Print edition for March 4, 2005

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 9:30 a.m.

Capitol bill aims to tighten regulation: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- A bill in Congress that would establish a federal boxing commission to better protect fighters and standardize fight rules received varying support in a Thursday hearing.

Wranglers' top scorer called up to AHL: The Las Vegas Wranglers announced Thursday that the Lowell Lock Monsters of the American Hockey League have recalled center Dustin Johner.

Dramatization: Talking heads step up for March Madness: The Great

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Drivers take caution as Busch series heads south of the border: Jamie McMurray and Robby Gordon will be among a handful of NASCAR Nextel Cup regulars venturing south of the border this weekend to compete in the Busch Series' inaugural race in Mexico City, but the two drivers are taking different approaches to the event.

Pride is all that's on the line against BYU: Steve Guiremand; UNLV's conference finale at BYU on Saturday night will really have no effect on the Rebels' seed for next week's Mountain West Conference tournament in Denver.

Lady Rebels let one get away: Adam Candee; UNLV women's coach Regina Miller could do nothing but smile in disbelief and shake her head Thursday night.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Rebels rule the pool at MWC swim meet: By Ron Kantowski; You can talk about all those extra laps they swam in their creaky old pool, the preseason training trip to Florida financed by magazine subscriptions and candy bar sales, or the desire to be like Mike -- in this case, Phelps, the great Olympian. Or even his sister Whitney, who once was one of them.

Indian tribe wants track in Washington: LONGVIEW, Wash. -- The Cowlitz Indian tribe has met with International Speedway Corp. and proposed a plan to build a track for NASCAR races somewhere in the southern part of the state.

Murder jury selected after one-on-one questioning: By Matt Pordum; District Judge Lee Gates, in the desire to ensure that a man accused of killing his sister and grandparents gets a fair trial, is taking the unusual step of going through the jury pool one person at a time while the rest of the jury waits outside the courtroom.

News briefs for March 4, 2005: A 20-year-old Las Vegas man was in critical condition this morning after he lost control of his car during a street race, forcing it to roll over several times, Metro Police said.

Declaration lets homowners receive help with rebuilding: Stephen Curran; Office to open

Fishing report: Troll deep to bring up those stripers: Most who have been fishing in the Boulder Basin have said that fishing has been slow and the majority of striped bass they have caught recently are thin. However, one fisherman reported that he brought 10 chunky stripers to his boat on Sunday at Las Vegas Wash. Another boater said he caught a thin 13-pound striper outside B-5 Cove.

D.C. delegation speaks against Bush land sales plan: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- Nevada lawmakers spoke Thursday against the Bush administration's plan to put the state's public lands sales money toward decreasing the federal deficit.

CCSN, state college sign partnership agreement: Transferring from the Community College of Southern Nevada to Nevada State College in Henderson will be a whole lot easier next fall under a new partnership the schools' presidents signed this week.

Legislative briefs for March 4, 2005: CARSON CITY -- The Legislature ends its first month in session today and it is trailing the pace of the 2003 session.

State Supreme Court upholds conviction in 2000 murder: By Cy Ryan; CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the first-degree murder conviction of Vitaly Zakouto, who stalked his estranged wife for months before shooting, beating and stabbing her in December 2000 in Las Vegas.

County recorder sees new trouble with computers: A year after Clark County Recorder Fran Deane was fined $5,000 for ethics violations relating to the installation of a multimillion dollar computer system, the recorder is investigating whether the computer system should be replaced.

Ralph Siraco's Santa Anita selections: 1st Race -- FIRST WORD -- Draws good box for sprint opener, Prado atop Frankel trainee, good way to start "Big Cap" day. GALLARDO -- Part of Earnhardt-owned & Baffert-trained coupled entry with BULL RANCH, Baze here, Garcia there, double maiden special weight diploma threat. Value Play -- BLUE PRINCE

Dodgers' Werth out with wrist injury: VERO BEACH, Fla. -- A CT scan on the left wrist of Dodgers left fielder Jayson Werth on Thursday revealed a tiny fracture of the radius bone. The injury is expected to keep Werth out of spring-training action for the next couple of weeks. He likely will return well before the regular season begins on April 5.

Blood drives: Thursday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., City of Henderson, 200 Water St.; 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Wal-Mart, 540 Marks St., Henderson; 2-7 p.m., Wilhelm Elementary School, 609 W. Alexander Road, North Las Vegas.

Full House: House of Blues booked solid with a variety of performers: Spencer Patterson; The sign hanging over the stage at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay reads "Unity in Diversity."

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Carnegie Deli a lesson in East Coast attitude: Levine is the business maven for New York's Carnegie Deli and its related businesses. He is the consummate deli operator, wit and all. Ask him what the "MBS" on his business card stands for.

Mission accomplished on 'Signals, Calls and Marches': Spencer Patterson; I first checked out Mission of Burma in the early 1990s, when I noticed lots of the bands I liked citing them as an influence.

Editorial: Stroking the rich, soaking the poor: Estimates show that if Bush is successful in making the tax cuts enacted in his first term permanent, government revenue will fall by nearly $2 trillion over the next decade. All the while he is pushing this plan for the wealthy, he is pushing equally hard to cut $60 billion from Medicaid over the next decade.

Arrests increase following sweep of homeless camp: By Timothy Pratt; An analysis of Metro Police arrest records and conversations with Municipal Court judges show that arrests for charges such as trespassing, jaywalking and pedestrians failing to obey traffic signals skyrocketed following a recent cleanup of a homeless camp.

Columnist Jeff German: Inaction on cameras abhorrent: WEEKEND EDITION

Three convicted in 'honey bun' heist at Tunica casino: U.S. Attorney Jim M. Greenlee said Kevis Wilson and Nataisha Joiner, both of Tunica County, were convicted by a jury in Oxford.

Gov. Pawlenty, tribes set for casino rollout: Patrick Condon; ST. PAUL -- Gov. Tim Pawlenty and leaders from three northern Minnesota Indian tribes will tour the state today to announce a partnership on a new casino in the Twin Cities area.

Kerkorian's vision shaped Las Vegas Strip: By Liz Benston; WEEKEND EDITION

Community briefs for March 4, 2005: Classical radio station KCNV 89.7-FM regained its broadcast signal Thursday night after being out since Sunday.

Letter: Goodman is an embarrassment: It is unforgivable that he was unapologetic for his comments. And to compare himself to George Washington, a man revered for his class, for leading our liberation from England and for being our first president, is true arrogance. Does this man have a clue as to what appropriate behavior should be?

Performing Arts for March 4, 2005: Vienna Choir Boys

Valli excited about long-term Flamingo gig: Who: Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

Editorial: Gibbons gone wild: March 5 - 6, 2005

Hoople Dreams: Spencer Patterson; WEEKEND EDITION

This raffle for DRI will Bug you: No, it's not some rare bug the institute plans to study, but a classic 1972 Volkswagen Beetle convertible that university system Interim Chancellor Jim Rogers donated to raise money for the facility.

Domenici wants complete review of Yucca's status: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., asked Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman to review the current status of the Yucca Mountain project so he will have a better understanding of what problems it faces.

Judge rules not enough time served in rock attack: By Matt Pordum; District Judge Michael Cherry on Thursday rejected an alleged 311 Boyz gang member's claim he should be released from jail for time he served in custody in connection with a rock attack that left a boy disfigured.

'Ba Da Bing' expands hit show into nightclub: If you know the password, you can get into the Ba Da Bing Room's new Speakeasy nightclub at the Stardust -- but even if you don't know it, it's written on the door so you won't have any problem getting into the Strip's latest night spot.

Retailer says it wrongly collected $21.5 million: Saks told the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission it began an internal investigation, which will conclude this month, and intends to reimburse the vendors, Birmingham, Ala.-based Saks said in a statement. The SEC has also started an informal inquiry, Saks said in the statement.

NRC's deadline for opening nuke waste dump is challenged: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Nevada has asked the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to revise one of its obscure technical rules that lawyers say prejudges the opening of Yucca Mountain.

Obituaries for March 4, 2005: John Henry Barrett, 64, of Henderson died Tuesday in Henderson. He was born June 15, 1940, in New York. A resident for many years, he was a retired chemist.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Boxer Reid is writing own script: WEEKEND EDITION

Payrolls grow by 262,000: Jeannine Aversa; WASHINGTON -- America's employers added a sizable 262,000 jobs in February -- the most in four months. The new hiring, however, wasn't sufficiently brisk to accommodate a wave of job seekers, and the overall unemployment rate rose to 5.4 percent.

Letter: 1905 is widely accepted as year of city's birth: It seems to me that he wants to spoil the party planned for Las Vegas' 100th birthday. He sounds like the guy who wants to tell everyone that he slept with the bride before her wedding. He probably tells people the ending of a movie before they have had a chance to see it. I remember the old neon sign at The Golden Nugget -- it said 1905. This has always been the accepted date for the birth of Las Vegas, and this is the date we should celebrate.

Florida, Oklahoma databases reduce loans per customer: WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Jon Ralston: G-Men should know better: WEEKEND EDITION

Vermin gives kids spotlight at gallery: Known as an all-inclusive curator with dozens of tattoos, a punk-rock band and art shows featuring demons, devils and adult-themed work, Dirk Vermin is changing his style.

New rules unlikely to affect Nevada lenders: March 5 - 6, 2005

Racetracks launch push for casino-style table games: Bipartisan bills introduced in both chambers (House Bill 2848, Senate Bill 442) would allow the racetrack host counties -- Hancock, Jefferson, Kanawha and Ohio -- to hold local elections on whether table games, such as blackjack, should be allowed at the tracks.

Vegas vocalists join Griffin for annual concert: What began as a one-time-only concert three years ago has become an annual affair -- "Grant Griffin in Concert" at the Orleans.

Local group helps residents restore pruned family trees: Eric Leake; In a city that implodes its history, Robert Kennard Jr. tracks families through the rubble.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Building a legacy: WEEKEND EDITION

Correction: The Sun corrects its errors. If you find a mistake, call 385-3111 to report it.

Payday lenders use law to seek more damages: WEEKEND EDITION

Malone tries to get bribery case in San Diego dismissed: Jace Radke; Former Clark County Commissioner Lance Malone is expected to appear in federal court in San Diego Monday for a motion hearing that will determine if the political corruption case against him continues or is dismissed.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Curnin leaves hat tricks behind to focus on Fixx: Spencer Patterson; Cy Curnin never set out to be a hat designer. It just sort of happened.

Manilow mixes classics, Vegas tribute for superb show: When Barry Manilow announced a 24-week gig at the Hilton last year he promised fans something old and something new.

Ameristar fined for underage gambling: The 19-year-old woman, who was in the casino in November, said she couldn't read a sign in English that gamblers must be 21 or older.

First slot licenses could be as early as December: The state Gaming Control Board will have to complete major tasks before then, such as writing the regulations to govern the licensing process, and hiring most of the board's staff, including an executive director.

Three arrested in North Las Vegas slaying: Abram Madrid and two teenagers were taken into custody Saturday for the shooting of 18-year-old Manuel Mora in front of a house in the 2200 block of McCarran Street on Feb. 12. Another man was also shot but survived.

On Display for March 4, 2005: An exhibition of student work from UNLV Advance Drawing classes will be displayed in "Every Other Thursday" until Thursday at UNLV's Jessie Metcalf Gallery. An artists' reception will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. today. Admission is free. 895-3893.

Letter: Mayor sets poor example for kids: March 5 - 6, 2005

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: 'Confessions' turns Montgomery's 'Fantasy' into reality: Lisa Ferguson; Now it's her turn.

Editorial: Drug sales and ethics: March 5 - 6, 2005

High court orders more hearings in Hard Rock suit: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court Thursday ordered more hearings in District Court in Las Vegas to determine if the Hard Rock Hotel must pay a $643,000 judgment in connection with a fight in which one customer was seriously injured.

Company settles with WorldCom investors: Last year, Citigroup paid $2.6 billion to settle its share of a class-action lawsuit, which is being spearheaded by New York State Comptroller Alan Hevesi on behalf of the New York State Common Retirement Fund.

Editorial: President's rough ride: Polling this week reinforces the skepticism that members of Congress -- both Democrats and Republicans -- are hearing firsthand about the president's proposal. A Gallup-USA Today-CNN poll late last week found that Bush's approval rating for his handling of Social Security dropped from 43 percent in early February to 35 percent now. A New York Times/CBS News poll reported that 51 percent of respondents said it was a bad idea to allow individuals to invest some of their Social Security taxes in private accounts. The opposition to Bush's plan increased to 69 percent when those polled were informed that his ...

Students from closed charter school find new place to learn: By Emily Richmond; After two months in limbo, former students of a now defunct online charter high school have found a safe haven that will give them academic credit for work done after the school was forced to close.

Letter: Bush's policies are very hurtful: I am a 68-year-old businesswoman who has to work to live, as my Social Security checks are under the poverty line. It is very hard at my age, but I see no end to it with the proposed cuts to Medicare and everything else he wants to cut.

Borrowers beware: These are steps the Nevada Legislature could approve that would better protect Nevada consumers who use payday loans:

Letter: Casinos should support lottery and sell tickets: March 5 - 6, 2005

Workshop participants address end-of-life questions: Eric Leake; WEEKEND EDITION

Stars often show up in the sky at Nellis: Jace Radke; WEEKEND EDITION

Dissidents say Sweeney's organizing plan not enough: Alana Roberts; AFL-CIO President John Sweeney reiterated the labor organization's commitment to spend more money on organizing and politics on the last day of the group's Winter Executive Council meeting Thursday at Bally's Las Vegas.

Many investors priced out of Vegas market, Adelson says: By Liz Benston; The price of playing with the big boys on the Strip is limiting competition for developers like Sheldon Adelson, the Venetian owner said.

Two lawmakers urge end to new-teacher bonuses: Emily Richmond and Cy Ryan; Two Clark County legislators suggested Thursday that the state scrap its $2,000 signing bonuses for new school teachers and instead offer them help with affordable housing.

First slot licenses could be issued as early as December: The state Gaming Control Board will have to complete major tasks before then, such as writing the regulations to govern the licensing process, and hiring most of the board's staff, including an executive director.

Columnist Jeff German: Labor looks for new direction: But there they were Wednesday, within earshot of ringing slot machines, the leaders of some of the nation's largest unions telling reporters that organized labor has lost its clout and must regain its strength in numbers to survive.

Short-term property tax fix rejected: Kirsten Searer; CARSON CITY -- Lawmakers were told Thursday that a long-term solution to the public's outcry for property tax relief will take years, and the Assembly speaker's proposed short-term solution appears destined for the trash can.

Cut in ethics fine is sought: CARSON CITY -- State Controller Kathy Augustine, the first state official ever impeached, wants the state Ethics Commission to forgive $10,000 of the $15,000 fine it imposed.

Suspect spoils opportunity to stay out of jail: By Matt Pordum; A judge placed an alleged member of the 311 Boyz in custody this morning for violating the judge's order to stay out of trouble for a year by getting arrested twice and also having an outstanding warrant for a domestic battery charge.

Southern Hills chief exec resigns: Michelle Swafford; Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center Chief Executive Ken Armstrong resigned this week.

FBI joins investigation of airport land swaps: Jace Radke and Launce Rake; The FBI has joined the list of regulatory and law enforcement agencies investigating controversial airport land deals.

Shuffle Master reports best-ever first quarter: Riding a 63 percent increase in revenue, Shuffle Master Inc. on Thursday reported its best-ever first quarter, beating analysts' expectations.

Southwest valley hospitals see room for additional growth: Michelle Swafford; Less than two years ago, the southwest part of Las Vegas had no nearby hospitals to serve the influx of people moving to the area.

Ex-attorney sentenced to life in slaying of his wife in 2000: By Matt Pordum; A judge called a former lawyer convicted of killing his ex-wife a "cold-blooded murderer" as he sentenced him this morning to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Man fears citations will put him back on streets: By Timothy Pratt; The case of Franklin Holt shows how run-ins with the law that often accompany life on the streets can threaten to make a man homeless again.

Panel: Renewable energy use still hampered: Kevin Rademacher; In Thursday's closing event at this week's Power-Gen Renewable Energy conference, panelists from various industry sectors discussed a variety of obstacles in the way of widespread acceptance.

Sports briefs for March 4, 2005: Lindsay Davenport and Serena Williams both cruised through the Dubai Women's Open quarterfinals Thursday, remaining on course for a repeat of their Australian Open final.

Goodman: 'I love to drink': Dan Kulin; While apologizing to anyone who was offended, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman on Thursday was unapologetic about telling a fourth grade class that he would bring "a bottle of gin" to a deserted island if he had a choice.

Parents of teen who died at hospital lose appeal: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court on Thursday rejected the appeal of the parents of a 14-year old girl who died after being admitted to the emergency room at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center in Las Vegas in November 1995.

Lawmaker works for TV station: Kirsten Searer; CARSON CITY -- Sen. Barbara Cegavske, R-Las Vegas, has a contract to consult with the news director at KVBC Channel 3 on news content, including on issues going on in the Legislature.

Diagnostic lab indicted on fraud, tax charges: Michelle Swafford; A California-based diagnostic lab that operated in the Las Vegas Valley has been indicted in Las Vegas on charges of fraud, money laundering and tax evasion charges, the U.S. attorney's office for the District of Nevada said Thursday.

Merger won't hamper Las Vegas growth, Nextel officials say: Kevin Rademacher; Nextel Communications Inc. officials said on Thursday that a little thing like a merger will not get in the way of plans to expand its Southern Nevada presence.

Gibbons: Controversial speech wasn't his own: Kirsten Searer; Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., already was taking heat this week for recent comments he made to a Republican group in Elko.

High cost of high living cited in area hospital heists: By Matt Pordum; A 25-year-old mother of three who was arrested last month along with her crime partner allegedly spelled out their reasons for looting area hospitals: the high cost of room and board, drugs and panties in Las Vegas.

Former consumer advocate considered for post nomination: Reid and Wellinghoff are scheduled to meet and discuss a possible nomination early next week, a spokeswoman from Reid's Washington office said this morning.

Fight of a lifetime: Fight facts

Hard Rock club helps narrow loss: By Liz Benston; The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas narrowed its losses in the fourth quarter but reported higher revenue driven primarily by beverage sales at its new nightclub, Body English.

Wanderer, pioneer woman attorney in LV, dies at 102: By Ed Koch; Emilie N. Wanderer, the oldest living member of the Nevada Bar Association, a tireless defender of the downtrodden and minorities and a driving force behind the establishment of the Clark County Family Court system, died Thursday at the age of 102.

Profit falls at Mandalay Resort Group: By Liz Benston; Profit at Mandalay Resort Group, which widely missed analysts estimates, fell 28 percent in the fourth fiscal quarter as business in Las Vegas was hurt by heavy rain, bad luck at the tables and higher health care costs.