Print edition for July 18, 1997

Obituary: Joseph J. Slemensky: Affordable Cremation and Burial Service, 2457 N. Decatur Blvd., is handling arrangements.

Obituary: Norma Jean Stephens: Visitation is scheduled from noon-7 p.m. Saturday in Palm Mortuary, 1325 N. Main St. Burial will be in Arkansas.

Homer comes home to Henderson: Geoff Carter; No, not the Kennedys.

State board sides with county in Stratosphere tax dispute: The board, meeting at McCarran International Airport, took testimony from the county and resort officials in a dispute over the taxable value of Stratosphere's personal property. This includes items such as furniture, gaming machines and tables, and signs.

Lack of employee list slows murder probe: Karen Zekan; "They did not even know the last names of some of the people working there, or where they lived," said Metro Police homicide Sgt. Kevin Manning of the management of the newly opened Rob Roy's restaurant at 2797 S. Maryland Parkway.

City Council takes steps to resolve Fremont Street garage disputes: Denise Cardinal; The garage has been a thorn in the side of downtown redevelopment since it was erected two years ago. After using eminent domain to gain control of the land, the city was bombarded with lawsuits from property owners claiming the city illegally took their parcels.

Here comes Santa Claus: They were undaunted. They were united.

Donations pour in to vandalized training center: Thousands of lights and decorations were stolen or destroyed by vandals early Wednesday. Santa's Castle, a major attraction at the annual display, was demolished and sprinklers for 300 trees were destroyed. Animation equipment was reported missing.

Top officials to address Tahoe transportation: Hosted by Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater, Saturday's workshop is the third and final Cabinet fact-finding event preceding the July 25-26 Lake Tahoe Presidential and Vice Presidential Forum.

Victim's family gratified with signing of CPR bill: SB316 mandates that physical education teachers and other licensed school personnel who teach or supervise in other "high risk" areas be certified in CPR and be recertified annually.

Lawmaker says electric customers in for a "wild ride" with deregulation: Townsend, who played a major part in drafting the bill, said it "sets the framework for the future." For the next 18 months, the restructured state Public Service Commission, which is to be renamed the Public Utilities Commission, will be getting ready, drafting rules and doing studies.

Son of former Douglas County manager acquitted of escape: "Now I get a new chance at life; a second chance and I won't blow it," Avael said after the verdict was read.

Bill to regulate pool builders vetoed: But Miller vetoed the bill that would have regulated pool and spa builders, saying the measure could backfire.

National chain shutting doors; two Las Vegas stores among casualties: Bob Shemeligian; "Yes, we just heard the news this morning," said Rocky, one of three cashiers. "We've very sorry, but the stores are closing."

Failed power line had been damaged for years: Nevada Power crews who responded to the power outage at Twain Avenue and Decatur Boulevard Wednesday afternoon found the underground line broken in numerous places, said spokesman Tom Henley.

Disabled veterans triumph: But, Rogers, 71, overcame that setback just as he had overcome crippling injuries 24 years ago, to win gold and silver medals in swimming events.

People in the News for July 18, 1997: Kareeming out of control?

Columnist Joe Delaney: This time Teller talks: Joe Delaney; Penn Jillette is both large and loud. ... Teller goes by his last name only. ... He is diminutive, quiet, yet quite eloquent offstage. ... Jillette was an unemployed clown-school graduate while Teller was a professor who taught Latin and, as a hobby, tinkered in magic.

Johnny come lately or just Tapia pudding?: Dean Juipe; One has it that a longtime drug abuser, let alone a convicted felon who was forced into a four-year "retirement" because of his offenses, has lost something he'll never be able to retrieve. As it pertains to boxing, the theory follows a general theme that the fighter will never be the same.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Triple-A deal may, may not up visibility: Dean Juipe; The PCL had interesting cities and seemingly interesting players. There were guys with familiar names on their way down from the major leagues, and guys with unfamiliar names on their way up.

Longtime day care operation fights for chance to stay alive: Debra D. Bass; Yet rescue, if not a military coup, is precisely what this boldly titled preschool needs.

West: NBA future linked to costs: Steve Carp; The players entering the league are getting younger while salaries are getting larger and overall costs continue to escalate.

Tyson fine suggested for Children's Home: Here's one idea: Use the money to keep alive the Southern Nevada Children's Home in Boulder City.

Poker book author Percy dies: The author of the 1979 definitive poker primer "7-Card Stud, The Waiting Game," died Thursday at his home.

50-year Hilton employee honored: Andy Holtmann; The McNary, Ariz., native, who turned 74 today, began his career with Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel's Flamingo in 1947 in the housekeeping department and eventually moved into the kitchen, where he worked as a dishwasher, vegetable cook and garden manager. He left the Flamingo, which later became a Hilton property, in 1969 to join the International Hotel, now known as the Las Vegas Hilton.

California races coming back to LV: Ralph Siraco; With a majority of the 53-race book membership and the four principal executive members voting unanimously, an agreement to settle the California pari-mutuel race simulcasting blackout was accepted at about 5 p.m. Thursday in the Nassau meeting room at The Mirage.

BC track running short on financing: Teresa Hinds; Get on Track, a group of Boulder City residents working to raise money to install a Mondo running track system at the high school, were counting on the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to approve its proposal for funding.

Gordon to trot out favorite car: A car named Blacker.

USAC midgets to run short oval: Shelton has 10 top-10 finishes this season along with four fast times. He leads Rick Hendrix of Simi Valley, Calif., and Wally Pankratz of Orange, Calif., in the point standings.

Coaches give their all for the summer: Steve Carp; One is a systems programmer for a bank on Wall Street. Another owns his own company that produces industrial coatings. A third is a principal at a junior high school.

Las Vegas Heat keeps its cool, beats Arizona: Steve Carp; The Las Vegas Heat tried to run and hide Bandit-style from the Arizona Heat Thursday in a must-win adidas The Big Time game at Green Valley. But after putting it on cruise control following a 22-point first-half lead thinking they were in the clear, Smokey roared by.

Robbery suspect shot 13 to 18 times: Police were responding to a call Sunday of a man assaulting a woman in a home.

Man held on abduction charges: Police say he confronted Virginia Hastings inside the garage of her home and, brandishing a screwdriver, demanded sex. She refused and he then forced the woman to drive him to a nearby ATM, where he forced her to withdraw the money.

Banks' earnings improve: Reno-based Pioneer Citizens Bank of Nevada reported record earnings with a 44 percent increase in after-tax profits and 35 percent asset growth while First Republic Bancorp Inc. of San Francisco reported an increase in net income of 45 percent.

Aide defended by councilman: Denise Cardinal; McDonald refers to his executive assistant, Rick Henry, as his personal "bodyguard," according to City Hall sources. Henry, 33, a lifetime friend of the councilman and former stunt man, makes $51,240 a year from the city and has openly told people he's prepared to "take a bullet for Mike," sources said.

Speed figure crucial in crash probe: Karen Zekan; Metro Police fatal investigators, awaiting the final speed calculations from last week's accident before making the determination, said Thursday that evidence indicates Gerald Hirai may have been driving carelessly.

Complaints pour in over Webb's land swap: Those protesting range from Churchill County and the city of Fallon on impacts to Northern Nevada water rights to environmentalists and those with mining claims.

Obituary: Henry Greenfield: Services were private. Burial was in Eden Vale Memorial Park. Bunker Mortuary, 925 Las Vegas Blvd. North, handled arrangements.

Deadline extended for comments on conservation plan: The original deadline was July 11. Comments may be submitted until July 25 under the extension.

Murder trial begins for former police academy cadet: Pauline Bell; Prosecutor Peggy Leen outlined her murder case against 25-year-old Early Thursday during opening statements in the courtroom of Judge Don Chairez, saying Vespia, 25, was killed in January 1996 for the money he was contributing in a deal to buy steroids.

Murdered teacher's friend tells of threats: Manley, Logan's live-in boyfriend, is on trial for the killing. He sat stoically Thursday in the courtroom of District Judge Sally Loehrer as he listened to the testimony of Terry Hedrick.

D.A.: Grand jury records prove state, federal officials violated law: Woodbury's brief was in response to an objection by Spring Creek resident Ed Presley to Elko District Judge Mike Memeo's order to make the transcripts public.

SoapFest attraction washed up until '98: Nichole Davis; Despite hosting a glitzy press conference in May showcasing "Days of Our Lives" star Deidre Hall, producers of SoapFest Las Vegas '97 have recast the event as SoapFest '98, rescheduling it from Sept. 19-21 to June 12-14, 1998.

LV physician loses license: The board found Chomiak guilty of practicing medicine while under the influence of controlled substances and unable to practice medicine with reasonable skill and safety because of the use of alcohol, drugs and narcotics.

Woman gives plea of guilty: Anderson, 55, also known as Tamara Eileen Karter, previously said she was not guilty of killing CeCe Parker in January 1996 and hiding her body.

New wing of museum to open in a year: The addition will house Wanamaker's collection of 200 exotic animal mounts. Wanamaker donated $1 million towards the construction.

Lander County batting .800 with Legislature: The Nevada Attorney General's office previously ruled Lander County needed to hold a special election to replace the late Janine Buhl, who left work in May 1995 after becoming seriously ill.

Clinton to visit Incline Village for Tahoe Summit: Clinton is scheduled to arrive in Nevada on July 26.

City officials mum on contract for parking garage: "We're not going to comment on it," added city spokeswoman Nadia Wiggins.

Stars' ugly trip ends with a win: Despite a 7-4 victory over the Tucson Toros Thursday night at Hi Corbett Field, the Stars posted a 3-9 record on a 12-game road trip that started July 4 in Phoenix. After opening the second half with a promising 6-2 record at home, the Stars have lost 15 of 20 since and limp back into Cashman Field with an 11-17 mark. However, they trail first-place Albuquerque by only five games in the Pacific Coast League Southern Division.

Maloofs' NHL deal not on Lightning-quick pace: Tim Graham; Now it might be delayed a year, or not happen at all.

Ex-Rebel Smith falls to Steven: Ex-Rebel Smith falls to Steven

1997 Las Vegas Stars Statistics Through July 16: 1997 Las Vegas Stars Statistics Through July 16

Auto Racing standings and leaders through July 18: The 1997 NASCAR Winston Cup stock car racing schedule, with winners in parentheses and driver point standings:

Box Score: Stars 7, Toros 4: DP--Las Vegas 1, Tucson 1. LOB--Las Vegas 11, Tucson 9. 2B--Poe, T. Lee, Vina. 3B--Beamon, Dunn. S--Velandia.

Saturday at Belmont Park: 1st race 7 fur 3YO&up F&M Mdn

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

Sports history for July 18: 1951 - 37-year-old Jersey Joe Walcott becomes the oldest fighter to win the world heavyweight title with a seventh-round knock out of Ezzard Charles at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh.

Obituary: Roland Roy 'Chick' Belanger: Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday in Palm Mortuary, 1600 S. Jones Blvd.

Obituary: Frances Casey: Palm Mortuary, 7400 W. Cheyenne Ave., is handling arrangements.

Obituary: Thomas R. Cornelison: Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday in Green Valley Presbyterian Church. Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave., is handling arrangements.

Obituary: Glenn Franklin Fortson: No local services are scheduled. Parks Funeral Home Inc., Summerville, is handling arrangements.

Obituary: Elizabeth Nye: Nevada Funeral Service-Nevada Cremation or Burial Society, 726 S. Casino Center, Suite 208, is arranging private services.

Obituary: Alan Lee Logdson: A memorial service will be 10 a.m. Saturday in the Christian Center, Boulder City. Desert Memorial Cremation and Burial Society, 1111 Las Vegas Blvd. North, is handling arrangements.

Obituary: Russell W. Shaffer: Service are private. Palm Mortuary, 800 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson, is handling arrangements.

Obituary: Jdith Mae Skea: Affordable Cremation and Burial Service, 2457 N. Decatur Blvd., is handling arrangements.

Obituary: John Roy Slane: Visitation is scheduled from 1-8 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday in Bunker Mortuary, 925 Las Vegas Blvd. North. Services will be 9 a.m. Thursday in Bunker Chapel. Burial will follow in Eden Vale Memorial Park.

NLV grants will help Windsor Park residents: Andy Holtmann; The grants would be allowed under the Windsor Park Housing Revitalization Rehabilitation Guidelines. All money that residents receive would have to be used to improve living conditions in homes that they purchase after moving out of the Windsor complex.

BC planner unanimous selection for manager: John Sullard has been a worker, from a city planner to a department head; and an elected official, from a city councilman to a mayor. But, he's never run the show as a city manager. Until now, that is.

Miller vetoes pool measure: Assemblyman John Lee, D-Las Vegas, sponsor of the legislation, responded to the governor's veto. "The consumers got the short end of the stick," he said.

Couple arrested on drug trafficking charges: Also confiscated during a Wednesday raid of the couple's house at 2905 Bassler St. was a .38-caliber pistol.

Once again, Nevada is tops in job growth: The story has been the same since 1994.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Cafe Lago cooks up exquisite culinary experience: Every now and then an unexpected delicious dining experience, in the least likely location, comes along. Cafe Lago is located in the Gourmet Plaza at 8400 West Sahara. Situated all by itself is the two store Plaza. Joined together is a gourmet food and wine shop with a good selection of imported cheeses and pates, and the adjacent, delightful Cafe Lago.

Showboat hosting four-wheeler race: The race is open to any licensed driver with a four-wheeled vehicle.

Police say murder investigation slowed: "Until we get that list, we won't know if we've talked to everyone we need to talk to."

Rock diva Benatar still giving it her best shot: Lisa Ferguson; For the rock 'n' roll mama who made her mark during the early '80s with a slew of hit tunes including "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," "Heartbreaker" and "Love is a Battlefield," work is a family affair.

Riders in the Sky saddle up to soar at Gold Coast: Melissa Schorr; "Ranger Doug" Green, baritone of the retro cowboy group "Riders in the Sky," and described by People magazine as "possibly the world's greatest living yodeler," is quivering up the phone lines, yo-dee-lay-hee-hoo-ing in my ear all the way from Harmony Ranch, his homestead in Nashville, Tenn.

Riders in the Sky fast facts: * WHEN: Tonight at 8, Saturday at 7 and 10 p.m.

Editorial: Initiatives take issues to voters: That's the beauty of placing a referendum or initiative on the general election ballot. It's one of the more constructive ways of telling lawmakers to take a hike.

Righteous Brothers are loud crowd-pleasers: Joe Delaney; Medley and Hatfield have such a great sound, individually and together, it is sad that one cannot fully enjoy the words, phrases and nuances, much of it lost in a totality of volume and an excessive use of echo chamber. It should be noted that this is a minority report because the overwhelming majority of the capacity crowd had a great time, rewarding the duo with several standing ovations. Nobody left.

Letter: There are risks involved in hiring the homeless: I called the Salvation Army in need of someone who will do some yard work. I picked up the gentleman, and he worked out well. On the trip back to the Salvation Army, he pleaded for one more day of work, which would be much appreciated for him financially. I agreed he could wash all my outdoor windows, however, I would be gone part of the time he was there. I picked him up, the house was locked and he had all he needed to do his job. What happened? He broke into the home and stole jewelry, radios, TV, ...

Letter: Threats were made against home & condo owners group: Isn't there an adage, "the guilty parties yell the loudest"? Should anything happen to any of us, be assured that Metro and other pertinent persons will have the names for any investigation.

Shakespeare to park in Green Valley: "The Arts Council is trying to build up its volunteer base," said Pamela Maines, development coordinator. "Every aspect of Nevada Shakespeare in the Park can use volunteers. In the past, everyone who has volunteered has had a lot of fun taking part in this exciting event."

Rio's earnings no masquerade: The Rio hotel-casino reported record second-quarter revenues and earnings on the heels of the completion of its Phase V expansion while Harrah's Entertainment Inc. reported lower earnings, attributing some of the downturn to construction disruptions at its Las Vegas Strip property and at Harrah's Lake Tahoe.

Benatar fast facts: * TICKETS: $20, $30 and $40. Call the box office at 891-7777 for more information.

Nevada scientists helping with TWA crash investigation: A UNR scientist is analyzing fuel obtained from the Athens, Greece, airport where the flight took on fuel before flying to New York, according to a statement from the institute.

'The Joker' plus ace band aim for full house: The Steve Miller Band's "Jokers Ball Tour" with special guest Eric Johnson will stop at the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts at 8 p.m. on Saturday.

Fifth grader wins essay contest: The contest was sponsored by the Samuel Radin Jewish War Veterans Ladies Auxiliary, Post 21. The 10-year-old winner is a student of teacher Gina Cordaro.