Print edition for March 20, 2003

Bus driver pleads guilty in sex case: Antonio Gomez, 26, pleaded guilty to attempted sexual assault and battery with intent to commit sexual assault. In exchange for his guilty plea prosecutors dropped a single sexual assault count.

Le Reve affords Wynns unique opportunity: Grace Leong; The landmark $6.4 billion sale of Mirage Resorts Inc. to MGM Grand Inc. in June 2000 was a "mixed blessing" that gave Las Vegas casino entrepreneur Steve Wynn an opportunity to build another megaresort, Le Reve, says Wynn's wife, Elaine.

UNLV finale failed to meet Banks' expectations: The career of UNLV point guard Marcus Banks came to a close with Wednesday's 85-69 loss to Hawaii, and he had other ideas of how his final act in a Rebels uniform would be played out.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Forget about No. 66 for these Rebels: Now that Al McGuire is no longer with us, is there any compelling reason why the NIT should continue?

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Celine's opening-night party a no-go: Park Place spokesman Michael Coldwell told VegasBeat this morning that the scheduled bash in the Garden of the Gods at Caesars Palace has been officially canceled. The decision was made Wednesday night.

Convicted killer begs jurors to spare his life: Erica D. Johnson; The Ohio man facing the death penalty for robbing and killing a Caesars Palace kitchen worker begged jurors on Wednesday to spare his life.

Report drives shares up: The shares rose 80 cents, or 15 percent, to $6.30 this morning. The Houston-based company had lost 88 percent of its market value in the past year.

Legislative briefs for March 20, 2003: The state Senate approved a bill Wednesday to impose a $2 fee on deadbeat parents in addition to money taken from their paychecks.

Bankruptcy bill passes: The bankruptcy measure has been circulating in Congress for years, and its fate in the Senate, where it has been caught up in an abortion debate, remains uncertain.

Jesus Chavez ready for 'risky' fight: Dean Juipe; Ranked as the mandatory challenger by the World Boxing Council at 130 pounds, Jesus Chavez comes into his fight Saturday with Carlos Gerena at Mandalay Bay in a position where he has little to win and a great deal to lose.

Tougher school attendance policy proposed: By Emily Richmond; If a bill in the Legislature wins approval, a note from Mom may no longer be enough to excuse students for missing class in Nevada public schools.

Flaw gives hackers access: A patch is available at microsoft.com/security.

Couple indicted in killing: The indictment, unsealed Wednesday before District Judge Valerie Adair, charges Keelee Chafford and James Wade with multiple felony counts in the Aug. 9, 2002, death of Lloyd Nelson, 73.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Harmon hopes to knock off touted German: Dean Juipe; It's a difficult task, going to Germany to face a fighter who is 47-0.

Committees to review actions of campus cops: The action stems from problems a few years ago, such as a controversial police raid of University of Nevada, Las Vegas dormitories March 9, 2000, and the dismissal of two UNLV officers who were accused of padding their time cards.

Obituaries for March 20, 2003: Arvena Dot Ault, 74, of Boulder City died Sunday in Boulder City. She was born Nov. 27, 1928, in Canada. A resident for eight years, she was a homemaker.

Rebels finish with a fizzle: Steve Guiremand; It was perhaps the fitting end.

Michigan reacts to strike on Iraq: AP; But he's also concerned.

Two Adelson companies sue a third: Grace Leong; The legal battle over the delayed opening of the $1.5 billion Venetian megaresort on the Las Vegas Strip has gotten so convoluted that two of Venetian owner Sheldon Adelson's companies are now suing The Venetian.

Court overturns Wynn decision: It was the latest blow in an ongoing battle between Wynn and homeowners remaining at Desert Inn Estates who have refused to sell their property to Wynn, who is building the $1 billion Le Reve resort on the site.

Casinos would bear brunt of new taxes: By Liz Benston; Nevada's largest casinos will be the businesses hit the hardest if Gov. Kenny Guinn's current package of tax increases is passed by the Legislature, the governor's office says.

Hong Kong-Vegas flights suspended due to war: Richard N. Velotta and Judy Odierna; Singapore Airlines, which inaugurated nonstop service between Las Vegas and Hong Kong last summer, will suspend its twice-a-week flights for two months beginning in April because of low demand anticipated with the outbreak of war in Iraq.

Nevada delegates somber as war begins: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., was still in his office on Capitol Hill Wednesday night when the opening salvos of the war were fired. It was far from the cockpit of an F-4 jet that he was in 12 years ago as an Air Force pilot flying reconnaissance missions over Iraq.

Gaming stocks expected to weather war with Iraq: By Liz Benston; Visitor volume and consumer spending in Las Vegas are expected to slow in the near term as people stay tuned to Iraq war news and watch their wallets.

Financier hit with $ 4.13 mil. judgment: Keith Rooker, Bulloch's attorney, said that following a trial that began Friday, U.S. District Judge James Mahan ruled that a $4.13 million penalty fee Del Mar Mortgage Inc. had collected from Bulloch was "unlawful." Del Mar is a Shustek company along with Vestin Mortgage, a big real estate lender.

Correction: Correction

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Bernstein 2-for-3 in Top Fuel dragster: Brandon Bernstein apparently has a thing or two to learn about driving the Budweiser Top Fuel dragster.

Las Vegans mixed on beginning of Iraqi war: As President Bush announced the start of the war on Iraq Wednesday night, Kathleen Fuson stopped playing video poker at a Henderson restaurant and covered her face with her hands.

Regents support plan to up GPA levels: CARSON CITY -- A plan to require higher grades for Millennium Scholarships got a favorable reception from the Board of Regents on Wednesday.

Reid backs staffer for post with NRC: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., is pushing the nomination of one of his own staffers, physicist Greg Jaczko, to fill one of two seats being vacated on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

McDonald says political turmoil is behind him: Judy Odierna; Janet Moncrief

Nevada officials step up security: Jace Radke; After Tomahawk missile strikes in Baghdad opened the war to disarm Iraq, emergency officials in Las Vegas said this morning they are ready for possible retaliatory terrorist attacks here.

Schools to distribute memo about preparedness: By Emily Richmond; For the more than 800 students at Heard Elementary School on Nellis Air Force Base, it was "business as usual" this morning, Principal Danny Kilgore said.

Fugitive wanted in drowning of newborn son kills himself: Jen Lawson; A man wanted in connection with the 1997 drowning death of his baby son in a downtown Las Vegas hotel toilet killed himself early today during a standoff with police in suburban Seattle that lasted more than 30 hours, police said.

Students raise questions about war against Iraq: By Emily Richmond; Vanessa Anderson's mother called from the Virginia naval base where she awaited orders overseas to ask her daughter, an eighth grader at Bob Miller Middle School in Henderson, what she wanted for her upcoming birthday.

Program launched to help chronic offenders: Jen Lawson; In his 10 years as a downtown Las Vegas cop, Officer David Fricker found himself arresting the same people over and over again for minor crimes -- small-scale drug dealing, public drunkenness, petty theft.

Committee to watch campus cops: The action stems from problems a few years ago, such as a controversial police raid of University of Nevada, Las Vegas dormitories March 9, 2000, and the dismissal of two UNLV officers who were accused of padding their time cards.

News briefs for March 20, 2003: More than five months after a shopping cart ordinance was passed by the North Las Vegas City Council, residents should begin seeing the effect of the law.

City officials speak out against gambling: "The fact of the matter is that the Legislature is considering granting up to three new boat licenses for the entire state. No mention of Clear Lake or any other body of water is contained with the proposed bill," Mayor Kirk Kraft said in a news release.

Additional Wichita flight planned in May: Allegiant, which has its corporate headquarters in Las Vegas and its operational center in Fresno, Calif., already has four flights a week between Las Vegas and Wichita Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday. The fifth flight will operate on Wednesdays.

Las Vegas executive takes Ohio convention sales job: As vice president of sales for the bureau, Mark Wallisa will oversee eight salespeople responsible for signing up conventions and trade shows, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported.

Controversial gaming board member resigns: Ira Rogal, a lobbyist who represents big-name corporate clients at the Statehouse, submitted his resignation to the board that oversees the state's riverboat casino industry, said Abby Ottenhoff, spokeswoman for Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Chicago casino decision delayed: Maura Kelly; CHICAGO -- As negotiations continue on a deal to sell the license now held by the bankrupt Emerald Casino, Illinois Gaming Board members have pushed back a hearing intended to revoke the casino's license.

Airman learning firefighting skills: Dick Benoit; Airman Basic Anthony Benedict, son of Edivina Benedict of Las Vegas, recently began training as a military firefighter at the Louis Garland Defense Department Fire Academy at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Friday's races at Santa Anita: Friday's card

Letter: Too bad Daschle doesn't want to be president: It's a shame he wouldn't like to be president.

Wednesday's prep results: Baseball

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Issues have us feeling bedeviled: Ruthe Deskin; What with the threat of war involving diabolical weapons, former allies divided, the spread of nuclear facilities, religious hatred and distrust of neighbors, the devil has to be happily cavorting in the hot place.

Contract approved for 61 acres planning: Judy Odierna; Las Vegas took another step forward in the master planning of the former Union Pacific Railroad yard Wednesday.

City's first historic district designated: Judy Odierna; The Las Vegas City Council designated the John S. Park neighborhood the city's first historic district Wednesday.

City disperses fed grants of $8.8 million: Judy Odierna; The Las Vegas City Council approved more than $8.8 million in federal grants for housing and social service programs Wednesday.

Letter: Saudi Arabia is the true enemy: Saddam didn't attack the U.S. on 9-11. Osama bin Laden and his terrorists did. Nine of the attackers were Saudi Arabians. Osama bin Laden is a Saudi. The money trail has been backtracked from the 9-11 attackers to Saudi Arabia.

Council attacks unfriendly bills in Legislature: The most significant was Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio's bill introduced Monday that would give the state a bigger share of future property tax revenue.

Feds consider ways to spend land-sale funds: Federal land management agencies in Nevada are asking for public comment on how to spend $296 million raised from Las Vegas land sales.

Anti-tax activist barred from holding seminars: Jace Radke; A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order against a local anti-tax activist who authorities say is running a tax scam that has cost the country $56 million in revenue.

Nevadans react to the start of war with Iraq: AP; ---

Pig farmer rues loss of view: Dan Kulin; First, development moved closer and closer to Robert Combs' pig farm, bringing North Las Vegas residents' noses within smelling distance of the operation.

Community briefs for March 20, 2003: The Las Vegas Chapter of Service Corps of Retired Executives will present the workshop "How to Really Start Your Own Business" at 9 a.m. Saturday at 400 S. Fourth St., Suite 250A.

Letter: U.S. turns its back on citizen: Dr. Charles Li went to visit China in January and got arrested at the airport just because he practices Falun Gong, which is banned only in China. He is an American citizen and he has every right to practice his own belief no matter where he is. I would say he was actually taken hostage since he was given the entry visa by the Chinese Consulate, then taken into detention right after he got off the airplane.

Editorial: Bill would rob Peter to pay Paul: The Legislature is now considering an array of new and increased taxes, many of which are unpopular and their fate is uncertain. Into this mix Raggio, a Reno Republican, has introduced Senate Bill 308, which would not impose any new tax or increase any existing tax. Instead, it would enable the state to share in revenue increases now enjoyed almost exclusively by cities and counties. As the population increases, more properties are bought. This results in more property tax being collected each year even though the tax itself has remained stable. Currently, this increase in revenue stays with local governments ...

Losing Face: Oscar's Best Picture history tarnished by missed calls: Geoff Carter; You're looking at a list of some of the most popular losers of all time.

Red Cross classes teach preparedness for disasters: The first Red Cross classes designed to teach Las Vegans how to prepare for and respond to terrorist attacks or major disasters begin Friday.

Rebels slip to 33rd: It marked the first time UNLV (8-2) did not appear in the nation's top 20 since ranking 27 on March 13

Bolstering his career: Dean Juipe; With 11 consecutive victories and without a loss since 2000, William Abelyan feels his boxing career has gained momentum.

County struggles to limit locations of adult stores: A Clark County ordinance to regulate new sexually oriented clubs, stores and other businesses has been delayed once again.

Air travelers worried more about snowstorm than war: Snow in Colorado and Wyoming concerned travelers at McCarran International Airport this morning more than the start of a war half of a world away.

Blue-chipper on verge of commiting to UNLV: During his official recruiting trip at the end of last week, Minneapolis native Andy Hannan said he neither saw nor heard anything that would lead him to believe that coach Charlie Spoonhour might walk away from UNLV.

War heightens state tax debate: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- Legislative leaders said this morning the start of the war against Iraq will have an immediate impact on the state's economy.

Postseason a tale of two tournaments for 2 locals: Adam Candee; The frigid obscurity of a 7-22 redshirt freshman season at Wisconsin-Milwaukee does not begin to measure up to the burning spotlight of starting at point guard for Tennessee from your first day on campus.

Editorial: Preserve Lake Tahoe by preserving agency: The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency was created 30 years ago to meet this threat. A bill in the Assembly sponsored by Assemblywoman Sharron Angle, R-Reno, whose co-sponsors include Assemblyman Harry Mortenson of Las Vegas, would have Nevada withdraw from the pact. Mortenson should remember how Southern Nevadans supported a bond issue in 1996 to preserve the lake. And he and the bill's other supporters irritated by TRPA's "bureaucracy" should imagine what the lake would look like without it. Withdrawing from TRPA is as unthinkable as dumping raw sewage into the lake, a common practice before the agency was founded.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Dreams and nightmares: Our plate is rapidly being filled with North Korea's nuclear threat and the terrorists supported, armed and paid for as the cats' paws of Syria and Iran. There can be good arguments in support of the belief that Iran and North Korea are bigger threats than Iraq. I'm one of the people who has that belief, but right now Iraq is our sore, which has been allowed to fester for far too long.

Couple indicted in death of man, 73: Erica D. Johnson; A married couple have been indicted on murder charges in the death of an elderly Las Vegas man last year.

FBI to interview 200 Iraqi-born Las Vegans: By Timothy Pratt; The FBI will be interviewing about 200 Iraqi-born people living in the Las Vegas Valley during the coming days, an official said.

In response to fears, water agencies look for vulnerabilities: Southern Nevada's water agencies are looking for potential vulnerabilities in the water system, responding to attack fears and federally mandated studies, authorities say.

County Commission OKs Walters' project: Without the controversy that characterized the issue over a year of debate, the Clark County Commission on Wednesday approved zoning that allows golf course developer Billy Walters to move forward with a project to develop land near Durango and Cimarron drives.