Print edition for December 2, 2004

College Football Awards Finalists: AP; Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma

Wednesday's Sports Transactions: AP; BALTIMORE ORIOLES-Named Dave Trembley manager for Ottawa of the IL; Don Werner manager for Bowie of the Eastern League; Bien Figueroa manager for Frederick of the Carolina League; Gary Kendall manager and Orlando Gomez coach for Delmarva of the South Atlantic League; Andy Etchebarren manager, Dave Schmidt pitching coach and Cesar Devarez coach for Aberdeen of the New York-Penn League; Julio Vinas minor league hitting instructor and Tom Lawless minor league infield and baserunning instructor.

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

Red Sox won't add 4th year for Pedro: Lest there remain any doubt about their resolve, the Boston Red Sox indicated they were fully prepared to let Pedro Martinez take his remarkable skills elsewhere rather than guarantee him a four-year contract to stay in Boston.

Trial begins in two deaths at jewelry story: By Matt Pordum; The guilt or innocence of a man accused of robbing a downtown jewelry store and slaying the owners, a mother and daughter, may come down to whether or not a jury believes in the credibility of the science and reliability of surveillance videotape.

Yucca is DOE's toughest task: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- The Yucca Mountain project is still one of the Energy Department's most difficult challenges, based on a year-end review of its work.

Letter: Further debate of property tax cap is needed: Capping real estate property taxes in Clark County at 6 percent is an invitation to trouble. Should property values here continue to overheat, an unrealistic 6 percent would promote an excessive expansion of government and/or elevate government employee salaries and benefits far beyond their current lofty levels. Excessive salary increases further exacerbate taxpayers' problems, having to finance both higher salaries and the already underfunded, defined benefit, government worker pensions.

Editorial: Trooper pay must become competitive: Clark County is authorized to have 133 troopers. Instead, we have 64. There should be eight troopers patrolling Interstate 15 between Las Vegas and the California line. Instead, there are three. There should be 400 or 500 people showing up to take the state's trooper exams. Instead, 55 showed up for the exam last month, a number so low it might produce just one new trooper. Four years ago, response time for emergencies averaged 6.5 minutes. Today it's 11.5 minutes. Since June 2003, 39 troopers have been hired for the Las Vegas area. But during that same time, 38 troopers ...

Electrical contractor eyes seat being vacated by Mack: Dan Kulin; As Las Vegas Councilman Michael Mack publicly announced Wednesday he will not run for re-election in the spring, a potential candidate to replace Mack announced his intentions to run.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: MacCachren to compete in 2 classes at Terrible 300: Three 2004 SCORE Baja 1000 champions, including Las Vegas' Rob MacCachren, are among the early entries for Saturday's Henderson's Terrible 300 desert race, which is being promoted and sanctioned by the Best in the Desert Racing Association.

Columnist Susan Snyder: North Vegas is actually North Pole: It's pretty easy to tell where. His house on the northeast corner of Belmont Street and Judson Avenue is awash in thousands of lights.

A glance at the top three college football teams: AP; OPPONENTS' RECORD

Flu shots available for those at risk: The Health District on Wednesday administered 2,559 flu shots at the clnic, beginning at 8 a.m. and running until 4:30 p.m., Jennifer Sizemore, a spokeswoman for the district, said.

In book of leftovers, author found his calling: "Mario, I (expletive) hate you. You said you had to work then whys (sic) your car here at her place?? You're a (expletive) LIAR. I hate you. I (expletive) hate you. Amber.

Letter: Creativity of kids may be casualty: We may produce students in the future who will be able to successfully answer factual questions on tests, but will they be able to think and apply what they know to different situations? Standardization and rote memory of facts, formulas or other bits of information does not produce citizens capable of thinking and functioning in a creative manner.

Ralph Siraco's Hollywood Park selections: 1st Race -- SHEZSOFOXY -- Draws good post for small five-horse sprint claimer, Martinez atop owner Jory trainee, Shez-so-foxy-winner? HOLY REQUEST -- Gomez aboard Puype trainee for owner Bone, has rail post in small tag dash field, devine Request for Holy win. Value Play -- LIGHT GIVEN

Principals named for 11 new Clark County schools: By Emily Richmond; Even as a rookie teacher in 1977, David Harcourt knew he wanted -- someday -- to be a principal.

Preps: Wednesday's Results: Preps: Wednesday's Results

Soldiers at Baghdad camp send storybook videos home to kids: Dick Benoit; Nevada service members and spouses of service members with small children may want to take a page from the book of Air Force Capt. Tim Sites when it comes to keeping together a family separated by war.

Retailers falter in November; December may be weak: Rachel Katz; Sales at U.S. retailers rose less than forecast in November as Federated Department Stores Inc. and Limited Brands unexpectedly posted declines. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. forecast an increase of as little as 1 percent in December amid higher fuel prices and lower consumer confidence.

Alabama attorney general trying to shut down White Hall gambling: Phillip Rawls; MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Alabama Attorney General Troy King announced Wednesday that he will try to shut down the state's newest electronic gambling hall in White Hall, and he warned two dog tracks to replace electronic machines he considers illegal.

Han-Again: Struthers reprises role of Miss Hannigan in 'Annie': She's been down this political cartoon-turned-musical road before, crossing the country as the boozing, bitter Miss Hannigan, who runs the orphanage and swindles the 11-year-old Annie.

Community briefs for December 2, 2004: The Rainbow Company will present its production of the musical "Seussical!" Friday through Dec. 12 at the Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 Brush St. The show will entertain children and adults alike with characters taken from the creations of Dr. Seuss.

Predator buildup to bring more troops to Nellis: Jace Radke; The Air Force's plan to better use National Guard and Reserve resources through integrated units will bring not only a new Predator squadron to Nellis Air Force Base, but also airmen from around the country for training as more of the in-demand remote-piloted aircraft are put to use.

Nevada controller's impeachment trial continues: AP; Jim Wells, testifying in the second day of the trial that could cost Augustine her job, said in response to questions Thursday from Sen. Steven Horsford, D-Las Vegas, that "some inefficiencies" resulted in the office because of the 2002 campaign activity.

RUSSO ON FOOTBALL: Which are the best two teams?: AP; Southern California is No. 1 in the polls and the BCS standings.

Long shot winner: Steve Guiremand; BERKELEY, Calif. -- When it comes to picking a player to hit a game-winning jump shot, the name of UNLV senior Andy Hannan doesn't immediately come to mind.

Ford, GM sales continue to slow: Sarah Karush; DETROIT -- In what has become a familiar pattern, the country's top two automakers reported weak November sales on Wednesday, while Chrysler and the Japanese companies continued to surge ahead.

Sanford returns to Salt Lake: Steve Guiremand; Utah offensive coordinator Mike Sanford was scheduled to fly back to Salt Lake City this morning after spending Wednesday interviewing with UNLV athletic director Mike Hamrick and school president Dr. Carol Harter about the school's vacant head coaching position.

U.S. factory orders increase: The rise to $371.5 billion followed no change in September, which was revised from a 0.4 percent decline first estimated, the Commerce Department today said in Washington. Excluding transportation equipment, orders increased 0.6 percent, the sixth straight gain.

LV Council OKs guidelines for Kyle Canyon Gateway: Dan Kulin; The Las Vegas City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a resolution that lays out what city officials will expect in the development of 1,710 acres around the intersection of U.S. 95 and Kyle Canyon Road, which is slated to be sold at a February auction.

Regents' panel recommends added powers for chancellor: Interim Chancellor Jim Rogers may soon have the power to discipline college presidents, a tool he says is desperately needed in his executive position.

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

McGahee juiced for game in Miami: Don't let Buffalo running back Willis McGahee's cool act fool you.

Editorial: Don't let the door ...: Since he was appointed to the City Council five years ago, Mack has been an embarrassment. Dan Hart, who managed Mack's 2001 election campaign, told the Sun that Mack would not have had a pleasant experience had he decided to run again. "He's had his name dragged through the mud and it would be again," Hart said. The way we see it, Mack dragged his own name through the mud.

Sex favors allegedly arranged for cops: Jace Radke; Metro Police and the Clark County district attorney's office officials are frustrated that the FBI hasn't given them much information on allegations that officers and prosecutors took comps and sexual favors.

Another murder charge weighed: By Matt Pordum; A 25-year-old man accused of murdering the sister of a Clark County prosecutor may also be charged with the murder of the man he lived with.

Girl, 11, recounts night of mom's slaying: By Matt Pordum; A Mexican citizen accused of kidnapping and killing his estranged wife in front of their 11-year-old daughter and two police officers will stand trial, Justice of the Peace Karen Bennett-Haron ruled on Wednesday.

Sports briefs for December 2, 2004: Scott Gump shot a 6-under-par 66 Wednesday to take a one-stroke leader after one round of the PGA tour qualifying tournament, but with five rounds still to play there was ample opportunity for the field to reshuffle at the Nicklaus Tournament Course in La Quinta, Calif.

Trial begins for suspects in home invasions: By Matt Pordum; Opening arguments were heard on Wednesday in the case of two men accused of invading two separate homes in Las Vegas in January; the men were allegedly armed and robbed the occupants of the homes after tying them up.

Obituaries for December 2, 2004: Edward L. Clark, 58, of Las Vegas died Nov. 25 in a local care center. He was born March 16, 1946, in New York City. A resident for six years, he was a retired New York City police officer with 30 years of service and Vietnam War Marine Corps veteran.

Mother pleads not guilty in slaying of children: By Matt Pordum; A mother who claims Jesus told her to beat her two children to death with an aluminum baseball bat pleaded not guilty on Wednesday and is set to stand trial before District Judge Joseph Bonaventure on June 6.

Police investigating fatal stabbing of Vegas couple: Metro Police are investigating if a man and a woman found stabbed to death in an apartment in the west of Las Vegas Valley were murdered or if it was a murder-suicide.

On CNN, Murphy calls verdict a compromise: Eric Leake; Newly exonerated Sandy Murphy said in a television interview Wednesday evening that she believed her verdict was a compromise.

Council ordered to vote again on federal building: Dan Kulin; A controversial plan for a new Social Security building in Las Vegas will return to the City Council for another vote after a judge ruled the application for the project was not complete, an attorney for the developer planning the project said.

Gaming briefs for December 2, 2004: The Riviera hotel and casino on the Strip has signed a contract with Irvine, Calif.-based Golden Tree Communications to offer high-speed wireless Internet service access in the property's 2,073 guest rooms.

Tensions still high between Hard Rock, gaming regulators: CARSON CITY -- Those who thought the Hard Rock Hotel advertising controversy had ended when regulators and resort officials signed a settlement agreement last month turned out to be wrong.

U.S. water official, seen as Las Vegas ally, plans to resign: Bennett Raley, who as the Bush administration's point man on Western water issues worked closely with Southern Nevada officials during a period of crushing drought and growing demand for the resource, is resigning effective Friday.

TV photographers vote to unionize: Alana Roberts; Now that a group of 12 photographers at KTNV Channel 13 has voted to join a Hollywood, Calif.-based union in a National Labor Relations Board run-election Wednesday, the union has vowed to organize workers at the Las Vegas Valley's other television news stations.

Economic Forum predicts more Nevada growth: CARSON CITY -- During the next two fiscal years, the Economic Forum foresees continued growth in Nevada's economy.

Questions surround Scherer's future on Gaming Control Board: CARSON CITY -- Was Wednesday Scott Scherer's last meeting as a member of the state Gaming Control Board?

Election horror stories may spur changes: Kirsten Searer; Some lawmakers and county registrars said they hope this year's election problems will prompt the Legislature to enact meaningful election reform.

HealthSouth 2004 profit may fall short: HealthSouth Corp., which hasn't reported financial results for more than two years, said 2004 earnings before interest, taxes and other expenses may fall short of the company's forecast of $650 million.

State is criticized over its use of tobacco funds: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- Anti-smoking groups want Nevada to spend more money from cigarette taxes and the tobacco settlement directly on smoking prevention programs, according to a report released today.

Long standoff ends; hostage taker arrested: Jen Lawson and Mary Manning; A tense, 10-hour standoff with a man whom Metro Police said took his neighbor hostage ended this morning as officers stormed the apartment near Paradise Road and Harmon Avenue.

Witness says he refused to work on campaign: A former top official for Controller Kathy Augustine testified today that his relationship with Augustine became strained after he refused to work on her political campaign.

Weaker nuke cleanup standards to be proposed: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- The Homeland Security Department plans to recommend weaker cleanup standards in the event of a nuclear "dirty bomb," a coalition of environmental groups said today.

LV moves up on 'Mean Streets' list: Stephen Curran; Streets in the Las Vegas Valley remain among the most dangerous in the nation for pedestrians, a study released today by a national transportation advocacy group has found.

Hurricanes dampen profit for grocery chain: The company whose stores include Albertson's, Jewell and Osco Drugs said today it earned $110 million, or 29 cents a share in the August-October period compared with $92 million, 25 cents a share, a year ago.

One pedestrian dies, another injured in two traffic accidents: One pedestrian died and a second pedestrian was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries after two separate collisions in the Las Vegas Valley Wednesday night, Metro Police said.

Man's death outside Strip nightclub ruled a homicide: Jen Lawson; The Clark County coroner's office has ruled that the man who died last month outside the Krave nightclub on the Las Vegas Strip was the victim of a homicide.

News briefs for December 2, 2004: Partiers this New Year's Eve will have one more alternative to facing holiday traffic.

Quick Care doctors would get bonuses in new pact: Doctors working at Clark County's Quick Care centers could work under a new management plan that the county commission is likely to approve Tuesday.