Print edition for July 15, 2005

Henderson girls, Berkley introduce Suffrage Day bill: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- They are not old enough to vote, let alone run for Congress, but two Henderson girls joined Rep. Shelley Berkley on the House floor Thursday as she introduced a bill to create National Women's Suffrage Day.

DMV begins accepting checks over Internet: CARSON CITY -- Motorists can now pay the state Department of Motor Vehicles by check over the Internet.

Judicial discipline panel to seek jail time for ex-Henderson judge: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline said it intends to seek jail time for a former Henderson pro-tem judge who was been fined $10,500 and cited for contempt for his "insolent behavior."

Those who can afford lawyers can still get a public defender: Molly Ball; WEEKEND EDITION

Editorial: Potter getting hotter: It's become a fact of popular culture that none of author J.K. Rowling's books about Harry Potter and his parallel world of mystery and adventure can wait for a bookstore's normal opening time. Children and many adults simply cannot wait past the exact authorized moment of sale. Even before a single copy is sold, based on pre-sales, Harry Potter books instantly zoom to No. 1 on best-seller lists. As trends go, this one is a beauty. It's gratifying to see children and their parents together sharing the joy of a good book.

Support employees, schools reach contract deal: By Emily Richmond; The Clark County School Board on Thursday ratified a new, four-year contract with the Education Support Employees Association, including a complete overhaul of job descriptions and pay scales.

Brodsky resigns from School Board: By Emily Richmond; Clark County School Board member Denise Brodsky shocked the education community Thursday by resigning her seat, announcing she planned to move to Louisiana and head up a local office of the United Way.

Water for new town flows to lobbyist: WEEKEND EDITION

Letter: Holier-than-thou attitude is getting very tiresome: I am sick and tired of the holier-than-thou attitude of the anti-Christian right. Just as slaveholders spouted the Bible as an excuse for enslaving their brethren, today's religious hypocrites fervently believe that spewing hatred and ignorance and protecting the privileged is doing the Lord's work.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: A powerful wrong: WEEKEND EDITION

Editorial: Scrutiny of slogan deal under way: The LVCVA's board also decided this week that the law firm it has hired, San Francisco-based Morrison & Foerster, would represent the tourism authority if the LVCVA joins R&R as a plaintiff in a trademark infringement lawsuit, involving the "What happens here, stays here" slogan, against a clothing maker from California. The cleanest, simplest course to take, and the best one too, is for R&R to transfer the trademark rights back to the board. Indeed, it would have been far better for the LVCVA to have hired outside counsel in the first place instead of relying on R&R to prevent ...

Two plead guilty in crime ring involving stolen credit cards: David Kihara; Two men with reported ties to Romanian crime rings pleaded guilty Thursday to separate charges involving stolen credit cards and false documents allegedly used to steal upward of $1million from casinos and ATMs.

Performing Arts for July 15, 2005: Bruce Hornsby

Plant takes root at Elvis' former digs: Spencer Patterson; The hotel that once housed Elvis Presley will play host to another of rock 'n' roll's best-known voices this weekend.

Columnist Jerry Fink: High-energy JCs keep the joint jumping: "It's like traditional high-energy R&B with a twist to it," said vocalist and percussionist Eugene Snowden, one of the founding members of the Legendary Joint Chiefs -- a group that, during the past four years, has been rocking the Southeast with its music and showmanship.

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: Muller slowly caved into his comedy calling: Lisa Ferguson; As a student in 1994, Muller took part in a talent show for the university's dormitory residents -- his first stand-up performance.

Editorial: Awaiting Bush's pick for court: July 16-17, 2005

'Shovel Brigade' digs in for more: Benjamin Grove; WEEKEND EDITION

Las Vegas Valley students helping treat El Salvador poor: Annie Flanzraich; WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Susan Snyder: Family has Bunker mentality: WEEKEND EDITION

A week of sunshine: Annie Flanzraich; WEEKEND EDITION

Sisters would gain insight at camp, says counselor: July 16-17, 2005

Livin' Life: WEEKEND EDITION

Red Rock Station construction continues: Red Rock Station construction continues

Rogers flays Gibbons' candidacy: Kirsten Searer; University Chancellor Jim Rogers has voiced concerns about Rep. Jim Gibbons making a run for governor in 2006, but on Wednesday Rogers took his criticisms to a different level.

Monorail to celebrate first birthday with little fanfare: Stephen Curran; The Las Vegas Monorail will roll past the one-year mark today with none of the fanfare that christened the $650 million system, company officials said.

Company hires sports marketing VP: In his position, which requires regulatory approval, Pollack will manage Harrah's sports ventures, including the World Series of Poker, boxing, and motorsports.

Goodman to attend settlement conference: Dan Kulin; Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and attorneys for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority plan to attend a July 27 settlement conference for a lawsuit pitting R&R Partners against a California woman accused of infringing on the trademark for the "What happens here, stays here" slogan.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: For now we must get our Wie fix on TV: Las Vegas, we have a problem.

Founder of simulcast racing service given 27 months: Dave Kolpack; FARGO, N.D. -- A federal judge scolded simulcast racing service founder Susan Bala for failing to protect the state from "unsavory characters" in running what prosecutors said was the largest illegal gambling operation in state history.

County clerk arrested outside Oklahoma casino: County Clerk James Owens and his girlfriend, Lisa Yandell, a deputy clerk in Owens' office, were arrested Tuesday after a drug-sniffing dog alerted on their car following a traffic stop, according to Pocola, Okla., Police Chief Eric Helms.

Tribes received internal notes from attorney general's office: The state has sued the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, both of which stopped paying 8 percent of their electronic gambling revenues to the state.

Panel is wary about tribal deals: Devlin Barrett; WASHINGTON -- A House committee warned Thursday that a new series of proposed deals New York is seeking to strike with Indian tribes may not pass muster -- another sign Congress may move to curb off-reservation casinos in places such as the Catskills.

News briefs for July 15, 2005: The Related Cos. will get another 30 days to finalize discussions with Las Vegas officials, which means the Las Vegas City Council will probably vote on a development agreement for the city-owned 61 acres in downtown in early September instead of August, Mayor Oscar Goodman said Thursday.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Patrick shrugs off unfair criticism, expectations: Danica Patrick is eight races into her rookie season in the Indy Racing League and some casual observers of the sport already are pondering whether "another loss" might put her on the verge of a "slump" that could negate all the good publicity she has generated for the sport.

Nevada water projects could get $40 million: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Nevada would receive $40 million for three water projects under the $10.6 billion House version of the Water Resources Development Act approved Thursday, a ballooning bill that has irked pork-project critics.

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

Sports briefs for July 14, 2005: At Endicott, N.Y., rookie Matt Hendrix shot a 9-under 63 and was tied with Glen Day for the first-round lead at the B.C. Open.

SBA leader: Loans in 2005 likely to set a record for Nevada, U.S.: Michelle Swafford; The Small Business Administration's top official was in Las Vegas on Thursday to discuss entrepreneurial challenges and opportunities with local small-business owners.

Obama likely to support LV judge nomination: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., now says he is likely to support the confirmation of Las Vegan Henrietta Holsman Fore, nominated by President Bush to a top job at the State Department.

One VendingData suit settled: Under terms of the agreement, VendingData Corp. has agreed to pay $800,000 to Shuffle Master in exchange for a promise not to sue over two patents involving VendingData's Random Ejection shuffler system which Shuffle Master believed infringed on its patents.

Tips for high temps: Be careful if you keep a working refrigerator in your garage or in a storage room that is not cooled by an air conditioner. Temperatures in garages can top 100 degrees, which makes the compressor in the refrigerator work constantly. Even if the compressor is working properly it can still overheat and cause a fire.

Toyota plans to upgrade U.S. plant venture with GM: The plant needs to be improved, Katsuaki Watanabe, Toyota's president, said in an interview Thursday, without saying how much would be spent. The two companies created New United Motor Manufacturing Inc., known as Nummi, in Fremont, Calif., in 1984 as a 50-50 joint venture.

Columnist Jeff German: Slogan deal bewilders market pro: The 59-year old Welter was executive vice president of marketing for Wendy's in the mid-1980s when the hamburger chain ran its popular, "Where's the beef?" advertising campaign. The television commercials made a star out of the late octogenarian Clara Pellar.

Airport security, loan forgiveness bills considered: WASHINGTON -- The Senate has approved an amendment by John Ensign, R-Nev., that takes aim at the conveyor-belt bins used in airport security checkpoints.

Lack of ID may keep homeless out in heat: By Timothy Pratt; As the Las Vegas Valley entered its 15th consecutive day of 100-degree temperatures Thursday, some people were saying that one of the area's most at-risk populations faced an obstacle when it comes to getting relief from the heat: no ID.

Army photographer recalls Trinity atomic blast 60 years ago: In the minutes before the first atomic bomb exploded and turned New Mexico's predawn desert darkness into light as bright as noon, Army Sgt. Ben Benjamin peered at the sky alight with lightning from thunderstorms.

Psychiatric patients still flooding LV valley's ERs: By Timothy Pratt; There were 112 psychiatric patients in the Las Vegas Valley's emergency rooms Wednesday at midnight, more than when Clark County Manager Thom Reilly declared a mental health emergency last year.

Goldfield pioneer Labarthe dies at 95: When the Goldfield Volunteer Fire Department celebrated its 100th birthday on July 4, it had planned to honor Las Vegan Laurence B. "Frenchy" Labarthe as the department's longest surviving ex-firefighter.

Las Vegas lands 2008 minor league meetings: Nick Christensen; As Las Vegas continues to seek opportunities to promote itself as a city suitable for hosting major league sports, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority made another move Thursday to help bring Southern Nevada along.

Companies claim Medicaid owes them: CARSON CITY -- Three companies that provide health and personal services to the low-income elderly and disabled in rural Nevada are complaining they are owed more than $1.8 million by the state's Medicaid program.

Local fighter feels slighted: Promotional banners for Saturday's big fight card at the MGM Grand feature the main event boxers, Bernard Hopkins and Jermain Taylor, most prominently, of course.

Public invited to weigh in on bus fare hike: Stephen Curran; The Regional Transportation Commission will hold six public meetings this summer to gauge public opinion on a proposed increase in bus fares:

Industrial production at fastest pace in 16 months: The Federal Reserve reported that industrial output increased 0.9 percent in June, three times faster than the 0.3 percent rise in May. The good performance provided further evidence that the nation's factories, mines and utilities have rebounded from a spring slowdown.

Fishing report: Boaters get the best of it while shore anglers suffer: Particularly good catches have come from Las Vegas Bay at night where boaters are baiting their hooks with live shad and anchovies to catch stripers that generally range 2-5 pounds. Very few anglers have been seen on the water after mid-morning because the fishing slows and the heat becomes intense.

What a Russian: Kassim Ouma took a hard fall from the top of boxing's junior middleweight division Thursday night, losing his IBF world championship belt to unheralded Roman Karmazin by unanimous decision at the Orleans Arena.

LV woman indicted in tax fraud: Sharon Carter operated a tax preparation business from her home in the 7400 block of West Dewey Drive.

Authorities use video surveillance to identify juveniles in school fire: Jen Lawson and Emily Richmond; Video surveillance at Roy Martin Middle School provided crucial clues that led fire investigators to accuse a group of juveniles of starting a devastating four-alarm blaze that caused about $7.5 million in damage to the school last week, authorities said.

Police probe possible heat-related deaths: Authorities suspect that the hotter-than-normal temperatures scorching the Las Vegas Valley this week caused or contributed to the death of a 44-year-old man.

Despite win, Alvarez unhappy with outing: Nick Christensen; WP: Alfredo Gonzalez (2-1, 4.62 ERA). LP: Edgar Gonzalez (6-4, 4.64). S: Mike Neu (1).

Henderson mayor says he'll announce decision in August: Henderson Mayor Jim Gibson said he will announce in August whether he plans to seek the Democratic nomination for governor.

Ralph Siraco's Hollywood Park selections: 1st Race -- CHASEUR -- Draws good post in small five-horse turf sprint, Douglas atop young Mandella trainee, good fit here. TRICKY TABOO -- Go go Gomez scales Drysdale trainee, draws rail post for allowance/claiming grass dash, Tricky trip not so Taboo here. Value Play -- CROSSCUT

Poker World Series down to final table: Adam Goldman; Poker's top players and unknowns wrapped up a grueling high-stakes showdown, completing the nine-person final table at the World Series of Poker's main event and securing a chance to win $7.5 million.

Letter: Rove controversy recalls Watergate: But because his main handmaiden is the culprit, he chooses to remain mum. It's a testament to Rove's character that he would allow reporters to face jail time rather than step forward to admit what he had done.

Tribune, Knight Ridder post drop in circulation revenue: Circulation revenue sank at least 3 percent at both companies. Revenue from national ad campaigns fell 3.8 percent at Tribune, which doubled profit on an investment gain, the company said Thursday in a statement. Net income at Knight Ridder fell as more expensive newsprint and ink pushed up costs 2.1 percent.

Porter prepared to turn up heat on e-mails: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- Rep. Jon Porter may add another layer to the fight for the Yucca Mountain project's draft license application if he subpoenas the Energy Department for documents related to his investigation into employee e-mails.

Six misconduct counts against mayor dismissed: Tazewell County Judge Stuart Borden took the action after Howard's attorneys, Jerry Hall and Ron Hamm, argued that three counts did not apply to the case and the other three did not cite laws Howard allegedly violated.

Obituaries for July 15, 2005: Clifton Marshall, 85, of Las Vegas died Tuesday in a local hospital. He was born Feb. 21, 1920, in Charleston, S.C. A resident for four years, he was a retired city bus driver and a World War II Army veteran.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: You have to dig for today's best music: Spencer Patterson; A more accurate statement would be: Popular music isn't what it once was.

Festival information: The performances are scheduled from June 23 until Sept. 3.

Trying to save a bit of history: The crazy curved shells of the La Concha Motel lobby, with their arched concrete and shiny glass, make the structure look like something out of the Jetsons.

Laughter hours: Plaza's Comedy Zone keeps stand-ups busy: But it is also headquarters for Heffron Talent International, one of the world's largest suppliers of comedians, if not the largest.

Foster's show is quite a sleight: OK, I admit it. I'm a sucker for sleight of hand.

Columnist Jerry Fink: 'Zumanity' gets a nude awakening: Mainly, the bare side.

Something (aside from heat) for everyone at Festival: Following are reviews of the performances during the Festival's fall season:

State building named in honor of Richard Bryan: CARSON CITY -- Richard Bryan was praised Thursday as the first governor to oppose Yucca Mountain and later for his efforts in the Senate on the Southern Nevada Lands Act.

Mingus at Antibes puts up a fight: Spencer Patterson; If you've seen "Jerry Maguire" you can't forget the scene.

On Display for July 15, 2005: Artist Susan Bowen's digital panoramic photographs will be displayed until Aug. 1 at CCSN's Performing Arts Center, 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave. Admission is free. 651-4205.

Datebook for July 15, 2005: Las Vegas presents a free "Rockin' Hula Luau" at 6 p.m. tonight at Centennial Hills Park at North Buffalo Drive and Elkhorn Road. Games, dance contests and food will be provided. 229-1633.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: TI offers up its best Dishes in upscale buffet: Created by award-winning designer Jeffrey Beers, Dishes is yet another step in the evolution of the buffet. This is the first buffet design for Beers. It's intimate and comfortable and easy to maneuver.

Editorial: Furniture show a go: July 16-17, 2005

Columnist Jon Ralston: Rogers' sniping just a prelude: WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Jeff German: Hopes are high for monorail to remain on track: WEEKEND EDITION

Letter: Teach all ideas of man's origin: July 16-17, 2005

Letter: Demand for oil costs many lives: July 16-17, 2005

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