Print edition for October 2, 2003

Day-care owner won't be charged in death: Erica D. Johnson; Prosecutors have decided not to file neglect charges against the local day-care owner who had an 8-month-old infant die while in her care, Clark County District Attorney David Roger announced this morning.

Education Department official to visit two schools: Hickok will visit Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy on West Lake Mead Boulevard in the morning and is slated to stop by Odyssey Charter School later in the day.

Basic High grad keeps them flying: Dick Benoit; Navy Airman Jasmine Miller, daughter of Melissa Towbin of Las Vegas, is one of those sailors who makes sure the Navy can carry out its mission.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Destroying our heritage: Congress sure moved in a hurry to pass a bill enforcing the use of a no-call list for telemarketers to follow. Seldom does that deliberative body move with such speed. This week they have another bone to chew on as the Department of Justice seeks the person or persons who gave columnist Robert Novak the name of a CIA officer. Because the officer is married to a person who disagrees with some of the White House statements about Iraq, there is some belief the leak came from the White House. Eventually some members of the national press may ask why ...

Letter: Rich should pay for war in Iraq: He said there is precedent for such a policy. In World War I, the rate for the richest was 77 percent. In World War II, the rate reached 90 percent. In 1980, the rate was still 70 percent. Then along came GOP President Reagan, who engineered a drop in the top tax rate to 28 percent.

Editorial: Are we there yet?: Nonetheless, many Las Vegans who commute every day would disagree with the Texas Traffic Institute's assessment. Statistics can be meaningless in the real world. An average is just that and doesn't factor in all sorts of variables, such as where people live in the valley and what route they take in their daily commute. "The traffic here is ridiculous because it takes you an hour to get somewhere that's 10 minutes away," said William Hughes, who was headed home on Tuesday to Summerlin from Henderson.

Letter: Working illegal aliens should become citizens: This is important to all of us. The fewer undocumented aliens there are in this country, the more ability we have to identify who's actually here. This interest goes to the heart of the security of our nation and its borders.

Inch by Inch: Nevada Theatre Company tackles complexities of 'Hedwig': "I just sat there at the end," the Las Vegas theater director said.

Community briefs for Oct. 2, 2003: The Henderson Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring two family fishing days from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 15 at Lake Las Vegas.

Editorial: Stay tough on valley's water plan: There is some encouraging news here, however. City Manager Doug Selby reported to the council that his staff is leaning toward recommending an ordinance based on the drought plan that would make it clear that office parks are not eligible for exemptions. The drought plan was authored by staff of the Southern Nevada Water Authority, but local governments have the duty to administer it. As such, they can approve exemptions. In the overall plan, large water features on the Strip are exempted because they contribute to the Las Vegas Valley's "core economic function."

2-year-old girl recovers from injuries sustained in accident: The accident happened as the family was preparing to leave their home in the 2900 block of Webster Street, near Cheyenne Avenue and Civic Center Drive, on Sept. 16.

Internet company relocates: A new entertainment venture, Studio Vegas, will be housed in the same building. The company employs 120 people, up from 28 two years ago. Of the 120 workers, 70 are in call center positions, up from three in 2002.

Nevada Power debt issues advance at commission: Kevin Rademacher; The state Public Utilities Commission will hear a request from Nevada Power Co. and its sister company, Sierra Pacific Power Co. of Reno, to approve the issuance of $338 million of long-term debt.

Officials defend California casino deal, fight recall: ROHNERT PARK, Calif. -- Members of the Rohnert Park City Council targeted for recall because of their support for an Indian casino are fighting back.

256 of Nevada's schools put on 'watch': By Emily Richmond; State education officials said Wednesday more than half of Nevada's public schools may be identified as failing to show "adequate yearly progress," as defined by the federal No Child Left Behind Act, but local school districts will get the chance to appeal before the final list is made public.

$395,000 painting of Mickey Mouse found: A citizen contacted police after reading or hearing media reports about the stolen artwork. police said. Two original Disney paintings and six prints were stolen from the gallery Sept. 15 and police publicized the thefts Monday.

Nevada Power asking for 9.6% rate hike: Kevin Rademacher; Nevada Power Co. on Wednesday asked the state Public Utilities Commission for a 9.6 percent rate increase that would generate $142 million over the next two years.

EEOC alleges hiring bias by Vegas cab company: In a suit filed in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas Wednesday, the EEOC alleged that Sun Cab Co. Inc., which does business in Clark County as Nellis Cab Co., continually shunned three Ethiopian job applicants who answered advertisements for employment as drivers on several occasions between 2000 and 2002.

Benefits finally approved just as man dies: By Timothy Pratt; He was known as Smokey; Kools were his favorite. The last president he had any knowledge of was Nixon.

Bush plans trip to visit Nevada: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- President Bush will be in Nevada next month, possibly on official as well as campaign business.

Hybrid car sells well: Hybrid car sells well

State advised to get tough on back taxes: CARSON CITY -- The Taxation Department could bring in an additional $15 million owed to the state if it hired additional revenue officers to garnish wages and seize cars and bank accounts, an audit determined.

Yanks aren't desperate, just a little 'concerned': Tyler Kepner; NEW YORK -- The positive history is there if the Yankees need it. In 1996 and 2001, they lost the opener of a best-of-five-game division series at home and came back to win the series. The Yankees must do that again to get rid of the Minnesota Twins, the hard-charging underdog that never stopped nipping them in a 3-1 defeat in Game 1.

'02 season finale lifted expectations of Nantkes: Steve Guiremand; Kurt Nantkes has nobody but himself to blame for this.

Business briefs for Oct. 2, 2003: HOUSTON -- Current and former Enron Corp. employees will be allowed to proceed with a lawsuit that contends the bankrupt energy trader didn't meet its duties in administering the company's pension plan.

Columnist Linda Frohlich: After taking break, work again beckons: Linda Frohlich; I have arrived safely in Rovereto, Italy, and I'm on my way to start a new round of basketball. After taking three weeks off, it is definitely a challenge to get back into game shape.

Travel no vacation for Rebels' Martin: Rob Miech

Catching up with ...: High school: Bishop Gorman ('00)

Hard work pays off for Johnson, Durango: Nick Christensen; When Kelsey Johnson came to Durango High two years ago, her volleyball game needed help.

Fox's Overall misses relative's record broken: When Chicago pitcher Kerry Wood drove in the go-ahead run with a double in the sixth inning of Game 1 of the National League division series Tuesday he would go on to become the first Cubs hurler in 95 years to knock in the winning run in a post-season game.

House to vote on nuclear waste reclassification: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- The House could vote today to urge lawmakers working on the pending energy bill not to include a new federal definition of "high level radioactive waste" sought by the Energy Department.

Gaming briefs for Oct. 2, 2003: BILOXI, Miss. -- Isle of Capri Casinos has signed an agreement to lease and operate a casino in the Bahamas, the company announced Wednesday.

Holyfield eager for action: Dean Juipe; Evander Holyfield feels it will be to his advantage if James Toney lives up to his word and fights the former four-time heavyweight world champion in the middle of the ring.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: CART finds a drafting partner for LVMS: So if everything comes/stays together, we're probably going to see the return of open-wheel auto racing to Las Vegas Motor Speedway next year, and perhaps a U2 concert to boot.

News briefs for Oct. 2, 2003: A man found dead inside his home Saturday in the upscale Spanish Trail area has been identified by the Clark County coroner's office as Harold Henry Seeman, 70. Police believe someone killed Seeman.

State says it will fight fed ruling on inmates: CARSON CITY -- The state attorney general's office said Wednesday it disagrees with a federal appeals court ruling that administrators in the Nevada prison system are open to a civil lawsuit for violating the constitutional rights of two inmates.

Sports briefs for October 2, 2003: The Minnesota Timberwolves and star forward Kevin Garnett reached agreement on a five-year contract extension Wednesday after convincing Garnett that the team's off-season player acquisitions have given him a chance to finally win a postseason series.

Man facing felonies in reckless driving case: Erica D. Johnson; The Las Vegas man authorities say caused a rock to fly through the windshield of a woman's car, killing her, will face felony charges in District Court.

Nellis' Red Horse Squadron set for work in Iraq: Jace Radke; After spending six months in Afghanistan last year, Nellis Air Force Base's 820th Red Horse Civil Engineering Squadron is scheduled to be deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom today.

Fight schedule: At Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, (Showtime), Jameel McCline, Port Jefferson, N.J., vs. Cedric Boswell, Atlanta, 10, heavyweights.

Slow start, big finish: Adam Candee; The neon yellow pieces of paper dot the walls throughout the Bishop Gorman locker room, carrying a simple message: "4."

Surprise heavy turnout jams up speedway traffic: Jace Radke; A lack of communication and a larger-than-expected crowd taking advantage of discounted tickets made for a traffic nightmare Saturday night as race fans tried to make their way to and from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Takeover attempted at disputed tribal casino: Todd Dvorak; TAMA, Iowa -- A takeover attempt at Meskwaki tribal offices and the tribe's lucrative casino failed early Wednesday, casino officials said.

Business booming for LV builder: Orders in the third quarter increased 19 percent from the year-earlier period, boosting the company's backlog to 6,277 homes with an estimated sales value of $1.65 billion, Denver-based M.D.C. said.

Friday's horse racing entries: OAK TREE MEETING Post Time 1 p.m.

Fountains to run as exemptions considered: Sito Negron; More than a month after drought restrictions took effect in Las Vegas, 25 fountains -- in office parks, businesses and at the Fremont Street Experience -- will continue operating until at least November.

NLV council to take new look at nuisance laws: Dan Kulin; The North Las Vegas City Council cracked down on yard sales Wednesday but postponed votes on new restrictions for those with broken-down cars sitting in their driveways and other recommended regulations intended to make neighborhoods look better.

Citizens offer a plan for hospital: The region's largest hospital would have to balance fiscal, medical and social realities under a set of recommendations formally passed to the Clark County Commission on Wednesday.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Partners' film dreams become reality: On Wednesday, Breitling announced that he, Poster, Station Casinos prez Lorenzo Fertitta and entertainment industry exec Trent Othick are starting INSOMNIA Entertainment, a Las Vegas-based independent development, production and financing company for film and television projects.

Opening delayed: The hospital had to correct or complete some requirements before the license could be issued, which is required to admit patients.

LV City Council prepares for sewer rate, connections increases: Sito Negron; With very little discussion, Las Vegas City Council directed staff to draft an ordinance that would raise sewer rates and connection fees to offset the cost of construction over the last 10 years, and to prepare for improvements to the system planned for the future.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Forbes has plans to steal the spotlight: Dean Juipe; With a busy weekend of fights in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, Steve Forbes' quest to regain the International Boxing Federation junior lightweight title is capable of getting lost in the shuffle.

Monthly adjustments focus in Southwest Gas rate hearing: Kevin Rademacher; The Public Utilities Commission's Wednesday hearing on a $22.6 million rate-hike request from Southwest Gas Corp. lasted less than a day, and as expected the controversy surrounded the utility's request to make monthly rate increases.

Last two alleged members set to be released: Erica D. Johnson; The last two alleged 311 Boyz in custody at the Clark County Detention Center will be released from the jail and placed on house arrest as soon as today.

Freedom riders descend on D.C.: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- Traveling on a bus for a week headed for New York may not be the preferred vacation for most people, but Las Vegas resident Leonora Rehm wanted to be part of a "historical experience." So far, she says it's been worth it.

Ralph Siraco's Santa Anita selections for Friday: 2nd Race -- LIL' BRO EDDIE -- Pedroza on one of two O'Neill-trained entries in this race, freshman draws well for tag dash, Eddie big Bro winner here? TRICKINTHEPARK -- Draws inner box for sprint claimer, Baze aboard the other O'Neill horse, victory is the Trick-in-the-park here. Value Play -- WESTERN RODEO

Obituaries for Oct. 2, 2003: Raymond Torres Amy, 37, of Las Vegas died Tuesday in Las Vegas. He was born June 11, 1966, in Las Vegas. A resident for four years, he was a casino security officer.

Bill would release soldiers from leases, other contracts: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- Soldiers called up to fight overseas will not have to worry about certain penalties of getting out car leases, phone contracts or home purchases if a bill to be introduced by Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., becomes law.

Water wiser: County eyes xeriscaping, artificial turf: The grass really will be greener on the other side of Clark County parks in years to come. But it also will, increasingly, be plastic.

Wambach's goal propels the U.S. into semifinals: Jere Longman; FOXBORO, Mass. -- It became evident early Wednesday night that United States vs. Norway would be a familiar game of muscle and determination, of ferocious tackling and rough jostling for balls in the air, of ceaseless pressure and hard running, a match defined by effort, not elegance.

NLV council briefs for Oct. 2, 2003: Gregory Rose, acting North Las Vegas city manager since July 25, was appointed to the position permanently on Wednesday.

Construction of dairy plant continues: Construction of dairy plant continues

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: 'Retired' Bernstein wins for injured son in Illinois: Kenny Bernstein claimed sole possession of second place on the NHRA's all-time Top Fuel wins list with his victory Sunday at the Carquest Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill.

Audit questions spending by Bureau of Consumer Protection: CARSON CITY -- A draft of a confidential audit suggests that the state Bureau of Consumer Protection be stripped of some of its duties and also stop spending so much money on private consultants used to battle increases in power and other utility rates.