Print edition for February 7, 2003

Henderson Police give seniors a sense of security: Dan Kulin; WEEKEND EDITION: Feb. 8, 2003

Time to pucker up for Porky: WEEKEND EDITION: Feb. 8, 2003

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Warhol exhibit a perfect portrait: My girlfriend (and future wife) Caroline Howard had been brought in by Graydon Carter and Kurt Andersen to get Spy's photo desk up and running.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Already sidetracked by silliness: And these are the GOP leaders in their respective houses of the Not So Fast Caucus, legislators who have the bona fides to do the proctological exam of the state budget many believe is needed, if even just for political cover. Imagine what we can expect from the Just Say No Caucus (the no-tax, no-how closed minds) or the Scared Sixteen Caucus (the Assembly freshmen).

Columnist Susan Snyder: Cleaning up a messy Beers spill: Nevada Sen. Maggie Carlton, D-Las Vegas, is a lot of things -- a second-term senator, a mom, a waitress at Treasure Island. But stupid ain't one of them.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: More unfinished business: Hindsight often provides 20/20 vision, but this doesn't persuade critics from using it when convenient. Eventually the world may find out that it has also been fooled by Syria and Iran for far too long. President George W. Bush knows that both of these countries support terrorism, but already has his hands full with al-Qaida and Iraq.

Editorial: Our losses strengthen our resolve: The original seven Project Mercury astronauts were featured on the cover of the Sept. 14, 1959, edition of Life magazine under the headline, "First-person reports by THE ASTRONAUTS." The National Aeronautics and Space Administration had been created the previous year amid vast attention and excitement. But nothing about space in the past had so enraptured the public as the seven men chosen from among 508 military pilots. They were announced to the world on April 9, 1959, and instantly became the most famous people on Earth. By the time of Life's cover story, the question of which one would be ...

Columnist Erin Neff: Payback is as certain as death and taxes: Erin Neff; The 2003 Legislature began last week with two recent political stews still simmering enough to possibly boil over into the tax debate.

Columnist Jeff German: To elect or appoint? The debate heats up: So you might be surprised to hear that the Legislature two years ago -- without any debate -- approved a constitutional amendment that would give it authority to make county offices, such as sheriff and district attorney, appointed positions.

Activities program is a Pointe of pride for apartment residents: WEEKEND EDITION: Feb. 8, 2003

Letter: Bush relying on imaginary link: It seems that no link can be found between Osama bin Laden and Iraq; instead, we are being asked simply to imagine one. But imagination does not justify war. The reality is that Hussein did not supply bin Laden's crew with anthrax, nerve gas, or anything else, despite 12 years of enmity between the U.S. and Iraq. Of course, he still could -- if he has the weapons. But the U.S. cannot charge off to invade every country that might someday aid our enemies.

Oh, to be Reege: WEEKEND EDITION: Feb. 9, 2003

Editorial: Sick buildings need a financial antidote: Gov. Kenny Guinn's proposed budget contains $764,000 to cover costs associated with addressing toxic mold, asbestos and lead problems in state buildings. Critics might scoff at spending such a sum in this time of record state deficits. That amount, however, is a bare-bones approach to a growing problem. Asbestos and lead problems have been known for years and abatement programs must continue. Mold emerged as a genuine health risk in both homes and the workplace in the mid-1990s.

Letter: Need for more taxes obvious, except to GOP: These are the same people who refuse to adequately fund our public schools (Nevada is well below the national average in per-pupil expenditures), but then complain bitterly if some of these schools do not perform up to their exacting standards. Now when Nevada is facing real financial problems, they are refusing to pay a few dollars more in taxes just to maintain the level of support we already have, and are shrieking in horror over the additional programs Gov. Guinn has proposed.

Lady Rebels top Wyoming: Wyoming (13-6, 3-3) led most of the second half after taking a 32-29 advantage at halftime. But the Cowgirls saw their eight-point lead dwindle with four minutes left as UNLV broke out on a 15-4 run.

News briefs for Feb. 7, 2003: A state Senate committee Thursday passed a bill penalizing people who leave children alone in cars.

Columnist Benjamin Grove: Congress' questions sure to test NASA: Benjamin Grove; But in what ways? As the tears dry and the shuttle investigation unfolds, NASA officials will face increasingly difficult questions about the agency's accountability, usefulness and priorities.

Baseball, softball stars highlight class: Somewhere out in the desert on I-15, Lori Harrigan motored from Los Angeles back to Las Vegas on Thursday and sounded as if she could not wait to return to the town she has adopted as her hometown.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: For the moment, Joint is not jumping: The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel has evolved from one of the nation's premier rock venues to, well, a comedy club.

Columnist Barb Henderson: Water development destroyed by vandalism: Barb Henderson; Vandals have destroyed a wildlife water development north of Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Area Fishing Report: Wind slows fishing at Lake Mead: Windy weather over the last week has slowed fishing considerably. In fact, Nevada Division of Wildlife (NDOW) creel clerks contacted very few anglers over the past weekend at Lake Mead.

Phillips develops renewed passion for Toad: Spencer Patterson; When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

'Ba-Da-Bing' easy to swallow at The Orleans: What: "Ba-Da-Bing."

Editorial: Pass taxes in a way that is fair: In keeping with the broad-based consensus, legislative Democratic leaders are opposing Gov. Kenny Guinn's plan for tax increases to be readied for his signature in piecemeal fashion. A task force that met most of last year recommended several new taxes, including so-called sin taxes and entertainment taxes. Guinn wants the taxes on liquor, tobacco and entertainment (such as movie tickets) to be passed quickly by the Legislature. After his signature, the taxes could begin almost immediately. The revenue would provide an infusion of money that would shore up the state's books in the current fiscal year, which ends June 30. ...

Obituaries for Feb. 7, 2003: Elva "Geri" Allred, 88, of Las Vegas died Tuesday in Las Vegas. She was born March 3, 1914, in Murchison, Texas. A resident for 36 years, she was a homemaker and the widow of E.O. Allred, whose family came to Nevada in the 1950s and opened the first Volkswagen dealership in Nevada.

Letter: Mayor popular with masses who don't think: Spending years turning known hoodlums back onto the streets in the name of defending the Constitution is appalling. And now that he's in office, his remarkable behavior nets him, not the scorn he deserves, but a 90 percent popularity rating!

Righteous Induction: Medley says he and Hatfield a perfect fit in rock hall: Spencer Patterson; When: Tuesday through Feb. 23 (dark Mondays), 8 p.m.

Columnist Jerry Fink: San Fernando Band continues its ascent: The San Fernando Band came to Las Vegas from Guam with the highest of hopes.

Four-way race for mayor shapes up: Dan Kulin; The final day for candidate filings in Boulder City turned the race for the mayor's office from a one-man show into a four-way contest.

U.S. 95, Decatur closing this weekend for bridge demolition: Officials are warning motorists to try to avoid U.S. 95 at Decatur Boulevard until Sunday morning.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Memo to Cox cable: We want our MTV2: Spencer Patterson; Ever wonder where all the music videos went?

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Something to think about: A recent report by the Institute of Medicine has found that veterans exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam are at greater risk for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. I wonder how many vets have died from this affliction during the past three decades. It took almost 15 years for the Veterans Affairs Department and Congress to recognize the crippling physical effects of Agent Orange exposure. Today only about 10,000 veterans receive disability benefits because of their exposure that resulted in sickness.

Airport gets a 'triple threat': The newest weapon in the McCarran International Airport firefighting arsenal demonstrated its ability to save passengers' lives in less than 90 seconds by pumping water on a flaming jet.

Letter: Goodman good for Las Vegas: Why does Jon hate Oscar so much? Oscar is only the best cheerleader that this city has ever had. Downtown is rapidly changing from a rundown, scary place to one where parents can take their children and have fun. This is Oscar's doing. What is so bad about that?

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Wallace stays low-key as Daytona nears: As hard as it may be to believe, Rusty Wallace is trying to play it low-key as he prepares for his 21st Daytona 500 start.

Penn and Teller at home in cynic city: Frazier Moore; NEW YORK -- For their new Showtime series, Penn and Teller chose a title that proclaimed their skepticism for such things as weight-loss products, feng shui and creationism; for end-of-the-world forecasts and the purity claims by bottled-water marketers; for ESP, sex aids and "second-hand smoke."

Editorial: Beers' about-face on e-mail remarks: It is remarkable that someone as intelligent as Beers would pen such nonsense, falsely portraying gaming industry workers as not caring about the quality of education their children receive. Most of the workers, just like everyone else in Nevada, will do everything possible so that their children can have the educational opportunities they may not have had. If there is any good that can come out of this controversy, we hope it is that legislators in the future will focus on the merits of an issue to make their case -- and won't resort to stereotypes or ad hominem attacks.

Performing Arts for February 7, 2003: 'Working'

Letter: NASA never has been competent: Back when I was a consultant for a subcontractor for Rockwell, I attended a lecture in Los Angeles that was held by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. North American Rockwell's vice president for program management was a guest speaker, and he was asked: If he had it to do over, what would he change?

Are Stones departing Vegas stage for good?: Spencer Patterson; Could this be the last time?

Scene Selection -- Geoff Carter: 'Igby Goes Down' simply to die for: I couldn't tell you exactly why, but some of the funniest comedies I've seen begin with a murder. Such is the case with "Igby Goes Down," out on DVD this week (MGM DVD, $26.98), which opens with 17-year-old Igby (Kieran Culkin) and his college-age brother Oliver (Ryan Phillippe) drugging their mother, Mimi (Susan Sarandon).

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Epicurean Awards themselves worthy of award: Las Vegas Life magazine's fourth annual Epicurean Awards at Green Valley Ranch Station Casino on Jan. 23 was a delicious event. The Epicurean Awards honor Las Vegas' best restaurants and chefs in 21 categories. The handsome awards are designed by Tiffany & Co.

Datebook for February 7, 2003: Las Vegas Arts District will showcase local artists, unique shops and street entertainment from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. the first Friday of each month at Main Street and Charleston Boulevard. Admission is free. 678-6278.

On Display for February 7, 2003: Local artist Gene Redden's jazz-inspired paintings are on display through March 4 at the Community Gallery, West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd. 229-4800.

Stock probe expands: "The types of documents requested suggest that the investigation may focus on transactions by individuals in HealthSouth common stock," the company said.

Judge rules against Mesquite initiatives: District Judge Michael Douglas has ruled that two Mesquite ballot initiatives approved by voters in November conflicted with state law.

State's last eligible tribe close to winning a casino: "If we get the green light, we would hope to have it up in 18 to 20 months," at a site near Florence, said Ron Brainard of Lebanon, tribal council chairman for the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians.

Resort opens salon and spa: Roni Josef International Salon & Spa, which has two other locations in Las Vegas, will offer massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, haircuts and styling, makeover consultation and other treatments.

Boyd, Harrah's looking at track: Both companies -- Boyd Gaming Corp. and Harrah's Entertainment Inc. -- are said to be interested in the sprawling greyhound track as a site for a major gaming venue, the Boston Herald reported.

County's Sandstone goes to Internet: Instead of receiving the report in the mail, county residents can sign up to get the newsletter in an online version over the Internet. The electronic version will be available in both English and Spanish.

Officer recounts phone calls with suspect: Erica D. Johnson; A Metro Police officer on Thursday detailed phone conversations he had with the so-called "rooftop sniper" during a Jan. 3 shooting rampage downtown.

Experts tell lawmakers of varying effects of tax plan: A family of three with one smoker who lives in a home valued at $180,000 would pay an additional $297 in tax each year under the task force's proposal. That covers a pack a day of cigarettes, two movies a month and three events like concerts a year.

BC residents are happy, but not so swimmingly yet: Dan Kulin; Boulder City voters are overwhelmingly happy with their city but say growth and traffic are the biggest problems they face, according to a new survey.

Tharp Dance Troupe glides into Ham Hall: Marilyn LaRocque; What: Twyla Tharp Dance.

Columnist Dean Juipe: James isn't as innocent as portrayed: Dean Juipe; For those who note and make an issue in the disparities of our backgrounds, here's a nod in your direction and my response: You're right.

Clark County cell phone use heaviest in nation: Erin Neff and Mary Manning; CARSON CITY -- Only one place in the world has more cell phone use per capita than Clark County -- Hong Kong, state lawmakers were told Thursday.

Community briefs for Feb. 7, 2003: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers hikes, walks and programs free of charge. To make required reservations or for more information on upcoming programs, call 363-1922:

Court briefs for Feb. 7, 2003: A Las Vegas man charged with killing his childhood friend on a Western High School soccer field was sentenced to 50 years in prison Thursday.

LV resort operator's business picks up: Last month Mandalay had said its earnings for the quarter would be closer to 10 cents rather than analysts' then-estimates of about 20 cents per share.

Too much dust? Call the county: The department is offering a new tool people can use to help air-pollution inspectors fight the area's dust pollution problems. The hotline, 385-DUST (3878), will help the agency's field officers locate sources of dust and order corrections.

LV teen volunteer given national honor: Whether it is fixing up the homes of low-income senior citizens, providing school supplies to disadvantaged children or cleaning up Red Rock Canyon, 17-year-old Holly Adamson finds great satisfaction in volunteering.

Jobless rate unexpectedly falls: "This number is encouraging," said Alfred Broaddus, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, in an interview. "To get a solid, ongoing business expansion you have to have stronger growth in employment."

Suspect car described in hit-and-run death: Officers found the body of Jimmie Lee Vernon, 32, of North Las Vegas near the street's median about 6:40 p.m. on Wednesday.

Las Vegas manufacturer to exceed expectations: The Las Vegas company had projected year-over-year earnings comparisons to rise 20 percent to 25 percent in each of the four quarters. This would suggest earnings of at least 17 cents to 18 cents a share for the first quarter, based on earnings of 14 cents a share in the year-ago period.

Political notebook: Malpractice won't be a hot issue for lawmakers: Erin Neff; The television ads running in Las Vegas, Reno and Carson City apparently won't be enough to get lawmakers to change the state's new malpractice law.

Winning ways: South Dakota rubber workers to get $588,507 from Powerball ticket: Andrew Nelson; PIERRE, S.D. -- A member of the "Watertown 34," South Dakota's Powerball winners, said Wednesday the group is eager to return to everyday life after being in a whirlwind since Saturday's drawing.

Scientist to get Nevada Medal: Goldman's persistence in documenting the lake's environmental decline was a key factor leading to the dramatic increase in the Tahoe Basin research done in the past decade, Wells said.

UNLV athletes make All-MWC honor roll: The list was highlighted by the conference's first four-time honorees, two of which were Rebels: running back Joe Haro and wide receiver Toby Smeltzer, a Cimarron-Memorial High product. The other four-timers were Utah offensive tackle Jordan Gross and John Wilson of Wyoming.

State prison chaplain says sex charge ruined life: CARSON CITY -- The lawyer for the man who has accused a longtime Nevada prison chaplain of sexual abuse says there are other people who also allege they were victimized by the same priest.

Report: Develop Yucca in steps: Mary Manning and Benjamin Grove; The proposed Yucca Mountain repository should be constructed and operated in stages so that the project develops based on the latest scientific information, a new report said.

Mold becomes growing issue for state: If lawmakers need more justification to spend a proposed $764,000 over the next two years to address mold, asbestos and lead problems in state buildings, they might want to explore the case of a former prison official.

Columnist Jeff German: Beers goes way beyond insensitive: Now it's just disgusting.

Mosley wants to up ante: Dean Juipe; For someone who was out of sight, Oscar De La Hoya was hardly out of mind.

Home run title provided spark for high-Glaus year: AT A GLANCE

Commercial real estate market expands: Among the new projects is the Arrowhead Commerce Center, developed by Los Angeles-based EJM Development Co. The 110-acre business park is in the McCarran International Airport area -- providing close proximity to Interstates 15 and 215 and the Las Vegas Strip.

School board told of shortage of classrooms in five years: By Emily Richmond; Clark County currently has 277 schools serving more than 255,300 students -- and enrollment could top 400,000 within 10 years, Dusty Dickens, director of zoning and demographics for the district, said. When the existing bond program is completed in 2008, the district will still need six additional schools, Dickens told a School Board working group Thursday.

Gladiators hoping to avoid 0-2 start: Adam Candee; NEXT UP

Rebels won't have 'fun' time with USC: Steve Guiremand; NEXT UP

State confident of victory in nuke waste war: CARSON CITY -- The head of Nevada's nuclear waste office said state attorneys are confident that the courts will throw out the federal decisions to choose Yucca Mountain as a site for the burial of radioactive waste.

Concerns over new taxes crop up in debate: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- Lawmakers began discussing taxes Thursday, addresssing not just whether increased revenue is needed but also what should be taxed and at what level.

LV home builder sold to Florida firm: Jennifer Shubinski; A Florida-based home building company announced today that it bought Las Vegas-based Trophy Homes Inc. for about $36 million and that it obtained the rights to about 1,000 future home sites in the Las Vegas Valley.

Ferris wheel talks still under way: The partners for the 3,250-room Strip resort approved Wednesday by the Clark County Commission aren't really partners yet -- there's no signed lease agreement between them.

Safeguards urged for Nevadans: "It's critical that employees and patients fully understand the potential risks involved in vaccination," said Vicky Hedderman, president of Service Employees International Union, Local 1107, and a health-care worker at University Medical Center's burn care unit.

Feds say further study of Fallon childhood leukemia cluster needed: By Mary Manning; Federal research of a childhood leukemia cluster in the farming and military town of Fallon has failed to pinpoint a cause, but scientists said high amounts of arsenic and tungsten in residents and drinking water warrant more studies.

Stupak not running for council this time: Reese beat Stupak by just 139 votes in the 1999 race for Ward 3. In a statement released Thursday, Stupak said he will not run for council and he is looking forward to helping Reese and Mayor Oscar Goodman in their campaigns for re-election.

Las Vegas man missing after his truck crashes into ocean: Jen Lawson; Authorities were searching for a Las Vegas man whose pickup truck plummeted over a cliff and into the ocean early Thursday in Northern California.