Dave Toplikar

Story Archive

Beleaguered B.B. King's plans to close this month: Monday, Nov. 5, 2012; The lights will be going out soon at the bankrupt B.B. King's Blues Club on the Las Vegas Strip. The restaurant and club, which opened in December 2009 at the Mirage, is expected to close Sunday.
Health District accused of undercutting private outfit on vaccines: Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012; The Southern Nevada Health District is abusing a federal vaccine program for the poor by unfairly selling the vaccines to the general public and undercutting private competitors, an antitrust complaint filed in federal court alleges.
Aliante resort owner taking over management from Station Casinos: Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012; Aliante Casino + Hotel is promising a “new day” when the property’s owner takes over management from Station Casinos this week.
Fremont Cannon among many odd rivalry trophies in college football: Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012; The UNLV Rebels and the UNR Wolf Pack will fight it out for the Fremont Cannon today in the annual Battle of Nevada. The trophy is among dozens of odd college football rivalry awards that exchange hands each year, from jugs to axes to even a 330-pound statue of a Indian chief.
Continuing rain may bring flash flooding, forecasters advise: Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012; Showers and thunderstorms moving Thursday through the Las Vegas Valley prompted the National Weather Service to issue several flash flood warnings for the central and western portion of the county.
Schoolteacher files lawsuit over ‘invasive’ drug test: Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012; A Las Vegas middle school teacher has filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Clark County School District for allegedly holding her against her will in a room and forcing her to take an “invasive” drug test.
Rain falling across Las Vegas Valley: Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012; The Las Vegas Valley was getting a few splashes of rain Wednesday afternoon, but the heavier rains won’t hit the valley until Thursday, a meteorologist said.
Snow possible Thursday night at Mount Charleston as storm moves in: Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012; Don't be surprised if you see the first dusting of snow on Mount Charleston late Thursday night or Friday morning. An unseasonably strong fall weather system will move Wednesday through Friday through the Las Vegas area.
Fired ‘Pawn Stars’ manager files lawsuit against reality TV stars: Monday, Oct. 8, 2012; A Las Vegas entertainment consultant and promoter who helped put together the History Channel’s popular “Pawn Stars” show claims in a lawsuit he was fired over comments he issued about the spin-off “Cajun Pawn Stars.” Wayne F. Jeffries, who operates the Jefferies Co. promotional services business, has filed a lawsuit in Clark County District Court seeking damages from the reality show’s stars Rick Harrison, Corey Harrison, Richard Benjamin “The Old Man” Harrison and Austin “Chumlee” Russell.
December trial set for man caught in federal escort service probe: Friday, Oct. 5, 2012; A Las Vegas man who manages a strip club — and is connected to an escort service being investigated for prostitution — will have a trial in December in federal court in connection with an alleged scheme to avoid paying taxes on some $1.8 million in transactions.
Former erotic museum consultant sues founder, citing affair gone bad: Friday, Oct. 5, 2012; The former assistant curator of the Erotic Heritage Museum in Las Vegas has filed a suit against the museum's founder, who she says fired her then defamed and banned her from the museum after she ended an alleged three-year affair with him and then refused his advances.
Trial set in dispute over Wayne Newton estate: Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012; A three-week jury trial has been scheduled for May in Las Vegas entertainer Wayne Newton’s legal battle with his business partners over a museum and tourist attraction at his Casa de Shenandoah home.
Las Vegas Mob Museum sees its 100,000th visitor: Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012; The Las Vegas Mob Museum recently recorded its 100,000th visitor and is on track to reach 200,000 by the end of the year, Executive Director Jonathan Ullman said.
Liberace Foundation faces lawsuit over $1.9 million loan: Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012; The non-profit foundation behind the closed Liberace Museum in Las Vegas is being sued by creditors seeking payment on the remainder of a 20-year, $1.9 million loan.
Woman killed in single-car crash in northwest Las Vegas: Friday, Sept. 21, 2012; Metro Police are investigating a one-car crash that killed a 23-year-old woman early Friday morning in northwest Las Vegas.
Judge dismisses restaurant operators' lawsuit against Boulder City: Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012; The Boulder City Council is expected to decide later this month whether to continue seeking thousands of dollars of back rent and cleanup costs from the former operator of its golf course restaurant.
Students moved after power outage at Eldorado High: Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012; A power outage at Eldorado High School in Las Vegas this morning has forced the school to move some 1,800 students and staff by bus to another high school about three miles away.
Ex-nightclub kingpin sues former partners over $700,000 loan: Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012; Former Las Vegas nightclub kingpin Steve “Stevie D.” Davidovici has filed a lawsuit seeking payment of a two-year, $700,000 loan he made to his former partners in a Strip nightclub.
Parishioners mix religion, gambling at Laughlin casino church: Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012; The glowing marquee outside the box office showed six shirtless men with bronzed, well-oiled pecs and abs. The Australian "Thunder from Down Under" all-male revue would be bumping and grinding later Sunday at Don’s Celebrity Theatre. But right now, another star is ready to take over the main showroom.
Lawsuit seeks to block Desai bankruptcy discharge: Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012; The trustee appointed in the bankruptcy case against Dipak Desai, the Las Vegas physician at the center of the 2007-2008 hepatitis C scare, has filed a lawsuit asking the court to deny Desai’s bankruptcy discharge.
Lawsuits seek nearly $16.5 million from family of doctor in hepatitis C case: Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012; The wife and daughters of Dipak Desai, the high-profile physician facing a murder charge in connection with a hepatitis C scare that rocked Southern Nevada about four years ago, are being taken to court.
Storm hits Henderson with heavy rain, street flooding, high winds: Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012; Storms rolled into Southern Nevada Wednesday afternoon, bringing heavy rains, some isolated street flash flooding and strong winds into the Las Vegas Valley.
Expect road closures, delays for Sunday’s Ironman triathlon: Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012; If you’re traveling in your car on Sunday around Henderson, Lake Las Vegas or Lake Mead, you might find your normal route blocked or delayed. Many roads will be closed or partially closed for the Ironman World Championship 70.3 triathlon.
Henderson brothers plead guilty to federal marijuana charges: Operators of 'Organic Releaf' dispensary face heavy prison term and fines; Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012; Two Henderson brothers accused of running a medical marijuana dispensary in Las Vegas and growing marijuana in a Henderson office complex pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiring to distribute more than 100 marijuana plants, federal authorities announced.
NFL ordered into mediation on 'Pacman' Jones strip club shooting case: Injured strip club bouncer seeking to collect unspecified damages from NFL; Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012; The Nevada Supreme Court has ordered the National Football League to enter into settlement talks with a paralyzed strip club bouncer and his wife who together won about $13 million in connection with a 2007 shooting/melee at a Las Vegas strip club involving pro football cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones.
Oscar Goodman toasts conventions with 'No-Bama' and 'Romney': Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012; The major political parties are meeting this week in Tampa, Fla., and next week in Charlotte, N.C., but at least one Las Vegas venue wants its patrons to be able to partake in the atmosphere of the Republican and Democratic National Conventions — at least in spirit.
Judge's decision keeps Wayne Newton museum project intact: Estranged partners want to dissolve project management company; Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012; Wayne Newton’s wealthy Texas business partners told a Clark County District Court judge today that they no longer can have a working relationship with the longtime Las Vegas entertainer.
Las Vegas sports drink czar sentenced for evading taxes: Monday, Aug. 27, 2012; A Las Vegas man who founded the company that created Xenergy, a sports drink, was sentenced today to more than four years in prison for tax evasion.
Supreme Court: City can't euthanize dog that killed child: Monday, Aug. 27, 2012; It’s official: The city of Henderson has been told it can’t euthanize Onion, the dog that killed a Henderson child, until the Nevada Supreme Court decides what to do with the animal. The court has issued an order granting the Lexus Project a stay of a Clark County judge's decision.
Pizzeria owner files lawsuit after being locked out of shop: Friday, Aug. 24, 2012; The owners of Radio City Pizzeria, who were locked out of their retail space Monday morning at Tivoli Village at Queensridge in a rent dispute, have filed a lawsuit against the Summerlin-area shopping center.
August heat above normal, but overall summer 'normal,' forecaster says: Chance of thunderstorms this week triggers flash flood watch; Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012; We all suffered though it this month: Warm, sticky asphalt on our shoes; flesh-burning, oven-like car interiors and the sauna-like outdoor conditions that make you flee to the sanctuary of air conditioning. But those who keep tabs on the weather say this isn't unusual — it's just a typical hot August in Las Vegas.
Woman sues matchmaker after string of failed introductions: Monday, Aug. 20, 2012; A woman says she spent $78,000 with a Clark County matchmaking service seeking a European dream date but ended up with only four duds.
Houdini-like chimp arrives at new home in Oregon: Friday, Aug. 17, 2012; CJ — Las Vegas’ most celebrated chimp escape artist — is now a resident of Oregon. The 13-year-old female chimpanzee, who had broken out of her cage in northwest Las Vegas twice in recent weeks, has arrived safely at a chimp sanctuary just north of Bend, Ore.
Teens, parents face lawsuit alleging girl was bullied: Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012; A lawsuit filed this week alleges several former Las Vegas middle school students — including the teen daughter of a Metro Police captain — bullied and cyberbullied a Hispanic girl and vandalized her family’s home.
Hospital workers sue over alleged unpaid time worked: Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012; A class action lawsuit has been filed in federal court against University Medical Center by three respiratory therapists who claim the hospital owes them compensation for the last three years for regularly deducting 30 minutes each day for meal breaks — even though they couldn’t take meal breaks.
Dog that killed boy remains caged, awaiting court ruling: Friday, Aug. 10, 2012; Onion, a family dog that killed a 1-year-old Henderson boy in April, still lives in a cage, waiting for the Nevada Supreme Court to decide his fate.
Clouds bring a few sprinkles, keep temperatures down: Monday, Aug. 6, 2012; Prepare for sudden sprinkles — all those clouds rolling through Southern Nevada will continue to splash the Las Vegas Valley with a few drops of rain through early this evening.
City Council considers creating redevelopment area near downtown: Friday, July 20, 2012; The Las Vegas City Council will seek public input next week on a plan to slow and prevent blight just west of downtown. The council on Wednesday will go over a proposal to create a redevelopment area along Sahara Avenue, West Charleston Boulevard and South Decatur Boulevard and a plan for improvements.
Henderson’s Cornerstone Park set to open Oct. 6: Friday, July 20, 2012; With construction progressing on Henderson’s Cornerstone Park at Stephanie Street and Wigwam Parkway, Kim Becker fields a familiar question.
Court: Vision Airlines crew can seek punitive damages in hazard-pay dispute: Thursday, July 19, 2012; A North Las Vegas charter airline must face trial on punitive damage claims that it failed to pay its pilots and crew extra “hazard pay” for flying into Iraq and Afghanistan on government missions during the wars there, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled.
Anti-littering ordinance takes aim at Strip's 'porn slappers': County commission scheduled to discuss proposal at Aug. 7 meeting; Tuesday, July 17, 2012; The Clark County Commission plans to try to deal again next month with the controversial so-called "porn slappers" — those who pass out handbills for escort services to tourists walking along the Las Vegas Strip. The commission has tried in the past to stop the practice, but failed because of the 1st Amendment free speech rights of the handbillers, who often wear brightly colored shirts that read "GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS" along with a phone number. This time around the commission plans to go after the vendors by making them help clean up the handbills that people toss aside after they see them.
‘Pawn Stars’ regular loans McCarran chair to museum: ‘The Old Man’ accepts honor from Clark County Commission; Tuesday, July 17, 2012; Wearing sunglasses and a no-nonsense air of authority, Richard “The Old Man” Harrison from TV’s “Pawn Stars” made his way Tuesday morning into the Clark County Commission chambers to be honored — and to leave behind a couple of gifts.
Man has bright idea to sell part of Las Vegas history: Monday, July 16, 2012; Several years ago, Russell Millar was looking to create a business selling a gift that would be unique to Las Vegas. The 49-year-old waiter wanted something more than the typical T-shirts and shot glasses found at gift shops. Then the light bulb switched on — literally. He set up an online store and created a company called Las Vegas Lights.
New ‘tech-chic’ bars with arcade games opening in Henderson: Monday, July 16, 2012; Opening a bar isn’t necessarily rocket science. But a former NASA software engineer plans to launch a pair of corner bars soon in Henderson. On one side of the building, HiScores will offer old-school arcade games and high-speed Internet access, while on the other side, the Players Club will provide a more laid-back lounge atmosphere.
Caretaker: Cops were right to shoot runaway chimp: Friday, July 13, 2012; C.J. sat quietly alone Friday afternoon in her cage. The 13-year-old female chimpanzee doesn’t know it yet, but her lifelong companion, Buddy, isn’t coming back.
More light rain expected this morning, heavier rain this afternoon: Friday, July 13, 2012; Prepare to get wet if you’re headed outside. The Las Vegas Valley, which has been getting spurts of light rain, should see more moderate rain this morning and possibly heavier rains later this afternoon and evening.
Storms moving into Las Vegas area: Monsoonal moisture sweeping away extreme heat; Thursday, July 12, 2012; Say goodbye to the blistering hot weather that’s been baking Las Vegas for the last few days. Clouds rolling in from the south will bring a chance of lightning, strong winds, heavy rains and the possibility of flash flooding to the area through the weekend.
Record heat sears Las Vegas: Temperatures to fall as moisture moves in Thursday, bringing chance of storms Friday and Saturday; Wednesday, July 11, 2012; The Las Vegas Valley is continuing to sizzle under an excessive heat warning, as temperatures, which tied a record Tuesday, are expected to soar again to 114 degrees this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
Wayne Newton’s lawyer says loan could squeeze entertainer out of deal: Tuesday, July 10, 2012; A proposed $1 million loan to help pay for the upkeep of Wayne Newton’s herd of 51 Arabian horses at the Casa de Shenandoah can continue to go through — but without a Clark County District Court judge’s endorsement.
Las Vegas facing excessive heat warning: Residents advised to watch out for heat stroke as temperatures soar; Monday, July 9, 2012; The Mojave Desert’s burners are raising the heat to dangerous levels this week as afternoon temperatures will peak at 111 degrees today, 112 Tuesday and 113 on Wednesday in Las Vegas, according to the National Weather Service. But other areas will be even hotter. Temperatures are expected to range from 115 to 120 degrees along the Colorado River, from 112 to 116 in Barstow, Mesquite and Overton, and climb to about 124 degrees in Death Valley, forecasters said.