Print edition for May 30, 2003

News briefs for May 30, 2003: Two men were shot and killed within a mile of each other Thursday in North Las Vegas, but it's not clear if the slayings are related, police said.

Suspect in slayings of three arrested: A suspect in the murder of three young men who were shot to death Tuesday at an apartment near downtown was arrested about 4:45 p.m. Thursday by members of the Criminal Apprehension Team.

Metro rounds up suspects in robberies: On Thursday detectives arrested Jenny Patricia Carrasco, 23, Larry Ulysses Beavers, age unavailable, and Richard Olney Flynn, 43, in connection with a series of armed robberies of businesses in northwest Las Vegas and one violent home invasion robbery on Wednesday.

Officials probe Moulin Rouge blaze: Federal and local investigators were joining forces today to try to determine the cause of the three-alarm blaze that destroyed the historic Moulin Rouge, the city's first racially integrated casino.

Dream of revitalizing Moulin Rouge suffers blow: For decades, bringing financial viability to the Moulin Rouge has been an elusive dream.

Former Henderson priest sentenced to probation: Erica D. Johnson; Saying he took full responsibility for "the pain and suffering I've caused," former priest Mark Roberts this morning was sentenced to three years' probation for the molestation of five teens who attended St. Peter's Catholic Church in Henderson, where he was pastor.

Judges encounter barrage of accusations: Erica D. Johnson; A contempt complaint against a former prospective juror who said she didn't trust the justice system's treatment of blacks was dismissed this morning.

Improvements for Yucca are outlined: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- The Energy Department's nuclear waste director has launched a comprehensive effort to improve efforts at Yucca Mountain, including a strategy to make workers feel free to raise concerns.

Agents search Herrera home: FBI agents searched the home of former Clark County Commissioner Dario Herrera Thursday looking for records tying him to strip club operators Michael and Jack Galardi in an investigation into possible political corruption, sources close to the probe said.

On Display for May 30, 2003: Artist Jerry Misko II will display his large-scale paintings depicting Las Vegas' signage and architecture in a show entitled, "Incandesce," from 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday at Winchester Cultural Center, 3130 S. McLeod Drive. 455-8239.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Afraid of doing the right thing: And this session, the end is especially egregious, whether or not a special stanza is needed (I am writing this Friday.) No matter what they do, the Gang of 63 essentially had one major policy decision this session -- yes, I'm talking about taxes -- and they are ending the way they started: Scared of their own shadows or, more accurately, the shadow of Campaign '04.

Columnist Benjamin Grove: State tax hikes, federal cuts just don't add up: Benjamin Grove; Here is a quick look at how Bush and Congress adopted a contradictory strategy to the tax-hike plans under consideration in statehouses nationwide -- and why experts say the two approaches may work against each other.

Performing Arts for May 30, 2003: Family festival

Political notebook: Spoof can't top hilarity of legislative reality: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- Reporters presented "Third House" to lawmakers Thursday night, poking fun at the Legislature with skits and fake news reports.

Dead returns to life on 'Dick's Picks Vol. Four': Spencer Patterson; Editor's note: Debuting this week is Patterson's Picks, in which Sun music writer Spencer Patterson takes a weekly look back at a collection of memorable albums -- some well known, others obscure -- in the annals of recorded music.

Goodman considers intervening at Housing Authority: Judy Odierna; Mayor Oscar Goodman said Thursday that he may have to "stick his nose" into the affairs of the Las Vegas Housing Authority.

Columnist Jerry Fink: For a few Las Vegas legends, Hope is eternal: Bob Hope, who turned 100 Thursday, was no stranger to Las Vegas lounge entertainers.

Editorial: More Yucca bombshells raise alarm: A U.S. Senate hearing last week in Las Vegas, co-chaired by Sens. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and John Ensign, R-Nev., only intensified fears over the construction taking place at Yucca Mountain. Among the witnesses were experts from the General Accounting Office, which is the investigative arm of Congress, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Their testimony was chilling. Just as chilling was the absence of two witnesses, Yucca employees who had separately raised quality-assurance alarms with their supervisors. Each had claimed their actions were greeted with disciplinary retaliation. A main reason for the hearing was to get their stories on record ...

'Real' Deal: Kirk Baird; WEEKEND EDITION: June 1, 2003

Letter: Many in Texas agree with the Dixie Chicks: There are a lot of people in Texas who feel the same way, and agree with the Dixie Chicks.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Old bump on new road: Last Monday it was French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin pumping life back into Yasser Arafat in their meeting. The next day Arafat let the world know that he, not Prime Minister Abu Mazen, also known as Mahmoud Abbas, is in charge of all negotiations with Israel.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Chef Andre giving back to his community: Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas was an ideal setting for the second anniversary dinner of the Epicurean Club. This fledging organization includes primo food and beverage directors and other industry-related executives who have joined to ensure that top-notch high school seniors who aspire to have a career in the culinary and hospitality fields will be recognized with four-year scholarships to the colleges of their choice.

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: Local comedy outlets are second home for Zany: Lisa Ferguson; There are a couple of reasons why Bob Zany should consider purchasing a home in Las Vegas.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Great Americans in town: The basic requirements for the Medal of Honor, our nation's highest award, and the three crosses, are based on gallantry and extraordinary heroism:

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: BunnyRanch offers free 'active duty': Now Dennis Hof, the owner of the Moonlight BunnyRanch brothel (known as the place where Jesse Ventura was once a customer), is featuring a "T&A 50."

Energy Department. to hire new law firm: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- A federal court has paved the way for the Energy Department to hire a law firm to handle its Yucca Mountain legal work, 18 months after its former firm quit amid conflict-of-interest allegations.

Columnist Susan Snyder: These kids are speaking our language: English, Spanish, German, Norwegian, Russian, Arabic, French, Belgian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Polish ... um ...

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Country awards rate a return to Las Vegas: Spencer Patterson; The "Academy of Country Music Awards" and their shiny new Mandalay Bay digs were no match for Ruben and Clay.

Scene selection Geoff Carter: Owen shows acting chops in BMW 'Hire' series: Clive Owen is too good to be the next James Bond.

Mayor must wait to try to oust city manager: Dan Kulin; Boulder City Manager John Sullard's job appears safe for at least six months.

Letter: Administration lied to get into unjustified war: Wolfowitz argues we needed the troops to protect against Saddam (who was no threat). The problem was that the Muslim extremists got upset with us for having our military in the country. Seems to me that the extremists might just be unhappy about an unjustified war of occupation of an Arab land, too. Note: we are not doing away with our Saudi base -- just taking out "most" of the troops.

Postcards from the edge of demolition: Jennifer Knight; WEEKEND EDITION: May 31, 2003

Datebook for May 30, 2003: "A Concert for Compassion" will be held at 8 p.m. Saturday at Cafe Espresso Roma, 4440 Maryland Pkwy. Suggested donation is $5, and proceeds benefit Doctors Without Borders. 436-7030.

Fund-raiser showcases shelter dogs: The Las Vegas Valley's homeless animals will take center stage Sunday in the Animal Foundation's Best in Show.

Editorial: Gimmicks at center of tax cuts: It was an embarrassment for Bush and his fellow Republicans in the GOP-controlled Congress, who tout themselves as fiscal conservatives, to raise the debt limit. But it was necessary to make way for Bush's tax cuts. The president is ducking the fiscal responsibility demanded of the states, including Nevada, that are struggling to balance their budgets through either tax hikes or cuts to vital programs such as education.

Letter: Nice opportunity to attract teachers: Mathematics and chemistry teachers are in short supply across the country, and my wife and I are willing to relocate to a community that appreciates what we have to offer. If Nevada is not going to make that commitment, then my stay in Nevada will be brief, much like in 1984 when my father was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base.

Nation's top printer steers country to digital documents: Benjamin Grove; WEEKEND EDITION: May 31, 2003

Lucas turns Rio showroom into chat room: By Jerry Fink; Who: Ronn Lucas.

Stalker receives two life terms in killing of wife: Erica D. Johnson; The Las Vegas man convicted of killing his wife after stalking her for months was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday, but the victim's son claims the killer still has not accepted responsibility for the slaying.

Water, sewer rate hikes could nearly double fees: Dan Kulin; By September 2005, the average North Las Vegas water and sewer customer's monthly bill would be almost double its current amount under proposed rate increases the City Council is scheduled to consider June 18.

Letter: Getting the facts straight on court: She states that "the Supreme Court which, unless you totally have your head stuck in the sand, is mostly made up of liberals."

Editorial: No more 'cowards' in tax, budget votes: On Wednesday, however, the Assembly Ways and Means Committee voted to put the tax plans into the same bill as the budget -- and the budget includes increased spending on education. This means a legislator would have to be on record as having voted for the tax increases if he votes for the budget. "We're not going to give anyone a chance to support education without funding it," Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins, D-Henderson, said. The past practice has been "the coward's way out," he said. We agree.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Casino's history is fireproof: Moulin Rouge can't seem to get a break, but it manages to persevere.

UNLV gets crime stats center: Jennifer Knight; The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, will house the state's first clearinghouse for crime statistics, a function that some believe will play a vital role in understanding crime trends in the state.

Columnist Erin Neff: Hypocritical chamber resists a fair tax solution at all costs: Erin Neff; But in the waning days of the 120-day session it became apparent to all that the reason tomorrow's end is still in question is that the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce continues to arrogantly ignore its promise to the state and obfuscate the debate with ridiculous proposals.

Adult nightclub industry continues to thrive: WEEKEND EDITION: June 1, 2003

Columnist Jeff German: Exposing Yucca problems tough task: "If you can live with yourself looking the other way," he said, "look the other way."

Retailer closing Vegas store: Susan Storey, chief executive of City of Industry, Calif.-based Strouds, said the closures were part of an orderly liquidation of the company's assets.

Wranglers introduce Gulutzan as GM, head coach: Gulutzan, 31, is a native of The Pas, Manitoba. He comes to Las Vegas after four seasons as a player-assistant coach for the Fresno Falcons under ex-Las Vegas Thunder player and Fresno head coach Blaine Moore.

Weekend Motor Sports schedule: Schedule: Today, qualifying (Speed Channel, 11:30 a.m.); Sunday, race (FX, 9:30 a.m.).

Community briefs for May 30, 2003: High schools in the Clark County School District will begin commencement ceremonies Wednesday for the more than 10,000 seniors in the class of 2003.

Granato to play in LV benefit: It will be more than just a friendly hockey game against local firefighters Saturday night when Cammi Granato takes her skates to the Santa Fe Station Ice Arena.

Home-buying program helps retain workers: Jennifer Shubinski; St. Rose Dominican Hospital is publicizing the benefits of its employee home buyer assistance program, saying it helps retain and attract employees in the Las Vegas area's intensely competitive health care job market.

Guinn signs 29 more bills into law: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn signed 29 more bills into law Thursday, including bills to give voters more time to register and to allow a central location for voting for the elderly and disabled.

Software giant settles with AOL Time Warner: Microsoft will grant AOL a seven-year royalty-free license to its Internet browsing software, and faster and greater access to Microsoft's Windows operating system. Microsoft will also grant AOL Time Warner a long-term license to its software for delivering music and video over the Internet. The companies also agreed to discuss how to open up their networks for sending and receiving instant messages over the Internet.

Second malpractice question may face voters: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- An agreement reached in a legislative conference committee this morning could put a second medical malpractice question on the ballot next fall.

Guinn will hold bills until tax plan approved: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn said today he would not sign any more bills passed by the Legislature until it approves a budget and a tax plan.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Stars always get favorable treatment: Dean Juipe; Biased officiating?

Officials propose instantly adjustable slots: By Liz Benston; As soon as six months from now, casinos nationwide may begin testing technology that would customize slot floors by allowing properties to download games from a central database directly onto a slot machine, a leading slot tester told a group of casino technology experts Thursday.

Bill may keep mentally ill out of jails: CARSON CITY -- Some relief could be on the way for emergency rooms and some jails in Clark County that are filled with mentally ill people.

Protesters challenge proposed media rules: Gary Gentile; LOS ANGELES -- Protesters around the country held signs, chanted and even scrawled messages on pink slips to urge federal regulators not to allow large media companies to become even larger.

Columnist Jeff German: Strip club handouts soil hands of recipients: Campaign reports show that Rizzolo contributed $5,000 on May 8 to the re-election campaign of Municipal Judge Toy Gregory -- about 10 weeks after the FBI executed search warrants at the Crazy Horse Too looking for records of hidden mob ownership.

Columnist Barb Henderson: Fishing from a float tube in Utah: Barb Henderson; Last weekend, my husband and I headed to Southern Utah to fly fish from float tubes on Kolob Reservoir.

Showdown looms on overhaul of Regents: The Senate voted 11-10 Thursday to approve a proposed constitutional amendment that would reduce the number of regents from 13 to nine, with three of them to be elected and six to be appointed by the governor.

Guest Columnist Ryan Keeney: We still have chance to win: We went back to the hotel after Wednesday's round, hung out and went to the pool. I think a couple of us got naps or just relaxed and laid low. We got some southern-style dinner at this barbecue place that was pretty good.

County to convene new ethics panel: The Ethics Task Force will revisit rules established four years ago that restrict lobbying by Clark County commissioners leaving office. The rules banned lobbying for a one-year cooling off period for a commissioner who leaves office, but only on issues considered during the commissioner's tenure.

Obituaries for May 30, 2003: Sarah C. Brubaker, 85, of Las Vegas died Wednesday in Las Vegas. She was born June 25, 1917, in Wartrace, Tenn. A resident for nine years, she was a homemaker.

Sports briefs for May 30, 2003: David White has been hired as the new head football coach at Bishop Gorman, the school announced Thursday.

Conference panel signs off on telemarketing bill: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- The bitter dispute over a telemarketing registry appears to be over, with Republicans and Democrats signing off Thursday on an amended "do-not-call" bill.

Nevada economy growing slowly: UNLV said its Southern Nevada Index of Leading Economic Indicators fell beca' use of slowdowns in the Las Vegas-area economy in March tied to the conflict in Iraq. "The decline for the March 2003 index was only slightly larger than the decline in February 1991 (Gulf War)," UNLV said. "All in all, the great uncertainty of the war has been lifted."

Crosby gets call from Dodgers: Nick Christensen; For weeks, many have scratched their heads wondering why 51s outfielder Bubba Crosby hadn't gotten a shot at the majors.

Big third inning nets 51s, Roberts a win: Nick Christensen; The Las Vegas 51s used a five-run third inning to put away the Salt Lake Stingers 5-3 Thursday night at Cashman Field.

Test of strength: Steve Guiremand; It's that time of year again when local high school and college students start lining up their summer jobs to make a little extra spending money.

Stock falls on tax-hike worries: Penn said a gaming-tax increase proposal by Gov. Rod Blagojevich would raise its taxes by $29 million, in addition to a $19 million annual increase last year.

Lake Mead drops to 1,145 feet: Lake Mead hit an unwelcome milestone Thursday morning -- its lowest level in more than three decades.

Alvarez looking sharp as he tries to rehab: Older brother Tony, an infielder, first attracted Wilson Alvarez to baseball on the dirty streets of Maracaibo, Venezuela, and Alvarez quickly became addicted to pitching.

Feeling Duped: Impressionists at Impersonators Convention often lead double lives: There wasn't a decorative centerpiece, fresh flower or name card in sight. The table's most creative display was its unlikely mix of personalities: Gilligan, who sat next to Keanu Reeves, who sat next to Siegfried, who sat across from Travis Tritt, who sat near Joan Rivers.

Elvis impersonator Carlini all shook up over gig: By Jerry Fink; He's got Elvis' good looks, Elvis' moves and Elvis' voice and soon he will have Elvis' stage, at least for three weeks.

DUI legislation passes Senate, goes to Guinn: CARSON CITY -- Fearing the loss of up to $28.5 million in federal highway construction money, the Senate on Thursday passed and sent to the governor a bill to lower the blood alcohol level to prove drunken driving from 0.10 to 0.08.

Teens face execution: Erica D. Johnson; A 17-year-old girl will face the death penalty in the stabbing attack that left a toddler dead, but the teen's attorneys claim their client is the latest example of Nevada's "arbitrary application" of the death penalty.

House approves casino vote: By an 85-55 tally, representatives voted against passing a citizen-initiated bill authorizing Maine's Penobscot and Passamaquoddy Indians to build a $650 million gambling casino, deciding instead to send the question to referendum.

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

Silverado product West makes big impact at ASU: Tempe Regional -- at Diablo Stadium All Times PDT Double Elimination

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races: 2nd Race -- R POCKETSFULL -- Draws inner post for sprint maiden outing, Valenzuela to help Machowsky trainee with prompt start, backers hope to get thei-R Pocketsfull. EARLY SHOW -- Solis sits Dominguez trainee for owner Golden Eagle Farm, draws well in Cal-bred dash, Early pace may Show graduation way. Value Play -- CLOBBER

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Outlaws series faces financial crisis: The World of Outlaws is in a world of hurt but it does not appear that Speedway Motorsports Inc. chairman Bruton Smith is going to be riding to the rescue.

CS&N go for three-peat at Aladdin: Spencer Patterson; Las Vegans who missed Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young on their recent visits in 2000 and 2002 have another chance to catch the quartet in 2003. But this time, it will mean attending separate shows.

Court denies tribe's request: A three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis also appointed a federal mediator and directed both sides battling for control of the tribe and casino to cooperate in settlement talks.

Blood drives: Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 2 p.mm, Four Queens hotel, 202 Fremont St.

Coyotes to play for title: By Rob Miech; Here is how a few of the CCSN starters have fared at the plate in this week's Junior College World Series:

Out-of-state travel cut for lawmakers: CARSON CITY -- Legislators won't be doing as much out-of-state travel in the next two years to conventions and meetings.

Fishing Report: Anglers find bass are biting: Fishing continues to be fair in the Boulder Basin at Lake Mead with boaters finding striped bass from Gypsum Wash and Blackbird Point to the 33 Hole.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Behr, Abdul suffering Innergy crisis: Uh-huh.

Rebels improve, sit in 7th: Adam Candee; STILLWATER, Okla. -- One by one, they walked up to the green at No. 9, their finishing hole, with the hope of converting one last great approach or stellar save into a strong putt as a final hurrah.

PUC upholds decision to let firms exit power system: Kevin Rademacher; Nevada's Bureau of Consumer Protection is concerned that remaining ratepayers could pay more for electricity now that more big companies are leaving the Nevada Power Co. system.

Mandalay stock up despite earnings shortfall: Mandalay Resort Group of Las Vegas on Thursday said first-quarter profit fell 9.8 percent as the Iraq war helped to curtail travel -- but the company's stock rose today, apparently on optimism that business is improving in the second quarter.

Tax struggle is going down to the wire: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- Heading into the final weekend of the 2003 Legislature, lawmakers this morning made some small headway in the budget impasse that has stalled tax negotiations.

Grandaddy skates on musical edge: Spencer Patterson; Who: Grandaddy (opening for Pete Yorn).

National Golden Gloves results: Thursday

Legislative briefs for May 30, 2003: The Senate approved a bill Thursday to allocate $16.5 million for the potential replacement of the communications system in the Nevada Highway Patrol that allows troopers to talk to other law enforcement agencies.

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