Print edition for March 19, 2004

Columnist Jeff German: Virus still bugs officials: The downtown resort, which caters to a big Hawaiian crowd, has been going through a public relations crisis similar to one that hit cruise ships stricken with the mysterious stomach illness two years ago.

Fight over Strip casinos' parking spaces breaks out: A battle brewing between Strip kingpins Steve Wynn and Sheldon Adelson revolves around parking spaces.

Pair sentenced in beating that left victim brain damaged: Erica D. Johnson; Two teens were sentenced Thursday to several years in prison for a beating last summer that left a young man with severe brain damage.

Lack of snow means more water woes for LV: Mother Nature has let Las Vegas down again this winter.

Guinn: Mental hospital won't be built in Jean: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn said today the proposed $32 million state mental hospital in Southern Nevada will not be placed in Jean, where a state prison is located.

Water debate stalls Spring Valley golf course: When county officials last year overrode the objections of Spring Valley residents and community activists and granted developer Billy Walters' request to use county acreage for commercial buildings, Walters pledged to build what the homeowners in nearby Rhodes Ranch wanted on the adjacent county land -- a golf course.

Public protests suggestive billboards: A couple of hundred Southern Nevadans concerned about sexually suggestive billboards showed up at Thursday's Nevada Gaming Commission meeting, hoping their anger about the larger-than-life ads inspires regulators to reign in casino billboard excess.

Sniper suspect wants to return to Ohio: Erica D. Johnson; The man suspected in two dozen sniper shootings in Ohio will be taken back to that state after he declined to fight his extradition in a hearing this morning before a Las Vegas judge.

Nevada rancher at heart of court fight: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court on Monday will begin examining a Nevada law that requires people to identify themselves to police upon request even if they have done nothing wrong.

Regents agree on lobbying changes: In a rare showing of unanimity, university regents addressed several policy issues Thursday that first came to their attention in November personnel sessions that led to the removal of a community college president and his lobbyist.

Bingo now beamed into U.S. homes: By Liz Benston; Since February, millions of television viewers nationwide have had a chance to play bingo from their living room sofas rather than heading to a casino.

Company claims victory in labor ruling: But Sara Nelson Dela Cruz, a spokeswoman for the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO, said the examiner's report shows that United employees were misled.

Slot bar machines shut down: Nevada gaming regulators forced a three-year-old West Sahara Avenue bar to turn off its slot machines Thursday afternoon after the club's owner failed to pay his quarterly slot licensing fees on time.

Nevadans feel the effects of conflict: Jace Radke; In the line of duty Four Nevada servicemen have been killed while serving in the war over the past year:

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: The smart money says Root for Bush: That's how to predict who is going to be the winner of the next U.S. presidential election, according to Henderson resident and TV handicapper Wayne Allyn Root.

PUC chief backs bulk of utility's rate-hike request: Kevin Rademacher; A draft order written by Public Utilities Commission Chairman Don Soderberg recommends approval of most of Nevada Power Co.'s $173 million deferred energy rate case. Soderberg recommends it be trimmed by just $4 million.

Regents briefs for March 19, 2004: University regents voted 11-1 to approve new tuition increases at all of the state's institutions.

Metro to review its 911 dispatching policies: Gillespie said the 911 calltakers properly transferred Conrad Malsom to the nonemergency 311 line because he wasn't calling regarding a life-threatening emergency, but this situation was unique and should have been handled with more urgency.

Cleaner ordered to recognize UNITE as employees' union: Alana Roberts; A federal judge has ordered dry cleaner Al Phillips the Cleaner to recognize the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees (UNITE) as the collective bargaining representative of 120 workers at the company's central plant in Las Vegas.

Nevada's overseas military deployments over the last year: More than 2,000 airmen have been deployed overseas from Nellis, with more than 1,000 sent to support operations in Southwest Asia. Currently there are 558 still deployed.

Lawmakers asked to care for Kinship Care: Jane Horner says she does not know what more state lawmakers need to convince them that the Kinship Care program they created 2 1/2 years ago needs to be properly funded.

Passenger traffic hits 3 million in February: By comparing daily averages, McCarran traffic would have been up 9.4 percent, with an average of 105,877 passengers a day in February compared with an average of 96,798 passengers a day for the same month a year.

Berkley's speech praises O'Callaghan: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., spoke of her friend and second father figure, Mike O'Callaghan, honoring him with a speech on the House floor Thursday.

Some like it warm: Mary Manning and Heather Rawlyk; Whether people choose to launch a boat at Lake Mead or swoosh down snow-covered Mount Charleston slopes on skis or snowboards, the time for spring activities has arrived.

Judge lets prosecutors interview Tabish lawyer: Erica D. Johnson; District Judge Joseph Bonaventure this morning granted a motion allowing prosecutors to interview the attorney Rick Tabish accused of improperly handling his appeal on extortion charges.

Electrical Workers union pickets job site: Arco Electric is a contractor for an office building under construction on Green Valley Parkway just south of Interstate 215.

Pilot killed in single-engine plane crash near Jean: A small single-engine plane apparently crashed overnight, killing the pilot in a remote desert area near Jean, Metro Police said.

Sports briefs for March 19, 2004: They say Baylor's failure to recognize their club as a varsity sport violates Title IX, which bans gender discrimination in academics and athletics at schools receiving federal money.

Branson launching Virgin Group 'net gambling site: LONDON -- Entrepreneur Richard Branson's Virgin Group PLC will this summer launch an Internet gambling portal in partnership with WagerWorks UK, a developer of online gambling, Virgin said in a statement Thursday. Virgin has named Simon Burridge as executive chairman of the partnership.

LV tourism industry was prepared to rebound: When the bombs fell on Baghdad one year ago, the gaming industry feared that collateral damage could reach the Las Vegas Strip.

Where I Stand -- Columnist Brian Greenspun: Act on principles: WEEKEND EDITION

Editorial: Iraq has a different hue a year later: March 20 - 21, 2004

Gladiators face league's top offense: Adam Candee; Saturday, 7:30 p.m., HP Pavilion TV: None. Radio: ESPN 920-AM

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Lewis always glad to give back: WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: Hoffman laughs in the face of illness: Lisa Ferguson; -- Jim Valvano

Stewart remains the voice of a generation: Spencer Patterson; When Rod Stewart underwent throat surgery in 2000, many fans of the British rocker assumed it could mark an end to his storied career.

Centennial plans unveiled: Sito Negron and Jennifer Shubinski; Las Vegas Centennial Celebration organizers are building toward what boosters hope will be an international party that lights up the world in 2005.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Clone heads bring Vegas a message: The leader of the International Raelian Movement is once again coming to Las Vegas to hawk the belief that all life on Earth was created through cloning by a space alien race called the Elohim.

Fighting the obesity trend: Heather Rawlyk; WEEKEND EDITION

Sign-ups start for county's camps: The camps, sponsored by Clark County Parks and Community Services, offer special classes in science, the arts, and outdoor recreation in a cool and picturesque mountain setting. The staff provides an interactive learning experience along with traditional camping activities such as hikes, games, skits, and campfires.

Building Bridges: Under stage name Ludacris, rapper constructs a soulful reputation: Spencer Patterson; The 26-year-old Atlanta native is quite somber when discussing his 2002 clash with Fox News Network commentator Bill O'Reilly, a controversy that resulted in the loss of Ludacris' Pepsi endorsement.

Beastie Boys more than talk with 'Communication': Spencer Patterson; Conventional wisdom among critics holds that the Beastie Boys' first three albums -- 1986's "Licensed to Ill," 1989's "Paul's Boutique" and 1992's "Check Your Head" are the group's true masterpieces.

Editorial: What's taking so long?: Curiously, though, Christensen didn't provide any records -- such as receipts -- to back up his claims. Christensen told Sun reporter Kirsten Searer that he will provide the secretary of state's office with supporting documentation -- if he's asked for it. If it's not sought, he said, the records and a corrected campaign finance report would eventually be sent to state officials. Why the stalling? For several weeks now Christensen has told reporters he would offer documentation, but he has failed to do so. We trust that Secretary of State Dean Heller won't waste any time demanding records from Christensen. ...

Columnist Barb Henderson: Workers help bolster water source: Barb Henderson; While most folks enjoyed a gorgeous day at home this past Sunday, approximately 50 volunteers headed to work with picks, shovels and sledge hammers in hand.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Rock Hall out of tune with latest class: Spencer Patterson; The Class of 2003 included the Clash, the Police, Elvis Costello & The Attractions and AC/DC, serving notice that the Hall might actually embrace acts beyond its usual fare -- you know, 1960s and '70s British blues-rockers and American singer-songwriters (aka old white guys).

Columnist Dean Juipe: Fugitive got to town two days early: Dean Juipe; If Charles McCoy Jr. was trying to avoid being captured, he made a strategic mistake. He got to Las Vegas two days too soon.

Community briefs for March 19, 2004: The Red Rock Rendezvous, a national climbing event to benefit the Access Fund, takes place today through Sunday at Red Rock Canyon and Spring Mountain Ranch State Park.

It wasn't very pretty, but Lady Rebels win in WNIT: Some basketball games are a work of art, like the Mona Lisa.

'Madhouse' a needlessly profane show: "Jeff Beacher's Comedy Madhouse" is a loud, vulgar, crass production that purports to revolutionize stand-up comedy, billing itself as "The World's Greatest Comedy XXXperience!"

Three nominated for high court: CARSON CITY -- District Judge Michael Douglas of Las Vegas and two private attorneys were nominated Thursday by the state Commission on Judicial Selection to replace the late Justice Myron Leavitt on the Nevada Supreme Court.

Tribes turn to Congress to bypass local opposition: Seth Hettena; SAN DIEGO -- When a Butte County tribe wanted help opening a casino on a cow pasture 40 miles away, it turned to a retiring U.S. senator from Colorado.

Obituaries for March 19, 2004: Maximino H. Bello, 64, of Las Vegas died Saturday in Las Vegas. He was born April 30, 1939, in the Philippines. A resident for 20 years, he was an attorney.

News briefs for March 19, 2004: A federal jury has ruled in favor of a North Las Vegas corrections officer accused of beating Robert Panaro Sr. while he was being held in connection with the murder of mob associate Herbert "Fat Herbie" Blitzstein.

Radio ads ask Ensign to block energy legislation: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- The League of Conservation Voters on Wednesday began running radio ads in Nevada to encourage Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., to continue to oppose pending energy legislation.

Wranglers suspend O'Flaherty after he nixes Charlotte trade: Nick Christensen; Conflict rocked trade week for the Las Vegas Wranglers as center Kevin O'Flaherty refused to report to the Charlotte Checkers after being traded, nullifying the deal. Wranglers coach and general manager Glen Gulutzan suspended O'Flaherty for the remainder of the season.

Columnist Jon Ralston: No moral restraint at City Hall: WEEKEND EDITION

Better cell service sought for lake: By Mary Manning; The plight of two separate families, their boats disabled and stuck on Boulder Island at dusk one day last fall, illustrates the need for improved cell phone service at Lake Mead, a National Park Service spokeswoman said.

Columnist Jeff German: Edgy ads attract too many lowlifes: WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: CART takes hit; Rahal moving to IRL: The open-wheel racing series formerly known as CART suffered its second blow in a week when three-time series champion and longtime car owner Bobby Rahal announced Thursday he was moving from the Champ Car World Series to the rival Indy Racing League.

Datebook for March 19, 2004: UNLV's Short Film Archive will host a screening of festival award-winning short films at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at UNLV's Architecture Building. Admission is free. 895-4735.

Business briefs for March 19, 2004: MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- FedEx Corp. reported a 41 percent increase in third-quarter profit, due mostly to growth in international priority shipments and savings from job cuts.

Letter: U.S. policies have fostered havens for terrorists: By illegally supporting secessionist movements in Yugoslavia's civil wars and by preventing the Yugoslav government from defeating terrorism (e.g. in Kosovo) within its sovereign borders, we have merely encouraged secessionist movements the world over and have given al-Qaida terrorists tremendous "safe" havens/bases in Kosovo and Bosnia (Europe's first Muslim-dominated state) courtesy of NATO.

Letter: War on terrorism is a failure: March 20 - 21, 2004

Sexual assault added to bribery charges: Erica D. Johnson; The former district attorney's office investigator charged with bribery has also been charged with sexual assault, according to court documents filed by the state attorney general's office on Thursday.

Bottled water withdrawn from U.K. market: Dasani, marketed in Britain as "pure, still water," contains too much bromate, a derivative of bromide found in the calcium Coca-Cola is legally required to add, said John Chandler, a Coca-Cola spokesman in London.

Letter: O'Callaghan was unique voice: March 20 - 21, 2004

Garage fire reveals marijuana operation: The fire was reported shortly before noon in the 300 block of East Robindale Road, just northwest of Windmill Lane at Bermuda Road. When firefighters arrived they found two Rottweilers and a Mastiff, believed to be guard dogs, outside the detached garage, fire department spokesman Bob Leinbach said.

Editorial: Mighty council has struck out: Regarding Treasures, the council should have honored the formal agreement it entered into when it granted the club what amounted to a conditional license three years ago. The agreement was that the council would review the license six months after Treasures opened its doors, and that full license approval would depend on the club's record during that period. That six months was up on Wednesday.

Porter ranks high on hit list of Democrats: Kirsten Searer; A top Democratic leader said this week that Rep. Jon Porter of Nevada will be one of about 10 Republican congressmen the party will target this November.

Climbers rolling into Vegas for Red Rock festival: Heather Rawlyk; WEEKEND EDITION

Ensign suggests Congress might fix EOB problem: By Timothy Pratt; Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., said Thursday he will suggest involving Congress to fix problems at the Las Vegas Valley's largest nonprofit agency if federal and state inquiries that kick off next month don't bring results.

Four-year degree program OK'd: University regents on the Academic, Research and Student Affairs committee approved the first four-year degree proposal at the Community College of Southern Nevada after an hour and a half of questions Thursday.

On Display for March 19, 2004: Photographer Jerry Kornfeld's black-and-white images will be shown until April 21 at the Las Vegas Art Museum, 9600 W. Sahara Ave. Admission is free. 360-8000.

Idol Talk: Spencer Patterson; WEEKEND EDITION

Regents OK Kruger's deal: By a vote of 10-1, with two abstentions, the Nevada Board of Regents approved new UNLV basketball coach Lon Kruger's five-year contract early Thursday night.

Performing Arts for March 19, 2004: Philharmonic

Columnist Susan Snyder: Scooters must follow law of land: WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Muriel Stevens: The secret of the $2,000 cocktail revealed: "The Angel's Share" is the name Lafranconi chose for The World's Most Expensive Champagne Cocktail (it will be officially recognized by the Guinness Book of Records in the new edition) and was officially created on March 5. A copy of the petition was included with a souvenir dinner menu.

Lawmakers endorse expansion of gambling: The bill reflects the governor's proposals for up to five, state-owned "destination" casinos as well as slot machines at dog and horse racing tracks and at 240 private clubs operated by veterans and fraternal organizations. The clubs could have five machines each.

Head of nursing group says ratios aren't the answer: Kirsten Searer; Nurse-to-patient ratios aren't the way to solve the state's nursing crisis, the president of the American Organization of Nurse Executives said Thursday at a speech in Las Vegas.

Fishing report: Tournament anglers find bass success: Anglers who competed in a Nevada Striper Club fishing tournament held over the weekend at Lake Mead had good success for striped bass, including some that ranged 5-10 pounds. A number of fish weighing 2-4 pounds were caught as well.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Stardust turns Wayne's room into giant lounge: The Stardust is going to make like a genie and grant the wishes of a handful of unsung singers, musicians, dancers and comedians starting tonight and Saturday.

Letter: Basques used as scapegoats: First of all, far too often are Basques in general and ETA, a nationalist organization, used interchangeably in Western media. This is a grave mistake. Basques abhor violence and want to see the perpetrators of this most recent horrific attack caught and punished quickly.

Time at UNLV didn't go Hunter's way: His brief career at UNLV didn't begin the way Demetrius Hunter had planned. It hardly ended the way he had envisioned, either. Foot problems plagued him from start to finish.

Letter: O'Callaghan will be missed: We never met Ruthe, yet somehow after reading her columns we felt like we knew her. Her ideals, and principles about life, were good, wholesome family values.

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