Print edition for May 14, 2004

Airport has a concrete solution: Jace Radke; Enough concrete to pave a sidewalk from Las Vegas to San Diego will be poured into one of McCarran International Airport's runways and some of its taxiways as part of a nearly $40 million improvement project, officials said Thursday.

Datebook for May 14, 2004: The city of Las Vegas Department of Leisure Services will sponsor the 12th annual Unity Festival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Doolittle Community Center, 1950 N. J St. Admission is free. 229-6374.

Rock 'n' roll Medley rocks The Orleans: Instead, Medley performs a show that is full of life, joy and a sprinkling of fond remembrances of his and Hatfield's career as the Righteous Brothers.

Editorial: Scrutiny of sex crime offenders: Civil libertarians have objected to sex offender registries, saying that they are punitive, continuing to punish an individual after he has already paid his debt to society. They add that the former convicts could be subject to harassment because their identities and where they live are revealed. The Nevada registry, however, provides just the zip codes. Given that many thousands of people live in zip code areas, this lack of precision affords the ex-offenders more privacy than if their street addresses were known. Such limits, however, substantially restrict the intent of these online registries, which is to empower the public ...

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Glassjaw frontman Palumbo heads to Huntridge: Spencer Patterson; Saturday night, Palumbo -- best known as the frontman for hardcore band Glassjaw -- brings his new side project, Head Automatica, to the Huntridge Theatre.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Cerebral palsy not enough to thwart Giovi: He was also born with cerebral palsy.

Blood drives for May 14, 2004: Thursday: noon to 6 p.m., Boulder City Community, 1217 Nevada Highway; 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Palo Verde High School, 333 Pavillion Drive.

Community briefs for May 14, 2004: "The Day of Adventure" will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in Las Vegas' Cultural Corridor, with free admission to Lied Discovery Children's Museum, the Natural History Museum, Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park, Reed Whipple Cultural Center, Neon Museum, and the Las Vegas Library.

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: 'Queer Eye' makeover alters Downey's attitude: Lisa Ferguson; "I just feel sexy, I really do," gushes the comic about his new duds and 'do, as well as the remarkable remodeling of his New York apartment -- the results of his appearance on an episode of Bravo's mega-hit series "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy."

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Beard awards validate fine Las Vegas cuisine: Visitors loved what was happening here. Where else in the country could they dine at so many celebrity restaurants? The same restaurants that celebrities and show-biz personalities found so appealing?

Editorial: New laboratory is a welcome addition: Built with a $2.3 million grant provided through the Centers for Disease Control, the new lab will enable technicians to identify anthrax, plague and other deadly biological agents. The need for the lab was demonstrated in February 2003, when a Las Vegas man committed suicide. Before he died, he told responders that he had injected himself with a homemade batch of ricin, a deadly poison derived from castor-oil plants. Because samples had to be sent to the state public health lab in Reno, and then on to the CDC, 10 days elapsed before receiving confirmation of ricin, a poison that ...

Next phase of monorail gets approval: The first phase of the Las Vegas Monorail may not be carrying passengers, but it has the green light from the federal government to move forward on design of the second phase.

Columnist Susan Snyder: In reality, weddings are ruff: Given that many Americans treat their dogs as humans, and given the television industry's never-ending quest for another show that avoids having to pay actual performers, the idea that humans would watch two Yorkshire terriers marry and raise a family isn't all that unrealistic.

High 5: 'This Love' has Maroon 5 sitting atop the charts: Spencer Patterson; "When we got back, (vocalist) Adam (Levine) and I were driving around L.A. and we heard the song on the radio three times within three hours, just running errands. We couldn't believe it."

On Display for May 14, 2004: A Bachelor of Fine Arts exhibit, featuing the work of 11 artists, runs today until June 12 at UNLV's Donna Beam Art Gallery. A reception will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. today at the gallery. Admission is free. 895-3893.

Performing Arts for May 14, 2004: Civic symphony

Garcia's acoustic work shines: Spencer Patterson; To celebrate the one-year anniversary of Patterson's Picks, we take a trip back to the beginning, sort of.

Where I Stand -- Columnist Brian Greenspun: Graduates blaze trail: WEEKEND EDITION

Second serving of Meatballs to feature many LV legends: Don Manarina had a dream -- to honor the Las Vegas lounge entertainers he admired so much.

Anti-gay group plans protest at pride parade: Dan Kulin; Tonight's gay pride parade in downtown Las Vegas will have the usual floats, marching bands, and, for what may be the first time ever, protesters.

Obituaries for May 14, 2004: Leonisa V. Camu, 72, of Las Vegas died Wednesday in a local hospital. She was born Jan. 12, 1932, in Catanduanes, Philippines. A resident for eight years, she was a homemaker.

School smoking ban moves ahead: By Emily Richmond; The Clark County School Board moved ahead Thursday with plans for a total ban of tobacco products at all campuses and facilities, as well as use by employees in district-owned vehicles.

Fishing report: Warmer weather means fishing action heating up: The arrival of warm weather is causing a gradual improvement in fishing with the better action still taking place in the Overton Arm.

Music entrepreneur Jaggers, producer of Elton John video, dies: Bobby Jaggers was barely old enough to go into a Las Vegas casino last year when he helped produce a video for Elton John's classic "Pinball Wizard" that is displayed on a large screen during the pop superstar's "The Red Piano" performances at Caesars Palace.

Court asked to extend deadline for tax petition: CARSON CITY -- Unless there's a favorable ruling from the Nevada Supreme Court, the referendum to repeal last year's $833 million tax increase appears headed for failure.

Grads eager to tout new school: The graduates requested that the money be earmarked for scholarships to help first-generation students earn their degrees.

Letter: State GOP's fight against nuclear dump was fraud: Like many people, I had my doubts about the Republican effort to fight the dump when party leaders not only threw their support behind George W. Bush, but took key positions on his re-election committee. Attorney General Brian Sandoval, who is supposed to be leading Nevada's legal fight, is the chair of Bush's Nevada re-election committee. Whenever asked about the clear conflict of interest, the Republican response was, "We agree to disagree with the president about Yucca."

LV high school earns praise: Stephen Curran; Local civil rights activists will speak Monday to commemmorate the landmark Supreme Court ruling that ended legalized racial segregation in the nation's schools.

Bail set at $250,000 for Mongol: By Matt Pordum; A 41-year-old member of the Mongols motorcycle gang charged with murder in connection with the 2002 Laughlin River Run riot involving rival Hells Angels had his bail set at $250,000 on Thursday.

Retailer buys chain in Mexico: Buying Home Mart's 20 stores gives Home Depot 39 stores nationwide and broader access to Mexico City, where it opened two stores recently.

Letter: Olive trees are too expensive: They cost $2,000 apiece!

Candidates line up to challenge Gibbons: CARSON CITY -- Dan Maxey, a longtime Reno businessman, filed Thursday for the Democratic nomination for the 2nd Congressional District, a job now held by Republican Jim Gibbons.

Gaming briefs for May 14, 2004: Increases in gambling volume, increased hotel occupancy and higher average room rates yielded a first-quarter profit of $3 million for the owner of the Golden Nugget casinos in Las Vegas and Laughlin.

Letter: War started with false premises: We were told:

Letter: Bush responsible for prison abuse: President Bush should be held accountable for sending poorly prepared young men and women to a war that was a choice, not a necessity.

Letter: Reading of names was courageous: Sinclair, in a statement, said that to honor the men and women who died in this way would be a political act "contrary to the public interest." Censoring images of the fallen serves the right-wing ideologues who pushed the war in Iraq, but it certainly doesn't serve our country to hide those who were killed.

Schneider answers election question, files for state Senate: Kirsten Searer; Candidates

Gang members plead guilty to racketeering: Jace Radke; Two members of the Rolling 60s street gang have pleaded guilty to federal racketeering charges in connection with murders, robberies and drug operations that date back to 1992, according to federal prosecutors.

Consumer prices rise 0.2 percent: The increase in the consumer price index followed a 0.5 percent gain in March, the Labor Department said today in Washington. Excluding food and energy, the so-called core index rose 0.3 percent after a 0.4 percent rise.

Kerry to visit Las Vegas: Kirsten Searer; Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry will spend about seven hours in Las Vegas on Sunday to speak to a big Teamsters rally and raise some money.

R.I. governor unloads on proposed casino: Michael Mello; PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Framing the debate over a proposed casino as a fight for the "soul and the future of our state," Gov. Don Carcieri on Thursday asked a House panel to oppose a request to allow voters statewide to decide on the project.

Letter: Outsourcing sinks middle class: For centuries, America's thriving middle class was the foundation of our liberties and the envy of the world.

Letter: Yucca plank admits defeat: Negotiation makes no sense. Our lawsuits have not even been adjudicated!

Four ordered to trial in Whaley killing: By Matt Pordum; Four high school friends of Jared Whaley will stand trial on murder charges in the teen's June 2 death, Boulder City Justice of the Peace Victor Miller ruled Thursday.

Principals given leeway on expulsions: By Emily Richmond; The Clark County School Board voted Thursday to give principals more leeway in deciding first-time offense punishments for students caught on campus with drugs or alcohol.

Insiders say ethics ruling won't hurt Goodman: Kirsten Searer; Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman's charmed political career shouldn't be derailed by the state Commission on Ethics' finding Thursday that he violated the state's ethics law, political insiders predicted.

Columnist Jeff German: Vegas rallies against hatred: WEEKEND EDITION

Editorial: Hearing was too partial: May 15 - 16, 2004

Editorial: Watershed moment: May 15 - 16, 2004

Tape in sex case can be copied: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court ruled Thursday that defense attorneys are entitled to a copy of a videotape of a 14-year-old girl having sex with men at a party in Reno.

Sturtze's future remains in limbo: Nick Christensen; Tanyon Sturtze is still a Las Vegas 51. For now.

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 1:20 p.m.

Shoemaker feels like he's on the right track: Nick Christensen; If someone made a list of jobs in the Dodgers player development system, John Shoemaker's resume would probably include them all.

Preps results and schedules: THURSDAY

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Gordon expects to be stretched thin Saturday: Robby Gordon will have his eyes on the sky as well as his watch when qualifying begins Saturday for the 88th running of the Indianapolis 500.

Centennial's Crisp sparkles: Adam Candee; Run down the checklist and it becomes apparent that Centennial and Sierra Vista stack up as two of the best -- if not the two best -- softball teams in Southern Nevada.

Lawyer confirms trace of drug in woman's system: An attorney for Christine Asleson confirmed that she had a trace of amphetamines in her system after she was rescued from the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area last week.

School District police get raises: The settlement offer also increases the salaries of entry-level officers by 15 percent, from $15.26 an hour to $17.59, or $36,587 a year, Phil Gervasi, Police Officers Association president, said.

Associate's degrees come early: Most people finish high school before they go to college, but two local students managed to finish their associate's degrees first.

Organization honors small businesses: William Houghton, owner of Horizon Business Systems in Las Vegas, was named Nevada's small business person of the year for 2004. He will compete against the other states' winners for the title of national small business person of the year next week in Orlando, Fla.

Business briefs for May 14, 2004: A United Paramount Network executive has been hired to assist in the transition of Las Vegas TV station KTUD Channel 25 from current owners Venture Technology Group, Los Angeles, to Las Vegas TV Partners.

Lawsuit warns of Yucca train troubles: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- A railroad company that could potentially move nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain consistently violates federal railroad safety laws, railroad employees claim in a lawsuit filed Wednesday.

Smith's opens gas station: A Smith's spokeswoman said the company is looking to expand with stores and possibly gas stations in the Las Vegas area. By opening a gas station, Smith's joins other grocery and fuel retailers including Albertsons, Vons, Sam's Club and Costco Wholesale.

Goodman feels vindicated after ethics panel ruling: Sito Negron; The state Ethics Commission hearing was set up with much sound and fury, with Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman lashing out at the charges, the process, and the commission's executive director.

Nevada soldier says she's mentioned in probe: Jace Radke; Nevada National Guard officials have been in contact with a Yerington woman who believes she is the soldier who is mentioned in a hearing transcript as having tried to report abuse at Abu Ghraib prison only to be reprimanded by supervisors.

Jones has come long way since '88 Olympic debacle: Dean Juipe; As the victim of one of the most offensive Olympic scoring disputes in history, Roy Jones Jr. was forced to take stock of his interest in boxing after what happened to him in Seoul, South Korea, in 1988.

News briefs for May 14, 2004: Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., is sponsoring legislation to authorize federal funding assistance to states when their National Guard forces are used for homeland security missions.

Props put LV's books at front of pack: Las Vegas betting shops offer some wagering opportunities on the Preakness that you just won't find at Old Hilltop.

Prison guard faces seven charges: BAGHDAD -- The U.S. Army has filed criminal charges including adultery against Military Police Cpl. Charles A. Graner in connection with the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse scandal, a senior U.S. officer announced today.

Nevada seen as tossup in presidential race: Mark Z. Barabak; CARSON CITY -- Politically, it would seem that President Bush has hit the jackpot in Nevada, a state both sides covet as they claw their way toward the 270 electoral votes needed to win the White House.

Probe highlights responsible gaming issue: Harrah's Entertainment Inc., which prides itself for its work on problem gambling issues, hasn't yet offered comprehensive responsible gaming training to some of the 930 employees at its Binion's Horseshoe property in downtown Las Vegas.

Sports briefs for May 14, 2004: The league-leading UNLV baseball team (29-19, 16-7 MWC) will close out the home portion of the 2004 season this weekend with four games against Utah (20-28, 10-13 MWC).

Columnist Dean Juipe: Don't blame Smarty for dull Derby: Dean Juipe; Everyone has an opinion ready to be expressed during the running of a race such as the Kentucky Derby, and I volunteered mine as the race was in progress and I stood among a small crowd in the lounge at the Desert Willow Golf Club.

Motorcycle safety key issue with a rise in popularity: Easy Rider, take a class.

Valley robbery rate drops overall: Jen Lawson; There have been 9 percent fewer robberies in Las Vegas and unincorporated Clark County in the first four months of this year compared with the same period of last year, Metro Police said.

Board moves to trash junk food on campus: By Emily Richmond; Selling candy bars, potato chips and sugary sodas could soon be forbidden on Clark County School District campuses.

Columnist Jeff German: Goodman's ignorance plea works: "Now that I know what the rules are, I can sleep better at night," Goodman said.

Commission OKs Cannery expansion: By Liz Benston; The Cannery Casino has received final city approvals to add a 14-plex movie theater and an 1,800-space parking garage to the property as part of a $35 million expansion project.

LV casino companies face overtime claims: By Liz Benston; Groups of security workers at Caesars Entertainment Inc. and MGM MIRAGE properties are suing the companies, saying they violated state and federal labor laws by requiring employees to report early for work and not paying them for the extra time.

Couple busted in auto theft ring: Jen Lawson; A husband and wife suspected of selling more than a half-million dollars worth of stolen luxury cars to unsuspecting locals over the last two years were arrested by Metro Police Thursday after a six-month investigation, police said.

Field just trying to keep up with Jones: Ralph Siraco; The Smarty party moves to Baltimore for Round 2 of the Triple Crown quest. Now a household name, Smarty Jones will certainly have a bigger entourage cutting a swath through Old Hilltop for the Preakness Stakes on Saturday.

Lawmakers vote in favor of preserving bottom tax bracket: WASHINGTON -- Having voted in favor of keeping tax cuts that show up in virtually every worker's paycheck, the House turns next to the child tax credit.

Sierra Vista ousts champs, meets C-M for Sunset title: Nick Christensen; Centennial boys' volleyball coach Roger Brown believes his team is the type to come from behind and never lead by more than three points.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Newlyweds treated to stirring reception: After Diane and Ed Grambo of Scranton exchanged vows May 6 at The Venetian, they walked through the lobby to the reception in a hotel ballroom.

Bulldogs survive rally to advance: Adam Candee; Forget the adage: For the Centennial baseball team, it is all about the destination, not the journey.

LVMS race pushed back by one week: NASCAR this morning announced a 2005 Nextel Cup schedule that includes several major changes, including a new date for its annual stop in Las Vegas.

Elliott earns opening-night victory: One way or another, it has always been about the draw for Dustin Elliott.

Tough San Jose stands in way: Adam Candee; San Jose Sabercats (10-3) at Las Vegas Gladiators (6-7) Sunday, 3 p.m., Thomas & Mack Center Radio: ESPN 920-AM. TV: None