Print edition for March 18, 2005

DMV revokes license of woman in fatal crash: Stephen Curran; The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles on Thursday revoked the license of the woman who allegedly drove her SUV into a bus stop, killing four people earlier this week, Metro Police said.

Thieves talking their way into homes: At least three times the past two months the people have used various cons to get residents to allow them into their homes and then steal from them, police said. They generally work in small groups of men and women that may include children.

Capitol Hill talk focuses on temporary storage sites: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- As the proposed high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain faces more challenges, there is increased talk on Capitol Hill about looking at temporary storage sites for nuclear waste, but the Energy Department remains committed to moving ahead.

Policy change forced Perkins to use vacation: When Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins performs his elected duties in Carson City, the Henderson Democrat is drawing down on his nearly six weeks of vacation time a year to get a paycheck as a deputy police chief in Henderson.

Pacquiao never loses touch with his roots: By Jeff Haney; He's the biggest and best-loved celebrity in his homeland of the Philippines, and he'll earn $1.75 million for fighting Erik Morales on Saturday night.

Youngsters learn the ins and outs of water: By Emily Richmond; Henderson city officials deputized fourth graders at James Gibson Elementary School on Thursday to report their family, neighbors and friends if they waste water.

Nation's air traffic expected to hit a billion passengers a year in a decade: Leslie Miller; WASHINGTON -- More than 1 billion people a year will be boarding planes in the United States within a decade, a nearly 50 percent increase on an aviation system showing signs of being overburdened.

Democrats seek support for property tax plan: Kirsten Searer; Property Tax Terms

Experience as a lawyer key issue in election: Dan Kulin; NLV Municipal Judge Candidates

Driver may have been suicidal: Stephen Curran; The 20-year-old driver who killed himself and a family of three when he drove his car into oncoming traffic at more than 100 mph may have wanted to die, Metro Police said Thursday.

Nebraska Rep. Tom Osborne pushes anti-betting legislation: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Rep. Tom Osborne, R-Neb., a renowned former college football coach, on Thursday introduced a bill that would ban betting on college games in Nevada sports books.

Import prices rise 0.8 percent: Last month's 0.8 percent rise in the import price index followed a 0.7 percent increase in January, the Labor Department said today in Washington. Excluding petroleum, the index gained 0.2 percent, after rising 0.3 percent the month before.

Sports briefs for March 18, 2005: The long-rumored closure of once-grand Hollywood Park appeared nearer to reality after the announcement Thursday of a plan to prepare Los Alamitos as an alternative site for thoroughbred racing.

News briefs for March 18, 2005: The Nevada Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the voluntary manslaughter conviction of Christopher Hernandez, who gunned down another man during a fight at a Las Vegas convenience store in October 2002.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: NIT not meaningless to Rebels: Surely, this wasn't the Not Interested Tournament to which the Rebels and what few diehards continue to follow them at this time of the year have grown accustomed.

LV arts center receives infusion of cash: A $50 million gift to the proposed Las Vegas Performing Arts Center at Union Park will be the catalyst that will bring the arts to the people, project officials say.

Dylan brings newest chapter of national tour to Las Vegas: Spencer Patterson; Even Bob Dylan's massive memoirs project can't slow his "Never Ending Tour."

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Botti brings beautiful ... music to Mandalay Bay: Spencer Patterson; So just how did contemporary jazz trumpeter Chris Botti make the cut?

Skyhawks remember the route to state finish line: Nick Christensen; Silverado's baseball team is off to a 4-3 start, and if this year is anything like last season, that's a great sign of things to come.

The Stooges' raw power captured best on 'House': Spencer Patterson; The Stooges' "Fun House" was released in 1970, but it sounds as though it could have been recorded nearly a decade later.

Ralph Siraco's Santa Anita selections: 1st Race -- SCOTCHWATER -- Pedroza on Carava trainee, draws good spot in short tag dash. JOHN THE MAIL MAN -- On rail in opening sprint claimer. Value Play -- HEAVEN'S CAT

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: It figures: Ryan skated into stand-up spotlight: Lisa Ferguson; The former-skater-turned-comic, who performs through Sunday at The Comedy Stop at The Trop, says working in comedy is "not so much different" from the cutthroat competition she experienced during her years on the ice.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Frustrated Dixon thinks his Toyota is gaining on Honda's dominance: As the Honda engine's dominance increased during the 2004 Indy Racing League season, so did Scott Dixon's frustration level.

Columnist Jerry Fink: David's dedication has his club swinging: In four short months the venue has become a classic Las Vegas neighborhood club.

BLM seeks nominations for advisory councils: The nomination process will remain open until the close of business April 18.

Datebook for March 18, 2005: Recording artist and Tibetan bowl sound healer Diane Mandle will conduct a two-hour program at 7:30 p.m. today at Sherry Goldstein's Yoga Sanctuary, 7915 W. Sahara Ave., Suite 101. Admission is $15 and $20. 240-7666.

Blood drives: Tuesday: 7 a.m.-noon, GC, Wallace, 1555 S. Rainbow Blvd.; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sam's town, 5111 Boulder Highway; 9 a.m.-1 p.m, Sierra Health Rancho, 2300 W. Charleston Blvd.; 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Primm Valley Resort, 31900 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Aziz a fine choice for Hotelier of the Year: The Nevada Hotelier of the Year Award will be presented at the International Hospitality Awards luncheon on April 27 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

'Ba-Da-Bing' sets up camp at Stardust: "Ba-Da-Bing" is a campy, tongue-in-cheek spoof of mob-hood.

Community news briefs for March 18, 2005: Robin Leach will speak to the North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Thursday in Texas Station's Conference Center. Check-in begins at 11:15 a.m.

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 12:30 p.m.

Columnist Jerry Fink: 'Havana' on through September: The extension, its fourth, carries the show past its first anniversary. It debuted Aug. 21.

Prague Symphony to perform at Ham Hall: Nothing compares to a day in the country so much as Beethoven's "Sixth Symphony," also known as "Pastorale."

Preps: Thursday's results: Silverado 6, Chaparral 2: W: Van (2-0) S: Chapman L: Juneman SILV: Rance Roundy 3-4; Kevin Rath 3-4 CHAP: Booker 3-3.

Fishing series coming to Lake Mead in April: The $6.24 million EverStart Series is headed to Lake Mead April 6-9 for the third event of the 2005 Western Division season. Anglers competing in the Pro Division will fish for a top award worth as much as $60,000 while co-angler competitors cast for a top award worth as much as $35,000, based on a full field of 400 anglers.

Lucas tears it up in 'Star Wars' finale: Kirk Baird; As the "Star Wars" saga comes to a close in May with "Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith," filmmaker George Lucas promises a movie unlike any other in the franchise: a tearjerker.

Revered dancer Glover taps UNLV for show: He created a tap revival with his Tony Award-winning choreography in "Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk" and Gregory Hines referred to him as "The greatest tap dancer to ever lace up a pair of Capezios or any other tap shoes."

Performing Arts for March 18, 2005: Symphony

Water authority OKs plan to protect endangered species: Stephen Curran; The Southern Nevada Water Authority on Thursday moved forward with a plan that would make it and a laundry list of state and federal agencies the landlords for dozens of endangered or threatened species.

Lawsuit targets smoking petition: CARSON CITY -- Taverns and convenience stores have sued to stop voters from deciding on an anti-smoking petition in the statewide election in 2006.

On Display for March 18, 2005: The exhibits "One Hundred Years of Influence: The Role of Women in Shaping the First 100 Years of Las Vegas" and "Essential Dimensions Juried Artist Competition" will open Saturday at the Las Vegas Art Museum, 9600 W. Sahara Ave., and continue until May 22. Admission is $6 adults, $5 seniors 55 and older, $3 students 13 and older, free for children 12 and under. 360-8000.

Clark pushes diplomatic efforts: If the United States wants to woo the world to democracy, it needs to reach out to other nations economically and diplomatically, but it cannot run out on Iraq, retired general turned investment banker Wesley Clark said.

Fishing report: Wintertime, usually slow, is producing: Anglers competing in a striped bass fishing tournament over the weekend had fair success and managed to reel in a 9-pound striper along with two that weighed 7 pounds. Most of the action for stripers is from Sand Island to the back of Las Vegas Wash. A few stripers have been caught recently with anchovies near the tires at Lake Mead Marina.

Joint Red Flag keeps Nellis busy: Jace Radke; Las Vegans can expect to see and hear more military aircraft than usual in the air over the next two weeks as Nellis Air Force Base hosts all four military services in a first-of-its-kind training exercise.

Smoking limits stay alive in Assembly: Kirsten Searer; CARSON CITY -- Legislators declined last week to vote on two initiatives designed to curb public smoking, but Assembly members still have a chance to limit smoking laws.

Three teens together last time as loved ones grieve: Eric Leake; Three teens killed in a bus stop crash were together for the final time Thursday while those who knew them mourned as one family.

Lady Rebels weary but ready for WNIT: Adam Candee; They traveled like a team in the red-headed stepchild of postseason tournaments, but the Lady Rebels are certainly feeling an NCAA tournament atmosphere in Arkansas.

Officials upbeat about region's water conditions: Stephen Curran; Recent data from Nevada's key water repository is good news for the drought-stricken region, as heavy rain and above-average snowpack continue to help the region, Southern Nevada Water Authority officials said Thursday.

Editorial: Preventing abortions: Reid, who opposes abortion, has noted that almost half of the 3 million unintended pregnancies that occur each year in the United States end in abortion. It would seem imperative then for members of Congress, whether they view themselves as "pro-choice" or "pro-life," to support the legislation. But the Reid-Clinton plan hasn't yet garnered the support it deserves. Earlier this month the Associated Press reported that Republican leaders had essentially ignored the legislation. Some religious and conservative groups that oppose abortion are against sex education and contraception, instead preferring abstinence counseling -- but the reality is that's not enough.

Lawsuit trial in fatal riot in Laughlin wrapping up: Jace Radke; A jury was scheduled to hear closing arguments today in a federal lawsuit filed against Harrah's Entertainment by the widow of a Mongols motorcycle gang member who was killed in a deadly riot at the 2002 Laughlin River Run.

Trial set in fatal shooting: By Matt Pordum; A 28-year-old schizophrenic who allegedly went on a deadly shooting rampage in late September 2003 near the Spaghetti Bowl pleaded not guilty Thursday.

Letter: Keep guarantees of Social Security: Americans are learning the facts, including that Social Security can meet 100 percent of its obligations for the next 37 years with no changes to the current system.

Controversial blocking method could be outlawed by league: A block by Denver Broncos tackle George Foster, which was caught by the Monday Night Football cameras last season, has become a flash point for a potential rules change at the NFL's annual March meetings next week.

Expert cites loud minorities as Mideast peace roadblocks: It's extremely rare to see UNLV's name next to Harvard's on a research project, much less a research project that examines the internal conflicts within Israel and Palestine that serve as roadblocks to peace.

Columnist Jeff German: Yucca lies coming to the surface: From Nevada's perspective the Yucca Mountain Project has been in a "death spiral" since July when a federal appeals court tossed out the government's inadequate safety standards for storing radioactive waste there.

North Las Vegas Chamber move aims to increase visibility: Michelle Swafford; The North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce is moving to be closer to its local members and increase its visibility.

Gaming regulators approve Harrah's buyout of Caesars: With final approval, Harrah's will own five casinos in Mississippi with more than 9,500 employees, making it the state's second largest private employer. Only Northrop Grumman Ship Systems has more employees.

Supreme Court upholds conviction in child's death: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court Thursday upheld the first-degree murder conviction of Brandon Parish, accused of crushing the skull of a 20-month old girl in April 1997.

Brother talks about young couple, baby killed in crash: Stephen Curran; On the day they and their baby daughter died, Steven and Amber Smith were taking 9-week-old Opal to spend a day amid fields of wildflowers.

Doctors oppose more red tape: Molly Ball; Two legislative proposals designed to protect patients could end up driving up health care costs by creating more paperwork, doctors' groups say.

Nevada teams move on: Steve Guiremand; The UNLV Rebels seemed to save their best for last.

CCSN touts success of new workforce division: Community College of Southern Nevada President Richard Carpenter shared his sales pitch for the college's new Division of Workforce and Economic Development Thursday with about 300 members of the Nevada Development Authority.

Stripped Show: Motley Crue forced to scale back theatrics for Hard Rock: Spencer Patterson; Much as Vince Neil is looking forward to playing a hometown show this weekend, the Motley Crue vocalist wishes his band could unleash its full-stage circus for his local friends and fans.

As always, pitching will decide things: Nick Christensen; Jerome Streets doesn't want to hear about favorites.

Preps: Sunrise Region team-by-team outlook: Baseball Last year: 17-8, lost in Sunrise quarterfinals Coach: Mike Kazek (7th year) Past state championships: 1987, 1982, 1956, 1955 Key players: Kyle Bondurant (SS, Sr.); Casey Cochran (P,Sr.); A.J. Montano (OF, Sr.) Outlook: Kazek has a short bench this year, with just 13 players on the roster. But he returns pitcher Casey Cochran and his 2.92 2004 ERA, and first baseman Zeke Roybal, who hit .407 with nine HR and 37 RBIs last season.

Obituaries for March 18, 2005: Norma V. Connors, 80, of Watertown, Wis., died March 10 in Watertown. A former Las Vegas resident, she was born March 4, 1925 in Wisconsin.

Preps: Sunset Region team-by-team outlook: Baseball Last year: 16-8, lost in Sunset first round Coach: Chris Sheff (2nd year) Past state championships: None Key players: Greg Kline (1B/3B, Sr.); Taylor Cole (SS, So.); Taylor Preston (P, Sr.) Outlook: Hadland Park hasn't seen a lineup this young since they installed the Super Slide, with seven of the 15 players freshmen or sophomores.

Letter: Services for mentally ill must be fully funded: The problem is not that there are mentally ill people. The problem is that our society does not treat mental illness as seriously as other health issues. Do not blame the victim for being the problem. Mental illness affects not just the individual but also families, friends and society in general.

Legislative news briefs for March 18, 2005: Monday is the deadline for bills sponsored by an individual lawmaker to be introduced.

Lawmakers in Indiana eyeing gaming options: INDIANAPOLIS -- Senate Republicans have discussed at least two gambling proposals that could reap hundreds of millions of dollars for the state, including legalizing and taxing video gambling machines now operating unlawfully in hundreds of bars, social clubs and truck stops.

Police keeping an eye on bill to curtail peeping Toms: Kirsten Searer; CARSON CITY -- Las Vegas area police departments are pushing a new bill that would allow them to arrest peeping Toms.

Editorial: Horrifying disclosure: The e-mails, written between May 1998 and March 2000, focused on the most important study of Yucca Mountain's capacity to safely act as the burial site for the nation's high-level nuclear waste. This was the study by the U.S. Geological Survey, a branch of the Interior Department, that concluded water would move extremely slowly underneath the mountain over thousands of years. It would move so slowly, the study concluded, that there would be no danger of corrosion to the metal casks containing the waste.

Lineup finally at full strength: Adam Candee; 6 p.m. Saturday, America West Arena TV: FSW (49) Radio: KBAD 920-AM

Limiting initiatives: WEEKEND EDITION

First child born in Las Vegas community, a Lytle, was met with fanfare: WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Susan Snyder: In politics, we all know the drill: WEEKEND EDITION

Letter: Keep butts and ashes inside car: March 19 - 20, 2005

Columnist Jeff German: Mob link to Binion case is no surprise: WEEKEND EDITION

Lounge Legend: WEEKEND EDITION

Editorial: Keep Kerns as judge: March 19 - 20, 2005

A Lytle piece of history: WEEKEND EDITION

Editorial: Protect our pedestrians: March 19 - 20, 2005

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: The truth about Yucca: WEEKEND EDITION

Letter: Bush is steering dangerous course: March 19 - 20, 2005

Columnist Jon Ralston: Despair extinguishes hope: WEEKEND EDITION

Nevada 47th in per-pupil funding: By Emily Richmond; Nevada spent an average of $6,084 per student for the 2002-03 academic year, the fifth lowest rate of spending among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, according to a report released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Reid among 7 senators heading to Middle East: The Senate is scheduled to be in session briefly on Monday but Congress is then expected to be in recess for a two-week spring break until April 4.

Las Vegas Sands teams with seven hotel chains in Macau: U.S. casino operator Las Vegas Sands Corp. announced today it has teamed up with seven major hotel chains to develop what it called an Asian version of the Las Vegas Strip in the southern Chinese gambling enclave of Macau.

Owners have grand plans for property: By Liz Benston; More than seven years ago, one analyst complained that the financially troubled Silverton, then called Boomtown, was both "in the middle of nowhere" and "too close to Las Vegas" to capture much drive-by traffic on the way to the Strip.

DOE audit in 2000 uncovered problems, Nevada lawyers say: Mary Manning and Ed Koch; The Energy Department may have known as early as 2000 about problems with Yucca Mountain "quality assurance" documents, lawyers working for Nevada said.

McCarran passenger count rises 3.1 percent in February: The burner beneath McCarran International Airport's passenger counts has been turned from "high" to "medium" as the airport serving Las Vegas reported a 3.1 percent increase in traffic in February over the previous year.