Print edition for June 13, 2003

Wynn in deal with Monaco casino operator: A resort company majority owned by the principality of Monaco has agreed to buy a 3.6 percent stake in Wynn Resorts Ltd. for $45 million.

Law to give state entry into home disputes: CARSON CITY -- Homeowners with complaints about their homeowners associations -- ranging from missing funds and kickbacks to harassment of residents -- now have a place to turn.

Diller's passion for painting is no laughing matter: What: An exhibit and reception of Phyllis Diller's artwork.

DA won't prosecute father in son's death: Erica D. Johnson; Prosecutors will not press criminal charges against the high school teacher whose 7-month-old son died after being left in a van for more than eight hours, District Attorney David Roger announced today.

DRGM wins high-profile state tourism ad account: A Las Vegas company has wrested away a multimillion-dollar state tourism advertising contract from the state's largest ad agency.

Classy dressers: School Board looks at expanding uniform study: By Emily Richmond; Plans to expand a pilot study requiring students at three Henderson elementary schools to wear uniforms moved a step closer to reality Thursday.

RTC OKs firm to build monorail to downtown LV: By Timothy Pratt; The Regional Transportation Commission on Thursday unanimously approved hiring a firm to extend monorail train service from Sahara Avenue to downtown Las Vegas.

Goodman threatens to clean house: Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman threatened Thursday to oust board members of the troubled Las Vegas Housing Authority if they can't get their act together.

Retailer opening LV stores: The stores are expected to stay open at least three months. The bookseller currently has stores open in 38 states.

Taser guns tested in local courtrooms: Erica D. Johnson; It looks like a squirt gun, but if it's fired at you, you feel like you've been struck by lightning.

Mandalay Resort to issue first-ever cash dividend: By Liz Benston; Mandalay Resort Group said Thursday it would issue its first-ever quarterly cash dividend to shareholders beginning in August, a move that boosted casino stocks this morning and led analysts to predict similar moves by competitors in response to recent tax reform and healthy balance sheets.

Consumer confidence fades: WASHINGTON -- U.S. consumer confidence unexpectedly faded this month as rising unemployment sapped optimism, a University of Michigan survey found.

Water users look at ways to conserve: Large water consumers such as restaurants and golf courses could be seriously affected if a 39 percent rate increase is put into effect.

Sports briefs for June 13, 2003: Washington athletic director Barbara Hedges announced she was firing Rick Neuheisel as Washington's football coach for betting on the past two NCAA basketball tournaments and lying to school officials and NCAA investigators about it.

Potables take center stage at Epicurean Affair: When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Man sought as possible witness to Moulin Rouge fire: Jen Lawson; Fire investigators said this morning they are looking for a 45-year-old man who may have witnessed the arson fire that destroyed the Moulin Rouge on May 29.

Time-share executive resigns: The chairman and director of a company that sells time-share units in Las Vegas is resigning those positions, the financially troubled company said Thursday.

Guinn approves last of 516 bills: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn on Thursday signed the last of 516 bills passed by the regular session of the Legislature, including ones to expand the Senior Rx program.

Medicaid cuts to be restored: CARSON CITY -- As long as the Legislature doesn't cut the budget, children in the Medicaid program in Clark County should have doctors to take care of them, officials said today.

Casino executives top Nevada pay scale: By Liz Benston; Executives of Las Vegas' largest casino companies dominated a list of Southern Nevada's highest paid local executives last year, rocketing up the compensation scale mainly by exercising millions of dollars' worth of stock options.

Hospital operator cutting jobs: The company, owner of Lake Mead Hospital in North Las Vegas, said it will slash the number of business offices it operates to eight from 56. Tenet expects to save $75 million annually, starting six months after the consolidation is completed, it said.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: In Boulder City, Lucas is a safe bet: So, when the big day came last week, the local Rotary Club rented a golf course for an all-night party, invited Rio headliner Ronn Lucas to perform and raffled a car at 5 a.m.

On Display for June 13, 2003: An exhibit titled "Cool Breezes: Handheld Fans in the 20th Century," can be seen at Clark County Museum, 1830 S. Boulder Highway, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Aug. 17. Admission is $1.50 for adults and $1 for seniors and children. 455-7955.

Lawmakers fail to settle tax issue: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- The state Legislature has adjourned and will return June 25 with just six days remaining before the fiscal year runs out on attempts to try and pass a tax plan that funds the state's education needs.

Mirage woes prompt audit review: By Liz Benston; Deloitte & Touche is disputing a suggestion by Nevada regulators that it's at fault for failing to discover that its client, The Mirage, didn't file thousands of anti-money laundering reports with the federal government.

Tenet-owned hospital tops 'expensive' list in Nevada: By Emily Richmond; Lake Mead Medical Center in North Las Vegas was ranked Nevada's most expensive hospital, with charges marked up 476 percent over actual costs, according to a report commissioned by the California Nurses Association.

Gaming briefs for June 13, 2003: MGM MIRAGE has selected Brown & Partners Advertising, Public Relations and Public Affairs to re-brand the company's Treasure Island resort.

Editorial: On being childish ...: The best chance for some headway on a tax bill that would have raised $867 million failed Wednesday in the Senate -- the victim of more childish behavior. Without discussing it with his colleagues, Sen. Mark Amodei, R-Carson City, inserted an amendment into the bill that would have allowed small casinos that sell rooms on a time-share basis to relocate while keeping their gaming licenses. The amendment was supported by Sen. Mike Schneider, D-Las Vegas, who two years ago sold his interest in such a business to friends of his.

School Board told to put Edison expansion plans on hold: By Emily Richmond; The Clark County School Board was told Thursday any plans of expanding its contract with Edison Schools Inc. should be put on hold until the district has results from next fall's basic skills tests.

Schwikert set to put ankle to test: After taking the gymnastics world by storm three years ago to earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic team, Las Vegas' Tasha Schwikert will simply be trying to ride one out as she bids for her third consecutive all-around title at next weekend's U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Milwaukee.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Shameful behavior in final days: And most were not speaking of the lawmakers' abject failure to accomplish in 130 days what they should have achieved in 120 days. No matter how you stand on the tax/budget questions, that was not the story of the final days of this abomination. Instead, what captivated the attention of lobbyists, Fourth Estaters and others was "The Process" -- a series of almost indescribable train wrecks that unfolded in slow motion as ghastly public spectacles.

Arthur's magic fun, but buffet doesn't disappear: What: Dirk Arthur in "The New Art of Magic."

Columnist Barb Henderson: It's important to manage geese in urban settings: Barb Henderson; Envision a cold, brisk morning complete with snow-capped mountains, with a light blanket of frost on the ground.

Columnist Benjamin Grove: California town's real hazard: The fear factor: Benjamin Grove; Some Davis administrators and scientists are eager to establish a new high-security, infections-diseases laboratory for "biodefense" research into lethal pathogens such as anthrax, ebola and the plague. University officials applied for $150 million from the National Institutes of Health to construct the new 300,000-square-foot facility.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Storyteller feeds need to read: Her book, "Stories for Kids Only," isn't designed to be a contender for the American Library Association's top children's literature award. She figures it's a winner if it raises a little money to help feed homeless people and helps foster a love of reading in children.

Students' work used in wetlands debate: WEEKEND EDITION: June 14, 2003

Guinn approves last of 516 measures passed by Legislature: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn on Thursday signed the last of 516 bills passed by the regular session of the Legislature, including ones to expand the Senior Rx program.

Father time: WEEKEND EDITION: June 15, 2003

Council to consider water rate hike plans: Dan Kulin; The North Las Vegas City Council next month will consider two competing plans to raise water charges, after a citizens advisory board decided Thursday to recommend increases lower than what city staff will propose.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Celebrities' fathers left untied: "I remember one year I made my dad a batik pillow, with a tiger on it and all kinds of elaborate stitching. Most of it was even stitched where it was supposed to be," Shari Belafonte told VegasBeat.

Omaha gets quick jump on 51s: Nick Christensen; Omaha got its bats going early Thursday night, scoring four times in the first inning en route to a 6-4 victory against Las Vegas in their Pacific Coast League game at Cashman Field.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: He does heavy lifting: I know you don't read my columns and won't read this one. Nevertheless, the complexity of the problems in the Middle East demands both patience and the hindsight that your staff should be giving you. The peace you are seeking would be a blessing for Israelis, Palestinians and the world. As I have written before, there won't be peace in the Middle East until schoolteachers and parents spend more time on subject matter and none on teaching hate and how to blow up a bus or throw hand grenades. Until schools funded and taught by extreme Islamists cease their current ...

Las Vegas Area Fishing Report: Free fishing day is Saturday: Updated June 13, 2003

Battle Mountain's Marvel goes on the biggest ride of his life: Matt Marvel's head was on a swivel Thursday night, before and after the biggest ride of his rodeo life.

Park debate focuses on the Wright name: Frank Wright spent much of his career trying to set the record straight about Las Vegas' past. Now city officials are trying to straighten out a snafu over whether an entire local park or just a portion of it will be named after the late historian.

2003 Legislature through the eyes of: Carlos Garcia: By Emily Richmond; For Clark County School Superintendent Carlos Garcia, the "what ifs" won't stop replaying in his head.

Blood drives: Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Health South Rehab Hospital, 1250 S. Valley View Blvd.

Letter: No ads on public property: I find it hard to believe that for-profit businesses may use and abuse property that is constructed and maintained with taxpayer money for their own use. It is not difficult to find offending businesses -- they put their names and numbers on the signs.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Tiny show makes big impression: They didn't take duct tape.

Letter: Road causes dust, pollution: This has been going on for too long and it's time to find out who should be held responsible for the pollution, dust and maintenance of this portion of the road. I've got pictures and video footage of the pollution and copies of the dated letters I've been sending to the proper authorities for the past six years -- but not a thing has been done.

News briefs for June 13, 2003: Nevada Division of Wildlife game wardens are teaming up with National Park Service and Arizona Game & Fish Department rangers to put a damper on the spirits of drunken boaters.

Columnist Dean Juipe: NSAC sticks to its guns on new tests: Dean Juipe; It was a decision that may not have appeased everyone, yet it had an element of compromise.

2003 Legislature through the eyes of: Bill Raggio: CARSON CITY -- Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, suggests the courts could end up developing a tax plan for Nevada if the Legislature continues its impasse.

County, Las Vegas exchange words on homeless: By Timothy Pratt; An ongoing debate between local governments over public policy on the homeless took a bitter turn Thursday as Clark County and Las Vegas exchanged letters disagreeing on who should be helping those who live in the streets and washes of the Las Vegas Valley.

Columnist Erin Neff: Legislators could use a field trip -- to schools: Erin Neff; State lawmakers have been so mired in the capital amassing close to $300,000 in bills since the special session began, that they certainly haven't been in a classroom.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Hollywood Park: Saturday's card

Letter: Schools must emphasize basics: The 3 Rs are like the foundation of a building -- they're support for everything that comes later. The basic 3 Rs are the foundation of a child's progress through life. Without them a child's life can crumble.

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 1:20 p.m.

Bike trek aims to aid childen of 9-11 heroes: Donations can be made by credit card through the group's website (fallencomrades911.com), by phone at (702) 361-5533 or by check to Fallen Comrades 911,P.O. Box 98094, Las Vegas NV 89193.

2003 Legislature through the eyes of: Richard Perkins: Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins, D-Henderson, has a name for Assembly Republicans who refuse to vote for new state taxes: They're the "just say no" crowd.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: NASCAR shifts race date to California: Officials from NASCAR and International Speedway Corp. this morning formally announced what had been the worst-kept secret in NASCAR: California Speedway will receive a coveted second Winston Cup race in 2004.

Letter: Weapons deceit deserves outrage: Where is the outrage?

Colyer enjoys taste of major leagues: Steve Colyer said he felt awful when he arrived at the mound in Denver two weeks ago. Not bad-burger awful, or feverish, but he hadn't thrown in a game in 16 days.

Editorial: Statehouse becoming a playhouse: The 63 members of the Legislature had four months to resolve the most critical problem Nevada has faced in recent memory. The years of under-funding critical services such as education had finally caught up with the state. After spending four years studying every department, analyzing all expenditures and cutting millions from areas of the budget, Republican Gov. Kenny Guinn announced the need for up to $1 billion in new and increased taxes and submitted a detailed tax plan to the Legislature in the earliest days of the 2003 session. The Legislature's chief job this session was to debate Guinn's plan ...

Legislature made some bits of history: CARSON CITY -- The 2003 Legislature and its special session achieved a bit of history.

Thomas signs with Falcons: Steve Guiremand; Jason Thomas flew to Atlanta late Wednesday aftermoon to play football with a quarterback he often was compared to a few years ago, Falcons star Michael Vick.

Rough and humble: Country star Chesney gracious in wake of national attention: Spencer Patterson; When: 8 p.m. Saturday.

Battle plans are drawn: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- Even before the Legislature adjourned Thursday in disarray, lawmakers and lobbyists were readying their battle plans for the next two weeks.

CineVegas film festival launches tonight at the Palms: Kirk Baird; The festival's director of programming said he already knows more about this year's CineVegas International Film Festival, which begins its nine-day run today at Brenden Theaters at the Palms, than he did at this time last year.

Lake Mead will take years to fill up after drought ends: Water levels in Lake Mead and the Colorado River might not return to normal until 2010 even if winter snowfall is above average for the next several years, a Bureau of Reclamation official said Thursday.

Dancers rising to challenge of contest in Italy: Jennifer Knight; WEEKEND EDITION: June 14, 2003

2003 Legislature through the eyes of: Guy Hobbs: Few Nevadans have a keener interest in the ongoing legislative debate over state taxes than Guy Hobbs.

2003 Legislature through the eyes of: Lynn Hettrick: CARSON CITY -- Assembly Minority Leader Lynn Hettrick, R-Gardnerville, says the leadership in both houses treated his GOP members like unwelcome stepchildren.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Lessons of our fathers: I can't think of any greater feeling than that of being a father. A hole in one comes close, but misses by a mile when compared to the enduring pleasure that comes from knowing that there is a younger person on this Earth who calls you Dad and who, for a good part of his or her life, hangs on your every word, follows your every example and tries to learn from every story you tell. And then, surpasses your wildest dreams.

Community briefs for June 13, 2003: Metro Police are accepting applications through July 2 for 911 call-takers who are fluent in both English and Spanish. Applications are available at Metro's personnel office at 101 E. Convention Center Drive, Suite P-200.

Editorial: Crash go the Yucca chariots: While the report concludes that aircraft are a danger, the degree to which they pose a risk was left for another study. But at least everyone now knows that in addition to the risks on the surface and below ground, there is risk from above. Mainly, the risk arises from the fact that Yucca Mountain, 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas, is situated within the Nellis Air Force Range. The primary mission of Nellis Air Force Base is training pilots, who often fly with live ordnance. They use the range extensively, including the area of Yucca Mountain. Nellis spokesman Mike ...

Letter: Those here illegally shouldn't get scholarships: He was talking about illegal immigrants. Illegal means to break the law. We must not reward an illegal act. We must not make wrong behavior right. Anyone who is in this country illegally needs to be deported.

Lowe's highs: When last seen in Las Vegas, Will Lowe left with a new bride and more than $70,000 just days before his 20th birthday on Christmas Eve.

51s snapshot: 51s snapshot

Editorial: This time, let's set ethics rules in stone: At its first meeting the current task force discovered that another of the 1999 recommendations -- annual ethics training -- was also being ignored. The training eliminates ignorance as an excuse. We hope the current task force removes all ambiguity from previous recommendations and adds enforcement provisions. Once the new recommendations are adopted, we also hope they will be followed, every day, every year, and not become diminished by time.

Political notebook: Some senators a little conflicted: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- While the federal investigation into public corruption in Clark County is largely based on things the public never saw, the state Senate bares its conflicts.

Reid given FEC nod for dual fund-raising: The new federal campaign finance law prohibits the raising of soft money for federal candidates. Soft money is unlimited donations from corporations and unions. Federal candidates -- members of Congress -- can only raise limited-donation "hard money" from individuals and political action committees.

Reliving Youth leaves a pleasing sensation: Spencer Patterson; Artist: Sonic Youth.

Scene Selection -- Geoff Carter: Kaufman hits the deck in 'Adaptation': I've never met the man, but I'd be willing to bet that Charlie Kaufman plays a mean game of poker. This is a man who made an entire movie about John Malkovich without really revealing anything of the actor's personal life, who got John Cusack to utter the deathless phrase, "Nobody's looking for a puppeteer in today's wintry economic climate."

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: There's no shtick shortage for humorous Hooper: Lisa Ferguson; Maryellen Hooper won't need new material for her stand-up act anytime soon. The events of her life during the past couple of years have provided plenty.

Columnist Jerry Fink: OPM, Tilted Kilt enter heavy competition: There can never be too many nightclubs in Las Vegas, the Lounge Capital of the World.

Datebook June 13, 2003: Juneteenth, a festival celebrating of the ending of slavery, will be held from 3-10 p.m. Saturday at Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza at Lorenzei Park. Admission is free. 255-6659.

Matchbox twenty members slowly coming into focus: Spencer Patterson; Who: matchbox twenty with Sugar Ray.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Choppers steer clear of all that jazz: Spencer Patterson; Jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater was halfway through a quiet version of Kurt Weill's "The Bilboa Song" Saturday night when the tranquility of "Jazz in the Park" was suddenly disrupted from the skies.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Eatery turns 10, serves a blast from past: Long before chef Jean-Marie Josselin opened 8-0-8 at Caesars Palace he was the consultant for the Second Street Grill at the Fremont.

Obituaries for June 13, 2003: Catherine Louise Benveniste, 53, of Las Vegas died Tuesday in Las Vegas. She was born Sept. 26, 1949, in California. A resident for 10 years, she was a loan coordinator for a mortgage banker.