Stories published December 3, 2004Las Vegas Sun

Regent criticizes debate over research money: Through a series of e-mails over the course of about two years, UNLV President Carol Harter and other executives discussed ways to avoid the 25 percent tithe back to the state from the money they received from research grants to cover overhead costs by diverting more grants through the university's private research foundation.

School Board treds lightly on tax question: By Emily Richmond; Clark County School Board members dipped cautious toes into the property tax cap debate Thursday, venturing no deeper than to agree that the issue posed serious questions about the future of education funding in Nevada and merited careful study.

Donations push Reid coffers to record level: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., enjoyed a record windfall in campaign donations from political action committees in his re-election bid this year.

Columnist Jeff German: Murphy easily dupes Larry King: Sandy Murphy has been making the network talk show circuit following her stunning acquittal in the death of Ted Binion.

Firm's shareholders OK merger with PacifiCare: American Medical Security Group said in a statement Thursday that 61.4 percent of the company's shares voted in favor of the merger.

National Finals Rodeo: Annual convention at Mirage: National Finals Rodeo: Annual convention at Mirage

Gibbons has $477,000 in leftover funds: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., has almost $477,000 left in campaign funds, according to his latest financial report, which he can use should he choose to run for governor in 2006.

Chamber urges businesses to be on guard against terrorism: Jace Radke; The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce's 10 ways businesses can help keep Southern Nevada safe.

Stratosphere operator sees profit increase: The operator of the Stratosphere Casino Hotel and the Arizona Charlie's franchise of locals casinos has reported increases in casino and retail revenue for the company's third quarter.

Nevadan named new IG at U.S. printing office: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Former Nevada Assemblyman Greg Brower is the new inspector general at the U.S. Government Printing Office -- the fourth Nevadan to take a top job with the agency.

Mall stakeout nets surprise suspect: Jen Lawson; John Sipes, also known as Vito Bruno, served five years in prison for his involvement in the execution-style slaying of a computer programmer who blew the whistle on one of the biggest slot machine rigging operations in Las Vegas history.

Judge: Newspapers' agreement unrelated to Web site case: A Clark County District Court judge has granted a portion of a motion to dismiss a claim in connection with VEGAS.com's bid to acquire the rights to lease the lasvegas.com Internet domain name.

LV a hot spot for theft of construction equipment: Stephen Curran; Joe Wyson has repeatedly learned the hard way that some of the most lucrative stolen vehicles do not always promise would-be thieves a speedy getaway.

National Finals Rodeo: Stay on it: Considered a main rodeo attraction because of the extreme danger that exists in every ride, bull riding leaves crowds in awe.

Sports briefs for December 3, 2004: Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish lost opening matches in the Davis Cup final today, leaving the United States in a big hole and Spain in commanding position to win the title.

Revenue soars at Mandalay: By Liz Benston; Soaring room prices in Las Vegas helped boost Mandalay Resort Group's fiscal third quarter earnings by 65 percent, blowing past analysts' expectations and boosting shares of MGM Mirage, which is in the process of acquiring its competitor on the Strip.

Witness discusses time on campaign chores: CARSON CITY -- Jennifer Normington, the chief prosecution witness in the Senate trial of Controller Kathy Augustine, says she spent nearly 100 percent of her state time working on the campaign in the final three months of the 2002 election.

West leads self-employment growth: Michelle Swafford; A new small-business study reported Thursday that the number of minority business owners rose rapidly in recent years, and Western states are leading the way for growth of self-employed firms.

Ensign has misgivings about intelligence reform bill: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., has misgivings about the intelligence reform legislation set to be the subject of a final-hour showdown in Congress next week.

California firm eyes new NLV casino: By Liz Benston; A property owner in North Las Vegas on Wednesday received a green light to build a 1,000-room hotel and casino surrounded by mixed-use residential and commercial buildings on a barren swath of land a few miles from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

National Finals Rodeo: Teamwork on the hoof can win ...: Team ropers begin from three-fenced boxes on either side of a chute from which a steer enters the arena.

Parties no longer seeking Nevada recount: CARSON CITY -- The Green Party and the Libertarian Party Thursday withdrew their demands for a recount in the presidential election.

LV boy, 12, recalls stabbing attack: Twelve-year-old Shiloh Edsitty soon will board a plane with his guardian for upstate New York and a future thousands of miles from where his life nearly ended following a Nov. 8 knife-wielding attack that killed his mother.

National Finals Rodeo: Quick hands are a must: Being quick and accurate with a rope are the important characteristics of tie-down roping, a timed event in which the cowboy leaves a three-sided fenced area -- next to a chute holding a calf -- atop a horse.

Valley awash in SpongeBob thefts: Stephen Curran; It's hardly the crime of the century.

Station cuts off talk with activists fighting casinos: The battle between Station Casinos and a cadre of community activists who have fought the company's plans to develop neighborhood casinos in Summerlin and Spring Valley is heating up.

Augustine's use of campaign funds for school called legal: Kirsten Searer; State Controller Kathy Augustine acted legally when she used campaign funds to help pay for a post-graduate program at Harvard University, the state's legislative counsel said this week.

Need for police in schools cited during seminar: Jace Radke; Keeping students safe at schools means having police officers on school grounds, according to Dave Grossman, a West Point psychology professor and retired Army Ranger who is an expert in school violence.

Plan would guarantee more water for valley: Southern Nevada would have guaranteed access to 1.25 million acre-feet of water from Arizona under a plan endorsed Thursday by the Central Arizona Project, the state's largest water wholesaler.

National Finals Rodeo: This one is all about speed ...: The cowboy begins from the three-fenced box. As in tie-down roping, a breakaway rope is attached to the steer to create a head start.

National Finals Rodeo: Keep it smooth: The key to successful scoring is a fluid ride, and "marking out," by keeping both heels touching the animal above its shoulders until its hooves hit the ground to complete its first jump, is essential to a qualifying ride.

Former Mirage employee sentenced: By Liz Benston; A federal magistrate judge in New York on Thursday sentenced a former employee of the Mirage to six months of probation for illegally accessing confidential tax information about an individual's earnings.

MGM Grand in Detroit draws suitors: By Liz Benston; MGM Mirage said today it may sell its MGM Grand casino in Detroit after receiving several offers from potential buyers.

Rogers makes new push for state funding: If higher education in Nevada is going to continue to move forward and meet the exponential growth of its student bodies, state lawmakers, local government entities and private individuals need to step forward together to help foot the bill, Interim Chancellor Jim Rogers said Thursday.

Court orders hearing for death row inmate: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court Thursday ordered a hearing in District Court in the case of death row inmate Jimmy T. Kirksey, who pleaded guilty to the 1988 fatal beating of a reputed pimp in Las Vegas.

News briefs for December 3, 2004: The Clark County Health District saw a small jump Thursday in the number of people who lined up for their flu shots.

National Finals Rodeo: The big show: The growth and popularity of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo has mirrored that of Las Vegas.

National Finals Rodeo: Race to the finish: Upon circling around it, she must then zip to the finish line. Tipping any barrel adds a five-second penalty to the final time.

Assembly panel OKs sports betting measure: Bill sponsor Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew, D-Cape May, said he thought there was less than a 50 percent chance sports betting would ever come to the state's gambling resort, but that an effort should be made due to increased gaming competition.

National Finals Rodeo: Hang on tight ...: The rider's spurs must touch the horse's shoulders until the animal's feet hit the ground after the initial move from the chute, a move called "marking out."

Family dispute brews up trouble for beer distributor: Alana Roberts; A bruising family legal battle could imperil Nevada Beverage Co., Southern Nevada's exclusive distributor of Anheuser-Busch products for 50 years, according to lawyers for the battling children of the late Pat Clark Sr., founder of the beer distributor.

Nevada Power hits obstacle in struggle with Enron Corp.: Kevin Rademacher; Nevada Power Co.'s efforts to wipe away a $336 million judgment in favor of Enron Corp. have hit another snag.

Democratic Assembly leaders named: Kirsten Searer; Assembly Democrats, buoyed with three additional seats won in November, have announced new committee and leadership posts.

Top 25 Fared: AP; 2. Kansas (3-0) did not play. Next: vs. Pacific, Saturday.

Repelling the invaders: David Kihara; WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Jon Ralston: History unfolding in Capitol: WEEKEND EDITION

Lawmakers split over contentious property tax issue: By Launce Rake; Eighteen months after an explosive debate over taxes split the Nevada Legislature, the issue of skyrocketing property tax bills has the potential to reignite a similar debate.

Found author to appear tonight: Admission is free.

Columnist Jeff German: Galardi's credibility doubtful; FBI mum: WEEKEND EDITION

Michigan trip a holiday treat for Lady Rebels: Adam Candee; College basketball players usually get nothing but lumps of coal and wind sprints from their coaches in the dog days of December.

Obituaries for December 3, 2004: Kris Bettinger, 56, of Henderson died Wednesday in a local care center. She was born April 30, 1948, in Norfolk, Va. A resident for 20 years, she was a teacher.

Editorial: Goals come with a price: December 4 - 5, 2004

Letter: Liberals rule in academia for a reason: December 4 - 5, 2004

Prosecutor says Augustine offered to resign: CARSON CITY -- Controller Kathy Augustine, now on trial for misconduct in office, considered resigning earlier this year to avoid possible criminal charges.

Grateful Ed: WEEKEND EDITION

Compulsive overeating comes to forefront during holidays: Stephen Curran; WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Singer Jem says appearance on 'O.C.' is OK: Spencer Patterson; "When it came up, I laughed my head off. That was my first reaction," she said. "Then I was kind of thinking, 'Is this something I should be doing?' Not to sound ungrateful, but I don't want to always be thought of as the wedding singer from 'The O.C.' "

Columnist Jerry Fink: Williams is at home for holidays: If you want to get the entire family into the spirit of the season, make plans now to see "The Andy Williams Christmas Show" Dec. 18 at the Orleans Arena. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $43 to $64.

Finals Score: Spencer Patterson; Following is a list of some of the top draws in Las Vegas during the National Finals Rodeo:

Columnist Susan Snyder: The PEWKS make us feel a bit queasy: WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Nick Christensen: Experience in big game could be key: Nick Christensen; So the picks were a bit off last week. Nobody's perfect.

Letter: GOP is big fan of entitlements: December 4 - 5, 2004

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Bagelmania gives off a warm impression: They sit at a long table that almost blocks the pickup counter. I've never heard anyone complain (including me) that maybe they should move over a little.

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

Editorial: Watching the watchers: December 4 - 5, 2004

SI disses Mountain West, maybe with good reason: In its college hoops preview issue, Sports Illustrated picked only one Mountain West Conference program, Utah, to advance to the 65-team NCAA tournament in March.

When should an accident be considered a crime?: WEEKEND EDITION

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: How to beat cancer: WEEKEND EDITION

Paying to work: Union for UNR, UNLV workers protests increased parking charges: Annual cost of university parking permits:

Letter: Approach to sex education hurts community: We know that Nevada's teens are having sex. Pretending this problem doesn't exist is such backward thinking. How could a school observe World AIDS Day and not include discussions about how the disease is transmitted?

Wranglers aren't tired of winning: Nick Christensen; By the time the Las Vegas Wranglers' bus had arrived at the team's hotel in Anchorage, Alaska at 11 p.m. local time Wednesday, the ECHL's road warriors had been traveling for 20 consecutive hours.

State's dependence on gambling revenue deepens: The lottery has expanded over the years to one that now produces $400 million a year, mainly as a result of moves by the Legislature to draw more money from the lottery, including the 1992 introduction of the highly lucrative video poker game.

Company raises revenue guidance for fourth quarter: Shares of Intel, the world's largest semiconductor company, were up $1.34, or 5.9 percent, to $24.05 in morning trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Gary finds his way at City Lights Bistro: Entertainment is the main ingredient.

Fight schedule: At Bell Centre, Montreal, Eric Lucas, Montreal, vs. Tony Menefee, Lincoln, Neb., 10, light heavyweights.

Blood drives: Tuesday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Bank of America Plaza, 300 S. Fourth St.; 12:30-4:30 p.m., Kloehn, 10000 Banburry Cross Drive.

Family needs help with funeral: Fernandez worked as a retail clerk at Victoria's Secret to help out her family, said Cheryl Harris, who works with the girl's mother. Contributions may be made at any branch of Nevada State Bank to the Katrina Fernandez Burial Fund, Account No. 0348018425.

On Display for December 3, 2004: Art de Vignettes Fine Art Gallery at the Fashion Show mall will host a public meet-and-greet and preview of the original paintings of mixed-media artist Vital from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday. The works will be on display until Jan. 3. 221-8350.

Columnist Sal DeFilippo: Oh boy, George is back in the league: Sal DeFilippo; As a member of the media, sometimes I feel the need to come to the aid of my brethren. Such is the case this week.

Wire's 'Pink' period a punk rock landmark: Spencer Patterson; Perhaps better than any other musical statement during the remarkable year 1977, Wire's "Field Day for the Sundays" signalled the true start of a rock 'n' roll revolution.

Fishing report: Finally good news for shore anglers: Striped bass success: A large number of shad were seen at Horsepower Cove this week and anglers are netting the small fish for use as bait. On Monday shore anglers were having fair success for stripers with most weighing around 1 1/2 pounds.

Ralph Siraco's Hollywood Park selections: 1st Race -- TIZZAROUND -- Baze aboard O'Neill trainee, needs crafty trip from inner post in full field at 7-panel distance, Tizza-diploma-round here? RUSTY NAIL -- Draws good middle box in maiden/claiming opener, Douglas atop Cerin trainee, Rusty hit graduation right on the Nail here? Value Play -- VENERATION

Commission refuses request for casino dealer regulations: Robert Sommerville, who recently incorporated the West Virginia School of Dealing, said he plans to open schools to train dealers for table games at the state's four racetracks as well as for a proposed casino/resort hotel in the former Weston Hospital.

Palo Verde, Las Vegas will settle it all: Nick Christensen; When Chris Faircloth was hired as Las Vegas High School's head football coach in January after 13 years as an assistant, he knew the expectations would be high. Whether he'd reach those goals would be another story.

In tribute, Greek Isles production packs a punch: By Jerry Fink; Of all the Rat Pack tribute shows on the market today, the one at the Greek Isles is ... well, the leader of the pack.

Datebook for December 3, 2004: Author Davy Rothbart will sign copies of his book, "Found: The Best Lost, Tossed, and Forgotten Items from Around the World," at 8 p.m. today at the Funk House, 1228 S. Casino Center. Admission is free.

Performing Arts for December 3, 2004: Benefit concert

Assembly panel OKs Atlantic City sports betting measure: Tom Bell; TRENTON, N.J. -- A measure that would allow betting on professional sports at Atlantic City's casinos was approved Thursday by the Assembly Tourism and Gaming Committee, but even the bill's sponsor conceded that its future was uncertain.

Preps: Thursday's Results: Schedule Today Boys' Basketball All times 6:30 p.m. unless noted: Canyon Springs at Silverado, Clark at Vo-Tech, Coronado at Sierra Vista, Desert Pines at Spring Valley, Foothill at Bishop Gorman, Eldorado at Shadow Ridge, Mojave at Chaparral, Cimarron-Memorial at Snow Canyon (St. George, Utah) TBD, Cherry Creek (Colo.) at Centennial 2:30 p.m. Girls' Basketball All times 6:30 p.m. unless noted: Cimarron-Memorial at Las Vegas, Coronado at SierraVista, Eldorado at Shadow Ridge, Mojave at Chaparral, Hurricane (Utah) at Cheyenne 6 p.m., Vo-Tech at Virgin Valley Tournament, Bishop Gorman at NGS Tournament (Page, Ariz.) Girls' Soccer All times 4:30 p.m. unless noted: ...

Editorial: Don't keep sheriff, DA in the dark: Galardi made his allegations to the FBI early in its investigation of local political corruption covering the years 1999 to 2003. Galardi was a central suspect and pleaded guilty to a federal racketeering charge in October 2003. Federal prosecutors alleged he bribed public officials to gain advantages for strip clubs he owned. Galardi and former Clark County Commissioner Erin Kenny, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges in connection with the case, are cooperating with the FBI in its ongoing investigation.

Airline to seek court ruling blocking possible union strikes: The airline will ask U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Stephen Mitchell as soon as this weekend to hear arguments on the request on Dec. 16, spokesman David Castelveter said today. US Airways, which has said a strike would be illegal, is seeking the order because threats of a union walkout are hurting business.

Editorial: Pedestrians beware: Researchers used per capita pedestrian deaths from 2002 and 2003 to compile a list of the 50 most dangerous areas in the country. Las Vegas ranked 11th.

Southern exposure: Nick Christensen; For at least 50 years, one thing in high school football was certain -- a Northern team would face a Southern team for the large-school championship.

Columnist Barb Henderson: Get involved and contribute with county wildlife board: Barb Henderson; Do you have interest in attending a County Wildlife Advisory Board meeting?

Another Rebels hopeful: Steve Guiremand; Don't hand that UNLV head football coaching job to Utah offensive coordinator Mike Sanford or Purdue's Jim Chaney quite yet.

Shockey goes off about 'low morale': The New York Giants' four-game losing streak and fading playoffs hopes finally got the best of Jeremy Shockey.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Baja champion ready to tackle Terrible 300: Rob MacCachren already had raced in two off-road events -- including the grueling Baja 1000 -- in the past three weeks and still he couldn't wait for the green flag to drop on Saturday's Henderson's Terrible 300 desert race.

Tonight's matchup: UNLV (2-1) at UNR (3-1): Steve Guiremand; Tonight's matchup: UNLV (2-1) at UNR (3-1)

Rivals state their case: Steve Guiremand; THE GAME: UNLV at UNR.

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: Fatel frets over life and his comedy future: Lisa Ferguson; Nevertheless, "At this point, you start realizing, 'Wow, this is a really bad move to do with my life,' " he says, referring to the fact that he's been a stand-up comic for more than half of those years.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Orleans is just right for prep gig: By Ron Kantowski; As he strolled into the lounge on the mezzanine level of the Orleans Arena Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Jerry Hughes, the executive director of the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association, took a pass from Steve Stallworth, the facility's general manager, and tossed a jump shot at a miniature rim and backboard set up for the occasion.

Catalogs still thriving in an age of growing e-commerce: David Sharp; FREEPORT, Maine -- L.L. Bean projects that its online sales will overtake its catalog business within two years, but don't expect any trees to be spared in the process.

At UNLV, organ recital no longer a pipe dream: It's fitting, then, that the Southern Nevada Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will present its first full recital, an afternoon of Advent and Christmas music, on the stately von Beckerath, a 38-stop, 53-rank, three-manual organ anchoring the stage at UNLV's Doc Rando recital hall at UNLV.

3 from 'Havana' returning to Cuba: David Kihara; Three Cuban members of the cast or crew of the "Havana Night Club" show flew out of Las Vegas on Thursday, choosing not to seek asylum in America, instead returning to Cuba.

Entitlement: It's no secret that world lightweight champion Jose Luis Castillo desires a big, perhaps career-defining, fight against Kostya Tszyu, the reigning title-holder at 140 pounds.

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

Letter: Mideast column right on mark: Now if we could only get the United Nations to open its eyes to what really goes on.

Another candidate announces for Mack's council seat: Dan Kulin; Another potential candidate has surfaced for the Las Vegas City Council seat Michael Mack has said he won't try to win again.

Community briefs for December 3, 2004: More than 50 volunteers, ranging from police officers and firefighters to teachers and Boy Scouts, will meet at 9 a.m. Saturday at Robert Taylor Elementary School, 144 Westminster Way in Henderson, to assemble more than 200 bicycles for students.

Las Vegas Sun

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