February 1, 2007

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The new issue of The Nevada Observer is now up and ready for reading.  Our webmaster is back and will start on the Nevada News Digest feature tomorrow morning.

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February 2, 2007

[2:50 PM]

St. Groundhog Day

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Nevada Government

Nevada State Flag, 1905 [click on image to enlarge]

State Government

Drug testing of most new state employees proposed (Associated Press article)

Nevada's Wretched Campaign Finance Laws

ERIN NEFF: Disclosure loopholes (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

District 36 candidates spent $7.97 per registered voter (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Tobacco Prohibition And Prohibitionists

Is there life after Question 5? Steiner's Pubs hopes to answer 'Yes' with new gambling promos (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Legislative committee to consider district's teen smoking bill request (Nevada Appeal article)

Nevada should get tough on teenage smoking (Nevada Appeal editorial)

The Nevada Legislature

It's lawmaking time! We look ahead to the Legislature and ask, 'Who are these people?' (Las Vegas CityLife article)

In Business Q and A: Warren Hardy, State senator, R-Las Vegas (In Business Las Vegas interview)

Anti-Immigrant Legislation: If You're Serious, Go After Their Employers

A quick analysis on Ty Cobb's bill (Jim Clark column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

Dead Kids

Hiding The Truth

Cases kept secret ... to 'protect' them: Information about troubling child welfare cases withheld (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Unconscionable actions: County censors a report that details a child welfare system that fails to protect children (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

FAMILY SERVICES: County's actions defended -- Spokeswoman says department followed up child safety concerns (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Child welfare panel makes recommendations (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"The censored material, obtained by the Review-Journal Tuesday, included eight pages of case details that illustrate why independent reviewers for the county were doubtful about the safety of more than one-third of the children in 1,352 cases reviewed by consultants."

DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY SERVICES: Child abuse report censored -- Report's missing pages listed examples of county agency's failures (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Untrained Child Welfare Workers

Child welfare training pushed: Gibbons criticized for rejecting funding (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Inadequate State Regulation Of Lucrative Scamming Opportunities

State Can Seize Your Children But Can't Audit A Business

"The Real Estate Division does not have the authority to conduct an audit of the books (at Southwest Exchange)," Gail Anderson, administrator of the Nevada Real Estate Division, said in an e-mail. "Our jurisdiction is limited to the registration of the qualified intermediary and the security deposit or bond they are required to hold."

SOUTHWEST EXCHANGE CASE: Investors lament missing funds -- Officials say losses could reach hundreds of millions of dollars (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

With A $50,000 Bond You Too Can Hold Scores Of Millions Of Dollars From Trusting Citizens

"Southwest Exchange and companies like it hold money for real estate investors who want to delay paying capital gains taxes from the sale of real estate, as allowed under section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Service Code."

Company closes, draws investigation: At least $22 million of investors' money unaccounted for (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nevada's Sleazy Predatory Lending Industry

"Carson City's low-income residents claimed $6.2 million last year in a tax credit that is an easy target for predatory lenders."

Keep your money, avoid costly tax refund loans, officials say (Nevada Appeal article)

Nevada Tourism

"Using an online survey, and buzz words like "wide open" and "pioneering," economic officials will lay the foundation for a national ad campaign to attract high-paying companies."

Define Nevada, create a brand: In this "wide-open" state, residents "work smart, play harder" (Nevada Appeal article)

State Department Of Motor Vehicles

Knapp survives the DMV! (George Knapp column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Nevada Highways

School district seeks state funds for busy intersection (Lahontan Valley News article)

Mail service interrupted by tribal road conditions (Lahontan Valley News article)

State Taxation

Gibbons' tax cut mere appetizer for banks (In Business Las Vegas article)

The State Judiciary

"It's been a trying year for the Nevada court system."

Law and Small Business: Nevada's judiciary takes on increased caseloads (In Business Las Vegas article)

Local Government

"Most every government in Nevada has been living high on the hog over the past 15 years, blissfully fattening their budgets at rates that dwarf economic growth in the private sector."

Belt tightening (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

City And County Of Carson

Looking Up

Let's hope for a year free of boom and busts (Nevada Appeal editorial)

Going Down

City's community support grants to be cut (Nevada Appeal article)

Clark County

Land And Housing

"The demand for land has softened in the Las Vegas Valley as property owners continue to hold out for prices that speculators and developers, especially homebuilders, are finding less and less palatable."

Real Estate and Development: Land owners remain unwilling to drop prices (In Business Las Vegas article)

REAL ESTATE: Price of land jumps 78 percent -- Speculation, interest rates help spark increase (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The Running Problems Of The Las Vegas Monorail

Get real about the monorail! (Las Vegas CityLife editorial)

For LV visitors, monorail is a train to nowhere: Strip route has been losing riders since peaking in mid-2005 (Las Vegas Sun article)

Douglas County

Keep It Down

Douglas to debate growth cap (Nevada Appeal article)

Elko County

City Of Wells

Wells councilmen paid about $1.30 a day (Elko Free Press article)

Wells seeks change in election date (Elko Free Press article)

Lake Tahoe Basin 

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

Just Say No To Pier Pressure

"California Lt. Governor John Garamendi expressed concern this week over the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency's proposed Shorezone program, adding his voice to a number of state agencies that have criticized the plan."

Shorezone plan scrutinized again (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Incline Village General Improvement District

Government-Chartered Monopolies

IVGID board talks of trash contract, workforce housing (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Residents to weigh in on garbage (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Onward to matters of garbage (Ed Gurowitz column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

Trash talking (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza editorial)

Lyon County

County Affairs

County Commission duty entails lots of committee time (Nevada Appeal article)

Developing Stories

Mound House master plan amended to allow multiple uses: Developers plan to pay for sewage facility (Nevada Appeal article)

Nye County

County Affairs

"Nye County will examine the cost of building a federal detention center and renting beds to the U.S. Marshals Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service."

County may submit detention plan (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Town Of Pahrump

"Pahrump Town Manager Dave Richards recommended Saturday the town board sever ties with the Economic Development Authority of Esmeralda and Nye Counties, or EDEN, and do its own economic development."

Tense Discussion -- Richards: Cut ties with EDEN (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Property owners prefer commercial zoning (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Session eyes Calvada 'center' (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Washoe County

Inequitable Taxation

"Incline's tax revolt group is recoiling in the wake of recent news that the county may continue the fight against a wholesale property tax rollback."

Tax revolters continue fight (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Your Tax Dollars At Work

Public agencies give to Gibbons' inaugural ball (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

City Of Reno

Councilman wants last chance to save downtown Reno YMCA (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Plight Of The Homeless

Washoe homeless numbers move up (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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Nevada Politics

Who Was Behind That Last-Minute Slime Job?

Books closed in Mazzeo incident -- Roger: Insufficient evidence to back cover-up claims (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Not enough evidence to prove charges: Many questions still remain about Oct. 13 incident (Las Vegas Sun article)

Cocktail waitress considered cutting off group's alcohol (Las Vegas Sun article)

State Democratic Party

Democratic presidential forum has few takers (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Big states might follow Nevada's lead up presidential calendar (Las Vegas Sun article)

Richardson meets the locals: A group of Nevadans gathered in Reno to meet Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson and decide whether to back him (Reno News & Review article)

Q+A: Bill Richardson -- Candidate for '08 stays true to Western roots (Las Vegas Sun interview)

General Political Commentary

Two states of the state (Dennis Myers column, Pahrump Valley Times)

Can anyone explain what's going on in the county? (Michael Green column, Las Vegas Business Press)

Equality for women starts here: Today’s young women don’t know what’s at stake with the whittling away of reproductive rights (Deidre Pike column, Reno News & Review)

Democrats' narrow view of bipartisanship: Don’t expect bipartisanship from Democrats (Michael Lafferty column, Reno News & Review)

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Corruption? In Nevada?

Soon To Walk Among Us

'Red' Dyer free; wife still missing: Administrators were originally facing 30 counts (Pahrump Valley Times article)

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Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

Big Raise

LOOKING IN ON: HIGHER EDUCATION -- Chancellor, donor push through big raise for head of gaming institute (Las Vegas Sun article)

UNLV's Mystery Institute

Rogers sees no problem with Research Foundation's costly move: Regents still awaiting answers from counsel (Las Vegas Sun article)

Foundation's move to new office sets off alarms for regents: Sisolak says some items 'a little lavish' (Las Vegas Sun article)

Sierra Nevada College

Seniors go back to school at SNC; young students benefit (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Public Schools

Public schools seek $5.2 billion: Lawmakers seek specifics on governor's education plan (Nevada Appeal article)

"Under the new math practiced by the state teachers union, this represents a "cut." Is it any wonder that so many Nevada students struggle with basic numerical concepts?"

Does anybody have the answers? The state teachers union has questions -- so do we (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Some empowering advice: Governor should listen to his education expert regarding all-day kindergarten: It works! (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Jon Ralston on how a teachers union poll might play to lawmakers in Carson City (Las Vegas Sun article)

Jon Ralston on Politics: Stealing from the poor (In Business Las Vegas column)

Churchill County School District

School district to offer training on bullying to staff, students (Lahontan Valley News article)

Clark County School District

"There were so many "egregious" violations of regulations, the Dec. 22 audit found, the district must return $5.5 million of the $12 million it received from the state in Medicaid funds in 2003 and 2004, said Chuck Duarte, administrator of the state Division of Health Care Financing and Policy."

School district overbilled Medicaid, state official says: Federal audit finds improper claims (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"The decision to plan for more kindergarten space was made Monday as School Board members discussed asking voters to extend a multibillion-dollar bond measure in 2008 to finance school construction."

Tailoring a new blueprint for growth: Full-day kindergarten adds new wrinkle to schools (Las Vegas Sun article)

Schools feel staffing shortage in security department: Biltmore, Washington Continuation schools share one police officer (Las Vegas Sun article)

Par for the course (Chip Mosher column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Nye County School District

School board will meet across county (Pahrump Valley Times article)

School trustees agree: Pechstein offers $50,000 in lieu of land (Pahrump Valley Times article)

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Nevada Health Matters

University Medical Center Scandal

Incompetence may be main reason for UMC's woes (Las Vegas Sun article)

Tainted vote demands action: Clark County Commission needs to rescind vote approving a UMC medical contract (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

"The recommendations to commissioners are the first moves by county officials to turn around Southern Nevada's only public hospital after larger-than-expected financial losses and the departure of its three top executives two weeks ago amid a criminal investigation."

COUNTY HOSPITAL: UMC leaders seek to kill contracts -- Former chief accused of steering deals (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"Casting aside criticism they were signing off on a bad deal, commissioners in December hired a new group of cardiologists to treat University Medical Center's patients at five times the public hospital's current cost for heart specialists."

Atkinson Gates requests reconsideration of pact (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"Clark County Commissioner Yvonne Atkinson Gates bid in September to have her home construction company build a house for a prominent Las Vegas cardiologist. Three months later, while her bid was still pending, Atkinson Gates cast one of the four votes needed for the county to award a lucrative contract to the doctor's cardiology group."

Atkinson Gates' bid, vote raise questions (Las Vegas Sun article)

Pregnant. In Las Vegas.

Mood killer: It sucks to be pregnant in Las Vegas, says a survey by FitPregnancy Magazine (Las Vegas CityLife article)

Nevada Health Care

Health Care and Workplace: Companies eye fallout from contract expiration (In Business Las Vegas article)

"Like the nightmare of many a small-business owner, it starts with a notice from the IRS."

The perils of payroll (Las Vegas Business Press article)

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Nevada Energy

Going Up Another 11 Percent

"Nevada Power Co. lowered its general rate increase request by a fraction of a percent in a filing with state regulators on Thursday."

Nevada Power shaves rate request (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

A Fountain Of Mist

Geo-fountain picks up steam (Elko Free Press article)

State Energy Policy

Nevada should focus on home-grown energy (Lahontan Valley News editorial)

Conoco's looking for love: Oil company execs get in touch with Reno citizens (Reno News & Review article)

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Nevada Law Enforcement

$kindustry Regulation

"Mayor Bob Cashell said he has asked City Manager Charles McNeely to see if the licensing process can be shortened."

Dancers, strip club officials ask city to ease licensing rules (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Ex-Crazy Horse worker gets probation in scheme (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

THE INTERSECTION: What comes next -- Tommy Rocker ponders the eternal question: To strip or not to strip (Las Vegas Weekly article)

Stopping the slave trade: New Las Vegas task force joins the federal push to crack down on human trafficking (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Do we have a human trafficking problem? Justice Department names Las Vegas among 17 most likely destinations (Las Vegas Sun article)

The Problem Of Methamphetamine

"Should felons test positive for meth, their parole or probation officers will likely conduct an immediate search of their cars, and subsequent search of their houses. These immediate searches are new, a second prong of parole and probation's anti-meth initiative."

Parole officers step up efforts to detect drugs: Methamphetamine abuse is called 'the scourge of the Earth' (Las Vegas Sun article)

"Flavored methamphetamine is the newest metamorphosis of the dangerous street drug made from ephedrine and toxic chemical such as lye and battery acid."

Strawberry meth seized in search (Nevada Appeal article)

Mobile meth lab found in Fernley (Nevada Appeal article)

Sparks: Guns For Gangsters

"Sixteen guns used in crimes committed by gang members or other criminals in Compton, Calif., during 2006 were traced to the store. Another 65 guns recovered by police in Los Angeles last year were traced to the store. And an additional 285 guns recovered by police nationwide were also traced to that same store."

Loophole in gun sales: To combat crime, background checks should be required for all gun purchases (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

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Nevada's Weather

Has El Niño lost sense of direction? Regional Climate Center calls unusual warmth 'anomalous' (Nevada Appeal article)

"Greenlee measured about 2.5 feet of snow at Mount Rose, compared to roughly 15 feet he said was found there this time last year."

Dismal season leaves area starved for snow (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Squeezing moisture from the clouds (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

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Nevada's Environment

Western scientists frustrated as quagga mussel takes hold (Las Vegas Sun article)

Biologists forming message about containing mussels: Boating public must comply to avert spread (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Black Nevada

"Unfortunately, the black community leaders who trumpeted the idea tossed up an air ball. The proposed concert fizzled out, the victim of skepticism, a lack of leadership or simple disinterest, depending on whom you ask."

Proposed benefit concert for youth programs fizzles: Event to be held in tandem with All-Star game lacks support (Las Vegas Sun article)

"The president of the Caucus of African American Nevadans said in an interview that blacks don't feel they have enough influence with Gov. Jim Gibbons."

CRITICIZING GIBBONS: Blacks say dialogue lacking -- Group's head says governor must 'build that bridge' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Nevada Culture

Cowboy Poetry

Poetry gathering’s keynote speaker addresses children in nature (Elko Free Press article)

Cowboy poets, fans ride into town (Elko Free Press article)

The Pastoral Arts

"They don’t need no stinking ropes."

French cowboy demonstrates ‘tripping’ method (Elko Free Press article)

Ely !!!

"Ely is a hoot and a holler on Saturday night."

JOHN L. SMITH: Small-town feel makes Ely home, sweet home (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

JOHN L. SMITH: Nothing illustrates the value of water like the Ely Ice Fishing Derby (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

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Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

Yucca manager defends expense to restore project: Porter calls $25 million price tag 'throwing good money after bad' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Questions still remain for Yucca Mountain (Per F. Peterson column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

Agencies to spend $25 million retracing key Yucca research (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nevada Test Site

Government's fallout prediction inaccurate, Divine Strake foes say (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

From The US Congress

Senators revive bills to remove benefit barriers (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Global Warming

Don't blame, prepare: Scientists can argue about root causes, but mankind must concentrate on solutions (Reno News & Review editorial)

Immigration Reform

"'It's a common misconception that marrying a U.S. citizen will give you citizenship,' said Sharon Rummery, a regional immigration services spokeswoman."

Muddled masses: Couple navigating immigration system in Nevada learns the international language of headache (Las Vegas CityLife article)

Freedom And The Federal Government

National Identity Cards

Real ID is a masquerade (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

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From The Neon Empire

Regulating Gamblers

"For years, Stanley Ho has fought allegations that his Macau casinos have been involved with organized crime triads engaged in money laundering, loan sharking, drug trafficking and prostitution."

Macau partnership subject of hearing: Regulators will hold suitability hearing (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"With little fanfare last week, the Nevada Gaming Commission approved the suitability of a director for MGM Mirage last week who eventually will lead the company in an extraordinary direction."

Tourism and Gaming: MGM Mirage blazes trail with committee (In Business Las Vegas article)

Moving on to bigger and better offices: Technology puts burden on gaming regulators (Las Vegas Sun article)

Home Means Nevada

"Just when everything was looking hunky-dory for U.S. companies moving into Macao, who should pop out of the woodwork but the son of wastrel North Korean despot Kim Jong-il."

Trouble in Macao (David McKee column, Las Vegas Business Press)

"Those invited to Deloitte's CEO Lunch in Davos heard that less than half the executives of major corporations that are operating in emerging markets were happy about the way things were going."

The writing is on the wall in Asia (Ian Mylchreest column, Las Vegas Business Press)

The Folks Who Build Casinos

2006 California Problem Gambling Prevalence Survey (California Office of Problem Gambling website)

Something Odd About It

Hooters sale called 'curious' (Las Vegas Business Press article)

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Nevada's Past

Lizard Hall

Dayton artist's home makes history: Robert Caples' Silver Street home added to Nevada Register of Historic Places (Nevada Appeal article)

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February 3, 2007

[7:40 PM]

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Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

"It's time again. That four-month period that occurs every two years when state lawmakers reconvene in Carson City. The time when no Nevadan's liberty or wallet is safe."

Restricting damage in Carson City: Legislature set to reconvene on Monday (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

The Budget Game (Desert Beacon column, Blue Sage Views)

Typical: Punishes Parents But Exempts Saloons And Casinos

"Under Senate Bill 7, which is scheduled to be heard Thursday by the Judiciary Committee, a person who serves, sells or furnishes alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age would be civilly liable for damage caused by the underage drinker - in addition to facing the current criminal penalties for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. (The civil liability would not apply to people licensed to serve or sell alcoholic beverages, or their employees.)"

Teen boozing reflects on parents: Bill seeks to increase penalties for those who let children drink (Las Vegas Sun article)

Dead Kids

"'The Department of Family Services needs to be as transparent as possible if we are to enact meaningful change that will better protect children that are placed in their care and that of the state,' Reid said."

Family Services review sought: Child safety report red-flagged 55 cases (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Bills seek more disclosure on child deaths in Nevada (Associated Press article)

Nevada's Sleazy Predatory Lending Industry

"Those new contracts allow borrowers to make weekly payments, while charging interest of up to 900 percent, Buckley said."

Legislator looks to close loan loophole: Buckley says some companies evading law by charging high rates (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nevada Highways

Residents voice traffic concerns (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

From The Office Of The Governor

Skolnik named to replace Whorton as director of corrections (Nevada Appeal article)

The State Judiciary

Here came the judges -- to Beatty conference (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

Park only one of the many projects on tap: Funds come from park taxes paid by developers (Nevada Appeal article)

Douglas County

Developing Concerns

Picketers gather at growth meeting (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

"But there is a question as to what growth pays for when dealing with other services, such as law enforcement, firefighting, parks and social services."

Sometimes growth pays (Gardnerville Record-Courier editorial)

Elko County

County Affairs

Child advocates sworn in (Elko Free Press article)

City Of Elko

Argent Avenue meeting (Elko Free Press article)

Lyon County

County Affairs

Lyon County consolidated tax revenues expected to decline (Nevada Appeal article)

Lyon master plan consultants assure all facts considered before addressing communities (Mason Valley News article)

County Commission to discuss future jail location (Mason Valley News article)

District Attorney seeks more legal support staffing (Mason Valley News article)

City Of Yerington

City PlanCom to consider land use change for North West Street property Monday (Mason Valley News article)

Mason Valley Fire Protection District

Fire District Board elects officers (Mason Valley News article)

Fire Board approves two grant applications (Mason Valley News article)

An Attack Truck?

Fire District awards bid for new rescue/attack truck (Mason Valley News article)

Nye County

Town Of Beatty

"As the Beatty Town Advisory Board responded to advice from Paula Elefante, director of Economic Development Authority of Esmeralda and Nye Counrties, of EDEN, at the Jan. 24 meeting, it became more and more apparent that the members are increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress in the development of a master plan for the community."

EDEN chief offers master plan advice (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Town Of Pahrump

"An extremely agreeable meeting of the Pahrump Town Board was held last Tuesday with every action item on the agenda passing unanimously."

Board charges through agenda (Pahrump Valley Times article)

"The group, which observes and channels information to immigration authorities, denies allegations about its makeup and it's purpose."

Minutemen organize Pahrump chapter (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Washoe County

New road needed yesterday (Bruce Van Dyke column, Reno Gazette-Journal)

City Of Reno

Big Spenders

Dave Aiazzi and Bob Cashell Fight for Bigger Government (Eric Odum column, Battleborn Opinion News)

NICPAC urges Reno and Sparks to drop call for more taxes (Todd Zuccato column, Silver State Libertarian Leanings)

My Letter to the City Councils (Todd Zuccato column, Silver State Libertarian Leanings)

Social v. Economic Costs

Costs a concern in hotel fire safety (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

If You Say It, Then Do It

Pride, practicality in finished projects (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

White Pine County

City Of Ely

George Chachas faces ethics hearing Feb. 13-14 (Ely Times article)

"The city council has already directed Chachas to refrain from taping his conversations inside city hall. In addition, it has censured the mayor for intimidating city workers, partly through the use of his tape recorder."

Chachas continues to defy no-recorder ban (Ely Times article)

Mayor and Bybee clash over snow pile in lot (Ely Times article)

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Nevada Politics

State Democratic Party

Candidates split on Iraq war: Vilsack, Thompson participate in panel discussion at convention (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

'Rock solid,' not rock stars: Vilsack, Thompson tout Midwestern values during presidential debate (Las Vegas Sun article)

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Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

Embarrassed By The Community

Name change would raise WNCC's image (Lahontan Valley News editorial)

Public Schools

Churchill County School District

Video of school board meetings will be available via the Internet (Lahontan Valley News article)

Committee to study school transportation policy (Lahontan Valley News article)

Lyon County School District

School District makes switch to high-speed wireless internet service (Mason Valley News article)

School District representative again to attend four job fairs (Mason Valley News article)

Nye County School District

Health advisor lists main goals in schools (Pahrump Valley Times article)

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Nevada Health Matters

Women's Health

"Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus plans to introduce a bill this legislative session that would require certain Nevada health insurance plans to cover Gardasil, the world's first vaccine proven to prevent cervical cancer."

Titus to introduce bill requiring insurers to cover Gardasil (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

A Step in the Right Direction (Desert Beacon column, Blue Sage Views)

South Lyon Medical Center

HVAC a four-letter word in SLMC renovation (Mason Valley News article)

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Nevada Water Matters

Monthly survey shows dismal snowpack in Sierra, NE Nev. (Associated Press article)

Snowpack at 50 percent; irrigation outlook dismal (Elko Free Press article)

"Newly-appointed State Engineer Tracy Taylor said his meeting with representatives of Pahrump's three private utility companies Thursday went 'better than anyone could've expected,' to get them working together on water issues."

Dry winter continues in Pahrump (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Water providers meet state's new engineer (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Wish There Was

"We hear there's snow up in Carson City."

Quick program note (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Grand Sierra Resort

Proposal flowing in Reno: Resort to build large indoor water park (Associated Press article)

Walker River Irrigation District

WRID Board elections on tap this year (Mason Valley News article)

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Nevada's Environment

"Elk-shed collectors and others, who drive on water-saturated dirt roads, or off the established roads and trails, are steering the habitat toward disaster, cautions a manager for the Bureau of Land Management."

BLM: Stay off muddy roads (Ely Times article)

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Nevada Mining

The Johnnie Mine

Support sought for sale of mine site (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Ghostly Taylor

Canadian company may mine silver at Taylor; mill still in good shape: Mine not to reopen for several years (Ely Times article)

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Nevada Culture

Cowboy Poetry

Author warns of disconnect with nature (Elko Free Press article)

The End Of The Trail

Laughter begins at Trail’s End (Elko Free Press article)

Folklife Center

Group dedicates Folklife Center’s Wiegand Gallery (Elko Free Press article)

On The Comstock

JANE ANN MORRISON: Friendly characters make their homes in Virginia City and Gold Hill (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Northern Nevada Railway Museum

At the Throttle: Museum success creates toilet gap (Mark S. Bassett column, Ely Times)

The Forward-Looking Carson City Library System

"There's a whole group of people who don't realize what the library can do for them," said Susan Antipa, reference librarian. "You can look up information from home in your bathrobe, or from your office."

Library expands electronic offerings: More electronic reference sources, wireless Internet access now available (Nevada Appeal article)

Northern Nevada Children's Museum

"The Children's Museum of Northern Nevada has lost another executive director - its third in about two years."

Children's museum director leaves after six months: Krupicz resigns to work on projects with local community groups (Nevada Appeal article)

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Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

'Emailgate' probe could cost $25 million (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Yucca Mountain Project: Information on Estimated Costs to Respond to Employee E-Mails That Raised Questions about Quality Assurance GAO-07-297R, January 19, 2007

National Nuclear Security Administration: Additional Actions Needed to Improve Management of the Nation's Nuclear Programs GAO-07-36, January 19, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

National Nuclear Security Administration: Security and Management Improvements Can Enhance Implementation of the NNSA Act GAO-07-428T, January 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

From The US Congress

Reid helps resurrect closed Goldfield radio station (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Global Warming

Global warming will strike us first: Scientists say Southwest is at particular risk (Las Vegas Sun article)

United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Public Lands

Supports BLM: Judge upholds horse, burro gather (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Our Bloated National Budget

Testimony on the Budget and Economic Outlook: Fiscal Years 2008 to 2017, January 30, 2007 (Congressional Budget Office Report)

Fiscal Stewardship: A Critical Challenge Facing Our Nation GAO-07-362SP, January 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Our Nation's Economy

Testimony on Economic Volatility, January 31, 2007 (Congressional Budget Office Report)

Homeland Security

"First responders, state, local, tribal and federal emergency officials, utility workers, ambulance drivers, hospital personnel, forest fire fighters, federal law enforcement agents, the National Guard, and members of all branches of the military are among those who might respond to an emergency and need to be equipped to communicate among themselves and with each other."

RL33838 - January 30, 2007 Emergency Communications: Policy Options at a Crossroads (Congressional Research Service Report)

Rail Safety: The Federal Railroad Administration Is Better Targeting Its Oversight, but Needs to Assess the Impact of Its Efforts GAO-07-390T, January 30, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement

"The intent of the Improper Payments Information Act (IPIA) is to improve accountability in administering federal tax dollars and to reduce wasteful spending."

RS22587 - January 30, 2007 Improper Payments Information Act of 2002: A Brief Introduction (Congressional Research Service Report)

Government Auditing Standards: January 2007 Revision GAO-07-162G, January 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

High Risk Series: An Update GAO-07-310, January 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Disaster Relief: Prevention Is the Key to Minimizing Fraud, Waste, and Abuse in Recovery Efforts GAO-07-418T, January 29, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Science And Politics

Removing scientific oversight: President's directive gives White House the power to taint federal regulations (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Iraq Contracting Practices

Mission not accomplished: Group says Iraqi police training program needs an overhaul and new leadership (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

"In terms of the overall performance of contractors in Iraq: There are now 78 active criminal investigations into cases centering primarily on bribery and kickbacks, including 23 cases awaiting action by the Justice Department."

The Greening of Iraq? (Desert Beacon)

RL33834 - January 26, 2007 Defense Contracting in Iraq: Issues and Options for Congress (Congressional Research Service Report)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

Soldier with Valley connection killed by roadside bomb (Associated Press article)

Contract Management: Proteges Value DOD's Mentor-Protege Program, but Annual Reporting to Congress Needs Improvement GAO-07-151, January 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Defense Logistics: Preliminary Observations on the Army's Implementation of Its Equipment Reset Strategies GAO-07-439T, January 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Military Base Closures: Opportunities Exist to Improve Environmental Cleanup Cost Reporting and to Expedite Transfer of Unneeded Property GAO-07-166, January 30, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Military Personnel: DOD Needs to Provide a Better Link between Its Defense Strategy and Military Personnel Requirements GAO-07-397T, January 30, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Reserve Forces: Actions Needed to Identify National Guard Domestic Equipment Requirements and Readiness GAO-07-60, January 26, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Freedom And The Federal Government

Unwarranted Surveillance

Health Information Technology: Early Efforts Initiated but Comprehensive Privacy Approach Needed for National Strategy GAO-07-400T, February 1, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Health Information Technology: Early Efforts Initiated but Comprehensive Privacy Approach Needed for National Strategy GAO-07-238, January 10, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Passport And Visa Restrictions

RL33844 - January 29, 2007 Foreign Investor Visas: Policies and Issues (Congressional Research Service Report)

Border Security: US-VISIT Program Faces Strategic, Operational, and Technological Challenges at Land Ports of Entry GAO-07-378T, January 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Fate Of Persons Detained By US Authorities

Australians Ask U.S. to Aid Gitmo Inmate (Associated Press article)

New Charges for 3 Guantanamo Detainees (Associated Press article)

A Federal Reader

RS22585 - January 26, 2007 - WIPO Treaty on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations (Congressional Research Service Report)

RS22589 - January 29, 2007 Possible Small Business Issues in the 110th Congress (Congressional Research Service Report)

"The economic substance doctrine is a judicially developed doctrine that has become one of the IRS's primary tools in fighting abusive tax shelters."

RS22586 - January 29, 2007 The Economic Substance Doctrine: Recent Significant Legal Decisions (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL33845 - January 29, 2007 Retirement Savings: How Much Will Workers Have When They Retire? (Congressional Research Service Report)

RL33830 - January 30, 2007 District of Columbia Voting Representation in Congress: An Analysis of Legislative Proposals (Congressional Research Service Report)

State Department: State Has Initiated a More Systematic Approach for Managing Its Aviation Fleet GAO-07-264, February 2, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Health Careers Opportunity Program: Process for Awarding Competitive Grants Included Independent Review GAO-07-137, February 2, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Children's Health Insurance: State Experiences in Implementing SCHIP and Considerations for Reauthorization GAO-07-447T, February 1, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Food Stamp Program: Payment Errors and Trafficking Have Declined despite Increased Program Participation GAO-07-422T, January 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Tax Policy: New Markets Tax Credit Appears to Increase Investment by Investors in Low-Income Communities, but Opportunities Exist to Better Monitor Compliance GAO-07-296, January 31, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Wildland Fire Management: Lack of a Cohesive Strategy Hinders Agencies' Cost-Containment Efforts GAO-07-427T, January 30, 2007 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Recycling: Additional Efforts Could Increase Municipal Recycling GAO-07-37, December 29, 2006 (Government Accountability Office Report)

Foreign Policy

The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq

Estimated Costs of Increasing U.S. Forces in Iraq, February 1, 2007 (Congressional Budget Office Report)

"The situation in Iraq has focused attention on whether Congress has the constitutional authority to legislate limits on the President's authority to conduct military operations in Iraq, even though it did not initially provide express limits."

RL33837 - January 29, 2007 Congressional Authority To Limit U.S. Military Operations in Iraq (Congressional Research Service Report)

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From The Neon Empire

Home Means Nevada

Station unit to buy land for tribal casino (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Nevada's Past

Pizen Switch Centennial

Yerington relative to attend Centennial Celebration (Mason Valley News article)

Children In Days Gone Bye

"In contrast to decades past, the majority of Americans currently seem unwilling to contribute more than a bare minimum of effort and resources toward creating the best possible future for our children."

Nevada used to take better care of its kids (Bob McCracken column, Pahrump Valley Times)

Nevada used to take better care of its kids (Jack Wood column, Nye - Gateway to Nevada's Rurals)

==========================================

February 4, 2007

[4:30 PM]

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Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

2007 Nevada Legislature convenes Monday (Associated Press article)

"The juxtaposition is stark and awkward as legislators and many times more lobbyists invade the quiet of Carson City every other year: Las Vegas legislators, so steeped in growth and glamour, in the new and the fashionable, living part time in a small city with history and a love of community and stability."

Capitol reluctantly awakens: Carson City adjusts as lobbyists and lawmakers make biennial trek north (Las Vegas Sun article)

Legislators' decisions will affect all our lives (Nevada Appeal article)

The Legislators

The State Assembly (Legislative Counsel Bureau website)

The State Senate (Legislative Counsel Bureau website)

Committees of the 74th Session of the Nevada Legislature (Legislative Counsel Bureau website)

Assembly

Senate

THE PLAYERS: Your guide to the 2007 Legislature (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Legislative Fast Facts (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Nevada leadership, committees (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

The Public

HOW TO PARTICIPATE (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

How CITIZENS CAN CHANGE state LAW (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Changes or proposed changes in Nevada law driven by citizens (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

ADVICE FOR CONCERNED CITIZENS (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

The Lobbyists

Nevada Lobbyists (Legislative Counsel Bureau website)

Group's forum will define legislative goals (Nevada Appeal article)

The Legislation

Pre-Filed Bills Of The 74th Session (Legislative Counsel Bureau website)

74th Session Bill Information (Legislative Counsel Bureau website)

Starting Monday, lawmakers to weigh a wide range of bills (Las Vegas Sun article)

The Major Issues

Education

K-12 EDUCATION: Full-day kindergarten takes spotlight in education debate (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"'Shortly into the 20th century American schooling decided to move away from intellectual development or skills training as the main justification for its existence and to enter the eerie world of social engineering,' Mr. Gatto explains, 'a world where 'socializing' and 'psychologizing' the classroom preempted attention and rewards.'"

VIN SUPRYNOWICZ: The social pathologies of all-day kindergarten (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

HIGHER EDUCATION: Health Sciences Center at forefront of higher education issues (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Dead Kids

CHILD WELFARE: Inaction on problems with child welfare system unacceptable, assemblywoman warns (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

JOHN L. SMITH: Need for more statewide funding for child welfare caseworkers is obvious (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

"The mere suggestion that child welfare caseworkers pay for even a portion of their training is shocking to social service bureaucracies."

Caseworker training (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Nevada Highways

ROADS: Funding shortfall drives urgency on road work (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"The transportation infrastructure that feeds Las Vegas' tourist economy, the life blood of the state, is disgracefully outdated."

TOP PRIORITY: Getting rid of gridlock -- Clark County lawmakers are on the spot to fund highways (Glen Cook column, Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Prisons

PRISONS: 'Three red flags' signal prison crisis (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The Problem Of Methamphetamine

DEALING WITH ADDICTION: Meth punishes users' mouths -- Dentists work to correct devastating, unique oral effects of drug (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Health Care

HEALTH CARE: Proposal for small businesses could cause rift (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Public Employees

LONG-TERM LIABILITY: Options limited for meeting health care liability (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The State Judiciary

Study appeals court plan (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Eminent Domain

EMINENT DOMAIN: Lawmakers scheduled to debate 11 separate eminent domain proposals (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Auto Repair Ratings

Right idea, wrong method: Quality of work at private businesses should be rated, but not by state agencies (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Illegal Immigrants

IMMIGRATION: Issues simmer on lower heat after boil of campaign season (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The Governor's Proposed Budget

State of Nevada Executive Budget 2007-2009 Biennium (Legislative Counsel Bureau website)

The Journalists

"To be sure, I haven't given Gov. Jim Gibbons a honeymoon. But his recent choice for a Clark County Commission appointment is not reason for criticism."

ERIN NEFF: When the right skin color is still viewed as the wrong choice (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

GEOFF SCHUMACHER: The 2007 Legislature as entertainment (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

"It may be that we have been penny-wise and pound-foolish for far too long."

Brian Greenspun on growing up and paying our public servants (Las Vegas Sun column)

Jon Ralston counts down the top 10 questions that face the Legislature and Gov. Jim Gibbons as the 74th session begins Monday in Carson City (Las Vegas Sun column)

From The Office Of The Governor

Governor Gibbons Names Howard Skolnik Corrections Director (Gov. Gibbons Press Release)

Local Government

Clark County

Spin Control

THOMAS MITCHELL : Just setting the record straight (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Elko County

The Cattle Industry

"While the number of cattle in Elko County has followed a downward trend since the historic highs of the 1970s and 1980s, it has leveled off since the middle 1990s, according to an economic impact study by the University of Nevada, Reno."

Economic impact of Elko cattle turns ‘linear’ (Elko Free Press article)

University of Nevada Reno Center for Economic Development

Grazing fees on public land dropping (Elko Free Press article)

The Railport

Sale of Railport parcel comes before County Commission (Elko Free Press article)

Lyon County

Silver Springs has second effluent leak in a month (Nevada Appeal article)

__________

Nevada Politics

State Democratic Party

The great state debate: Nevada or New Hampshire: Who's on first? (Las Vegas Sun article)

__________

Nevada Culture

Cowboy Poetry

Home on the Stage: Cowboy Poetry Gathering hears Montana voices (Elko Free Press article)

Cowboy poets write from experience (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Native American Market

Great Basin Native American market (Elko Free Press article)

Fleet And Family

Support center aids military families (Lahontan Valley News article)

__________

Federal Nevada

Nevada Test Site

Nevada governor urged to request public hearings on explosion (Associated Press article)

Global Warming

Urgent response is required: Because White House underplays warming report, hope now lies with Congress (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Shifting into neutral: Celebrity-driven plan to fight global warming shouldn't overshadow other ways (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Our Nation's Environment

Opponents of industrial civilization: Greens don't like oil, nuclear, coal ... (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

__________

Nevada's Past

Beatty And Its Mining Camps

TRIP OF THE WEEK: Beatty area provides lots to see for history buffs (Margo Bartlett Pesek column, Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Preserving The Past

How to treat old buildings (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

==========================================

February 5, 2007

[9:35 AM]

_____

Nevada Government

State Government

The Nevada Legislature

Session begins (Associated Press article)

"For the first time, a woman will be standing at the podium in the state Assembly chambers, when the 74th session of the Nevada Legislature is gaveled into session at noon today."