Print edition for November 19, 2003

New high-tech tags could speed luggage movement: Baggage moving through McCarran International Airport could soon move at a swifter, safer pace thanks to a new tagging system approved Tuesday by the Clark County Commission.

Brother hungers for homeless help: By Timothy Pratt; A man in a ponytail and a brown robe who has brought Scripture to City Hall and poetry to politicians over the last six years began his last tilt against the valley's windmill of indifference Tuesday with an appeal for winter shelter for the homeless.

Harrah's Entertainment announces promotions: Anthony Sanfilippo, president of Harrah's Western Division, will assume a similar role at the company's newly formed Central Division. The division will consist of Harrah's and Horseshoe brand properties in Louisiana, Mississippi and Indiana and will be headquartered at the company's Corporate Services division in Memphis.

Court rules against FBI eavesdropping: Cy Ryan and Jace Radke; CARSON CITY -- A federal appeals court Tuesday ruled against the FBI in its efforts to eavesdrop on private conversations through a new communication system installed in vehicles.

Watch list news surprises school board: By Emily Richmond; Clark County School Board member Larry Mason doesn't like surprises, and the news Tuesday that the entire Clark County School District was expected to be put on a state watch list for failing to show "adequate yearly progress" was a particularly unpleasant one.

Columnist Jeff German: Patriot Act zeroes in on money laundering: But critics charge the act, passed by Congress after the Sept. 11 attacks, also gives law enforcement authorities the ability, with little judicial oversight, to intrude on our constitutional right to privacy.

Cottage industry: Group works to preserve LV's railroad past: Sito Negron; The vestiges of Las Vegas' railroad past are being threatened by the future, as downtown land becomes more valuable and landowners and the city seek to revitalize the core of the urbanized valley.

State sued over rules on petitions: CARSON CITY -- A lawsuit has been filed in federal court by a state senator and a longtime Southern Nevada political figure to make it easier to amend Nevada's Constitution and change state laws.

Youth in 311 Boyz tape found dead at home: Jen Lawson; An 18-year-old boy seen participating last summer in consensual fights on a 311 Boyz videotape apparently committed suicide on Saturday, authorities said.

Man to enter plea in firefighter's death: Erica D. Johnson; The man authorities say got into a bar fight with an off-duty firefighter, killing him, will plead guilty to an involuntary manslaughter charge, Clark County District Attorney David Roger said this morning.

LV official Segerblom may be fired: Sito Negron; The Las Vegas city manager apparently is going to fire Neighborhood Services Director Sharon Segerblom, who plans to fight the action, sources close to the issue say.

Bush to visit Las Vegas next week for fund-raiser: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- President Bush will make his first trip to Las Vegas next week for a fund-raising lunch at The Venetian for his re-election campaign, White House and campaign officials said Tuesday.

Energy bill includes geothermal incentives: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- The House-approved energy bill Tuesday includes geothermal incentives that may benefit Nevada but the bill also includes a push for nuclear power, which Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev. opposed.

AT&T Wireless jumps into data arms race with speedier service: AT&T Wireless weighed into the mobile Internet arms race on Tuesday with a national upgrade to its mobile data network that will enable laptop connections at twice the speed of dial-up access.

Driver killed in crash on airport connector: The Nevada Highway Patrol early today was investigating a rollover accident on the airport connector that killed the driver and closed the heavily used eastbound commuter ramp at Interstate 215 for several hours.

Sports briefs for November 19, 2003: Neither team has its top players, with the U.S. squad missing Serena and Venus Williams, Lindsay Davenport, Jennifer Capriati and Monica Seles. The Belgians are without Justine Henin-Hardenne and Kim Clijsters, who are ranked Nos. 1 and 2.

United unveils Ted: DENVER -- United Airlines officially unveiled its low-fare carrier Ted on Tuesday, a venture executives said could prove crucial to the bankrupt company as it tries to hang on to customers.

NASCAR, monorail deals will boost Nextel profile in Vegas: Nextel Communications Inc. will market NASCAR's March race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway as well as its wireless telephone network when the company opens a branded monorail station at the Las Vegas Convention Center next year.

Boardwalk Bullies shut out Wranglers, 3-0: The Wranglers are 0-2-1 on the first three games of their six-game East Coast road trip and 0-2-2 against Eastern Conference teams.

Casino games taught at London airport: In connection with the London-based airline's announcement that it would fly a fourth weekly round trip between London's Gatwick International Airport and McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas beginning in March, Virgin introduced a "gambling masterclass" at the airport and aboard Las Vegas-bound flights.

Pilot injured in fighter crash: Capt. John Dyer, a student at the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, was treated and released from the Mike O'Callaghan Federal Hospital in Las Vegas after his fighter jet crashed Tuesday afternoon.

Feds to take over Moulin Rouge case: The district attorney's office on Tuesday dropped arson and conspiracy charges against John Antwan Caver, 29, nicknamed "Antman." A federal grand jury may hand down an indictment charging him in connection with the blaze.

Business briefs for Nov. 19, 2003: Lake Trop L.L.C., a 118-unit apartment complex at 303 East Harmon Ave., just east of Las Vegas Boulevard, was sold at a bankruptcy auction Monday for $10 million, the court-appointed trustee reported. The sale was part of an involuntary Chapter 7 liquidation bankruptcy, court records show.

DIRECTV owner opens operation: The center, which has nine employees and required about $7 million to develop, will support Hughes' Spaceway satellite communications network. The center is at 1 Aerojet Way, near Craig and Losee roads.

Vegas group buys network: The $7 million investment is being led by Lonnie Wright, head of Wright Entertainment and associate vice president of the Community College of Southern Nevada's Hospitality Institute. The investment will be made in installments over two years, beginning with an initial payment of $500,000.

Columnist Peter Benton: Rule changes for 2004 could affect your game: Peter Benton; The Royal & Ancient and the United States Golf Association recently met to jointly review -- and clarify for use worldwide -- the Rules of Golf. They came up with all sorts of changes, some relatively minor and others quite significant.

Commission delays car rental action: Clark County commissioners tabled a $123.3 million contract for a new car rental facility at McCarran International Airport for one day out of concern about the winning bidder and possible problems with its bid.

$580 million OK'd for Yucca: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON --- The Senate approved $580 million for the Energy Department's Yucca Mountain project late Tuesday soon after the House approved the final version of energy and water spending bill.

Big LV construction materials operation sold: Aggregate Industries, a British company, Tuesday announced the acquisition of Southern Nevada Paving Co. Inc., a major aggregate, asphalt and contracting business in Las Vegas.

Defense claims witness is killer: Erica D. Johnson; Attorneys representing the local man facing a possible execution in the shooting death of a 20-year-old woman told jurors Tuesday that a key state witness is actually the man who pulled the trigger.

County approves airport land swap: A complex land swap forwarded by McCarran International Airport but staunchly opposed by an affected neighbor was approved Tuesday by the Clark County Commission.

News briefs for Nov. 19, 2003: A union of prison guards and the state Department of Corrections have reached an out-of-court settlement in a lawsuit in which correctional officers alleged they were treated unfairly and the department sought to block efforts to recruit more union members.

Federal officials raid offices, arrest foreign currency traders: Larry Neumeister; NEW YORK -- Federal law enforcement officers began arresting several dozen Wall Street traders on Tuesday suspected of foreign currency exchange crimes in a crackdown on a largely unregulated financial market, sources said.

City defines fraud situations, penalties: Sito Negron; Las Vegas officials are lining up a new process for handling alleged fraud cases and, it may be used to pursue criminal charges against Assemblymen Wendell Williams and Morse Arberry as well as Sharon Segerblom, Las Vegas' former director of Neighborhood Services, City Manager Doug Selby said Tuesday.

Residents tell board of need for new WLV high school: By Emily Richmond; It wasn't the guarantee black community leaders were demanding, but Clark County School Board members said Tuesday that finding land for a high school in West Las Vegas should be a priority.

Hughes sees lawsuits as limiting NIAA's power to enforce rules: Adam Candee; The door to second-guessing decisions made by Nevada's governing body for high school athletics is not cracked open, Dr. Jerry Hughes feels.

Arrest warrant issued for Michael Jackson: Jace Radke; After being bombarded by calls from the media Tuesday about their possible involvement in the arrest of Michael Jackson, Metro Police contacted California authorities to ask if they needed assistance in apprehending the pop star.

GTECH scrutinized in bid for Tennessee lottery contracts: Amber McDowell; NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- GTECH Corp., the lottery giant bidding for Tennessee contracts, has been praised for quick startups and leading technology.

49ers eager to find success on road: The San Francisco 49ers have their marching orders: To make their third consecutive trip to the playoffs, they must prove they can win somewhere -- anywhere -- other than Candlestick Park.

Henderson plans move into new City Hall: Dan Kulin; The long-awaited move into Henderson's $41.8 million City Hall addition is just weeks away.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Beach video is sure to open floodgates: VegasBeat and several colleagues were treated this week to a viewing of a security-camera videotape of the married Microsoft billionaire (or a person who could portray the Microsoft billionaire in "Legends in Concert") groping a cocktail waitress on the dance floor at the Beach nightclub. Our source said the tape was two years old.

County awards bid on car rental complex: A national construction company won a $123.3 million contract to construct a new car rental center at McCarran International Airport, but Clark County commissioners expressed concerns about the company's history.

Charges dropped in Moulin Rouge fire: John Antwan Caver, 29, nicknamed "Antman," could still face federal charges or be charged again if further evidence is discovered, officials said.

Harnessing wind for energy could be new industry in Nevada: The public may comment until Dec. 19 on the possible environmental impacts from building wind farms in Nevada.

Van Pelt, Brimmer set to square off in battle: Bradlee Van Pelt and Jamaal Brimmer. An irresistible force versus ... another irresistible force.

New U.K. gaming deal set: By Liz Benston; Las Vegas casino resort giant MGM MIRAGE said today it formed a joint venture with a prominent U.K. soccer team to potentially build a casino and entertainment complex adjacent to a soccer stadium in an up-and-coming region of northeast England.

Thursday's horse racing entries: Post Time 12:30 p.m.

Steel pleads to high court for juvenile job: Dan Kulin; Family Court Judge Cynthia Dianne Steel asked the state Supreme Court Tuesday to void a vote by her fellow Family Court judges to replace her as a Juvenile Court judge.

Analyst cuts forecast for slot maker: Aristocrat will probably report a net loss of A$15.5 million ($11.2 million) in the year to Dec. 31, including A$37.2 million of charges, said Merrill Lynch analyst Paul Facey, who has a "neutral" recommendation on the stock.

Maxfield officially replaces Kincaid-Chauncey as chair: The Clark County Commission formally and officially replaced its chairwoman, Commissioner Mary Kincaid-Chauncey, who faces federal corruption charges.

Community briefs for Nov. 19, 2003: The Nevada Anti-Defamation League will host two anti-harassment workshops, "Know Your Rights," as part of the Clark County School District's first Soaring to Close the Achievement Gap conference.

Letter: Don't rush into Constitutional Convention: Before anyone starts talking about a Constitutional Convention, he needs to make sure he knows exactly what he's asking for.

GOP leaders question state's takeover of youth facility: CARSON CITY -- Two Republican leaders in the Legislature say they are unhappy with what they call the state's slow pace in re-opening the Summit View juvenile detention center in North Las Vegas.

Letter: Let's do more for homeless: When babies fall we pick them up and they start walking again. Why can't we do the same with homeless people? Let the county or state run this. Make sure every person gets checked out. We need to help, all of us do. Maybe we can solve the problem and we would feel better about society.

Longtime insurance agent Schneider dies: Charley Schneider spent much of his adult life looking after his auto, home and life insurance customers' needs. The last thing he wanted was for his golf buddies and other friends to worry about him when he was ill.

Pioneer rock 'n' roller Trenier dies: Claude Trenier, longtime leader of The Treniers, made a pretty good case for his claim to at least a share of the title of "father of rock 'n' roll."

Obituaries for Nov. 19, 2003: Connie L. Anderson, 54, of Las Vegas died Tuesday in a local hospital. She was born May 6, 1949, in Tucson. A resident for 20 years, she was a payroll supervisor.

State settles with prison guards' union: CARSON CITY -- A union of prison guards and the state Department of Corrections have reached an out-of-court settlement in a lawsuit in which correctional officers alleged they were treated unfairly and the department sought to block efforts to recruit more union members.

Letter: Caregivers deserve support: November is National Family Caregivers Month. While every month is designated National "Something" Month, this one has or will affect every family in the nation.

Cheyenne's fate back in courts: Adam Candee; The pads and pylons appeared for a couple of hours Monday night, but the Cheyenne football saga refuses to leave its courtroom incubator for too long.

Correction: Correction

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Meadows gets holiday makeover: New desert colors, completely new facades and "a new, warm shopping environment" that includes a state-of-the-art multisuite family restroom facility are all part of the Meadows mall makeover.

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Local hospice celebrates 25 years of caring: Elizabeth Foyt; Established in 1978, this center has become an inspiration to similar institutions and has served as the focal point of a national conference attended by representatives of 150 hospice programs in Las Vegas in March.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Franchitti goes back to Andretti Green Racing: Veteran open-wheel driver Dario Franchitti, who missed most of the 2003 Indy Racing League season with a back injury, will return to Andretti Green Racing next season, the team announced Tuesday.

Berkley offers amendment: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- Money earmarked to privatize Medicare should instead be used to pay doctors, Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., said late Tuesday.

Commission OKs major changes in ethics rules: The Clark County Commission on Tuesday endorsed a sweeping new set of regulations designed to strengthen and expand ethical rules for members of the commission and county employees.

Editorial: Is it live, or tax exempt?: Our view is that disc jockeys are often very animated and that they help energize the audience. Many nightclubs import "name" DJs from other areas, knowing that they will attract large crowds. In that sense, they are "live." They should not be exempt from the tax for that reason alone. Also, traditional live entertainers could become even more of an endangered species if a tax-exempt alternative to them were readily available.

Editorial: Audit gives chance for full reform: Williams is a state assemblyman who is also the administrative officer for the city's Neighborhood Services Department. Segerblom, as director of the department, was Williams' boss at the city. Both employees were suspended for the duration of the month-long audit. The status of their future employment with the city will likely be discussed Tuesday during a special meeting of the City Council, which has been scheduled to review and act on the audit.