Print edition for January 30, 2004

$25 million raised for new Gorman: The capital campaign will continue to help defray the cost of constructing the 187,000-square-foot facility off Hualapai Way near Russell Road, a spokeswoman for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Vegas said. The school, which is expected to cost between $35 million and $40 million, is slated to open for the 2007-08 academic year.

Lawyer announces for Nevada Supreme Court seat: AP; Mason held news conferences in Las Vegas and Reno to make official his bid for a high court seat because of the court's decision last July to temporarily let lawmakers approve tax hikes without a mandatory two-thirds' supermajority.

Future of historic resort unclear: Liz Benston, Alana Roberts, Richard N. Velotta; Gaming industry observers are split over whether the Castaways -- a historic 447-room hotel-casino at the north end of Boulder Highway that closed Thursday -- will ever open again.

Coroner inquest to rule on officer's killing of suspect: Jen Lawson; A Clark County coroner's inquest jury began this morning to decide whether Metro Sgt. Clint Robison's killing of an unarmed 32-year-old man in December was lawful.

KB Toys to close: KB Toys to close

Man critical after being shot by officer: Jace Radke; Capt. Tom Lozich said the officer told investigators that he shot the man because the man had lunged at him with a "military-type combat knife."

Super Bowl puts sports, gaming link in forefront: Bill Wilson sat in his Qualcomm Stadium office this week in San Diego, looked at a framed 25-by-30-inch color photograph of last year's Super Bowl and found something out of place.

Regents reduce in-state tuition standard: Heather Rawlyk; After a heated two hours the university system Board of Regents unanimously agreed Thursday to reduce the amount of time students must live in Nevada before they become eligible for in-state tuition.

'Mydoom' e-mail virus spreading: Jennifer Knight; Like a nasty cold that hangs around for days, the "Mydoom" virus plaguing e-mail systems has become a pain in the gigabyte to Las Vegas Valley businesses and municipalities.

Commissioners plan discussion on growth effects: Facing concerns about the pace of development and use of water and other resources, county officials plan to outline a proposal Monday to chart the future of growth in Clark County.

Gaming briefs for Jan. 30, 2004: The reopening of Binion's Horseshoe in downtown Las Vegas is not expected to be delayed by asbestos concerns, an official with Harrah's Entertainment Inc. said Thursday.

Vacation Village site sold; retail development planned: Jennifer Shubinski; In a joint-venture deal, Turnberry Associates and Centra Properties LLC have purchased the closed Vacation Village hotel-casino on Las Vegas Boulevard and plan to develop a retail center and possibly other projects on the site.

Casinos cashing in on the average Joe for the Super Bowl: By Liz Benston; It's that time of year again, when tourists put on their party helmets and make the pilgrimage to Las Vegas to watch the Super Bowl.

Editorial: A new day for growth strategies: Jan. 31 - Feb. 1, 2004

Performing Arts for January 30, 2004: The Chieftains

Columnist Susan Snyder: Bowled over by leap year: WEEKEND EDITION

Fela Kuti fans celebrate rhythm method: Spencer Patterson; A few years ago, piecing together Fela Kuti's considerable catalog was a trying (not to mention expensive) venture for fans of the Nigerian bandleader.

Bowie will have Las Vegas seeing double: Spencer Patterson; He's known by such fanciful nicknames as the Thin White Duke and Ziggy Stardust, but tonight David Bowie brings a dose of reality to Las Vegas.

Despite defections, 'Magic Show' trudges forward: Magicians keep disappearing from the "The World's Greatest Magic Show" at the Sahara.

Happy Talk: By Jerry Fink; Comedian George Wallace is a man who is serious about his comedy. The native of Atlanta says he always knew that eventually he would become a stand-up comic, but he was determined not to be a starving artist.

Columbia memory will live on in school's mural, garden: Heather Rawlyk; WEEKEND EDITION

Animal attraction: By Steve Kanigher; A proposal to build a major zoo in Las Vegas has suddenly appeared on the horizon, but the plan must clear many hurdles in order to succeed.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Mayor can't help son this way: WEEKEND EDITION

Program gives children lessons in safety: Heather Rawlyk; WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Jeff German: Casino closings a wake-up call for LV: WEEKEND EDITION

Editorial: Why dialogue is needed: Jan. 31 - Feb. 1, 2004

Letter: Faith-based service funding should be OK: Jan. 31 - Feb. 1, 2004

Datebook for Jan. 30, 2004: The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District is sponsoring the following programs throughout the city to celebrate February, African-American History Month:

Letter: Only one 'sin' really allowed: Jan. 31 - Feb. 1, 2004

Where I Stand -- Columnist Mike O'Callaghan: Honoring living and dead: WEEKEND EDITION

To art critics, Yu is so beautiful: But there is only so much an art critic can say, literally.

Mexican-American relations to be discussed at convention: By Timothy Pratt; A convention of groups representing communities from various states of Mexico living in the U.S. will be held on the Strip this weekend to address some of the big issues facing the two countries -- such as immigration and trade.

Convention attendance seen as sign of more Vegas growth: Ken Ritter; Double-digit growth in convention attendance in 2003 is one sign that Southern Nevada will continue to grow even if tribal gambling expands in California, a regional economist and a top Las Vegas tourism official said Thursday.

Judge keeps alive lawsuit filed by fired city manager: Dan Kulin; District Judge Jackie Glass on Wednesday denied dueling motions to dismiss former North Las Vegas City Manager Kurt Fritsch's lawsuit against the city over his July 16 firing, attorneys for both sides said.

Obituaries for Jan. 30, 2004: Alverna Albert, 53, of Las Vegas died Sunday in North Las Vegas. She was born June 1, 1950, in Tallulah, La. A resident for 30 years, she was a hotel cage manager.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: CDs unlikely to be pushed aside by downloads: Spencer Patterson; Those outlandish words came from the mouth of a respected research analyst at a gathering of music industry executives in France, Reuters reported this week.

Soda Straw Cave to stay closed for time being: Dan Kulin and Heather Rawlyk; The long-sealed Soda Straw Cave on Mount Charleston will remain closed despite efforts from some neighbors, officials said Thursday.

MyDoom.B creator sought for $250,000: The award, put up Thursday by Microsoft Corp., is the third so far as part of a $5 million program the software giant announced in early November to help identify the authors of unusually damaging Internet infections that target the company's products.

Touch of Gray: R&B artist pairs with Bowie for distinctive bill: Spencer Patterson; Gray and her seven-piece band have been the opening act on Bowie's "Reality" tour since mid-December. They play The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel at 8 tonight, then return next Friday for another show at the same venue.

Reid raises $6.2 million for his re-election campaign: Suzanne Struglinski and Kirsten Searer; WASHINGTON --- Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., has raised $6.2 million for his re-election campaign, while Republican opponent Richard Ziser has about $121,000, according to campaign representatives.

On Display for Jan. 30, 2004: The Bellagio hotel will exhibit 21 works of Claude Monet in a show entitled, "Claude Monet: Masterworks from the Museum of Fine Arts," from today until Sept. 13 at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. Admission is $15 general, $12 residents, seniors and students. 693-7871.

Animation studio splitting from Disney: The announcement surprised both Hollywood and Wall Street because many people expected that Steve Jobs, the mercurial chief executive of Pixar, and Disney's chief executive, Michael D. Eisner, would resolve their personal and professional differences to continue what has been a lucrative partnership for both companies.

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: Thoughtful Collins keeps perspective in check: Lisa Ferguson; The New York born-and-bred funny man peppers his conversation with quaint adages and other nuggets of knowledge gleaned, he says, from growing up in a "poor" family; as being a husband and the father of two nearly teenage girls; and, of course, from having seemingly "seen it all" during his more than two decades working in comedy.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Portly reports lead to action: Good ideas.

'Ba-Da-Bing' rings in new run at Ovation Theater: Producer Ben Morgan has signed a five-year joint venture agreement with the owners of Ovation Theater for 10,000 square feet upstairs in the two-story, 30,000-square-foot property located in Desert Passage mall.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Playing Sammy just one diversion for Dean: "It was fun dealing with people," said Dean, who wore a costume that turned him into the ball. "I earned $25 an hour doing promotions for the lottery. One time I shook hands with a guy who won $45 million."

State gets two applications for schools post: By Emily Richmond; Only two candidates have surfaced in the search for a new superintendent of Nevada's public schools, a position that is vacant as of Saturday.

Editorial: Start weapons probe: When it comes to assigning blame, Kay has said that it was the fault of the intelligence community -- himself included -- for not providing President Bush with better information. Kay's refreshing candor, something in short supply in Washington, is even rarer at the White House. Bush administration officials have yet to acknowledge that there was an intelligence gap, noting that the search for weapons of mass destruction is still ongoing in Iraq.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: AARP running to catch up: Even the conservative Wall Street Journal noted: "For the drug industry, the legislation is good news, at least in the short run. The benefit would be administered through private insurance plans or pharmacy benefit managers. Drug makers believe individual private buyers are less able to push down prices than a centralized government purchaser with a pool of 40 million patients.

Mason to run for Supreme Court: CARSON CITY -- John Mason, a lawyer who represents clients in the entertainment industry, said Thursday he would challenge Justice Deborah Agosti for a seat on the Nevada Supreme Court.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Chocolate Swan amazes at Mandalay Bay: There are two Chocolate Swans at Mandalay Bay. All of the candies, cakes and pastries are made in the Mandalay Place kitchens; all of the custard-based ice creams are produced in the kitchens of the Chocolate Swan on the casino level next to the House of Blues. Incredible as it might seem, Chocolate Swan owner Mary Basta creates every confection and pastry. There are no shortcuts taken. It's a remarkable feat that requires long hours and a good staff -- and a supportive spouse. Bob Basta is Mary's partner in life and business.

Senior home residents given time to move: The troubled Bel Aire West senior apartments will close -- but not right away.

Sports briefs for January 30, 2004: Six years after going corporate, the Dodgers are back to being family owned.

GDP disappoints: Gross domestic product rose at about half the pace of the third quarter, the Commerce Department said in Washington. The National Association of Purchasing Management-Chicago's factory index increased to 65.9, the highest in almost a decade, from December's 61.2. A reading above 50 signals growth.

Goodman says he didn't break law: Sito Negron; Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman said today that he doesn't believe he violated state law by allowing his city title to be on invitations he distributed for a party he hosted for his son's business during the U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting.

Amundson keeps ex-Lobo in his heart: Steve Guiremand; UNLV sophomore forward Louis Amundson has quietly been paying tribute to his former high school teammate and best friend Billy Feeney this season by wearing sneakers with "R.I.P. BF 34" written on the side in black ink.

Columnist Sal DeFilippo: Rudner wins Golden Nerf: Sal DeFilippo; Rita Rudner didn't grow up a football fan. In fact, some of the material in the comedian's nightly stand-up act comes at the expense of her husband, Martin, a devoted NFL fan.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Who needs the Froghorns? Certainly not the MWC: OK, maybe if the NCAA granted Slingin' Sammy Baugh a fifth year of eligibility -- and he wasn't 89 years old -- it would make sense for the Mountain West to add Texas Christian as its ninth member.

Police to analyze car 'black boxes': Jen Lawson; Metro Police will soon be turning more frequently to a silent, hidden witness when investigating unusually serious or puzzling vehicle crashes.

Williams drawing state pension: CARSON CITY -- Assemblyman Wendell Williams, D-Las Vegas, fired from his city job in Las Vegas, has now started to draw his pension from the state Public Employees Retirement System.

City's Safekey policies change after standoff: By Emily Richmond; A gunman's after-hours sprint through a Clark County elementary school has inspired new safety policies for Henderson's Safekey program.

Sen. Reid demands answers on Yucca silicosis illnesses: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- Some former Yucca Mountain workers are sick with the chronic lung disease silicosis, and Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., wants to know what the Energy Department knew about their exposure to dangerous materials that cause the sickness.

Lobos' Granger has familiarity with Rebels: Steve Guiremand; Danny Granger makes his first ever appearance at the Thomas & Mack Center on Saturday night with the New Mexico Lobos. But the frontrunner for Mountain West Conference player of the year honors is very familar with UNLV.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Gaughan set for land speed record attempt: After spending two full seasons in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Brendan Gaughan is used to driving a truck at high speeds.

Regent walks out, claiming open-meeting law violation: University regents may once again have violated the open-meeting law because a regent committee discussed a CCSN advertising contract Thursday morning without properly informing anyone from the agency they would be discussed, Regent Mark Alden alleged.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Sports books refuse to be 'middled' again: Dean Juipe; As a rule of thumb, the betting line for a given sporting event is set in such a manner that half of the people making a wager will take one side while the other half will take the other side.

Columnist Jeff German: Many GOP stalwarts back Reid: What sets Brown apart from other Nevadans backing Reid is that he's a Republican -- and not just any Republican.

News briefs for Jan. 30, 2004: The National Park Service has temporarily closed all land access to the Gold Strike Canyon area off U.S. 93, which leads to the Nevada Hot Springs. The closure will remain in effect until Dec. 31.

Toomin to seek Assembly seat: The seat is now held by Assemblywoman Kathy McClain, a Democrat, who was fired from her county job last year because officials determined that she had violated county policy by collecting county pay while serving during the Legislative session.

Auto dealers meet in Vegas; SUV sales projected to grow: Jennifer Shubinski; Love 'em or hate 'em -- SUVs are here to stay.

Regents briefs for Jan. 30, 2004: University regents unanimously approved a plan Thursday for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to work with the city of North Las Vegas to acquire federal land for a new regional campus.

DMV's kiosk a big hit with customers; more to be installed: Cy Ryan and Jace Radke; Trying to find a way to cut the wait in line, Alice Milliner hoped to arrive at the Carey Avenue branch of the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles just before closing Thursday.

UNLV routs Falcons: The Lady Rebels extended their winning streak to 10 games -- tied for fifth best in the nation. At 15-2, they are off to their best start since the 1992-93 season. The Lady Rebels are also tied with Utah for first in the MWC with a perfect 4-0 mark.

Letter: Junk food is too accessible to kids at schools: There are no vending machines in elementary schools, but there are student stores. When I was a child, principals encouraged parents not to send money with their children to school. Today, schools advertise to the kids about the great snacks that can be purchased at the student stores. I have watched students in my children's school throw out their lunches and go directly to the store to buy snacks.

Letter: Freedom depends on one's income: All you people out there who have nothing to hide have no fear of losing anything. The rest of you, start worrying.

Golf course only bad news in Ferraro's State of the City: Dan Kulin; During his annual State of the City address Thursday, Boulder City Mayor Bob Ferraro said the Boulder Creek Golf Club has been a financial disaster so far but he hopes good news will be coming soon.

Mental health center given show of support: The coalition voted to continue providing nearly $1.3 million in funding to WestCare, a Las Vegas nonprofit agency, for the program after hearing a report on its first year of operation.

Letter: Rules would halt double dipping: I am a retired state employee on a pension and Social Security and I am not allowed to double dip. Why should these people take advantage of the taxpayers? No wonder our state taxes are in such a terrible mess. If the cities, counties, college system and school districts throughout the state revamp their personnel rules and regulations, there should be an end to this issue soon.

Community briefs for Jan. 30, 2004: A final blood drive to benefit Chrissy Nelson, a leukemia patient in need of a bone marrow transplant, will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Rio.

Letter: Teen should be in Juvenile Court: I am working on a master's degree -- brain research in education. Thanks to modern technology, such as Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, we now can see exactly what happens in the brain as actual thinking is taking place. Remarkable discoveries have been made in the development of the brain. What we know is that the teen brain is not like an adult brain because the frontal lobes of the brain are not fully developed. Because of the undeveloped frontal lobes, teens are not capable of thinking rationally. Those of us who live with or work with teens see evidence of ...

Editorial: State should manage NLV prison itself: Even Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, a supporter of privatization, seemed to be thinking the same thing when he blocked the offer this week after it came before the Legislative Interim Finance Committee. Intuition alone tells us that $14 a day per inmate -- $7,700 a day if the prison was full -- would not likely cover the medical costs the state would be assuming. Just one major medical procedure, let alone the actual number that might occur every day among more than 500 inmates, could top that amount.

Fishing Report: Trout-like lures bring success at lake: Boaters and shore anglers reported to Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) creel census clerks that they experienced good success for striped bass throughout the lower basin of Lake Mead.

Doctors alarmed by talk of tests: Kirsten Searer; A proposal to test doctors for proficiency won't improve patient care and will discourage doctors from coming to Nevada, frustrated physicians told the Board of Medical Examiners on Thursday.

Prosecutors didn't seek death in Carno case: Erica D. Johnson; Prosecutors had not planned to argue for the execution of the sister and brother pair convicted in a murder-for-hire scheme.

Schedule eases for Las Vegas: Nick Christensen; The Las Vegas Wranglers have been hampered by injuries, have lost seven of their last 14 games, and were defeated 5-2 Tuesday night in a first-place matchup with San Diego.

Letter: Friedman's views on Israel changed: Friedman then reasoned that Israel did not have to ask anyone's consent to establish these security arrangements. They would be determined and maintained by Israel alone. Once the withdrawals would be completed, the Palestinians would be free to establish any kind of government they desired. The rules of co-existence would be Chicago Rules. You pull a knife, we'll pull a gun; you put one of ours in the hospital, we'll put 200 of yours in the morgue; and so on. If problems persist we will not allow any of you to work in Israel. If the Palestinians wish to have ...

Jet-setting Lavin enjoying time on ESPN: Pam Ward has the delivery, insight and knowledge that should propel her to the upper echelon of the industry, and we're looking forward to her inclusion in the CBS fold for Final Four weekend some day.

Showboat-turned-Castaways has storied LV history: In a city where there was Grand Prix auto racing, world title boxing matches and professional golf tournaments, the Showboat Hotel miles from the glittering Strip held its own in the 1980s as a major local sporting venue.

Columnist Barb Henderson: County's fifth urban pond set to open in Mesquite: Barb Henderson; Try your luck at a new fishing hole found in our neck of the woods -- Mesquite.

Letter: Workers can't speak up at DOE: What employee is going to voice a concern against the repository project, knowing full well his or her superiors are pushing the project full speed ahead?