Print edition for May 19, 2005

Louisiana bill would ban smoking in bars, casinos, restaurants: Doug Simpson; BATON ROUGE, La. -- Cigar and cigarette smoking would be banned in bars, restaurants and virtually all other indoor public areas in Louisiana, under a bill passed by a Senate committee Wednesday.

USO brings taste of U.S. to troops: Dick Benoit; The day began with business as usual for hundreds of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines deployed to Sather Air Base to wage the war on terrorism, noted Tech. Sgt. Brian Davidson with the 447th Air Expeditionary Group in a release Tuesday from Baghdad.

Letter: Reid defending right to dissent: All the howling about Harry, the Senate minority leader, is symptomatic of the power plays of the Republican Party and the Religious Right to control every aspect of government, and in the process dismantle freedoms necessary to any democratic system.

Community briefs for May 19, 2005: Sunrise, MountainView and Southern Hills hospitals are offering free skin cancer screening clinics from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Friday's horse racing entries: Post Time 7:05 p.m.

Under Senate deal, counties could outlaw casino boats: The Senate reached a final deal that would let counties outlaw casino boats that now embark on so-called gambling cruises to nowhere.

Structure to our Lives: Architects find Las Vegas a unique and compelling study: By Kristen Peterson; Along with others coming in from the Strip, Hull was drawn to an exhibit highlighting the architecture that helped shape Las Vegas.

Lottery investigation referred to state attorney general: In this case, the recipients who ignored the recommendation were Gov. Rod Blagojevich and the Department of Revenue, which oversees the lottery, a source familiar with the investigation told the Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday.

Columnist Susan Snyder: A gifted woman turns 80 today: It's hard to believe she is afraid of heights and sunburns easily.

Retailer to end online DVD rentals, promote Netflix: Walmart.com, whose Web site now tells visitors to "Join Netflix," is offering rental customers the option of becoming subscribers of Los Gatos, Calif.-based Netflix, the companies said today in a statement. Netflix, the No. 1 online movie rental service, will promote Wal-Mart's movie sales on its site.

Boxing: Wednesday's Golden Gloves results: First Round

Doctors, hospitals left out of Medicaid budget: CARSON CITY -- Many health care providers will be getting rate increases to make up for inflation, but doctors and hospitals have been left out of a Medicaid budget approved Wednesday.

Construction set to begin next week on Harrah's project: Harrah's spokeswoman Robyn Ryan said Tuesday that a 100-foot crane should be at least partly assembled by the end of the week.

Changes in tax panel's power among bills signed: CARSON CITY -- Three bills giving the state Taxation Commission additional power over delinquent taxpayers were signed into law by Gov. Kenny Guinn Wednesday.

Legislative briefs for May 19, 2005: The Senate gave final approval Tuesday to a bill to allow a county to impose a fee on another county importing water from it. Senate Bill 30, as originally proposed, would have permitted the county with the water to levy a $6 per year fee on each acre-foot of water that was flowing into another county effective in July.

Editorial: No delays on patient safety: Nearly a year after the report came out, an article in FDA Consumer magazine, published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, assessed its impact. It described a plan by President Clinton to cut medical errors in half within five years. Part of his plan was to create a "nationwide, state-based system of reporting medical errors that would include mandatory reporting of mistakes that result in death or serious injury and voluntary reporting of ... 'close calls' or 'near misses,' " the magazine reported.

Letter: School vouchers merely a subsidy for rich, religious: Senate Bill 223 provides for state funds to be taken away from our public schools and to be used to pay for students' tuition in private schools. Since more than 95 percent of private school students are in church-affiliated schools, it is clear that this bill proposes government-sponsored religion at the expense of our public school system.

Ralph Siraco's Hollywood Park selections: 1st Race -- TARGETOFOPORTUNITY -- Draws good post for sprint opener, Espinoza aboard Baffert trainee, the Target-of-diploma-oportunity? CARBONATOR -- Training at Santa Anita, has good box for maiden/claiming dash, Gomez scales Machowsky trainee. Value Play -- COOL VISION

State surveillance, plainclothes officers possible at Pa. casinos: Marc Levy; HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvania's slot-machine casinos could be equipped with surveillance offices operated by state investigators as plainclothes police officers roam the casino floor.

Welsh to receive military burial: Welsh, a corporal in the Marine Corps from 1943 to 1946, will be buried with a full military honor guard. A Marine chaplain, Marvin Gant, will officiate. Services will begin at 10:40 a.m.

Columnist Jeff Haney: Brewster content with multiple champions: Everyone in boxing agrees it's imperative for the heavyweight division to shake off its lingering malaise marked by multiple belt-holders and move toward a unified title.

Panel OKs closing records, except to journalists: CARSON CITY -- The Senate Government Affairs Committee voted 6-1 Wednesday to close certain public records to the public but allow journalists access to the records for news stories.

'Star Wars' reaches its bittersweet end: Kirk Baird; It's over.

Editorial: Improving efficiency: Those who oppose the proposal -- which would have to pass the Legislature this year, again in 2007 and then be passed by the voters in the 2008 general election before it could go into effect in January 2011 -- say that eliminating the controller's office would get rid of one of the checks and balances to protect the state's money. But, as Seale notes, creating in effect a chief financial officer is common in the private sector and there is no reason why it can't be also be done in state government. Further, there will be accountability since the ...

Compromise reached on public land auctions bill: CARSON CITY -- A major roadblock has been removed to a bill that would require all governments to get appraisals and sell property at public auctions, instead of allowing private deals.

Queens prosecutors indict 36 in alleged gambling ring: The operation, in which gamblers wagered on sporting events including horse racing, football and baseball, benefited the Bonanno crime family and provided capital for other illegal activities, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said in a news release.

Lawmakers face deadline on bills in committee: Kirsten Searer; CARSON CITY -- Lobbyists are running the halls and some legislators are sweating it out this week as lawmakers approach a key deadline to pass bills out of committees.

Panel OKs regulation of payday lenders: CARSON CITY -- A bill that would crack down on the "bad actors" in the payday loan industry that abuse those in tough financial straits was unanimously approved by the Senate Commerce Committee.

Challenging course awaits Moore, Rebels: Adam Candee; The competition on the course does not top the list of concerns for the UNLV men's golf team, which enters the NCAA West Regional as the top seed.

Hampton, Miller square off in judge race: Michael L. Miller

Company details growth plan: The company behind the Grandview also has purchased additional land for future development south of the project.

Sports briefs for May 19, 2005: Houston coach Jeff Van Gundy agreed to a one-year contract extension with the Rockets through the 2007-08 season.

Two 51s get substance suspensions: Nick Christensen; Cashman Field 7:05 p.m. tonight, Friday and Saturday; 12:05 p.m. Sunday Radio: all games on 1460-AM

Trade group's director resigns: Alana Roberts; The Nevada Restaurant Association's founding executive director has resigned from the group, saying he is leaving after a mutual decision made with the trade and lobbying group.

Letter: Indy 500 column runs far off course: I think you missed the mark from pole day at Indy. There is drama and magic at Indianapolis, arguably more than before. The racing is better, the new qualifying format is better and the future is bright.

Desert Pines High School locked down: The shooting occurred about 9:50 a.m. in the 3800 block of Coral Reef Way near Bonanza and Sandhill roads. Officer Eric Roberson, a Metro spokesman, said after the shooting the gunman ran toward the school.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Departed driver on Lucas' mind in Columbus: Morgan Lucas has been itching to win a Top Fuel race since he took over for the late Darrell Russell at Joe Amato Racing last August.

Reid warns against GOP use of 'nuclear option': Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said today the "nuclear option" under debate in the Senate could pave the way for Republicans to more easily approve not just conservative judges but all nominees and even legislation, including Yucca Mountain legislation.

Mayor defends Playboy shoot: Dan Kulin; Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman lashed out at would-be critics this morning, saying the only ones who will criticize him for being a celebrity photographer for Playboy are "haters and those who need to get a life."

Youngster checks out sexually explicit, violent DVD at library: David Kihara; Donna Calhoon didn't expect the DVD that her 7-year-old grandson checked out from the Sunrise Library would contain sexually explicit material or scenes of extreme violence.

Judge candidate once worked as topless dancer: The leading candidate for the newly created Henderson Municipal Court judgship said she worked for a year as a topless dancer at a Las Vegas strip club to put herself through college in the early 1990s.

Titans' Brown hurt again, this time with broken hand: Tennessee running back Chris Brown fractured his right hand Wednesday during minicamp, an injury that will keep him out of the remaining May workouts but should allow him to be ready for training camp in July.

Woman sentenced in crash that killed young girl: By Matt Pordum; A woman who ran a stop sign and hit another car with her SUV, killing a 7-year-old girl, was sentenced to two years' probation, 100 hours community service and a $1,000 fine on Wednesday by Las Vegas Justice of the Peace William Jansen.

Officer fires gun in school parking lot: Eric Leake and Emily Richmond; An otherwise normal day at Palo Verde High School ended Wednesday afternoon with a screech and a gunshot.

Station: Demand for locals casino remains strong: By Liz Benston; After its Red Rock Station hotel and casino opens in late March, Station Casinos Inc. could begin developing casinos on any one of four parcels of land the company owns around town, executives told shareholders at the company's annual meeting Wednesday.

Funds could be used to reduce amount of waste in Yucca: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- The House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday approved an extra $5.5 million for the Energy Department to decide how to recycle nuclear waste in hopes of cutting down the amount of high-level waste that would eventually wind up in Nevada if the Yucca Mountain repository opens.

CRC blasts California suit: Kevin Rademacher; Officials with the Colorado River Commission are furious over a lawsuit filed Wednesday by California Attorney General Bill Lockyer.

Event aimed to publicize state's rural attractions: Reno attorney Kent Robison looks at today's scaling of a sandstone rock face at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area as the biggest challenge he'll face in the production of "Nevada Passage," a made-for-television competition that will serve as an advertisement for the state's rural attractions.

Trauma survivors gather for lunch: Annie Flanzraich; Shiloh Edsitty was happy to get out of school for a day to attend a trauma survivor's luncheon at University Medical Center. It meant he didn't have to do homework.

Gladiators coach says team's psyche not frayed: Adam Candee; The cobwebs, thick and sticky as they were, are cleared.

Last-place jockey finds way back into Preakness: A last-place finish in the Kentucky Derby cost Ramon Dominguez the chance to ride High Limit again in the Preakness.

Workshop focuses on radiation in Southern Utah: The workshop will feature a morning session from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday at Dixie High School in St. George and an afternoon session from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Both sessions are open to the public and include refreshments.

Preps: Past champions: 2004 -- Reno 2003 -- Green Valley 2002 -- Wooster 2001 -- Green Valley 2000 -- Silverado 1999 -- Durango 1998 -- Green Valley 1997 -- Green Valley 1996 -- Green Valley 1995 -- Green Valley 1994 -- Green Valley 1993 -- Green Valley 1992 -- Carson 1991 -- Chaparral 1990 -- Eldorado 1989 -- Valley 1988 -- Valley 1987 -- Basic 1986 -- Valley 1985 -- Valley 1984 -- Reno 1983 -- Valley 1982 -- Basic 1981 -- Valley 1980 -- Chaparral 1979 -- Carson 1978 -- Reno 1977 -- Reno 1976 -- Rancho 1975 -- Clark 1974 -- ...

Pay hike OK'd for city manager: The North Las Vegas City Council on Wednesday approved a 7 percent pay hike for City Manager Gregory Rose.

Fire restrictions at Lake Mead imposed: Extreme fire danger exists throughout the recreation area after above-average winter and spring rains fed considerable grass and brush growth within the park.

County approves million-square-foot shopping center: Stephen Curran; The Clark County Commission on Wednesday approved a 1 million-square-foot shopping center billed "the talk of the retail community' that will likely alter the ever-changing face of the south end of the Las Vegas Strip.

Added apartment units OK'd: Under the guidelines, expected to reach the full commission in June, homeowners in rural and higher density residential areas be allowed to build separate "accessory apartments' on their property. The apartments are expected to provide affordable housing for owners with elderly parents or those with grown children living at home, county officials said.

Enter Sandman:: Nick Christensen; He's Sierra Vista's sandman, lulling opponents to sleep in the late innings of games. And if the Mountain Lions win the state championship this weekend, The Metallica Kid will undoubtedly have had a big part of the title run.

Letter: Indy tradition left when IRL arrived: I haven't bothered to watch Indy on TV since then, as everything about it has slid backward.

Grensing replaces Menzies at UNLV: New UNLV assistant coach Greg Grensing:

Judge denies Shoshone request to stop Yucca work: A federal judge Tuesday denied an injunction requested by an Indian tribe to stop government work at the planned Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository.

UNLV soccer kicks schedule up a notch: The UNLV women's soccer team, under first-year head coach Katherine Mertz, will take on four teams that played in the 2004 NCAA tournament on their 2005 schedule.

Property tax cap leaves school district budget a bit shaky: By Emily Richmond; The Clark County School Board approved a tentative $1.75 billion operating budget Wednesday but acknowledged that the unfinished work of the state Legislature leaves some sizable holes in the equations.

Chancellor Rogers seeking partnerships with businesses: Chancellor Jim Rogers is actively pursuing private companies who can help the University and Community College System of Nevada meet some of its space needs.

Red Sox activate Wells: The Boston Red Sox activated left-hander David Wells from the disabled list Wednesday to start the series finale against the Athletics.

State seeks license application draft: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- Nevada's attorneys were to send a letter to the Energy Department today asking for a draft copy of the Yucca Mountain project's license application, even though they know it will be denied.

Judge Cherry to preside over Laughlin motorcycle gang trial: By Matt Pordum; District Judge Michael Cherry will take over the Laughlin River Run riot case involving Hells Angels members after District Judge Donald Mosley recused himself.

News briefs for May 19, 2005: A 6-year-old bicycle rider who was hit Tuesday night by a pickup truck while crossing Sahara Avenue against a red light died Wednesday, authorities said.

Las Vegas to give some new teachers cash toward home: Dan Kulin; Some new teachers at three Las Vegas high schools will be offered up to $30,000 each toward the purchase of a new home, under a new city program that was unanimously approved by the City Council on Wednesday.

Southwest joins ATA to offer code-share flight to Denver: Southwest Airlines customers who have been waiting for the airline to offer service to Denver now have it -- sort of.

Wait is over for state baseball hopefuls: Nick Christensen; Today

BLM to resume wild horse sales with more rules: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- The Bureau of Land Management will soon resume wild horse sales, adding stricter rules for horse buyers to prevent the animals from going to slaughter houses.

Obituaries for May 19, 2005: Lawrence Victor Arriaga, 16, of Las Vegas died Friday in a local hospital. He was born Feb. 1, 1989, in Las Vegas.

Bill would open top officials' evaluations: Kirsten Searer; CARSON CITY -- Evaluations of top public officials such as school superintendents and county managers would be open under bills passed Wednesday by an Assembly committee.

Wildcats keep Bonanza off-balance, win title: Tim Mullin; After giving up three consecutive points to Bonanza in Game 4 of the 4A state championship, Las Vegas High volleyball coach Sue Thurman called for time with the score 24-21 still in her favor.

LV Council briefs for May 19, 2005: Former Las Vegas City Councilman Michael McDonald and city officials will take more time to negotiate a possible deal in which McDonald would buy city-owned land on which he wants to build a senior housing complex.

North Las Vegas elections bill dies: Cy Ryan and Brian Wargo; CARSON CITY -- A bill supported by four Assembly members that would have changed the election system for the North Las Vegas City Council is dead in the Senate Government Affairs Committee.

CDW lauds Nevada business climate: Kevin Rademacher; Three months after signing a lease on a North Las Vegas distribution center, CDW Corp. is touting the benefits of doing business in Nevada.

Greenspan builds case for limiting housing giants: Jeannine Aversa; WASHINGTON -- Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan again pushed for limits on the multibillion-dollar mortgage holdings of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, saying such restrictions would not hurt the thriving housing market.