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November 21, 2009

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Print edition for January 31, 2003

Editorial: Let's see where they would cut
Gov. Kenny Guinn has explained that raising taxes is the only realistic way to close state government's two-year $700 million budget deficit. The Republican governor has noted that he streamlined state government during his first four years in office and that his proposed two-year budget has been trimmed back as far as it could be without jeopardizing essential services.
Disguise the Limit
Kirk Baird
WEEKEND EDITION: Feb. 2, 2003
Letter: Saddam just another former American stooge
Consider for example the brutal dictators who profited from America's political largesse: Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic, Anastasio Somoza in Nicaragua, Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier in Haiti, Fulgencio Batista in Cuba, and Augusto Pinochet in Chile, to name a few.
Columnist Jon Ralston: Lousy mayor fools the masses
Call him Mayor Bobblehead.
Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: An entertaining way to learn more about Nevada
Here are some of the bits that tell people you're a Nevadan:
VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Armstrong signs a wheel deal
Four-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong makes his big sponsorship deals at Las Vegas restaurants.
Millennial Generation: College or bust
Jennifer Knight
WEEKEND EDITION: Feb. 1, 2003
Regents vote 12-1 to go on a retreat
Jennifer Knight
The Board of Regents voted 12-1 in favor of going on a retreat to try to build a more effective team.
Edwards ready for challenge
Steve Guiremand
NEXT UP
Judge to rule on U.S. 95 pollution lawsuit
Jace Radke
Attorneys with the Sierra Club and the Federal Highway Administration argued Thursday about whether a federal lawsuit over the ongoing widening of U.S. 95 should be dismissed.
Former Cicero president enters prison
AP
Loren-Maltese, convicted for her role in a scheme to bilk corruption-plagued Cicero of $12 million through an insurance fraud, reported to Dublin Federal Correctional Institution at 11:55 a.m., according to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. She was registered as prisoner No. 13706-424.
Regents won't pursue question of job conflict
Jennifer Knight
A request to seek an attorney general's opinion on whether a college faculty member can serve on the Board of Regents was denied Thursday by an 8-5 vote.
Las Vegas' Horacek enjoys good life in Arena League
Adam Candee
Mike Horacek's football dreams do not stretch outside the padded walls of the Las Vegas Gladiators' field these days.
Columnist Dean Juipe: City, county habitually hamper race
Dean Juipe
Ordinarily, a gathering of 8,400 men and women would create quite a commotion, and -- short of a war-like situation where silence is essential -- it wouldn't be able to sneak up on anything, anywhere.
United posts record loss
Dave Carpenter
CHICAGO -- The parent company of United Airlines reported a worst-ever quarterly loss of $1.5 billion today, capping off a year of record losses that pushed it into Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December.
Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: McMurray makes most of his break
Jamie McMurray still has a hard time believing his good fortune, which may explain the perpetual grin he had on his face during this week's NASCAR test at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Editorial: Bush left states out in the cold
The president didn't talk about the states' fiscal plight for a good reason -- he doesn't want to bring attention to the fact that he won't help them. Bush's priorities are elsewhere. For example, he wants to eliminate taxes on stock dividends. Ending that tax, which mainly will benefit the wealthy, will cost $364 billion over 10 years. Instead of pushing that giveaway, which most economists say won't do anything to jump-start the economy, Bush should have asked Congress to send some of that money to the states that are looking at having to either raise taxes or cut vital ...
On Display for January 31, 2003
In celebration of Black History Month, Thaddeus Foster's "Invention," an exhibit of drawings by students, is on display Sunday through Feb. 28 at Sahara West Library, 9600 W. Sahara Ave. 507-3630.
Scene Selection -- Geoff Carter: Music makes the 'People' come together
The other night I caught an episode of "The Simpsons," in which Homer tried to pull some sort of emotional blackmail on his boss. Ultimately he came out ahead, but Marge nonetheless tried to find a moral to the convoluted story. Homer balked: "There isn't a moral. It's just a bunch of stuff that happened."
Letter: What will attack on Iraqi people accomplish?
It should be apparent by now that many countries will be questioning the judgment of the Bush administration in this regard. The absence of any solid proof of a major threat to world peace or security by the Iraqi government may long show how irrational and unnecessary such an attack will have been. Will this serve merely as a reminder of the brutality of American military might, as our president continues to talk of "evil empires," trying to draw a distinction between ourselves and those cast in the role of enemies?
Community briefs for Jan. 31, 2003
The North Las Vegas Library District will host a teen career and job fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the North Las Vegas Library, 2300 Civic Center Drive.
Knowing Mia, knowing you
Anyone feeling left out of the "Mamma Mia!" craze need only head toward the nearest onramp and hit the pedal.
Columnist Erin Neff: Taxes taking attention from death penalty reform
Erin Neff
Reformers had a lot of hope for the 2003 Legislature, set to begin tomorrow in Carson City. They wanted to reduce Nevada's blood alcohol content for drivers, give homeowners the right to repair construction defects and limit the use of the death penalty to the worst of the worst.
Letter: City policies lead to suffering
Why then has the city of Las Vegas closed this facility, under the guise that it requires extensive repairs, yet will not allow any independent investigation by a private contractor? The city of Las Vegas lost $100,000 in HUD financing by this irresponsible action.
Officials envision bigger, fewer jackpots with new plan
The state Lottery Commission gave preliminary approval to changing the rules for the Lotto jackpot, adding more balls to the mix to lengthen the odds of winning.
Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: War will be U.S. decision
A large coalition force with full U.N. backing will not save the life of one American. When all is said and done, it will be the armed forces of our country that will execute the war. It's nice to have lots of friends on our side, but a few extra cheerleaders doesn't mean a thing. War is like a street fight where two guys pummel each other but seldom is a drop of blood shed by those who holler, cheer and clap their hands.
Letter: Good riddance to this retiree
Mr. McDonald stated he was a retiree who moved to Nevada to take advantage of Nevada's low taxes and that he can leave by the same road that brought him here.
Editorial: Blue Diamond offer too good to pass up
The Conservation Fund, a group formed in 1985 that has so far protected 3.4 million acres of sensitive land around the country, offered to take the lead in buying a conservation easement. The easement would have allowed continued mining, which is not objectionable, but would have barred any other use on the approximately 2,000 acres. The land is owned by James Hardie Gypsum, which had signed a sales agreement with John Laing Homes last year. Sale of the land was contingent upon Laing securing zoning for its housing plans. Because of the public outcry, the zoning was not approved.
Goodman doesn't oppose VA clinic
Judy Odierna
Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman doesn't oppose a plan to place a veterans clinic on a portion of the city's 61-acre piece of land downtown, but he said he won't relinquish more than half of the land for it.
Gladiators' owner has new-found excitement
Las Vegas Gladiators owner Jim Ferraro is patient.
New members named to train commission
CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn named six new members Wednesday to the Nevada commission that is promoting a 269-mile high-speed train system between Southern California and Las Vegas.
Columnist Susan Snyder: Driven to brink of rage
There were shades of AA in this week's AAA aggressive driving seminar.
Columnist Jerry Fink: Martin a skip away from landing showroom gig
Fifteen years ago Grammy Award-winner Skip Martin was looking for a warm climate after a relationship went cold.
Air Force trips up Lady Rebels
UNLV led by as many as 12 points in the first half thanks to 64 percent shooting, but went cold in the second half, dropping to 50 percent (17-34) from the floor. Air Force shot 56 percent (15-27).
Groups settle lawsuit over dust buildup
The settlement of the case, originally filed in September 2001, calls for the developer to pay $50,000 in civil penalties to the government for "fugitive dust emissions."
Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Santa Anita
1st Race -- BIKER'S SIS -- Solis scales this Spawr trainee, draws good spot for mile opener, motors to winners circle here? NETTIE'S ROSE -- Hustling Pedroza aboard Gallagher trainee, needs crafty trip from outer post draw for claimer, Rose for the runs-es? Value Play -- MAGICAL NATURE
Orlando bio makes eye-opening revelations
A.J. Flick
Tony Orlando is taking the rap.
Obituaries for Jan. 31, 2003
Nancie L. Anderson, 68, of Las Vegas died Monday in Las Vegas. She was born Jan. 31, 1934, in Muskegon, Mich. A resident for 29 years, she was a retired accounts payable clerk in the gaming industry.
Rate changes in store for Cox subscribers
Kirk Baird
It's good news and bad news for Cox cable subscribers.
Several other issues could step to forefront
Erin Neff
WEEKEND EDITION: Feb. 2, 2003
Editorial: VA needs the funds to match its vision
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is talking optimistically about spending more than $100 million to build new health-care facilities in Las Vegas, including a large new clinic downtown. Although no detail work has been completed, the general concept has been recommended by a VA task force, and VA Secretary Anthony Principi visited Las Vegas in November to scout sites and learn of the need.
Columnist Jeff German: Vegas mustn't tolerate bigots
Swastikas and racist graffiti were sprayed around the business, which is owned by a Jewish family, in an attack now being investigated by the FBI.
Lawmaker Arberry criticizes state's computer department
CARSON CITY -- Assembly leader Morse Arberry of Las Vegas ripped into the state Department of Information Technology on Thursday, telling the man in charge of the state's computer systems that the department was in disarray and was failing to exercise proper oversight.
Tax time for lawmakers
Erin Neff
For the Chinese, 2003 is the year of the goat. For the Nevada Legislature, 2003 is a year of budget crisis in which the 63 lawmakers hope to avoid such a label.
Datebook for January 31, 2003
A presentation by Tony Florez of "Neo Art Photography: Beyond Photojournalism" will begin at 7 a.m. Tuesday at the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International Convention and Tradeshow at Bally's. (714) 573-0842.
Nod to Rat Pack finding its way at Westward Ho
"Our Way," a tribute to Rat Packers Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr., is working its way up the food chain.
Columnist Susan Snyder: An ode to Las Vegas 'newbies'
A new book written by Reno journalist Guy Clifton and released by the Nevada Humanities Committee helps residents figure out just how truly they fit into the puzzle that is the Silver State.
Key players in the 2003 Legislature
Sixty-three lawmakers will begin work in Carson City Monday, and a handful will play critical roles in shaping the debate on the seminal issue of 2003 taxes.
News briefs for Jan. 31, 2003
A federal judge in Jacksonville, Fla., Thursday sentenced a man to two years in prison for a multimillion-dollar scam involving McDonald's promotional games such as "Monopoly" and "Who Wants to be a Millionaire."
Performing Arts for January 31, 2003
High School Jazz
Runners seek fast times over downhill course
For the 37th consecutive year, the Las Vegas International Marathon will be run Sunday, from Jean to Sunset Park, at the southeast corner of McCarran International Airport.
Las Vegas Gladiators roster
Injured reserve list
Columnist Spencer Patterson: Write of passage boosts indie rockers the Bleachers
Spencer Patterson
Joe Maloney estimates he used to self-record about 20 songs a month.
Columnist Benjamin Grove: Dry casks bolster argument against Yucca
Benjamin Grove
The report recommends that the plants transfer as much waste as they can from their cooling pools to metal waste containers called dry casks, where it would be safer. (The nuclear industry downplayed the report, saying a successful attack on the tightly guarded pools was extremely unlikely.)
Columnist Muriel Stevens: Mariposa impresses with welcoming dinner
A "Welcoming Dinner" hosted by Neiman Marcus General Manager Teri Mansour at the new Mariposa restaurant was a delicious introduction to fine dining a la NM.
Political notebook: Legislature takes time for patriotism
Erin Neff
Thank goodness not all lawmakers in Carson City are focused on taxes.
VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: A real tip-off: Stern scouting Las Vegas
"Hello, Oscar? It's me, David Stern."
NEVADA FOCUS: What pioneers have to say about Old Mormon Station's location
AP
-"In Genoa we settled right west of Reese's place, where he afterwards built his sawmill. My place was about 50 yards from the place where built his trading post. We put up a log cabin." 1884. H.S. Beatie, an Old Mormon Station clerk who paid a return visit to Genoa in 1855.
Petition problem: Council members see ulterior motive to resident's ballot initiative
Dan Kulin
Glen Easter, a North Las Vegas resident of almost 30 years, was frustrated in August 2001 over the lack of information the city was releasing on a police-involved shooting that cost the city $500,000 in a settlement.
Changes could come in future to Title IX
The Commission on Opportunity in Athletics considered about two dozen recommendations for Title IX during two days of sometimes contentious meetings. The most sweeping overhauls failed to pass -- one proposal produced a 7-7 tie -- but the panel voted in favor of tinkering with the ways students and athletes are counted to measure compliance with the law.
Gypsum firm rejects plan to block homes
James Hardie Gypsum is not interested in an offer from a national conservation organization that would block development on top of Blue Diamond Hill in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Civic activist Romero will challenge Reese
Judy Odierna
At least one Las Vegas councilman could face a tough battle for re-election.
Columnist Barb Henderson: Tying one on at a Fly Fishing paradise
Barb Henderson
Local fly fishers can tie one on at the Las Vegas Flyfishing store -- flies, that is.
Las Vegas Area Fishing Report: Anglers land stripers at Lake Mead
Creel census clerk Walt DeMattos reported that anglers fishing the Overton Arm around Fish Island and in the Muddy River area of Lake Mead are finding success for stripers that ranged 15-16 inches in length. Anchovies were the bait of choice.
Letter: Choice of who stays not tough
I have met several parents who are happy with the elementary schools in their neighborhood but dread the time when their children will have to go to middle schools with class sizes above 40 teenagers per class. I know of two families considering a move out of Vegas because of the inferior middle and high schools.
No pay package for UMC's Hale
Hale, who made an annual salary of more than $239,000, will receive a check for $36,345 for the accrued vacation days, Pappa said. Hale will have no other severance, he said.
Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Closer look at Medicare
His proposal of $450 million to train mentors for "more than a million disadvantaged junior high students and children of prisoners" also brings the problem back into every home that has a volunteer as a mentor. The need has been with us for years but little has been done to help the parent and children left behind.
Increases proposed for hunting, fishing licenses
CARSON CITY -- In addition to the $1.1 billion tax increase proposed by Gov. Kenny Guinn, he is also suggesting hunting and fishing license fee increases to support the state Division of Wildlife.
LV chain files for bankruptcy
In Business Las Vegas, a sister newspaper to the Las Vegas Sun, reported in its Jan. 31 edition that the bankruptcy is being blamed on Jitters' stores being too large, resulting in excessive rent payments. The company also was hurt by the economic slowdown and a failed deal to open cafes in now-closed House2Home stores.
Report says UMC alone among major Nevada hospitals in losing money in '02
CARSON CITY -- A state agency reported Thursday that University Medical Center, the financially troubled county hospital, posted a $10.7 million loss for the fiscal year ending last June 30 -- a figure disputed by a key county official.
Governor proposes 10,500 slot machines to boost tax revenue
A bill permitting the slot machines would mean the racetracks would pay the state $350 million in one-time license fees and 64 percent of the yearly profits, the newspaper said.
Gladiators set to enter indoor war
Adam Candee
NEXT UP
More funds needed to reach immigrant kids, experts say
By Emily Richmond
Educators and community leaders have a stern message for Nevada lawmakers: Either pay to properly educate immigrant children now or face a steeper and more painful price later.
War effort may strain police force
Jen Lawson
Metro Police and the Nevada Highway Patrol are both short-staffed and strapped for cash, and the problems may get worse due to the Pentagon's call-up of 144,000 National Guard and Reserve troops in preparation for a possible war against Iraq.
Game maker to close, Vegas losing 100 jobs
Grace Leong
Video game maker Electronic Arts will close Westwood Studios, its Las Vegas division, by March 31 as part of a plan to consolidate three southwestern regional operations into a large studio hub in Los Angeles.
Gaming Venture to be spun off
The subsidiary, Gaming Venture Corp. U.S.A., will focus on casino industry trade publications.
Effect of document shredding on Nevada is unclear
By Timothy Pratt
In the wake of indictments handed down Wednesday against two Immigration and Naturalization Service employees charged with shredding as many as 90,000 documents at a California INS data processing center, it remains unclear how many Nevada cases are involved.
Low rates hiding affordable housing shortage
Jennifer Shubinski
Low mortgage interest rates are masking an underlying problem of affordable housing in Nevada and across the nation while at the same time driving a remarkable expansion in the housing industry, mortgage and real estate leaders said Thursday.
Arbitrator awards teacher back pay
By Emily Richmond
After an eight-year legal battle with the Clark County School District over her job status, a teacher has been awarded $82,000 in back pay and benefits by an arbitrator, her attorney said this morning.
Columnist Jeff German: Topless ad ban bares hypocrisy
Tourism officials, you will recall, blasted the NFL for refusing to allow a commercial promoting the city to air during the Super Bowl, while encouraging gambling on its own website.
Pet bird owners upset over federal eradication program
Eastern Las Vegas residents are crying foul over federal authorities killing their pet poultry without first testing the birds for a deadly avian disease that is the focus of a quarantine and a limited eradication program.
Chamber may rethink gross receipts tax
The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce board of trustees would reconsider its opposition to Gov. Kenny Guinn's proposed gross receipts tax under the right circumstances, the chairwoman of its board said Thursday.
Girl, mother sue school district over alleged rape
By Emily Richmond
A special education student and her mother are suing the Clark County School District, claiming the girl was raped by two classmates after a teacher ignored her earlier report of sexual harassment by the same boys.
Ensign named to subcommittee
The subcommittee deals with military equipment, training and property issues. It tackles topics varying from Defense Department computer vulnerabilities to weapons modernization and morale.
Blacks, Hispanics in Nevada more likely to be pulled over for traffic stops
CARSON CITY -- A study on racial profiling says blacks and Hispanics in Nevada are more likely to be pulled over for traffic stops than whites.
Ensign pushes big-cat legislation
Benjamin Grove
WASHINGTON -- Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., one of two veterinarians in the Senate, wants to reduce the number of exotic big cats kept as pets.
Mystery over crash victim's money may stay unsolved
Jen Lawson
Kenneth Armstrong, 40, came to Las Vegas two weeks ago from the San Bernardino, Calif.-area for a flooring convention. Sometime between 12:30 and 4 a.m. on Jan. 20, Armstrong was killed when he lost control of his 2002 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck on Russell Road near Broadbent Boulevard.
Budget crisis threatens Health District
Clark County Health District officials say they'll turn off the poison control hotline and cut back restaurant inspections unless the state pledges to fund the programs.
Union in dispute with firm
The protest began Jan. 17 at the Rinker plant at 2100 Burns Road in Henderson.

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