Print edition for March 10, 2005

Parents, seniors want recreational records to be kept secret: CARSON CITY -- Las Vegas parents and senior citizens complained to a legislative committee Wednesday that records kept for city recreational programs make applicants and participants easy prey for criminals.

Boy, 8, arrested on sex charge: The youth is the first 8-year-old to be arrested and booked into the detention center in Clark County in 30 years, said Kirby Burgess, director of the Juvenile Justice Services Department.

Local municipalities up the ante in D.C.: As President Bush proposes to cut programs in his 2006 budget, Clark County, Las Vegas and its surrounding cities are spending more than $1 million a year on lobbying in Washington, D.C.

Letter: Better choices than Gibbons: It is bad enough that Gibbons spouted the foolishness that he did, but worse that he plagiarized about 15 of 21 paragraphs from someone else's speech a couple years ago.

Goplen, diplomat, political activist, dies: Although he worked in a diplomatic capacity smoothing over situations for more than a quarter of his life, Orville Goplen knew how to get people riled.

Letter: Bush budget cuts hurting the poor: You noted that the president wants "... to cut $60 billion from Medicaid over the next decade." Medicaid is an essential program that assists the elderly, the disabled and the poorest of the poor. It is not the cause of the massive federal deficit.

Editorial: Democracy's march: Still, even with these history-making advances, there have been setbacks. Palestinian terrorists have tried to scuttle peace talks through attacks against Israelis. The violence in Iraq has increased since the election, as terrorists there try to derail the nascent government. In Lebanon, the terrorist group Hezbollah staged a massive rally this week (dwarfing that of the previous anti-Syria demonstrations) and proclaimed its loyalty to Syria's president. The situation in Lebanon, which experienced a civil war from 1975 to 1990, will be tense for some time.

Employment climate improves: That was the latest snapshot of economic activity presented Wednesday in the Federal Reserve's survey of business conditions.

UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400: Drivers' appearances: Reed Sorenson -- 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Galleria at Sunset Mall, 1300 W. Sunset Rd., Henderson.

Monitoring of steel imports to continue: Malia Rulon; WASHINGTON -- Responding to pleas from lawmakers and the steel industry, the Commerce Department announced Wednesday it will extend a program that monitors how much foreign steel is imported into the United States.

Riding in Nextel Cup not a priority for Gaughan: One year ago this week, Brendan Gaughan was the toast of his native Las Vegas as one of three local drivers competing in the annual NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400: Schedule: Noon -- World of Outlaws pit gates open (Half-mile dirt track at LVMS).

Editorial: Flip-flop on double-dip: The issue became heated and eventually led to this ethical question: During legislative sessions, should all legislators take unpaid leave from any public job they may hold? In late 2003 and during 2004 Perkins emphatically said yes. Perkins, a deputy chief for the Henderson Police Department, now, however, says no. He has confirmed to the Sun that he is once again billing Henderson for vacation days while serving in Carson City.

Letter: Senate delivers message to Bush, polluters: This vote must remind the White House of these two very important facts: One, moderate Republicans aren't going to blindly follow the president's road map to giving the nation away to big companies, and, two, Democrats led by Sen. Harry Reid can put up one heck of a fight.

Harrah's officially exits Binion's management: By Liz Benston; The changes began last night when downtown's landmark casino removed chips, playing cards and table game layouts featuring the name "Binion's Horseshoe" and replaced them with items emblazoned with "Binion's."

Winnemucca takes her place in Washington: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Nevada's Sarah Winnemucca has returned to the Capitol -- generations after the Indian activist pleaded with politicians in Washington to ease the plight of Native American nations.

Wynn blasts state entertainment tax: "There should not be a tax on (entertainment at) lounges," Wynn told the three-member state Gaming Control Board at his licensing hearing for Wynn Las Vegas. "We can't charge people for lounge acts; the public won't pay for it."

Real estate agents purchase pair of local offices: Rick and Teri Brenkus worked as agents in the Henderson office, Keller Williams Realty, The Marketplace, since 1998 before buying the company. The deal was finalized last week.

Legislative briefs for March 10, 2005: The Legislature will be taking time off the next two Fridays. March 21 is the deadline for state legislators to introduce their individual bills. But the lawyers that draft the bills are behind schedule for a variety of reasons.

New chief approved for Southern Hills Hospital: Michelle Swafford; A new chief executive was approved Wednesday for Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center.

Ex-Reid aide is mum on Yucca in NRC post: Suzanne Struglinski; ROCKVILLE, Md. -- New Nuclear Regulatory Commission member Greg Jaczko has a perfectly crafted, quick response when people ask him about his views on the proposed nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain.

Senior apartments planned for former Sky-Vue land: The city has been paid $221,086 to cover the cost of demolition, security, and relocation of former residents of the park on Owens Avenue, city Neighborhood Services Director Orlando Sanchez said.

Disciplinary hearing for judge postponed: The three-count complaint against Sobel accuses him of pressuring lawyers to contribute to his re-election campaign. Sobel has said he was only joking with the lawyers.

Board votes to grant license to casino host: The state Gaming Control Board on Wednesday recommended approval of a conditional license for a controversial Green Valley Ranch casino host who is a character in Discovery Channel's "American Casino" television show.

Gaming win rises in January: CARSON CITY -- Nevada's casino business is doing so well that January's 3.9 percent increase in the amount of money won from gamblers almost seems like a decline.

Four teens injured in car crash: The four Centennial High School students who were injured in a rollover crash Wednesday almost got into a wreck moments before in the school parking lot, according to statements given to Metro Police.

Lawmaker Cegavske quits job as television consultant: State Sen. Barbara Cegavske, R-Las Vegas, ended her consulting relationship with KVBC Channel 3 Wednesday afternoon in a mutual agreement with station owner and interim university system chancellor Jim Rogers.

Students can practice for math proficiency online: By Emily Richmond; The Clark County School District took its battle to conquer the state math proficiency exam online Wednesday, unveiling a new Web site that will allow students to practice for the dreaded test and get both instant results and extra help.

Board revokes doctor's medical license: Molly Ball; The state Board of Osteopathic Medicine on Wednesday voted to revoke the license of a doctor who was found to have committed malpractice in prescribing huge amounts of narcotic medications to several patients, one of whom used the medicines to kill herself.

Voters likely to decide on smoking and pot issues: Kirsten Searer; CARSON CITY -- It appears that legislators will turn a cold shoulder to three initiative petitions that would regulate smoking and marijuana.

Strip megamergers benefit small businesses, Jones says: Michelle Swafford; The pending casino megamergers shaking up the Strip won't hurt small businesses in the Las Vegas Valley.

Bill would let officials make their records secret: CARSON CITY -- State law should be changed to make secret the records of property owned by law enforcement, legislators and other public officials, police officials told lawmakers Tuesday.

Two retired NYC cops arrested in connection with mob deaths: Jeff German and Jace Radke; Federal agents arrested two retired New York City police detectives in Las Vegas Wednesday in connection with eight mob-related slayings and three attempted killings in the New York area.

Nevada may not lose federal land sale money: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- A proposal by President Bush to funnel federal land sale money away from Nevada has suffered a significant setback, the state's lawmakers said.

Despite delays, Yucca director says project is alive and well: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Despite critics recently sounding a death knell for Yucca Mountain, the nuclear waste repository program is alive and well, the acting Yucca manager told Congress this morning.

Las Vegas man pleads guilty in mail fraud case: Prosecutors claimed that Michael Howard, former West Coast national account manager for Muro Pharmaceuticals, submitted nearly $500,000 in phony expense invoices to his employer between October 1999 and October 2002.

Board gives thumbs up to Wynn: Acknowledging that Steve Wynn's flair for innovation has launched new eras in gaming for three decades, the state Gaming Control Board unanimously recommended approval of licensure for the $2.7 billion Wynn Las Vegas resort Wednesday.

Thomas makes a name for herself in first round: DENVER -- She was such an unlikely hero that the Mountain West Conference didn't even prepare an official placard with her name on it for use in the postgame news conference, prompting a member of the press corps to scribble her name on a folded sheet of paper so she wouldn't feel slighted.

Highlights of January 2005 revenue report on Nevada casinos: AP; -STATEWIDE: $917.1 million win, up 3.9 percent.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Site puts a new spin on NASCAR: Does "restrictor plate" sound like a new diet aid?

Air Force chief sees bigger role for Indian Springs: Jace Radke; The Indian Springs Auxiliary Field could be an ideal location to serve as the center for all of the military's unmanned aerial vehicles, said Gen. John Jumper, the Air Force chief of staff.

Stewart gets his hands dirty with Outlaws team: Nick Christensen; Tony Stewart won't be doing double-duty in the Busch and Nextel Cup series this weekend, but he's still got plenty of work to keep him busy in a big racing weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Preps: Schedule: Baseball

Ralph Siraco's Santa Anita selections: 1st Race -- KAYDARA -- Has good post for grass mile opener, Solis scales Mandella trainee for owners Moss, solid contender for green graduation. SUNETTE -- Nakatani atop young Dollace trainee for owner Reddam, in good rail box for two-turn maiden special weight turf run, sunny diploma here? Value Play -- PACIFIC OCEAN SONG

Latest Canterbury casino plan promises more slots, profit: Canterbury officials have sought state approval for a casino since 1997 and even passed such a plan through the House in 2003. The Senate remains the big question mark, although supporters appear to have made some headway in recruiting members of the DFL majority.

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

Florida slots vote may open door to stonger regulation: Jackie Hallifax; TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- A "no" vote on slots in Miami-Dade County could mean more regulations on the machines in Broward County, state lawmakers said Wednesday as they assessed the political landscape after the split South Florida vote.

Gambling law put to test before state Supreme Court: To legalize slot machines in Pennsylvania, lawmakers created a "centaur" of a law with a "body of a horse, head of a slot machine," said Jim West, who represents Pennsylvanians Against Gambling Expansion.

NASCAR 2005: 2005 Busch Series schedule: Feb. 26: Stater Bros. 300, Fontana, Calif. (Mark Martin)

New trial asked in silver-theft case against Tabish: By Matt Pordum; Rick Tabish's attorney says that if District Judge Joseph Bonaventure fulfills his promise to "stick to the facts of law," then Bonaventure on Friday will dismiss Tabish's conviction for stealing Ted Binion's silver.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: What happened in Vegas should have stayed: DENVER -- I don't think the Mountain West tournament is what the late singer-songwriter Warren Zevon had in mind when he wryly penned "Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead."

Senate approves expanding video gambling at tracks: An 18-14 vote on the Senate floor sent the bill to the House.

Anthony is Rebels' pack man: Steve Guiremand; DENVER -- Joel Anthony was born and raised in Montreal, where hockey is more of a religion than a sport. But the backup center on the UNLV basketball team never really took a liking to that game.

NASCAR 2005: 2005 Craftsman Truck Series schedule: Feb. 25: American Racing Wheels 200, Fontana, Calif. (Steve Park)

NASCAR 2005: Sam's Town 300 at a glance: WHERE: Las Vegas Motor Speedway (1.5-mile tri-oval).

NASCAR 2005: Race fans urged to try the bus: The Regional Transportation Commission will offer expanded service of the Citizens Area Transit system from the Strip to the speedway for NASCAR weekend.. The service, which will take riders from the racetrack to the downtown transfer terminal, begins 8 a.m. Thursday.

Classical Dilemma: Full-scale opera Don Giovanni a rarity in Las Vegas: By Kristen Peterson; After six weeks of rehearsal, Christine Seitz was on the floor of the opera room at UNLV's Beam Music Hall with two casts of "Don Giovanni" looking down at her.

Smoking ban sought in casinos: Jeff Linkous; TRENTON, N.J. -- Barhs Landing has seen a number of cultural shifts in its 88-year history, and the restaurant-marina in Highlands on the Monmouth County bayshore is comfortable with the next one: going entirely smoke free.

NASCAR 2005: NASCAR Leaders: 1. Kurt Busch...340 2. Jimmie Johnson...335 3. Mark Martin...301 4. Carl Edwards...287 5. Greg Biffle...273 6. Elliott Sadler...272 7. Tony Stewart...268 8. Rusty Wallace...268 9. Sterling Marlin...260 10. Jeff Gordon...258 11.Dale Jarrett...248 12. Ryan Newman...246 13. Kevin Harvick..239 14. Dale Earnhardt Jr....237 15. Mike Bliss...236 16. Kyle Petty...231 17.Jamie McMurray...227 18. Scott Riggs...224 19.Kevin Lepage...208 20. Brian Vickers...205

NASCAR 2005: Big finish: 1973 -- Rookie of the Year, Central Auto Racing Association

NASCAR 2005: UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 at a glance: WHERE: Las Vegas Motor Speedway (1.5-mile tri-oval).

NASCAR 2005: Changing lanes: 1978 -- Won first of four ASA championships ('78, '79, '80, '86)

VA offers grief counseling: Dick Benoit; In an unprecedented expansion of its traditional client base, the Department of Veterans Affairs is offering grief counseling to families of service members who die while on active duty.

Obituaries for March 10, 2005: Charles Robert Anderson Jr., 77, of Las Vegas died Sunday in Las Vegas. He was born May 2, 1927, in Johnson City, Tenn. A resident for 19 years, he was a finance manager for the federal government and a 33rd degree Mason.

Columnist Jeff Haney: Pacquiao-Morales fight has all the makings: The March 19 showdown between Erik Morales and Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena has the makings of a blockbuster.

Pioneer child care provider Mormon dies: Connie Mormon, a leader in the Las Vegas child care industry who operated the Montessori Academy of Southern Nevada child care centers from 1968 until 2001, died Saturday at Odyssey Health Care following a lengthy illness. She was 83.

Johnson ready for next step in Nextel Cup: After back-to-back seasons in which he was the runner-up for the NASCAR Cup championship, Jimmie Johnson said he feels this could be his season to represent the series as its champion.

NASCAR 2005: Fast friends: The story of Kurt and Kyle Busch is not unlike that of the host of other brothers who have raced against each other on NASCAR's premier stage, now known as the Nextel Cup Series, except that the Busches hail from the unlikely racing breeding ground of Las Vegas.

Sports briefs for March 10, 2005: The 71st-ranked UNLV men's tennis team just missed posting its biggest dual-match victory in half a decade as the Rebels fell 4-3 to No. 30 South Carolina on Wednesday at the Fertitta Tennis Complex. UNLV, which had not played since Feb. 20, had its seven-match winning streak snapped and lost at home for the first time this season as it fell to 7-3 overall. The Gamecocks, who were fresh from upsetting then-No. 9 LSU on Sunday, improved to 12-3 overall. The Rebels were forced to shuffle their lineup because a knee injury kept senior Aviram Salomon off the courts.

State hospital's chief contradicts defense doctors: By Matt Pordum; The chief psychiatrist at the state's mental facility testified Wednesday that he had monitored Dante Pattison for 20 months and had seen no signs that Pattison suffered from schizophrenia.

Trial ordered for fugitive who led police on chase: By Matt Pordum; The 31-year-old Louisiana murder suspect who led Metro Police on a high-speed chase will stand trial in Las Vegas.

Police say man abandoned 82-year-old mother at casino: A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Andrew Hawkins Jr., but he had not been apprehended as of Wednesday afternoon, state police said.