Print edition for September 25, 2003

Letter: Tax revenue has increased with population: While there have been no tax "rate" increases, tax revenue has increased substantially every year.

Sailor seeks out deadly mines, making waterways safe in Iraq: Dick Benoit; The son of Las Vegas residents is playing a key role in the Navy's ability to support land forces in the war on terrorism.

Fight schedule: At San Juan, Puerto Rico, Roger Gonzalez, Chino, Calif., vs. Samuel Lopez, Mexico, 12, bantamweights.

Public defender changes discussed: Erica Johnson; Public Defender Marcus Cooper on Wednesday updated Clark County judges on the office's progress in reorganizing the department in light of a report that pointed out glaring problems with the representation of indigent clients.

Valley's supply running short: United Blood Services listed a critical appeal for rare blood types A and B negative and Type-B positive on Friday. The need for the blood types has not been filled.

Concerns raised over new U.S. 95 project: Comments

Editorial: School dress codes get deserved support: There are some parents and students who oppose a tough enforcement of the dress code, asserting that the school district shouldn't be the arbiter of what children wear when they go to school. There always will be students who rebel against authority -- they wouldn't be teenagers if they didn't. But adults have to set some limits. Parents should be on top of the situation so that their children are properly dressed when they leave the house. If that doesn't happen, however, principals and teachers must step in.

Letter: Wealthy must make sacrifices: Although the justification for Bush's preemptive strike against Iraq remains ambiguous, we must finish the job we started -- whatever the cost. We must all pay the price associated with this commitment. Middle-class America is feeling the brunt of this administration's dysfunctional economic policy while the wealthy are enjoying the latest Bush tax cut and riding around in gas-guzzling SUVs.

'Dusty the Dusthole' ads begin: "Dusty the Dusthole" will be the star of a new multi-media advertising campaign warning about dust that was unveiled Wednesday by Clark County.

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Guinn a winner as governor: Ruthe Deskin; He is not one to back down, and is capable of defending his position at all times. He proved himself in the bruising atmosphere of the recent Legislative session where the state budget was the topic of much debate.

Consistent Kvapil eyes success in Las Vegas: When Travis Kvapil was hired at the end of last season to drive the No. 16 truck that Mike Bliss drove to the 2002 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship, some observers were all but ready to concede this year's title to the talented young driver.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: With five races remaining, LV-sponsored driver on top: Greg Anderson may hold a 240-point lead over Kurt Johnson in the NHRA Pro Stock standings, but the driver of the Vegas General Construction Pontiac Grand Am knows the road to his first championship isn't going to be an easy one.

Toney: A confident underdog: Dean Juipe; James Toney may be absolutely fearless going into his fight with Evander Holyfield, but at least his trainer expresses a note of caution.

LV's cable channel honored: KCLV won second place for public affairs programming for "Las Vegas Town Hall Live," which is hosted by Mayor Oscar Goodman and Deputy City Manager Betsy Fretwell.

Rotary helping wheelchair group: The Las Vegas Southwest Rotary Club has targeted their efforts toward Guatemala, and their donation has been made in memory of Jean Aberle, Lew Atkins, Deanne Bearden, Gloria Bowler, Bob Dickinson, Pat and Sunny Gassaway, Pete Jaramillo, George Stobie and John Yoxen Sr. -- members of the Southwest Rotary Club who have died.

Editorial: Rework the state caps on liability: Her medical expenses, most of which are not covered by insurance, have reached nearly $120,000. A lawsuit filed by the woman against Metro Police, however, resulted in a settlement of only $110,000, out of which she had to pay her attorney. Evidence clearly demonstrated that the accident was not the fault of the couple. It also came out that the Metro officer was violating policy. Officers responding to emergencies are permitted to roll through stop signs or red lights, but not to speed through them as this officer was doing.

Regional coordinator on homeless proposed: By Timothy Pratt; The Las Vegas Valley's task force on homelessness approved a proposal Wednesday for hiring a regional coordinator to deal with the area's growing numbers of people living on the streets and in shelters.

Staff audit finds no problems with recorder's account: An audit of a Clark County recorder's office checking account has found no problems, Recorder Fran Deane said Wednesday.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Roy Jones Jr. out for vengeance against Tarver: Dean Juipe; Apparently tired of hearing Antonio Tarver call him out, Roy Jones Jr. has taken up the challenge and will fight the light heavyweight champion Nov. 8 at Mandalay Bay.

Wal-Mart Stores tells judge sexual bias lawsuit should be dismantled: Michael Liedtke; SAN FRANCISCO -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. on Wednesday argued that a sexual discrimination lawsuit seeking to represent 1.6 million current and former women workers should be dismantled into separate class actions against each of its 3,473 stores across the country.

Wednesday's prep results: Green Valley def. Foothill, 25-16, 25-22, 25-21: Lindsey Schiess led the Gators with 14 kills and four blocks. Catlyn Appelgate had eight kills, Lisa Pappas totaled five aces, and Kaui Piena registered 20 assists for Green Valley. Katie Benites led Foothill with 15 digs.

Community briefs for Sept. 25, 2003: U.S. Bank is calling for entries in its 11th annual African-American Reflections poetry contest in celebration of Black History Monday 2004.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Rebels linked to Pac-10 expansion: Have you heard the latest rumor, that UNLV might be on the short list if and when the Pac-10 decides to expand?

Scientists, agencies study the tortoise: Four dozen scientists, government officials, off-road vehicle enthusiasts and conservationists gathered Wednesday to take a look at one of the region's shyest denizens -- the desert tortoise.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: A traitor, not a hero: I have an even better suggestion for that politician. Don't be foolish and release convicted bomb makers and assorted killers who in short order will be back at their old trade. Yes, and quit seeking new pressure points to have the former U.S. Navy intelligence analyst freed. Pollard and several other Americans who sold out to foreign countries should have been hanged. The hangman should be kept busy following the conviction of any American military personnel convicted of spying for nations or organizations promoting terrorism. Terrorists remain a threat to our country.

New director of youth facility named: CARSON CITY -- A former police chief and now the second-in-command of a boys reformatory in Montana was named head of trouble-plagued Summit View, the state's correctional center in North Las Vegas for serious male juvenile offenders.

Friday's horse racing entries: Post Time 10 a.m.

Voices of Verdi: Opera Verdi Europa performs 'Rigoletto' to open Charles Vanda Master Series: Marilyn LaRocque; The opera is based on Victor Hugo's "Le Roi s'Amuse," simply translated, "The King Amuses Himself." Opera Verdi Europa performs the famous work at Artemus Ham Hall at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, at 8 p.m. on Saturday. It is the first presentation of the Charles Vanda Master Series.

Pension fund leaders urge NYSE to make big changes: Meg Richards; NEW YORK -- State treasurers and pension fund leaders urged the New York Stock Exchange to condense its board and give regular investors more say as part of sweeping changes recommended Wednesday following a pay scandal that forced the resignation of its chairman.

Medical board comes under fire from lawmakers: CARSON CITY -- The state Board of Medical Examiners, which licenses and disciplines doctors, is under fire again from Nevada legislators.

News briefs for Sept. 25, 2003: A Senate Committee early today approved U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Clive Jones, a Las Vegas resident, to become a federal district judge for Nevada.

Williams replaced as chairman of education panel: CARSON CITY -- In the wake of bad publicity about his conduct, Assemblyman Wendell Williams, D-North Las Vegas, was removed Wednesday from the chairmanship of the Legislative Committee on Education that meets between sessions.

Water board weighs impact of curbs on valley growth: Southern Nevada's booming economy has raced ahead for decades, consuming tens of thousands of acres of desert while providing homes for hundreds of thousands of people.

Woman killed in crash: Jen Lawson; A teenage driver who was being chased by a Metro Police officer this morning crashed into a woman's car at Alta Drive and Jones Boulevard, killing her.

Biker gang sues Laughlin casino: Jace Radke; Nine members of the Mongols motorcycle gang are suing Harrah's Entertainment Inc., alleging that the company's hotel-casino in Laughlin did not provide adequate security for them when they were attacked by members of the Hells Angels during a 2002 brawl at a motorcycle rally.

Group wants taxpayer money for festival: CARSON CITY -- A group that was allocated $250,000 in taxpayer money to combat AIDS wants to use half that money for a gospel festival.

Police believe deaths tied to murder-suicide: Jennifer Knight and Launce Rake; Two men were found dead this morning outside the headquarters of the Clark County Water Reclamation District, and Metro Police believe a woman who had been slain in a home in southwest Las Vegas may be connected to the case.

Warning issued on some meat products: The owner of a meat packing company in Washington state said today that 200 pounds of beef products that may be contaminated with listeria, an organism that causes an uncommon but potentially fatal disease, has been recovered in Las Vegas.

Mandalay names new tower "THE hotel at Mandalay Bay": By Liz Benston; With an average room size of 750 square feet -- the highest on the Strip -- "THE hotel at Mandalay Bay" will command higher room rates than Mandalay Bay and most other top-tier properties in town.

Prep Statistics: Prep Statistics

Catching up with ...: High school: Cimarron-Memorial ('99)

Nevada No. 2 in ranking: The Small Business Survival Committee, described as a free-market, nonprofit, nonpartisan group based in Washington D.C., released its eighth annual Small Business Survival Index, which ranked South Dakota No. 1.

Levi Strauss farms out manufacturing operations: The San Francisco company plans to close its sewing and finishing operations in San Antonio by year-end, displacing approximately 800 workers.

FBI agents allegedly took comps at Galardi clubs: Jace Radke; Federal authorities are investigating allegations that FBI agents received comps at Michael Galardi's strip clubs.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Palms stacks deck for Bravo special: It had to happen.

Rivalry games make for tough forecasting: Adam Candee; Ever watch a nasty gray set of clouds roll in from a distance, knowing that you are literally enjoying the calm before the storm?

Residents hear plans for two parks: Sito Negron; Two new parks and a planned retirement center are among the projects in store for an area stretching from Rainbow Boulevard to Durango Drive along Summerlin Parkway.

Cox Communications campus dedicated: Cox Communications campus dedicated

Williams to pay $1,844 cell phone bill: Sito Negron; Assemblyman Wendell Williams, D-North Las Vegas, owes the city of Las Vegas almost $2,000 for personal phone calls made on a city cell phone between June 2002 and August of this year.

Zoning rules changes upheld by judge: Erica D. Johnson; A district court judge on Wednesday upheld a county ordinance that requires a two-thirds vote by Clark County Commissioners to approve zoning changes.

S&P analyst reviews Indian casino bonds: By Liz Benston; Limited geographic diversity and increasing competition have resulted in below-investment grade ratings for all but one of the six tribal casino bond deals now rated by a major credit rating agency, a new report says. Still, the ratings rank in the highest 50 percent of all rated gaming companies, the Standard & Poor's rating agency said Wednesday.

Porter resigns from bench: Chief District Judge Gene Porter resigned Wednesday to return to private practice.

Vegas market remains strong: Resales were 4,661 in July and 3,496 in August of 2002.

Gorman's adversity: Nick Christensen; When a team's top player heads into the season injured, words like "adversity," "challenge," and "struggle" usually echo from teammates, coaches, and fans.

Gaming briefs for Sept. 25, 2003: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., the film studio controlled by billionaire Kirk Kerkorian, said Wednesday it may buy back shares or expand the company's share repurchase program.

Exchange's throes continue: Nevada treasurer supports reforms: Kevin Rademacher; From his office in Carson City, Nevada State Treasurer Brian Krolicki was watching closely on Wednesday as a group of state treasurers descended on the office of the New York Stock Exchange, clamoring for reform.

Teen to remain in custody: Erica D. Johnson; A Juvenile Court judge on Wednesday refused to release from custody one of the alleged 311 Boyz in light of additional felony charges filed against the teen.

Mom had stopped using medication, friends say: Jen Lawson and Dan Kulin; The mother accused of beating her two children to death with a baseball bat before trying to take her own life Tuesday has a history of mental instability and was prescribed anti-depressant medication after a delusional episode in spring 2002, friends and former neighbors said.

Correction: There have been 34 near-collisions at the airport in the past four years. The Sun regrets the error.

Business briefs for Sept. 25, 2003: The Palms hotel-casino this week withdrew a request to extend its window of opportunity for seeking regulatory approval to leave the Nevada Power grid and buy electricity from a competitive supplier.

Kincaid-Chauncey says she won't quit: Mary Kincaid-Chauncey, Clark County Commission chairwoman, said Wednesday that if indicted in a federal corruption probe, she will not resign her post.

Gazlay enters plea in another case: Steven Gazlay, 18, pleaded not guilty to a single count of battery with use of a deadly weapon resulting in substantial bodily harm for allegedly burning another teen with a hot butter knife on July 21.

Stock in media firm now trading: MILWAUKEE -- More than 8.5 million shares of Journal Communications Inc. stock were traded Wednesday as the nation's oldest employee-owned firm started a new chapter in its history.

Schools hit with rights complaint: By Emily Richmond; The Las Vegas Urban Chamber of Commerce has filed a civil rights complaint against the Clark County School District, alleging that too many black children wind up in special education while not enough black teachers and administrators are being hired.

Obituaries for Sept. 25, 2003: Betty L. Bordeaux, 68, of Las Vegas died Monday in Las Vegas. She was born July 26, 1935, in St. Louis. A resident for 4 1/2 years, she was a retired registered nurse.

Unbeaten Ultimate Champion heavyweight's title on line: For more information, contact the Mandalay Bay box office (632-7580) or Ticketmaster (474-4000).

Williams passed over as education panel chairman: CARSON CITY -- In the wake of bad publicity about his conduct, Assemblyman Wendell Williams, D-Las Vegas, was passed over Wednesday for the chairmanship of the Legislative Committee on Education that meets between sessions.

Sports briefs for September 25, 2003: The University of Michigan basketball program has won its appeal and the team will be eligible to play in the 2004 NCAA tournament, according to today's Detroit Free Press. An announcement was expected today.