Print edition for February 18, 2005

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Grounded Sherman's new career takes flight: Young guys trying to get started in the expensive world of big-time auto racing often turn to their immediate family for support.

Virgin Valley pulls a UNLV on Moapa Valley in semifinal: Mike Sims; The Virgin Valley boys' basketball team learned from watching the Rebels this weekend to never give up. The Bulldogs were down six points with 59.3 seconds left in the game and came back to beat Moapa Valley 57-55 in overtime at Las Vegas' Del Sol High School.

Shutdown of Indian casino in N.M. sought: Sue Major Holmes; ALBUQUERQUE -- New Mexico's attorney general asked a federal judge Thursday to shut down an Indian casino because the tribe has failed to pay its share of casino revenue as called for in state gambling compacts.

Youngest starter takes on mantel of leadership: Steve Guiremand; With this past Saturday's game at San Diego State slipping away in the second half, the UNLV men's basketball team needed a spark.

Growth task force ready with ideas: David Kihara; With little discussion, the county's growth task force approved a series of recommendations on Thursday aimed at increasing affordable housing, easing traffic congestion and ensuring that Clark County uses money wisely for public services.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Qualifying race a learning experience for Busch: Having raced three times before on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway, Kyle Busch wasn't expecting Thursday's 150-mile qualifying race for the Daytona 500 to be a huge educational experience.

Sports briefs for February 18, 2005: Ryan Moore highlights the 2005 Ben Hogan Award watch list, which was announced Thursday by Bank of America, in cooperation with Colonial Country Club, the Friends of Golf and the Golf Coaches Association of America.

Obituaries for February 18, 2005: George Brewington, 88, of North Las Vegas died Feb. 10 in North Las Vegas. He was born Nov. 14, 1916, in Tennessee. A resident for many years, he was a retired lead man in the steel industry and an Army Air Corps veteran.

Tribe sets sight on off-reservation casino: Consultant Bill Johnson said the trip is just the first step in a long process. The paperwork alone will take at least a year to complete, he said.

Shows of determination: Adam Candee; Fighting back from a 15-point deficit to take its first lead of the game against the Lady Rebels proved to be a horrendous mistake for Colorado State.

Winning lottery ticket worth $100,000 pulled from trash: Two other people had pitched in to buy the $5 Hoosier Lottery scratch-off ticket last week at the Chaperral Cafe. When a clerk at the downtown cafe told them it wasn't the $40 winner they were hoping for, they threw it away, lottery officials said.

U.S. attorney, Santee Sioux reach gaming settlement: The settlement was approved Thursday in U.S. District Court, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney Michael Heavican.

Holiday travelers to Southern Cal could face slides: The warm, dry weather left Las Vegas last night as a winter storm system replaced it with rain in the valley, snow in the mountains and cooler temperatures that will continue through next week.

Fishing report: Largemouth fishing looks promising: Stripers have been caught during the past week from North Saddle Cove to Sand Island by boaters who are fishing with anchovies. Shore anglers have had some success for stripers at the fishing dock and Hemenway Harbor, although the action has been relatively slow.

Senator questions Test Site security: A Massachusetts lawmaker is demanding answers from new Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman about security at the Nevada Test Site.

Bulldogs, Panthers take different routes to championship game: Justin George; With a virtual scrum of players shielding the ball from her view, Ali Winkelblech didn't stand a chance.

Centennial High buries season scoring record: Jeff Neubert; Another game, another record for the Centennial girls in Thursday's 98-34 win against Palo Verde in the Sunset Region semifinals at North Las Vegas' Mojave High School.

Nearby elementary locked down because of standoff with suspect: Eric Leake; Henderson Police locked down an elementary school and sealed off a neighborhood Thursday while they tried to persuade a burglary suspect to come out of a house, but when they stormed the home five hours later the man was nowhere to be found.

Court: State can't tax cruises-to-nowhere: Jackie Hallifax; TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Gambling jaunts known as cruises-to-nowhere don't owe taxes on commercial activity that happens beyond the state's territorial waters, the Florida Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

Balanced attack puts Rams in Sunrise final: Nick Christensen; Rancho coach Melvin Shivers has said all season that he wants a state championship for the 50th anniversary of the opening of his school.

Life Experience: Ever-expanding 'Celebration' trumpets Black History Month: Spencer Patterson; Five years ago UNLV's music department celebrated Black History Month wit a concert in a campus lecture room, drawing an audience of about 70.

Motorists warned of closures as U.S. 95 work continues: Stephen Curran; A number of road improvement projects are expected to move forward this weekend, bringing with them a likely stream of temporary delays and detours, state Transportation Department officials said Wednesday.

Two killed in crashes ID'd: A 63-year-old Mesquite man, William B. Templeton, riding with five other motorcyclists on Northshore Drive between Overton and Callville Bay, crashed for unknown reasons, said Roxanne Dey, a Park Service spokeswoman.

Where does UNLV's comeback rank against the all-time greats?: The Great

Editorial: Council's about-face: A "one strike and you're out" clause might seem tough, especially considering the type of business that the Davaris operate, but it was warranted in this case. The Davaris almost didn't receive the license at all because of their past. Las Vegas Metro Police said the Houston strip clubs operated by the Davaris had a history of prostitution and drug use. Further, there have been allegations of irregular banking practices in the strip clubs operated by the Davaris, leading to a money laundering investigation in Texas.

Supreme Court rejects killers' appeals: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court Thursday rejected the appeal of Duke Cranford, who was sentenced to a life term without parole for the murder of an auto executive in Las Vegas in 1976.

Letter: Lottery would help education: Unlike the Clark County rental-car tax to support a performing arts center, I believe a lottery to support education is smart. The net revenue for states is usually about 50 percent.

Lions set sights on eye care for poor: For those who are not old enough to receive Medicare benefits and not poor enough to receive Medicaid, a new Las Vegas eye care program could fill the bill.

'Super Size' filmmaker to speak after showing: Spurlock will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday lecture in the student amphitheater following a 5:30 p.m. screening of his film.

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: When Lowers hits the road, the road hits back: Lisa Ferguson; The comedian, who headlines the "Laughs at The Beach" show Saturday at The Beach nightclub, has had his well-being jeopardized on several occasions while riding in automobiles, evidenced by the "Dead Vehicles" photo link on his Web site, www.joelowers.com.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Thought is obstructed: WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Muriel Stevens: In any color, Le Creuset remains top cookware: Long before the advent of Teflon-lined or anodized cookware, Le Creuset red enameled cast-iron cookware was in the kitchen of every serious cook. Today, Le Creuset comes in every color imaginable.

Letter: Dental school is a great service, don't close it: This is in regard to the Sun's Feb. 15 article headlined, "Beers wants to pull dental school." I am a patient of the UNLV Dental School. It is apparent that Sen. Bob Beers does not support the school as he is proposing that it be closed. I wonder if Sen. Beers has visited the school and observed those patients in the waiting room, which is always full.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Hackett engenders attention: WEEKEND EDITION

Longtime LV fight timekeeper Bisek dies at 72: The only thing Al Bisek enjoyed more than serving as a timekeeper for major Las Vegas fights was showing his grandchildren how, for a quarter of a century, he had performed that job.

Editorial: Preserving our history: It was inevitable that the accelerating growth of Las Vegas would one day come knocking on the cottages' doors. We're just glad that knocking sound doesn't mean the wrecking ball for all of them. The least-preserved cottages will be salvaged for parts, but at least three will be moved to the Las Vegas Springs Preserve, another historic site that is under construction.

Congressman questions Test Site security: SUN WASHINGTON BUREAU; Democratic Rep. Edward Markey fired a letter to Bodman on Thursday outlining several security lapses and asking Bodman whether the private security firm Wackenhut should be allowed to continue to provide security.

'Madness' at Joint is no day at the beach: According to Aristotle, three elements exist between an audience and a speaker who is trying to persuade listeners to accept his argument -- ethos (the character of the speaker), pathos (the emotions of the audience) and logos (the logic of the argument itself).

Columnist Jerry Fink: Stuart's resolve is legendary: "David was born with spina bifida, which is a hole in the spine," Stuart said. "It prevents you from having feeling below the waist."

Columnist Jerry Fink: Owners strike right chord at Casa di Amore: The food is great, the atmosphere friendly, the music first rate.

Datebook for February 18, 2005: Sarah Marks, author of the best-selling book "Reservations Required -- Culinary Secrets of Las Vegas' Celebrity Chefs," will team with Chef Anthony Amoroso of Fiamma Trattoria at MGM for a cooking demonstration/book signing from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Fashion Show mall. Admission is free. 252-0655.

Community briefs for February 18, 2005: The Las Vegas Centennial will hold An Affair to Remember at 8:30 p.m. Saturday at Texas Station.

Columnist Jeff German: Tide may wash away advocates of Yucca: WEEKEND EDITION

CD a 'Gate' to Santamaria's work: Spencer Patterson; Latin-jazz bandleader Mongo Santamaria is best remembered for two songs: "Afro-Blue" and "Watermelon Man."

Letter: Another way to tax property: With regard to the property tax issue, would it not be in the best interests of the state to factor in the conservation of energy? Rather than tax a home's square feet, how about a tax on cubic feet? During World War II, many houses were built with only 7 feet of clearance between floor and ceiling. Fuel and other things were rationed because of short supply. When someone complained, he was told, "Hey Joe, there's a war on!" I would like to remind everyone there is a war going on today.

Letter: President cannot be blamed for North Korea: Smith's Feb. 14 cartoon was so out of line that it makes me wonder how much he knows about the subject with which he was dealing. It was President Clinton and his secretary of state, Madeleine Albright, who gave North Korea the technical support for development of nuclear power. When North Korea would not comply with the terms of the agreement for inspections, that same president would do nothing about it.

Killing of popular man saddens NLV neighborhood: A 54-year-old man whom Lawry Street residents called the "neighborhood babysitter" was shot and killed Thursday night in North Las Vegas.

Weight limits set for servers: John Curran; ATLANTIC CITY -- At the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, cocktail servers who have trouble squeezing into their low-cut bustiers will soon be squeezed out -- out of a job, that is.

Strengthening the legacy: WEEKEND EDITION

Editorial: So, why is Yucca work continuing?: In the years that the federal government was steamrolling along on its plans to open Yucca Mountain, it offered ready justification for its unrelenting determination. The deadly nuclear waste piling up at the nation's power plants was becoming dangerous, the Energy Department warned, echoing nuclear power officials. It said the plants were running out of room, making a permanent storage facility at Yucca Mountain an urgent national priority. The waste will be safe at one, secure location, instead of being scattered around the country offering multiple targets for terrorists, Americans were told. Of equal concern was the nation's power supply. ...

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Gimme Gimmes raise bar with comedic release: Spencer Patterson; If that sounds like a joke, it isn't, though it's definitely one hilarious live disc.

Bill seeks fair regents' hearings for personnel: CARSON CITY -- Sen. Bob Coffin, D-Las Vegas, says it's only fair that employees of the University and Community College System of Nevada have a chance to defend themselves in closed personnel meetings looking into misconduct.

Letter: Bush not credible on Social Security: The Social Security Administration itself says it is solvent until 2042. And 2018? That's merely the date at which all the money borrowed from Social Security by Congress over the last few decades will start having to be repaid. The Congressional Budget Office is even more optimistic. It says 2052 is when solvency will be a question. It also estimates that setting up private accounts will require borrowing $2 trillion over the next 10 years, $6 trillion over the next 20 years and $15 trillion over the next 40 years.

Letter: GOP brought us war, huge deficit: The Democrats have given this country some very significant legislation, including Social Security, Medicare, the Civil Rights Act, urban renewal, Head Start, the Marshall Plan that saved Europe, and the bill that guaranteed workers could have sick leave. The Democratic administration in the 1990s also left the current Republican administration with a huge surplus.

'Crocodile Hunter' seeks Las Vegas zoo: Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman said Thursday that he met with a representative for Irwin last week to discuss bringing a zoo here.

Ensign wants limits off Medicare therapy: WASHINGTON -- Seniors would have access to more therapy services through Medicare under a bill introduced by Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., Thursday.

To The Hilt: WEEKEND EDITION

Wynn's Las Vegas: Jon Ralston hosts the news discussion program Face to Face on Las Vegas ONE and publishes the Ralston Report. He can be reached at (702) 870-7997 or at ralston@vegas.com.

State's high suicide rate targeted: CARSON CITY -- Nevada is one of the top states in the nation in suicides, and Gov. Kenny Guinn is recommending stepped-up efforts to combat the problem.

State revokes parole for contract killer in 1974 case: CARSON CITY -- A contract killer from Las Vegas, paroled at least six times, can't seem to make it in society.

Performing Arts for February 18, 2005: Wes Winters

Holiday Closings: SAFETY: Police and fire emergency services as usual. Administrative offices closed.

On Display for February 18, 2005: Artists Yvonne Lung and Julie Madden's master of fine arts thesis exhibition will be held from Sunday to March 5 at UNLV's Donna Beam Fine Art Gallery in the Alta Ham Fine Arts building. Admission is free. 895-3893.

Editorial: Don't be quick to judge: Gov. Kenny Guinn last week culled $40 million from various state agencies and added the money to his Millennium Scholarship program. This has been a highly successful program since 2000 -- so successful that projections showed it would soon go broke without new money. The program allows those who graduate from Nevada high schools with at least a B average to receive four-year scholarships to state colleges or universities.

State's nursing student capacity may double: Nevada's university system is on track to meet its Legislative mandate to double its nursing capacity by the end of the year, according to a systemwide status report.

Airport land deals leave plenty of wreckage: Clark County commissioners say the controversy over the airport land deals comes down to short-sighted planning decisions and a rush to push zoning.

TSA to make rules conform to federal guidelines: When tow trucks respond to the scene of a traffic accident, should they be complying with regulations established by the state Transportation Services Authority or the federal government?

Casinos helping pull tribes from poverty, study shows: By Liz Benston; Tribal casino gambling helped boost income among American Indians faster than the general population in the 1990s, though income among tribes with no connection to gambling rose faster than researchers expected over the same period, a Harvard University researcher told a conference of tribal leaders in Las Vegas last week.

Former skipper wants Navy to recognize heroic crewman: There are many stories of heroism involving Americans who stormed the ashy sands of Iwo Jima during one of the bloodiest battles of World War II.

Tougher laws for teenage drivers weighed: CARSON CITY -- A teenage driver, who caused a fatal car crash in 2003 that killed three of his friends, and his mother urged the Legislature on Thursday to toughen the laws on young people getting driver's licenses.

Valley could lose $16.2 million in low-income housing funds: Benjamin Grove and Timothy Pratt; The Las Vegas Valley stands to lose $16.2 million in federal low-income housing money by 2010 under proposed cuts by the Bush administration, according to a report released today.

Lawmakers get first taste from bitter homeowners: Kirsten Searer; CARSON CITY -- A line snaked out the door Thursday as everyday people got their first chance to sound off to lawmakers about rising property taxes.

Goodman criticizes secrecy of deal between utilities: Kevin Rademacher; The succession of smiling faces touting the recent peace plan between Nevada Power Co., the Southern Nevada Water Authority and the Colorado River Commission came to an abrupt end Thursday morning.

LV-based firm narrows losses: Pinnacle Entertainment Inc. reported a net loss of $4.8 million, 13 cents a share, compared with a loss of $8.6 million, 34 cents a share, for the same quarter a year earlier for the quarter ended Dec. 31. Results are based on revenue of $132.6 million, compared with $125.5 million last year.

College donations contingent on state funding: More private money is rolling into Nevada State College in Henderson, but all of the recent pledges are contingent on the state paying for the college's first liberal arts building.

Columnist Jeff German: Budget cuts hurt drug war: Back in December I told you about the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program, a federally funded effort that has brought together and boosted the morale of law enforcement agencies in the local war on drugs.

Lake levels likely to keep dropping: Stephen Curran; The already low water levels at Lake Mead and Lake Powell will likely continue falling in the coming year, even as overall conditions are expected to improve, officials from the Southern Nevada Water Authority said Thursday.

LV-Pittsburgh route planned: The Dallas-based airline, the busiest commercial passenger carrier at McCarran International Airport, will have one daily nonstop round trip to and from Pittsburgh International Airport.

Lawmaker wants to ban Nevada casino advertising: Rep. Scott Wyatt, R-Logan, has proposed making it a class B misdemeanor to advertise gambling directed to Utah residents.

DEI duo controls one duel race: DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- If Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Michael Waltrip were trying to snooker the competition with their lackluster qualifying efforts last weekend, they gave themselves away Thursday afternoon.

Broker arrested: The criminal complaints charges two felony forgery counts for the unauthorized transfer of $15,000 out of an account in January 2003 and another transfer from the same account of $14,000 a month later, a statement from the division said. The state alleges that the money was used to help a friend of Cunningham purchase a home and used to provide a loan to a local businessman.

Gladiators getting new results under new leader: Adam Candee; It is admittedly tempting for Gladiators coach Ron James to peek over the hill at what could be an outstanding record to start the season.

Business leaders inducted into Nevada Hall of Fame: Jennifer Shubinski; In their careers and actions, the importance of education was championed by three business leaders who have helped shape Southern Nevada into what it is today.

Mississippi regulators approve Macau project: Regulators on Thursday voted unanimously to grant a waiver of approval for the company to enter a partnership to develop a resort hotel and casino complex with Pansy Ho, daughter of Macau gaming mogul Stanley Ho. The government of Macau must still approve a subconcession agreement allowing MGM Mirage to partner with Pansy Ho, but analysts say they don't expect any delays in approval.

New home sales set January record: Jennifer Shubinski; The demand for new homes in the Las Vegas housing market reached record levels in January and the median price of a new home exceeded $300,000 -- a more than 50 percent increase over last year.