Print edition for December 28, 2004

Consumer confidence jumps: The Conference Board, a New York-based business information group, reported that its index of consumer confidence leapt by nearly 10 points to 102.3 in December from 92.6 in November.

Community news briefs for December 28, 2004: As part of the Upper Las Vegas Wash Channel Project, Lone Mountain Road will be closed to all through-traffic until Feb. 14 between Losee Road and Berg Street. Detours are posted.

LV hospital operator lowers estimates: Michelle Swafford; Universal Health Services Inc., a large operator of behavioral health and acute-care hospitals locally and nationally, announced Monday afternoon its earnings would be lower than originally projected because of weak acute-care hospital admissions and rising bad debt in some cities.

Letter: Parents to blame for poor students: I was always told that high school was supposed to help prepare our children for real life. Should employers also let everyone come to work later because many people are not "morning people?"

Health groups ask Heller to 'play fair': CARSON CITY -- A coalition of health groups appealed to Secretary of State Dean Heller today to "play fair" in approving the initiative petition to curtail smoking.

Appeals court: Feds suppressed information on drug informant: CARSON CITY -- A federal appeals court ruled Monday that the government illegally suppressed evidence that may have helped the defense in the trial of Rene Blanco, who was convicted of distributing methamphetamine.

Editorial: Traffic resolutions: Some of the traffic deaths that occur are accidents where fault can't be assigned to drivers, but too many others involve excessive speeding or inattention. If more drivers would just take their time (by slowing down) and pay attention to what they're doing (not using cell phones would be a big help), it would go a long way toward cutting down on fatalities. But we're also realists and the fact is that selfish people won't do the right thing on their own. An increased police presence, cracking down on traffic violations by handing out hefty fines, is what will get ...

Milton settles for Cincinnati: Left-handed pitcher Eric Milton finally received the contract he wanted on Monday, perhaps after he priced himself out of his preferred uniform.

Making Contact: Despite snarls from critics miffed that a production with no singing, original or live music would receive a Tony Award nomination, Susan Stroman's "Contact" won four, including best musical.

12-year-old boy killed by taxicab is identified: Horvath was crossing Jones Boulevard near Tropicana Avenue about 7:10 p.m. Dec. 15 when he failed to yield the right-of-way to a 2002 Mercury. The collision threw the boy and his bike forward, and he was pronounced dead at University Medical Center.

Letter: Legislature must adequately fund social services: The bountiful and perhaps providential receipt of surplus state tax revenues and the prospective receipt of significant increases in Clark County property tax revenues afford Nevada, and in particular, Clark County, the opportunity to meet the demonstrated social service needs of their communities.

Ralph Siraco's Santa Anita selections: 1st Race -- MON MIEL -- Draws good box for sprint opener, Guidry atop Mullins trainee, Mon maiden-breaker for Miel backers? RICKY J -- Douglas aboard one of two Abrams-trained entries, draws inner post for maiden/claiming dash, makes the diploma J for Ricky and friends? Value Play -- LOBSTER ON TUESDAYS

Where I stand -- Mark Adams: Teenagers are involved: By Mark Adams

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Two Utes treat old chum like a traitor: Whoever said familiarity breeds contempt was right.

Cuba connection continues with 'Passions': A second wave of Cuban performers will arrive in Las Vegas this week for a four-day engagement at the Las Vegas Hilton.

Correction: Correction

Tsunami may stunt Sri Lankan growth; Thailand, India less hurt: Cherian Thomas; Sri Lanka's economic growth will slow as tourists cancel trips because of devastation caused by the world's worst earthquake in 40 years, economists said. India and Thailand suffered less damage and will recover quickly, they said.

Wednesday's horse racing entries: Post Time 1 p.m.

Rams' Jackson comes through loud and clear: Barry Wilner; ST. LOUIS -- Behind rookie Steven Jackson's best performance of his brief pro career, the St. Louis Rams stayed alive for the NFC West crown or a wild-card berth.

Fire destroys four homes in new housing project: Firefighters called to the 4100 block of Macadamia Drive in the northern valley about 9:15 p.m. found the wood frames of four houses engulfed in flames.

Local news briefs for December 28, 2004: An argument erupted into gunfire early this morning in a Las Vegas apartment, and three people were wounded, Metro Police said.

Editorial: Asia's crisis one for the whole world: In the past our minds could pinpoint earthquake disaster areas and we could understand immediately where aid should be directed. A year ago it was Bam, in Iran, where more than 26,000 people were killed. In 1985 it was Mexico City, where nearly 10,000 people were killed. In 1972 it was Managua, Nicaragua, where three separate earthquakes struck on Dec. 23, killing 20,000 people.

UNLV guard free to find another school: UNLV basketball coach Lon Kruger confirmed Monday that he will release sophomore guard John Winston, as per the request Winston made last Tuesday and solidified with his family over the holiday weekend.

Sledders warned about icy conditions: Web sites that could prove useful include:

Road series could make or break season: Nick Christensen; It's been almost two weeks since the Bakersfield Condors and Las Vegas Wranglers last played, and about all that hasn't changed is the Condors' grasp on first place in the ECHL West.

Obituaries for December 28, 2004: Keith Vincente Burr, 80, of Las Vegas died Saturday in Las Vegas. He was born March 1, 1924, in Michigan. A resident for eight years, he was a home improvements salesman and Marine Corps veteran.

Chopper crash blamed on dust condition: Jace Radke; A bowl-like landing zone that intensified the dust kicked up by a rescue helicopter was the major factor in the October crash in Afghanistan that resulted in the death of an airman based at Nellis Air Force Base.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Limo driver may see bubble burst: Michael "Mad Mike" Hughes will be visiting Las Vegas in March, when he will attempt to jump more than 100 feet from the top floor of Binion's Horseshoe to the top of the seven-story parking garage across the street.

Californians can fly from high desert to Vegas: The first 19-seat DeHavilland Twin Otter plane is due to arrive about 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Palmdale Regional Airport terminal at U.S. Air Force Plant 42 and to depart with the first Palmdale passengers at 11 a.m.

Sports briefs for December 28, 2004: St. John's forward Rodney Epperson was suspended indefinitely Monday pending a review of his transfer from a junior college during the 2002-03 school year.

Gang member sentenced to more than 20 years: Jace Radke; A federal judge on Monday sentenced a gang member to more than 20 years in prison for his part in numerous violent and drug-related crimes committed by the Rolling 60s over the last decade.

Autopsy: White may have died of respiratory disease: CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- NFL great Reggie White may have died because of a respiratory disease combined with other health problems, a preliminary autopsy report said Monday.

Woman hospitalized after car rolls over: Metro Police say the woman, whose name was not released, was traveling at what witnesses described as a high rate of speed on southbound Fort Apache near Russell Road about 7 a.m. when she apparently lost control of her red Chrysler Sebring.

Bobbitt found innocent of domestic battery: Dan Kulin; John Wayne Bobbitt said his notoriety usually works against him in dealing with law enforcement and the legal system. But on Monday the man best known for having his penis sliced off by his ex-wife said he has never been happier with the judicial system.

Company acquires table management systems: Progressive will purchase PitTrak, including the system's customer base, from Hotel Systems Pty. Ltd. The Las Vegas company also has acquired from Otho Hill the rights to five additional patents relating to the development and distribution of electronic card reading shoes.

State ruling helps southern water users: The Nevada State Engineer's Office last week issued a ruling on water use in the Las Vegas Valley that helps several local water agencies, and the office could soon issue another ruling that could bring enough water for thousands from wells in northern Clark County and southern Lincoln County.

NHP says garbage truck in fatal crash was overweight: A Republic Services garbage truck that rolled over and killed a 19-year-old woman early Sunday was overweight by more than 20,000 pounds in addition to going too fast, Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Angie Chavera said this morning.

Company awards CEO additional stock: The new stock options have an exercise price of $13.35 per share and vest over the next three years provided that Haddrill remains CEO, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Rain could dampen LV holiday weekend: Mary Manning and Launce Rake; Powerful winter storms are expected to push into Las Vegas throughout the week bringing rain that could linger into the New Year.

Gambling supporters renew call for casinos, slot machines in Massachusetts: Steve LeBlanc; BOSTON -- Lawmakers who want to expand legal gambling in Massachusetts are renewing their push for casinos and slot machines, saying the state needs to hold onto the gambled dollars they say are being lost to neighboring states.

Strip real estate fuels increase in Riviera Holdings stock price: By Liz Benston; A blitz of merger and acquisition activity in the casino industry in addition to speculation surrounding skyrocketing land values on the Strip has lifted casino stocks to new highs in recent weeks.

Suspect in sister's death says rights denied: At his arraignment, 54-year-old Robert Charles Lamb told Henderson Justice Rodney Burr that his "rights have been denied" and that he wouldn't have known what he was being charged with if his public defender hadn't told him.

Lincoln County rule changes concern environmentalists: Some of Southern Nevada's environmentalists are feeling under the gun and on the run.

Schools wary of slots-revenue windfall: Mark Scolforo; HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board held its inaugural meeting earlier this month, and the seven appointees' first actions are being closely watched for indications of how they will approach the countless decisions ahead.

Man convicted in attempted murder case may be freed: Molly Ball; When Avery Church's conviction on charges of attempted murder, kidnapping and robbery was overturned by the Nevada Supreme Court in August, his defense lawyer and prosecutors started preparing for a new trial.

Governor asks Supreme Court to affirm his veto powers: Lawyers for Richardson and the State Fair defended the governor's line-item vetoes in written arguments submitted to the state Supreme Court last week in a pending legal challenge.

Fire destroys five homes in new housing project: Eric Leake and Stephen Curran; Fire investigators this morning were looking into what started a fire that burned five houses under construction in the northeastern valley.

Program turns trees into mulch: The Springs Preserve, along with other public and private entities across the Las Vegas Valley, kicked off the annual Christmas tree recycling program Monday. Christmas tree drop-off hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Jan. 9 at any of the following locations.

Dollar declines to record against euro for fourth day: The dollar fell to a record against the euro for a fourth straight trading day on speculation European and U.S. officials will tolerate further declines in the U.S. currency.

Top 25 Fared: AP; No. 1 Southern Cal (12-0) did not play. Next: vs. No. 2 Oklahoma, Orange Bowl, Jan. 4.

Disaster hits home for Vegas families: David Kihara; Anyone wishing to provide donations for those affected by the earthquake and tsunamis in Asia can send them to the following agencies:

Options debut on American Stock Exchange: The options will open with position limits of 3,150,000 shares.

Bonaventure won't hear Rudin appeal: By Matt Pordum; For reasons that made his "blood boil," District Judge Joseph Bonaventure this morning recused himself from presiding over the appeal of Margaret Rudin, who was convicted of murdering of her husband, a prominent Las Vegas real estate executive.