Las Vegas Sun

Archive for January 16, 2004

Few recall rubbing shoulders with undercover detective: Dean Juipe; For all of "Big Frankie" Manzione's supposed desire to make connections within the Las Vegas boxing community and ingratiate himself with its active participants, few outside the offices of Top Rank Inc. appear to have ...; 11:22 a.m.

Marketing expo held at Mandalay Bay: Marketing expo held at Mandalay Bay; 11:22 a.m.

Convict at center of federal boxing probe: Ed Koch and Jeff German; Among the more curious aspects of the federal investigation into allegations of fixed boxing matches is Joey Torres, a one-time amateur boxing champion who served 23 years in prison for murder.; 11:21 a.m.

Justices have little to note on reports: CARSON CITY -- Nevada's Supreme Court justices didn't do much campaign fund-raising last year, according to their disclosure reports.; 11:21 a.m.

Tuition battle gets personal for Cloobeck: Heather Rawlyk; When Las Vegas businessman Stephen Cloobeck opened his mail Thursday evening, he couldn't believe his eyes.; 11:18 a.m.

News briefs for Jan. 16, 2004: Clark County Commissioner Yvonne Atkinson Gates officially announced Thursday that she will endorse Democratic presidential hopeful Howard Dean.; 11:17 a.m.

America West wants D.C.-Vegas slot: America West Airlines is asking the U.S. Department of Transportation to allow additional service between Las Vegas and Washington D.C.'s Ronald Reagan National Airport, but the Tempe, Ariz.-based airline will have a long list of ...; 11:17 a.m.

House fire in which family died is blamed on candles: Jen Lawson; Clark County fire investigators have determined that the fire that killed a mother, father, son and family friend on Jan. 1 was accidentally caused by candles.; 11:14 a.m.

AG seeks to void CCSN firings: CARSON CITY -- Nevada Attorney General Brian Sandoval issued a stinging opinion and filed a lawsuit Thursday to void the demotions of former Community College of Southern Nevada President Ron Remington and his adviser, John ...; 11:14 a.m.

Flu season begins to slow down: But it isn't over.; 11:14 a.m.

Harrah's waiting for Behnen signature: By Liz Benston; Three days after Harrah's Entertainment Inc. said it had reached a preliminary agreement to buy the legendary Binion's Horseshoe in downtown Las Vegas, Horseshoe owner Becky Behnen has yet to sign a final deal to ...; 11:14 a.m.

Gaming briefs for Jan. 16, 2004: ST. LOUIS -- Two St. Louis city development commissions on Thursday tapped Pinnacle Entertainment Inc. of Las Vegas to operate a downtown casino complex, nudging out a rival proposal by Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. ...; 11:13 a.m.

Guinn: Land prices key to growth: Jennifer Shubinski; Gov. Kenny Guinn said Thursday that growth could slow because of the drought and the federal hold on land around the Las Vegas Valley -- which some say has caused land prices to skyrocket.; 11:12 a.m.

Hospital chief to retire: Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Inc., owner of the Las Vegas hospital, said a search is under way for Stipe's successor, but a retirement date has not been set.; 11:12 a.m.

Carrier to start one-stop service from Philippines: Philippine Airlines, the flagship air carrier of the island nation in the South Pacific, will inaugurate one-stop service to Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport in March.; 11:12 a.m.

Caesars may try to bring Expos to Vegas: Sito Negron; Caesars Entertainment Inc. is talking to Major League Baseball about moving a franchise to the Las Vegas Valley, a company spokesman confirmed Thursday. The discussions apparently include the prospect of fielding a team in a ...; 11:09 a.m.

Henderson, NLV residents join forces: Dan Kulin; Although they live on opposite ends of the Las Vegas Valley, neighbors of the North Las Vegas Airport and residents closest to a proposed heliport site south of Henderson are joining forces to fight for ...; 11:06 a.m.

Lung disease screenings available: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- Energy Department employees who helped dig tunnels at Yucca Mountain can get free screenings for the lung disease silicosis through a new department program.; 11:06 a.m.

Official: E-mail threat targeted person: Jace Radke; An e-mail sent from Carson City to the White House during the recent high terror alert threatened an individual, not Las Vegas or another Nevada city, state Homeland Security Adviser Jerry Bussell said.; 11:04 a.m.

Columnist Jeff German: Free speech not a given on Fremont: So forgive me for doing it one more time. I like to defend free speech whenever I get an opportunity.; 11:03 a.m.

Defense denied some wiretap access: Jace Radke; Because they relate to a developing investigation, certain conversations caught by FBI wiretaps will not be immediately given to the attorneys representing local politicians charged with trading political influence for money and gifts from a ...; 11:02 a.m.

Cheney raises $100,000 for absent Porter during LV visit: Kirsten Searer; Jon Porter called in sick on Thursday, but the congressman still made about $100,000.; 11:01 a.m.

Officials' campaign reports featured on county, state sites: Kirsten Searer; Caesars Palace gave Clark County Commissioner Rory Reid two Celine Dion tickets in 2003 valued at $300 -- meaning they probably weren't stage-side seats.; 11:00 a.m.

Strip club may get temporary liquor license: Clark County commissioners may allow the strip club Jaguars to reopen and serve alcohol as soon as Tuesday if they approve month-by-month liquor licenses for the club, officials said.; 11:00 a.m.

Board revokes licenses of two LV drug sellers: Michelle Swafford; Two related Las Vegas pharmaceutical wholesalers had their licenses revoked for an undetermined period after they were found guilty of 11 charges by the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy on Thursday.; 10:55 a.m.

Builders' show is chance for LV housing industry to shine: Jennifer Shubinski; Home builders are expected to descend on Las Vegas on Monday for the International Builders Show, which showcases some of the industry's newest products and trends in the home-building industry.; 10:54 a.m.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Wild hotel rumors are our property: The first one is seemingly outrageous -- but is also just plausible enough to warrant speculation: The owners of the Hard Rock Hotel have considered making an offer to buy its prime competitor, the Palms.; 10:49 a.m.

NASCAR test schedule: Monday, Jan. 26-Tuesday, Jan.27; 10:49 a.m.

Sports briefs for January 16, 2004: Sepp Blatter, in an interview with Swiss newspaper SonntagsBlick, said women's soccer needed different sponsors than the men's game and should try to attract fashion and cosmetics companies by featuring "more feminine uniforms."; 10:39 a.m.

Abdul-Khaliq just wants chance to play as a pro: Perhaps the best way to describe the Las Vegas All-American Classic at Sam Boyd Stadium is a lot of helmets you should recognize, and a lot of names you probably won't.; 10:36 a.m.

Columnist Dean Juipe: With the heat on boxing, it's business as usual: Dean Juipe; Eric "Butterbean" Esch is a likable guy with a big gut, a big punch and a big appetite for trouble. How else to explain why Esch, with the feds already breathing down his neck, would ...; 10:34 a.m.

DP's Travers ready to sign with Rebels: Steve Guiremand; UNLV football coach John Robinson welcomes nine new players on campus Monday when the spring semester starts.; 10:31 a.m.

Blassingame counting on more good fortune in SoCal: Steve Guiremand; UNLV point guard Jerel Blassingame says he is looking forward to this weekend's trip to San Diego. And it has nothing to do with the warm, sunny weather, the nearby beaches or Sea World.; 10:31 a.m.

With Majerus marching sidelines, apparently anything goes: The Bulldogs struggled, at 4-5, in their non-conference schedule. However, FSU has won its first five league games, and Legans owns a sterling 3.2-1 assists-to-turnovers ratio. He leads the WAC with 5.7 assists a game.; 10:18 a.m.

Lady Rebels set for run at Utah, MWC: Before the start of the season, the Mountain West women's basketball coaches ranked UNLV, which enters conference play with the league's best record, as only its fifth-best team.; 10:16 a.m.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Brack coming back no matter how high the hurdles: Despite his horrific crash three months ago in the Indy Racing League season finale at Texas Motor Speedway, Kenny Brack said he never has had second thoughts about returning to racing once his recovery and ...; 10:14 a.m.

Pennsylvania woman claims $60.2 million Powerball prize: Mark Scolforo; HARRISBURG, Pa. -- A 42-year-old machine operator from York came forward Thursday to claim half of the $221.5 million Powerball lottery jackpot.; 10:11 a.m.

Columnist Barb Henderson: Hatchery renovation behind schedule: Barb Henderson; The Lake Mead Fish Hatchery was closed in April for an $8 million renovation and expected to re-open this month. Don't look for that reopening to happen in January.; 10:11 a.m.

Woman pleads no contest to filing false report about lottery: M.R. Kropko; SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio -- A woman who said she lost a $162 million Mega Millions lottery ticket when she dropped her purse pleaded no contest Thursday for making the story up on a police report.; 10:09 a.m.

Firm files demolition plan for AC Tropicana garage: John Curran; ATLANTIC CITY -- A demolition plan has been filed for the section of Tropicana Casino and Resort parking garage that collapsed Oct. 30, killing four workers, but casino officials and public agencies are keeping it ...; 10:09 a.m.

Fishing: Anchovies catching stripers at Lake Mead: Boaters have been enjoying fairly good success for striped bass in Lake Mead's Boulder Basin while fishing has been slow for anglers who have been fishing from shore and in the Overton Arm.; 9:57 a.m.

Workers fired for abuse at youth detention centers: CARSON CITY -- Eleven employees have been disciplined -- five of them fired -- for using excessive force on juveniles at the state reformatories in Elko and Caliente, state Human Resources Director Mike Willden said ...; 9:51 a.m.

Ex-teacher sentenced in child sex cases: District Judge Michael Cherry sentenced John Richard Sinchak, 36, to two to five years in prison on one felony count of attempted lewdness with a child under 14.; 9:47 a.m.

Questions raised over leave for firefighters' union members: Sito Negron; Las Vegas wants to change a portion of its contract with the firefighters union that allows the fire chief to grant paid time off to members performing union business.; 9:44 a.m.

Two killed as tractor-trailer bumps car into I-15 tree: The women were in a red Chevrolet Cavalier heading south in the fast lane near Lake Mead Boulevard when a tractor-trailer bumped the car into the median.; 9:44 a.m.

Bigger parade expected Saturday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Heather Rawlyk; The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade will start at 10 a.m. Saturday in downtown Las Vegas, and continue until 1 p.m.; 9:31 a.m.

Valley first with regional post for homelessness: By Timothy Pratt; The Las Vegas Valley gained a regional coordinator on homelessness Thursday, becoming the first metropolitan area in the nation to make such a move, a national group said.; 9:31 a.m.

Olivares taking county media post: Olivares will assist the media and public with gathering information, scheduling media interviews and performing other tasks for the Spanish-language media. Olivares will also respond to the media's needs for information and interviews in Spanish.; 9:30 a.m.

Court: Forfeited property can be recovered: CARSON CITY -- A person whose property was forfeited after his arrest on drug trafficking charges has the right to seek recovery of the money if the criminal charges are dropped, the Nevada Supreme Court ...; 9:30 a.m.

County website features officials' campaign reports: Kirsten Searer; Caesars Palace gave Clark County Commissioner Rory Reid two Celine Dion tickets in 2003 valued at $300 -- meaning they probably weren't stage-side seats.; 9:29 a.m.

Community briefs for Jan. 16, 2004: The fifth annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at the Community College of Southern Nevada, 6375 W. Charleston Blvd.; 9:28 a.m.

Holiday Closings: SAFETY: Police and fire emergency services as usual. Administrative offices closed.; 9:28 a.m.

Consumer confidence improves: The University of Michigan's preliminary measure of consumer sentiment, announced today, jumped to 103.2 from December's 92.6.; 9:24 a.m.

Reporters ask for access to Stewart jury selection: Reporters ask for access to Stewart jury selection; 9:23 a.m.

Letter: Soldiers' death toll sadly mounts: Does the Bush administration have any plans to hold a celebration to provide the backdrop for a presidential photo op?; 8:47 a.m.

Letter: Bussell was an excellent choice: Working with the U.S. Homeland Defense director, former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, and Nevada's congressional delegation, Bussell was able to bring Nevada upward of $40 million to assist in a massive defense effort. His work ...; 8:47 a.m.

Letter: State's website wastes laid-off workers' time: When I tried again later, I spent another 15 minutes to be told once again that the site was offline and to try again later.; 8:46 a.m.

Editorial: Regents had no business revising law: Another of the board's actions at that meeting, however, was not very public. It cast aside a state law by increasing -- from six months to 12 months -- the length of time you have ...; 8:45 a.m.

Editorial: Ensign takes high road on stalled energy bill: We were concerned, however, when Ensign voted on Nov. 21 to end the Senate's filibuster of the bill. Passed easily by the House, the bill would have passed in the Senate, too, if not for ...; 8:45 a.m.

Obituaries for Jan. 16, 2004: Colby James Ahlstrom, 14, of Las Vegas died Sunday in Las Vegas. He was born March 17, 1989, in Nevada. He was a member of ROTC.; 8:43 a.m.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Please, no more excuses: Two day ago an Associated Press article told readers about 21 suicides among our troops during 2003. This rate is about 13.5 per 100,000 for troops in Iraq compared to the peacetime figures for the ...; 8:42 a.m.

High Rollers: Webber's hit 'Starlight Express' makes return to Las Vegas stage: Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical based upon the children's book "The Little Engine that Could" will be pulling into the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts Tuesday for a six-day run.; 8:32 a.m.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Rubin seas a chance for change: Rubin, 35, was 6 or 7 years old and living near Boston when he watched a wildlife segment that was prefaced by a parental guidance warning. It showed hunters clubbing baby harp seals to death ...; 8:28 a.m.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Longtime jazz great Menza calls it quits: The 68-year-old genius of jazz, who splits his time between homes in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, says he is finished.; 8:25 a.m.

Nievera proves great new voice in Vegas: He's an extraordinary entertainer determined to beat the odds and conquer Las Vegas the way he has conquered his fans in his native Philippines.; 8:24 a.m.

Performing Arts for Jan. 16, 2004: Chamber symphony; 8:23 a.m.

Coltrane's challenging style gets free rein in 'First' edition: Spencer Patterson; It's easy to dismiss John Coltrane's "First Meditations" as a non-essential oddity in his massive Impulse! Records catalog.; 8:22 a.m.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Margaritaville a Buffett buffet for Parrot Heads: Spencer Patterson; For hardcore Parrot Heads, there's another way to catch a free appearance by the 57-year-old Floridian singer: camp out at Margaritaville.; 8:22 a.m.

Datebook for Jan. 16, 2004: McAvoy Layne, the author of the biography "Hooked on Twain," will become Mark Twain from noon to 1 p.m. today at the Lloyd D. George Courthouse, 333 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Admission is free. Bring ...; 8:21 a.m.

On Display for Jan. 16, 2004: The Contemporary Arts Collective, 101 E. Charleston Blvd., hosts the show, "Glow," featuring artists from across the globe, from today to Feb. 15. An artists' reception will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. ...; 8:20 a.m.

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: Angrave is living his version of the American dream: Lisa Ferguson; In 1985, after performing only one professional stand-up gig in his native England, he flew across the pond to give comedy a try stateside. That he never made it to the show -- New York ...; 8:20 a.m.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Puck finally gets his Hallmark moment: Just kidding.; 8:19 a.m.

Future of government employees as legislators on the line: WEEKEND EDITION; 5:43 a.m.

Constructing a change: Heather Rawlyk; WEEKEND EDITION; 5:28 a.m.

Inspired by King, county celebrates Peace Week: Heather Rawlyk; WEEKEND EDITION; 5:27 a.m.

Columnist Jeff German: FBI hits boxing's underside: WEEKEND EDITION; 5:25 a.m.

Where I Stand -- Columnist Brian Greenspun: A reason to believe: WEEKEND EDITION; 5:24 a.m.

Editorial: Stop sitting on funds: January 17 - 18, 2004; 5:20 a.m.

Editorial: Board must admit its mistakes: January 17 - 18, 2004; 5:19 a.m.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Regents sinking to new low: WEEKEND EDITION; 5:17 a.m.

Letter: Put Bush's ranch on nuclear route: January 17 - 18, 2004; 5:16 a.m.

Letter: Smoking in public places is act of terrorism: January 17 - 18, 2004; 5:14 a.m.

VegasBeat -- Columnist Timothy McDarrah: Seinfeld will stand, by George: Timothy McDarrah; Call it a Seinfeld Surprise. New Flamingo Las Vegas comedy headliner George Wallace, who was the best man at Jerry Seinfeld's wedding, tells VegasBeat that his pal will appear onstage with him tonight.; 3:34 a.m.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Excuse us as we offer excuses: WEEKEND EDITION; 3:32 a.m.

Guitar Jonny: Spencer Patterson; WEEKEND EDITION; 3:32 a.m.

85 stories

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