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Print edition for January 16, 2004

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Thursday.
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 rehabilitation are completed.
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.
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.
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 close to the vest.
Columnist Susan Snyder: Excuse us as we offer excuses
WEEKEND EDITION
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. today at the gallery. Admission is free. 382-3886 or 455-8239.
Columnist Muriel Stevens: Puck finally gets his Hallmark moment
Just kidding.
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.
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 the filibuster, which is supported by Nevada's Democratic Sen. Harry Reid. Fortunately, the move to end the filibuster came up short by three votes. This week Ensign said that he will not support any new efforts to break the filibuster and will work against the energy bill in all ways available to him. We agree with his new stand and respect him for making a ...
Reporters ask for access to Stewart jury selection
Reporters ask for access to Stewart jury selection
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.
Constructing a change
Heather Rawlyk
WEEKEND EDITION
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.
Future of government employees as legislators on the line
WEEKEND EDITION
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.
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.
Columnist Jon Ralston: Regents sinking to new low
WEEKEND EDITION
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.
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 to be a Nevada resident before becoming eligible for in-state tuition rates. This action came to light just within the past few days, thanks to Sarah Renteria, a Community College of Southern Nevada student from California who did her homework. In registering for her spring classes, she was surprised when college officials told her she wasn't eligible for the much lower rate because she hadn't ...
Guitar Jonny
Spencer Patterson
WEEKEND EDITION
Consumer confidence improves
The University of Michigan's preliminary measure of consumer sentiment, announced today, jumped to 103.2 from December's 92.6.
Performing Arts for Jan. 16, 2004
Chamber symphony
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 and harvesting their pelts.
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 City, Angrave says, "intimidated" him, so he hopped a bus and headed to North Carolina instead -- is beside the point.
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 Army of 10.5 to 11 suicides per 100,000 troops. They have nine combat stress teams working with the troops in that country and between 300 and 400 troops have been medically evacuated for mental health problems.
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.
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?
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 a sack lunch, and light refreshments will be available. 229-1087.
Editorial: Board must admit its mistakes
January 17 - 18, 2004
Where I Stand -- Columnist Brian Greenspun: A reason to believe
WEEKEND EDITION
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.
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.
Letter: Smoking in public places is act of terrorism
January 17 - 18, 2004
Editorial: Stop sitting on funds
January 17 - 18, 2004
Inspired by King, county celebrates Peace Week
Heather Rawlyk
WEEKEND EDITION
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 ruled Thursday.
Letter: Put Bush's ranch on nuclear route
January 17 - 18, 2004
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Columnist Jeff German: FBI hits boxing's underside
WEEKEND EDITION
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.
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.
Holiday Closings
SAFETY: Police and fire emergency services as usual. Administrative offices closed.
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 in coordinating all of the responding agencies gave Nevada the greatest degree of protection.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NASCAR test schedule
Monday, Jan. 26-Tuesday, Jan.27
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 made contact with the undercover FBI agent during his 20 months in the city.
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.
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 competitors, including a Las Vegas start-up carrier.
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 dare to step into the ring tonight in Birmingham, Ala., to participate in a questionable fight that, at the very least, seems designed to provide him with an easy night's work?
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.
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."
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 peace and quiet around their homes.
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. of Biloxi, Miss.
Flu season begins to slow down
But it isn't over.
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.
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 yet-to-be-built stadium just off the Strip.
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 Cummings, on grounds that the university regents repeatedly violated Nevada's open-meeting law.
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 local strip club owner.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Marketing expo held at Mandalay Bay
Marketing expo held at Mandalay Bay
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.
News briefs for Jan. 16, 2004
Clark County Commissioner Yvonne Atkinson Gates officially announced Thursday that she will endorse Democratic presidential hopeful Howard Dean.
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 transfer ownership to the casino giant.

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