Print edition for March 18, 2004

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Palms performs a popular impression: The Palms has announced its own monthly comedy show, clearly an answer to the success of "Jeff Beacher's Comedy Madhouse" at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel.

Developer comments on Desert Inn settlement: "It gives us a chance to develop all along Paradise Road," Wynn said, referring to the road on the east side of Wynn's Desert Inn parcel adjacent to most of the holdout owners' homes. "That's a commercial corridor with (obvious) commercial potential. But in the short term, (the purchase) won't have an effect on the project."

Man wanted for murder surrenders: Jen Lawson; The Las Vegas man wanted for killing his ex-girlfriend, wrapping her body in plastic and leaving her in the back seat of a car last week surrendered Wednesday to police in North Carolina.

Growing area produces market: This is the second new store to open in the fast-growing southwest Las Vegas Valley in recent days. Albertsons opened a store at 10140 W. Flamingo Road at Hualapai Way featuring amenities like a Starbucks coffee shop and a 30-minute photo developing service. Both new stores have U.S. Bank branches.

Southern hopefuls see light at the end: Adam Candee; It's OK to come out and play -- the mean lady is gone now.

Banks now probed in fraud tied to failure of WorldCom: NEW YORK -- The Securities and Exchange Commission is probing whether Citigroup Inc., J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., Bank of America Corp. and Deutsche Bank AG were aware that WorldCom Inc. was riskier than they told investors before a $10 billion bond sale, two people familiar with the matter said.

Sports briefs for March 18, 2004: Wranglers goaltender Marc Magliarditi was sent to the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League today on a loan, but Magliarditi is expected to be back in uniform for Las Vegas for the two-game weekend series with the Idaho Steelheads.

Credit ratings for state remain good: CARSON CITY -- Despite an uncertain economy and the threat of Indian gambling in California, Nevada has retained a strong credit rating from three major rating services.

Nevada Power Co. sues other utilities: Kevin Rademacher; Nevada Power Co. on Wednesday filed a federal lawsuit claiming that the Colorado River Commission and the Southern Nevada Water Authority conspired to damage the utility and its ratepayers during the Western energy crisis.

Lady Rebels set for shot at Pac-10: Here's how the Lady Rebels have fared all-time in the WNIT:

Woman's testimony opens murder trial: The trial of Julius Bradford, 18, began Wednesday on charges of murder with use of a deadly weapon and attempted robbery in the death of Benito Zambrano-Lopez, 48, along with Steven Perry, 17 and Tyrone Williams, 16. Perry and Williams will be tried separately from Bradford.

Prosecutors say shooting ended couple's troubled relationship: Erica D. Johnson; Opening arguments got under way Wednesday in the trial of a former attorney charged with gunning down his ex-wife in their Summerlin home in December 2000.

Guard who fathered baby in prison, inmate indicted: Erica D. Johnson; A former guard at the state women's prison in North Las Vegas and the inmate whose baby he fathered were indicted by a Clark County grand jury on Wednesday.

Archon loss widens on higher revenue: The company reported a loss of $1.5 million during the quarter, 2 percent more than the same quarter a year ago.

Assemblyman uses CPA letter to fight campaign charge: Kirsten Searer; Assemblyman Chad Christensen has provided a letter to the secretary of state from a CPA who said Christensen has not committed "any illegality or significant impropriety" with his campaign finances.

Flat Rebels routed in NIT: Steve Guiremand; BOISE, Idaho -- Demetrius Hunter had a feeling this was going to happen. So did just about everyone else in UNLV's traveling party.

Gaming briefs for March 18, 2004: The Gaming Standards Association, an international trade group consisting of major slot machine makers, has developed a "tool kit" that will help the industry develop standardized technology more quickly.

Inmate and guard who fathered her baby indicted: Erica D. Johnson; A former guard at the state women's prison in North Las Vegas and the inmate whose baby he fathered were indicted by a Clark County grand jury on Wednesday.

Gaming panel, McMahon endorse deal: The Nevada Gaming Commission also voted 4 to 0 today to approve the $82 million deal to buy the four properties as well as an option to buy the El Cortez. The transaction includes 62 parcels of downtown real estate.

Catching up with...Dani Delgado: Where she is now: Syracuse

Commission OKs buffer zones near Indian Springs: The Clark County Commission moved Wednesday to take out more than 2,400 acres in and around Indian Springs from potential development -- but in the same move settled some long-standing zoning issues that could allow homes nearby.

Patriot Act warning issued: A leading national law expert told UNLV law students Wednesday that heightened citizen awareness of the government's increased powers under the Patriot Act may help prevent problems similar to what occurred during the Watergate era.

Obituaries for March 18, 2004: Samuel P. Aleccia, 90, of Las Vegas died Wednesday in a local hospital. A retired musician, he was born Oct. 17, 1913, in Centerville, Iowa.

Lawmakers to discuss school recess: By Emily Richmond; Lawmakers have asked Clark County School District officials to appear before a legislative committee studying the effects of obesity and explain why morning recess was eliminated for elementary school students.

Wreck causes delays on I-15: One tractor-trailer slowed for a traffic backup at a construction zone about 10:50 p.m. and another tractor-trailer rear-ended it, Trooper Angie Wolff said.

Suspected Ohio sniper won't fight extradition: Jace Radke; The man suspected in two dozen sniper shootings in Ohio could be leaving Las Vegas as soon as Friday.

Gallagher makes his congressional campaign official: Kirsten Searer; Former gaming executive Tom Gallagher announced this morning that he will challenge Republican Rep. Jon Porter.

Killer makes final requests: CARSON CITY -- Las Vegas killer Lawrence Colwell wants to be well-groomed when he goes to his execution March 26 at the Nevada State Prison.

City worker-state legislator solution eludes LV Council: Sito Negron; Las Vegas officials will try for a fourth time to come up with a policy to deal with employees who are elected as state lawmakers, after deciding Wednesday to postpone the discussion until April 7.

No end in sight for rising gasoline prices: AAA reported Wednesday that most communities in Nevada saw double-digit gasoline price hikes since mid-February and most motorists in the state pay more than $2 per gallon.

Family paid power bill hours before deaths: Dan Kulin; Two-and-a-half hours after the electricity to her home was turned off, Stephanie Wood drove to a Nevada Power office and paid their $100 bill -- but she and her family didn't live to see the power turned back on.

Another federal agency to probe EOB: By Timothy Pratt; Another federal agency announced it was launching an inquiry of the Las Vegas Valley's largest nonprofit agency Wednesday in the wake of questions about the agency's handling of its finances and programs.

Key witness in shooting death flees courtroom: Erica D. Johnson; A preliminary hearing for two men charged in a shooting that killed a 13-year-old North Las Vegas girl was postponed a second time on Wednesday, after a key witness left court to avoid testifying.

Something to sneeze at: Pollen is sending allergy sufferers into sniffles sooner rather than later this spring, experts say.

Council delays strip club review: Sito Negron; The Las Vegas City Council unanimously gave the $30 million strip club Treasures another three months to prove it can operate without allowing the prostitution and other lawbreaking that detectives and city officials agreed are endemic to sex businesses.

Council kicks psychiatric hospital back to governor: Sito Negron; The Las Vegas City Council threw the hot potato decision about where to build a new psychiatric hospital right back to Gov. Kenny Guinn.

Fight schedule: At Santa Ynez, Calif., Rico Hoye, Detroit, vs. Donnell Wiggins, Covington, Tenn., 12, light heavyweights; Daniel Edouard, Babylon, N.Y., vs. Dorian Beaupierre, Dominican Republic, 12, middleweights.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: When it comes to mid-majors, talent is short: If there's one thing on which Dick Vitale and I agree, it's that for frozen pizza, DiGiorno isn't half-bad. If there's a second, it's that the difference between college basketball and pro basketball is that in the college game, it's the coaches -- and not the guys sporting the God-awful tattoos -- who are the stars.

Gallagher making his congressional run official today: Kirsten Searer; Former gaming executive Tom Gallagher was to announce today that he will challenge Republican Rep. Jon Porter.

Ralph Siraco's Santa Anita selections: 1st Race -- THE BORG QUEEN -- Draws good post for mile opener, Espinoza up, set to be Queen of this Borg group. TRACY'S TRACTION -- Nakatani takes the call, draws good rail post for two--turn claimer, Tracy's Traction foes could be key to win. Value Play -- CHECKTHISGROOVE

Support given to zoo proposal: "Unlike other proposed ventures, $1 million is already in the bank," said Bank of America senior vice president Roger Bullock, who said he was the private banker for Ed and Mona Sher, the couple making the proposal.

Skin Deep: UNLV class delves into enticing history of dancing: After 15 years of lugging her themed costumes across America, stopping at clubs for weeklong stripping stints, the lap dancer at Olympic Garden was about to face a different audience.

Letter: Bigger corporate thieves unheeded: In the grand scheme of things this was a minor amount of money for her and the act pales in comparison to the legions of really big-time corporate thieves. I don't just refer to those who broke laws. How about the former head of the New York Stock Exchange who got a $140 million payday then complained that another $50 million in "bonus" money was withheld?

Illinois governor seeks probe of casino decision: Anna Johnson; CHICAGO -- Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Wednesday called for an investigation into the Illinois Gaming Board's decision to pick Rosemont as the site for the state's next casino after previous plans for a casino there collapsed when the Gaming Board alleged that some investors had mob ties.

Letter: First Amendment right violated at Thomas & Mack: During the BYU/UNLV basketball game on March 6, I held up a sign to promote my choice for the next UNLV coach. The sign said, "Hire Coach George Karl." I saw a sign saying "Kill the Cougars" and it wasn't removed. However, an "event staff" member walked up to me and took my sign, saying, "This sign is not allowed in the Thomas & Mack Center, and if you have a problem with it, take it up with the administration." I did just that without answer.

Scholarships set for health care: The scholarships, funded by the PacifiCare Foundation, the philanthropic arm of PacifiCare Health Systems Inc., are offered on behalf of PacifiCare's Latino Health Scholars program designed to educate students about career opportunities for Hispanics and Latinos in the health care field. Latino Health Scholars is part of PacifiCare's Latino Health Solutions division, an outreach initiative aimed at building stronger ties with Hispanic members, physicians and organizations and providing health and consumer services and products specifically tailored to meet the needs of Hispanic consumers.

Hilton's Borg attraction leaves visitors beaming: Kirk Baird; A genetically enhanced race of half-organic, half-cybernetic creatures from the far end of the galaxy, the Borg's only directive is the assimilation of all humanoids. In the real-world, however, the Borg have proven to be quite heroic, having saved the "Star Trek" franchise countless times.

Community briefs for March 18, 2004: Applications are now being evaluated for the Ten Star All Star Summer Basketball Camp. The camp is by invitation only and boy and girls ages 10-19 are eligible to apply.

Nothing certain this time around: Adam Candee; It does not seem so long ago that Daniel Wright set perfect balls out to Jeff Robinson and Mike Hilsabeck as the Centennial boys' volleyball team claimed the state title most conceded from the season's first game.

Retailer returns to profitability: Net income was $276 million, or $2.78 a share, in the fourth quarter. Kmart had a loss of $1.1 billion, or $2.13, a year earlier, before the company reorganized its finances. Revenue in the period ended Jan. 28 fell 26 percent to $6.33 billion.

Editorial: EOB has dug itself a deeper hole: The EOB, which oversees programs that provide child care, senior day care, job training, health care and drug treatment, likely will have to make cuts to some of these programs to make up the difference. The EOB definitely could use the kind of outside assistance and expertise provided by the U.S. Health and Human Services Department, but as Sun reporter Tim Pratt noted in a Wednesday story, the public doesn't know how the EOB's members view the crisis or how they reached their decision because the EOB's executive board met secretly on Monday.

LV soldier earns medal for Iraq duty: Dick Benoit; Army Sgt. Jadore Scovell, the son of Gwen Chandler of Las Vegas, has been decorated with the Army Commendation Medal for participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

More than a 'nobody': Dean Juipe; There's no mistaking Robert Allen's point of view as he prepares for a June 5 fight with Bernard Hopkins at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. He's both belligerent and obsessed with upsetting the undisputed middleweight champion, who he will be fighting for a third time.

Kruger deal worth $3.8 mil.: By Rob Miech; If he finds any spare time, especially in his first year or two at UNLV, new Rebels basketball coach Lon Kruger will be able to hone his golf game as a member at Spanish Trail Golf and Country Club.

News briefs for March 18, 2004: A Nevada group trying to prohibit smoking in most public places -- except bars and gambling areas -- filed an initiative petition Wednesday aimed at forcing the 2005 Legislature to impose the ban.

51s manager Kennedy gets back in the swing: Nick Christensen; Halfway through spring training with his eighth club, Las Vegas 51s manager Terry Kennedy said Monday that the organization was adjusting well to the constant change the team has experienced since January.

AMA chief lobbies for damages caps: The leader of the American Medical Association is in Las Vegas today to drum up support for caps on the amount of money injured plaintiffs can collect from doctors in medical malpractice lawsuits.

Schools moving to go light on snacks: By Emily Richmond; Sugary soft drinks, candy bars and potato chips could soon be harder to find at Clark County School District campuses as administrators consider stricter limits on what kinds of food can be sold to students.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Spinks opts to head for the rarefied air: Dean Juipe; When Cory Spinks was training for his Dec. 13 fight against Ricardo Mayorga in Atlantic City, he stayed in Las Vegas and utilized a rental home and gym just off West Desert Inn.

City Council briefs for March 18, 2004: The Las Vegas City Council approved a deal Wednesday to sell the building at 601 Fremont St. to a group of investors who promised to turn it into the cornerstone of the proposed East Fremont Entertainment District.

Fugitives frequently turn up in Las Vegas: Jen Lawson; A man from Pennsylvania who killed his wife with an ax.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Brandon Bernstein off to fast start in new season: Brandon Bernstein is proving that his brief NHRA Top Fuel rookie season was not a fluke.

Letter: Priorities twisted in Stewart's case: You have to hand it to those prosecutors, who have our best interests and safety in mind. When they fail to get a conviction for murder, as in the O.J. Simpson case, they diligently and tenaciously seek a conviction for ruthless pie-bakers who terrorize the kitchen. Good work!

Editorial: Get tougher on codes: In January 2003, city code inspectors responded to complaints from neighbors about the property being used as a scrap yard. Inspectors acted on that complaint but, following their policy, did not check their past records, which would have shown the presence of a trailer in the back and the order not to use it as a home. Neighbors say the trailer was being occupied at that time and that inspectors should have taken action on that issue as well. Citing lack of staff, Neighborhood Response Manager David Semenza said inspectors "don't look back at all the previous complaints when we ...