Print edition for January 24, 2003

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Vasser hopes to go faster with new team: Jimmy Vasser may be heading into the 2003 Champ Car World Series season with a first-year team. But the 37-year-old Las Vegas resident said he believes he can compete for race wins and the championship this year with American Spirit Team Johansson.

County closes skate park: Clark County officials shut down one of their skate parks Thursday, a day after the city of Las Vegas declined to take similar action despite reports of vandalism, violence and graffiti at theirs.

Harmon trial begins on Monday: Jace Radke; When former Assemblyman Harley L. Harmon goes to trial Monday in federal court to face charges in connection with a multimillion-dollar mortgage investment scandal, at least one of his alleged victims will be there.

Police: Suspect's sister also stabbed girls: Jen Lawson; Suspected killer Beau Santino Maestas' sister allegedly did some of the stabbing that left a 3-year-old girl dead and her 10-year-old sister paralyzed Wednesday, according to police and court documents filed today.

Casino promises strong marketing push for locals: By Liz Benston; Of the few new casinos that have opened or are expected this year, Casino MonteLago -- located at the new Ritz-Carlton Resort at Lake Las Vegas in Henderson and at least 25 miles east of the Las Vegas Strip -- is the most far-flung.

Hospital to close orthopedic surgery: The valley's population boom in the western end of town, away from what once was the core of the Las Vegas Valley, may have played a big role in Desert Springs Hospital's decision to close its general orthopedic surgery department.

Columnist Jeff German: Hoops refs need to call it both ways: It's one reason why the master-planned community, the home of some 40,000 people in northwest Las Vegas, is one of the valley's cleanest and safest residential developments.

Builders won't look to feds for defect issue help: Jennifer Shubinski; Home builders nationwide aren't planning to ask Congress for relief from rising premiums for construction defect insurance and in some cases their inability to obtain such insurance, but instead will address the problem on a state-by-state basis.

Columnist Barb Henderson: Where the Desert Bighorn reigns: Barb Henderson; The Desert National Wildlife Range was established on May 20, 1936 primarily for our state animal -- the Desert Bighorn Sheep.

2003 Racing Schedules: Feb. 23 -- Subway 400, Rockingham, N.C.

Columnist Sal De Filippo: Holmes works magic to dethrone Burton: Heading into the final week of the regular season, it appeared as if master magician Lance Burton had a comfortable grip on the Golden Nerf, the traveling trophy retained by the winner of the Sal's Celebrity Selectors handicapping contest.

NASCAR testing schedule at LVMS: Jeff Gordon, Jan. 27-28

Mother of slain girl wants death penalty: The Birdie and Kissy Fund M&I Bank 3995 Howard Hughes Parkway, Suite 100 Account No. 19534273 Donations can also be left or mailed to: T.I.P. 1823 Covey Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89115. Phone: 459-1055

Fishing Report: Anglers fishing Hemenway Cove report very good success for rainbow trout following the NDOW fish stocking. PowerBait and spinners are the baits of choice. NDOW will stock Horsepower Cove, Hemenway Cove, Pumphouse Cove (B5) and North Saddle Cove (B3) today.

NLV pollution high, but dropping: North Las Vegas led the state in the release of carcinogenic pollutants from 1987 through 2000, a report issued by a national environmental and consumer group said.

Air Vegas unveils new design: Air Vegas unveils new design

Sports briefs for January 24, 2003: Rainer Schuettler had too much energy for a tired and bruised Andy Roddick.

Ex-youth inmate claims sex assault: The lawsuit alleges that corrections counselor Jennifer Burkley repeatedly forced, coerced and intimidated inmate Ryan Layman to have sex with her between November 2000 and January 2001 at the Summit View Youth Correctional Facility.

LV slot maker Sigma loses Missouri license: By Liz Benston; A Las Vegas slot machine manufacturer said it is considering filing suit against Missouri gaming regulators after the regulators Wednesday refused to reissue a gaming license that would allow the company to do business in that state.

Water control rules put on hold: A violation of the state's open-meeting law derailed efforts to pass a plan to control water use Thursday.

Banks realizes importance of UNLV's road trip: Steve Guiremand; What: UNLV at Air Force

License issue called moot by Toronto firm: By Liz Benston; A Canadian real estate company that once had a stake in the P.T.'s Pub chain of video poker bars in Las Vegas was denied a gambling license by Nevada regulators Thursday.

Non-union contractors criticize McCarran policy: Grace Leong; A labor agreement recently adopted by McCarran International Airport could potentially deter non-union contractors from bidding on airport projects and exclude thousands of non-union workers from working on these projects, the local chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors is alleging.

Divided Planning Commission OKs John S. Park historic district: Judy Odierna; The Las Vegas Planning Commission Thursday was as split as the community in deciding whether or not the neighborhood around John S. Park Elementary School should be designated a historic district.

Performing Arts for January 24, 2003: Opera gala

Riviera's 'Crazy Girls' still can't be topped: What: "Crazy Girls."

Valley heads toward record warmth: If daytime temperatures keep flirting with the 70-degree mark through next week, the Las Vegas Valley will set a record for the warmest January ever, but the mild temperatures have made the air hazier.

Nuke agency reorganization delay preserves 150 jobs: Ben Grove; WASHINGTON -- After some quiet maneuvering by Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., the Senate Thursday night approved legislation that halts job cuts in Nevada within the National Nuclear Security Administration.

Need for mental hospital questioned: CARSON CITY -- Sen. Sandra Tiffany on Thursday challenged Gov. Kenny Guinn's plans to build a $32 million psychiatric hospital in Las Vegas and questioned whether Guinn's blueprint for expansion of mental health services in Southern Nevada complies with federal law.

Voters may look at gambling: Advocates for separate initiatives seeking to allow slot machines and a casino turned in petitions signed by tens of thousands of Maine voters before Thursday afternoon's deadline closed in.

College system to give itself new report cards: CARSON CITY -- The University and Community College System of Nevada will be getting its first report card in the spring, and it should help the public and state officials decide whether the system is performing up to standards.

Killer gets life in strip club slaying: Erica D. Johnson; The daughter of a local man killed at a North Las Vegas strip club told a District Court judge Thursday that the shooting was prompted by jealousy.

Donnas ready to take (it) off: Spencer Patterson; Who: The Donnas with OK Go and the Plus Ones.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Epicurean Awards more than just desserts: Virtually every prominent restaurant chef and food personality in town was at the gala fourth annual Epicurean Awards ceremony at Green Valley Ranch Station Casino.

Party train: Adversaries and even a few associates dismissed Bob Vannucci when he opened the famous Copa Room of the legendary Sands Hotel for a gathering to watch Super Bowl XVI in 1982.

Once gonzo, Hunter S. now just gone: Scott Dickensheets; Author: Hunter S. Thompson.

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time noon

Dylan's Wallflowers have come full bloom: Spencer Patterson; Dylan fans, get ready to double down.

Lady Rebels falter down the stretch: UNLV women's basketball coach Regina Miller's plea for mental toughness rang off the walls of her team's locker room inside Cox Pavilion late Thursday night.

Regulators order review: Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Hillary Crain said he didn't believe the board should approve the settlement until state police investigate the parties involved and review the proposal.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Santa Anita: 2nd Race -- FORBIDDEN APPLE -- Hard knocking pro well spotted in this Sunshine Million race, Nakatani reunites with Clement trainee, must overcome outside draw. MAYAKOVSKY -- Huge victory on this lawn in last, draws good rail post for turf mile, Farina returns on Biancone trainee for owner Tabor. Value Play -- MIESQUE'S APPROVAL

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Buck stops at his desk: Although the Patriot missiles weren't very effective in shooting down Scuds in 1991, we are told the new missiles are much improved. Today the Patriots will probably be used against Scuds not at high altitudes. The Israeli Arrow antimissile system, developed along with the United States, is scheduled for taking out Scuds or other missiles before they start their downward flight. The Arrow is still available only in limited numbers, according to news reports.

Fine reduced for Illinois casino: The settlement resolves a yearlong dispute between the Illinois Gaming Board and the Grand Victoria, which agreed to forfeit $3.2 million, the largest fine ever paid by a casino in Illinois, though it amounts to less than three days of the casino's receipts. The Gaming Board had sought $7.2 million, but casino attorneys challenged the amount as excessive.

Disclosure rules strengthened: The SEC also voted Thursday to adopt a rule that outside corporate lawyers must go to company officials if they suspect fraud. That was a weakened move from an earlier proposal that also would have required lawyers to inform the SEC if they couldn't get company officials to stop the fraud.

Jurors see tape of sex involving man, girl: Erica D. Johnson; On the first day of testimony Thursday in the trial of Steven Newberg, jurors watched a videotape that prosecutors claim shows the Las Vegas man raping a 14-year-old relative.

On Display for January 24, 2003: "Wet Paint," an exhibit by Dray, is on display through March 15 at Winchester Community Center, 3130 S. McLeod Drive. 455-8239.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Maccionis' Tre hits comfort zone at Boca Park: Neighborhood dining reached a new level when Tre opened in the Boca Park center at Rampart and Charleston boulevards. Owned by the Maccioni family, which owns Le Cirque and Osteria del Circo restaurants in New York and at Bellagio in Las Vegas, Tre is named for the three Maccioni offspring: Mario, Marco and Mauro.

Political notebook: Amusement tax no joking matter: Erin Neff; The so-called amusement tax proposal is anything but funny to some lawmakers, but it is providing some humorous questions.

Slots approved for track: The Louisiana Gaming Control Board unanimously agreed to give Peninsula Gaming Partners of Iowa a license to have slots at the new racetrack near Opelousas.

New life seen for music firm: Anderson Merchandisers, a privately owned company that is also the largest magazine wholesaler in the United States, is buying Liquid Audio's technology as well as other assets, including computers, for an undisclosed sum. Liquid Audio was at the forefront in developing technology to deliver music securely online but has been in financial straits recently and has suffered through a boardroom fight.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Agassi rides cresting wave in Australia: Dean Juipe; He is neither a big man nor a young one, yet Andre Agassi can go on streaks where he simply wears down one opponent after another.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Blue Note Las Vegas was great ... I imagine: Spencer Patterson; Since learning that Blue Note Las Vegas closed its doors and sold its space last week, I've been trying to figure out exactly why the club didn't succeed.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Buffalo-Rogers tandem exudes skill, savvy: Individually, blues artists Norton Buffalo and Roy Rogers are dynamite.

Thursday's Prep results: Bonanza 71, Durango 25: Lyndsay Gensler recorded a triple double of 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists as Bonanza routed Durango. Cassie Lee added 14 points and Mahina Gago had 8 points for the Bengals.

They Go Together: Checker a perfect fit for stage production of 'Grease': When: 8 p.m., Tuesday through Feb. 1; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2; 2 p.m. Feb. 1-2.

Hooked on fish: WEEKEND EDITION: Jan. 25, 2003

Columnist Erin Neff: Beers offers clues to what ails state's finances: Erin Neff; They're heartless political cowards who will become irrelevant if they don't fall into step behind the Republican's top man in Nevada. But Assemblyman Bob Beers, R-Las Vegas, who has produced for discussion a list of new programs the state has created in the past six years, has probably never been more relevant.

Blood drives scheduled: Tuesday: 2:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunset East High School, 3801 E. Washington Ave.

'Trocks' to show the tight stuff at Ham Hall: Marilyn LaRocque; When: 8 p.m. Saturday.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Politics fouls the air: Perhaps it is because I am a bit under the weather this week that I am more sensitive to congressional action -- or is it inaction -- that has the effect of causing more air pollution, not less, to float across this great country of ours. Or, perhaps, it is simply because creating an opportunity for businesses that currently pollute our air to continue to do so, and in even greater amounts, sounds like the exact opposite way this country should be moving.

Letter: Public schools are a burden: "Public" education forces Americans in our nation's "better" communities to subsidize the teaching of values that are anti-God, anti-family, and anti-country.

Datebook for January 24, 2003: Auditions for the Sarett Award Play and Ten-Minute Play Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at UNLV's Black Box Theatre. 895-3666.

Commentary: As Legislature kicks off, GOP is a house divided: Michael Campbell; WEEKEND EDITION: Jan. 26, 2003

A lot to 'Ask': WEEKEND EDITION: Jan. 26, 2003

Columnist Jeff German: This is how GOP rewards governor: You probably could find a thousand more unflattering ways to describe the Clark County Republican Party's resolution last week opposing Gov. Kenny Guinn's call for $1 billion in tax increases to bail the state out of its economic troubles.

Editorial: Balancing act over homeland security: Our view is that Nevadans have a right to know the bottom-line budgets of the committees, the names and positions of the people serving on the committees and the general scope of the committees' responsibility. There is no need, however, for public disclosure of intelligence findings or specific strategies and purchases. Common sense should be the guide here. It would be a good idea, however, for the Legislature to allow for an oversight panel. The panel could protect against any abuses that might occur in an environment of total secrecy.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Guinn didn't go far enough: Yes, you read that right. I don't think Guinn went nearly far enough. The governor's words Monday night spoke louder than his actions.

Letter: Bush plan won't lead to recovery: Bush's stimulus is a bitter joke in that it does nothing for the 38 states that are facing serious budget problems because of Bush's recession.

Obituaries for Jan. 24, 2003: T. Ray Anderson, 60, of Henderson died Tuesday in Henderson. He was born Nov. 15, 1942, in Salina, Utah. A resident for 21 years, he was a retired truck driver.

Columnist Benjamin Grove: Before war, Americans want to know more: Benjamin Grove; "I don't know," said a vendor, busily peddling stale pretzels for $3 a pop. "I'm more worried about terrorists than Saddam."

Chapter closes in a lifetime of service to people in need: An open house and party will be given in honor of retiring Economic Opportunity Board Senior Center Supervisor Hazel Geran at 1 p.m. today at the EOB Senior Center, 2420 N. Martin Luther King Blvd. at Carey Avenue.

Letter: Giving minorities a chance was long overdue: The writer wants "everyone to have an equal chance." Eyes and hearts blinded by ignorance or prejudice need to understand that the African-American minority has a historic background of almost 200 years (1789-1964) of blatant denial of opportunity in education and jobs.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Painter takes us backstage: With candy-colored swirls of paint and an Impressionistic style, the Henderson artist tries to give people an idea of what it's like to be backstage and onstage.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Her door to happiness is ajar: Yolie Chapman's key to independence is sealed inside a Ball jar.

Taxes cause political peril: Erin Neff; WEEKEND EDITION: Jan. 26, 2003

Letter: Let's hope our legislators do the right thing: In his speech, the governor gave a blueprint for Nevada and its citizens, especially the children. His tax increases are relatively modest, not a stake in the heart that critics would have you believe. On a $100,000 house -- about $52 annually -- less than five dollars a month, as well as taxes on alcohol (.05 on a six-pack of beer), tobacco and entertainment.

Editorial: Study all angles of UMC debt: A bleak future for public services was predicted last week as the Clark County Commission delivered its State of the County report. Commissioners noted that growth continues to climb, but revenue continues to fall because of the drop in tourism since Sept. 11. They worried aloud about their ability to continue providing adequate police and fire protection, and resolved to stand firm against any attempt by the state to solve its own financial crisis by tapping into their local tax revenue. They also resolved to bear down on University Medical Center, which they perceive as the chief drain on the ...

Editorial: Suggestion threatens hospital: But now along comes state Sen. Sandra Tiffany with a suggestion that, if it gains momentum, could mean yet another blow to mental health services in Southern Nevada. The Henderson Republican is saying that instead of building a hospital, the state should privatize mental health services. For decades, mental health has been underfunded in Southern Nevada, creating problems for Metro Police, University Medical Center, homeless shelters and other service agencies. Just when we have a governor offering a permanent solution, we have a senator threatening to block such badly needed progress.

Editorial: Don't hastily give up land for development: The Bureau of Land Management owns a 20-acre parcel in the northwest part of the valley, property that the federal agency leased to the city of Las Vegas in 1999. The city obtained the lease for the parcel, which actually is located in unincorporated Clark County, with the plan of one day annexing the land in order to turn it into a park. It was an excellent move, especially since our valley doesn't have nearly enough parks.