The Nevada Observer

Vol. 5,  No. 13         May 1, 2008

Nevada's Online State News Journal -- Serving Informed Nevadans Since 2003

 

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May 1, 2008

MAY DAY!!!

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The new issue of The Nevada Observer is now up and ready for your reading pleasure (check the middle column for our current articles, features and columns).

TNO apologizes for its lack of daily Nevada news over the past two weeks, but our webmaster has too ill to compile it.  We wish him a speedy recovery on behalf of our readers.

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April 13, 2008

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Nevada Government

State Government

Nevada's Economy

Feeling cheated, homeowners sue: Lawsuits say lenders, Realtors, appraisers failed their clients (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Term Limits

NEVADA CONSTITUTION: Term limits challenge in works -- But state court petition would face opposition (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"There's never really been any doubt that the term-limits overwhelmingly approved by Nevada voters would someday get a test in the courts."

ERIN NEFF: Lawmakers just hate term limits (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

"This is all quite scurrilous, cynical and disgusting. If opponents of term limits think they have a winning case, let them pass petitions, put a repeal on the ballot, and argue their case in public."

Term limits under attack: Democrats plan to contest will of Nevada voters (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Nevada's Budget

"Ever notice how, whenever Nevada government lays yet another egg, the "solution" that politicians and bureaucrats prescribe always turns out to be yet more government?"

THE REGULATORY STATE: Bureaucrats helpless? Hire more of them! Contrary to claims of the political class, higher taxes wouldn't have prevented spread of disease from medical clinics (Steven Miller column, Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Jon Ralston warns of the Great Flood to come (Las Vegas Sun column)

The State Judiciary

THOMAS MITCHELL: A speedy libel trial -- but is it a fair one? (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

The Governor Of Nevada

Nevada governor's gun case puts attention on confidentiality law (Associated Press article)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

Subdivision work stalled in Carson: Some see signs of market improvement, however (Nevada Appeal article)

Clark County

$41 million won’t go as far as it should, commission hears (Las Vegas Sun article)

DEVELOPMENT: Buying into Vegas -- Nations invest in projects to get piece of local building boom (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

A CAUTIOUS PUSH: After Strip building site deaths, some workers want more safety demands from unions, but press too hard and they may be jobless (Las Vegas Sun article)

"You can vote and you can die for your country, but you can't dance?"

GEOFF SCHUMACHER: Henderson teen club ban echoes 'Footloose' prudery (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Why Las Vegans can be a tad defensive about how others see their city (Jack Sheehan column, Las Vegas Sun)

Lake Tahoe Basin

Rec pass changes tabled (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Truly the right choice (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza editorial)

Generators to be upgraded (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Praising the Parasol (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza editorial)

Lyon County

Fernley's Fate

Rebuild or retreat? (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Help makes it possible to save home (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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Nevada Politics

State Democratic Party

Democratic convention improves on second try (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Quiet vote pleases most; some miss caucus flair (Las Vegas Sun article)

Obama gains new Clark delegates (Associated Press article)

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Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

Navel gazing (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Public Schools

American dream dead for dropouts (Glen McAdoo column, Lahontan Valley News)

How do we raise grad rates? (Jim Clark column, North Lake Tahoe Bonanza)

Churchill County School District

LVHS stays put (Lahontan Valley News article)

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Nevada Health Matters

911: First of the first responders (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Understanding their plight (Nevada Appeal article)

LIVER DISEASE: Partnership would teach, treat -- Medical centers look into hepatology program (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Program on the mend: Investigation of abuses in health care program for the poor yielding results (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

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Nevada's Environment

New water plan would benefit Nevada (Associated Press article)

'How could people ruin such a beautiful place?' Epic beauty competes with ugly trash in Carson River Canyon (Warren Wish column, Nevada Appeal)

Talking trash in the neighborhood (Rick Seley column, Lahontan Valley News)

Solar on the march: The timing is right for Southern Nevada to become renowned for solar energy (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

More bear complaints prompt hot line (Associated Press article)

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Our Beautiful Region

TRIP OF THE WEEK: Topock Maze a sacred site to Mojave people (Margo Bartlett Pesek column, Las Vegas Review-Journal)

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Nevada Law Enforcement

Questions still linger after inquest ruling: Critics cite contradictory testimony in review of Henderson police shooting (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Coroner's inquest of fatal Henderson police shooting criticized (Associated Press article)

Even with no new deputies, the city can get tough on crime (Nevada Appeal editorial)

Throngs mourn 'Buffalo Jim': Mystery surrounds mechanic's death (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

JOHN L. SMITH: A closer look at 'Buffalo Jim's' death reveals little to support rumors (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

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From The Neon Empire

Filing reveals details of Park-Horizon settlement (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

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Nevada's Past

What didn't happen in Carson City (Guy Rocha column, Nevada Appeal)

Newspaper excerpts tell much about early capital city history (Nevada Appeal article)

Nevada, and Sun’s founding publisher, take stage in capital (Las Vegas Sun article)

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Federal Nevada

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

Joint Communiqués

Reid, Ensign, Heller Announce Funds for Safety Improvements at Nevada Airports (Sen. Reid press release)

ENSIGN, REID ANNOUNCE SENATE PASSAGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA READINESS CENTER ACT (Sen. Ensign press release)

Sen. Reid

Reid Meets With Boulder City Officials (Sen. Reid press release)

Reid: Housing Bill Marks Beginning of Process to Help Families Facing Foreclosure (Sen. Reid press release)

Reid Introduces Canal and Levee Safety Bill (Sen. Reid press release)

Reid bill focuses on aging canals: Measure would allot millions for inspections (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Reid: President Remains Committed To Indefinitely Keeping 142,000 Troops In An Endless Iraqi Civil War (Sen. Reid press release)

Sen. Ensign

ENSIGN VOTES FOR COMPROMISE TO HELP HOUSING MARKET, ECONOMY (Sen. Ensign press release)

ENSIGN, CANTWELL RENEWABLE ENERGY BILL PASSES SENATE (Sen. Ensign press release)

Rep. Berkley

BERKLEY: MAYOR GOODMAN TESTIMONY HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR PASSAGE OF HOUSING HELP BILL -- Package Will Help Address Valley Foreclosure Crisis; Congresswoman Pushing for $7,500 Tax Credit for First-Time Homebuyers (Rep. Berkley press release)

BERKLEY WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE APPROVES HOUSING HELP FOR FAMILIES: Bill Includes up to $7,500 Tax Credit for First-Time Homebuyers, Better Access to Low-Income Housing Help (Rep. Berkley press release)

SEISMIC SHIFT: SENATOR PUSHES NEW MEXICO -- NOT YUCCA MT. -- AS ALTERNATE SITE FOR NATION’S HIGH LEVEL NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP (Rep. Berkley press release)

Rep. Porter

PORTER SUPPORTS EXPANDED GI BENEFITS FOR GUARD AND RESERVE MEMBERS (Rep. Porter press release)

In The US Congress

Housing stimulus package passes Senate on 84-12 vote: House version would do more for borrowers (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Mayor appeals to Congress for help out of mortgage fix (Las Vegas Sun article)

Cost Estimate for S. 2191, America's Climate Security Act of 2007 April 10, 2008 (Congressional Budget Office report)

Cost Estimate for S. 2191, America's Climate Security Act of 2007, with an amendment April 10, 2008 (Congressional Budget Office report)

Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement

Flight delays continue: Passengers caught in the middle as FAA, airlines complete overdue safety checks (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Internet Sales: Undercover Purchases on eBay and Craigslist Reveal a Market for Sensitive and Stolen U.S. Military Items GAO-08-644T, April 10, 2008 (Government Accountability Office report)

Freedom And The Federal Government

The First Amendment

Newseum a testament to free speech (Las Vegas Sun article)

Media Ownership: Economic Factors Influence the Number of Media Outlets in Local Markets, While Ownership by Minorities and Women Appears Limited and Is Difficult to Assess GAO-08-383, March 12, 2008 (Government Accountability Office report)

The Second Amendment

VIN SUPRYNOWICZ: 'If only we were armed before' (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

The Sixteenth Amendment

All we want is a fair, simple tax system (Kirk Caraway column, Nevada Appeal)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

2009 Review of Future Combat System Is Critical to Program's Direction GAO-08-638T, April 10, 2008 (Government Accountability Office report)

Force Structure: Restructuring and Rebuilding the Army Will Cost Billions of Dollars for Equipment but the Total Cost Is Uncertain GAO-08-669T, April 10, 2008 (Government Accountability Office report)

Research Agency Celebrates 50 Years of Technological Evolution (American Forces Press Service article)

Research Agency Showcases Robot-Driven Vehicles at Pentagon (American Forces Press Service article)

Civilian, Military Defenders Gather for Vehicle Bomb Demonstration (American Forces Press Service article)

Foreign Affairs

The Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan

8 police killed in Afghan attacks (Associated Press article)

China

Boycott not the best way to protest human rights abuses (Guy W. Farmer column, Nevada Appeal)

Indonesia

PaCom, Indonesia Recommit to Shared Security Interests (American Forces Press Service article)

The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq

Gates Foresees Fewer Troops in Iraq in 2009 (American Forces Press Service article)

Chairman Cites ‘Delicate Balance’ Between Troop Levels, Readiness (American Forces Press Service article)

DoD News Briefing with Secretary Gates and Adm. Mullen from the Pentagon (US Defense Department website)

'Surge' Brigade Heads Back to Fort Riley (American Forces Press Service article)

Iraqi Security Forces Step Up in Numaniyah (American Forces Press Service article)

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Kills Six Armed Criminals Near Baghdad (American Forces Press Service article)

1,300 Iraqi troops, police dismissed (Associated Press article)

Iraq: Confessions lead to mass grave (Associated Press article)

Deadly Iran mosque blast not an attack: media (Reuters article)

Board grants amnesty to AP photographer (Associated Press article)

A Federal Reader

Millennium Challenge Corporation: Analysis of Compact Development and Future Obligations and Current Disbursements of Compact Assistance GAO-08-577R, April 11, 2008 (Government Accountability Office report)

Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request: U.S. Government Accountability Office GAO-08-616T, April 10, 2008 (Government Accountability Office report)

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April 11-12, 2008

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Nevada Government

State Government

Nevada's Economy

"All 10 data series contributed negatively to the Southern Nevada Index of Leading Economic Indicators in January, the first time that's happened since the index was established in 1990, UNLV economist Keith Schwer said."

Bleak reading for the valley: Economic index shows sharp drop (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

"Most of the Las Vegas foreclosure problems are being caused by unaffordable mortgages rather than local economic conditions, said Chris Biaggi, president of All Western Mortgage."

New areas hit hardest by home losses: Many of valley's outlying subdivisions amass highest foreclosure tallies in 2007 (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Goodman appeals to lawmakers: Housing problems require immediate action, mayor says (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Condo conversions go sour: Market turned bad after credit dried up, inventory burgeoned (In Business Las Vegas article)

Developers' woes trickle down to homeowners (Nevada Appeal article)

Fuel Inflation: Rising gas prices tack on cost to Truckee and Tahoe goods and services (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

AIRLINE CRISIS: Feels like the sky is falling: Higher fares could force LV hotels to lower rates (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Las Vegas market seen as 'an investor's dream' (In Business Las Vegas article)

Vox Populi: State Ballot Initiatives

Casinos urge court to speed appeal -- Industry: Teachers’ tax petition leaves out facts (Las Vegas Sun article)

Casinos appeal district court decision on teachers' tax petition (Nevada Appeal article)

Term Limits

Term limits legal? A court challenge is worth a try, given how term limits infringe on voter choice (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Trouble ahead for term limit foes (Jon Ralston column, Las Vegas Sun)

Pubic Employees Retirement System

Robbing future to pay present: Retiree benefits -- $17.5 million cut to funding previously committed to state employee programs to cost taxpayers dearly (Las Vegas Sun article)

Nevada Highways

Budget may take tolls on Nevada roadways (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Nevada's Wretched Ethics Laws

Boggs avoids fine for unintentional ethics violation (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

JANE ANN MORRISON: Tempest in teapot, maybe, but candidate should expect ethics complaint (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

The State Judiciary

State's high court disbars Reno lawyer (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Gould digger (George Knapp column, Las Vegas CityLife)

State Agencies

Real ID plan driving data trackers batty (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Mom and pop roughed up in gaming license bid: Board mercifully tells gas station owners to try again for full status (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Unlicensed landscapers -- oh my! Contractors board loves frying the little fish (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

The Governor Of Nevada

Gibbons: Armed and fabulous! (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Local Government

Clark County

Harrah's audit finds 34 projects: Remodeling review turned over to county (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Boyd shifting tactics in NLV: Casino company enters joint venture (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Douglas County

Douglas county observes government week (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

Clustering ordinance important tool for ranchers (Michael Hayes column, Gardnerville Record-Courier)

Elko County

More houses going up: Brookwood project plans 43 homes in Phase 1 (Elko Free Press article)

Road race: As winter gives way to spring, city crews turn attention to repairing Elko's crumbling streets (Elko Free Press article)

Lake Tahoe Basin

Trustees OK renovation (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

Lyon County

Population growth rate dips to 3.5 percent (Mason Valley News article)

Nye County

RPC deadlocks on rezoning (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Board OKs manager selection process (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Storey County

Sometimes, mistakes can be extremely taxing (Nevada Appeal article)

Washoe County

Reno city manager declines merit raise (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Developing Stories

"The Boulevard South project in the South Meadows Business Park will be allowed to proceed after the Regional Planning Governing Board on Thursday overturned the Regional Planning Commission's denial of the 1,726-unit condominium project."

Boulevard South project to proceed (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Reno council to find members for Spring Mountain task force (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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Nevada Politics

Local Elections

State Legislature

Wow (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)

Muth out, Buckley safe (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)

City And County Of Carson

Teixeira will not seek fourth term as mayor (Nevada Appeal article)

Carson City mayor will not run again (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Bob Crowell announces run for mayor (Nevada Appeal article)

Nye County

Forgery probe seeks petition signers (Pahrump Valley Times article)

State Democratic Party

Democrats set to try again at convention: County gathering to be Saturday (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

New Dem convention may not suck (Steve Sebelius column, Las Vegas CityLife)

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Nevada Education Matters

Public Schools

Cutting education: Budget cuts will further hurt the performance of Nevada’s struggling public schools (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Elko County School District

Catching gold fever: Elementary students learn about one of state's signature industries (Elko Free Press article)

Washoe County School District

School board 'very receptive' to project (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

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Nevada Health Matters

State Hepatitis Outbreak

PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS: Insurer broadens hepatitis caution -- Anthem alert addresses procedures done before March 2004 (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Gibbons relents, injects new blood into medical board (In Business Las Vegas article)

Jon Ralston on Politics: Now that's juice (In Business Las Vegas column)

JOHN L. SMITH: Gunslinging Mayor Goodman shoots, scores against embattled doctors (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Indentured Doctors

Foreign doctors get new guardians: Advisory council to keep spotlight on visa program that some employers abused (Las Vegas Sun article)

Rural Health Care

East Fork Fire and Paramedic unveils life-saving equipment (Gardnerville Record-Courier article)

New mini-medical file can provide valuable emergency information (North Lake Tahoe Bonanza article)

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Nevada's Environment

Wilderness Proposal

Reid pledges not to force legislation on Lyon, Mineral (Mason Valley News article)

No impeachment, recall, so remember 'land grab' in 2010 (Mason Valley News article)

The Danger Of Fire

Western Governors Association: Fighting fire cannot trump prevention (Elko Free Press article)

Nevada Utilities

Attack on Sierra Pacific misses mark (In Business Las Vegas article)

Alternative Energy

Prison’s wood-fired power plant a big loser: After 2-month shutdown, state will farm out operations (Las Vegas Sun article)

Grounds for optimism: New methods are one day likely to take the negatives out of alternative fuels (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Conservation

That's what they mean by green: Council recognizes Palazzo for top-tier ecofriendly design (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Wild Beasts

Official says state won't feed its starving horses: Virginia Range herd called strays (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

State plans to round up more Virginia Range horses (Nevada Appeal article)

Official: Wild horses at risk of starvation (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Broken home: It turns out the county's pricey custom-made tortoise habitat is, well, bad for tortoises (Las Vegas CityLife article)

Pupfish numbers up at Ash Meadows (Pahrump Valley Times article)

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Nevada Law Enforcement

State Prisons And Prisoners

Family sues prison system over dead inmate (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Family sues over death of death row inmate (Associated Press article)

Police give up plans for prison: County's space pinch eases, cutting urgency for use of Jean facility (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Detention center operator a top 100 company (Pahrump Valley Times article)

$kindustry Regulation

The Strange Death Of "Buffalo Jim"

James “Buffalo Jim” Barrier found dead. Will Steve Miller be next? (Canadian Free Press article, via Las Vegas CityLife)

An unlikely hero, a strange death: The mysterious demise of Buffalo Jim has inspired lots of speculation, but few facts -- so far (Las Vegas CityLife article)

More than a 'colorful character' (Las Vegas CityLife article)

Family schedules funeral for auto mechanic Barrier: Arrangements made for independent autopsy (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Class Outing

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING: LOVE FOR SALE 101 -- Brothel tour part of college's U.S. culture curriculum (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Police Shootings

HIGH-PROFILE HENDERSON CASE: Police shooting justifiable -- Jury rules after deliberating about an hour (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING IN HENDERSON: Witnesses testify woman had knife -- Coroner's inquest into incident continues (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Shooting justified, inquest determines: Decision follows one hour of deliberation, two days of testimony (Las Vegas Sun article)

Haunting testimony, many firsts: Young sons describe mom’s killing on tape, and details police kept quiet are revealed (Las Vegas Sun article)

Scams And Rumors Of Scams

Cybercrime on the rise: Adding insult to injury (Elko Free Press article)

SEC complaint in Vegas alleges bogus diamond stock scheme (Associated Press article)

Courthouse Shooting Case

Mack lawyer adds to claims on judge (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

OJ Case

New witness emerges in case: Simpson's lawyers await information about driver (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Bad Checks

His job is to get your debt: Don’t pay your casino marker and you could be prosecuted for a crime (Las Vegas Sun article)

Badge Heavy

"It will not do for any agency to strong-arm, bully or harass the economic sector -- or any sector of the population -- as has been claimed."

Audit of business licensing agency in order (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Sheepslayer

Fourth sheep found dead in pasture (Nevada Appeal article)

Unfortunate

Addiction trips up former 'Top Cop': High-speed chase led to crash, painkiller dependence (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Nevada Culture

Goodbye to Guggenheim: Residents and visitors alike benefited from Guggenheim Hermitage Museum (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

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From The Neon Empire

CEO Terry Lanni made $9.6 million at MGM Mirage in 2007 (Associated Press article)

Gambling addicts: Our forgotten heroes -- Even in tough economic times, problem and pathological gamblers step up to the plate and do their part (Hugh Jackson column, Las Vegas CityLife)

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Nevada's Past

Grosh brothers' letters to be unveiled (Nevada Appeal article)

Modern equipment moves the V&T along (Nevada Appeal article)

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Nevada Journalism

OK, let's hear the other side (Las Vegas CityLife editorial)

Some recent news items don’t make much sense (Brian Greenspun column, Las Vegas Sun)

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Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

Elko County Commission: Yucca Mountain on agenda (Elko Free Press article)

Domenici Bows Out: Yucca loses more ground (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Nevada should profit from Yucca gold mine (Chuck Muth column, Nevada Appeal)

In The US Congress

Senate votes to extend 'green' energy tax breaks (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Official moves to block bet regulations (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Put your money where your mouth is: Congressman can help you fulfill the dream (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement

Publicly funded iPods? Auditors say federal employees lived the good life on government credit cards (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

The US Supreme Court

Camera shy (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

Senate OKs transfer of land to state for National Guard readiness center (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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April 10, 2008

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US Army Sergeant Timothy Smith

Governor Gibbons' Statement on Death of Army Sergeant Timothy M. Smith (Gov. Gibbons press release)

U.S. soldier killed in Iraq (Associated Press article)

Teachers, friends remember Tahoe soldier killed in Iraq (Nevada Appeal article)

S. Lake Tahoe soldier killed in Iraq blast (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Nevada Government

State Government

Nevada's Economy

NEVADA ECONOMY: Funk and fear in February -- Even seemingly favorable factors can't prevent gaming win slip (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Casino win falls 4 percent state-wide (Associated Press article)

Highlights of February revenue report on Nevada casinos (Associated Press article)

Is Vegas recession-proof? Las Vegas economy is seeing serious sign of slowdown as workers, tourists go elsewhere (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

BUYING INTO VEGAS: Foreign investment flowing into city developments at rapid pace (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Corus faces high exposure from local condo loans (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Nevada's Budget

Governor and Lawmakers Reach Agreement on Spending Reductions (Gov. Gibbons press release)

Gibbons, legislators OK more cuts: Budget director warns shortfall might mean more reductions (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Gibbons: More cuts but no layoffs; Budget shortfall hits $913.7 million (Nevada Appeal article)

Plan takes $350 more million from budget (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

State budget deficit grows to $910,000,000 (Ely Times article)

On the chopping block: How long can pay raise for state workers be off the table? (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

"Insanity consists of doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result each time."

The budget crisis is here. Again. (Dennis Myers column, Pahrump Valley Times)

Vox Populi: State Ballot Initiatives

"The matter is politically sensitive, lest the public come to believe the elected officials are trying to overturn the will of the voters."

Quietly, Reid works to void term limits: Effort to strike amendment comes as top legislators stand to lose seats (Las Vegas Sun article)

Nevada's Wretched Ethics Laws

Ethics panel says Boggs accepted deal (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

The State Judiciary

Judge denies claim of abuse, declares he loved accuser: Response describes relationship as consensual (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

State Agencies

Building together: Public-private partnerships a way to better roads, official suggests (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Tobacco Prohibition And Prohibitionists

My country 'tis of thee, Rollin Kirby cartoon [click on image to enlarge].

Jury is still out on smoking ban (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

The Governor Of Nevada

$350,000: A pittance to pay for transparent government (Chuck Muth column, Las Vegas Business Press)

Stop us if you’ve heard this one: Gov. Gibbons says he’ll form another commission (Reno News & Review article)

So What?

Oops! Governor has nine guns: He amends statement that all weapons tested (Las Vegas Sun article)

Local Government

City And County Of Carson

Realtors reject merger with Reno association (Nevada Appeal article)

Clark County

County faces tough choices: Officials review preliminary budget (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Douglas County

Genoa's grand experiment turns 90 this year (Nevada Appeal editorial)

Elko County

Elko city budget flat (Elko Free Press article)

Wells moves forward with development plans (Elko Free Press article)

City of Wells to hire insurance adjuster (Elko Free Press article)

Carlin adopts TV rate hike, but may not charge more (Elko Free Press article)

Lyon County

Silver City residents back home again: First meeting held in new Schoolhouse community center (Nevada Appeal article)

Nye County

138 properties on auction block May 7 (Pahrump Valley Times article)

USDA offers more than meat -- housing available, too (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Washoe County

"After three hours of testimony, the Reno City Council unanimously approved zoning Wednesday to allow up to 5,556 homes on 2,125 acres about 18 miles north of downtown Reno."

 Reno council unanimous for Evans Ranch zoning (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

"When government rejects even common-sense concepts like not outgrowing our water supply or not creating 60-mile commutes in a time of rocketing gas prices, though, you know the greedheads have a hand on the controls."

Here’s our shot to slow growth (Cory Farley column, Reno News & Review)

City Council approves hotel exemption for river access (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

White Pine County

Cross Timbers swine owner to fight citation (Ely Times article)

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Nevada Politics

Democrats spending more on Spanish-language presidential ads (Associated Press article)

As We See It: Democrats gone wrong (Ely Times editorial)

Democratic infighting will give GOP victory: I wish the Democrats would pick a candidate. This fight is getting boring (Amanda Williams column, Reno News & Review)

ERIN NEFF: Shocker: Convention do-over looking good (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

Local Elections

Goedhart mounts District 36 re-election effort (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Doctor first to announce run for mayor (Nevada Appeal article)

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Nevada Education Matters

Higher Education

Trash talk to thousands at once, anonymously: JuicyCampus Web site gives UNLV students free rein (Las Vegas Sun article)

JuicyCampus Website

Public Schools

Carson City School District

Stokes picked to lead Carson school district (Nevada Appeal article)

Churchill County School District

"Superintendent Carolyn Ross said the taxation committee is concerned the district is using 87 percent of its budget toward salaries."

Salaries affect budget shortfall (Lahontan Valley News article)

Nye County School District

Nye District schools will welcome improvements (Pahrump Valley Times article)

White Pine County School District

State may need deeper cuts into school budget (Ely Times article)

School board approves five-day calendars (Ely Times article)

Baker school reopened Monday (Ely Times article)

Vocational Schools

Local vocational schools find mixed results from downturn (Las Vegas Business Press article)

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Nevada Health Matters

Threat moves nurses' rally (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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Nevada's Environment

Nevada Water Matters

Watering the quotes: Gov. Gibbons switches position on rural water grab (Reno News & Review article)

White Pine County snow pack at 93% of average (Ely Times article)

An ounce of prevention …: Many cities now paying the price for lax maintenance of water infrastructure (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Nevada Utilities

A real power center: Electric utility to combine operations in new building (Las Vegas Business Press article)

Alternative Energy

Power plant can't pay for itself for 17 years (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Nevada Mining

Robinson Mine sets all time production record in first quarter of 2008 (Ely Times article)

Mine to operate for at least seven more years (Ely Times article)

Tear It Up

City bans off-roaders (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

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Nevada Law Enforcement

State Prisons And Prisoners

Rule would free low-risk inmates early: Backlog on paroles irritates lawmakers (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Prison official: Tougher sex offender laws creating extra costs (Las Vegas Sun article)

Prison director, speaker clash over plan to close prison (Nevada Appeal article)

Police Shootings

HENDERSON FATAL SHOOTING: Witnesses rebut police -- Trio say woman had no knife, posed no threat to officers (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

They saw Selimaj shot : Coroner’s inquest begins today in Henderson officer’s fatal shooting of woman (Las Vegas Sun article)

Judge refuses to halt coroner's inquest: Relatives of ice cream truck driver sought delay (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Corruption Cases

JANE ANN MORRISON: Former county recorder expected to cop a plea in corruption case (Las Vegas Review-Journal column)

$kindustry Regulation

INITIAL FINDINGS: Barrier family talks to coroner -- Body was in 'decomposition phase,' daughter says (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Ely Times columnist, Las Vegas auto shop owner, ‘Buffalo Jim' Barrier found dead (Ely Times article)

Lotspeich cleared in brothel lawsuit: Owners sued over 2004 investigation that resulted in temporary shutdown (Elko Free Press article)

Chicken Ranch to host college girls (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Badge Heavy

"The dancers claimed they were "being ogled by a bunch of bullying police officers" and forced to make a "perp walk" in swimsuits."

Wild Orchid, dancers to receive settlement (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

Reno officials accused of harassing area businesses (Reno Gazette-Journal article)

A Bad Egg

"Switzer was working as a legal secretary for the Nye County District Attorney's office when she was arrested September 13, 2007, following an investigation by the Nye County Sheriff's Office Scorpion task force that led them to believe she was exchanging confidential information for drugs."

Switzer guilty of misconduct (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Gang Rape Investigation

District Attorney receives report (Lahontan Valley News article)

Gone In 60 Seconds

Governor’s Task Force on Auto Theft and Insurance Fraud to Hold Initial Meeting (Gov. Gibbons press release)

Jane's Addiction

Parental-assistance skills given to former drug addicts (Lahontan Valley News article)

Celebrity Defendants

Ex-Miss Nevada USA takes deal in Vegas driving, resisting case (Associated Press article)

Binion's Silver

Murphy loses bid for retrial in theft: Figure in Binion case fighting conviction (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Nevada Culture

Vegas, say goodbye to Guggenheim: Art museum will close its doors at the Venetian in May, leaving only one gallery on the Strip (Las Vegas Sun article)

Downtown's Benny Binion statue to gallop south (Ben Spillman column, Las Vegas Business Press)

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From The Neon Empire

When Will Nevada's Gambling Cartels Start Paying Their Fair Share Of State Taxes?

Sands plans new center: Executive predicts opening in 2010 (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Harrah's opts to hail name of Caesars (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Hotel plans to issue refunds: Company cites good 'customer relations' (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

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Nevada's Past

“The Grosh brothers died on the very threshold of fortune. … Their years of patient and intelligent search were therefore fruitless, and it was left for a lazy, drunken prospector to stumble upon the prize for which the brothers had striven.”

Letter perfect: After a decade of fund raising, Nevada brings home a precious cache of records on a lost chapter in state history (Reno News & Review article)

NNRy to start 2008 season (Mark Bassett column, Ely Times)

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Federal Nevada

Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Project

Domenici pans Yucca-only approach: New Mexico senator touts recycling (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

$100m Yucca contract open to scrutiny (Pahrump Valley Times article)

Reid Comments on Yucca Hearing (Sen. Reid press release)

Tonopah Test Range

Reid, Ensign Oppose Plan to Relocate Tonopah Test Range Out of State (Sen. Reid press release)

Nevada's Congressional Delegation

Reid Launches New Web Site (Sen. Reid press release)

Reid Addresses the Needs of Nevada's Growing Veteran Population (Sen. Reid press release)

Bill aims to give veterans medical care travel break (Las Vegas Review-Journal article)

Heller Introduces Bill to Help Veterans (Rep. Heller press release)

The National Economy

Ahead of Meeting with President, Reid and Pelosi Urge Bush to Work with Democrats to Strengthen Economy (Sen. Reid press release)

Consumer Confidence at All-Time Low in Rasmussen Consumer Index (Rasmussen Reports survey)

48% Say Best Thing Government Can Do for Economy is Get Out of the Way (Rasmussen Reports survey)

National Health Matters

Testimony on Covering Uninsured Children in the State Children's Health Insurance Program April 9, 2008 (Congressional Budget Office transcript)

Fraud, Corruption, Waste And Mismanagement

Governmentwide Purchase Cards: Actions Needed to Strengthen Internal Controls to Reduce Fraudulent, Improper, and Abusive Purchases GAO-08-333, March 14, 2008 (Government Accountability Office report)

Computer security flaws: Inspector general’s report reveals unauthorized access to IRS’ computer system (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Federal Law Enforcement

OIG-08-030: TERRORIST FINANCING/MONEY LAUNDERING: Responsibility for Bank Secrecy Act Is Spread Across Many Organizations (US Treasury Department Inspector General's report)

Freedom And The Federal Government

CIA Transfer of Suspects to Jordan for Interrogation Violates International Law (Human Rights Watch press release)

“Double Jeopardy: CIA Renditions to Jordan” (Human Rights Watch report)

Homeland Security

Department of Homeland Security: Progress Made in Implementation of Management Functions, but More Work Remains GAO-08-646T, April 09, 2008 (Government Accountability Office report)

Electronic Government: Additional OMB Leadership Needed to Optimize Use of New Federal Employee Identification Cards GAO-08-292, February 29, 2008 (Government Accountability Office report)

Our Nation's Armed Forces

Army under stress from long wars (Associated Press article)

Bush Announces Shorter Deployment Lengths (American Forces Press Service article)

Joint Chiefs Chairman Discusses Vision for Future (American Forces Press Service article)

Supply Chain Partners Deliver 5,000 MRAPs to Warfighters (American Forces Press Service article)

PaCom Chief Lauds U.S.-Indonesian Ties, Urges Closer Cooperation (American Forces Press Service article)

PaCom Commander Visits Marine Security Detachment in Jakarta (American Forces Press Service article)

Employee Security: Implementation of Identification Cards and DOD's Personnel Security Clearance Program Need Improvement GAO-08-551T, April 09, 2008 (Government Accountability Office report)

VA Health Care: Recruitment and Retention Challenges and Efforts to Make Salaries Competitive for Nurse Anesthetists GAO-08-647T, April 09, 2008 (Government Accountability Office report)

Foreign Affairs

Trade talks (Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial)

Trade Preference Programs Provide Important Benefits, but a More Integrated Approach Would Better Ensure Programs Meet Shared Goals GAO-08-443, March 07, 2008 (Government Accountability Office report)

The Continuing Occupation Of Afghanistan

101st Airborne Takes Over for 82nd Airborne in Afghanistan (American Forces Press Service article)

The Continuing Occupation Of Iraq

Petraeus, Crocker Finish Marathon of Testimony (American Forces Press Service article)

Petraeus: Iraqis Want to Establish National Sovereignty (American Forces Press Service article)

Petraeus Cites ‘Significant, but Uneven’ Security Progress in Iraq (American Forces Press Service article)

ENSIGN COMMENTS ON GENERAL PETRAEUS' TESTIMONY, PROGRESS IN IRAQ (Sen. Ensign press release)

On and on in Iraq: Testimony confirms that no one in power knows how to begin ending the war (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

Hearings did little to answer Americans' questions on Iraq (Reno Gazette-Journal editorial)

Number of Adults Who Want Troops Home from Iraq Within a Year Reaches High (Rasmussen Reports survey)

Battalion Helps Iraqis Reclaim Freedom, Security, Stability (American Forces Press Service article)

Iraqi SWAT Team Nabs Six Terrorists (American Forces Press Service article)

Searching for history: Experts work to recover Iraqi antiquities that have been missing since war began (Las Vegas Sun editorial)

A Federal Reader

Mine Safety: Additional Guidance and Oversight of Mines' Emergency Response Plans Would Improve the Safety of Underground Coal Miners GAO-08-424, April 08, 2008 (Government Accountability Office report)

Census 2010: Census at Critical Juncture for Implementing Risk Reduction Strategies GAO-08-659T, April 09, 2008 (Government Accountability Office report)

United Nations: Renovation Schedule Accelerated after Delays, but Risks Remain in Key Areas GAO-08-513R, April 09, 2008 (Government Accountability Office report)

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N.C. Wyeth, The Carpetbaggers (1912)

 

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IN THIS ISSUE

Analysis:

Rocky Start To Election 2008

Caucuses, Conventions, And Term Limits: Oh My

by Johnny Gunn

It’s still very early in Election Year: 2008, and already the cries for help reverberate through the ether.  Too much politics, too early, is a cry heard from the sage covered hills outside Tuscarora to the shimmering sands of Jean, and we have months to go before even the candidates are chosen with months following that of minute by minute campaigning.  It sounded good to some to have the very early primaries and caucuses, but the awful truth is coming home now, and as an old sage once said, “The truth hurts sometimes.”

The first primaries and caucuses were held in January with the general election scheduled for November.  If there had just been two or three early votes, this burden of incredible “politics as noise” would have had a slow climb to a climax, but instead we are forced to have “goal line stands” every month, with news agencies giving reports as if the world were ending over what should be viewed as an insignificant primary in an insignificant state.  No one can say of course, but the heavy betting right now is, voter burn out before November, a less than enthusiastic turn out, and a president elected by a minority of voters.

Democrats have always had rough and tumble electioneering and 2008 is certainly no different.  With a pair of somewhat viable candidates in Clinton and Obama, swords have been drawn and blood will follow.  The Nevada Democratic Caucus was exceptional in its poor planning, the Clark County Democrat Convention (No. 1) was a total disaster, both for the party and for its Clark County head, John Hunt, and by the August national convention, there could very well be a riot.  Republicans are counting on it.  Read full story

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Ricin Case Intriguing As Facts Become Known

Other Cases In Country Appear To Be Similar

by Johnny Gunn

The case of the Ricin in the Motel Room is a bit similar to a case of Ricin in the Post Office in South Carolina in that vials of home made ricin were used, possibly by someone who feels he has been wronged in some way.  In Las Vegas, vials of ricin, enough to kill more than 500 people, were found in a motel room and the man who allegedly made the ricin is giving the impression he doesn’t know why he made the highly toxic poison.  In South Carolina, it appears as though the ricin was made as a means of getting even with some person, or event, or threat.  The Las Vegas man who has been arrested has hinted at possibly getting even with some one or some thing.

Mental stability has come into the conversation on both coasts, the difference being, the South Carolina suspect isn’t known yet.  What isn’t known in Las Vegas is the primary question of why, and secondarily, just how many people may be involved.  And, the third question that continues to linger in the back of the mind, is this a terrorist plot, conspiracy, effort?

Ricin has turned up at the White House mail facility and in the offices of Senator Bill Frist.  The substance is made from castor beans and is left over from making castor oil.  Its only known application outside criminal activity is in cancer research; it has no other uses.  Ricin is considered a weapon of mass destruction, is believed to have been made and used by Sadaam Hussein in Iraq, and extremely difficult to track. Read full story

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Unemployment Jumps To 5.8% In March

Northern Nevada Suffers Economic Slowdown Effects

Sierra Pacific Resources Declares Dividend

The unemployment figures for March were released by the Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation, and they aren’t rosy.  From February’s 5.6 percent, the figure jumped to 5.8 percent overall.  In Las Vegas, unemployment stood at 5.6 percent, but in Reno that figure was 6.2 percent, and in Carson City, it was 6.9 percent.  The federal unemployment rate stands at 5.1 percent and in California, 5.7 percent.  It is rare for California to have a lower unemployment rate than Nevada’s.

According to a report from the state office, the unemployment rate is the highest and job growth rate is the lowest in almost six years.  Elko County, home to major gold mining operations held the unemployment rate to a modest 4.2 percent.  As spring slowly emerges in Nevada, increased employment in construction and tourism generally takes place, but it isn’t happening this year.  The housing market is disastrous, both for new and previously owned homes, thus curtailing construction, and what appears to be a national recession is also slowing tourism to a crawl.

Tourism is also being affected by large increases in the cost of living, particularly fuel, food, and transportation.  Gasoline and diesel prices are at an all time high and there is no indication they will level off anytime soon.  What some are calling ill advised, many in the food grain business have converted their crops to ethanol producing, creating very high costs, not just for grains for the human population, but feed grains for meat animals.  Some in Washington continue to insist there is limited inflation, but those that work on paychecks know better.  Read full story

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Room Tax Petition Given Go-Ahead

Move Surprises Some And Appeal Is Planned

Many Petitions Still  Moving Forward