Print edition for December 4, 1997

NFR continues to grow at the Thomas & Mack: The top 15 regular-season finishers in each event qualify for the NFR and compete for prize money. In 1995, this prize money exceeded $3 million.

Allen captures 1997 steer roping crown: The 39-year-old cowboy, who has earned seven straight gold buckles since 1991, also set a PRCA record for the most consecutive world titles.

Activist claims animals at NFR are abused: Folks who run the circuit wish he'd stop.

Guy Allen: * Hometown: Lovington, New Mexico.

Chad Bedell: * Hometown: Jensen, Utah.

SUN, Channel 8 to start 24-hour news station: In a joint announcement today, representatives of the companies said a live 30-minute broadcast airing at 10 p.m. weekdays would be the first show produced by the partnership, beginning April 1. Later in the year, another 30-minute newscast will be offered at 9 p.m.

Terry West: * Hometown: Henryetta, Ok.

Bedell protected lead to win '96 crown: Long after the contestants had vacated the arena, Bedell was working, downing the NFR's peskiest steers. Any steer that trotted out of the arena untouched during the regular performance would fall to Bedell (it was Bedell's job to down any steer that had not been bulldogged during the go-round) some time that day -- though it would fall before 17,000 empty seats.

Beaver overcame odds to win all-around title: The 31-year-old roper from Huntsville, Texas, overcame seemingly impossible odds to collar his second world all-around cowboy championship in as many years.

Where I Stand--Brian Greenspun: New channel beginning of bright, news-filled future: It was 1950, a time when Las Vegas was still in its infancy and those few thousand people who called this valley home needed a second newspaper, a voice of reason and of progress. That's when the Las Vegas SUN was born. It was the only newspaper at that time which cared about the way we grew as a city and it remains the only local newspaper concerned about the kind and quality of life that is available to those who call Las Vegas home.

Steve Purcella: * Hometown: Hereford, Texas.

Etbauer looking to clean up in Las Vegas: The 33-year-old cowboy may seem to be one of the most modest, unassuming guys you'd ever want to meet. He may say stuff like "I was just lucky," or "I just want to do my best every time I'm out there."

Billy Etbauer: * Hometown: Ree Heights, S.D.

Northcott set for his eighth NFR ride: After the final round of the 38th NFR, heeler Steve Northcott, 27, of Odessa, Texas, was still in disbelief about winning the heeler's gold buckle denoting his world title.

Whitfield returns for calf roping title defense: "Now these new guys are pretty good, but y'all should have seen that Fred Whitfield back in the '90s," one will say. "In that Thomas & Mack arena in Vegas, man, seemed like every time he nodded they started writing his check."

Comprehensive 1997 NFR events schedule: 51st Annual PRCA Convention & Trade Show, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Riviera Hotel, Roo,s E-H

PRCA guidelines set standard for animal care: Rules governing the PRCA are so successful in protecting animals that the American Veterinary Medical Association recognized PRCA guidelines in its position statement on the welfare of animals in spectator events. The AVMA position reads, in part, "The AVMA recommends that all rodeos abide by rules to ensure the humane treatment of rodeo livestock, such as those established by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association..."

Joe Beaver: * Hometown: Huntsville, Tex.

Miss Rodeo 1997 reign nears end: When she learned she had won the title, Holyoak, who never gave away the fact that she was standing on stage with a broken foot, was already wiping away tears from sweeping away other honors for speech, appearance, personality and horsemanship.

A fan's guide to the National Finals Rodeo: All-Around Cowboy

Steve Northcott: * Hometown: Odessa, Texas.

Mark Garrett: * Hometown: Spearfish, S.D..

Cowboys return to Vegas for lucrative season finale: Among the qualifiers is three-time world champion saddle bronc rider Dan Mortensen of Manhattan, Mont. The 28-year-old cowboy enters the NFR with a commanding lead in the world saddle bronc riding standings with $144,029 -- nearly $50,000 more than second-ranked Robert Etbauer of Goodwell, Okla.

Kristie Peterson: * Hometown: Elbert, Colo..

Garrett no longer in brother's shadow: But don't let that fool you. Mark Garrett walks in the shadow of no one.

Hall of Fame preserves rodeo's past: The Hall, located adjacent to the National Headquarters of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, is the only heritage center in the world devoted exclusively to professional rodeo -- America's original sport.

West's '96 bull riding title was like dream come true: As Terry West settled into the chute for his final bull ride at the National Finals Rodeo, the Andrews Rodeo bull Magic was not cooperating. The bull was leaning and squatting while West tried to get set.

Mike Matt: * Hometown: Billings, Mont..

Fred Whitfield: * Hometown: Hockley, Texas.

Purcella set to defend first roping title: "The average made a lot of difference," Purcella said. "The two teams ahead of us (in the world championship hunt) went out of the average race early. We stayed in good and that was the main thing. It worked out good for us and bad for them."

Interior drafting rules to help tribes get casinos: Deborah Baker; The proposal could clear its first big hurdle soon. But after that, there's a long, rocky road ahead.

Wednesday's Boys' boxes: White 18, Graves 6, Hunter 13, Dautsun 1, Shelby 5, Halsell 5, Antee 15, McGuire 2, Cyrus 2, Jackson 3. Totals 21 22-40 70.

Harvard studies problem gaming: Gaming opponents have estimated problem gambling affects as much as 11 percent of adults.

Friday at Golden Gate: 1st race 6 fur 2YO Fil Mdn Clm

Friday at Aqueduct: 1st race 1 mi & 70 yds 3YO&up F&M Mdn

Anchor Gaming stock plunges: Gary Thompson; The analysts comments were somewhat surprising themselves, since the stock sales by Anchor Chairman Stan Fulton and members of his family were widely reported before and as they occurred in October.

Wednesday's Girls' boxes: Singleterry 6, Mosthalf 4, Sims 0, Shaw 10, Cebrera 0, Bone 15, Batton 0. Totals 13 9-24 35.

Bank of America retains state account and picks up others: State Treasurer Bob Seale announced Wednesday he has awarded two-year contracts to Bank of America to handle much of the $27 million in business that flows through the various accounts.

IHL Standings as of December 4, 1997: Northeast Division

Malls Quietly Boost Safety: Christina Nifong; ATLANTA -- Each day across America, legions of security officers at thousands of shopping malls attempt a balancing act that rivals a circus high-wire act. Not only must they ensure that bag-laden patrons feel entirely safe, but they must do it in a way that doesn't make shoppers feel under siege. Metal detectors or bag searches just won't do.

Argentina's 'Dirty War' Laundry May Get a Public Airing: Jack Epstein; BUENOS AIRES -- Just when Argentina's "dirty war" seemed to be fading into the past, a human rights lawyer has found a legal loophole to bring pardoned military officers to trial.

Korea Bailout Jimmies Open Hermit Nation: Michael Baker; SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA -- Everybody does their little part. If you've got a dollar, a mark,or a yen, you can drop it in a collection bucket around Seoul, and contribute to the nation's dwindled foreign reserves.

Is Same-Sex Harassment Illegal?: Robert Marquand; BOSTON -- Twice in the past decade the US Supreme Court has spelled out clearly that sexual harassment is a civil rights violation that Americans can sue over. Those landmark rulings, however, dealt with grievances between men and women.

Foster parents face numerous challenges raising children: When the Southern Nevada Children's Home in Boulder City closed, the young residents were sad and angry.

Ralph Siraco's Selections For Hollywood Park: Selections made for clear racing conditions before scratches.

Foster children struggle to get dental care: Don't mention dentists to Las Vegas foster mother Deanne Blazzard.

IHL recaps for December 3, 1997: CINCINNATI--Two goals by Scott Hollis capped a four-goal rally that pushed the Orlando Solar Bears (13-8-4) past the Cincinnati Cyclones 4-3 Wednesday at Gund Arena. The win moves Orlando ahead of Detroit and into second place in the IHL Northeast Division. Hollis scored with 1:01 left in the second period to put the Solar Bears ahead 3-2, and netted the game-winner at 3:09 of the third. Mark Beaufait assisted on both goals, giving him 25 in 25 games. The Solar Bears trailed 2-0 at the end of one period. Second period goals by Ben Hankinson and Grigori Panteleyev knotted the ...

People in the News for December 4, 1997: Briefly

Official: Most of U.S. won't feel heat of Asian crisis: Addressing a gathering of Las Vegas business executives Tuesday, Robert Parry said the United States is fairly well insulated from the Asian banking crisis because of the U.S. economy's robust growth and low inflation.

Bryan lambastes house on reforms: Right now the budget for Medicare is $220 billion and that will escalate to $400 billion in 10 years. It's the fastest growing program in the government, he told the Carson City Chamber of Commerce Wednesday.

Atkinson Gates' attorneys defend alleged 'guilty' plea: Jeff Schweers; During the course of a closed hearing Nov. 13, Richard Segerblom said he asked the Ethics Commission, "'Can we plead guilty?' not thinking this would appear in print."

Complacency could hurt Nevada gaming: Keith Schwer, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at UNLV, outlined the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the region's economy in a presentation on Tuesday. He highlighted one portion of a broader picture painted by Federal Reserve economists explaining the Fed's role in the economy.

Amargosa farmers get their say: As the gateway to Death Valley located 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Amargosa Valley has become the focus of intense ground water studies for two reasons.

Shootings leave two people in critical condition: Cathy Scott; An unrelated shooting late Wednesday left another man in critical condition.

Airport begins holiday with tree lighting: The ceremony will take place in the Main Terminal, on Level 2, West Esplanade, near the information booth. Remarks will be made by Clark County officials who will light the tree.

Reid: Cutting fraud, waste could keep Medicare alive: Paul Kane; Reid said at a hearing Wednesday that cutting waste and fraud could save Medicare from pending bankruptcy. Alluding to previous GOP proposals, Reid warned against steep cuts in services to the federal health-care program for the elderly.

Board makes 'date rape' drug illegal: The action came after hearing testimony from law enforcement officials that the substance, gamma hydroxy butyrate (GHB), is showing up in Las Vegas nightclubs or parties where young people gather.

Las Vegas news briefs: FIRE CAUSE --Investigators have determined that a fire that damaged a downtown Las Vegas apartment may have been started by a 2-year-old boy playing with a cigarette lighter. An elderly occupant of the Cherokee Apartments, 736 N. 11th St. near Maryland Parkway and Bonanza Road, told investigators that she was in her bathroom about 11:35 a.m. Wednesday when her young grandson ran in the room screaming. She then saw the bedroom mattress was on fire. The woman safely escaped with the boy. Las Vegas firefighters arrived and were able to extinguish the blaze in about 10 minutes. Investigators determined that ...

Defense lawyer: Bongiovanni a good judge: Bill Gang; The prosecution's perception is that Bongiovanni was a bribe-taking, ticket-fixing, criminal-releasing judge who ran his courtroom always with an eye toward helping his friends or trading his judicial powers for a few bucks.

Obituaries for December 4, 1997: He is survived by his wife, Ana Ardon; one son, Edwin Alexander; two daughters, Sandra and Nurialisette; one brother, David; one sister, Dinora; and three grandchildren.

Columnist Jeff German: Reid claims Miller still could become part of Clinton team: At least that's what Nevada Democrat Sen. Harry Reid says.

Plan proposed to save character of old neighborhoods: Denise Cardinal; Since then, city officials have been looking for ways to create that sense of community in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

Judge refuses to overturn Frontier verdict: Loehrer, in deciding against granting a mistrial, discounted claims from White's lawyer, Will Kemp, that jury foreman Tyler Best had persuaded the eight-member panel to side with the Frontier while one juror was in the bathroom.

Foster parents face challenges: Already tossed around the foster care system, the children should have directed their wrath at the state Legislature.

Editorial: Health care committee lacks focus: "Long-term Health Care Needs of Persons Living in Nevada" was the main topic. And it's a very important one. But after listening to hours of researchers, administrators, investigators, health-care officials -- and to occasional interjections by lawmakers -- people had to splash cold water on their faces to stay awake.

NFR one of toughest tickets in town: The annual 10-day event, which begins Friday at UNLV's Thomas and Mack Center, has been sold out since January. If you're thinking about waiting for next year, you'll have to make your ticket request by next month. Even then, your chances of securing seats will be less than one in four.

Wednesday's College Hockey Scores: St. Michael's 7, Tufts 3

Witness calls killer of postal worker suicidal: Elizabeth Dutton; Jennings, 42, is charged with open murder with the use of a deadly weapon in the December 1996 slaying of James Brown, 59, outside the Sunset Road branch post office where Brown was employed. Jennings recently had been fired from his position there.

Fremont Street set for 11th annual Downtown Hoedown: The hoedown, which is the unofficial kickoff party of the National Finals Rodeo, is from 5 to 11 tonight. The public is invited free.

NAACP offices reopen amid controversy: Cathy Scott; A volunteer for the NAACP office said she worked most of the day in the rented office space at 600 W. Owens Ave. A board meeting to discuss where the NAACP would set up shop in the meantime was held Wednesday night. The NAACP was also considering fighting the eviction, a source said.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Scoring issue a big concern for De La Hoya: Dean Juipe; Even though he wasn't a participant in the most recent fight in Atlantic City, it made an impression on Oscar De La Hoya.

Vegas gets the chance to compete for Democratic National Convention: "It's going to take a big effort, a major effort to attract something like that," Miller said. "It would be great for the community if it occurred."

Couple charged with kidnapping Reno woman: They are accused of kidnapping a 20-year-old student on Sept. 29 at Morrison Business College in Reno, sexually assaulting her in their van and releasing her near Auburn hours later.

Boys roundup: Jackson heroics key Valley boys: The Southern 4A most valuable offensive football player made a smooth transition to the basketball court Wednesday night, scoring five of his 24 points in overtime -- including a buzzer-beating basket -- lifting Valley to a 70-67 victory over defending state champion Bishop Gorman.

Adelson seeks to scuttle Wilhelm dinner: Adelson, locked in an escalating dispute with the union over his planned $2 billion Venetian resort on the Strip, has asked the Denver-based National Jewish Medical and Research Center not to honor John Wilhelm as humanitarian of the year at a March 21 dinner at The Mirage.

Girls roundup: McCarter big effort wasted: It was one of the best individual efforts efforts in many seasons. But unfortunately for Cimarron-Memorial, Emily McCarter received little help from her friends.

200 gather at funeral for Elko sheriff's officer: Boise police led a motorcycle motorcade on Wednesday. The Elko Fire Department unfurled the American flag and Elko deputies led the final salute.

Prep Wrestling: Coaches wrestle with forecast: Steve Cunningham; One team might be good enough to dominate in dual competitions but without standout wrestlers, could make little noise in the postseason. On the other hand, a team with three or four strong competitors could turn a nondescript regular season into a state tournament celebration.

PGA: Foltz fires 72 at Q tourney: PGA: Foltz fires 72 at Q tourney

Leavitt moves to block access to proposed Utah nuke waste dump: That would presumably give the state leverage to block shipments to the site.

Planning commission denies permit for hotel's proposed thrill ride: But planning commissioners said the ride does not fit in with surrounding development. They also expressed concern that it could distract motorists on nearby U.S. 395.

Matt rebounded from poor '95 NFR showing: Last year, Matt gave the bulls a lesson.

Dad jailed after argument at school: After posting bail, Lord said he would bring his son, Luke, back to the school today despite district policy that says he should attend Hug High because of where he lives.

Bayno thinks Sprewell should be sent to jail: Steve Carp; If the UNLV coach were calling the shots, the Golden State guard/pugilist would be sidelined for a long time.

Dial File: Memo to Mary - Love is all around, but please don't waste it: -- "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" theme

Thunder acquires ex-Boston player: McCleary appeared in 21 games with the Vipers this season and had a goal and an assist. Last season, he played 59 games with the Boston Bruins and registered eight points. The native of Swift Current, Saskatchewan spent the 1995-96 season with the Ottawa Senators and scored four goals with 10 assists and 68 penalty minutes in 75 games.

UNLV women finally home: The Lady Rebels open the Shootout at 3 p.m. against Youngstown State (5-1); Middle Tennessee (2-2) plays Xavier (3-1) in Friday's other first-round game at 5 p.m.

Peterson outlasted Blandford for '96 title: But when it comes to earning money, the pair certainly doesn't clown around.

Sculpture culture: The Las Vegas Art Museum features the work of sculptor Essie Pinsker: Anne Hosier; "They'd say to me, 'What're you doing in this stupid business? Why don't you become a full-time sculptor?' "

Outgoing tourism chief says politics impeding Tahoe tourism efforts: "My biggest concern is the politics that are being played are doing a major disservice to the community," he said. "What this is going to do is preempt any opportunity to do what is necessary."

Student pilots blamed for sonic booms: Navy officials are reviewing records and recordings of the training exercise to determine who was flying the jets that created the sonic booms, according to the Lahontan Valley News and Fallon Eagle Standard.

These guys really get offensive: Tim Graham; They operate with different skills and in opposite styles.

Columnist Steve Carp: All's not so Ducky for LV Bowl: Steve Carp; Truth is, they blew it.

Pahrump looks at going into gravel business: He said it would produce gravel at a more reasonable price for area businesses that now are paying close to Las Vegas prices. And he said the sales would generate revenue that could be used to pay for the fairgrounds project.

'Indecent' author gambles on a 'Deadly Deception': Bob Shemeligian; Jack Engelhard, author of the bestseller "Indecent Proposal," doesn't think so.

Columnist John McCarron: Barnowsky rallies, triumphs: John McCarron; Barnowsky needed to win the last two matches against David Haynes and did it, 277-268 and 245-200. Allen Fredrick, visiting from New Jersey, placed third on the strength of his 300 game. Steady Gary Trosen took the fourth spot. Young lion Jay Nakaya was the skins winner.

Rebels keep game plan simple: Steve Carp; He doesn't have a lot of options. But if there's a good thing about UNLV basketball coach Bill Bayno playing a seven-man rotation, it's that there's continuity on the court.