Print edition for August 11, 2004

Editorial: It's time for straight talk: After two videos confiscated from terrorists by the Justice Department revealed images of Las Vegas, subsequent discussions here "didn't center on public alerts or heightened security. Rather, authorities worried about the effects on tourism and the casinos' legal liabilities," the AP reported.

Where I Stand -- Guest Columnist Kenny Guinn: Ensure a healthy future: AS GOVERNOR of the state of Nevada, one of my primary concerns has been health care. A fundamental part of any health care system revolves around the ability of people to have timely access to needed services when they have medical emergencies.

Community briefs for August 11, 2004: The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada will hold its 10th annual Honorarium at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Palms. The dinner event will honor individuals and businesses making positive contributions to their community.

DeStefano gets one response: Incumbent District 13 Regent Tom Kirkpatrick has been the only candidate in the six-person race to respond to challenger Mark DeStefano's campaign pledge to follow Nevada's open-meeting law.

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Benefit attendees get audience with senator: Elizabeth Foyt; On Aug. 4 Heffner welcomed Sen. John Ensign to an intimate luncheon event at Paymon's Mediterrean Cafe and Lounge on West Sahara Avenue. Using the luxurious private dining area, a select gathering enjoyed a rare meal with the senator, discussing concerns for Nevada and the nation.

Shooting in Meadows Village believed to be drug related: Heather Rawlyk; A man was shot four times Tuesday night in the parking lot of a Meadows Village apartment complex, apparently over drugs, Metro Police said.

Town hall meetings planned for proposed theme park: Dan Kulin; The Las Vegas company proposing an Old West theme park for Boulder City will hold town hall meetings with city residents to explain -- and they hope drum up support -- for the project that City Council members said they think is too big for their small city.

Mass Thursday for Carolyn O'Callaghan: The wife of the late Gov. Mike O'Callaghan, who served in the governor's mansion from 1971 to 1979, died Saturday from apparent complications of heart surgery at Sunrise Hospital. She was 68.

Letter: Christian values forced on nation: It's not only the continuing high unemployment rate, or the huge deficits the Bush administration has brought us. The real problem is the divisiveness of the American people as President Bush seeks to impose his Christian values on the nation.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Mall is where to be scene: At the Boulevard mall the activities included picture-taking and a fashion show featuring the latest styles from Charlotte Russe, Rampage, Foot Locker, Rave, Dillard's and more. Guests sampled Pepsi's new drink, Pepsi Edge, and were eligible to win a variety of prizes.

Letter: Top U.S. brass won't take fall for prison abuse: It does sound irrational on the surface. The Red Cross says that 70 to 90 percent of the prisoners at the ex-Saddam torture prison were innocent Iraqis and could not tell their captors anything about WMD because they didn't know anything about the weapons that didn't exist in the first place.

Obituaries for August 11, 2004: Marge Anderson, 80, of Las Vegas died Aug. 4 in a local care center. She was born Sept. 4, 1923, in Pittsburgh. A resident for 38 years, she was a homemaker and a member of the Retired Officers Wives Club.

News briefs for August 11, 2004: Las Vegas has sent out its request for proposals to 14 developers who might have an interest in building the 61 acres of former railroad land downtown."

Suspect in string of rapes arrested: Jen Lawson; Metro Police have arrested a 28-year-old man who they suspect abducted as many as six women off the street, then raped and robbed them.

Large utility makes deal on nuke waste: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- The country's largest nuclear power company struck a deal with the government Tuesday that could equal $300 million in payments for storing nuclear waste on site rather than in a federal storage site.

Judge rescinds bail reduction in fatal crash at bus stop: By Matt Pordum; The immigration status of a man charged with crashing his car into a Las Vegas bus stop and killing a 4-year-old boy has prompted District Judge Joseph Bonaventure to change his decision to lower the man's bail.

Woman won't face prosecution in death of 3-year-old left in car: Stephen Curran and Christina Littlefield; A Henderson woman will not face criminal prosecution for the death of her 3-year-old son, who died July 26 after being left in the family car for almost an hour, the Clark County District Attorney said.

Residents find ways to battle the heat: For tips on beating the extreme heat, log on to the Clark County Health District's Web site at cchd.org.

Diesel fuel spills in Detention Center: An upper floor generator began leaking about 4 a.m., Metro Police said.

On Vegas stop, Kerry promises Yucca veto: Kirsten Searer; Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry vowed for the first time Tuesday to veto any congressional attempts to loosen radiation standards on the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste project.

Boggs McDonald gives birth to a baby girl: Rachel Olivia McDonald weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces. Summerlin Hospital reported both are doing well.

Beds, shelters for homeless can't meet pace of growth: By Timothy Pratt; The number of emergency beds and amount of short-term housing for the homeless are not keeping up with the growth of that population in the Las Vegas Valley.

Gaming industry wins key ruling in lawsuit: Liz Benston and Cy Ryan; The gaming industry claimed a partial victory Tuesday when a federal appeals court ruled that the millions of people who have lost money playing video poker and electronic slot machines over the years cannot be included as plaintiffs in a lawsuit against more than 60 gaming companies that are accused of civil racketeering.

Tuesday's Sports Transactions: AP; DETROIT TIGERS-Designated RHP Danny Patterson for assignment. Purchased the contract of RHP John Ennis from Toledo of the IL.

Columnist Jeff German: Authorities lose sight of real enemy: There are still, however, remnants of infighting that have hindered past efforts to keep tabs on terrorists, which means the overall strategy for preventing a repeat of the Sept. 11 attacks still has some kinks to work out.

Planet Hollywood restaurant at issue as Aladdin takeover application is heard: One of the many unresolved questions regarding a partnership's bid to take control of the Aladdin hotel-casino in a few weeks involves the Planet Hollywood restaurant up the street.

LV trash collector prevails in labor dispute: Chief U.S. District Court Judge Philip Pro overturned an arbitrator's decision forcing the company to rehire the two workers without backpay. Pro ruled that the arbitrator's decision was beyond her authority and didn't draw from the collective bargaining agreement.

Terrorism timeline: Juveniles being chaperoned by an adult shoot footage of the MGM Grand, Excalibur and New York-New York, as well as Disneyland and New York City. This tape is recovered by FBI agents in a Detroit apartment when they arrest the suspected members of the Detroit Terror cell.

Business booming in Macau as Venetian owner plans expansion: By Liz Benston; Executives for Venetian owner Las Vegas Sands Inc. said Tuesday the company is moving quickly to cash in on a small part of the world that is expected to surpass Nevada in a few years as the world's largest gambling destination.

Many fail to qualify for tuition refunds: How to get refunds

Henderson bakery owner delays annual report: KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Interstate Bakeries, the maker of Wonder Bread and Hostess Twinkies and operator of a plant in Henderson, is delaying the filing of its annual report with the Securities and Exchange Commission because it is restating earnings for its fiscal-second and third quarters.

Math teacher facing discipline over test: By Emily Richmond; A veteran Clark County School District math teacher is expected to have his license suspended for nearly half an academic year as punishment for distributing to his students questions from the state's High School Proficiency Exam.

Debate over LV terrorism allegation intensifies: Steve Kanigher, Jace Radke and Ed Koch; Metro Police and Las Vegas FBI officials Tuesday called charges that they turned a blind eye to a potential terrorism threat categorically untrue.

Recount of anti-tax petition ordered: CARSON CITY -- At first count, the petition to repeal the $833.5 million tax package didn't have enough signatures to qualify for the election ballot, but Secretary of State Dean Heller has ordered a recount.

Nevada utilities make move in Enron fight over contracts: Kevin Rademacher; Nevada Power Co. and its Reno-based sister utility, Sierra Pacific Power Co., on Tuesday filed a legal response to Enron Corp.'s latest move to secure more than $300 million from the companies for power never delivered.

Bush to reach out to LV labor group: Dan Kulin; President Bush is expected to spend most of his two hours in Las Vegas on Thursday with a local carpenters union, which fellow Republicans said shows how the president has labor support and is reaching out to organized labor, typically a core Democratic group.

Money manager settles suit: The company will take a charge of $10.4 million, or 5 cents a share, in the third quarter, Chicago-based Northern Trust said in a statement.

Mexican lottery contract secured: GTECH will provide equipment, services and associated telecommunications to Pronosticos para la Asistencia Publica, which runs the lottery. The decision was made by the Mexican Comptroller Ministry, the Secretaria de la Funcion Publica, which declared the bid compliant.

Creditor of Vegas firm to seek bankruptcy: Mid-State Chairman Paul Noyes said Tuesday it would be better for the track to go into bankruptcy court with its own plan of reorganization rather than having a plan forced on it by creditors. Noyes said the filing would come "as soon as possible."

Condemned killer wants a burger: CARSON CITY -- Convicted killer Terry J. Dennis doesn't want to talk to any clergy on the night of his execution Thursday, but he does want two cheeseburgers and a Coke.

LV visit to Rose parade considered: Allsbrook said the presentation made to committee members Monday by Tournament of Roses officials was well received, although the committee did not commit any funding.

Letter: Legalizing pot makes sense: In either case, the effort is futile and violations of the respective statutes will continue unabated. Law enforcement officials and state legislators want more money for services. How much money is being wasted here, in an elaborate game of cops and robbers? Regulated prostitution offers the opportunity to control and license businesses and to tax them on revenues received. A tax on marijuana, and control over where it is sold, provides a legitimate outlet for a regulated product.

Sports briefs for August 11, 2004: Serena Williams pulled out of the Olympics tournament today.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: For Anderson, stars have pack mentality: But when the chips are down, few band together better than the singers, dancers, comedians and musicians who perform in Las Vegas.

Columnist Adam Candee: The man who chased Tiger will be back: Adam Candee; Few golf fans will ever forget Bob May's walk into golf lore by way of his classic battle with Tiger Woods into a playoff in the 2000 PGA Championship. He lost to Woods that day, but captivated the golf world by challenging Woods at a time when no one dared to tug on Tiger's tail.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Vasser on the verge of sitting in a milestone starting grid: Jimmy Vasser will again add his name to the Champ Car record book this weekend when the series visits the streets of Denver for the Centrix Financial Grand Prix of Denver.

Thursday's horse racing entries: Post Time 2 p.m.

Severity of crime an issue in attack at welfare office: By Matt Pordum; The lawyer defending a man accused of attacking workers at the Clark County Social Services center in Henderson with a knife, told a jury her client did go on the rampage but should not be charged with attempted murder.

Ralph Siraco's Del Mar selections: 1st Race -- SUSPICIOUS CAPER -- Draws good box for short sprint opener, Berrio atop Avila trainee, fits well at this level. CHAMP'S OLE' -- John atop co-owner Dutton trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post at Cal-bred dash distance, gets up in time? Value Play -- CUCA

Immigration status key in DUI case: By Matt Pordum; The immigration status of a man charged with crashing his car into a Las Vegas bus stop and killing a 4-year-old boy has prompted District Judge Joseph Bonaventure to reconsider his decision to lower the man's bail.

Execution date set, but stay expected: CARSON CITY -- The execution of Robert Ybarra Jr., convicted of the slaying of a 16-year-old girl in White Pine County, has been set for Aug. 27 at the state prison in Carson City.

Man sentenced in Internet sex case: By Matt Pordum; District Judge Donald Mosley on Tuesday sentenced an unemployed, legally blind man from Great Britain to four to 10 years in prison for using the Internet to lure children.

Trial finally begins in 12-year-old killing: By Matt Pordum; More than 12 years after Erasmo Pena allegedly killed a 21-year-old man outside a birthday party, a Clark County jury on Tuesday heard opening arguments for Pena's trial.

Columnist Jeff Haney: LVSC's White embraces challenge of battling big bettors: GETTING THE BEST OF IT: Making a bet that has a positive expectation for profit. The opposite is "taking the worst of it," which is when the other side, whoever you are betting against, has the advantage.

Two hot to handle for 51s and Sounds: Nick Christensen; When the Pacific Coast League made its 2004 schedule, every team was scheduled to play a doubleheader on Aug. 10, a necessity to give the teams an extra off-day with less than a month left in the season.

Gladiators must circle until owner lands: Adam Candee; The four men scheduled to interview Tuesday in Las Vegas for the vacant Gladiators coaching job: