Stories for February 2006

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Tuesday, February 28

Bureaucracy should step aside in favor of troubled kids

Lake Mead shines Columbia blue in the distance from the grounds of St. Jude's Ranch for Children in Boulder City. On a day when the sky is an endless blue dome and the Mojave air is clean, you'd almost bet you could see forever. With its Mission architecture, cactus-lined buildings, stunning chapel, and nearly four-decade history of taking in abandoned and disadvantaged youth in Southern Nevada, St. Jude's is an oasis in the desert.

CHS senior projects benefit community

In its sixth year, the senior project at Carson High School may be having an unanticipated effect. Several students this year, as in years past, are incorporating community service into the project portion of the three-part assignment.

Sheriff's Log

Carson City The following people were booked into the Carson City Jail. All suspects are innocent until proved guilty in court: • Anthony Todd Martin, 25, unemployed from Carson City, was arrested at 6:35 p.m. Tuesday in the 3000 block of Austin Lane on suspicion of felony vehicle burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, possession of stolen property, misdemeanor possession of paraphernalia and battery. Martin was allegedly caught rifling through a vehicle there. The vehicle owner tackled him to the ground and held him until police arrived. The victim's wallet was allegedly found in Martin's pocket. His bail was set at $27,264.

Community briefs

Carson City Library Foundation holds anniversary logo contest Area students are encouraged to enter the Carson City Library Association's logo contest to celebrate their 20th anniversary.

Hard-to-find signals send cell users scurrying

Just south of Virginia City, there's a spot off Highway 342 where government affairs are discussed, building plans debated, and relationships are soothed.

Letters to the editor

I read the article the woman wrote in the paper 2/23/06 about teens and speeding. I totally agree and would like to add to her comments. Part of responsible driving starts with all adults and parents, and from the adults I see who have the privilege of driving to work on Highway 50 in the morning from Dayton to Carson, I just cringe. Shame on you, mom with three kids in your car speeding and weaving in and out of traffic; and Grandpa in your four-wheel drive truck going to Carson City at 70 mph. What kind of example are you all setting for your children, grandchildren and society in general? And where are you, Highway Patrol? Wake up, Nevada drivers. It could be you and/or your family we read about in the next Nevada Appeal headlines.

Resentment brews over Carson City freeway

The Las Vegas Review-Journal turned nasty again this week with a column titled, "Vegas lament: Carson City gets new freeway." Publisher Sherman Frederick begins sarcastically, "Without the $330 million road, it probably took, what, 10 minutes to get from one end of Carson City to the other?" And continues, "... the opening of the first phase will take 15,000 vehicles a day off Carson Street, the city's quaint main drag.

The odds on funding of problem gambling

Twice in the last two years we've seen otherwise successful Northern Nevada businessmen fall prey to their gambling addictions. Finally, on Monday, for the first time since gambling was legalized in 1931, the state will begin to help those addicted to gambling. It's a start, but is it enough?

Monday, February 27

Vail Resorts names new CEO

VAIL, Colo. - Industry experts say Rob Katz, Vail Resorts' new chief executive, will keep the company focused on its Wall Street well-being.

Being prepared makes a difference to residents

The wind came, then the rain and then the snow, but for most Carson City residents threatened by flooding from this week's storms, the worry and fear did not. As water sluiced from Ash Creek and rose along the river banks, residents sandbagged and prepared for the worst Mother Nature could bring. It didn't come. But they, and Carson City, were ready.

Community briefs

Carson City Jim Gibson to speak to Democrats tonight Carson City Democrats will hear from gubernatorial candidate Jim Gibson tonight.

Parole Board actions

The following regular parole actions were taken by the Nevada Parole Board January through February: Brian L. Ball, Douglas County, parole denied to discharge. James W. Bishop, Douglas County, parole denied to discharge.

Carson City's freeway: a long time coming

Carson City and the surrounding region celebrated the completion of the first leg of the I-580 freeway bypass on Feb. 16. The second leg is scheduled for completion in 2008 and the third and final leg around east Carson City is expected to be completed in 2010. With the completion of the I-580 segment from the Mount Rose Highway to Washoe Valley, scheduled for 2009, Carson City will be linked for the first time to the nation's interstate system. Only four other state capitals - Juneau, Alaska; Dover, Del.; Jefferson City, Mo.; and Pierre, S.D. - will remain without a freeway.

Business licenses

Business licenses issued in Carson City as of Feb. 24:

Engagements

Erika Honour and Paul Pigman have announced their engagement. Erika is the daughter of Joanne Honour and Thomas Honour, both of Las Vegas. She is a 2001 graduate of El Dorado High School in Las Vegas and a 2005 graduate of University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she received a bachelor's degree in sports medicine. She is working on her doctorate program at UNLV in physical therapy. Erika works part-time in the retail business.

Sheriff's log

The following people were booked into the Carson City Jail. All suspects are innocent until proved guilty in court: • A 22-year-old laborer from Carson City was arrested at 11:38 p.m. Monday in the 800 block of South Carson Street on suspicion of misdemeanor failure to appear on a traffic citation.

Sunday, February 26

Prayers for our soldiers, and what's in Viagra

Good news ... Tyrel Armstrong is doing well and is back on duty. The other news is that we got the "rest of the story" wrong ... there were not two other Humvees wiped out, and no one was killed. For this we are grateful (both Tyrel's wife and father contacted us and set us straight) ... it was apparently a miscommunication down the line. We are also grateful to others for praying for Tyrel ... they asked if our readers would also keep two other Carsonites in their prayers ... Kenny Newberry and Erik McQueary. To their families, as well as Tyrel's ... you bet we will ...

Senator's fight against tobacco use by teens tough

For years, my law office was on Third Street, near Bordewich-Bray Elementary School, and each afternoon, I would enjoy watching the children walking home from school. That is until I would see a group of fifth-graders smoking cigarettes. The sight of them destroying their young lives would send me into a rage, but knowing that there was no law against it, there was nothing to be done. It seemed that I was the only one concerned about this situation, until recently when I read about Sen. Mike McGinness' proposal to the next session of the Nevada Legislature.

Carson City manufacturer acquired for $2.6 million

A Southern California company that recently purchased Astromec Inc. plans to expand production at the Carson City plant, a 16,000-square-foot facility that the president of the Carson City-based company said is underutilized.

Voters, not party, will decide who should serve

Controller Kathy Augustine abused her official power. She was impeached for that abuse. The will of voters is all that should be needed to keep Augustine out of office in Nevada. But the decision of who serves should be up to the voters, not the Republican party.

Real estate transactions

Douglas County Real estate transactions recorded by the Douglas County Assessor's Office by date, address and sale price.

Crime Report

The following people were booked into the Carson City Jail. All suspects are innocent until proved guilty in court: • A 24-year-old equipment operator from Carson City was arrested at 1:56 p.m. Sunday in the 800 block of East Musser Street on suspicion of misdemeanor contempt of court. Bail was set at $832.

Saturday, February 25

Crime Report

The following people were booked into the Carson City Jail. All suspects are innocent until proved guilty in court: • Timothy Latham, 42, of Carson City, was arrested at 10:37 p.m. Saturday at Century Drive and Sherman Lane on suspicion of felony battery with a deadly weapon. Latham allegedly attacked another man with a beer bottle outside of a convenience store, according to the arrest report. Bail was set at $30,000. A 27-year-old man from Carson City was also arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor failure to appear. Bail was set at $1,000.

Friday, February 24

Thursday, February 23

Business briefcase

Bicycle Authority Dan Turner, Owner

Ideology a poor substitute for competence

Is ideology more important that competence? This is the question that keeps running through my head as I try to digest the latest Bush Administration debacle, the turning over of several major U.S. ports to Dubai Ports World, a company controlled by the United Arab Emirates. For his part, George W. Bush said, "This deal wouldn't go forward if we were concerned about the security for the United States of America."

A month's menu can be jazzed up at new business

Kellie Butterworth doesn't like to cook.

Sheriff's logCarson City

The following people were booked into the Carson City Jail. All suspects are innocent until proved guilty in court: • Richard Dale Mendoza, 36, of Carson City, was arrested at 11:51 p.m. Thursday at Long and Carson streets on suspicion of felony possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $4,364.

There's gambling in sports? Who would believe it?

I can't tell you how shocked I was to learn that some folks are actually placing bets on sporting events. I identify with the slimy police inspector in "Casablanca," who purported to be shocked after discovering that Rick (Humphrey Bogart) was operating a backroom casino in his popular nightclub. After all, if we can't trust Bogie, who can we trust?

Wednesday, February 22

News Briefs

Carson City Fred Daniels wins Toastmaster contest Fred Daniels was the winner of the Kit Carson Toastmasters Club annual speech contest held Tuesday at Grandma Grandma Hattie's Restaurant. Runners-up were Ron Burke, Bob May and Frank Taylor.

How the TRPA can get tree-killer's attention

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency deals with issues that most of us don't have to think about. This time, though, it's a case rare even for the TRPA. A Lake Tahoe homeowner named John R. Fitzhenry, who bought his house on Dollar Point in 2004 for $2.4 million, stands accused of killing trees.

Community briefs

Carson City WNCC hosts 'MoneyTalk' investment lecture Western Nevada Community College is hosting a free lecture titled "MoneyTalk" at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Reynolds Center for Technology, Room 103. Participants can learn the basics of understanding and using investment statistics. Call 445-4278.

Sheriff's log

The following people were booked into the Carson City Jail. All suspects are innocent until proved guilty in court: • Peter Wade, 42, of Carson City, was arrested at 9:56 p.m. Wednesday in the 2700 block of Fairmont Way on a felony drug warrant from Hawaii. His bail was set at $2,000.

Community calendar

Nevada Landscape: The Painted Environment exhibit, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., through April 3, Nevada State Library and Archives, Joseph Anderson, 100 N. Stewart St.; free admission. Call 684-3313.

Community news

Carson City State Library hosts Nevada art exhibit The Nevada State Library and Archives, in conjunction with the Nevada Arts Council, is hosting an exhibit entitled "Nevada Landscape: The Painted Environment,"

Tuesday, February 21

Sheriff's log

The following people were booked into the Carson City Jail. All suspects are innocent until proved guilty in court: • Angel D. Thompson, 27, self-employed from Lake Tahoe, was arrested at 1:19 a.m. Wednesday on suspicion of felony possession of a dangerous drug without a prescription, misdemeanor drunken driving, possession of drug paraphernalia, speeding driving on a suspended license, driving with suspended registration and driving without insurance. Bail was set at $12,878.

Community calendar

Nevada Fire Safe Council Timberline Chapter meets, 6 p.m., UNR Cooperative Extension office, 2621 Northgate Lane, Suite 12. Open to the public. Call 887-2252. X Force performs, 7 p.m., Carson Nugget Show Lounge, 507 N. Carson St. Tuesday-Today and Sunday 7 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 8 p.m. No cover charge. Call 882-1626.

Community news

Carson City Contra dance with St. Patrick's theme The Ceili Contra Dance group in Carson City is holding their "Pioneer Family Dance" from 7-10 p.m. Saturday at the BAC Ballroom.

Births

CARSON-TAHOE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER To Edilma and Robert Trosper of Carson City, a son, Narcy Alexander, born on Feb. 7, weighing 5 lbs-10 oz.

Candidates draw a line on state spending

While we wait to see how the politics play out, it's gratifying for voters to see two Republican candidates for governor battle over who can be the most fiscally conservative. If all the talk turns into action, then Nevada residents may be well-served. At this point, though, what we really want is a healthy debate over the merits of setting strict spending limits on state and local governments.

Thanks to all for reading this stuff over the years

After 500 or so columns and roughly 2,000 editorials over the past 10 years, you'd think I would have run out of things to say. In fact, many of you probably think I ran out of things to say quite some time back, yet I keep writing stuff every week and putting it in the newspaper.

Senior menus

Carson City The lunch menu for the Carson City Senior Citizens Center, 911 Beverly Drive: Monday: Stuffed bell peppers, romaine salad with dressing, spinach linguine, garlic bread, nectarine juice.

Business licenses

Carson City Business licenses issued in Carson City as of Feb. 18:

Small business woes hit Carson Mall tenants

Real Scoop yogurt shop may soon be standing out in the cold.

Monday, February 20

Sheriffs' log

The following people were booked into the Carson City Jail. All suspects are innocent until proved guilty in court: • A 46-year-old construction worker from Carson City was arrested at 12:17 a.m. Tuesday on Highway 50 East on suspicion of battery and trespassing. Bail was set at $1,369.

Don't get lazy when the going gets tough

There is a laziness mentioned in the Scriptures that might be overlooked by many. The writer speaks of diligence that is maintained, one that will persevere to the end. And how often is that actually seen today? I am addressing the church, not necessarily those outside the church.

Sunday, February 19

Dangerous duty: Carson High grad wounded in Iraq

Carson High grad (class of 2000) Tyrel Armstrong was wounded in Iraq last week. Fortunately for him and his family, he is healing after receiving a bad concussion and various cuts and bruises. Unfortunately, the two Humvees ahead of him were taken out completely with the loss of all the young men riding in them.

211 now an important number to remember

Not many people know about it yet, but someday 211 may be as essential a phone number as 411 and 911. Unveiled last week by Gov. Kenny Guinn, 211 is a one-stop telephone number for information about basic human services such as food banks, clothing closets and shelters.

Real Estate transactions

Carson City Real estate transactions recorded by the Carson City Assessor's Office by date, address and sale price.

Schools may be testing poverty as much as learning

Our American egos like to think we are always number one. We think we should be the strongest, richest, the best at everything. Unfortunately, being first when it comes to the percentage of children living in poverty isn't anything to be proud of.

Nevada's two most admired companies

The two most admired companies in Nevada are Harrah's Entertainment and the MGM Mirage, according to Fortune magazine's 2006 list. Nevada's crown jewels continue to be gaming corporations based in Las Vegas.

Saturday, February 18

Crime Report

The following people were booked into the Carson City jail. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in court. • Jerrold Howerton, 33, of the 300 block of Grosh Avenue in Dayton was arrested at 7:22 p.m. Saturday at Graves and Gordon streets on suspicion of a gross misdemeanor warrant for battery on a peace officer and felony possession of a dangerous drug without a prescription. On Saturday, a deputy responded to the corner of Graves and Gordon on a child custody matter, where he met Howerton. The deputy ran a check on Howerton and discovered an outstanding warrant from Lyon County. After the suspect was booked, a jail employee allegedly discovered medication in Howerton's pants that he had no prescription for, and the deputy returned and booked him on that charge also.

Friday, February 17

Sheriff's log

The following people were booked into the Carson City Jail. All suspects are innocent until proved guilty in court: • A 32-year-old Carson City woman was arrested at 2:56 p.m. Friday in the 800 block of East Musser Street on suspicion of misdemeanor possession of a dangerous drug without a prescription. Bail was set at $632.

Thursday, February 16

Plenty of historical preservation projects

While a good number of Carson City residents wring their hands over what to do with First Presbyterian Church's historic building, an entire section of Carson's history sits waiting for attention. We refer to the old Stewart Indian School, where buildings not being used by the state and Washoe tribe are falling down before our very eyes.

Local military news

Stair recently completes U.S. Navy basic training Navy Seaman Apprentice Justin M. Stair, son of Maureen K. and Michael B. Stair of Carson City, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

The not-so-obvious benefits of new freeway

With the freeway open and the benefit to the motoring public obvious, it's a good time to note some of the benefits that aren't yet so apparent. One of those drew the attention last week of the Carson City Board of Supervisors, whose members praised the work of Gardeners Reclaiming Our Waysides.

Sheriff's log

The following people were booked into the Carson City Jail. All suspects are innocent until proved guilty in court: • A 28-year-old Carson City man was arrested at 8:12 a.m. Friday in the 2500 block of Lorraine Street on suspicion of misdemeanor threats. No bail was set.

Putting public lands in private hands

Where I grew up in the Midwest, the only thing we could remotely consider public land was the city park. If you wanted to go hunting or fishing, you had to know someone who owned land. And you could forget taking any long hikes. That can put a big crimp in your outdoor excursions.

Wednesday, February 15

Community briefs

State Scenic Nevada photo contest due by April 1 The fifth annual photo contest for high school students and adults to promote awareness of Nevada's scenic beauty is being held by Scenic Nevada. The deadline for this contest is April 1. There are two grand prizes of $150, and one first-, second- and third-place prize.

Las Vegas is jealous of our new freeway

Our spanking new freeway wasn't even open yet, and still it got splattered. No, not by graffiti (although that happened too.) This attack came via the Las Vegas Review-Journal, and it was equally artistic.

After many years of planning and three years of construction, the city has a freeway

Driving on the Carson City freeway isn't bad, but running on it was even better.

Business licenses

Carson City Business licenses issued in Carson City as of Feb. 10:

After first three months, hospital isn't full but parking lot sometimes is

Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center has been open for patient care nearly three months. The goal of providing the region an excellent comprehensive, quality health care facility is a reality. I make an effort to visit daily with many of our patients and their families. It is a heartwarming experience as I hear countless stories of the compassionate care our patients are receiving. Their comments and feedback are valuable tools in our mission to put patient care first.

Double standard behind those Danish cartoons

Are you having as much trouble as I am in coming to grips with Islam's worldwide overreaction to political cartoons that were published by Danish newspapers last fall? The cartoons appeared in September and militant Muslims reacted by orchestrating violent demonstrations against Denmark and other western nations in January. All of which leads to a question: What kind of a religion is this?

Sheriff's log

The following people were booked into the Carson City Jail. All suspects are innocent until proved guilty in court: • A 25-year-old homemaker from Carson City was arrested at 10:32 p.m. Wednesday in the 1400 block of Como Street on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic battery. Bail was set at $3,132. -- The following are some of the 178 calls to which deputies responded Wednesday:

Six Mile Canyon road closed by red tape

Let's see if we have this straight. The Federal Emergency Management Administration in its response to Hurricane Katrina: n Spent up to $416,000 per person in some cases for temporary housing, including putting people up in $375-a-night beachfront condominiums. n Handed out $2,000 debit cards to thousands of people without checking their identification.

Tuesday, February 14

The big day arrives for Carson City freeway

It's here. The big day for Carson City arrives this afternoon, when the freeway's northern half opens to traffic. It's a day some said would never come, yet here it is - two months ahead of the construction schedule, even if it's years behind the expectations Carson City residents had through the 1970s, '80s and '90s that they needed to plan a bypass to carry traffic around an increasingly congested downtown.

Sheriff's log

The following people were booked into the Carson City Jail. All suspects are innocent until proved guilty in court: • A 24-year-old retail worker from Carson City was arrested at 7:12 a.m. Wednesday at College Parkway and Lompa Lane on suspicion of misdemeanor contempt of court, failure to use due care and driving without insurance. Bail was set at $1,329.

Community briefs

Carson City Genealogical Society meets today The Nevada State Genealogical Society will meet at 7 p.m. today at the Family History Center at 4751 Neil Road, in Reno.

'I have to pay how much?'

Just a few years ago, credit card companies could be sure that Americans who made only the minimum monthly payment on their high-interest credit cards would languish in debt for years and years.

Monday, February 13

Freedom of religion, freedom of education

School officials walk a fine line between freedom of speech and freedom of religion when it comes to the clothes worn by students. But students also have to know they're walking a fine line when they wear provocative messages and symbols. If they're hoping to get a reaction, they quite possibly will - such as being sent home to change.

Lightening up to all those odd American ways

I was 6 years old when we came to the United States and knew nothing about Americans or American life. The first family I knew were the Russells, who lived in the apartment next to us when we all lived above Kresge's dimestore. The Russells seemed like a handsome family to me, and very different from us. Mrs. Russell, for instance, had plump white arms, a creamy complexion, and the reddest, most luscious-looking lips I had ever seen. In comparison, my mother -- who had always seemed beautiful to me Ð suddenly looked a bit dull with her pale dry lips and her dishwater blonde hair. One of Mrs. Russell's daughters was named Dawn Ð a name so exotic I no longer remember her sister's more common name.

Community briefs

The Nevada Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection issued the following consumer advisory regarding timeshare retail scams. • Be wary of any timeshare reseller who asks for a fee up-front without guarantee of sale. If it were a real operation, the fee would be deducted from the sale price.

Sheriff's log

The following people were booked into the Carson City Jail. All suspects are innocent until proved guilty in court: • A 19-year-old Carson City man was arrested at 3:30 a.m. Tuesday in the 800 block of East Musser Street on a misdemeanor contempt of court warrant. Bail was set at $1,000.

Carson Nugget begins $1.3 million expansion

The Carson Nugget bingo announcer will no longer be drowned out by the nightly entertainment.

Dollar store departure means another empty store front

After the recent departure of the Happy Dollar store at 2230 S. Carson St., the center owner is searching for an occupant for the 6,000-square-foot space.

Sunday, February 12

Directing traffic through Carson City

Part of the fun of having the northern half of the new freeway opening Thursday will be trying to figure out whether it saves time. It all depends where you're coming from and where you're headed, of course, and drivers coming from the east headed for Reno obviously will benefit most. But state estimates show the biggest impact on north-south streets to be on Saliman Road, because it's the closest to the intersection of the freeway with Highway 50.

Crime Report

The following people were booked into the Carson City Jail. All suspects are innocent until proved guilty in court: • Natalie Snyder, 41, of Carson City, was arrested at 5:26 p.m. Sunday in the 2100 block of Sneddon Way on suspicion of felony burglary. Bail was set at $25,000.

You still have (not much) time for a Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day ... may it be a day filled with love and caring ... feel free to send us flowers, candy, diamonds, etc., or, if you must, to your "special someone" ... (consider this a reminder ... you only have a few hours left to score one for the home team) ...

Saturday, February 11

Crime Report

The following people were booked into the Carson City Jail. All suspects are innocent until proved guilty in court: • Donald William Bonner, 33, of Reno, was arrested at 12:41 p.m. Saturday in the 600 block of North Stewart Street on suspicion of a felony warrant for robbery. Bail was set at $10,000.

Friday, February 10

Crime log

The following people were booked into the Carson City Jail. All suspects are innocent until proved guilty in court: • A 43-year-old mechanic from Carson City was arrested at 9:14 a.m. Saturday in the 1000 block of Palo Verde Drive on suspicion of a misdemeanor warrant for contempt of court. Bail was set at $280 cash.

Thursday, February 9

Crime log

The following are some of the calls to which deputies responded Thursday: • Larceny report at the Bunny Ranch II on Kit Kat Road in Mound House at 3:18 a.m. • Commercial burglary report in the 600 block of Lake Avenue in Silver Springs at 7:33 a.m.

Oh yes, there was a football game as well

I'm old enough to remember when the centerpiece of Super Bowl Sunday was a championship football game. But in the two-week runup to last Sunday's Super Bowl in Detroit, football sometimes seemed like an afterthought as the marketing folks bombarded us with multiple distractions that had nothing to do with the Big Game.

Stop fighting the will of Douglas voters

Congratulations to the Nevada Supreme Court for its ruling on the building-permit limit, known as the Sustainable Growth Initiative, for Douglas County. The most important sentence in the ruling: "After comparing the SGI to the master plan as a whole, we cannot say that as a matter of law the SGI is noncompliant to an extent that would require us to usurp the will of the people."

Wednesday, February 8

Letters to the editor

KPTLanother sign of changing times here It was with some sadness I noticed the end of an era over the weekend. KPTL radio was Nevada's oldest radio station to continuously broadcast on the same frequency (AM 1300 for nearly 50 years). On Thursday, KPTL's call letters were changed to KCMY and the format was changed to country music.

Crime log

The following people were booked into the Carson City Jail. All suspects are innocent until proved guilty in court: • Michael Hopper, 37, a transient construction worker, was arrested at 10:05 p.m. Wednesday in the 500 block of North Carson Street on suspicion of felony burglary uttering a forged instrument, possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine by a prisoner, gross misdemeanor possession of a dangerous drug and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $11,132.

Community briefs

Carson City United Blood Services hosts Valentine's drive Bring your sweetheart, family and friends to the United Blood Service this Valentine's Day from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. for a celebration of life. All donors in Reno and Carson City will have the opportunity to win prizes, enjoy free food and have fun while saving lives.

What's it mean to have 'painless' execution?

What a wonderful world it would be if Nevada could get rid of its Death Row, abolish the death penalty and never have to execute another human being. That would come about, by our way of thinking, only if there were never another first-degree murder.

Business calendar

Reno-Tahoe American Marketing Association luncheon on public relations from the company's point of view. The featured speakers will be Faye Anderson of Sierra Pacific Power Co. and Rick Sorensen of International Gaming Technology. The presentation is noon to 1 p.m. at Harrah's Reno Convention Center. The cost is $19 for AMA members and students and $29 for nonmembers in advance; $20 and $30 at the door. Advance registration is required. To register, visit RenoTahoeAMA.com.

Reaching $1 million, and beyond

It has a prime location near the heart of the city, while maintaining seclusion with surrounding vegetation, open space and a private drive. This home, priced at $1.3 million, features a tennis court, stone fireplace and an exercise room. It has generated a lot of interest, but no offers yet.

My Ikea idea: as brilliant as the blue and yellow logo

The No. 3 spot is up for grabs, and it's worth $1,000.

Dear Democrats: Lead or get out of the way

For the first time in quite some time, Americans prefer Democrats over Republicans. A recent Washington Post/ABC News poll shows 51 percent of Americans prefer the direction Democrats want to take the country, compared with 35 percent for the Republicans.

Tuesday, February 7

Calendar

Carson City 'Book Lovers' sale set for library Friends of the Carson City Library will host a book sale from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the Carson City Library Auditorium.

Trammell Crow to build in Tahoe Reno Industrial Center

A commercial real estate services company plans to construct two large buildings on 47 acres it purchased in the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center, 10 miles east of Sparks on Interstate 80.

Bathrooms are meant for one kind of business

I say we stop it right now, before it goes any further. Restrooms are meant for only one kind of business, and you know the kind I mean. This new wave of cell-phone calling, Blackberry e-mailing and laptop Internet surfing from the last private place on Earth must be turned back.

Business licenses

Carson City Business licenses issued in Carson City as of Feb. 3:

Parole board

The following regular parole actions were taken by the Nevada Parole Board November through January: Michel N. Botts, Douglas County, parole granted Jan. 1, 2006. Clifton V. Bobb, Lyon County, parole denied March 1, 2006.

Crime log

The following people were booked into the Carson City Jail. All suspects are innocent until proved guilty in court: • Tiffany Morrow, 18, of Carson City, was arrested at 3:12 a.m. Wednesday in the 3400 block of North Carson Street on suspicion of felony burglary and possession of stolen property. Bail was set at $10,587.

Real estate transactions

Douglas County Real estate transactions recorded by the Douglas County Assessor's Office by date, address and sale price.

Monday, February 6

Community briefs

Carson City NDOT hosts freeway run On Saturday, the Nevada Department of Transportation is hosting a "Freeway Walk," where the public can walk or run the entire length of the soon-to-be-open freeway. The event starts at 9 a.m. and runs until noon.

Nevada schools can reach higher for students

A major concern with the No Child Left Behind federal initiative was that the emphasis on the lower end of the educational spectrum would mean the higher end - the best and brightest students - would be shortchanged. But a new report on Advanced Placement test scores for 2005 shows nationwide increases across the board from 2000 and significant gains from last year. These are the kinds of classes - Latin, macroeconomics, French literature - that challenge high-school students, and it's a good indicator of whether they are reaching beyond the minimum education competencies.

Crime log

The following people were booked into the Carson City Jail. All suspects are innocent until proved guilty in court: • Renee Withrow, 25, a customer service representative from Carson City, was arrested at 10:25 a.m. Monday in the 1800 block of East Long Street on a Washoe County drug court warrant for suspicion of failure to appear and a misdemeanor Carson warrant for failure to appear. No bail was set.

Carter has long way to go against Ensign

It's going to take more than Bush-bashing if Jack Carter wants to unseat John Ensign in the U.S. Senate. For one thing, Nevada already has the nation's No. 1 Bush-basher in Harry Reid, the minority leader who gets quoted in every news story with the Democratic Party response to whatever President Bush has to say. We get the message.

Bad judge leads to a decision that's even worse

Justice court is the grassroots of the justice system. The justice of the peace is the front line of the justice system in our smaller communities. Justices of the peace arraign people who have been arrested, issue temporary and extended protective orders, and hear disputes. They deal with traffic stops, domestic strife, drug busts, DUIs, and the gamut of alleged lawbreaking that happens.

Sunday, February 5

Another cross-country hazmat delivery

First, let's say we're happy for the residents of Hillsborough, N.J. They're getting rid of 2,833 tons of mercury being stored in Somerville National Defense Stockpile Depot, a move that U.S. Rep. Mike Ferguson, R-N.J., believes is important to the safety and security of the residents around the depot

What about the deficit, Medicare, other big issues?

We love the State of the Union address (it doesn't matter which one, pick any president) ... "Blah, blah, blah, motherhood, blah, blah, apple pie, blah, blah, God Bless America, blah, blah, everything is wonderful, etc. blah, blah ... "

Crime Report

The following people were booked into the Carson City Jail. All suspects are innocent until proved guilty in court: • A 19-year-old unemployed Carson City man was arrested at 2:54 a.m. Monday at Molly and Long streets on suspicion of misdemeanor probation violation, driving on a suspended license, hit-and-run and no insurance. Bail was set at $5,496.

Saturday, February 4

Crimes

The following people were booked into the Carson City Jail. All suspects are innocent until proved guilty in court: • Michael W. Mosher, 42, of Reno, was arrested at 9:10 a.m. Sunday at Carson and Broadleaf on suspicion of a felony warrant for nonsufficient funds checks. Bail was set at $1,500.

Friday, February 3

Crime log

The following people were booked into the Carson City Jail. All suspects are innocent until proved guilty in court: • A 21-year-old unemployed Carson City man was arrested at 8:13 a.m. Saturday in the 3100 block of South Carson Street on suspicion of misdemeanor probation violation. Bail was set at $3,000 cash.

Thursday, February 2

Crime log

The following people were booked into the Carson City Jail. All suspects are innocent until proved guilty in court: • A 19-year-old fast-food worker from Carson City was arrested at 12:44 .m. Friday in the 2400 block of Bunch Way on suspicion of misdemeanor violation of a temporary restraining order. Bail was set at $3,132.

Wednesday, February 1

Hypocrisy slips across border from Mexico too

I love Mexico. My late wife was a beautiful and charming Mexicana and we had two terrific Mexican-American children, who have become successful adults. But the Mexican government is another story. The latest example of Mexican government hypocrisy occurred last month when officials in Mexico City compared a proposed U.S. border fence extension to the Berlin Wall. President Vicente Fox called a legislative proposal that would appropriate $2.2 billion to build 700 miles of fence along the border "shameful," and Foreign Minister Luis Ernesto Derbez labeled it "stupid and underhanded."

Community calendar

Carson City GOP candidates for governor to attend Lincoln Day Dinner Carson City Republicans will host all three Republican candidates for governor at their annual Lincoln Day Dinner next week.

Crime log

The following people were booked into the Carson City Jail. All suspects are innocent until proved guilty in court: • Robert A. Forsythe Jr., 28, of Gardnerville, was arrested at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday at Goni and Old Hot Springs roads on suspicion of felony contempt of court, obstructing a peace officer and not wearing a seat belt. Bail was set at $5,454.

Community briefs

Carson City Natives and Newcomers to meet Natives and Newcomers will have their regular meeting at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Carson City Nugget. The guest speaker will be Mr. Carl Snyder, speaking on fire prevention in the home.

Overcharged for a sale item? Not uncommon

For me, it most often happens in grocery stores. And it happens when I'm in a hurry.

Sunday Column

A victim of domestic violence called this week to tell about her new outlook on life, thanks to members of the community. "They are all so wonderful," she said.

Bush opens the door for nuclear reprocessing

With a mere four words in his State of the Union speech - "clean, safe nuclear energy" - President Bush has rekindled interest in an industry that has been out of favor for 25 years and could have long-reaching effects on Nevada. Since the Three Mile Island meltdown in Pennsylvania in 1979, in which no one was hurt or killed and a small amount of radiation leaked, the nuclear-power industry has remained something of a pariah. Its promise as the leading source of electricity for the nation has faded.

Casino Fandango will open $10 M movie theater in 2007

When "Spiderman 3" opens in May 2007, Carson City residents can watch it inside a new $10 million theater equipped with digital projector, surround sound and "luxury rocker seats."