Print edition for January 29, 2004

Lady Rebels have incentive tonight at Air Force: It's the calm before the storm for the red-hot Lady Rebels, who return to Mountain West Conference play tonight at Air Force and Saturday at New Mexico, where a sellout crowd of 18,000-plus is expected to greet them at the raucous Pit.

Spaghetti Bowl-area changes seen: Dan Kulin; Costly improvements to Interstate 15 and other roads just south of the Spaghetti Bowl can't come soon enough for some neighbors of the often congested highway interchange.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Propositional phase grabs the bettors: Welcome to Las Vegas, where it's legal to end a sentence as well as a big football game with a proposition, provided "Super Bowl" is the subject and "betting" the verb.

Copeland's impact felt on and off field: Adam Candee; Day became night as the rain began to fall in Reno at Mackay Stadium, an appropriate backdrop to the close of an emotionally trying season for Las Vegas High School's football team.

Obituaries for Jan. 29, 2004: James E. Carroll, 78, of North Las Vegas died Tuesday in a local hospital. He was born March 3, 1925, in Casey Creek, Ky. A resident for 47 years, he was a retired chef and a World War II Army veteran.

Woman, boyfriend charged in 2002 slaying in Henderson: Jen Lawson; Henderson Police on Wednesday charged two people with a murder that has remained unsolved for 14 months.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Steele sees boxing on the decline in Nevada: Dean Juipe; Surveying a gymnasium that was bustling with activity and stretched to its capacity, former world-class referee Richard Steele wondered aloud on a couple of pertinent topics: What will happen to these fighters when Nevada Partners closes its gym April 1, and why is it that hardly any of these men and women who are training actually have fights scheduled within Las Vegas?

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Standing up for justice: It is a time when Jews the world over ask to be inscribed in the Book of Life for the coming year. To be so rewarded, one has to have lived an honorable life prior to that time and atoned for whatever sins were committed, as is always the case.

Bankrupt Castaways forced to close: Nevada Gaming Control Board Chairman Dennis Neilander said that about 12 enforcement and audit officers assisted in the shutdown of the hotel and casino and that they would probably be there through the evening hours completing the closure.

Sports briefs for January 29, 2004: Denmark's Thomas Bjorn shot an 8-under-par 64 today, giving him a one-stroke lead over Nick Faldo after the first round of the Johnnie Walker Classic in Bangkok, Thailand.

Plans delayed for nuclear weapons plant: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- The Energy Department has temporarily delayed its plans to build a nuclear weapons trigger plant that could end up in Nevada.

Sun All-State Football Defense Team: Sun Staff Report; Noteworthy: A disruptive force on the Falcons' defense, one of the strongest units in the state ... All-Southern Nevada first teamer as a defensive lineman ... Foothill made at least the Sunrise Region semifinals for the third consecutive year ... lost to Las Vegas in the semifinals, but held the Wildcats to a touchdown for the first half ... recorded 50 tackles (including four for loss), 2.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and two pass breakups ... committed to Fresno State, along with Falcons DL Mike Roland, to play college football.

Editorial: Thwarting 9-11 panel: From the start the White House has feared the report could be politically damaging to President Bush. The administration has made it increasingly difficult for the commission to do its job, refusing to turn over documents to the commission in a timely manner. Ironically, it has been the White House's own stonewalling that has led to the commission having difficulty in finishing its important task.

Goodman defends touting son's firm at conference: Sito Negron; Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman insisted Wednesday that he did nothing wrong when he gave his colleagues at the National Conference of Mayors meeting in Washington, D.C., invitations to a mixer sponsored by his son's business.

Cheyenne's Peeples gets all the attention: Adam Candee; For a quiet kid, it really is amazing how David Peeples attracts spotlight, for better or for crazier.

Knife gets youngster suspended: By Emily Richmond; A Henderson fourth grader has been suspended after showing a pocket knife to classmates on the bus ride to school, Clark County School District officials said Wednesday.

LV sailors play key submarine roles: Dick Benoit; The fast-attack submarine is one of the most advanced and powerful weapons in America's military forces. One such submarine is USS Scranton (SSN 756). With an arsenal of Tomahawk missiles and Mk-48 torpedoes, USS Scranton can hunt for and destroy enemy submarines, and take on surface ships and targets ashore. The submarine's crew of less than 130 sailors carries out some of the most challenging work in the Navy.

American Express in alliance: American Express, which is based in New York, said that MBNA Corp. will issue its own American Express-branded credit cards starting later this year.

Letter: Voters should choose wisely: Do we want to cater to select groups at the expense of the majority? Do we want the winner to be indebted to those expecting rewards for their so-called generosity? Let's evaluate each slogan, promise, speech, plan, intention and proposal before deciding whether they are valid, realistic, practical, unbiased and satisfactory for all people.

Sun All-State Football Offense Team: Sun Staff Report; Noteworthy: Proof that size and statistics are not the only measures of a quarterback ... selected to the All-Southern Nevada first team ... unquestioned leader of Basic program who came back from a season-ending knee injury as a junior to lead Wolves to near-upset of state finalist Las Vegas in playoffs ... passed for 1,840 yards with 22 touchdowns ... also ran for 543 yards and four scores ... passed for 240 yards and four TD, and ran for 136 yards and a TD against in 40-34 playoff loss to Las Vegas.

VA assures there will be new facilities: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- A Veterans Affairs official is assuring Rep. Shelley Berkley that Southern Nevada will receive three new veterans health care facilities regardless of any medical additions at Nellis Air Force base.

Medicaid computer switch causes problems for doctors: CARSON CITY -- Low-income families may have trouble finding doctors to care for them because of the problems of installing a new computer system for the state's Medicaid program, officials said Wednesday.

Another bankruptcy judge possible: The House passed another bankruptcy reform bill Wednesday that included a new judgeship for Nevada. Congress has approved the new slot before, but it has never made it all the way to the president.

Rural residents opposed to gated development: Dan Kulin; Residents of a rural preservation area in North Las Vegas are fighting a proposed residential development they fear will infringe on their way of life and open the door to future dense development in their neighborhood.

Medical malpractice insurance company pulling out of Nevada: CARSON CITY -- APA, a medical malpractice insurance company that received permission to raise rates by 10.5 percent in December, is pulling out of Nevada.

Three indicted in airlines ticket case: Jace Radke; Three people have been charged with defrauding travel agencies and commercial airlines by using false upgrade codes to acquire first-class or business-class tickets at reduced rates and then selling the tickets at inflated prices.

Gaughan making transition: Based on the way he joked with reporters and mugged for photographers Wednesday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Brendan Gaughan is having little trouble adjusting to life on the NASCAR Nextel Cup circuit.

BLM to require $10,000 deposit at auctions: Jennifer Shubinski; The Bureau of Land Management will require potential bidders at its future Las Vegas land auctions to each put down a deposit of $10,000. This is aimed at curbing a growing problem at the auctions -- defaults.

516261446.html: Roush Racing's loss may turn into a personal gain for Kurt Busch.

Letter: More money won't improve school system: The District of Columbia has the highest per-pupil funding of any school district in the country. Yet it has by far the lowest test scores of any district. The situation became so bad that the federal government had to take control of it.

Planners reject new DMV site: Dan Kulin; The North Las Vegas Planning Commission on Wednesday voted against the Department of Motor Vehicles' preferred site for a new office, citing problems raised by neighbors and commission members.

MWC coaches want Majerus to put health first: Steve Guiremand; The news that Rick Majerus may have coached his last game at Utah because of health problems didn't come entirely as a shock in Mountain West Conference basketball circles.

Prop bets offer wild, wacky fun: It's nearly as thick as the Old Testament, and just as fraught with peril for the imprudent.

Editorial: Seize chance to transform vital service: Over the past four or five decades, the commission found, the system has become fragmented and parochial to the point of being largely ineffective. At the same time, medical research has advanced rapidly, offering great promise if only there was an efficient way to deliver on the findings. The report says that if the administration of mental health programs could be transformed, there would be every chance for most patients to permanently recover -- as opposed to encountering barriers that severely limit their chances. They could lead full lives, holding jobs and enjoying family life and social opportunities.

Establishing his agenda: Dean Juipe; The infamous "Black Book" that is compiled and overseen by the state's Gaming Control Board may soon have a partner, if Nevada State Athletic Commission chairman John Bailey has his way.

Community briefs for Jan. 29, 2004: College-bound high school students can take the ACT Assessment on April 3, the next nationwide test date.

News briefs for Jan. 29, 2004: A Las Vegas man was sentenced Tuesday to 78 months in prison for the July 1, 2002, robbery of a Colonial Bank branch at 4640 S. Fort Apache Road.

Monet: Bellagio ignores detractors, snares coveted works: By Kristen Peterson; What the artist would have thought about his work hanging in the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art in Las Vegas is up for grabs.

Rebels' Beck says all is OK: Steve Guiremand; UNLV held its first practice since Monday night's bizarre and disappointing 89-83 overtime loss at Colorado State on Wednesday afternoon. And despite rumors swirling to the contrary, starting small forward Romel Beck showed up and took part.

Peeples, Copeland earn top honors: Adam Candee; The statistics can tell you plenty about the value of both Cheyenne's David Peeples and Las Vegas' Stanley Copeland in 2003.

Lawmakers criticize Education Dept. over No Child Left Behind funds: CARSON CITY -- The state Department of Education came under criticism Wednesday from legislators who fear that $26 million in federal funds from the No Child Left Behind Act will not be spent.

State's takeover of female inmates' medical care blocked: CARSON CITY -- Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, on Wednesday blocked a state takeover of the medical care of female inmates at the state's women's prison in North Las Vegas because, he said, he wanted to make sure the state didn't shortchange taxpayers.

Galardi appeals $1.1 million fine: Sito Negron; Jack Galardi is appealing a record $1.1 million city fine against the strip club Cheetahs, claiming that the penalty was too large and that the city had no business taking action against his club.

Sibling murderers avoid death penalty: Jace Radke; Both Susanne Carno and John Ray avoided a potential death sentence this morning by agreeing to serve two consecutive life sentences each, with the possibility of parole after 40 years.

Garages fall short on revenue: Ed Koch and Sito Negron; The Las Vegas-financed parking garage at Neonopolis is not making enough money to repay the bonds that were issued to build it, and the city's parking facility across from City Hall may be in similar financial straits.

Mothers form group to save kids from being tried as adults: Erica D. Johnson; The group of five stay-at-home moms, who have dubbed themselves "Moms on a Mission," are hoping the case of the 16-year-old boy charged with causing the crash that killed three of his friends will convince lawmakers that there should be some exceptions to state laws that charge children as adults.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: John keying in on 'Red Piano' debut: In fact, John himself was seen "Rocket Man"-ing around the Caesars stage early Sunday with show producer David LaChappelle before "Benny-and-the-Jet"-ting off to Los Angeles to attend the Golden Globes.

Nevada taxable sales rose 7.5% in November: CARSON CITY -- Taxable sales, a key indicator of Nevada's economy, rose 7.5 percent in November, the 17th straight monthly increase.

Gaming briefs for Jan. 29, 2004: The Culinary Workers Union Local 226 today said it stepped up its effort to organize workers at the bankrupt Aladdin hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip.

Henderson drops housing demand for BLM auction: Jennifer Shubinski; In an attempt to sell 1,940 acres that elicited no bids at last year's Bureau of Land Management auction, Henderson has eliminated its affordable housing requirement for the land.

Redefining 'a friend in need': Jennifer Knight; Tommy Cash's friend of 35 years, Michael Clark, gave him the one thing no one else could this week -- his kidney.

Education measure a tall order: Emily Richmond and Cy Ryan; If a ballot initiative passes to raise Nevada's per-pupil spending rate to the national average, the change would require additional funding of more than a half-billion dollars, based on the figures being used by the organizations that are pushing the initiative.

Medicaid computer changes cause trouble for doctors: CARSON CITY -- Low-income families may have trouble finding doctors to care for them because of the problems of installing a new computer system for the state's Medicaid program, officials said Wednesday.

Sierra Health posts strong earnings: Michelle Swafford; Sierra Health Services Inc. of Las Vegas, the largest health insurer in Nevada, on Wednesday reported a fourth-quarter profit of $4.8 million, or 16 cents per share, exceeding analysts' expectations by 5 cents.

Troubled seniors home likely to close: The Bel Aire West apartments, which have been operating in Las Vegas for eight months on an expired business license, are expected to close today, and the 34 senior citizens who have been living there are scrambling to find new homes, authorities said this morning.

Super Bowl XXXVIII: Delhomme's tale an unlikely trip: Lynn Zinser; Two summers ago, Jake Delhomme and his father spent a stretch of a bayou summer in Breaux Bridge, La., pulling bricks off a small, old house. The heat soared into the 90s, the humidity as thick and wet as the bayou itself. Jake was moving his grandparents' house a quarter-mile down the road, so he and his wife, Keri, could refurbish it and live in it. People zipping by on the two-lane highway stared in disbelief. An NFL quarterback and his father, sweating through their clothes, tore down the bricks by hand.

Mayor says he repeated what Gibbons told him: Sito Negron; He told CNN talk show host Wolf Blitzer last week that cities should be the first stop for homeland security money, since cities generally are the first responders to large-scale disasters. Instead, the money is funneled through states in a complex process.

Business briefs for Jan. 30, 2004: TOKYO -- Profit at Sony Corp. fell 26 percent in the December quarter, hurt by restructuring costs, a stronger yen and declining revenue in the movie and video game divisions.

Moulin Rouge revival planned: By Ed Koch; The plan by the Moulin Rouge's new owners to build a $200 million casino and entertainment complex on the 15-acre site devastated by arson last spring has one local gaming expert saying such an undertaking does not appear to be a good idea for that property.

Health care overhaul promoted at LV forum: Michelle Swafford; Big changes in the health care industry could offset escalating health care costs, but buyers and sellers of health care have been reluctant to consider new options, industry consultants say.

Super Bowl controversy erupts at Palms resort: By Liz Benston; The Palms hotel-casino has canceled a sold-out broadcast of the Super Bowl in its movie theater after the property was threatened with legal action by the National Football League, a move the resort says could threaten countless other broadcasts across Las Vegas in the days leading up to Sunday's game.

Super Bowl XXXVIII: Brady makes strides under pressure: Judy Battista; The blitz kept coming, and in the cool spring air of Ann Arbor, Mich., a whip-thin freshman quarterback kept going down. He had been in the offense only a few months, since he had forsaken a surefire starting role near home at California for the scrum of playing time at Michigan. At Michigan, they run full-speed scrimmages, and the quarterback would appreciate that much later.

Write-offs hurt bottom lines of Station, Caesars: By Liz Benston; Losses at Caesars Entertainment Inc. of Las Vegas widened in the fourth quarter after the company wrote down the value of two resorts and performance declined in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. But the company today said it is tracking better results so far this year for the Super Bowl and convention attendance and will reap bigger rewards from an expansion under way at its Caesars Palace flagship.

Ted unveils fares; Delta adds LV flight: The company's Internet site says tickets to Denver on Ted will cost $298 for a round trip, compared with the unrestricted fare of $636 on the United mainline. Low-fare competitor Frontier offers tickets on the route for $342 on its Internet site.

Super Bowl XXXVIII: The strange road to Super Bowl I: Richard Sandomir; TThere was a time when the Super Bowl was not a megaevent, a symbol of American excess or celebrated as a national holiday.

Vegas firm's shares fall: Citadel said in a statement that it filed to sell 28 million shares -- 8 million in newly issued shares and 20 million shares from investors including Forstmann Little, which has owned the broadcaster since a $2 billion leveraged buyout in June 2001. The transaction will reduce Forstmann Little's stake to 58 percent from 78 percent.

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