Stories published October 15, 2004Las Vegas Sun

Editorial: Free press endangered: An ongoing federal inquiry into who leaked the name has overstepped its authority, in our view. We agree that any federal employee who had access to the secret should be scrutinized. But we strongly oppose a federal judge who is now going after two reporters, one for The New York Times and one for Time magazine. They face jail and stiff fines for not revealing any sources they may have who could shed light on the leak.

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 12:30 p.m.

September retail sales rise; industrial production lags: Jeannine Aversa; WASHINGTON -- Shoppers got their buying groove back last month, propelling sales at the nation's retailers by a strong 1.5 percent, the best showing since March. Activity at factories remained subdued, however, with industrial production rising just 0.1 percent.

British government moves to loosen gambling laws: Ed Johnson; LONDON -- Seeking a dash of Vegas glitter, Prime Minister Tony Blair's government said Thursday it will introduce legislation within weeks to allow giant casinos offering unlimited jackpots to set up across Britain.

Preps: Schedule: Tennis - Individuals Tournaments All events - second round, 2:15 p.m.; quarterfinals, 3:45 p.m. Sunrise Region Girls' Singles Tournament at Coronado, Sunrise Region Girls' Doubles Tournament at Las Vegas, Sunrise Region Boys' Singles Tournament at Del Sol, Sunrise Region Boys' Doubles Tournament at Chaparral, Sunset Region Girls' Singles Tournament at Palo Verde, Sunset Region Girls' Doubles Tournament at Cimarron-Memorial, Sunset Region Boys' Singles Tournament at Durango, Sunset Region Boys' Doubles Tournament at Cheyenne.

Glucometers ordered into court as evidence: Molly Ball; District Judge Sally Loehrer on Thursday told Cheryl Botzet's lawyer to bring a pair of instruments that measure blood sugar into court to be tagged as evidence.

New trial date set in Bobbitt's domestic case: Sito Negron; John Wayne Bobbitt walked out of court Thursday with a new date for his trial on domestic violence charges.

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: 'Joy of Stand-Up' not lost on Dreesen: Lisa Ferguson; But you'd be wrong.

Performing Arts for October 15, 2004: Meadowlark

Datebook for October 15, 2004: The following events are planned for Thursday as part of the 2004 Vegas Valley Book Festival. All events are free. 895-1878:

Columnist Barb Henderson: Paralyzed veterans group has plenty of pull: Barb Henderson; PULL!

Striped bass still the one for boaters: A few stripers have been taken with top water lures in Las Vegas Wash.

Preseason schedule kicks off Year 2: Nick Christensen; With 22 players competing for roster spots and players being sent down from Triple-A Lowell seemingly every other day, Las Vegas Wranglers coach Glen Gulutzan is looking for something special from his team for this weekend's two ECHL exhibition games at the Orleans Arena.

Halloween happenings: Freakling Bros. Inc. presents the following haunted houses around Las Vegas this month. Each runs from 7 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, and from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. All are available Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission to each is $10, or $24 for all three. 362-3327:

On Display for October 15, 2004: Artist Sharon Hildebrand will debut her contemporary watercolors from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Old Town Gallery at 10 W. Pacific St. Live entertainment, food and beverages will be provided. 568-5655.

Beatles/Cirque project is now a go, go, go: The union of the Beatles and Cirque du Soleil should be a marriage made in financial heaven.

Beatty gears up for centennial party: Nothing symbolizes an old western town like burro races, stage coach rides and Old West shootouts.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Curtain opens for new column: Joe taught me about the personal side of show business, instilling in me a sincere respect for performers who have devoted their lives to pleasing fans -- not because the entertainers want to but because they must, driven by some profound desire to touch audiences' emotions.

Community briefs for October 15, 2004: The North Las Vegas Library in partnership with Bank of American and Liberty Realty is offering a home buying seminar in Spanish 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at the North Las Vegas Library, 2300 Civic Center Drive.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Love doesn't quite smile at long-lost classic: Spencer Patterson; "Musically, there was some brilliance to it, but I've always questioned some of the lyrical trends," Love, Wilson's cousin and a fellow founding Beach Boys member, said in a phone interview from an Orlando, Fla., hotel room Tuesday.

Convoluted plot cools off avant-garde 'Fashionistas': Plotting is not the strong point of the adult-film industry. The less plot the better -- at least, most hardcore fans like it that way.

'Bootleg' an indispensable document: Spencer Patterson; Some years ago, a friend sent me a cassette marked simply "Dylan: Royal Albert Hall."

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Hue Thai offers distinctive fare, fair prices: Hue Thai Sandwiches at 5115 Spring Mountain Road, Suite 223, is a reminder of the days when the French colonized Vietnam. They brought with them their breads and sandwiches and other essentials. With no understanding of each other's food, they created a new way of eating that included the sophistication of French cuisine combined with low-fat, healthful Vietnamese ingredients.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Saxman Cash changes with the times on Strip: The monster musician's hippie roots go back to San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury District, the epicenter of the Bay Area's post-beat generation of musicians, poets and free-love advocates.

McKnight Shift: Spencer Patterson; Brian McKnight dreams of challenging television's late-night powers-that-be in the ratings someday.

Blood drives: Tuesday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Nextel Partners, 6880 Bermuda Road.

Police sergeant gets medal of honor for saving woman, dog from fire: Faulis' award was one of 29 distributed Thursday by Sheriff Bill Young during a commendations ceremony in Las Vegas City Council chambers.

Sheriff, officers face hair-raising duty: The third annual "Baldy Bash" will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Ra nightclub at the Luxor.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Immovable objects: I am not as smart as the pundits on television who know what the voters are going to do now that Sen. John Kerry has proved his mettle by sweeping the debates against President George W. Bush.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Election Day worth the wait: -- Possible news item

Letter: Voter registration fraud must be prosecuted: Whether it is Democrats or Republicans behind these events, criminal prosecution is in order.

Letter: Should not take neighbor's water: I love the Desert Wildlife Refuge, just north of the city. Nevada must not repeat the mistakes that California made in taking Owens Valley water. Leave the water in the Desert Refuge!

Columnist Jeff German: Ex-mayor caught in Culinary crunch: When the Culinary Union staged a massive street demonstration opening night at the nonunion MGM Grand Hotel in 1993, Jones honored the picket line and stayed away from the VIP festivities.

Editorial: Our choices for Congress: Harry Reid, a moderate Democrat, has been an outstanding U.S. senator for Nevada since he was first elected in 1986. He has championed the needs of working people, and if it hadn't been for Reid's unwavering opposition to burying nuclear waste in Nevada, the Yucca Mountain project very likely would have been a done deal by now. Instead, Reid's influence has given our state a fighting chance to stop Yucca Mountain. We can't afford to lose Reid, who is the assistant minority leader of the U.S. Senate and the most powerful Nevadan we've ever had in Congress. The Sun endorses ...

Editorial: Our choices for the county: Bruce Woodbury, a Republican representing District A, which covers eastern and southeastern portions of Clark County, has been on the County Commission since 1981. Residents are well served by his experience, which includes nearly 20 years as a member of the Regional Transportation Commission. Woodbury was instrumental in planning for the Las Vegas Beltway, without which traffic would now be at a virtual standstill. He also helped plan the reconstruction of the Spaghetti Bowl and had a major role in other vital thoroughfares, such as the Desert Inn Super Arterial. On all issues facing the county, he has been a ...

This political season especially down and dirty: WEEKEND EDITION: October 17, 2004

What are we really voting on?: WEEKEND EDITION: October 17, 2004

Question 5: PRO: Plaintiffs' lawyers say the crackdown on frivolous lawsuits would allow insurance companies to pass on savings to consumers while allowing plaintiffs to pursue legitimate claims.

Question 4: PRO: Plaintiffs' attorneys, who fought the 2002 state law that established the cap on damages for pain and suffering in medical malpractice cases, argue that insurance companies should have already lowered their malpractice rates but have failed to do so.

Question 3: PRO: The physicians who proposed "Keep Our Doctors in Nevada" argue that doctors have been forced to close their practices or leave the state because of the high cost of malpractice insurance. They believe this initiative will help lower doctors' insurance rates by making the size of malpractice settlements and judgments more predictable.

Medical malpractice initiatives, and what they do: The battle, encompassing three statewide ballot initiatives, is being waged over the high cost of medical malpractice insurance. All three initiatives would change a 2002 state law intended to stabilize and, ultimately, lower malpractice insurance rates.

Culinary students are on a mission: Eric Leake; WEEKEND EDITION: October 16, 2004

The thrill of it all: Heather Rawlyk; The Adventurers, Las Vegas Chapter is always accepting new members. For more information call Jeff Kessler at (702) 650-2896 or e-mail to LVAdventurers@ aol.com.

Rigby's return brings 'Wendy' back to stage: WEEKEND EDITION: October 17, 2004

Pan-Tastic: WEEKEND EDITION: October 17, 2004

Columnist Susan Snyder: Writers are a bunch of cards: In spirit, anyway.

County-by-county breakdown of Nevada registered voters: AP; ------- Total ----- Dems --- GOPs ---- NPs ---- Minor Parties

Sports briefs for October 15, 2004: UNLV senior Ryan Moore was three shots out of the lead headed into today's second round of the PGA's Chrysler Classic of Greensboro. Moore, the 2004 U.S. Amatuer and NCAA champion, shot a 4-under-par 68 Thursday at Charlotte, N.C.

Hispanic seniors center gets reprieve: By Timothy Pratt; A Las Vegas center for Hispanic seniors got a last-minute reprieve when a plan was cobbled together Thursday afternoon to prevent it from closing today.

Diabetics' devices brought to court for murder trial: Molly Ball; Cheryl Botzet's lawyer delivered a pair of instruments that measure blood sugar to court officials this morning so that they could be tagged as evidence.

Columnist Steve Guiremand: Mail call delivers a pointed message: Steve Guiremand; We occasionally get letters about columns we write. But never has the e-mail flowed like after last week's column.

Obama addresses LV rally: Kirsten Searer; Barak Obama, one of the stars of the Democratic National Convention, was mobbed by politicians, Democrats and cameras this morning as he entered the West Las Vegas Library.

Health organizations urge cooperation with businesses in case of catastrophe: Michelle Swafford; Resources for businesses

Las Vegas Valley golf courses up for sale: The high-profile developer of several Southern Nevada golf courses has put three of them on the market.

Union workers cited at Vegas protest: By Liz Benston; The four casino companies affected by a two-week strike in Atlantic City are expected to meet with union officials at the bargaining table today -- the first negotiations since 10,000 members of Local 54 of the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees union walked off the job Oct 1.

Porter, Gallagher stay close in their fundraising efforts: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- The dash for cash intensified in August and September in the race for Nevada's 3rd Congressional District.

Guilty plea entered in sexual assault: Robert Stevenson, 34, sporting a bushy brown beard and wire-rimmed glasses, told District Judge Sally Loehrer he sexually assaulted an 8-year-old family friend and molested a 12-year-old relative in 2002 and 2003.

Parties spar over voter fraud claims: Sito Negron and Kirsten Searer; An attorney for the Democratic Party was meeting with Clark County Registrar of Voters Larry Lomax today to come up with a plan to allow people who think their voter registration form was destroyed to register late.

Kerry talks health care, blasts Bush during address to AARP: Dan Kulin and Kirsten Searer; As the presidential campaign heads down the home stretch toward Election Day, Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry took a message of saving Social Security, and improving health care and the economy to a supportive crowd of more than 10,000 AARP members Thursday in Las Vegas.

University turmoil hurts bond rating: RENO -- Unsettled conditions in the University and Community College System of Nevada are preventing the system from saving money, a university official said Thursday.

Kruger gets his team up and running: After a rout of four exhibition opponents in Canada and five weeks of individual conditioning drills, new UNLV basketball coach Lon Kruger believes the start of practice Saturday arrives at a perfect time.

Candidates see need to make changes in state's high court: Jace Radke; Two judges from different ends of the state say that the opportunity to be elected to the Nevada Supreme Court due to the retirement of Justice Miriam Shearing was too good to pass up.

Two strikers fired after incident on picket line: John Curran; ATLANTIC CITY -- A striking casino and hotel worker who suffered a broken kneecap in a picket line confrontation with security guards has been fired for "strike-related misconduct" along with a fellow striker, officials said Thursday.

Poker legend Jack Binion to host tournament: Binion formerly managed Binion's Horseshoe and launched the World Series of Poker before relinquishing control of the property to his sister Becky Binion Behnen. Behnen sold the property in March to MTR Gaming Group and Harrah's bought the rights to the World Series of Poker and the Horseshoe brand in Nevada. Harrah's, which now manages Binion's Horseshoe, recently created a nationwide series of poker events culminating in the World Series of Poker next summer.

Woman pleads not guilty: Julia Jarrell, 34, was arraigned on charges of murder with a deadly weapon, first-degree kidnapping with a deadly weapon, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.

School Board delays vote on dress code policy: By Emily Richmond; After more than three hours of presentations, public comment and heated discussion, the Clark County School Board put off a vote Thursday on proposed changes to its controversial dress code policy.

Defendant says he tried to stop killing: Molly Ball; Jurors on Thursday heard Steven Perry talk about the killing of Benito Zambrano-Lopez in his own words.

Senate race getting contentious: Kirsten Searer; In retrospect Sen. Ray Shaffer, R-North Las Vegas, admits it probably wasn't the best idea to call his opponent a "piece of you-know-what" on a recent public television debate.

Penn National to sell track for $280 million: The sale includes a harness horseracing track on 400 acres (160 hectares) in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and five off-track betting facilities, Penn National said in a statement. The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, which represents Connecticut's Mohegan Tribe of Indians, plans to install 3,000 slots at Pocono Downs.

News briefs for October 15, 2004: North Las Vegas Police have released the name of the officer who shot and killed a man Tuesday after the man allegedly fired his gun.

Thursday's Sports Transactions: AP; National League

Weekly makes appeal for students' transportation: By Emily Richmond; Las Vegas City Councilman Lawrence Weekly made a personal appeal Thursday to the Clark County School Board, asking that about 30 students who face a treacherous trek to school along Martin Luther King Boulevard be provided transportation.

Editorial: Yet more deceptions from Bush: Kerry mentioned that six months after Bush had said bin Laden must be caught dead or alive, Bush was asked where the terrorist leader was. Bush, Kerry noted, told reporters that he didn't know where bin Laden was hiding, that he really didn't think about him very much, and that he wasn't concerned. But Bush claimed Wednesday that he never said this about bin Laden, that it was yet another campaign exaggeration by Kerry. But the fact is that in March 2002, Bush said the following about bin Laden: "I truly am not that concerned about him. I know he ...

Clear differences drawn in opening arguments: By Matt Pordum; After opening arguments in the retrial of Sandy Murphy and Rick Tabish for the alleged 1998 murder of Ted Binion were delivered on Thursday it was clear the jury will be choosing between two drastically different versions of what happened in the days and months leading up to millionaire casino figure's death.

NIAA alters scheduling plans for future region golf events: Nick Christensen; Future 18-hole regional golf competitions will start no later than 10 a.m., Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association executive director Dr. Jerry Hughes said Thursday.

Tao levels new charges at Maxfield: Clark County Commission candidate Jerry Tao fired back at his opponent, Commission Chairman Chip Maxfield, Thursday, arguing that the incumbent is the target of a "federal racketeering investigation."

New libraries considered on small budget: The district's board met with planning consultants Dubberly/Garcia Inc. Thursday night to brainstorm a plan to create new libraries on a low budget.

More people seek ban orders from Detroit casinos: The list had 561 names last year, 271 in 2002 and 56 in 2001, its first year.

LV Muslims begin Ramadan season of fasting: Recent Muslim convert Alexis Aminah Amberg plans to get through the mandatory fasting of the Ramadan holiday by brushing her teeth a lot and using mouthwash.

Questions 4, 5 may fall short of goals: Stephen Curran and Christina Littlefield; Two ballot initiatives touted by trial lawyers as a panacea for Nevada's sky-high insurance rates would, if passed, fall short of their advocates' stated goals, according to two opinions released by the state Legislative Counsel Bureau.

Domenici book cites need for re-evaluation of nuke waste: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- The Yucca Mountain project needs full funding, but the government needs to re-evaluate how it manages nuclear waste if it wants nuclear power use to grow, Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., writes in a book published today.

Columnist Nick Christensen: Can Shadow Ridge solve the Palo Verde problem?: Nick Christensen; With their mystifying double-wing offense guiding them to a 6-0 start to 2004, the Palo Verde Panthers are leading the Southern 4A schools in points scored.

Charter school gets month to solve woes: By Emily Richmond; A struggling Clark County charter school facing closure won a one-month reprieve Thursday.

Race to help school's rainforest project: Eric Leake; Students walking through the heart of John C. Vanderburg Elementary School might think they're in another part of the world.

Regents approve Harter's raise from UNLV Foundation: RENO -- In an unprecedented move, the state Board of Regents approved a proposal Thursday allowing the private UNLV Foundation to supplement President Carol Harter's salary by $50,000 a year.

Some wonder if cigarette makers can afford another huge payout: Stephanie Stoughton; RICHMOND, Va. -- Big tobacco companies have already agreed to pay $246 billion to settle states' suits against them. Now, at a civil racketeering trial in Washington, D.C., the Justice Department is seeking $280 billion from cigarette makers, charging them with defrauding the public about the health risks of smoking.

Columnist Sal DeFilippo: Sometimes it leaves us at a loss for words: Sal DeFilippo; Every time I see somebody go 14-0 or 15-0 in one of the contests in town that offer weekly prizes for whoever has picks the most NFL winners, I'm amazed.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Sam Schmidt ready to fill super shoes: For additional information regarding Sam Schmidt Motorsports or the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation on the Internet click on www.samschmidt.org

Plans for new condo high rise are announced: Sito Negron; Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman proudly announced a new high-rise condominium project at his regular Thursday news conference, then stood to the side and let the developers make their sales pitch.

Oceguera may be forced to choose: Dan Kulin; The North Las Vegas fire chief is asking Assemblyman John Oceguera, D-Las Vegas, to give up his elected position, assuming he's re-elected, if he wants a promotion in the fire department, where he is now a captain.

Most Homers Single Postseason: AP; 8 - Barry Bonds, San Francisco, 2002.

Principal praises dress code: By Emily Richmond; It's a claim made again and again by supporters of school uniforms -- that having children dress alike improves student behavior, reduces competition and makes campuses safer.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Martin will slow down, but he isn't retiring: Mark Martin has joined the growing list of forty-something NASCAR drivers in recent months who have announced their retirement plans. Only Martin insisted he isn't retiring.

Rebels eager to keep streak alive: Steve Guiremand; Lon Kruger and his UNLV men's basketball squad officially start their 2004-05 season with a practice on Saturday. But don't try telling the Rebels football team it's time to start getting ready for some hoops.

Columnist Jeff German: Binion retrial: deja vu: It seemed like deja vu at the courthouse, all right, as lawyers delivered opening statements Thursday in Binion 2 before a live television audience and a media-packed courtroom.

Saturday's matchup: UNLV (2-4, 0-2) vs. New Mexico (2-4, 1-1): Steve Guiremand; WHEN NEW MEXICO HAS THE BALL New Mexico run offense vs. UNLV run defense The Lobos make no secret of what they want to do on offense and that's run you into the ground. New Mexico has a big, physical offensive line that averages 325 pounds per man and includes all-conference caliber players like tackle Claude Terrell, center Ryan Cook and guard Robert Turner. New Mexico also has two talented running backs in junior DonTrell Moore, who won the MWC rushing crown a year ago with 1,450 yards, and Oklahoma State transfer D.D. Cox, who is averaging 4.7 yards per ...

Anti-Bush protesters greet president on Vegas visit: Jace Radke; About 75 protesters greeted President Bush's motorcade as it raced through the intersection of Swenson Street and Tropicana Avenue on the way to the Thomas & Mack Center Thursday morning.

Letter: Moore has right to express views: It appears that these self-styled true-blue Americans believe the First Amendment only applies to them.

First lady lauds husband's work on Medicare, taxes: Dan Kulin; First Lady Laura Bush touted her husband's work on Medicare and taxes during a 20-minute speech Thursday before about 7,000 AARP members at the group's annual meeting in the Las Vegas.

Letter: Allegations of voter registration fraud alarming: As one who used to volunteer in Hawaii, helping to register voters, I'm guessing the laws governing this activity are uniform from state to state. We signed an oath stating that we would, in a timely fashion, turn over to the state all registrations we collected.

Ad uses song without permission: A song usually heard on classic rock radio stations is now getting airtime on local television stations.

Ralph Siraco's Santa Anita selections: 1st Race -- SHALINI -- Draws good inner box for route turf opener, Flores on young Dollace trainee, first Cal-Cup stakes to this runner? DROUGHT BREAKER -- Nakatani atop Spawr trainee, should be in good spot for 1 1/4-mile grass stakes, gets the Cal-Cup trip? Value Play -- TUCKED AWAY

Business briefs for October 15, 2004: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has delayed hearings on Enron Corp.'s 2002 move to terminate contracts with Nevada Power Co. and Sierra Pacific Power Co.

Obituaries for October 15, 2004: Herbert Bayer, 87, of Las Vegas died Wednesday in a local health care center. He was born Sept. 28, 1917, in New York City. A resident for 15 years, he was a retired procurement officer for the federal government, a member of Bet Knesset Bamidbar and National Association of Retired Federal Employees.

Water issues to be discussed at conference: UNLV and the Nevada Water Resources Association will team up Tuesday to present a day of discussion about water issues affecting Southern Nevada.

Official urges group to cease discussion of inland casinos: However, members of the committee said Wednesday that moving casinos ashore will remain an option to be recommended to the Legislature.

RTC joins fight against Sierra Club lawsuit: Stephen Curran; The Regional Transportation Commission on Thursday approved a plan to join the Federal Highway Administration in fighting a lawsuit that, if upheld, could derail the U.S. 95 widening project.