Las Vegas Sun

Archive for April 28, 2005

Owner of LV hospitals reports higher profit: Michelle Swafford; Universal Health Services Inc. -- owner of four Las Vegas hospitals -- announced Wednesday afternoon that its profit rose 34 percent in the first quarter.; 11:09 a.m.

PUC plans inquiry into renewable energy efforts: Kevin Rademacher; The state Public Utilities Commission on Wednesday ordered a hearing into the failure of Nevada Power Co. of Las Vegas and Sierra Pacific Power Co. of Reno to meet their 2004 minimum requirements for using ...; 11:08 a.m.

McCarran passenger record set in March: More passengers used McCarran International Airport in March than any month in history, airport officials announced Wednesday.; 11:07 a.m.

U.S. economy grows at slowest rate in two years: Jeannine Aversa; WASHINGTON -- Buffeted by rising energy prices and weakened consumer and business spending, the economy grew at an annual rate of just 3.1 percent in the first quarter. The slowest pace of expansion in two ...; 11:06 a.m.

Developer starts work on second phase of District: Jennifer Shubinski; American Nevada Company has started construction on the second phase of the District at Green Valley Ranch that will include a Whole Foods and Cheesecake Factory restaurant.; 11:05 a.m.

Pair sentenced for assault in fatal bar shootout: By Matt Pordum; Two illegal immigrants who originally faced murder charges in connection with a fatal bar-brawl-turned-shootout in November 2003 were sentenced to prison for assault with a deadly weapon on Wednesday.; 11:01 a.m.

News briefs for April 28, 2005: Groundbreaking ceremonies are set for 11 a.m. Friday for the $17.5 million building in Las Vegas that is to be southern headquarters of the state Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation.; 11:01 a.m.

Homebuilders say quarterly profit rose: Kathleen M. Howley; Pulte Homes Inc., the No. 2 U.S. homebuilder by stock market value, said first-quarter earnings leaped 66 percent and smaller competitor Centex Corp. generated record profit for the ninth straight year as sales surged.; 10:59 a.m.

Card count indicates Wynn workers want Culinary Union: Alana Roberts; Well before the place was set to open, management at Wynn Las Vegas agreed to the organizing campaign of the Culinary Union Local 226.; 10:59 a.m.

Gaming briefs for April 28, 2005: Las Vegas Sands Corp. is proposing to spend more than $2 billion on a casino and resort in Singapore with a colonial-era theme, the Business Times said, citing President and Chief Operating Officer William Weidner.; 10:59 a.m.

Real estate execs foresee big retail market growth: Kevin Rademacher; Despite rising costs for land, construction and rent, the Las Vegas retail market continues to bustle.; 10:59 a.m.

Crowds flock to Wynn: By Liz Benston, Richard N. Velotta; It might have been the most expensive birthday present in history. Wynn Las Vegas, Steve Wynn's $2.7 billion megaresort, opened to a crush of at least 10,000 people after the stroke of midnight today in ...; 10:55 a.m.

DOE deal with nuke plant may get ax: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- A U.S. Court of Federal Claims judge may cancel the Energy Department's contract with a closed nuclear power plant to take its nuclear waste and return ratepayer money to the utility.; 10:53 a.m.

LV drivers falter on car upkeep: Stephen Curran; It may be among the most important relationships in many people's lives, but the bond many Southern Nevadans share with their cars is a dysfunctional one at best, an oil industry-sponsored study found.; 10:52 a.m.

Shoshone Nation aims to stop Yucca dump: There is a centuries-old story of Snake Mountain that is still taught to the children of the Western Shoshone Nation.; 10:49 a.m.

'Dismal' recycling rate led to disputed trash plan: Stephen Curran; Bob Coyle, Republic Services area president, talks about recycling on "Face to Face With Jon Ralston," which airs at 5:30, 6:30, 8 and 10 p.m. today on Las Vegas ONE, Cox Cable 19.; 10:48 a.m.

Millennium Scholarship help sought: Kirsten Searer; CARSON CITY -- Assembly Democrats are gearing up to introduce their own bill to save the cash-strapped Millennium Scholarship.; 10:47 a.m.

Legislation simplifies use of store gift cards: Kirsten Searer; CARSON CITY -- Retail store gift cards would be easier to use under a bill heard Tuesday by the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee.; 10:46 a.m.

Kerzner still interested in Vegas: When Sol Kerzner paid Las Vegas a visit some 35 years ago, he didn't consider it to be a competitive threat to his growing empire of resort properties.; 10:45 a.m.

Hotel convention honors MGM Grand, Wolfgang Puck chiefs: By Liz Benston; The president of the world's largest hotel is a man who is surprisingly modest about leading one of the most dramatic transformations of any single property in the hotel business.; 10:44 a.m.

Welsh remembered as a passionate and accomplished writer: Jack Welsh ate, drank, slept and lived boxing.; 10:39 a.m.

Closure of Summerlin Parkway is announced: Stephen Curran; Late-night drivers who were pleasantly surprised while heading toward Summerlin Parkway late Monday should find another route around the popular thoroughfare tonight, Las Vegas Public Works officials said Wednesday.; 9:52 a.m.

Obituaries for April 28, 2005: Gregory Junior Avery, 35, of Las Vegas died Sunday in Las Vegas. He was born May 9, 1969, in Arkansas. A resident for 33 years, he was an auto body and paint detailer.; 9:50 a.m.

McCain: More regulations needed for tribal casinos: Erica Werner; WASHINGTON -- Sen. John McCain, chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee, said Wednesday he will seek tougher regulations for the booming tribal gambling industry, which far outpaced Nevada as it reaped $18.5 billion in revenue ...; 9:49 a.m.

Land near Sunrise Mountain sought for flood basin: WASHINGTON -- A newly introduced Senate bill that would release 65 acres of public land for a floodwater retention basin would help protect the Las Vegas Valley, Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., and Senate Minority Leader ...; 9:47 a.m.

Garcia predicts crisis in hiring teachers: Within five years, Southern Nevada could face a crisis in recruiting teachers to fill local classrooms, outgoing Clark County School Superintendent Carlos Garcia said.; 9:45 a.m.

State energy expert Burdette dies at 61: Kevin Rademacher and Cy Ryan; A former member of the staff of the state Public Utilities Commission, he was credited with playing a key role in maneuvering through the Western energy crisis that brought the state's largest electric utilities to ...; 9:44 a.m.

Sports briefs for April 28, 2005: NASCAR's game of cat and mouse between car inspectors and crews has turned in favor of the inspectors, so many of the crews are running scared as they head to Talladega for Sunday's Aaron's 499.; 9:44 a.m.

Servers file discrimination complaints over Borgata's weight-limit policy: John Curran; ATLANTIC CITY -- Two women hired as "Borgata Babes" cocktail servers are accusing the casino of discrimination, saying a weight-limit policy at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa forced them off the job and led to ...; 9:41 a.m.

Preps: Schedule: Baseball; 9:41 a.m.

Judge orders Henderson to make a decision on blasting: A District Court judge has given Henderson five days to decide whether a developer can resume construction blasting near homes.; 9:40 a.m.

Verizon beats expectations with 47 percent profit growth: Verizon, locked in a battle with Qwest for the right to buy MCI, made no mention of its next move on the merger front. Qwest has been trying to break up Verizon's deal to acquire ...; 9:39 a.m.

Sony losses deepen on cheaper consumer electronics: Sony, Japan's best-known brand, also warned Wednesday that profit for its financial year ending next March would decline by half as pricing pressures continue.; 9:38 a.m.

Columnist Jeff Haney: Peter looms as principal threat to heavyweight titlists: When heavyweight Jeremy Williams crashed to the floor of the boxing ring at Mandalay Bay last December 4, it sent reverberations not only through the arena, but also through boxing's showcase weight class.; 9:38 a.m.

New resort just latest piece of Wynn's legacy: By Liz Benston; More than five years ago, Steve Wynn had witnessed his share price for Mirage Resorts Inc. drop sharply over concerns that he had spent too much to build his crowning achievement. Nitpicked by investors expecting ...; 9:33 a.m.

In Dragone, 'Avenue Q,' Wynn picks proven winners: Observers are watching with eager anticipation the curtain rising on two new production shows Steve Wynn is bringing to Las Vegas to enhance his new resort.; 9:33 a.m.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Restaurants, shops mix sophistication with pizazz: The Skillet Room was a favorite for late-night dining after seeing a show or risking a few silver dollars at the tables.; 9:32 a.m.

Tempers flare as Gladiators prepare for stretch run: Adam Candee; Sure, Ron James wanted intensity in the Gladiators' first practice in almost two weeks.; 9:32 a.m.

Ex-court clerk given probation in ID theft: By Matt Pordum; A 37-year-old clerk at Las Vegas Municipal Court who used the identity of a Metro Police sergeant's wife to steal from a department store was sentenced to probation on Wednesday.; 9:31 a.m.

Man who says boss was 'witch' pleads insanity: By Matt Pordum; A 37-year-old man who said he killed his foreman in 2002 because his boss was a "witch" who placed a black magic curse on him by breaking wind pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity ...; 9:31 a.m.

Alabama fugitive arrested in Las Vegas waives extradition: By Matt Pordum; A man who escaped from an Alabama jail on March 31 and was arrested in Las Vegas on April 21 waived extradition on Wednesday in Las Vegas Justice Court.; 9:31 a.m.

CCSN professor honored for increasing voter education: CARSON CITY -- A political science professor from the Community College of Southern Nevada and a former state employee from Reno were honored Wednesday for their work of increasing voter education and participation.; 9:31 a.m.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Pedregon gets new perspective while watching Gardner: Cruz Pedregon had the chance last weekend to experience racing from a different perspective.; 9:28 a.m.

Cowboys add veteran cornerback; Jets lose lineman: The Dallas Cowboys signed cornerback Aaron Glenn to a two-year deal Wednesday, providing an upgrade to their evolving defense and giving coach Bill Parcells yet another reunion.; 9:26 a.m.

DA: Bad childhood doesn't mitigate four murders: By Matt Pordum; As a jury heard closing arguments about whether a man convicted of murdering four young men should be sentenced to death, a brother of one of the victims collapsed in the courtroom Wednesday.; 9:25 a.m.

Gantcheva named top freshman in MWC: FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: Elena Gantcheva, UNLV; 9:25 a.m.

Census: Tax burden for Nevadans is on the rise: Kirsten Searer; Nevada ranked 22nd in the number of state taxes paid in 2004 per capita, with The average Nevadan paying $2,029, according to a study by the U.S. Census Bureau.; 9:23 a.m.

51s roster features big names for series: Nick Christensen; Grizzlies Stadium 7:05 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2:05 p.m. Sunday Radio: all games on 1460-AM; 9:22 a.m.

Tourism decline cited in Yucca proposal: CARSON CITY -- Nevada's tourism business will "suffer greatly," especially in Las Vegas, if the federal government opens the nuclear dump at Yucca Mountain, an assemblywoman said Wednesday.; 9:19 a.m.

UNLV's Nehles is conference MVP in tennis: PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Henner Nehles, UNLV; 9:19 a.m.

Raggio backs youth camp funds: CARSON CITY -- Spring Mountain Youth Camp near Las Vegas is asking for an additional $1.4 million from the state over the next two years, and the request received support from an unexpected source.; 9:19 a.m.

Preps: Softball Top 10: Compiled by the Las Vegas Sun and the Sparks Tribune; 9:08 a.m.

McCoy, Liddell have C-M back in hunt for state title: Nick Christensen; They came out of the shadows of all-state pitcher Kim Adams, two great pitchers that have surprised the Northwest Division and turned Cimarron-Memorial into a state title contender.; 9:03 a.m.

U.S. National Wrestling Championships: FILA Junior Greco-Roman Nationals; 9:03 a.m.

Letter: Weekly pickup of trash insufficient: And as for its recycling proposal, let the president of Republic Services and the company's top executives open a 95-gallon container after it has baked in our summer heat of more than 100 degrees. How ...; 9:01 a.m.

DiMarco flattered by fame: Adam Candee; No nightmares, no cold sweats, no lip-hanging chips keeping him awake.; 9:01 a.m.

Letter: Park's serene character must be preserved: Las Vegas is diverse and should be. We have the Strip, Lake Mead, Red Rock Canyon, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, assorted community parks, new homes, churches and synagogues along with the new possibilities coming ...; 9:01 a.m.

Editorial: No more nuke plants: We strongly disagree with his support for nuclear power plants. Thirty-five years ago utility officials defused concerns about nuclear waste by saying that "technology" will advance so rapidly that waste will never be a problem. ...; 9:00 a.m.

Editorial: The gateway to cruelty: In one of the most dramatic examples of cuts to Medicaid spending, and which is nothing short of heartless, Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt this week signed into law changes that will eliminate Medicaid coverage for ...; 9:00 a.m.

Resort has plenty of high-tech features: Technological innovations and architectural marvels abound at Wynn Las Vegas.; 8:41 a.m.

Attracting high rollers a luxury for Wynn: By Liz Benston; Wynn Las Vegas is positioned as the pre-eminent luxury resort in a town where high-end properties such as the Bellagio, Venetian and Mandalay Bay have proved to be the most profitable in recent years.; 8:40 a.m.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Crowd marks midnight at the oasis: The sturdy, middle-age woman clad in plaid bermudas, a navy blazer, black Converse tennis shoes and a black beret, sucked on a cigar and shouted commands to those standing in line -- and those who ...; 8:39 a.m.

Desert Inn chronology: 1945: Wilbur Clark uses the $1.5 million proceeds from the sale his share of the El Rancho Vegas and another casino to begin the process of building the Desert Inn on what would become the ...; 8:39 a.m.

Jutras takes note of changes in 'Le Reve': Spencer Patterson; Composer Benoit Jutras has spent months writing hours of music for Wynn Las Vegas' "Le Reve."; 8:38 a.m.

Wynn expected to be a big convention player: Delegates attending last year's Governor's Conference on Travel and Tourism in Reno -- one of the state's most important meetings of tourism professionals -- got a special invitation to the 2005 show.; 8:37 a.m.

Desert Inn site carries a rich past: While many expect a gleaming future for Steve Wynn's latest megaresort, Wynn Las Vegas, it is built on the site of the old Desert Inn, which carries a rich past.; 8:37 a.m.

Hawthorne prepares for patriotic display on Armed Forces Day: Dick Benoit; Citizens of Hawthorne, about 300 miles northwest of Las Vegas on U.S. 95, will celebrate the double nickel anniversary of their nationally recognized commemoration of Armed Forces Day beginning May 20.; 8:14 a.m.

Community briefs for April 28, 2005: "Managing Difficult Employees and Avoiding the Litigation Trap" is the topic of a discussion from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday at Santa Fe Station during a breakfast given by the North Las Vegas Chamber ...; 8:13 a.m.

Blood drives: Tuesday: 9 a.m.-noon, Department of Motor Vehicles, 1399 American Pacific, Henderson.; 8:12 a.m.

Murals of the Story: Artwork tells the tale of Vegas' 100 years: Tourists trickle past, stopping to read the interpretive signs in the outdoor Neon Museum where Villate's "Pyramids @ Red Rock Canyon" is taking shape on the back of the Fremont hotel.; 8:10 a.m.

70 stories

: Locally owned and independent since 1950; Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service, best news website in the nation & DuPont Award for broadcast journalism

Follow us:

Las Vegas Sun 2275 Corporate Circle, Ste. 300 Henderson, NV 89074