Print edition for August 26, 2004

Police seek help in solving holdups: Henderson Police are asking for the public's help in identifying a robbery suspect who has held up at gunpoint four Henderson businesses this month.

Nurses allowed to testify in death of diabetic child: By Matt Pordum; A ruling Wednesday is expected to bolster the murder case against the Las Vegas woman charged with killing her diabetic daughter by failing to make sure the 11-year-old's insulin levels were maintained.

Pelosi pumps up Porter challenger's campaign: Kirsten Searer; It didn't take long Wednesday for House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., to don an anti-Yucca Mountain pin and paint incumbent Rep. Jon Porter, R-Nev., as a rubber stamp for the Republican party.

Letter: Cameras in cabs are essential to protect drivers: Keith Schwer, executive director of UNLV's Center for Business and Economic Research, which is in the process of conducting yet another study on the subject of cameras in cabs, states, "This unfortunate incident (the death on Tuesday of a cabdriver who was set aflame during an alleged robbery attempt) says we have to go forward on this issue."

Plea deals made in drive-by: By Matt Pordum; Two of the three Las Vegas teens charged with attempted murder in the alleged gang-related drive-by shooting of a 12-year-old are pleading guilty to lesser charges as part of plea bargains reached with prosecutors on Wednesday.

Staples' heart still as strong as her voice: And when she does, be it a verse, a couple of verses, or even a trailing hum, that distinctive warm rumbling voice takes you to that place she so often speaks of. "I sing from the heart," Staples says via telephone from her Chicago home. "What comes from the heart reaches the heart."

Letter: Changing image, policies necessary: One creative idea from this new mindset might be to bring a resolution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict by withdrawing our aid to Israel until it considers giving back to the Palestinians part of their own country.

DaVanon hits for cycle as Angels rout Royals: AP; "I'd be lying if I said I didn't know," the Anaheim Angels outfielder said.

Lack of respect has Lobos growling: Steve Guiremand; Monday -- Air Force Tuesday -- BYU Wednesday -- Colo. State Today -- New MexicoFriday -- San Diego State Next Monday -- Utah Next Tuesday -- Wyoming

Court briefs for August 26, 2004: A 63-year-old man accused of killing a man inside the victim's mobile home near Nellis Air Force Base will stand trial.

Guerra set to make a big impact: Steve Guiremand; UNLV coach John Robinson is expecting big things this year from sophomore tackle Marco Guerra -- and why not?

Teach for America helps staff local schools: By Emily Richmond; Sara Kienzle knows she was lucky -- she had a stay-at-home mother, a financially stable family and the opportunity to graduate from Michigan State University.

Tops in Blue will perform on Fremont Street: Dick Benoit; When the Air Force talent troupe Tops in Blue 2004 takes center stage at 8 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Fremont Street Experience, one of the singers won't have to travel far for the gig.

Where I Stand -- Guest Columnist Father Josepth O'Brien: AIDS hasn't gone away: FOR THE past 21 years in ministry, while assigned to Orange County, San Francisco, Phoenix and for the last seven years in Las Vegas, I have journeyed with people living and dying with HIV/AIDS. I have had the pleasure of meeting men, women and children who experience a full range of emotions, each differently, while dealing with this virus that has no cure.

Jurors hear of defendant's confessions at Mass, to police: By Matt Pordum; A day after he was arrested in the killing of his wife, 45-year-old Frank Marques confessed to police as audiotape rolled.

Editorial: A promising sign: There are a number of reasons why such an assessment would be dead wrong. For starters, the economy in Nevada has continued to be much stronger than was expected. And our two long-standing, major sources of taxes -- gaming and sales -- are tied directly to the health of our state's economy. It stands to reason then that we're collecting more taxes than could have been anticipated ($41.1 million more from gaming and $60 more million from sales). In addition, Nevada's red-hot housing market has brought in $36.6 million more from the real estate transfer tax than had been anticipated. ...

Gibbons passed over for House post: WASHINGTON -- Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., will not serve as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, ending weeks of cautious speculation on who would be named to the post.

Changing Attire: Students, parents adjusting to switch to school uniforms: Beth Slovic; As Mom rubbed elbows with other back-to-school shoppers patiently sorting through kid-sized racks packed with fall apparel, Scott, 6, and Mark, 7, whizzed in and out of the dressing rooms, ducking under the curtains briefly held aloft by the torrent of wind their running kicked up.

Editorial: Voter privacy at grave risk: Registrar Larry Lomax argues this is public information. But how is the public served by making it instantly available to everyone in the world? The answer is that it isn't. But it does benefit political consultants and parties, pollsters, candidates and marketers. And, unfortunately, it benefits stalkers, burglars and others with ill intent.

Preps: Northwest Division: Nick Christensen; Centennial BULLDOGS

Lawmakers call for rapid aviation security plan: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Nearly three years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Congress is still grappling with how to improve aviation security.

Community briefs for August 26, 2004: A back to school jamboree, featuring "Buzz and Poppy" and free school supplies, will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at Good Shepherd Church of God in Christ, 1111 N. Nellis Blvd.

DUI deaths drop in all but 13 states: WASHINGTON -- Drunken driving deaths fell in all but one of 13 states targeted by a campaign that includes money for ads and enforcement efforts to get drinkers off the road, the government said Wednesday.

A burgeoning rivalry toes the line: Nick Christensen; Monday -- Northeast Tuesday -- Southeast Wednesday -- Southwest Today -- Northwest Friday -- Preseason poll

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

LV-based insurer offering plans in Hawaii: Summerlin initially will introduce three plans for businesses -- two comprehensive health plans and a preferred provider organization -- and will be the first insurer to enter the Hawaii market in at least a decade, officials said.

Consumers question Southwest Gas request: Kevin Rademacher; Between November 2002 and June of this year, the average Southwest Gas Corp. customer has seen four rate increases that have pushed bills higher.

Software touted as possible aid for traffic jam relief: Stephen Curran; The gridlock and kamikaze-style maneuvers common at many Las Vegas intersections, grudgingly accepted by most area drivers as an unpleasant byproduct of growth, could largely be solved using a computer program already available to most local traffic planners, a member of the Regional Transportation's citizens group said.

75-year-old man sues Boulder City Police: Jace Radke; A 75-year-old man who suffers from Alzheimer's disease has filed a federal lawsuit against Boulder City Police alleging that an officer assaulted him and slammed him to the ground during a 2002 traffic stop.

Sports briefs for August 26, 2004: Arsenal beat Blackburn 3-0 for its 43rd consecutive English Premiership match without a loss, breaking a record for England's top soccer league set in 1978 by Nottingham Forest, which went without a loss from November 1977 to December the following year.

Ralph Siraco's Del Mar selectiona: 1st Race -- THROWIN HEAT -- Draws good post in full field at short turf opener, Desormeaux astride co-owner Headley trainee, backers hope he's Throwin Heat to foes. DEALINWITHINSANITY -- Bug boy Ruis atop Baffert trainee for owner Pegram, draws alongside top pick for grass allowance/claiming dash, not so insane to think he can deal a victory here. Value Play -- GOLDIES LEGACY

Guinn asks for U.S. aid in long drought: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn on Wednesday asked U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman to declare the entire state a disaster area because of the continued drought and other problems plaguing the farmers and ranchers.

Angels Cycle Hitters: AP; Dave Winfield, June 24, 1991, at Kansas City

Tax hike dominates debate: State Sen. Ray Rawson and Assemblyman Bob Beers, who is challenging Rawson for the Senate job in one of the most hotly contested primaries of the year, covered some familiar territory during a debate Wednesday on "Face to Face With Jon Ralston."

Nevada sales see double-digit percentage gain: CARSON CITY -- Taxable sales, an indicator of the economy, posted a 15 percent year-over-year increase in June, the sixth straight month of double-digit increases.

Lawsuit should be dismissed, California says: Anthem sued Commissioner John Garamendi this month to overturn his finding that the WellPoint purchase would increase state health-care costs. Garamendi said in a court filing in Los Angeles that he has the authority to block the merger.

NADN trustee files more complaints: Kevin Rademacher; The trustee in charge of the liquidation of National Audit Defense Network, the failed Las Vegas-based tax service company, has filed a series of new complaints seeking to recover funds on behalf of the estate.

RTC citizen's group reviews plans for light rail system: Stephen Curran; A Regional Transportation Commission citizen's group on Wednesday looked over the latest plans for a 33-mile light rail system that could eventually link Henderson and North Las Vegas.

Lawmakers may have new laptops, more security: CARSON CITY -- Lawmakers may have new laptop computers and increased security at the 2005 Legislature starting next February.

Priest in case of molested teens heading to Missouri: Matt Pordum and Christina Littlefield; Victims advocate groups were outraged this morning that a Henderson priest who pleaded guilty to molesting five teenage parishioners has been "honorably discharged" from normal probation and will be sent to a inpatient treatment facility in Missouri run by the Catholic Church.

Proposal to limit number of limos suffers setback: CARSON CITY -- A move to set up a system to limit the number of limousines operating in Clark County as one way to solve a myriad of problems has suffered a major setback.

Sound effects: More Raptors at Nellis mean added noise for nearby residents: Jace Radke; While the Air Force's newest fighter, the FA-22 Raptor, is bringing new capabilities to the military, it will also bring more noise to the residents living around Nellis Air Force Base.

Another Yucca ad set to air in Nevada: Kirsten Searer and Suzanne Struglinski; It's Round 4 of the Yucca Mountain television war.

Ricky tells Dolphins he's off to India: Retired running back Ricky Williams says he contacted the Miami Dolphins this week at the request of his agent but has no plans to rejoin the team anytime soon.

Obituaries for August 26, 2004: Darlene April Carroll-Serres, 36, of Las Vegas died Friday in Las Vegas. She was born March 24, 1968, in Vancouver, British Columbia. A resident for 22 years, she was a homemaker.

Gaming briefs for August 26, 2004: PDS Gaming Corp. has scheduled a shareholder meeting Sept. 23 to vote on a proposal to take the company private. A majority of shares not owned by the management group must approve the buyout.

Jackson shows kinks in rehab start for 51s: Nick Christensen; Edwin Jackson returned to Cashman Field for the first time since June on Wednesday, but he looked more like a pitcher fresh from a Double-A callup than one on a major-league rehabilitation assignment.

Need for FA-22 Raptors challenged: Jace Radke; Nellis Air Force Base's 64th Squadron serves as the "bad guys" in training exercises for U.S. and foreign aircraft during training over the Nevada Desert.

7 checkpoints open at McCarran: Jace Radke; Transportation Security Administration officials now have seven new security checkpoints at McCarran International Airport to help break up the bottleneck of travelers during peak travel times.

Opposition stalls state's new mortgage broker regulations: Kevin Rademacher; A package of new regulations for mortgage brokers was turned back on Wednesday by the state Legislative Commission.

Plans for performing arts center on track: Sito Negron; As pronouncements about high-rise condo projects and billion-dollar investments in downtown fly through the air, the Las Vegas Performing Arts Center project keeps quietly plugging along.

Mayor's jury service short-lived: But the experience was short-lived: The concealed weapon case was plea-bargained, Goodman said.

Another fire hits Sky-Vue: Sito Negron and Mary Manning; Hours after the owners of the Sky-Vue Mobile Home Park agreed to demolish the dilapidated park, a fourth fire in less than a month at the site sent flames shooting over nearby treetops Wednesday night, destroying six more trailers.

Nevada Power Co. defends plant purchase: Kevin Rademacher; Nevada Power Co. executives on Wednesday began defending a $558 million plan to purchase and complete a power plant abandoned by Duke Energy of North Carolina.

Ellis Island submits plans for 36-story condo-hotel: By Liz Benston; An off-Strip locals casino known for $4.95 steak dinner deals has big plans to go upscale.

Special Counsel asked to explain law, Perkins case: Dan Kulin; The administrative law judge handling Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins' Hatch Act case asked the U.S. Office of Special Counsel on Wednesday to explain exactly how the federal law applies to the top Democrat in the state government.

CCSD expects 4.6 percent growth: By Emily Richmond; Clark County School District expects 280,600 students to start classes Monday -- an enrollment increase of 4.6 percent over last year.

Gibbons passed over for post: WASHINGTON -- Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., will not serve as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, ending weeks of cautious speculation on who would be named to the post.

Providers contract with VA: Nathan Adelson Hospice and Creekside Hospice have been selected as the contracted hospice providers for Las Vegas Valley veterans. Prior to the renewable contracts being issued, veterans had to find their own hospice providers.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Coughlin to compete in three events at Indianapolis: Free time will be in short supply for Jeg Coughlin when the 50th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals rev up next week at Indianapolis Raceway Park.

News briefs for August 26, 2004: A cloud of black smoke poured from the north side of a parking garage under construction at the Wynn Resort on the Las Vegas Strip on Wednesday, but Clark County Fire Department firefighters quickly doused the blaze.

Lawmakers discuss switch of peace officers' insurance: CARSON CITY -- The chairman of the state health insurance system is promising he will work with Nevada Highway Patrol troopers and other peace officers who want to pull out of the plan to join the health coverage of the Teamsters Union.

Mountain West cutting ties with ESPN, 'Big Monday': Steve Guiremand; In its promos, College Sports Television boldly calls itself "The new home of college sports."

Death of teen attacked at mall investigated: Jen Lawson and Heather Rawlyk; After 17-year-old Lee Masangkay was attacked Saturday in the Boulevard mall food court by gang members wielding metal chairs, authorities thought he would just need a few stitches and he would be fine.

Vegas isn't in MLB's travel plans: Contrary to widespread reports from the Major League Baseball owners meeting in Philadelphia last week, no prominent Las Vegas officials have been contacted for further discussions about the relocation of the Montreal Expos.

Audiotape found in case of injured 84-year-old man: Jace Radke; Henderson Police have found an audiotape that was recorded minutes after an 84-year-old man suffered broken ribs and a broken hip during his arrest by a Henderson Police officer.

Rebels will get commitment from top-100 prospect: Steve Guiremand; UNLV basketball coach Lon Kruger has landed a verbal commitment from one of the nation's top 100 high school prospects.