Las Vegas Sun

Archive for March 2, 2005

VEGAS.com buys LV tour company: Jennifer Shubinski; VEGAS.com, a travel planning and booking Web site that focuses on Las Vegas, has expanded its Las Vegas presence with the purchase of Casino Travel & Tours.; 11:09 a.m.

Guinn: Medicaid flexibility possible after new talks with Bush administration: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn said today the Bush administration is agreeable to letting the state have more flexibility in Medicaid, such as allowing the charging of co-payments to the recipients.; 11:09 a.m.

Investor shows faith in Las Vegas-based Medsonix: Medsonix Inc., a center that uses sound waves to relieve pain and improve chronic health conditions, said DaVinci's $250,000 investment would help it expand and become publicly traded.; 11:08 a.m.

Some 'high-level' nuke waste may not deserve rating: WASHINGTON - Some high-level nuclear waste at Energy Department sites, likely a small amount, may not be worthy of "high-level" classification at all -- and should not be shipped to Yucca Mountain, scientists say.; 11:08 a.m.

Mayor endorses gin to fourth graders: Dan Kulin and Emily Richmond; Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman told a group of fourth graders on Monday that if he was marooned on a desert island the one thing he would want to have with him is a bottle ...; 11:05 a.m.

Plan to annex 3,600 acres delayed: Henderson's planned annexation of 3,600 acres in unincorporated Clark County came to a sudden stop Tuesday when the Clark County Commission refused to give its approval for the effort.; 11:04 a.m.

Marz unsure whether he can remain on board: Marz, for one, is hoping that it wasn't.; 11:03 a.m.

News briefs for March 2, 2005: A 17-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the stabbing and robbery of a cabdriver Tuesday morning, Metro Police said.; 11:03 a.m.

Gehry got an early start in architecture: As a child, Frank Gehry used small scraps of wood that he found discarded in his grandfather's hardware store to build miniature cities.; 11:03 a.m.

Gehry boosts development: The announcement that a facility at Union Park will be designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry is perhaps the biggest stride in what has been a nearly two-decade-long struggle to revive a piece of downtown ...; 11:03 a.m.

LV home to other notable projects: Non-gaming:; 11:03 a.m.

Renowned architect will design Alzheimer's center: By Ed Koch; Frank Gehry, the man Time magazine has heralded as "the world's most famous living architect," has been hired to design an Alzheimer's research center on part of the vacant 61 acres in downtown Las Vegas.; 11:03 a.m.

Panel fighting time share tax break: State tourism leaders are gearing for a legislative fight against a bill they say will short-change the state of tax revenue that helps fund the state's tourism initiatives.; 11:00 a.m.

Legal issues raised about tax cap: Cy Ryan and Kirsten Searer; CARSON CITY -- The chief attorney for the Nevada Legislature says there may be constitutional concerns about a cap on rising property taxes, but she said nobody has asked her for a legal opinion.; 11:00 a.m.

Spartans get to stay at home: Eric Leake; Tuesday's school zoning meeting at times resembled a Cimarron-Memorial High School home game in which the fan favorite won.; 10:58 a.m.

Analyst: Las Vegas resale home surge likely to subside: Jennifer Shubinski; While the Las Vegas Valley continues to have a strong residential real estate market, the days of hyper-appreciation are not likely to come back any time soon, a market analyst said.; 10:57 a.m.

Pair suspected in hospital crime spree: A 35-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman apparently went on a crime spree at hospitals in four Southwestern states, including Southern Nevada, Metro Police said.; 10:57 a.m.

Columnist Jeff German: Banned in Missouri, but not here: Authorities say they haven't seen him in Las Vegas since he was released from federal prison in 1998. He served 12 years behind bars for his role in a massive scheme by Midwest crime families ...; 10:55 a.m.

Beer company executive details revitalization plans: The makers of Bud Light beer have a theory about what happened during the infamous Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction at last year's Super Bowl halftime show.; 10:54 a.m.

Anti-immigration billboard is reinstalled near LV Strip: David Kihara; With little fanfare and no protests, a white supremacy organization recently reinstalled a billboard with an anti-immigration message several hundred feet from the Strip on Sahara Avenue.; 10:54 a.m.

Psychiatric beds added: The IASIS Healthcare LLC-owned hospital added 22 beds to the department, bringing the total to 40 beds to treat behavioral problems in older adults. North Vista is the only Las Vegas Valley hospital that operates ...; 10:52 a.m.

Off-Strip property nets $32.8 million for 104-year-old: Retired physician Russell Clark bought the Tropicana Industrial Center, at 5115 Industrial Road south of Tropicana Avenue, in 1973 for $79,000, county records show.; 10:51 a.m.

UMC, nursing homes face cuts under Medicaid plan: By Cy Ryan; CARSON CITY -- University Medical Center in Las Vegas and Nevada nursing homes are two of the big losers under the plans by President Bush to cut the Medicaid budget, officials said Tuesday.; 10:47 a.m.

School districts try to overcome error that led to shortfall: By Emily Richmond; Local and state education officials are scrambling to fix a clerical error that could leave public schools short $68 million over the biennium.; 10:37 a.m.

Nevada saddled in center of debate: David Kihara; WEEKEND EDITION; 10:33 a.m.

Texas sanctuary adopting big cats from Nevada compounds: Stephen Curran; PAHRUMP -- Sandy Alman's menagerie of wild and underfed animals may have put her in the hospital, but a close friend and self-described animal handler insisted the six tigers and three leopards she kept on ...; 9:51 a.m.

BLM details sale of wild horses: David Kihara; The Bureau of Land Management sold 200 wild horses to a Wyoming-based company that is dedicated to the protection of wild horses, the BLM stated on Tuesday.; 9:51 a.m.

State worker pleads guilty in gun case: CARSON CITY -- An employee of the state Transportation Department, who pulled a gun at a meeting two days after he was passed over for a promotion, Tuesday pleaded guilty in Reno to a gross ...; 9:51 a.m.

Clerical error could leave school districts short $68 million: By Emily Richmond; Local and state education officials are scrambling to fix a clerical error that could leave public schools short $68 million over the biennium.; 9:43 a.m.

Bush renominates Sandoval for bench: President Bush on Tuesday nominated Nevada Attorney General Brian Sandoval to serve as a U.S. district judge in Reno, amid a rancorous debate in the Senate over judicial nominees.; 9:43 a.m.

Reid seeks change to bankruptcy bill: WASHINGTON -- Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., on Tuesday said Democrats are again pushing for legislation that would bar abortion clinic protesters from filing for bankruptcy.; 9:43 a.m.

NLV pitches change in tax distribution: Kirsten Searer; CARSON CITY -- North Las Vegas officials made their pitch Tuesday to change the Consolidated Tax, a group of sales taxes in Southern Nevada that will yield an estimated $957 million in the coming fiscal ...; 9:42 a.m.

Feds asked to reconsider shooting range decision: The county requested $33.6 million for the shooting range in the north part of the Las Vegas Valley, but a review panel of federal and local government officials ranked the project 37 out of 96 ...; 9:42 a.m.

Request by pot consultant for license denied once again: Pierre Werner of Las Vegas had tried without success to receive a "consultant license" from the Clark County Business License Department. He appealed the department's denial in January to the county commission.; 9:41 a.m.

Group forms to demand justice for shaken child: A group of Henderson moms has launched a letter-writing campaign to encourage Clark County prosecutors to seek a prison sentence for Bethany Ford, the nanny facing felony child abuse charges for allegedly injuring an infant ...; 9:39 a.m.

Police chief Mayberry announces retirement: Jen Lawson; Henderson Police Chief Michael Mayberry began his career in law enforcement as a part-time reserve officer in 1976 when the city's population was less than 20,000 and consisted of "a whole lot of desert."; 9:39 a.m.

Audit finds problems with postsecondary board: CARSON CITY -- A state commission that regulates 139 private postsecondary schools with an estimated 36,000 students in Nevada has problems in its financial record keeping, a legislative audit says.; 9:35 a.m.

Giunchigliani again calls for Board of Regents change: Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas, renewed her efforts to change the size and scope of the university Board of Regents at a Legislative committee hearing Tuesday afternoon.; 9:34 a.m.

Legislative briefs for March 2, 2005: The Senate Government Affairs Committee on Tuesday sponsored a bill to make it a misdemeanor to file a false complaint of misconduct against any public official.; 9:34 a.m.

Bush land plan irks commission: Under the terms of 1998's Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act, 85 percent of proceeds from the Bureau of Land Management's auctions go to environmental, conservation and recreation purposes in Nevada. Since the act was ...; 9:33 a.m.

Health centers closed at three local schools: By Emily Richmond; Three school-based health centers serving thousands of students were closed Tuesday and won't reopen until the Clark County School Board gives its approval to allow a private company to take over daily operations.; 9:32 a.m.

Poll boosts case for table games at tracks: Lawrence Messina; CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A majority of West Virginians would support table games at racetracks when told out-of-state slot machines threaten lottery revenue the four tracks now provide, says a poll issued Tuesday by gaming advocates.; 9:27 a.m.

Ticket sales increase in midst of mediocre season: Nick Christensen; When the Las Vegas Wranglers drew a capacity crowd of 7,773 in January for the first time in the team's nearly two-year history, more than a few eyebrows were raised.; 9:27 a.m.

IGT is optimistic despite stock drop: Scott Sonner; RENO -- The drop in International Game Technology's stock price is temporary, due largely to regulatory delays in new U.S. markets such as Pennsylvania and Oklahoma, IGT's new chairman said Tuesday.; 9:27 a.m.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Academic reform looks sure to fail: One can only hope the NCAA presidents didn't hurt themselves while patting each other on the back for firing a warning shot in the futile attempt to reform college sports.; 9:26 a.m.

Pueblo seeks to reopen Santa Fe horse racetrack: The pueblo, which submitted the application Tuesday, wants to open the horse racetrack in 2007, said commission deputy director Julian Luna.; 9:26 a.m.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: IRL's third female driver just trying to be her own woman: The green flag hasn't even dropped on the 2005 Indy Racing League season and Danica Patrick already is weary of The Question.; 9:25 a.m.

Efforts to legalize slots appear stalled, leaders say: When the House passed a bill by the most narrow margins Friday, the path seemed clear for slots to become law after two years of failed efforts. All that was needed was for the House ...; 9:24 a.m.

Sports briefs for March 2, 2005: The 17-month-old grandson of Jack Nicklaus died Tuesday after falling into a hot tub where he had been playing earlier, officials said.; 9:24 a.m.

Tribal gambling compacts evade legislature's oversight: Senate Bill 210 would have given lawmakers the final say on tribal gambling compacts if they resulted in increased slot machines or card tables, or if Indian casinos would be put in new places.; 9:24 a.m.

Lottery ticket sales on hold while new equipment installed: Under a state contract worth $43.5 million, New York-based Scientific Games will take over management of lottery machines in 2,500 stores across Colorado beginning May 2. Ticket sales will be suspended May 1 to put ...; 9:24 a.m.

Offensively challenged Gladiators tied for first: Adam Candee; Another week of survival left Gladiators coach Ron James in a historical mood this week.; 9:23 a.m.

Pitching strong in win at Irvine: IRVINE, Calif. - UNLV pitchers threw seven scoreless innings and the Rebels scored two of their three runs on RBI singles to beat UC Irvine 3-2 at Anteater Ballpark on Tuesday night.; 9:23 a.m.

Columnist Jeff Haney: Oklahoma State, Villanova could present value: If it's the first week of March, it must be time for college basketball bettors to begin plotting their strategy for the NCAA tournament.; 9:23 a.m.

FERC official: Enron tapes 'only scratched the surface' of potential illegal activity: Matthew Daly; WASHINGTON -- Audio tapes made public Tuesday indicate at least 1,500 conversations in which traders employed by disgraced energy giant Enron Corp. engaged in or discussed violations of federal regulations, a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ...; 9:21 a.m.

Company's pharmacists not underpaid, court rules: Full-time, salaried Wal-Mart pharmacists sued Wal-Mart in federal court, arguing they weren't truly salaried because the store reduced their salaries when their work hours were decreased.; 9:20 a.m.

MCI plans to review latest Qwest bid in next two weeks: The announcement came a day after Qwest executives made a direct appeal to MCI investors to pressure MCI to scrap a $6.7 billion deal reached with Verizon two weeks ago.; 9:20 a.m.

Ralph Siraco's Santa Anita selections: 1st Race -- LOWER SHORE -- Draws good box here, Baze aboard Stute trainee for owner The Hat Ranch, fits this spot well. WEEKEND AT LARRY'S -- Draws alongside top pick here, Smith scales Lewis ...; 9:18 a.m.

Thursday's horse racing entries: Post Time 1 p.m.; 9:17 a.m.

Columnist Peter Benton: New fan guide book puts PGA at your fingertips: Peter Benton; Those looking for that certain piece of literature to keep you up-to-date with all the comings and goings on the PGA tour should look no further as Tehabi Sports has just launched the inaugural edition ...; 9:16 a.m.

Columnist Adam Candee: UNLV's Moore picks up where he left off -- on top: Adam Candee; Two weeks ago in this space (some call it a void, I know), Ryan Moore detailed his desire to get back out and shake off the rust after a winter of rest and planning for ...; 9:15 a.m.

Letter: Wild horses are national treasure: Are we as a people now so money hungry that we are going to start selling our national treasures?; 9:10 a.m.

Letter: Parents biggest factor in child's path to college: I cannot stress enough that it is parents, and not government programs, who effectively "reach out" to any child and guide him along the arduous 18-year road to college. After spending 20 years of my ...; 9:10 a.m.

Editorial: Support sheriff's goal: If the city and county approve the budget as requested, many services such as the 911 emergency dispatches could be improved. Also, Young would be able to hire an additional 59 police officers. The hires ...; 9:08 a.m.

Editorial: Guinn must fight harder: It's inconceivable to us that Guinn could assume for one moment that Nevadans would not want him out front on this issue. President Bush has proposed reaching into our pockets and literally stealing money that ...; 9:08 a.m.

AFL-CIO boss calls for battle against Bush plan: David Kihara; AFL-CIO President John Sweeney on Tuesday strongly denounced the Bush administration's proposal to privatize Social Security and vowed to rally all union affiliates to work against the plan in what Sweeney described as the "largest ...; 8:53 a.m.

Dean optimistic on Democrats' chances in Nevada for 2008: Freshly minted Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean believes his party can win Nevada and other swing states in the 2008 presidential election by improving grass-roots campaigning and honing its own message.; 8:52 a.m.

Salvation Army makes special plea: Each organization that feeds and distributes food to the needy is eligible to receive part of the million-dollar commitment.; 8:46 a.m.

Scientist to speak on Great Basin mammals: Grayson, an archaeologist and paleoecologist, is to speak at 4 p.m. on March 10 at the Frank H. Rogers Science and Technology Building at the Desert Research Institute, 755 E. Flamingo Road near Swenson Avenue.; 8:46 a.m.

Program honors young volunteers: Each year the Kohl's Kids Who Care program rewards outstanding young people, ages 6 through 18, for their community service.; 8:46 a.m.

Council sings city manager's praises: What a difference a year makes for politics in Boulder City.; 8:45 a.m.

Community briefs for March 2, 2005: An interagency volunteer program coordinated by the UNLV Public Lands Initiative, is seeking volunteers for the Great American Cleanup from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, beginning in the upper parking ...; 8:41 a.m.

Quinn led money race but lost City Council election: Dan Kulin; The final campaign finance reports from the Las Vegas recall election in January show unsuccessful candidate Vicki Quinn remained the top fundraiser, and then contributed $3,709 to her friend and opponent Lois Tarkanian's campaign once ...; 8:36 a.m.

Obituaries for March 2, 2005: Nicholas Paul Abate, 61, of Las Vegas died Friday in a local hospice. He was born July 21, 1943, in Gary, Ind. A resident for 34 years, he was a dealer and a Vietnam War ...; 8:36 a.m.

Deceptive credit scam draws time in prison: U.S. District Judge S. James Otero on Monday in Los Angeles sentenced Richard Murkey Sr., 58, to the prison term and ordered him to pay $126,000 in restitution, according to Thom Mrozek, a spokesman for ...; 8:34 a.m.

Trial ordered in cab hijacking: By Matt Pordum; A 33-year-old man accused of hijacking and later crashing a taxicab on Feb. 8 will stand trial, Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Deborah Lippis ruled Tuesday.; 8:33 a.m.

Judge rules new indictment not needed to correct charge: By Matt Pordum; District Judge Valorie Vega ruled Tuesday that an indictment charging a woman with neglect of her daughter does not need to go back to the grand jury despite the fact that the original version of ...; 8:32 a.m.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: New stores offer spice of life: Long before the Food Network came on the scene I could find cardamom pods wherever spices were sold. And as Las Vegas became more food savvy and our global marketplaces expanded, my joy was boundless.; 8:21 a.m.

Alive & Welk: Years later, brilliance of 'Lawrence Welk Show' is still appreciated: It was a perfect complement to tater-tot casseroles and annual lutefisk dinners. Too young to understand the art of camp, I did know brilliance when I saw it. To me, the accordion-playing bandleader from North ...; 8:20 a.m.

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Community DAREs to make a difference: Elizabeth Foyt; Tim Wilmott, chief operating officer of Harrah's Entertainment, was honored for his continued contribution to the youth of America.; 8:16 a.m.

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