Print edition for May 20, 2005

Columnist Ralph Siraco: Remember big payoffs at Derby: Ralph Siraco; As a fan, it is always tough to pick against the popular horse.

Guest Columnist Jamie Little: Indy 500 loaded with great stories: As I write this, a tornado looms just miles from where I sit at the Indianapolis Motor speedway. Last weekend, the weather really threw a wrench into our program, and it's threatening to do so again.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Patrick driven by negativity toward her: Danica Patrick has received all the media attention she can handle -- and then some -- surrounding her fourth-fastest qualifying effort for the May 29 Indianapolis 500.

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 1:20 p.m.

Ratings placed on watch: The CreditWatch listing follows the company's earnings report this month during which management indicated that the company, which owns the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, might eventually acquire a portion of the condominium project to be built next to the property.

Legislative briefs for May 20, 2005: The Senate approved and sent to Gov. Kenny Guinn a bill Thursday for $370,000 to reimburse West Care triage center in Las Vegas for providing temporary care for mentally ill patients who are crowding hospital emergency rooms in Clark County.

Crime lab to remain at site until October: Jen Lawson; Metro Police's crime lab has been given the green light to remain at its current location on West Charleston Boulevard until October, averting a rapid move of sensitive forensic testing equipment that could have hampered the processing of evidence.

Rebels finish first round strong: Adam Candee; Hang around Dwaine Knight long enough and talk of properly finishing a round is bound to come up.

Semis produce instant classics: Nick Christensen; Today's semifinals at Lied Field, CCSN Henderson

Sizing up the Preakness field: Ralph Siraco; WHAT: 130th Preakness.

Administration overhaul continues: Community College of Southern Nevada President Richard Carpenter is continuing his sweeping reforms of the college's administrative structure with some new hires and administrative reductions.

Bilbray recuses himself from base closures: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- Former Nevada congressman Jim Bilbray recused himself from working on issues related to military installations in Nevada during his time on the commission that evaluates base closings.

Harrah's, Sands: Government not over-managing casino bids: The companies were responding to remarks reported by Singapore's Sunday Times on May 15 from Wynn Resorts Ltd. Chairman Steve Wynn who said officials managing the bidding process for two planned casino resorts were exerting too much direction and control over design requirements.

Softball tournament filled with good pitchers; none dominant: Tim Mullin; Kourtney Davis ... gone.

Resurgent Rattlers take spoiler role to heart: Adam Candee; Noon Sunday, Thomas & Mack Center Radio: ESPN 920-AM

Ralph Siraco's Hollywood Park selections: 1st Race -- DO DA PRINCESS -- Training at Santa Anita, Solis scales Mullins trainee for owner Bone, dangerous connections. WORKSFORMONEY -- Gomez aboard Cerin trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post in starter allowance sprint, Works-for-getting-the-money. Value Play -- CELTIC WAY

Airlines, union hold contract talks down to the wire: The Machinists union said negotiators remained at the bargaining table this morning, hoping to resolve remaining differences over a new lower-cost pension plan before the conclusion of a bankruptcy-court trial.

Boxing results: Golden Gloves: Quarterfinals

Obituaries for May 20, 2005: Geraldine Mae Armstrong, 80, of Las Vegas died Tuesday in Las Vegas. She was born May 21, 1924, in New York state. A resident for 25 years, she was a homemaker.

RTC nears severing ties with monorail firm: Stephen Curran; The Regional Transportation Commission on Thursday took the first step to terminate its agreement with the firm contracted to build a now-shelved extension to the Las Vegas Monorail.

Giacomo out to shock us again: Ralph Siraco; In the Kentucky Derby it was SHOCK-OMO! For the Preakness Stakes it's GIACO-WHO?

Road closures in Summerlin, Henderson set: From Monday morning through Thursday a section of Arroyo Grande Boulevard just south of Horizon Ridge Parkway in Henderson will be closed while a $26,500 storm drain is installed.

$160 million RTC budget approved: Stephen Curran; The Regional Transportation Commission on Thursday approved a $160 million operating budget for 2006, a slight increase from this year.

Water board OKs budget at $642 million: Water "banking" agreements that will give the region access to water in the future helped push the Southern Nevada Water Authority budget to $642 million for the fiscal year starting July 1, up $165 million over this year.

Appliance maker to sell company to investor group: The deal announced Thursday evening values the company -- which has struggled against low-cost foreign competitors in recent years -- at $14 per share, and includes the assumption of about $975 million in debt. Maytag will no longer be a publicly traded company after the deal closes.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Kyle Busch eating up Nextel Cup experience: One of the first questions Kyle Busch, the cherub-cheeked Las Vegas youngster who on weekends drives the No. 5 NASCAR Kellogg's Chevy like a bat out of hell, was asked during a teleconference with a small group of West Coast reporters was the obvious one.

Letter: Voters should be given tax rebate: Citizens who voted would be eligible to receive the rebates. The information should be readily available as to who would qualify.

Rancho High rebuilding passes halfway mark: By Emily Richmond; Construction crews were the guests of honor Thursday as Rancho High School students served them hot dogs and snow cones to celebrate that work on their new campus is passing the halfway mark.

Sierra Vista is greater than sum of its parts: Tim Mullin; Right after Sierra Vista coach Jerome Streets signaled the end of practice Thursday, not one girl left the field.

Montandon files police report over missing signs: North Las Vegas Mayor Mike Montandon filed a police report Thursday accusing the campaign of mayoral candidate Andres Ramirez of stealing his re-election signs.

Claims of racist acts may be investigated: Kenneth Marcus, staff director of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, sent a letter to the Justice Department requesting an investigation into the National Alliance, a white separatist organization that is suspected of distributing racist fliers with a dead rat and cat to two residents in Las Vegas.

Senator is frustrated state Education Department not using federal money: CARSON CITY -- A state senator complained Thursday that the state Education Department has failed to use a large amount of federal funds that are supposed to go to the public school system.

Former UNLV punter latches on with Raiders: Former four-year starting UNLV punter Gary Cook recently signed a free-agent contract with the Oakland Raiders, which brings to five the number of 2004 Rebels who have joined NFL teams.

Fishing report: These times usually belong to the boaters: This is the time of year that boaters have a definite advantage over anglers who are confined to casting from shore. Boaters are doing especially well for stripers from Las Vegas Wash out to the 33 Hole in the Boulder Basin.

Voters to decide on new animal shelter: Boulder City voters will decide June 7 whether to replace an aging animal shelter that dates to the 1950s with a modern facility expected to cost taxpayers $1 million once land is sold.

News briefs for May 20, 2005: An 18-year-old woman was critically injured when the white Dodge Intrepid she was driving collided head-on with another vehicle at Carey Avenue and Commerce Street in North Las Vegas.

Four Nevada delegates list assets topping $1 million: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- At least four members of Nevada's congressional delegation have more than $1 million in assets and income, according to financial disclosure reports released Thursday.

Guest columnist Jim Gibbons: Another perspective on Yucca Mountain: It is unfortunate that Jeff German, who writes for a paper committed to reporting every development with the Yucca Mountain Project, did not take the time to review my record in fighting this misguided policy. In a recent column, "Gibbons has late awakening," Mr. German asks, "Where has Gibbons been during his eight years on Capitol Hill?" While he could easily read the back issues of the Las Vegas Sun, I am pleased to have this opportunity to answer him directly.

Columnist Jon Ralston: How to sink lower than Mack: WEEKEND EDITION

Datebook for May 20, 2005: Las Vegas presents the movie "Indian in the Cupboard" at 7:30 p.m. today at the Cimarron Road Community Center, 5591 N. Cimarron Road. Concessions will be available for sale, and chairs and blankets are recommended. 229-1607.

Editorial: Library porn? For children?: May 21 - 22, 2005

Editorial: Save the filibuster: May 21 - 22, 2005

La Cage Match: WEEKEND EDITION

Letter: Owen supported by Texas voters, lawyers' group: May 21 - 22, 2005

Author goes underground for Vegas guide: Kirk Baird; When Jarret Keene arrived in Las Vegas in the summer of 2001, he thought he would quickly grow weary of the city.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Senators on crusade: WEEKEND EDITION

Editorial: Sex offender registry: At the time we called on the Nevada Legislature to disclose these addresses, and we are glad to see that legislation to do just that -- authored by Sen. Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas -- was unanimously passed by the Senate last week. Titus' bill is pending in the Assembly, but the Associated Press reports that Assembly Judiciary Committee Chairman Bernie Anderson, D-Sparks, is concerned about the costs of the bill, which also would strengthen other components of the sex offender registry. Under the legislation, the criminal history repository would have to provide free background checks to nonprofit groups. This would ...

Community briefs for May 20, 2005: The university Board of Regents announced the names of UNLV faculty and students who have received Regents Awards for the 2004-2005 academic year.

Letter: Judges' role is to interpret established law: Esperian claims outright that America needs an objective judiciary. But does he seriously think that the majority of Americans would vote for such liberal ideals as unrestricted abortion or gay marriage? The only way to reach such goals is through an activist judiciary.

Editorial: We may be in Iraq for years: President Bush and our military planners pinned their stated visions of a free Iraq on being able to train a new Iraqi army and new police forces. But they failed to anticipate the amount of internal terrorism our troops would encounter after toppling Saddam Hussein. They're finding out now that it's impossible to recruit enough soldiers and police officers in a country where volunteers for those vital positions are immediately targeted for death.

Democrats hope to use agenda as springboard for 2006: Kirsten Searer; WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Susan Snyder: Group takes Vegas back to the '50s: WEEKEND EDITION

Key components of the Democratic legislative agenda: May 21 - 22, 2005

Performing Arts for May 20, 2005: Wilberforce choir

Private mental facility celebrates 20 years of operation: WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Jerry Fink: Hackett, Cassidy pack punch: By Jerry Fink; "His assertions are a pathetic attempt to bully me at the expense of some very talented performers," said Hackett, creator of "A Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean" at Greek Isles.

Letter: Minority rights must be saved: May 21 - 22, 2005

Columnist Jerry Fink: T. Fox ready to take the love to a larger venue: "I'm shopping for a bigger venue," he said.

Blood drives for May 20, 2005: Tuesday: 2:30-6:30 p.m., Beatty Elementary School, 8685 Hidden Palms Park; 7 a.m.-noon, GC Wallace, 1555 S. Rainbow Blvd.; 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Sierra Health Project, 2300 W. Charleston Blvd.

Columnist Jeff German: Neighbors must be heard on casinos: WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Chicken contest draws wide variety of cooks: Mahogany boiled chicken with smoky lime sweet potatoes and cilantro chimichurri

No Small Wonder: Spencer Patterson; Following is a list of some of the big concerts in Las Vegas this weekend:

Deserving pilot gets medal 60 years later: Annie Flanzraich; WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: Pillow talks: Former model isn't posing as a comic: Lisa Ferguson; Since her childhood in the small town of Addyston, Ohio, the comedian says she's received plenty of ribbing about her unusual name.

Judgment day: Benjamin Grove; WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Crows' Duritz counting reasons to do 'Tiger Jam': Spencer Patterson; He simply had to glance at his CD racks.

On Display for May 20, 2005: The exhibit "EG&G: Together Again" will go on display from Sunday to July 17 at the Atomic Testing Museum, 755 E. Flamingo Road. Admission is $10 with discounts for seniors, students and military personnel. 794-5161.

Sexy dancers helping Arthur get leg up on competition: By Jerry Fink; Dirk Arthur is a fine magician.

Election may turn on city land sale: Mike Pacini

Bills on prescription drugs, minimum wage approved: Kirsten Searer; CARSON CITY -- A Senate committee passed measures this morning to raise the minimum wage and allow people to buy prescription drugs from Canada, though senators put their own mark on both ideas.

Columnist Jeff German: Shouldn't mayor run the city?: He once suggested creating a red light district with legalized prostitution downtown and opening a mob museum to glorify the darker side of the city's past.

Nonstop flights planned between Las Vegas, Flint: Orlando-based AirTran Airways will operate five times a week on the route beginning Aug. 4, using twin-engine Boeing 737 jets.

Union proposals failed, Station Casinos says: Alana Roberts; Station Casinos Inc. officials say three corporate governance proposals the Culinary Union Local 226 brought before shareholders at the company's annual meeting Wednesday have failed. The company said the union didn't submit ballots or proxies -- a charge the union denies.

Utilities deal receives final OK: Kevin Rademacher; A cooperative accord between Nevada Power Co., the Southern Nevada Water Authority and the Colorado River Commission received its final approval Thursday morning.

Condo developer faces suit after price hike: Kevin Rademacher; A class-action lawsuit has been filed against the developer of the Vegas Grand condominium project.

Party split widens as showdown looms: Jesse J. Holland; WASHINGTON -- Sen. Rick Santorum says he "meant no offense" by referring to Adolf Hitler while defending the GOP's right to ban judicial filibusters as Senate leaders prepared to start a countdown today to a vote over whether to stop minority senators from blocking President Bush's judicial nominees.

Bill may help Nevada Power in contract fight with Enron: Kevin Rademacher; An amendment has been added to a federal energy bill that could eventually release the state's largest electric companies from more than $330 million payments to disgraced energy trader Enron Corp.

Gaming Commission weighs money-laundering regulations: Nevada gaming regulators on Thursday took another step closer to scrapping its Regulation 6A financial reporting requirements in favor of federal rules to be used nationwide.

51s prepare for judgement: For the past month, Don Logan, the president and general manager of the Las Vegas 51s, has been inhaling a nasal spray twice daily to combat allergies and to assist breathing.

Sports briefs for May 20, 2005: Cleveland Browns tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. will be charged with disregarding safety in the motorcycle crash that put his 2005 season in jeopardy and Westlake, Ohio, police planned to issue the citation today.

Wynn: Subtlety becoming trend in Las Vegas Valley architecture: By Liz Benston; Capping off the first day of the American Institute of Architects convention, Steve Wynn greeted several hundred architects who gathered to hear him talk about his new resort Thursday evening and called the gathering a milestone for Las Vegas.

Ex-Mongols member's claim of indigence leaves judge flat: By Matt Pordum; A one-time high ranking millionaire member of the Mongols motorcycle gang has been kicked out of the gang, failed to pay his attorney and now plans to defend himself against charges from the deadly 2002 Laughlin River Run riot.

House votes to end sales of wild horses, burros: Suzanne Struglinski; WASHINGTON -- House members voted Thursday to block a law that forces the Bureau of Land Management to sell wild horses and burros as part of the Interior Department spending bill passed Thursday.

Unemployment rate stable; gaming jobs up: CARSON CITY -- The jobless rate in Nevada remained stable at 4 percent in April, but the opening of the Wynn Las Vegas resort last month gave a big boost to employment in the casino industry.

Strong LV economy a fitting backdrop for ICSC: Kevin Rademacher; Strong local population and employment growth is raising Las Vegas' stature among the nation's top retail markets.

A matter of degrees: Most college graduates pursue higher education to advance their careers.

Gillins, Ross step up the pace: Dan Kulin; 52,555 registered voters. Council member will serve four-year term. Annual salary is $42,596. Early voting sites and times for Las Vegas Ward 6 City Council general election:

$650 million project OK'd to ensure water to LV: A $650 million "third straw" to ensure Las Vegas' continued use of Lake Mead water got the go-ahead Thursday from the board of the region's wholesale water agency.

Proposed merger could mean more flights from McCarran to East Coast: By Richard N. Velotta; The skies may be opening up between Las Vegas and the East Coast.

Panel OKs bill that would make it illegal to leave children in cars: Kirsten Searer; CARSON CITY -- An Assembly committee approved a bill Thursday that would make it a crime to leave a child in a car alone.

Veteran Las Vegas DMV worker is reinstated: Hearing Officer David Ford, in a decision released Thursday, said Garelyn Marquez should be issued a written reprimand but should be restored to her position as services supervisor with all lost pay and benefits from the time she was dismissed late last year.

LVCVA approves 2006 marketing budget: By Liz Benston; The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority board of directors on Thursday approved a bigger marketing budget for fiscal year 2006 to take advantage of higher hotel room taxes and room rates.

Mack cleared to sue ethics panel: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court on Thursday gave the green light to Las Vegas Councilman Michael Mack to go forward with his lawsuit against the state Ethics Commission.