Print edition for February 4, 2005

More file for positions on election ballots: Laurie Robinson filed to run against Henderson Mayor Jim Gibson, giving the mayor his first opponent in his bid for re-election.

News briefs for February 4, 2005: Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman said Thursday that all local elected officials will come together sometime soon to meet and discuss their unified position on the issue of capping property taxes.

Mother of stabbed kids is indicted: A mother of two children who were stabbed in Mesquite in January 2003 was indicted along with her boyfriend on 14 counts of child abuse and neglect on Thursday.

Federal briefs for February 4, 2005: The former president of Skipco Inc. is facing 35 federal felony counts of wire fraud and money laundering in connection with a scheme to defraud the Nevada office machine company of more than $12 million.

Survey: Qualified workers scarce: Alana Roberts; Most of Nevada's employers plan to hire workers within the next several months, but they're having difficulty finding qualified workers, a Nevada JobConnect survey said.

Couple stabbed in their home: Stephen Curran; An elderly Las Vegas couple was repeatedly stabbed in a northwest Las Vegas home Thursday night in what may be a random act of violence, Metro Police said.

Hooters Air arrives in Vegas: Hooters wings took on a whole new meaning in Las Vegas with the inaugural flight of Hooters Air to McCarran International Airport Thursday.

School Board to work with new motto: By Emily Richmond; While it may not be as catchy as its successful "What happens here, stays here" ad campaign, R&R Partners executives say their proposed motto for the Clark County School Board could be just as effective.

Report: Nevada making headway in Yucca fight: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- Nevada should not give up its fight against the proposed nuclear waste storage site at Yucca Mountain and should not negotiate for benefits for accepting spent fuel, the state's Commission on Nuclear Projects said in a report issued this week.

Lawyer: Airport land probe long overdue: A lawyer who has been a longtime critic of Clark County's land transactions had asked federal officials in 2002 to probe some of the same issues that are at the center of an audit of airport land deals launched last week.

Signings highlighted by first-year player: Nick Christensen; Four local girls signed national letters of intent this week to play at the college level.

Nevada hospitals' profit down: CARSON CITY -- University Medical Center, the hospital owned by Clark County, recorded a $7.6 million loss last fiscal year. It's the third straight year of losses.

Man attempts to rob clinic: About 8:40 a.m., a gun-wielding man with a bandana over the lower part of his face walked into the Animal Kingdom Veterinary Clinic at 1325 Vegas Valley Drive near Maryland Parkway, Officer Jose Montoya, a Metro spokesman, said.

Sports briefs for February 4, 2005: Palms sweating, knees knocking, seven finalists from a field of more than 2,500 bowlers will compete for $1 million in a single game this fall in the Kingpin Million Dollar Challenge, organizers announced Thursday in Reno.

Regents have no solution to textbook costs: Nevada college students may just have to live with the rising cost of textbook prices, university regents decided Thursday.

Binion eyeing LV casino opportunities: By Liz Benston; Jack Binion, the former manager of Binion's Horseshoe who sold his high-rolling casino empire to Harrah's Entertainment Inc. last year, is considering re-entering the casino business on the Las Vegas Strip or abroad, he said.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Hall of Fame at UNLV forevermore Fred's World: This year's UNLV Athletic Hall of Fame class includes a Super Bowl champ, an NCAA champ, a Final Four star and the legendary -- at least in the mind of any local sports writer who has ever yearned for a colorful quote -- Fred Dallimore.

Damaged sewage line being repaired: Authorities were repairing an 18-inch pipe after a Clark County contractor working in a Duck Creek flood channel Thursday caused 296,000 gallons of raw sewage to spill into the Las Vegas Wash.

Ameristar Casinos earnings double: The Las Vegas-based company, which doesn't own any casinos in town after selling The Reserve, now the Fiesta Henderson, reported profit of $14.5 million in the fourth quarter compared with profit of $9.5 million for the same period a year ago.

State workers will receive added health benefits: CARSON CITY -- The more than 50,000 people enrolled in the state government's health insurance plan will see increased benefits starting July 1, including lower deductibles and better dental and vision coverage, officials said.

Guinn: Ex-official merits school honor: By Emily Richmond; A campaign to have a Clark County School District campus named after Claude Perkins, its only black superintendent, was endorsed Thursday by Gov. Kenny Guinn.

Landry's to buy Golden Nugget: Sun Staff; Call it a Vegas marriage of "fish and chips." Or maybe a fish nugget.

Largest watch store opens in Forum Shops: Largest watch store opens in Forum Shops

Incidents resemble violence of 311 Boyz: Jen Lawson; In the summer of 2003, members of the 311 Boyz gang blocked a group of teens who were trying to leave a gated community in Summerlin and threw a rock through their windshield, severely injuring a 17-year-old boy.

Teacher who was subject of violent cartoon fired: By Emily Richmond; A Centennial High School substitute teacher said she was fired Wednesday because she talked to the media after she was the subject of a violent cartoon drawn by a student.

Hard Rock scores management deal: By Liz Benston; The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Inc. in Las Vegas has snagged its first casino management deal with an Indian tribe, though an executive said the move was strategic and doesn't indicate a desire by the company to develop a full-blown tribal casino franchise like some of its competitors.

Flood victims still struggling: David Kihara; When Ron Marquardt walked into his home in Mesquite after the January floods three weeks ago, he was devastated.

Judge: Seed firm CEO must repay creditors: U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Linda Riegle made the ruling on Jan. 26 following a December trial. The judgment was made against Richard Budd, of Winston-Salem N.C., and ABT Group LLC, an entity he established to loan money to AgriBioTech in 1999, attorneys for plaintiff Anthony Schnelling, the creditor trustee in the case, said.

Columnist Jeff German: Monorail's track record grows worse: Walker is the spokesman for the Las Vegas Monorail -- the $650 million privately run transit system that received millions of dollars in tax breaks and keeps breaking down.

Check-in controversy ices shooter in Skyhawks' OT loss to Gators: Pisano was upset at a delay while officials and coaches discussed whether Jeremy Pate checked in at the scorer's table in between two free-throw attempts by the Skyhawks' Chad Robinson.

Fishing report: $10,000 tagged trout escapes without hook at Cave Lake event: CAVE LAKE: More than 400 anglers were at the White Pine County lake Saturday for the annual ice fishing tournament and most had good luck catching stocked rainbow trout.

Intensity ratcheted up for postseason: Nick Christensen; It's a brand new ballgame as prep soccer's second season starts at the Bettye Wilson Soccer Complex.

Preps: 2004-05 Signees: Girls' Soccer Kayla Bauder, BNZA , Northern Arizona Kayla Lambert, PV, Evansville Kalie McGuire, PV, Idaho State Mia Tofano, BNZA, St. Mary's College

Preps: Results: Boys' Basketball

Cimarron-Memorial expected to breeze through regionals: Mike Sims; Everyone will be chasing Cimarron-Memorial and Las Vegas at this weekend's regional tournaments for a shot at next week's state title.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Defending Nextel Cup champion hopes to make amends with drivers, fans: Kurt Busch would like to use his reign as the 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup champion to repair the strained relationships he has developed with some drivers and fans during the first four years of his career.

New property owners expect to take over in April: One of the new owners, Roy Anderson III, said Wednesday that a larger casino, a new hotel, shops, restaurants and condominiums are planned for the landmark Broadwater property in Biloxi.

Lure of slots draw hopefuls from across U.S.: Marc Levy; HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The field to own a casino in Pennsylvania is getting more crowded.

63-year-old man convicted in killing: By Matt Pordum; A jury convicted a 63-year-old man of second-degree murder Thursday for the killing of a man in his mobile home in July.

Measure to allow off-track betting fails: House Gaming Committee Chairman Bobby Moak, D-Bogue Chitto, said Mississippi laws enacted in the 1990s to make way for casinos already allow off-track betting or race book, but he said the commission needs legislative approval to adopt the regulations.

146,000 jobs added in January: The nation's payrolls grew by 146,000 jobs in January, roughly matching the growth in the population, the Labor Department reported this morning. Weekly wages for rank-and-file workers -- about 80 percent of the labor force -- fell because firms reduced the average length of the workweek.

Man loses appeal in killing of his mother, girlfriend: CARSON CITY -- A Las Vegas man, convicted of killing his mother and his girlfriend, has lost his appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Preserve the safety net: WEEKEND EDITION

Woman linked to motel killing not granted immunity: By Matt Pordum; A woman who testified Thursday that she knew she was renting a motel room for the purpose of setting up the robbery of a drug dealer who was later killed in the room has not been granted immunity, prosecutors said.

Atkinson Gates resting at home: "She says she feels really good and will be back at work by the next regular board meeting," Samantha Charles said.

Late arrivals increased in 2004: In a study of the 19 largest airlines, which flew about 7.1 million flights last year, the department said late arrivals rose to 21.9 percent from 18 percent in 2003, meaning more than 1.5 million flights were late.

Letter: Bush fooled Nevadans twice to vote for him: February 5 - 6, 2005

Columnist Jeff German: President may be Nevada's biggest enemy: WEEKEND EDITION

Community briefs for February 4, 2005: An account has been established to help pay for the education of the 10-year-old daughter of a man who was shot while driving home from work Monday night.

'Forever Plaid' an enjoyable, affordable '50s nostalgia trip: "Forever Plaid" is a harmonic blend of nostalgia, comedy and ... harmony.

Test Site cleanup to include destroying unexploded shells: Jace Radke; The National Nuclear Security Administration is scheduled during the next three months to detonate and destroy unexploded ammunition and ordinance found on the Nevada Test Site.

Letter: Don't touch Social Security: February 5 - 6, 2005

Columnist Spencer Patterson: McGraw hasn't taken Strait path to stardom: Spencer Patterson; According to the All Music Guide, country star George Strait sparked "a wave of neo-traditionalist singers from Randy Travis and Dwight Yoakam to Clint Black, Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson."

Columnist Jerry Fink: Harary to 'debut' at Suncoast: Illusionist Franz Harary will make his Las Vegas debut -- sort of -- at the Suncoast with two shows at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 and Feb. 12.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Drummer Bennet beats a path to Las Vegas: Benny Bennet's fascinating life story actually began decades before he was born in Trinidad.

Obituaries for February 4, 2005: Karin Austin, 41, of Las Vegas died Tuesday in a local hospital. An administrative secretary at the Nevada Test Site, she was born Nov. 1, 1963, in New Haven, Conn.

Letter: Student's cartoon wasn't a big deal: First, kids have little power over anything. As teachers, we are authority figures. We talk too much, give too many orders and we are often boring to kids. We're Nazis. Get it? The comic is an underground artwork that is an overreaction. It's what teens do. It's not a thought crime. Take a deep breath and give the comic to the kid's counselor. Threatening a teacher is serious, but this student is not threatening. The Columbine event was an anomaly committed by kids who were really suicidal. The counselors already know who these self-destructives are. Don't push to have the ...

Council members want Boyd land deal review: Dan Kulin; Now that they have been told the city paid almost $7 million for a 3.4-acre parcel of downtown land, some Las Vegas City Council members said Thursday they want to see a full review of the city's involvement in the property, which could cost Boyd Gaming Corp. just $2 million under proposed changes to an agreement the council is reviewing.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Land deal symbol of cronyism: WEEKEND EDITION

Letter: Linking tsunami, global warming is ridiculous: But officials at Greenpeace, the Friends of the Earth, the Discovery Channel and elsewhere have insisted that the recent Asian catastrophe resulted from industrialization and economic growth that has heated up the atmosphere. Because of a steady stream of such irresponsible claims, politicians continue to seek enforcement of the Kyoto protocol targeting economic activity in developed nations, especially in the United States.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Diamonds for Dinner is a girl's best friend: A one-time Diamonds for Dinner Dream Package at Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas might do the trick. This fantasy-for-two feast of jewels package is priced at $50,000. The jewelry element's retail value exceeds the price of the weekend.

Brandin, purveyor of poultry, fish to LV resorts, dies at 87: Leif Birger Brandin, a Las Vegas businessman who at one time co-owned the largest distributor of poultry, fish and kosher products in Southern Nevada, died Wednesday. He was 87.

Saxophonist, bandleader Koral dies at 79: Jazz ran through Marv Koral's veins.

Arts Advocates offers scholarships: Applications may be obtained through the counselor offices at state high schools or on the NAA Website at www.nvartsadvocates.org.

Theatrical Release: Cirque du Soleil tops itself again with staging of "Ka": By Jerry Fink; Following are a few Ka Theatre facts and figures:

Datebook for February 4, 2005: Las Vegas' Arts District will host its monthly festival, First Friday, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. today. For maps of the district, go online to www.firstfriday-lasvegas.org/schedule.htm or visit The Funk House, 1228 S. Casino Center Blvd.

Editorial: Outrageous sentencing: On Sept. 25, 2003, Gatlin, a burglary suspect, was being pursued by police. Driving west on Alta Drive in a stolen car, Gatlin raced through a red light and broadsided a car driven by Roberta Stroh, 57. She was killed instantly.

Editorial: Reform sales of land: Gragson, who has been a frequent participant in the airport's land exchange and sales program, and Randy Walker, director of the Clark County Aviation Department, have said there was no wrongdoing in the sale. But something certainly was amiss. The land clearly was advertised as being available only for use as a cemetery. It turned out, though, the land was allowed to be used for other commercial purposes.

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: 'Seasoned' Karam content on any sized stage: Lisa Ferguson; You're just as likely to find Jann Karam occupying a makeshift stage at some hole-in-the-wall coffeehouse as you are to catch her soaking up the spotlight at a large comedy club.

Life's Work: WEEKEND EDITION

Last indicted Rolling 60s gang member is finally behind bars: Jace Radke; Keith Kelly managed to avoid federal and local authorities for more than a year after being indicted on racketeering charges involving his alleged participation as a member of the Rolling 60s street gang.

History shows Rebels can turn season around: Steve Guiremand; The UNLV men's basketball team finds itself in an all-too-familiar position as the first half of Mountain West Conference play comes to an end on Saturday afternoon against BYU at the Thomas & Mack Center.

On Display for February 4, 2005: The public is invited to meet artist Dale Cox, whose work is being displayed at the Twin Lakes Gallery of the Derfelt Senior Citizens Center, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 3341 W. Washington Ave. in Lorenzi Park. Cox's paintings will be displayed until March 2. Admission is free. 229-6601.

Man sentenced in Vietnamese scam: By Matt Pordum; A Vietnamese man was sentenced to one to five years in prison on Thursday for convincing members of the Las Vegas Vietnamese community to give him money so he could finalize a deal to build a Las Vegas-style casino in Vietnam.

'US MARINE' will settle for 'Devil Dog' on Ward 6 ballot: Dan Kulin; There has been "Big Al," "Doc," and "Mazunga," but there will be no "US MARINE" on the Las Vegas ballot.

Maddux: Burnitz deal makes Sosa trade work: Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Greg Maddux measured his words carefully Thursday afternoon when asked about slugger Sammy Sosa's departure from the team.

Raptor testing entering its final stages at Nellis: Jace Radke; The 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron was scheduled to be recognized today for its work in testing two state-of-the-art flight helmet systems before moving on to the final phases of testing for the Air Force's newest stealth fighter, the FA-22 Raptor.

Performing Arts for February 4, 2005: Voci Nobili

Congressman pushes Yucca action: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- The Energy Department needs to get moving on shipping nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain if the country is serious about national security, a key lawmaker said Thursday.

Metro officers who saved babies receive awards: Jen Lawson; Two Metro Police officers who are credited with saving the lives of two babies last year were given awards Thursday at the department's first commendation ceremony of the year.

Gang's best? That's 'Entertainment!': Spencer Patterson; The Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival unveiled its 2005 lineup on Monday, and it looks a bit like 1985 all over again.

Columnist Sal DeFilippo: Oscar was really good, man: Sal DeFilippo; If Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman's view of the Super Bowl is as accurate as his football picks were this season, he might want to shield his eyes during the game.

Hand-to-hand combat gets a grip on fans: By Jeff Haney; SOURCE: Ultimate Fighting Championship

With San Jose on the horizon, Gladiators focus on mistakes: Adam Candee; 6 p.m., HP Pavilion TV: Fox Sports West/Bay Area Radio: ESPN 920-AM

Guinn asks for Yucca documents: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- Gov. Kenny Guinn wants the Energy Department to recognize Congress's requirement that the state receive all information pertaining to the planned nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, he told the new energy secretary.

UNLV bidding practices studied: University regents scrutinized bidding practices at both UNLV and UNR on Thursday in response to a Legislative audit last month that showed both universities had conducted numerous energy retrofit projects without properly putting the projects out to bid.

Metro rookie hits 3 vehicles en route to call: A rookie police officer answering an emergency call lost control of the patrol car she was driving and hit three other vehicles at Martin Luther King Boulevard and Vegas Drive, police said.

With loan approved, confirmation dates set, Trump case moves on: John Curran; CAMDEN, N.J. -- A judge dealt another favorable hand to Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts on Thursday, giving final approval to a $100 million "debtor in possession" loan and setting a date for a confirmation hearing that would formally end the company's Chapter 11 case.

State offering tips to seniors on planning long-term care: CARSON CITY -- People are living longer, and an estimated 60 percent of senior citizens will need some type of long-term care.