could reach 1 million for the first time in the 2004 election.

Columnist Susan Snyder: The Cat does our dirty work: A close friend declared last week that people who open gifts before Christmas Day are communists.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Was that stench from the rodeo or Rebels?: They held the 11th go-round of the National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center Thursday night. Or at least it smelled like it.

Judge issues injunction in LV lending case: Kevin Rademacher; A preliminary injunction freezing the assets of the three investment companies operated by Las Vegas lender Connie Farris was granted Thursday by a U.S. District Court judge.

Adras enjoys another upset: Steve Guiremand; For Northern Arizona head coach Mike Adras, it was the kind of postgame question he probably never thought he would have to answer in his wildest dreams a little more than a year ago.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Sorrentino sore over radio giveaway: So to say he was angry when he heard a KDWN 720-AM radio DJ invite all of his listeners -- and give out Sorrentino's home address and phone number on the air -- is a bit of an understatement.

Pacini honored as Public Official of the Year: Pacini received the award for his service as Boulder City mayor pro-tem and city councilman.

Datebook for December 19, 2003: The Hot Rod Grille and Las Vegas Cruisin' Association, in conjunction with Las Vegas Super Run, Nevada Car Club Council and Concerned Car Clubs, will host a Christmas toy run to benefit the Henderson Boys & Girls Club from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Hot Rod Grille, 1231 American Pacific Drive. Admission is free. 567-5655.

Southwest Airlines ending contract with state: CARSON CITY -- As of Jan. 1 Southwest Airlines is ending its contract with the state of Nevada for special rates on flights between Reno and Las Vegas.

Editorial: Energy bill writes off the future: It's been known for decades that fossil fuels and nuclear energy are the worst polluters in the world. Nuclear energy produces the deadliest waste on Earth, with no safe place to secure it. Oil and coal foul the air, water and land. Oil has additional problems. The United States must import it to meet our energy needs, a factor that leaves us dependent on unfriendly nations and leads to increased world tensions. And it won't last much longer, particularly at our growing rate of energy consumption. This means future generations will curse our voracious use of a dwindling resource that ...

Columnist Muriel Stevens: We present a sample plate of treats: Today's column will be a mix of many ingredients. I'll be away for the holidays and will return the first week of the new year. Meanwhile the pile of papers continues to grow as if it has a life of its own, the cookbooks that I reviewed recently are still an obstacle course under my feet, and yet I flourish among the madness of keeping up with this "new" Las Vegas.

Trachta's Christmas show no lump of coal: What: "The Las Vegas Christmas Celebration."

Letter: Bad energy bill wastes money, encourages Yucca: How in the world could Reps. Jim Gibbons and Jon Porter think that an energy bill that would encourge sending nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain would be OK to support?

Lawyers will now be able to advertise as specialists: Until now the rule has been that advertising by lawyers must contain the disclaimer, "The State Bar of Nevada does not certify any lawyer as a specialist or expert."

United States probing airline takeover bid: The investigation, disclosed late on Thursday, cast a cloud over United's application for the federal aid. The Air Transportation Stabilization Board's decision last year to reject United's first request for assistance forced the airline to file for bankruptcy protection.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Tiggs has made big strides: WEEKEND EDITION Dec. 20 - 21, 2003

Mass growth: By Christina Littlefield; The Rev. Bede Wevita has a problem other Roman Catholic priests would love to have.His parish, St. John Neumann's in North Las Vegas, dedicated its first permanent building last week, but the church's four weekend Masses are already at capacity in the new multipurpose room used as a 600-seat sanctuary.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: This year rivals 2002 for blockbuster shows: Spencer Patterson; For fans of big-name rock performers, there will probably never be another year in Las Vegas like it.

Harnedy, firefighter who championed legislation, dies: North Las Vegas firefighter Bill Harnedy put a name and a face to legislation that clarified existing state laws that certain cancers are occupational diseases for professional firefighters.

VegasBeat -- Columnist Timothy McDarrah: Fox 5's Calvin is quite a site: WEEKEND EDITION Dec. 20 - 21, 2003

Letter: Station's plan is an eyesore: I'd like to thank Clark County Commissioner Mark James for taking a stand against Station Casinos' proposed 300-foot Godzillian resort at Charleston and Interstate 215. A preposterous eyesore on the brink of our greatest beauty is the last thing we need in the Las Vegas Valley.

On Display for December 19, 2003: Artist Phyllis Sperber will present a free video presentation on fauvism at 1 p.m. today at the Winchester Community Center, 3130 S. McLeod Drive. Admission is free. 795-1722.

Performing Arts for December 19, 2003: Maureen McGovern

All in Vain: 'Diva' label being examined as Carey, Twain visit Vegas: Spencer Patterson; In 1999 Webster's New World College Dictionary provided two meanings: "a leading woman singer, especially in a grand opera" or a "goddess."

Columnist Jerry Fink: Careers of two friends are just kid stuff: They were pals, growing up in Denver.

Las Vegans win right to show Nevada's face in Miss USA, Miss Teen USA pageants: WEEKEND EDITION Dec. 20 - 21, 2003

Where I Stand -- Columnist Brian Greenspun: Vote like a woman: WEEKEND EDITION Dec. 20 - 21, 2003

Columnist Jeff German: LV news befits its tourism slogan: WEEKEND EDITION Dec. 20 - 21, 2003

County horticulturist wins industry award: Clark County Parks & Community Services honored horticultural specialist Russ Thompson with the 2003 Bill Tomiyasu Memorial Award for his outstanding commitment to the state's horticulture industry.

Full Capacity: WEEKEND EDITION Dec. 20 - 21, 2003

Columnist Jon Ralston: A few last-minute gift ideas: WEEKEND EDITION Dec. 20 - 21, 2003

Editorial: Understand the drought: Do the math: Nevada receives a basic allotment of 300,000 acre-feet a year from the Colorado River, which feeds Lake Mead. (A family of five uses about one acre-foot a year.) Under an agreement with the federal government, however, we are allowed an extra 30,000 acre-feet, which benefits Southern Nevada. The government would end our rights to the surplus, however, if the lake level dropped to 1,125 feet.

Editorial: Old habits die hard: One of the more important lessons of Sept. 11 was that our public agencies need to work more closely together. We hope this lesson isn't being forgotten by the federal government, which is making homeland security funding more complicated than it should be.

Indian casino options reviewed: A Perry spokeswoman said representatives of the Kickapoo, Alabama-Coushatta and Tigua tribes attended the gathering in Austin last week that was organized by Mike Toomey, but no commitments were made.

Editorial: Don't head off probe: Despite the Pentagon's new spin, there should be an independent inquiry into the overcharging allegations and the appropriateness of single-sourcing such important contracts. Last week Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., a member of the House Armed Services Committee, called on his committee's chairman to conduct an inquiry into the accusations. Gibbons also is rightly concerned about another audit that NBC News says uncovered unsanitary conditions and rotting food in some of the cafeteria services that the Halliburton subsidiary was supplying to the U.S. military. As we said in a previous editorial this week on the allegations that Halliburton had overcharged the ...

'Asian Night' showcases variety of Vietnamese talent: When: 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Saturday.

Letter: Critics can oppose Bush without 'hating': If someone sticks his nose in my face and says, "You are either with me or against me," my reply is: "Buster, I have my opinions and you have yours. Either convince me yours are better than mine or go fly your own kite."

Letter: School will have negative effects: We also want to see the environmental report that was supposed to be done to protect the burrowing owls and tortoises.

Obituaries for Dec. 19, 2003: Christiana N. Archer, 27, of Las Vegas died Tuesday in Las Vegas. She was born Sept. 21, 1974, in Amarillo, Texas. A resident for 6 1/2 years, she was a sales clerk for a local retailer.

Revisiting Hendrix is an experience: Spencer Patterson; The first time I saw Jimi Hendrix's "Band of Gypsys" album in a record store, I couldn't make heads or tails of it.

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: Comedy career upstaged McHale's acting aspirations: Lisa Ferguson; Afunny thing happened to Alexandra McHale on the way to the theater: She discovered comedy.

Community briefs for Dec. 19, 2003: Hot Rod Grille and the Las Vegas Crusin Assocation, in conjunction with Las Vegas Super Run, Nevada Car Club Council and Concerned Car Clubs, are hosting a Christmas Toy Run at 11 a.m. Saturday at 1231 American Pacific Drive, Henderson, to benefit the Henderson Boys and Girls Club.