Print edition for May 7, 2003

Busby helps Las Vegas net win in volleyball: Adam Candee; Devin Busby learned an important lesson the hard way in last year's Sunrise Region boys' volleyball playoffs, when his Las Vegas squad lost in the semifinals to state champion Basic.

The all-time best poker books: 1. "Super/System," by Doyle Brunson et al. In perhaps the most unrealistic scene in "Rounders," Matt Damon's character is depicted as having hollowed out his copy of the book to store cash in. No self-respecting poker player would mutilate "Super/System" like that. (1978, $50)

Community briefs for May 7, 2003: Cinnamon Girl, a Hawaii-based women's and girl's clothing boutique, is seeking contestants for a mother-daughter look-alike competition that will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Great Hall at the Fashion Show, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

In Good Hands: McManus parlays stunning performance at Binion's World Series of Poker into 'essential' best-seller: But McManus, author of the newly released "Positively Fifth Street: Murderers, Cheetahs and Binion's World Series of Poker," says he feels a sort of cosmic connection to the slain casino figure.

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Philharmonic ends season on extremely high note: Elizabeth Foyt; With music director Harold "Hal" Weller on board and a host of talented musicians, the Las Vegas Philharmonic quickly emerged as a vibrant cultural voice. Saturday evening was the closing performance of the 2002-03 season at UNLV's Artemus Ham Hall. Almost a sellout, the program featured the 80-member orchestra performing Gustav Mahler's "Symphony No. 4 in G" and Igor Stravinksy's "The Firebird Suite."

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Jeweler opens new Vegas store: Tower of Jewels is surrounded by upscale shops -- Williams-Sonoma, The Gap, Talbot's and the recently opened Pottery Barn. And there's more to come.

Fresh-Mex restaurants offer Las Vegas unique flavors: Max Jacobson; Zaba's Mexican Grill

Handbill ordinance delayed: The City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to repeal city ordinances governing the distribution of handbills, which an assistant city attorney said has been somewhat confusing.

Tome draws positive reviews: New York Times: " 'Positively Fifth Street,' an exhilarating chronicle of the 2000 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, will go on the shelf with the classic that inspired it, 'The Biggest Game in Town,' A. Alvarez's account of the 1981 event."

Aid for military families praised: The commission established the Operation Home Front Trust Fund April 1, acting on a proposal by Commission Chairwoman Mary Kincaid-Chauncey. She was to present proclamations of thanks today to Richard and Denise Gonzalez, who donated $2,500, as well as Masonic Lodge No. 32, which donated $5,000. The Walters Group, which donated $10,000, also will be publicly thanked.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Indy 500 spotlight not too harsh for Castroneves: Helio Castroneves will be a busy man this month as he begins his quest to become the first driver to win three consecutive Indianapolis 500 races.

Casino gamble paid off in many ways for Atlantic City: John Curran; ATLANTIC CITY -- It was a desperate gamble, by a desperate city: Bring in casinos to reverse the fortunes of a seaside resort with a rich past but no future.

Wife of former Goodman aide describes assault: Erica D. Johnson; The estranged wife of William Cassidy, a former aide to Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, testified in secret court proceedings that Cassidy raped her and burned down her business in a jealous rage because he suspected she was cheating on him.

Activists want Reid to join medical malpractice fight: The activists say legislation supported by Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., that would cap medical malpractice awards and adopt tort reform similar to a system used in California is the best way to ultimately lower the skyrocketing insurance premiums doctors pay. The legislation would go even further than a Nevada law approved last year that caps non-economic awards at $350,000 in most malpractice cases.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Cup chase reduces NHL visibility: Dean Juipe; There was a time when I knew every player in the National Hockey League by sight, even after the league doubled in size from six to 12 in 1967.

Porn suspect may be linked to other cases: Jen Lawson; The teenage girl that led authorities to arrest a 39-year-old Las Vegas man last weekend was not the only one that he photographed naked and may not have been the only one he sexually assaulted, Metro Police said.

County backs plan to buy out Rhodes: Judy Odierna; Clark County commissioners backed a plan Tuesday to put the 2,400 acres encompassing the James Hardie Gypsum Mine under public control, protecting the parcel surrounded on three sides by Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area from development.

Editorial: Lots of questions for Yucca managers: Sens. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and John Ensign, R-Nev., have announced a May 28 hearing in Las Vegas on the quality issues surrounding Yucca Mountain. We hope the senators subpoena top managers of the Yucca project and compel them to give straight answers. Only 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas, the mountain is being prepared by the Department of Energy to contain 77,000 tons of high-level nuclear waste for tens of thousands of years. On a project this dangerous, there simply cannot be an aura of mystery surrounding the issue of quality.

51s weather a stormy trip: Nick Christensen; The well-rested 51s pitching staff combined for a shutout in a 1-0 win against Edmonton Tuesday night at Cashman Field.

Sportswoman of Year nominees announced: Rookie of the Year, Coach's and Most Valuable Player awards were presented by each sport's head coach and the nominees for the UNLV Sportswoman of the Year award were announced.

Full speed ahead: Adam Candee; Scoring 19,015 points in the NBA and then going on to become an actor are enormous personal challenges.

Ethics policies to be studied: Judy Odierna; The Clark County Commission revived its Ethics Task Force on Tuesday to reconsider the county's ethics policies and standards.

Letter: Israeli holiday celebrates peace: We can only hope that a secure peace can be reached and that future celebrations will include people from all over the world who truly want a just and true peace in the Middle East.

Prep Schedule: TODAY

Letter: Red Rock area tour is telling: It probably won't be cost effective for Mr. Rhodes to develop if there are no commercial sites allowed, so we need to keep the original zoning. Yes, money talks and we need to fight his "juice."

Editorial: School bus rules need oversight: Sun reporter Emily Richmond recently interviewed many drivers who likely have not imagined these scenarios. Apparently, they are instead preferring to regard the district's enforcement efforts as an affront to their dignity. Richmond, in her interviews, discovered widespread discontent with the district's squad of 15 investigators. All former school bus drivers, the investigators watch over the bus routes and cite drivers for any infractions they spot. Many drivers refer to the investigators as the "goon squad" and say their positions should be eliminated.

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

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

Ex-Rebels coach still getting used to his new role: Derek Thomas was in a junior college gym in Illinois for 15 or 20 minutes last week when the team's coach halted a workout.

Menard, long a familiar voice of Channel 5, dies at 74: Many people did not know his face, and fewer knew his name, but the distinctive baritone voice of Ralph Menard made him one of the Las Vegas Valley's most recognizable media personalities.

Columnist Peter Benton: Inviting Sorenstam is a big mistake: Peter Benton; Professional golf is a distinguished business with a very proud, traditional and dignified history. Pro golf is also an activity where, unlike the amateur game, the sexes should not compete together. Unless of course it is a mixed team tournament or the like of the Wendy's Three-Tour Challenge.

Beamon hoping to push CCSN along in playoffs: Calvin Beamon III delivered the hit of the season for the Community College of Southern Nevada Thursday night at Lied Field in Henderson.

LV visitor with suspected case of SARS leaves isolation: A man visiting Las Vegas who had Southern Nevada's second suspected case of SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, left voluntary isolation Tuesday after the recommended 10 days of separation expired, a health official said.

Donated Rolls sells for $15,000: The Clark County chapter of the Salvation Army has sold a Rolls-Royce for $15,000, tying a record for the highest amount the local organization has received from the sale of a single donated item.

Letter: Feds shouldn't undermine security effort: Does the federal government not appreciate that of all the cities in all the world, Las Vegas, with its 24/7 culture based around gambling and -- dare I say it -- other so-called "vices," must pose a No. 1 target for Islamic fundamentalists?

Tuesday's prep results: Golf

Steele, Cannery team up for fight night: Dean Juipe; Just like the old "loser leaves town" sagas of pro wrestling, Baira Kim is in need of a victory.

Obituaries for May 7, 2003: Louis Desmond Atchley, 89, of Las Vegas died Sunday in Las Vegas. He was born Sept. 4, 1913, in Weldon, Ark. A resident for 61 years, he was a sheet metal worker for a construction company, a World War II Army veteran and a member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 88.

Southwest LV residents seek quieter skies: Timothy Pratt and Judy Odierna; The Clark County Commission Tuesday directed county staff to work with the federal government in a search for ways to mitigate noise from planes leaving McCarran International Airport.

Schools say students with paint guns will be arrested: By Timothy Pratt; The Clark County School District Police have issued a notice to parents warning that students who bring paint guns to school will be arrested.

Mayor suggests city casino: "I think the proceeds should come back to the taxpayers," Daley said.

Another $25 million will go to UMC: Clark County officials, however, said Tuesday the general obligation bonds would not put the hospital in further debt because they plan to refinance other existing bonds.

Two men arrested in teen sex cases: Jen Lawson; In the last few days Metro Police made two unrelated arrests of men who allegedly molested teenage girls who were trying to break into modeling.

Premiums might be raised for children's health insurance: CARSON CITY -- A Senate-Assembly budget subcommittee voted Tuesday to raise the premiums low-income families pay for state-subsidized health insurance coverage for their children.

Revenue debate may spill out of tax committee: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- While the first three months of the Legislature passed with few political battles, an Assembly committee's move Tuesday to delay a revenue bill has legislative observers watching for the gloves to come off in the last 26 days of the 2003 session.

Internet gaming bill gaining momentum: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- A bill that would ban Internet gambling by regulating payment methods gained a little more steam in Congress Tuesday.

Board reluctantly OKs potential school cuts: By Emily Richmond; A visibly frustrated Clark County School Board voted 4-3 this morning to approve a potential budget that would include $110 million in cuts.

Heliport moratorium sought: CARSON CITY -- Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas, says her neighborhood is like a "mini Beirut" every day during the summer months with anywhere from 67 to 97 helicopters flying over, ferrying tourists to the Grand Canyon or other locations.

Profit falls for Speedway Casino owner: Net income for the quarter ending March 31 was $3.32 million, or 12 cents per share, on revenue of $63.6 million, MTR Gaming reported Tuesday.

Las Vegan charged with fondling girl, 14: Scott Riddel was booked into Clark County Detention Center on charges of open and gross lewdness. Riddel also was wanted by authorities Colorado Springs, Colo., in connection with a sexual assault, Metro Police said.

Man found dead near trash bin ID'd: Limongello, 40, was last seen near his home at 9 p.m. on Sunday. The black 2002 Lincoln Navigator he was driving is now missing.

Plan drops work cards: SB432 would require change-handlers, dealers and other gambling-related casino workers to register through their jobs once every five years instead of having work cards issued by local law enforcement agencies.

Last cocktail waitress in weight lawsuit against Mirage settles: Jace Radke; The last of 11 cocktail waitresses who filed suit against The Mirage based on allegations that their jobs were threatened because they were overweight agreed to a settlement Tuesday.

Plan eliminating government work cards approved: SB432 would require workers in gambling-related positions to register through their jobs once every five years. The state Gaming Control Board would run criminal background checks through federal and state law enforcement.

Debt costs hurt Nevada Power: Kevin Rademacher; Sierra Pacific Resources today blamed higher interest costs and low sales for a first-quarter loss of $16.5 million or 15 cents a share.

Missionary arrested on fondling charges: Jen Lawson; A 20-year-old man who was serving as a missionary for the Mormon Church was arrested Sunday on charges of molesting two girls he met through the church, Metro Lt. Jeff Carlson said.

Columnist Jeff German: Reid, Ensign set to show Yucca flaws: Nevada Sens. Harry Reid and John Ensign are holding a hearing in Las Vegas May 28 to expose what they believe is the DOE's inability to guarantee that the nearby project is safe to store high-level nuclear waste.

New firm working on Justice Center: By Timothy Pratt; A new company is working on the courthouse construction project downtown that is 15 months behind schedule and millions of dollars over budget.

County funds to fight child abuse cut by lawmakers: CARSON CITY -- State lawmakers are poised to keep Clark County from receiving $2.2 million in state funding for child abuse caseworkers.

Legislative briefs for May 7, 2003: A bill creating a seven-member state commission to resolve problems between homeowners and contractors over construction defects was approved by the Senate Finance Committee Tuesday.

Firm reports profit jump: Cash flow at the Las Vegas-based slot route and casino operator was $13.9 million for the quarter, a 38 percent increase.

Assembly approves wrecked-car bill: CARSON CITY -- The Assembly unanimously approved Nevada's first law to allow consumers to know they have purchased a vehicle that was previously in an accident or flood.

Wynn buys $23.5 million Renoir: Steve Wynn, the casino owner and art collector, bought the painting, "In the Roses (Madame Leon Clapisson)," for $23.5 million Tuesday night at Sotheby's sale of Impressionist and modern art. It was the most expensive painting in the sale, bringing just over its $20 million low estimate, and is to go on view at his gallery in the lobby of the old Desert Inn on the Las Vegas Strip until Wynn opens his adjacent new casino resort, Le Reve.

Police review shooting case after victim dies: Kizzy Edwards was shot 19 months ago on Bonanza Road near Martin Luther King Boulevard. Auntrell Clark is serving a sentence in the Nevada State Prison in the shooting after pleading guilty to battery with the use of a deadly weapon, Chief Deputy District Attorney Frank Coumou said.

Students show their market savvy in state contest: By Emily Richmond; While many Americans were bemoaning the stock market's performance, a group of Las Vegas fourth graders grabbed hold of the bear and rode it to the top.

Rival bidder objects to Aladdin plan: Las Vegas Hotel Casino Investors LLC (LVHC), a subsidiary of Financial Capital Investment Co., owners of the Los Angeles Omni Hotel, filed a motion Tuesday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Las Vegas objecting to a plan forwarded by OpBiz LLC, a partnership comprised of Planet Hollywood co-founder Robert Earl, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc., White Plains, N.Y., and Bay Harbour Management LC, New York.

Senators: Settlement not tough enough: At a hearing on last week's $1.4 billion settlement with Citigroup Inc. and nine other securities firms, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Richard Shelby told securities regulators today that the agreement's record fines and structural changes didn't go far enough.

515048506.html: A team source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press that Pollin's decision was based on three reasons: player dissension, a franchise faltering after 3 1/2 years of Jordan in charge, and deteriorating relationships throughout the organization.

Board monitoring defect bills: Jennifer Shubinski; Members of the Nevada State Contractors Board will be in Carson City today and Thursday to watch the progress of legislative bills, including proposed construction defect legislation.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Brothel a true Fleiss-by-night venture: So, Heidi Fleiss is coming to Nevada to open a house of ill repute. A brothel. Sex for sale.

Crews unable to determine source of mysterious odor: Thirty people were sickened, including seven who were hospitalized, after a mysterious odor spread inside a building at Flamingo Road and Burnham Street about 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Subcommittee OKs re-entry home in Las Vegas for inmates: CARSON CITY -- A Senate-Assembly budget subcommittee today approved plans by the state Department of Corrections to start operation next year of a 200-prison inmate transition home in Las Vegas to help convicts find jobs and permanent housing.

Grand opening set for new Lake Las Vegas casino: By Liz Benston; The Las Vegas Valley's third casino this year won't debut to great fanfare. But the Casino MonteLago, tucked behind the Ritz-Carlton hotel at Lake Las Vegas in Henderson, still expects to earn a following among Las Vegas locals.