Print edition for January 7, 2004

Las Vegas company buys U.K. slot seller: Alliance Gaming Corp. of Las Vegas said today it has acquired British video gaming machine company Crown Gaming from Crown Entertainment Ltd., expanding its operations in England in anticipation of liberalized gambling laws.

Goodman emphasizes his commitment to downtown: Sito Negron; Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman stuck to the theme of downtown redevelopment that he has been promoting for four years, this time around having a little more to show for it, in his annual State of the City speech Tuesday.

State looking to the future to save its past: By Cy Ryan; CARSON CITY -- It's hard to promote historic preservation in a town where the implosion of old hotel towers is cause for a party.

Nevada businesses reminded to pay tax: The Legislature enacted the 0.70 percent tax on gross payroll for all businesses except financial institutions, which are assessed 2 percent on their payroll. Companies are allowed to deduct payments for health insurance and health benefits.

Columnist Jeff German: Britney's fling good for Vegas: That's because what happens to the 22-year-old pop princess not only doesn't stay here, but it goes everywhere.

Ralph Siraco's Santa Anita Park selections: 1st Race -- SULTRY SOUND -- Desormeaux on Hess trainee, draws good post for sprint opener, lands likely spot.

Ashworth to run for high court: CARSON CITY -- Don Ashworth, a former state senator and probate commissioner for District Court in Clark County for the past 13 years, has announced he will run for the Nevada Supreme Court.

Business briefs for Jan. 7, 2004: NEW YORK -- JetBlue Airways Corp., whose shares have climbed more than threefold since an initial public offering in April 2002, will add a daily, nonstop round trip between John F. Kennedy International Airport and Sacramento on March 3.

Panel recommends no changes for casino industry: The recommendations of the Republican-led Joint Committee on Gaming and Wagering could indicate another chilly reception for some of Democratic Gov. Bob Holden's legislative proposals.

Two pedestrians injured in accident: Ron Maki, 56, of Amarillo, Texas, and William Hubbard, 55, address unknown, were crossing Boulder Highway about 11 p.m. when they stepped in front of a 1999 Chevrolet driven by James Finnerty, 29.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: McLean tracks Hard Rock's hard rocks: He was telling friends he chased down and helped catch a would-be thief who had dashed out of the hotel's jewelry store with a $40,000 diamond-encrusted ring.

Children recant claims of sexual touching: Emily Richmond and Mary Manning; Most of the children who had accused a photographer of improperly touching them at a Henderson elementary school have recanted their allegations, so the photographer will not be charged, authorities said Tuesday.

Agreement paves way for casino OK: Station Casinos and residents who have battled over the size of the proposed Red Rock Station hotel in Summerlin struck a deal Tuesday night that opens the door for the Clark County Commission to approve the project today.

Collins joins County Commission field: Kirsten Searer; The field of Democrats challenging embattled Clark County Commissioner Mary Kincaid-Chauncey is growing.

Trio lifts LV in rout: Nick Christensen; If it takes awhile for a player to get into the swing of a season, it looks as if Tom Nelson has turned that corner.

Winner of jackpot arrested: Jack Whittaker, who hit the $314.9 million Powerball jackpot on Christmas 2002, was arraigned Tuesday by a Putnam County magistrate on charges of trying to hit and threatening to kill Todd Parsons, the manager of Billy Sundays Bar and Grill in St. Albans.

Rebels will use loss to NAU as motivator: Steve Guiremand; "Northern Arizona. "

Emergency blood shortage declared: Heather Rawlyk; United Blood Services' main office at 6877 W. Charleston Blvd. and the Green Valley center are open 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Local Naval Reservists headed for duty in Iraq: Jace Radke; Over the last three weeks Naval Reservist Shelly Marshall has graduated from college, got married and gained a stepdaughter in addition to her own two teenagers. But beginning today, her life gets even more complicated.

IRS breaks ground on new office: Once completed, about 300 employees, who now work at 4750 W. Oakey Blvd., will move out of the current IRS building into the new building. The old building's fate hasn't yet been decided.

Binion's hit with second IRS lien: By Liz Benston; The Internal Revenue Service has placed a second tax lien on Binion's Horseshoe for unpaid employee payroll withholding taxes.

Southern Nevada has 190 flu cases: Southern Nevada has recorded a total of 190 confirmed cases of the flu this season, the Clark County Health District Office of Epidemiology said Tuesday.

Bishops say LV Diocese meets standards for preventing abuse: The Las Vegas Diocese received a national commendation for its full compliance with proactive measures to prevent child sexual abuse by Roman Catholic priests.

Sports briefs for January 7, 2004: The three were arraigned in Roxbury (Mass.) District Court.

Annual love fest set for CES, Las Vegas: The International Consumer Electronics Show, which opens Thursday after a pre-convention keynote address by Bill Gates tonight, has evolved into one of Las Vegas' most loyal convention customers.

Cinkovich leaves LV High to become UNLV assistant: Adam Candee; After spending most of the past decade building a powerful high school program at Las Vegas, Kris Cinkovich is stepping back into college football without leaving town.

Man found shot to death in NLV: North Las Vegas Police said they were called to Goldfield Street after someone spotted the body in front of 1922 Goldfield. They found the victim, a 20-year-old man, who had apparently been murdered.

Union continues drive at the Palms: Alana Roberts; The Palms hotel-casino has settled one dispute with the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 while another dispute remains unresolved as it makes its way through the appeals process of the National Labor Relations Board.

Guinn names Cory to District Court: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn today named Kenneth C. Cory, a Henderson lawyer, to replace District Judge Gene Porter, who resigned Oct. 24.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Still refusing to come clean, Rose deserves extended exile: Dean Juipe; It's a book and an appeal designed as a confession, but it turns out Pete Rose still has his hands behind his back and his fingers crossed. He's still posturing.

Ensign's hearing on Yucca routes canceled: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., has canceled the Senate hearing about routes for transportation of nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain that had been planned for next week in Las Vegas.

IGT in pact with Japanese firm: By Liz Benston; Japan's largest manufacturer of pachinko machines has approved a partnership with Reno slot maker International Game Technology to cooperate on the manufacture of pachinko devices as well as other gambling machines in anticipation of the legalization of casinos in Japan.

Flu provider faces charges: Employees at more than two dozen Las Vegas-area companies may have received flu shots from an unlicensed provider currently facing criminal prosecution in connection with administering the vaccine in Bellevue, Wash., Clark County health officials said Monday.

Motel coming down to make way for Venetian development: By Liz Benston; The 1950s-era Tam O' Shanter Motel near the Venetian resort will soon be demolished to clear the way for a long-planned resort on a strip of land north of The Venetian, though the resort isn't giving details about the long-awaited project.

Man kept child porn at county job, police say: Jen Lawson; A former Clark County employee was arrested Monday on charges of downloading more than 400 images of child pornography on his computer at the county Public Works Department.

Young seeks funds to add officers: Sheriff Bill Young says the police response that was needed under the heightened terrorism alert for the New Year's period bolsters his argument that he needs another 400 police officers.

Columnist Peter Benton: Slow play becoming big problem in golf: Peter Benton; There are reports circulating that the PGA Tour Policy Board may be changing its policy once again regarding slow play -- which really won't mean a thing until they start penalizing the slowpokes.

Galardi wants to withdraw his plea on racketeering charges: Jace Radke and Jeff German; Former strip club owner Michael Galardi is seeking an attorney to help him withdraw a guilty plea on federal racketeering charges.

State panel will try to protect bases: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- A new statewide commission will try to protect Nevada's military installations as the Defense Department studies which military bases should be closed next year.

Guinn: CCSN chief deserves day in court: Cy Ryan and Mary Manning; CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn said Tuesday that demoted community college President Ron Remington should have been allowed to appear before the university regents who took disciplinary action against him.

Ferraro, Pacini recall targets: Dan Kulin; Boulder City Mayor Bob Ferraro and City Councilman Mike Pacini are the targets of recall petitions launched Tuesday.

Scientists searched Vegas for dirty bombs: Jace Radke; F-16s flew over the Las Vegas Strip on New Year's Eve, and Energy Department scientists were discreetly testing for radioactive material and dirty bombs at street level, according to federal and local officials involved in the security effort.

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Champagne, well wishes flow for New Year's: Elizabeth Foyt; Held at their festively decorated home in Queensridge North, the gathering flowed with the gentle aid of fine champagne and spirits, complemented by the clever commentary of guests Marilyn and Mel Larson, Ric and Trish Truesdell, Harlan and Kay Braaten, Ben and Janet Spano, Terry and Rhonda Shonkwiler and Dr. David Crossley and his wife, Carol.

Obituaries for Jan. 7, 2004: Sellastean Baines, 96, of Las Vegas died Monday in Las Vegas. A resident for two years, she was born June 5, 1907, in Oklahoma.

Longtime mentor, recreation director Haynes dies: When Joe Haynes was 12 hours late arriving in Las Vegas one day in the summer of 1955, his brother Marques was worried.

Editorial: Statement no substitute for fairness: On Friday, however, three regents broke their silence. Their four-page statement says they voted to demote Cummings because he was part of an effort -- one not authorized by the board -- to change CCSN from a two-year to a four-year college. They said he helped create Assembly Bill 511, which would have brought about the change had the 2003 Legislature approved it. They said their vote was also based on Cummings' action in advocating for $500,000 that had "mysteriously been tacked onto" a routine appropriations bill for the college.

Letter: Museum exhibit is appreciated: Being an avid and enthusiastic admirer of the impressionists and their paintings, I was quite skeptical that this current exhibit, on display through May 2, which features post-impressionist artwork, would hold any appeal for me. I am pleased to say, however, that I found the current exhibit to be an excellent collection of paintings representing a wide range of European and American artists.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Property offers great shopping: This year my annual holiday journey didn't require much traveling. Long before the government issued an orange travel alert I had decided to stay closer to home and secured reservations at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas.

Pet sterilization highlights litter control plan: Heather Rawlyk; Those interested can call Clark County Animal Control at 455-7710. A list of the 20 community centers that are giving out vouchers can be found on the Internet (co.clark.nv.us/parks/homepage.htm).

Letter: Bush's obsession is not worth war's steep price: True, and 485 brave men and women of our military forces would still be alive. And 2,000 soldiers would not be recovering from wounds with varying degrees of disability. And 130,000 members of the finest army in the world would not be at risk 24/7 fighting an unwinnable guerrilla war. It is mission impossible to defeat an enemy if who they are, where they are, and when they will strike or where or how are all unknown.

Community briefs for Jan. 7, 2004: The University of California, Los Angeles African Arts Ensemble's Envision Vocals will be performing from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday in Summerlin Library's Performing Arts Center, 1771 Inner Circle Drive.

IGT accused of filing false tax returns: Brendan Riley; CARSON CITY -- A whistleblower auditor claims that International Game Technology, the world's leading slot machine manufacturer, knowingly filed false state tax returns and could owe Nevada more than $20 million in back taxes.

Editorial: Terror has no borders: By the end of next year, the system will have been expanded to include 50 land border crossings into the United States. We hope the expansion eventually includes the 27 nations, mostly in Europe, whose citizens are allowed to travel here for 90 days without visas. Right now, citizens from those countries are exempt from the new requirements. We see this as a loophole, one that threatens the effectiveness of the new security measure. It's naive to believe that terrorists would never come from certain countries. Richard Reid, the so-called shoe bomber, for example, was a British citizen traveling on ...

City's Hatch Act probe criticized: Dan Kulin; A semi-retired Las Vegan said he thinks Henderson violated election laws by looking into whether the federal Hatch Act precluded Richard Perkins from being both speaker of the state Assembly and a city deputy police chief.

Dinner with Andre: French-born Rochat graduates hard-knock school, excels in Las Vegas: Ken Miller; He's quick to note he has made several enemies over the course of his career and his dedication to having everything measure up to his specifications can be overpowering.

Telecom execs may be charged: The Wells notices, which give the recipients a chance to argue their cases before the SEC takes action, relate to swaps of fiber-optic network capacity with rivals that Qwest used to boost sales.