Print edition for January 17, 1997

Gorman takes on Durango in Sunset showdown: James Yodice; If Gorman would like the title and accompanying hardware for itself, then the Gaels would be duly advised to focus on smaller pictures, like Saturday night's matchup with the visiting Trailblazers.

Canadian invasion at UNLV: Crowder and Mintenko are two of seven Canadian-born swimmers attending UNLV on scholarship. Each had different reasons for leaving their homeland to attend college in the United States.

Dean Juipe: De La Hoya a good bet indefinitely: The only other fighter with the credentials, the wherewithal, the connections and the ability to make long-range plans is Oscar De La Hoya.

Teen killed, two injured in car crash: The accident occurred about 3 p.m. Thursday when the driver, Ross Duran, 16, apparently lost control of his 1993 Dodge and slammed it into a brick wall, Metro Police said.

Sal Defilippo: Extra week provides time for Super trivia: Searching for weaknesses, reviewing strengths. Dissecting matchups and looking for any edge to be found.

505494583.html: SATURDAY

Illnesses plaguing some state lawmakers: Meanwhile, Assemblyman Bob Price of North Las Vegas almost lost part of his foot because of an infection. And Sen. Mike Schneider of Las Vegas may not make it to the opening of the Legislature because of a case of pneumonia.

Chang defeats Briton: Phil Brown; Henman attacked throughout the match, but Chang usually had an answer, or had help from the overanxious Briton, who had 40 unforced errors.

Acres' 'Hurricane Zone' debuts at Circus: Gary Thompson; Simons, the youthful slot director for the sprawling Strip resort, has taken a big gamble for a casino that generates the bulk of its gaming revenue from slot play.

Indians' Mesa hit with rape charge: CLEVELAND -- Jose Mesa, whose blazing fastball helped the Cleveland Indians win back-to-back Central Division titles, plans to plead innocent to a rape charge two weeks before he reports to spring training.

Terry Labonte to run in LV: Reigning Winston Cup champion Terry Labonte has confirmed he will compete in Las Vegas Motor Speedway's 300-mile NAS CAR Busch Grand National race March 16.

Teen killed, passenger critical when car hits wall: Another passenger, Paula Najcrodski, 17, remained in critical condition Friday at University Medical Center.

'Mockingbird' black and white about race: David Renzi; "To Kill a Mockingbird," which won Harper Lee the 1961 Pulitzer Prize for literature, is the story of Tom Robinson, a black man wrongly accused and convicted of raping a white girl in 1930s Alabama, and Atticus Finch, a white lawyer who defends him while defying popular opinion and withstanding attacks to his character.

AG confident gaming bill will pass in '97: The measure would create a state Gambling Control Commission; impose state background checks on people applying to open card clubs; set advertising standards for clubs; and require that voters decide whether to expand card-club gambling at the local level.

'Cardinal's Wife' to debut at Summerlin Theater: Tickets are $10, $8 for seniors, military personnel and students. For details, call Edelweiss productions at 221-3234.

Ron Kantowski: IRL scrambles to put a field on the track: Ready or not (again), here they come.

'Diva Las Vegas': Jennifer Bowles; That Bette Midler!

NASCAR still behind Hendrick: Mike Harris; "A lot of those people are my friends, but I still wasn't really sure what the reaction was going to be," Hendrick said.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Lounge era revisited: Joe Delaney; Prima is long gone but Keely and Sam reunited several years ago in the Desert Inn lounge, now gone. ... The essence of Louis Prima was still present and the new duo once again built upon the interest Buddy Greco had created when he started the new policy in that room.

Columnist Ken McCall: New group tackling local real estate problems: Ken McCall; This isn't your run-of-the-mill organization, though. It has a comprehensive agenda, a combative attitude and the attention of several legislators.

'La Cage' star Frank Marino tells all in 'His Majesty': Lisa Ferguson; Ummm, better make that Jacqueline.

Sutton was wrong about his Cowboys: Steve Carp; STILLWATER, Okla. -- Having lost just one starter from last year's 17-12 team, Oklahoma State coach Eddie Sutton was looking forward to the 1996-97 season.

A big role, but Kidman isn't out of her element: Mark Kennedy; Nicole Kidman is explaining the proper technique for hitching up corsets.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: A progressive dinner at Hilton is memorable: The premise is a simple one. Gather together friends who like to cook and entertain and have each participant cook their best dish and serve it in their home. After each course, the group moves on the next house. It helps, of course, if all the houses are reasonably close to each other. Whoever volunteers to do dessert ends up with all the guests.

Friday's Results: Australian Open: Men

County school construction boss leaves post: Teresa Hinds; Ron L'Hommedieu, program manager for Parsons-Fleming-Taylor, will head up the company's $2 billion, 15-year expansion project for Lambert International Airport in St. Louis, Mo.

Rocket leaves spectacular trail: Military officials called the illuminating effect a "twilight phenomenon." The intercontinental ballistic missile, launched at 5:17 p.m. from Vandenberg, released nine targets in the upper atmosphere.

Two key Connecticut players out for game against Kansas: Both will be watching from the sidelines after they were declared ineligible Thursday amid accusations they accepted improper gifts.

Joy of Jingles remembered: Tischler, who 34 years ago created the character of Jingles the Clown, long engaged in Shriners clown activities in Los Angeles before moving to Las Vegas eight years ago where he continued his charity work.

Where I Stand: Passing Buckley bill will protect managed-care clients: Early this week SUN reporter Art Nadler wrote about Buckley's proposed legislation to reform the way health maintenance organizations operate in Nevada. If you are an HMO client then it would be wise to watch her proposed bill because some lobbyists will do their best to weaken it if not kill it entirely. She may need your help later in the session.

Plans made for new child-support laws: As part of the Welfare Reform Act, states are required to restrict, suspend or deny professional or occupational licenses of those who are behind in their support payments. It becomes effective Oct. 1.

Staten wants to make statement: "A lot of times you come here and see guys who can run fast and jump high and in three years, they're out somewhere selling life insurance," Schottenheimer said. "I don't think Ralph will have that problem."

Nevadans get up-close view of inauguration: Next Monday, however, the chairwoman of the Nevada Democratic Party from Las Vegas will get a bird's eye view of Clinton's second inaugural. She'll have a choice seat along with 39 other Nevadans in a section reserved for state party dignitaries on the mall between the Capitol and Washington Monument.

Las Vegas events: * DANCE AUDITIONS -- Culture Shock Las Vegas, a nonprofit professional hip-hop troupe, will have auditions for the 1997 troupe at noon Saturday in the new Gold's Gym East facility, 4720 E. Sahara Ave. Culture Shock, an 18-member dance group, will select 13 new dancers. Those selected will have the opportunity to earn extra money by performing and providing hip-hop instruction. For more information, call 223-3038.

LV officer indicted by grand jury: Bill Gang; The vote to indict the 31-year-old rookie officer came after the grand jurors heard more than five hours of testimony behind closed doors -- including the story of fellow Officer Christopher Brady.

WAC Women: Mountain Division

Band's departure set for inaugural parade: The prestigious invitation came with a price. The band had to earn its own way. And as recently as this month, it had only $6,L00 of the $120,000 price tag.

Police investigate deaths of babies: Cathy Scott; The most recent death, that of 5-month-old Tanner William Mead, who died about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, is being looked into by homicide detectives, Metro Police said.

Lady Rebels lose again: Girard scored a career-high 22 points and Gossett held Fresno State's leading scorer to only eight points but the Bulldogs outplayed UNLV in the final four minutes of the game and escaped with a 74-68 WAC victory Thursday night at South Gym.

Perkins has shot at record: With a flick of his wrist, the 35-year-old Perkins is making it clear that his retirement is a long way away. He's prolonging his career with spectacular 3-point shooting.

Achievements of William Tischler: * BORN: Aug. 23, 1923, in Eagle Pass, Texas. Jingles was introduced in 1963 in Pittsburgh.

Columnist David Ehlers: Casino developers bet risks will pay off: David Ehlers; Note that the Stratosphere Tower Hotel and Casino and New York-New York cost about the same to develop. The former is headed for bankruptcy court while the latter, in my view, will become the most heralded facility since the Mirage. I have heard some numbers, unverified by New York-New York's management, for slot and table game win that are off the charts. I have no way, of course, of knowing whether these numbers are accurate, but I have walked through many casinos whose numbers were subsequently set forth in those companies SEC 10-Q filing. I am inclined, thus, to believe ...

Missing mail carrier turns himself into authorities: The U.S. Marshal's Office is investigating the attack, thought to have occurred overnight. No other details were immediately available.

After 10 years, father will be reunited with children: Mary Ann Chave, 34, abducted her daughters, Melinda and Marie Lacovara, from Las Vegas in 1986 after she and Lacovara divorced and she was granted custody. Chavez was denying Lacovara weekly visitation rights and after she failed to make a court appearance, she disappeared with the girls.

Last of flood warnings canceled: The two remaining warnings were from Lake Tahoe to Truckee, Calif., and from Sparks to Pyramid Lake.

Stations Casinos banks on Kansas City: Gary Thompson; Las Vegas-based Station Casinos Inc. debuted its new Kansas City gaming operation, which features the nation's fourth-largest casino, to overflow crowds last night.

Thunder happy Duffus is back: Tim Graham; True, the Las Vegas Thunder goaltender spent seven glorious days living the good life as a National Hockey League player. But the fact that he didn't play a game the entire time he was with the Phoenix Coyotes was hard to take.

Entertainer discharged from hospital; said to be delighted: Sinatra, 81, was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Jan. 9 after being stricken at his Beverly Hills home.

Sparks Council says attorney's past would not have changed their vote: Adams admits he had a problem with alcohol, but said he has since changed his ways and regained control of his life.

DeBartolo says Mariucci 'fits 49ers' image to a T': SUN WIRE REPORTS

Legislators will get $745 chairs: Each cost $745 and more than 200 were purchased.

World Team Challenge at 'Boat: Anthony, 58, has won a record 46 PBA titles, but only recently returned to competitive bowling after a five-year layoff. The left-hander will bowl for Andy's Band Shop out of Tacoma, Wash.

Cosby's murder may have witnesses: Jennifer Bowles; Police say Ennis William Cosby, 27, may have been the victim of a roadside robbery attempt after he pulled his Mercedes-Benz convertible off a freeway to fix a flat tire, although nothing apparently was taken.

Troubled Fernley clinic forced to shut down: "We don't have the financial resources to sustain that kind of losses," he told the Fernley Leader-Dayton Courier. "It's an unfortunate situation."

Rebels face big decision: Steve Carp; Do they stay on the same path that has been fortuitous and at times lucky in giving them an 11-3 record? Or do they try to step on the gas in the hopes they don't swerve off the road and wind up in a ditch?

Oasis Pools owner pleads no contest to three charges: James A. Hampton Jr., 50, was charged Thursday with two counts of deceptive trade practices and one count of failing to pay industrial insurance premiums.

Sports Briefs: Four face charges in Boston betting: James C. Potter, 33, of Flushing, N.Y., was arrested by New York City police detectives and New York State Police Thursday night and charged with organizing and promoting gambling, using the telephone for gaming purposes and conspiring to organize and promote gambling. Potter was to be arraigned today on a fugitive from justice charge in New York.

Holiday closures: * SAFETY: Police and fire emergency services as usual. Administrative offices closed.

Two Forum lectures scheduled: In her presentation, scheduled for the Classroom Building Complex, Room A-100, Miller will introduce the audience to some of Nevada's 200,000 casino and hotel workers.

Impressionist Danny Gans jumps to the Rio: David Renzi; Blame it on the Rio for Danny Gans' jumping off the Stratosphere, that tower of trouble where he made his Las Vegas debut. Less than a year later, the entertainer has left that off-Strip resort for another.

White tiger suffocated by mate in outdoor habitat: What began as a normal encounter between Baroda and Nirvana took an unexpected and tragic turn at the Secret Garden, a $15 million habitat showcasing illusionists Siegfried and Roy's famous white tigers and lions.

La Rosa takes Santa Anita feature: The 4-year-old has four victories in 12 starts with career earnings of $264,194.

Oscar ready for next step: Dean Juipe; He's relaxed, cool, controlled and unfailingly polite. He has met and exceeded expectations, handling the pressure of grandiose demands with an expertise that belies his still-young age of 23.

Holyfield scores biggest payday: Showtime's Jay Larkin said Holyfield's fee will be "the biggest purse, not only in sports history, but for any one performance, including show business."

California man killed when car strikes tractor-trailer: Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Steve Harney said the victim was in the northbound lane when his car suddenly veered to the right, ramming under the trailer rig.

Woman dies crossing LV street: Vicki Lee Crecelius, 48, of Las Vegas, left the mobile home park where she lived Thursday about 6 p.m. and stepped directly into the path of a 1989 Chevy pickup, Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Steve Harney said.

Cabbie stabbed, robbed; suspect sought: Cathy Scott; Investigators learned that the driver picked up a fare at the south doors of the Luxor about 1:40 a.m. Tuesday. The man told the driver to take him to a local night club.

Box Score: Fresno 74, Lady Rebels 68: Young 1-7 6-8 8, Lewis 0-4 0-0 0, Brown 10-16 0-0 24, Louis 2-7 3-5 7, Anderson 3-9 2-2 8, Krueger 5-10 2-7 15, Farias 0-0 0-0 0, Law 6-12 0-0 12. Totals 27-65 13-22 74.

Man pleads to having acid thrown on ex-wife: Smith, a library aide at Crestwood Elementary School, suffered third-degree burns over half her body when sulfuric acid was thrown on her as she prepared to leave the school.

Motorist killed as car rams into semi: Just after 8 a.m. Thursday, Douglas Mitchell, 45, pulled his 1995 Kenwood 18-wheeler onto the emergency lane of northbound I-15 about 22 miles south of Las Vegas because of a flat tire, Harney said. Mitchell was out of the truck, standing between the tractor and trailer when a 1984 Mazda slammed into the rear of the trailer. The entire front end of the car, including half of the front seat, ended up under the rig, Harney said.

Reid says veterans home in LV a priority: Sen. Harry Reid said the federal government is pushing forward with a planned military veterans nursing home in Southern Nevada following Gov. Bob Miller's commitment to provide more than $6 million in state funds -- 35 percent of the cost.

Major leagues will study geography: "There has been a growing realization that we have to look at geographical realignment," acting commissioner Bud Selig said.

San Jose finally ready to host NHL All-Star Game: San Jose, home of the NHL's Sharks, was slated to play host to the annual event in 1995. Hotels were booked solid and hockey-mad locals snatched up T-shirts and hats with the All-Star logo.

Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus hopes for less partisanship: One source of potential problems could be just across the hallway from the Las Vegas Democrat's newly renovated office: Republican Majority Leader Bill Raggio of Reno.

Atkinson Gates, Woodbury report six-figure surpluses: Woodbury raised $588,570 in his race against Lee Haynes, who spent $340. Woodbury now has $138,000 in leftover funds.