Stories published May 27, 2005Las Vegas Sun

Maestas consents to plea agreement: By Matt Pordum; A man accused of killing a 3-year-old and stabbing a 10-year-old in a Mesquite trailer park entered a plea agreement this morning in an attempt to lessen the chance that he'll be sentenced to the death penalty.

LV man awaiting trial on pimping charges: Molly Ball; In the documentary movie "American Pimp," a man named Ken Red stands in front of the U.S. Capitol and boasts of his prominence in the profession.

Fundraiser for teacher sparks controversy: David Kihara; What started out as a show of appreciation turned into an investigation when Clark County School District officials took control of more than $500 Greenspun Junior High School students collected for a favorite teacher.

Assembly squabbles over full-day kindergarten: Kirsten Searer and Cy Ryan; CARSON CITY -- Budget talks slowed Thursday after Assembly Democrats threw down the gauntlet and said they want funding for full-day kindergarten for all students in the state.

Plan to trim regents goes to voters: Cy Ryan and Christina Littlefield; Voters next year will decide whether they want to change the composition of the Board of Regents following the state Senate's passage Thursday of Assembly Joint Resolution 11.

Melting snow causing a mountain of concern: Part-time librarian Claudia "Tookie" Reed said Tuesday afternoon that nature is full of surprises, and after 22 years living in the Mount Charleston area, melting snow is the latest.

Graduates nurse a proud moment: If Nevada State College in Henderson has taught its graduates one thing, it's how to thrive in adversity.

$85 million earmarked for military projects: WASHINGTON -- The House has earmarked $85.5 million for Nevada military projects as part of its annual bill to authorize military construction spending. The Senate has not acted on its version of the bill.

Columnist Jeff German: Amodei conflict surfaces: The saga of Assembly Bill 485 is a prime example of how the lines of ethical propriety are easily blurred in Carson City.

Four to be arraigned in alleged hit: By Matt Pordum; The son and daughter of the owner of the Palomino topless club and the two men they allegedly paid $6,000 to kill a former employee of the club who had allegedly been badmouthing the business are scheduled for arraignment in Boulder City Justice Court on Tuesday.

Paraplegic teen to get $5.5 million: By Matt Pordum; The owners of the RV park in Mesquite where a gruesome attack left a 3-year-old girl dead and her then 10-year-old half sister paralyzed have agreed to pay a $5.5 million settlement to the half sister.

Judges get more leeway with jurors: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a District Court judge has the discretion in handling cases of a juror's misconduct, rather than just declaring a mistrial.

Letter: It suits U.S. to give alleged terrorist a pass: Carriles escaped a Venezuelan prison and resurfaced in Miami, a hero to the Cuban-American community currently using its vast resources and political clout to defend his right to remain in the United States as a political refugee.

B.C. sees high voter turnout: Boulder City residents are going to the polls early in large numbers, far outpacing turnout in the rest of the Las Vegas area for the June 7 general election.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: The Trail of Dead has made a name for itself: Spencer Patterson; The Texas rock band's 10-word moniker -- preceded by a strange ellipsis -- conjures images of battling warriors wielding mighty swords. And, co-founder Jason Reece figures, it isn't for everybody.

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: Etta, girl: There's more to May than meets the eye: Lisa Ferguson; "You've gotta listen when something's wanting to change your life. You've gotta recognize when to turn, you know what I mean?" May, who is portrayed by comedian Brenda Ferrari (she prefers using her stage name), said during a recent call from her home in Lexington, Ky.

Columnist Jerry Fink: McKnight moves to buy club: When the club's owners padlocked the 3,500-square-foot lounge at Spring Mountain Road and Polaris Avenue in January, fans felt homeless.

Editorial: Our choices in municipal elections: May 28 - 30, 2005

Dancer was there on opening night: WEEKEND EDITION

Familiar Waters: Producer, director and choreographer Jeff Kutash is back in the swim of things at "Splash!," the adult revue he created at the Riviera in 1985.

Editorial: Mack is Mack to the end: The ordinance now allows medium-sized businesses, those between 20,000 and 50,000 square feet, to apply for a permit to sell liquor within the 400-foot limit. Mack wants a change that would allow the city to grant waivers to businesses with just 12,000 square feet, which is about the size of a corner convenience store.

School institutes centennial fete: Annie Flanzraich; WEEKEND EDITION

Obituaries for May 27, 2005: Wayne H. Bruhn, 79, of Las Vegas died Monday in a local hospice. He was born Nov. 27, 1925, in Rockford, Ill. A resident for 15 years, he was a retired project manager in the electronics industry and a World War II and Korean War Navy veteran.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: FAO Schweetz gets scooped at Forum Shops: So what's new? Amid all the stuffed toys and other kids treasures is FAO Schweetz, a delectable, decadent ice cream salon, bakery, coffee bar and candy store that offers the most unusual ice cream concoctions this longtime ice cream aficionado has ever experienced.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Egomania rules in Carson City: WEEKEND EDITION

Holiday closings: SAFETY: Police and fire emergency services as usual. Administrative offices closed.

Letter: Censorship is subjective: The grandmother in your editorial did not read the rating on the DVD the child checked out, which was contained in a small space on the back cover. But if the rating is not obvious, adults should ask a library employee. Looking at the pretty cover art just does not fulfill the responsibility of a parent or guardian.

Little things make big difference in revamped 'X': I might have to see "X An Erotic Adventure" again just to make sure I didn't miss anything vital.

Restrictions to affect holiday weekend at Lake Mead: Annie Flanzraich; For the close to 250,000 people expected to visit Lake Mead National Recreational Area this Memorial Day weekend, bottled water, sun screen and life vests should be high on the list of things to bring. But park officials said to forget the fireworks and wood or charcoal for bonfires and barbecues.

Historic casino faces challenges: By Ed Koch; WEEKEND EDITION

Tips to help keep summer safe: May 28 - 30, 2005

States still at odds over how to divvy water: Representatives from seven states in the Colorado River basin met in Henderson Thursday, but divisions over how to share the limited water of the river continue to split the delegations.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Stem cells and morality: WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Jerry Fink: Kluger has wealth of musical experience: The 83-year-old musician will turn 84 on July 9, and he still is the engine driving the decades-old jazz jam sessions at Pogo's, a quiet neighborhood club at 2103 N. Decatur Blvd. that transforms into a sit-in jazz joint from 8 p.m. until midnight Fridays.

Letter: U.S. military fighting for noble cause: May 28 - 30, 2005

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

Civil War vet to receive military burial: Eric Leake; WEEKEND EDITION

Letter: Keep money for a rainy day: May 28 - 30, 2005

Letter: Libraries' stance on porn wrong: The library's response was that our patrons are free to view anything they want to online, in the library, using taxpayer-paid Internet connections. Any attempt at restricting access was viewed as censorship. This ignored the fact, of course, that citizens did not want to deny anyone Internet access to porn, but simply didn't feel it was proper inside the library.

On Display for May 27, 2005: Artist Rita Deanin Abbey's works will be displayed in "An Exhibition in Diverse Media" from today to July 17 at the Charleston Heights Arts Center Gallery, 800 S. Brush St. An artist's reception will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at the gallery. Admission is free. 229-6383.

Datebook for May 27, 2005: Las Vegas presents the movie "Shrek 2" at 8:30 p.m. today at the Becker Community School, 9110 Hillpointe Road. Bring chairs or blankets. No concessions. 229-2482.

Blood drives: Wednesday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Carter-Burgess Engineering, 6655 Bermuda Road; 2-7 p.m., Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, 5825 W. Eldora St.; 9 a.m.-noon, Re-Max, 911 N. Buffalo Drive.

Editorial: Honoring our fallen troops: A plan involving the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and the Marines was prepared and carried out beginning on May 14, 1975. The troops ran into heavy resistance as they approached Kho Tang island, about 40 miles from the Cambodian mainland where the captured Mayaguez was anchored (Air Force bombers stopped the ship from being escorted to the mainland). Some helicopters carrying Marines were shot out of the air as they approached the island, and the ground fighting was hellish. The Mayaguez and its crew were rescued, but not before 50 troops were wounded and 38 were killed, according to ...

Ex-UNLV professor Lumpkin makes return to Vegas: Nearly two years ago it seemed Las Vegas was losing Libby Lumpkin for good.

Public buildings leak dollars: By Steve Kanigher; WEEKEND EDITION For years, valley residents have seen many massive hotel and casino construction projects finished on time or better.

Cedar Lake Ensemble brings multimedia ballet to Las Vegas: New York dance troupe Cedar Lake Ensemble visits UNLV's Judy Bayley Theatre this weekend with three performances of its full-length ballet "Beyond the Red."

Columnist Susan Snyder: LV seeing double over bus plans: WEEKEND EDITION

A Course in Latin: Spencer Patterson; WEEKEND EDITION

Guest Columnist Sylvia R. Lazos: Senate forced to become moderate: WEEKEND EDITION

Columnist Jeff German: Case of cab thief is proof of camera urgency: WEEKEND EDITION

Performing Arts for May 27, 2005: Vocal show

Court: Wearing of stun belt must be decided by judges: CARSON CITY -- Judges, not law enforcement officers, must decide if an unruly defendant in a criminal trial must wear a stun belt to stop disruptive behavior during trial, the Nevada Supreme Court said Thursday.

Peter Max pops in for an appearance at Forum Shops: Kirk Baird; With nearly 80 one-man art shows across the nation, Peter Max has traveled extensively in the last few years.

Community briefs for May 27, 2005: Las Vegas, along with its Historic Preservation Commission, the Las Vegas Preserve and several nonprofit organizations will move several of the city's remaining railroad cottages from the downtown area to a new home.

Ralph Siraco's Hollywood Park selections: 1st Race -- SURPRIZED -- Hustling Pedroza on Stute trainee, draws outside box in small six-horse route opener, Surprized winner at this level? SO URGENT -- Training at Santa Anita, Farina aboard Mulhall trainee for owner Taub, on rail in two-turn claimer. Value Play -- RUSHING WILD

Cowboys' Williams says he will not use banned technique: Roy Williams was backpedaling as fast as he could. Williams, an All-Pro safety, was not at the Dallas Cowboys' minicamp. He was not even dressed for practice. Williams had just arrived at a stylish function at an upscale Dallas jeweler called Bachendorf's to promote his Roy Williams Foundation, and he was doing his best to distance himself from the NFL's ban on the horse-collar tackle, a decision that has been christened the Roy Williams rule.

51s take Express lane to second place: Nick Christensen; Tucson Electric Park 6:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Monday, 6 p.m. Sunday Radio: all games on 1460-AM

Experts: Casinos would have tough time keeping children from playing mobile games: Nevada is on the verge of having a law that enables casinos to offer mobile gaming, but technology experts attending a gaming conference caution that it will be tough for the state to control who plays and from where.

Booker Elementary project advances: By Emily Richmond; Plans to give Booker Elementary School a custom-designed new home moved forward Thursday with the School Board's approval of preliminary blueprints.

Gaming device OK'd by Senate: CARSON CITY -- An electronic handheld device that would allow a gambler to play the slots, poker, 21 or roulette as he wanders through a Nevada casino is a step closer to reality.

Parent angered by school's 'gum detention' punishment: By Emily Richmond; A Las Vegas father is furious that his eighth grade son was ordered by a teacher to pull weeds and pick up trash under a blazing sun Wednesday as punishment for chewing gum in class.

Columnist Nick Christensen: One last Sis-boom-bah! before the summer: Nick Christensen; It's about time for the school kids to go home for the summer, but not before seniors give it one last hurrah for the hometown fans. Basketball and baseball all-star games were played Thursday, but the marquee event of prep all-star weekend is Saturday night's football game at Valley High.

Casino opens: Lines began to form outside at about 6:30 p.m. and grew longer throughout Thursday night until it was time for the casino's 10 p.m. opening. The riverboat includes the casino, hotel, 10 restaurants and retail shops.

Rupe follows a worn path: Nick Christensen; If Ryan Rupe's story sounds familiar, it's because it is.

Racino bill criticized: The antigambling group Casinos No! said Wednesday that a bill calling for a harness-racing track with up to 1,500 slot machines in Washington County would also allow a racino to be built near Indian land in Oxford, Franklin and Somerset counties.

Opinion says playing poker for money is illegal in Oklahoma: The opinion, which carries the force of law, will likely slow the growth of popular Texas Holdem poker tournaments common in other states and that have been advertised and conducted by taverns, pubs and other commercial establishments across Oklahoma.

On paper, UNLV class derailed: For a stretch, it appeared that second-year UNLV coach Lon Kruger and his staff had assembled the foundation of a recruiting class that would rank among the top 20 in the country.

More school-construction funds eyed: By Emily Richmond; With sites now identified for the last of 50 elementary schools and 22 middle schools slated to be built under their 1998 capital plan, Clark County School District officials said Thursday it's time to start discussing going back to voters for additional construction funds.

Open house is planned for new school building: By Emily Richmond; As controversy continues to swirl around the Clark County School Board's decision to spend $14.5 million for an opulent office building, Superintendent Carlos Garcia announced he would hold an "open house" Tuesday for the media to get its first look inside.

Committee passes bill creating trust fund for victims: Supporters claim a fund like the one the Senate Judiciary Committee approved Thursday is the only way to stop large asbestos lawsuits that have bankrupted such companies as Owens Corning Fiberglas and W.R Grace, and left sick people with no way to pay their medical bills.

Casino dealer accused of embezzlement: State Gaming Commission agents arrested Tony Vinson Norwood, 36, on Tuesday after observing him at table games.

Worker at DMV pleads guilty to selling fake ID card: By Matt Pordum; A Department of Motor Vehicles employee caught on tape selling a fake state identification card pleaded guilty on Thursday to one count of possession or sale of a document or personal identifying information to establish a false identity.

Spending up 0.6 percent, fueled by income jump: Carlos Torres; U.S. personal spending rose for a third straight month in April, boosted by rising incomes as hiring accelerated, according to a government report. A measure of prices tied to spending showed tame inflation.

Dual-core chips for mainstream launched: The Pentium D processor and supporting chips will target home computer users, particularly those who run more than one program at once or have software that is designed to take advantage of the extra computing horsepower of the chips' dual cores.

Guest columnist Jamie Little: Whirlwind month finally comes to a close: It's hard to believe that in just two days the 89th running of the Indianapolis 500 will take place. In a way I think Race Day is actually a relief for drivers and industry personnel alike. The month leading up to the race is so loaded with dinners, engagements, appearances, practice, qualifying, charity functions, autograph sessions and interviews, that being in the race car is actually a place of solace for some.

Audition on the biggest stage: By Brian Hilderbrand; Richie Hearn is a member of a growing sub-culture within the open-wheel racing community: A talented, proven winner who doesn't have a fulltime ride in a major series.

Rebels survive Utes' scare: Martin Renzhofer; SALT LAKE CITY -- The top-seeded UNLV baseball team got a scare from Utah in its first game of the Mountain West Conference tournament, but held on for a 5-3 win to advance to the championship game against BYU.

Anti-Defamation League honors Sun publisher: David Kihara; The Anti-Defamation League awarded Las Vegas Sun Publisher Barbara Greenspun the Americanism Award on Thursday for a lifetime of working to improve the community and the world.

Bass and cats are hot items: Boaters who want to try their luck at fishing over the holiday weekend may wish to bait their hooks with cut anchovies and fish outside the tires at Lake Mead Marina or try fishing anywhere from the 33 Hole to Anchor Island to the back of Las Vegas Wash. All of those areas have been producing stripers and some catfish during the past week.

McCarran numbers continue to climb: Despite a drop in numbers from financially struggling United Airlines, the passenger count at McCarran International Airport climbed again in April, beating the comparable month a year ago by 3.8 percent.

Sports briefs for May 27, 2005: The Plaza hotel-casino will host an 11-bout Muay Thai kickboxing show Saturday night, a card that includes nine title fights.

Reid, Frist leave for recess frustrated over week's events: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Congress left town today for a weeklong Memorial Day recess, offering a brief respite for the increasingly quarrelsome Senate.

Neighborhood-casinos bill sparks debate: Kirsten Searer; CARSON CITY -- A bill that would limit the number of neighborhood casinos allowed in master-planned communities sparked controversy in the state Senate and was facing a deadline today.

Firm was forced out of Ivanpah plans, jury told: Stephen Curran; Clark County aviation officials pushed a private company out of plans to develop the proposed Ivanpah airport after the company spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to finance a study later used by the county to further its own goals, the company's attorney told a jury Thursday.

News briefs for May 27, 2005: Clark County fire investigators are trying to determine what caused an early morning blaze at a house on East Harmon Avenue near Mountain Vista Street that injured a mother and her two children.

Assembly OKs amendment to Senate ethics bill: Kirsten Searer; CARSON CITY -- Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins, D-Henderson, revived his efforts to increase ethics standards Thursday by amending the provisions into an unrelated Senate bill.

Controversial birth-control pill measure passes Assembly: Kirsten Searer; CARSON CITY -- The Assembly approved a controversial amendment to a bill Thursday that would require pharmacists to fill prescriptions for birth control pills and morning after pills despite moral objections.

Carjacking suspect shot dead after police chase: Jen Lawson; A carjacking suspect was shot and killed by police after he allegedly fired a shot at guards manning the Hoover Dam security checkpoint in Arizona then led police on a chase that ended about 20 miles east of Kingman, Ariz., authorities said.

More funds approved for Reno to court Olympics: Gov. Kenny Guinn already has included $150,000 over the next two years to help an exploratory committee that has spent more than two years investigating the area's chances for the Winter Games.

Law firm plans to join action against condominium developer: The original lawsuit was filed last week by Las Vegas attorney George West on behalf of five individuals who claim the developer is in breach of contract for failing to honor prices established by an original reservation agreement.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Johnson could join elite company at 600: Jimmie Johnson is hoping to join an elite group of drivers this weekend in the longest race on the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series circuit.

Pair of deaths at lakes investigated: The National Park Service is investigating the deaths of two people, one at Lake Mead who apparently died of exposure and the other who drowned at Lake Mohave.

Casino expansion begins: "It is an exciting day for the Potawatomi and Forest County," Tribal Chairman Harold "Gus" Frank said during a traditional ground blessing ceremony.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Inexperience, not gender, is Patrick's weakness: If you think grumpy old A.J. Foyt made a spectacle of himself by hurling a laptop computer down the pit lane when his car ran out of fuel a couple of years back, how do you think he'll react if Danica Patrick -- a woman of all things -- wins Sunday's Indianapolis 500?

New York sues insurer: The suit accuses AIG, ex-Chief Executive Maurice "Hank" Greenberg and former Chief Financial Officer Howard I. Smith of orchestrating an accounting scheme that made AIG's financial picture appear brighter than it was, misleading both investors and regulators. It was filed Thursday in state Supreme Court in Manhattan by New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer.

Cab camera aids cops in case: Jen Lawson; A taxicab thief was captured on an in-cab camera behind the wheel of a Yellow-Checker-Star cab, giving Nevada Taxicab Authority evidence they used to solve its first crime since companies began installing the cameras last fall.

Legislative briefs for May 27, 2005: Insurance companies will not be allowed to deny a claim for injury suffered while under the influence of alcohol, under a bill approved by the Senate Thursday.

Lawyer lauds dismissal of charges against client, 13: By Matt Pordum; A defense attorney who is also a university regent hopes a 13-year-old boy who narrowly avoided murder charges has learned a lesson about the importance of education from his brush with the criminal justice system.