Print edition for December 1, 2004

New plan governing high rises unveiled: A Clark County planner Tuesday formally unveiled a new plan that would govern how high high-rise buildings could go throughout the unincorporated county.

Firing of prison guard is upheld: CARSON CITY -- A state hearing officer has upheld the firing of correctional officer Samier Husein for making false statements on a report about his fight with an inmate at the Southern Desert Correctional Center in August 2001.

Columnist Jeff Haney: Juicy stake: Anyone who says it's easy to win 60 percent of your sports bets has never tried.

Search for schools police chief narrowed: By Emily Richmond; The field of candidates for the post of the Clark County School District's chief of police has been narrowed to five finalists, including two veteran officers on the force.

Local man enters plea of guilty in mother's killing: By Matt Pordum; A 52-year-old man who claims he shot and killed his ailing 80-year-old mother "for her mercy" entered an agreement with prosecutors on Tuesday pleading guilty to second-degree murder.

Pakistani man says police violated his civil rights: Jace Radke; The Council on American Islamic Relations has filed a complaint with Metro Police internal affairs alleging that a 25-year-old Muslim Pakistani national had his civil rights violated by officers at a casino parking garage when he was questioned and his car was searched.

Giants land relief help in Benitez: Closer Armando Benitez, who tied for the National League lead last season with 47 saves, signed a three-year contract Tuesday with the San Francisco Giants.

Tonight's matchup: UNLV (1-1) at California (3-1): Steve Guiremand; Tonight's matchup: UNLV (1-1) at California (3-1)

Perkins proposes casino location limits: CARSON CITY -- Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins, D-Henderson, wants to expand the required distance between a casino and a school or church.

New loyalty cards show allure of local high-limit gamblers: By Liz Benston; High-rollers at upscale Strip resorts are accustomed to lavish meals and accommodations along with tickets to shows, boxing matches and other perks.

Wyoming won't know who it's playing until Sunday: Steve Guiremand; Just a little more than three weeks before kickoff, Las Vegas Bowl executive director Tina Kunzer-Murphy finally has a team to promote for the nationally televised Dec. 23 matchup at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Valley pediatric services growing: Michelle Swafford; Las Vegas Valley hospitals are increasing their services for children and premature babies.

Photographers to vote on union representation: IBEW Local 45 is based in Hollywood, Calif., and represents telecommunications workers. Michael Chavez, resident officer of the Las Vegas office of the NLRB, said the election will take place on the station's premises from 8 to 8:30 a.m. and from 7 to 7:30 p.m. today.

Planned casino gets mixed news: Eric Leake; The Spring Valley Town Advisory Board recommended denial of the design review extension for the proposed Durango Station casino Tuesday night.

Candidates want Nevada recount: Kirsten Searer; Two third-party presidential candidates are asking for a recount of Nevada's presidential votes, saying that problems with voter registration and voting machines might have marred the count in Nevada.

Wanted: Troopers: Jen Lawson; While the death toll on Southern Nevada highways has surged to a record-breaking 100, the number of Nevada Highway Patrol troopers is continuing to plummet, and officials are bracing for the problem to get even worse.

Utah coordinator will visit UNLV: Steve Guiremand; Despite reports to the contrary, Utah offensive coordinator Mike Sanford is expected to be in Las Vegas today for a second interview with athletic director Mike Hamrick about the school's football coaching job.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Rebels don't have to settle for leftovers: Is it too late to call Rick Neuheisel?

Furniture complex names COO: Sawyer was named 99th base commander in January 2003. In August Sawyer, who served 25 years in the Air Force, was transferred to the Air Warfare Center at Nellis where he was a commander special assistant.

Prosecutor says controller's office was 'campaign central': CARSON CITY -- A special prosecutor, in the opening statement in the impeachment trial of Controller Kathy Augustine, told the Senate today she used her office as "campaign central" in running her re-election campaign in 2002.

Free credit reports begin today: Kevin Rademacher; Consumers can access one free credit report a year through the following sources:

Sports briefs for December 1, 2004: Former major leaguer and UNLV player Cecil Fielder has sued the publisher of Detroit's two daily newspapers for libel and slander over a series of articles that said he lost $47 million through bad investments and gambling.

Bush signs Lincoln County bill into law: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- Clark County has moved closer to getting a new water pipeline to bring water in from Lincoln County.

Lois Tarkanian plans Ward 1 run: Dan Kulin; Former Clark County School Board member Lois Tarkanian said this morning she plans to be a candidate in the possible recall election of Las Vegas Councilwoman Janet Moncrief.

Court rejects appeal of guilty plea: CARSON CITY -- The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has rejected the appeal of Donald Towne, sentenced to life in prison without parole for the killing of a 15-year-old man in October 1992.

Harrah's offers share sale in bid to build first Singapore casino: Linus Chua; Harrah's Entertainment Inc. offered to sell shares in Singapore's first casino project should the company beat rivals including MGM Mirage for the concession, Chief Financial Officer Charles Atwood said.

Kruger sees rodeo trip as a chance to grow: Steve Guiremand; THE GAME: UNLV vs. California.

Nevada small business growth tops nation, census says: The Census Department said Tuesday that the number of Nevada small businesses increased 7.4 percent to 128,073 firms in 2002 from 119,228 in 2001. The Silver State beat Georgia, which posted a 6.3 percent increase and had the strongest growth in 2001.

Problem gambling researchers garner awards: By Liz Benston; A psychologist in Australia who has identified different types of compulsive gamblers and a Rhode Island psychiatrist who has studied how gambling addicts respond to drug treatment have received top honors from a casino industry-funded research center.

Mack says he won't seek re-election next year: Dan Kulin; Las Vegas City Councilman Michael Mack said this morning he will not seek re-election next year, avoiding what likely would have been a vicious negative campaign.

Nevada is ranked poorly on class sizes: By Emily Richmond; Nevada's public school classrooms are the sixth-largest in the nation with an average of 19 students for every one teacher, according to a new report released Tuesday by the National Education Association.

Columnist Jeff German: Better safe than sorry in Vegas: "We're committed to ensuring this community remains free of terrorists," Young says.

Officials question homeless program: By Timothy Pratt; Wanted: homeless families who need a roof over their heads and have a flatbed truck.

Top 25 Schedule: AP; No. 2 Oklahoma vs. Colorado at Kansas City, Mo., 8 p.m.

Company refinances debt: Banc of America Securities analyst David Vas lowered his rating on the Las Vegas company to "neutral" from "buy."

Congress OKs money for Yucca oversight: WASHINGTON -- The state of Nevada and eight counties in the state will be able to use federal money for Yucca Mountain oversight that the Energy Department sought to curb, according to new federal legislation.

A tax cap's effect on schools at issue: By Emily Richmond; The Clark County School Board will meet Thursday to discuss the possible implications for education funding if a proposed cap is enacted on property taxes -- the revenue source for nearly one out of every four dollars of its $1.6 billion operating budget.

Fight schedule: At Northern Quest Casino, Airway Heights, Wash., Felix Cora Jr., Galveston, Texas, vs. James Elizalde, Corpus Christi, Texas, 12, for Cora's USBA cruiserweight title; Antwun Echols, Dade City, Fla., vs. Jameel Wilson, Philadelphia, 10, middleweights.

Letter: Claim about gays in military silly: Put aside for a moment the obvious fact that no enemy in Iraq is threatening the institution of marriage. There is no evidence that a significant amount of homosexuals are in the armed forces. Most military leaders and soldiers do not want homosexuals in the military because they disrupt the cohesion of our fighting units.

Editorial: Another safety gaffe at Yucca Mountain: All along, the supports for the tunnels that have been dug underneath the mountain have been viewed as critical. A tunnel collapse could trigger rock falls, which could perforate the drip shields and casks containing the deadly waste. But the status of the supports changed this past July, as confirmed by a memo reviewed by this newspaper. The memo was written in October by two inspectors for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. It said the Energy Department and site construction managers concluded that the supports had been "inappropriately classified as important to safety or waste isolation." So they were removed as ...

Preps: Boys' preseason top ten: Compiled by the Las Vegas Sun and Sparks Tribune

Fireworks will light up countdown to New Year's: Dan Kulin; New Year's Eve on the Las Vegas Strip will feature a unique countdown to midnight with the numbers 10 through 1 appearing in bright fireworks above four hotels during the final seconds of 2004, fireworks company officials announced Tuesday.

Cigna reports higher earnings: Cigna reports higher earnings

Community briefs for December 1, 2004: The Lost City Museum will hold its Holiday Open House 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday at the museum in Overton.

Weekend Time Schedule: AP; No. 2 Oklahoma vs. Colorado at Kansas City, Mo., 8 p.m.

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Christmas Box contains great gift for foundation: Elizabeth Foyt; The Nov. 20 event at the MGM Grand Conference Center opened with a reception, where guests bid on themed silent auction boxes, each representative of the dozen education programs operated by SCF.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Spider-Man puts spin on fundraising: This would be a super addition to any superhero collection and a memorable gift for comic buffs.

Editorial: Legal test for medical marijuana: That's why Nevada is among the 11 states that circumvented federal intransigence on this issue and passed their own medical marijuana laws. The state laws allow residents to use and possess small amounts of marijuana if their doctor has prescribed it for them. Hovering over these laws, however, has always been the shadow of the federal government. Will the government move to have these laws stricken from the books? It's a question that has plagued states, which by now might have established formal marijuana distribution systems for patients if the fear of a federal crackdown was not so constant.

Pa. governor vetoes changes to gambling law: Martha Raffaele; HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Gov. Ed Rendell on Tuesday followed through on a threat to veto a bill that would make several changes to Pennsylvania's nearly 5-month-old slot-machine gambling law, saying it "significantly strayed" from its original objectives.

Lottery president's pay cut: The lottery board approved a plan Monday that would allow Paul to make up to $577,500 in salary and bonuses. That's less than the $700,000 Paul made in her first year of work.

Technicians hustle to fix Nebraska lottery machines: The failure Sunday of a communications satellite for the lottery forced workers to recalibrate all of the state's lottery machines -- a process that takes about 20 to 30 minutes at each location.

Letter: Newly gained equity in homes is overrated: We read comments from Sun columnist Jon Ralston, and other columnists, about the mentality of those living here who "have done nothing to create the unearned equity but are enjoying the benefits" from the astronomical jump in property values. The governments now expect us to pay taxes based on this virtual money. Ask anyone about their better standard of living due to the latest paper values. How much enjoyment is there for families trying to scrape up enough to pay their inheritance taxes, annual fees, and/or newly skyrocketing property taxes. Tell us about the joys of "growth"!

Cheyenne at 2-0 after win at Foothill: Mike Sims; The Cheyenne boys' basketball team made it two in a row to start the season with 74-66 win Tuesday night at Foothill.

Gorman gets opening victory but Gators make it interesting: Nick Christensen; There were moments Tuesday at Bishop Gorman High School that served as a reminder why the Gaels' boys basketball team is ranked among the best in the country.

More long lines expected as clinic for flu shots continues: Stephen Curran; Representatives from the Clark County Health District expect crowds at today's flu vaccine clinic to mirror those seen Tuesday.

Grove named D.C. bureau chief: Grove, who started with the newspaper in Las Vegas in 1998, moved to Washington in 1999 to cover the federal government for the Sun.

Parcells will keep striving for playoffs: Bill Parcells isn't worried about the long-term future and the Dallas Cowboys are still in playoff contention in the miserable NFC. So the coach's decision was easy and expected.

Columnist Peter Benton: Champions Tour rookie leads qualifying field; Laverty just misses: Peter Benton; With a stellar final-round 64, Mark Johnson, a former beer-truck driver and California State Amateur champion, captured medalist honors at the recent Champions Tour National Qualifying Tournament over the King & Bear layout in St. Augustine, Fla.

Preps: Tuesday's Results: Girls' Basketball Bishop Gorman 64, Green Valley 40 BG: Kaila Mangrum, 15 pts. GV: Jabrenta Hubbard, 10 pts. Centennial 88, Eldorado 35 CENT: Sierra Chambers 18 pts, 8 stls. Durango 58, Coronado 48 Basic 61, Sierra Vista 44 Girls' Soccer Spring Valley 11, Canyon Springs 0 G: SPRV -- Brittany Boyack 4, Olivia Nazihi 2, Danielle Sullivan 2, Nicole Noorda, Cheryl Martin. Shutout -- Sarah Blank. Silverado 3, Las Vegas 2 G: SILV -- Brittany Romito 2, Chelsee Jensen. LV -- Breanne Waitman, Stephanie Avila. Foothill 4, Desert Pines 0 G: FTHL -- Ashley Coleman 2, Nichole Finn, Jessica Wycosf. ...

Ralph Siraco's Hollywood Park selections: 1st Race -- HOLLYWOODSETRIGHT -- In good box for long one-turn maiden/claimer, Flores aboard Harrington trainee, barn holding hot hand at this stand. SUNNY STREET -- Desormeaux on Hendricks trainee, draws outside box in small five-filly opener, Street leads to Sunny winners circle? Value Play -- NOBLE PLAN

Moncrief plans fundraising rally to gain support: Dan Kulin; Las Vegas Councilwoman Janet Moncrief is gearing up for a potential recall election with a reception and fundraiser scheduled for Thursday night at the Artisan hotel.

Snow helps ease Kyle Canyon's water shortage: The rain and snow falling throughout the West in recent weeks may not have made much of a dent yet in the drought affecting the Colorado River and Lake Mead, but it has improved the water situation for Mount Charleston.

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

Obituaries for December 1, 2004: Alice A. Beeman, of Las Vegas died Nov. 24 in a local hospital. She was born in Canajoharie, N.Y. A resident for 30 years, she was a retired probation officer and a member of Winchester Cultural Center.

News briefs for December 1, 2004: A Las Vegas man appeared to have suffered minor injuries after a fire started in his home near Sandhill and Flamingo roads early this morning.

Security might not reach last year's level: Jace Radke And Jen Lawson; G-men with devices to detect chemical and biological agents, Blackhawk helicopters and Nevada Army National Guard soldiers will again be available to provide security for the crowds of more than 250,000 expected to ring in New Year's in Las Vegas.

Columnist Adam Candee: Knight's armor, as always, is depth: Adam Candee; I often think of one of Aerosmith's more recent albums, "Just Push Play," when calling up UNLV golf coach Dwaine Knight to chat.

Former casino host Myerson dies: Charlie Meyerson, a one-time bookie and World War II hero who as longtime casino host at the Mirage was known for his high energy and for bringing in East Coast high-rollers, died Saturday in Florida. He was 88.

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