Stories published March 21, 2003Las Vegas Sun

War alters local TV coverage: Thursday's first-round scores

Park Place betting on Dion success: By Liz Benston; Las Vegas was built on big gambles. Most involved tearing down small hotels and replacing them with opulent attractions that have drawn a greater stream of visitors and profits for casino giants.

Fed rules imposed on Nev. gambling industry: By Liz Benston; Starting Tuesday, Nevada casinos must comply with new cash reporting rules adopted by the U.S. Treasury Department to counteract the threat of terrorist activity -- a rule that will require more than 140 small to mid-size gaming properties and even some grocery stores to begin filing reports that until now weren't required by any government agency.

Bullet that hit Rio room a mystery: Jen Lawson; Monica Edwards of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., was asleep in her hotel room at The Rio March 4 when she was awakened by the sound of breaking glass.

War not expected to slow local investment, lending: Kevin Rademacher; With the war in the Middle East still in its early stages, bankers and business people say the conflict should not slow commercial lending and investment in Las Vegas.

Weekly faces two challengers: Judy Odierna; Candidate bios

Tourism execs call industry fragile: Three state tourism leaders cautioned a panel of lawmakers Thursday that raising room taxes could help price visitors out of the market and further damage Nevada's already-fragile tourism industry.

Rebels defeat BYU to extend streak to five: Dobson finished the game 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored as the Rebels improved to 18-7 overall, 4-0 in Mountain West Conference play. The Cougars fall to 6-13, 1-3 in league play.

Columnist Jeff German: Las Vegas beefs up security: On the surface, America's adult playland is putting on its best face, portraying life on the Strip as business as usual.

Valley authorities watch for terrorist retaliations: Jace Radke and Dan Kulin; The communications hub at the Clark County Government Center remained quiet this morning, as it has since it was activated on Tuesday.

Stock rises on exec shakeup: The computer services company announced after the markets closed Thursday that Richard H. Brown had resigned after more than four years as CEO and will be replaced by former Westinghouse, CBS and PepsiCo executive Michael H. Jordan.

UNLV pitcher strikes out 11 but loses game: McDonald was not the only pitcher on her game. EKU starter Jonelle Csora struck out 12 and improved to 6-2 on the year with the win. But McDonald, who fell to 1-8 on the season, turned in perhaps her best performance of the year. She struck out the first six batters she faced and retired the first eight before issuing a walk.

Alternative bill could hang up telemarketing ban: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- An alternative bill to block telemarketing calls passed the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee this morning, setting up a political battle over call registries.

Families help schools be prepared: By Emily Richmond; Third grader Taylor Peck brought a salami sandwich and fruit cup with her Thursday to Vanderburg Elementary School -- a fine lunch, but not much help if an emergency shut down the campus and kept her there for long past the dismissal bell.

Firm vows to sell Internet unit: American Wagering was ordered more than two years ago by the Nevada Gaming Control Board to divest of MegaSports -- an Australian subsidiary that operated a sports betting site from that country -- after a 1999 sting operation revealed that the site had accepted a bet from a board agent in Nevada posing as a gambler outside the United States.

Security designed into new monorail: When the Las Vegas Monorail was designed, security was not the top issue in mind, but builders of the four-mile transit system said that given the world's current insecurity, it has become an important design factor.

Principal arrested in DUI case: David Harcourt, 49, has been with the Clark County School District since 1985, district spokeswoman Leslie Brusa said. She said this was a personnel issue and wasn't able to comment further.

Inspections an issue in construction defects cases: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- State Sen. Mike Schneider took on trial attorneys Thursday with photos he claimed showed crews hired by attorneys creating construction defects during an inspection to find them.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Spoonhour will weigh his options: Dean Juipe; Having written earlier in the week that Charlie Spoonhour was giving thought to quitting as UNLV's head basketball coach, I was inundated with questions and comments on the subject.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Celine's guests called to the (red) carpet: The famous faces are still coming to Las Vegas on Tuesday for the premiere of Celine Dion's "A New Day."

State drains 'rainy day' fund of $135 million: CARSON CITY -- With the state quickly running out of money, the Senate Finance Committee Thursday voted unanimously to nearly drain Nevada's "rainy day" fund to help government limp along until June 30.

Guinn warns of immediate cuts if no interim tax: Cy Ryan, Jennifer Knight and Emily Richmond; CARSON CITY -- Nevada's public schools and higher education system probably will have to make immediate spending cuts if the Legislature does not pass the so-called "bridge taxes" by April 1, Gov. Kenny Guinn said today.

Many LV visitors ignoring the war: As the second day of war in Iraq filled television sets tucked above cocktail bars and sports bars and snack bars, Las Vegas visitors largely ignored the news and went for beers, bets or burgers.

Columbine team carries baggage of tragedy: Adam Candee; Oh, what sweet potential for miscreant glory rests within that simple saltshaker, and Ryan White certainly notices this perfect opportunity.

Nevadans to receive tens of millions in energy settlement: Kevin Rademacher and Cy Ryan; Nevada consumers could receive as much as $65 million from El Paso Corp.'s settlement of claims that it manipulated natural gas prices during the West's energy crisis.

Injuries held back Rebels in 2002-'03: Steve Guiremand; Anyone who doesn't believe that Charlie Spoonhour takes his job as UNLV basketball coach seriously need only have checked out the 63-year-old's apparel at the end of the season.

Rebels women record victory in San Diego: Paulina Janus, fresh off being named Mountain West Conference co-player of the week, won at first singels for the Rebels (9-2).

Las Vegas Monorail test runs to begin: The world's "sexiest" state-of-the-art transit system will begin test runs in Las Vegas next week.

Same-sex wedding expo set for Sunday: In November, Nevadans voted to amend the state constitution to ensure that homosexual marriages could not get legal recognition, but that's not putting a damper on this weekend's convention promoting homosexual weddings.

Anti-war demonstrators march in downtown LV: About 200 anti-war demonstrators marched down Fremont Street Thursday night protesting the U.S. war in Iraq and giving downtown tourists and those supporting the war an unexpected Las Vegas experience.

BYU folk dancers grace stage at Henderson Pavilion: Marilyn LaRocque; What: International Folk Dance Ensemble from Brigham Young University.

Nevadans to be refunded $52 mil.-plus in settlement: The $1.69 billion settlement with Western states and companies includes payments this year of $227 million in cash and stock, and another $1.47 billion in cash, stock and customer discounts on gas and electricity over 20 years, El Paso said in a statement. El Paso didn't admit wrongdoing.

Consumer prices climb: The consumer price index, the most widely followed measure of inflation, jumped 0.6 percent in February, matching the previous high of January 2001. Excluding volatile food and energy costs, the so-called core rate climbed 0.1 percent, resulting in the smallest 12-month gain since March 1966.

Letter: NRC chief biased on nuke power: If it is so safe, why doesn't Congress rescind the Price-Anderson Act, which limits the nuclear power producer's liability in the event of a nuclear catastrophe? What has been done to make nuclear plants secure?

Columnist Jon Ralston: Cramming for Taxation 101: The semester was almost half over and the kids had yet to buckle down. Few had even cracked the textbook -- 1,100 pages on tax policy was like the Finnegan's Wake of college tomes. Many grumbled that the course was too advanced, that the teacher, Mr. Guinn, would not let anyone ask questions and that he wouldn't listen to any of their ideas.

Blood drives: Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Mojave High School; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bechtel Nevada, 7690 W. Cheyenne Ave.; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Faith Lutheran Jr./Sr. High School, 2015 Hualapai Way; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Levi Strauss & Company, 501 Executive Airport Drive.

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

School union closes in on health insurance fix: By Emily Richmond; Officials with the Education Support Employees Association, representing the Clark County School District, say they have resolved all but about $1 million of nearly $9 million in medical claims left unpaid after the failure of the union's health insurance trust.

Arena League standings: NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Her Day Has Come: What: "A New Day."

Columnist Jerry Fink: Flowers' melody grows in a desert mirage: According to reports, 6,000 new residents move to Las Vegas each month.

There's no de-feeting the spirit of 'Spirit': What: "Spirit of the Dance."

Thursday's prep results: Baseball

Local United Way coordinating relief efforts: It has set up a hotline for military families to get referrals for assistance: 892-2319.

Local family anxiously waits as son is overseas: Jace Radke; U.S. Navy Fireman James Olschlager Jr. watched from the deck of the USS Tarawa on Wednesday night as the first Tomahawk missiles to strike Baghdad streaked over the flat deck of his amphibious ship sitting about three miles off the Iraqi coast.

Historic recreation center to reopen: Judy Odierna; After being closed for more than a year, the Doolittle Community Center will reopen its doors this weekend.

Not-guilty plea entered in killing: Mark Ford appeared before District Judge Joseph Bonaventure after being indicted by a grand jury on charges stemming from the stabbing death of Vincent Gomes, 56.

Legislative briefs for March 21, 2003: The Senate approved a bill Thursday that would impose additional requirements on computer spam.

Aladdin cash flow steady: Adam Goldman; The bankrupt Aladdin hotel-casino improved its cash flow in February thanks in part to high occupancy rates.

Strippers plan petition to change county laws: The Protection of Dancing Initiative is seeking that certain regulations be eliminated from the ordinance, including wording that suggests that if erotic dancing remained unregulated it could lead to venereal disease, drug and alcohol offenses, fraud and other criminal activity.

Scene Selection -- Geoff Carter: Long overdue, Zemeckis' 'Rabbit' tests well on DVD: "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" finally gets the premium DVD treatment (Touchstone Home Entertainment, $29.99) this coming week, and I strongly recommend you snap up a copy, or two, or 10.

Henderson to host Wall That Heals: The display will be at the Henderson Promenade at Liberty Pointe, 200 S. Green Valley Parkway.

For many churchgoers, war is personal: By Timothy Pratt; Various houses of worship across the Las Vegas Valley seemed to have one thing in common as they prepared to address the war in their weekend services: Someone under their roofs had family or friends in Iraq or stationed stateside.

Lots of tax plans exist, but no easy choices: Erin Neff; WEEKEND EDITION: March 23, 2003

Palatial Colosseum matches shows grand scope: Park Place Entertainment built Celine Dion a $95-million showroom, a price tag surpassing the construction of the $70 million "O" theater at the Bellagio more than five years ago.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Saddam's dismal future: All the blood wasn't shed in the interrogation rooms. One lady thought I was a German and wanted me to take a message to her son who had escaped Saddam in 1982 and went to Frankfurt. After he left Iraq, his father was tortured and killed by the secret police. "They tied his feet and dragged him up and down the stone steps until his brains came out," the 70-year-old woman told me.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Slow start has Marnell regrouping: George Marnell has failed to qualify for eliminations at each of the first three NHRA national events this season but he isn't reaching for the panic button.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Even odds favoring 'Chicago': And Bally's/Paris Las Vegas oddsmaker Johnny Avello thinks he knows who they are.

Criminal history may have clinched death for killer: Erica D. Johnson; Jurors on Thursday decided an Ohio transient convicted of killing a hotel employee should be put to death for his crime.

Welfare rolls drop in Nevada: That is still 55 percent higher than the prediction made by the 2001 Legislature, and the state spent $1 million more than was budgeted in February to support these needy families, Gov. Kenny Guinn said Thursday.

Columnist Susan Snyder: War's vivid pictures can deceive: March in central Florida smells like orange blossoms.

Performing Arts for March 21, 2003: Mecca

Volunteers sought to help Health District programs: The Medical Reserve Corps consists of community-based health care-professionals who serve as volunteers during emergencies as well as helping to meet ongoing public health needs.

Chairman retires: Chairman retires

Sierra Pacific ranks low in midsized firms' satisfaction: CARSON CITY -- The parent company of Nevada Power Co. ranks next to last among Western utilities in satisfaction by midsized business customers, according to a new survey.

Columnist Benjamin Grove: Farmer raises homeland security issues: Benjamin Grove; The nation's capital was already jittery on Monday when Dwight W. Watson drove his John Deere tractor into a shallow pond on the National Mall. Watson told police he had explosives, so they backed off. The broke and bitter fifth-generation farmer blamed government policies for the recent demise of his farm.

Columnist Erin Neff: Democrats look out for little guy -- and 2004 election: Erin Neff; But Assembly Democrats have openly seized a political edge by focusing their attention on a host of consumer bills and making sure everyone is taking note.

Datebook for March 21, 2003: Hollywood's Famous Poets Society is sponsoring a poetry contest with a grand prize of $1,000. To enter, send one poem of 21 lines or less to: 1626 N. Wilcox Ave. No. 126, Hollywood, CA 90028 or enter online at famouspoets.com. The contest is open to everyone and entry is free. Deadline is March 28.

Bill would bar secret settlements in hazard cases: CARSON CITY -- Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, urged a Senate Committee on Thursday to "lift the veil of secrecy" that permits courts to keep the existence of public hazards confidential.

Editorial: Taxes need more than quick fix: The governor and Legislature resisted pressure in 1995 to use money earmarked for Nevada's "rainy day" fund to shore up school programs. They have resisted using the fund for actual rainy days, such as in 1997 when flooding in Northern Nevada reached disaster proportions. They held off Sen. Bob Coffin in 1999, when he pressured them to use the fund to relieve a budget crunch. They held fast in 2002, when Coffin again advocated tapping into it to lessen budget cuts. In fact, in the eight-year history of the fund, which now contains $136 million, the governor and Legislature have ...

Las Vegas Area Fishing Report: Cold weather slows Lake Mead action: Creel census clerks reported that fishing pressure was low due to the weather front that came through the area.

Governor names two members to Mississippi Gaming Commission: Jack Elliott Jr; JACKSON, Miss. -- Laurel businesswoman Robin Robinson and retired educator Howard Sanders of Hollandale have been appointed to the Mississippi Gaming Commission by Gov. Ronnie Musgrove.

Columnist Barb Henderson: Give fly fishing a try: Barb Henderson; There are many opportunities and techniques for today's fisherman, all with the hopes of "hooking onto a lunker."

Letter: Average Nevadan considered in tax proposal: You assert our plan includes an "expanded sales tax." Well, yes and no. It includes a 3 percent tax on services, but it exempts, among other things, health care, child care and the first $50 of a personal service transaction. We included these exemptions precisely with average Nevadans in mind.

Gasoline prices in valley likely to stay high: The price of crude oil has dropped from nearly $40 a barrel to $29 a barrel this week despite the start of war with Iraq, but oil experts say that does not necessarily mean the price at the pump will be going down anytime soon.

Wedding expo reflects growth in same-sex unions: What: Las Vegas Gay and Lesbian Wedding Expo.

Resolution subdues mood of legislators: Erin Neff; A resolution expressing support for American military troops cast a somber mood over state lawmakers Thursday.

Editorial: Legislature should help out Red Rock: So the operators of the James Hardie Gypsum mine, who own the land and wanted it rezoned so they could sell it to a developer, gave up their effort. Even so, members of the Clark County Commission, worried that another plan to build thousands of homes in the area would be resurrected, planned to create more restrictive zoning that would block high-density development. But County Commissioner Mark James, who represents the Red Rock area, asked the county to delay passing the restrictions so that the gypsum mine company operators had more time for input into the new ordinance. Weeks have ...

Editorial: Find money to do right by children: The 2001 Legislature approved a bill by Assemblywoman Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, that should have fixed the system. The bill removed all state involvement in child protective services in Clark and Washoe counties. This was a good bill that was intended to immediately enable the two counties to supervise child welfare entirely within their own social service departments. This would prevent children from all the miscommunications, lost records, wait times and other bureaucratic snags that occurred when state and county social workers each handled some portion of a child's case.

Obituaries for March 21, 2003: Eileen M. Andersen, 81, of Las Vegas died Monday in a local hospice. She was born May 4, 1921, in Chicago. A resident for 37 years, she was a retired Clark County School District bus driver.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Party, new CD encompass Las Vegas music scene: Spencer Patterson; Who says Las Vegas doesn't have a local music scene?

Political notebook: Husband, wife show patriotism in different ways: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- Not everyone is waving the red, white and blue in the state capital, even when they are among the most patriotic.

Columnist Linda Frolich: Reward comes with spot in the postseason: Linda Frolich; The postseason is by far the most exciting and heartbreaking part of the season for college basketball teams. Many players will cry tears of joy or tears of disappointment waiting to find out whether they have made it into postseason play.

Five-year terms given in gun theft: Erica D. Johnson; Two men charged with stealing firearms and ammunition from a state armory Thanksgiving weekend were each sentenced to two to five years in prison Thursday.

G Wiz: Spencer Patterson; WEEKEND EDITION: March 23, 2003

Union members back tax increases: While many Americans watched on television the first full day of a war that could have dire consequences on Nevada's tax revenue, an enthusiastic group of union supporters encouraged lawmakers to boost taxes and to not cut funding for schools.

On Display for March 21, 2003: Kevin Chupik's paintings are on display through May 29 at Left of Center, 2207 W. Gowan Road. 647-6378.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Tough task? Dancer can hack it: Not if the stripper is Andrea Hackett.

Living in dorm will cost more at UNLV: Jennifer Knight; University of Nevada, Las Vegas students will pay more to live on campus next semester under a new plan approved by the Board of Regents Thursday.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Take a trip to Ogden to experience good food: A few days before the opening of the Bradley Ogden restaurant at Caesars Palace, I previewed this latest venture by Bradley Ogden, who is one of the country's most acclaimed chefs and who has won many awards for his innovative American cuisine.

Second chance for McCracklin fits her to a T: NEXT UP

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Shock and awe at hand: As I write this, it is Friday morning in Las Vegas and nighttime in Baghdad. The real war has just started.

Letter: Bush pals should ease gas prices: With so many businesses -- trucking, airlines, etc. -- as well as average consumers being hurt by high fuel prices, why can't the oil companies control their greed and set their prices more in line with their costs. I know how busy President Bush must be, but maybe he could take time to contact his buddies in the oil industry and ask them to get their prices under control.

Editorial: Rainy day bills show big picture: The governor and Legislature resisted pressure in 1995 to use money earmarked for Nevada's "rainy day" fund to shore up school programs. They have resisted using the fund for actual rainy days, such as in 1997 when flooding in Northern Nevada reached disaster proportions. They held off Sen. Bob Coffin in 1999, when he pressured them to use the fund to relieve a budget crunch. They held fast in 2002, when Coffin again advocated tapping into it to lessen budget cuts. In fact, in the eight-year history of the fund, which now contains $136 million, the governor and Legislature have ...

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

Lions burn unit: Healing wounds for 35 years: For more information about the Burn Survivors of Southern Nevada call UMC at 383-2274 or attend a meeting at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at 2040 W. Charleston Blvd., next door to UMC.

Letter: Growing tired of warmongering administration: Are some Americans so hopelessly dumbed down that they blindly accept anything they are told just because the party they voted for tells them to do so?

Columnist Jeff German: Relief still not in sight for motel: But wouldn't it be nice if they worried about the little guy once in a while?

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Don't cut Junior ROTC, a valuable educational course: Upon returning from the Middle East last week I was informed that the Clark County School District has put Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps on its "endangered" list. Somehow or another the school administrators have put the JROTC program on the same level as "student activities" along with athletics and clubs. I would suggest they take a look at this program and place it with other courses taught in school. It's not just another fun and outside activity.

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