Print edition for June 4, 1997

Jazz great Joe Williams to perform: Rising to prominence as a vocalist with the Count Basie Orchestra 46 years ago, Williams has become an international star and the recipient of many awards and honors.

Smith joins Rhodes, Brown in NLV council victories: The trio, all victorious in Tuesday's election, will combine with newcomer Mayor-elect Mike Montandon and Councilman William Robinson to form a council that is certain to shift toward a new direction.

Kerns posts victory in LV judge's race: Bill Gang; Cedric Kerns, 31, pulled in 56 percent of the sparse vote to 44 percent for the 48-year-old Barlow, who was hampered by chronically low ratings in lawyer surveys over the past six years.

Tiny court to be site of big case: Cathy Scott; Posted daily on the women's restroom door, just next to the postage-stamp sized waiting area, is a docket of that day's cases, most of which are DUI charges, speeding or other moving violations such as driving a commercial truck without a license.

Environmental alliance cites Nevada Power plants: The report says Nevada Power's Clark Station and its coal-fired power plant in Moapa each released 845 tons of sulfur dioxide in 1995 and more than 3,500 tons of nitrogen oxides in 1994.

Larry Brown's victory unseats incumbent Callister in an upset: In January, when Larry Brown was considering what seemed like an impossible task of taking Las Vegas City Council Ward 4 seat from Matthew Callister, he met with Mayor Jan Laverty Jones over lunch to discuss his plans.

Name switch on DUI bill criticized: Sandy Heverly, executive director of Stop DUI based in Las Vegas, sent an open letter to the Sparks Democrat complaining that he tried to remove the name of Deena Marie Rizzo of Las Vegas from Assembly Bill 416.

Van Landschoot thwarts Davis' return to bench: Van Landschoot won Tuesday's election by a margin of 53 to 47 percent and will take office July 1. Davis, ousted from the bench in 1995 for misconduct after 16 years of service, will return to his family's nursery business.

Defendants swat SLAPP suits: When Betty Butler told others about the unsatisfactory repairs, "They slapped me with a suit. I told them I will not shut up."

Commission pays $160,000 for airport art: Jeff Schweers; The board approved purchasing $160,000 worth of art Tuesday to decorate the new satellite D terminal under construction at McCarran International Airport, due to open next summer.

IGT comes to rescue of Project Youth: Andy Holtmann; On Feb. 21, the offices of Project Youth, a nonprofit program aimed at keeping kids out of trouble, were broken into and relieved of thousands of dollars in computer and office equipment. None of the stolen items was insured and the organization almost had to shut its doors.

Clark returned to Henderson council: Rachael Levy; Newly re-elected Henderson City Councilman Jack Clark said his top priority is to build an emergency resource center for senior citizens.

Sports history for June 4: 1932 - Faireno, ridden by Tommy Malley, wins the Belmont Stakes by 1 1/2 lengths over Osculator. Burgoo King, the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner, doesn't run.

UMC pushes program for uninsured residents: Jeff Schweers; The board on Tuesday gave permission to University Medical Center director William Hale to approach the Legislature with proposed wording for a bill.

Theater rejected: Rachael Levy; Bond supporters, who canvassed neighborhoods in the days leading up to Tuesday's election, said their commitment to a theater and belief that Henderson would support one remains intact.

County approved spending: * $29.98 MILLION: To Frehner Construction to build two miles of mainline freeway between Interstate 15 and Decatur Boulevard, including six bridges, as part of the southern segment of the Las Vegas Beltway.

Las Vegas business news briefs: By Mike Campbell; * MORE DELTA GAINS -- Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines continued its push for market share in Las Vegas, increasing passenger totals in April by 18.6 percent over the same period a year earlier. Overall, passenger traffic on scheduled carriers was down about 1.1 percent at McCarran International Airport. Other airlines posting gains in April: TWA, up 17.3 percent; Alaska, up 12.5 percent; Northwest and United, each up 7.3 percent; Reno Air, up 7.2 percent; and Hawaiian, up 7 percent. The two market leaders in Las Vegas, Southwest Airlines and America West, were down 1.2 percent and 6.8 percent, respectively.

Say Yes to home run bonanza: Say Yes Dairy Products will award one $5,000 prize to an attending fan per home run via a free ticket drawing in honor of Dairy Month. There are no limits on the number of times the prizes will be awarded.

Two arrested in connection with death of mob associate: FBI spokesman Aurelio Flores said a joint investigation led authorities to believe the two men were involved in the Blitzstein homicide but declined to elaborate.

Boy who loves outdoors wants to go to camp: Frank's parents are good, honest and hard-working people who have been down on their luck for the last year. His father was ill for some time and unable to work. It's financially impossible to send Frank to camp without help.

Gamers optimistic about future: Gary Thompson; New resorts and infrastructure improvements will account for billions of dollars in investments in Southern Nevada over the next few years, gaming and civic leaders predicted.

Few turned out to vote: The top turnout Tuesday was recorded in Boulder City, where 47.92 percent of registered voters cast ballots.

Scant turnout nixes bonds, returns Council member Zive: A $10.25 million park and recreation bond failed 2,939-4,292. Voters nixed a $3.25 million bond for fire, police, public safety and administration offices 3,284-3,948 and a $2.5 million street and flood control measure failed 3,232-4,010.

Columnist Jeff German: Callister defeat creates political vacuum at City Hall: Exit City Councilman Matthew Callister.

SOuthwest Gas seeks second rate increase: But state Consumer Advocate Fred Schmidt says a $10 per month total increase on the average customer's bill from the two requests won't pass muster without a challenge.

Box score: Stars 11, Rainiers 4: E--Gipson. DP--Tacoma 1, Las Vegas 2. LOB--Tacoma 6, Las Vegas 12. 2B--Raabe, Zinter, D.G. Lee, Tredaway, Tatum, Helfand 3, D.L. Lee. HR--Ibanez (8), Sheets (6), Rohrmeier (12), Helfand (5), Tatum (8). SF--D.G. Lee.

Sands construction exec charged with card cheating: Roger McElfresh, 58, vice president of construction at Las Vegas Sands Inc., which is building the Venetian on the site of the old Sands hotel-casino, and blackjack dealer Laura Hernandez, 21, were arrested by state gaming agents Saturday afternoon at the Orleans.

Drug-use allegations ruin hurdler: Bert Rosenthal; "She'll look at me and say, 'Mommy, you OK, mommy, you OK?'" Farmer-Patrick said of little Sierra. "And I break out in tears.

Hunter class set for kids: Fee for the class is $5. To enroll, call 486-5127.

Executives paint rosy picture of industry's growth: The new projects will add some 24,000 rooms to the city's inventory

Obituary: Michael Edelman: Graveside services were 3 p.m. today in Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave.

Supporters of park's name change promise to continue their fight: "It is the good old boy and good old girl system," added Richard Franta of Las Vegas. "They figured they are going to hurt Mr. Lamb's feelings."

Magazine names E;ko County fair one of the tops in the country: A magazine on the business of special events has listed the Elko County Fair and Livestock Show among the top 20 events in the United States and Canada.

Company offers public a place to exchange all those pennies: That's the outlook of Coinstar Inc., a privately held company that has rolled out a fleet of 38 coins-to-cash machines at Lucky and Smith's supermarkets in the valley.

Editorial: Drought ends in mental health care: The Legislature this week is promoting a nearly 50 percent increase in funding for mental health programs to meet the growing number of clients and to atone for cuts in the budget in late 1991.

Obituary: William J. Lamoureaux: Visitation is scheduled one hour prior to 3:30 p.m. services Thursday in Palm Mortuary, 800 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson.

Lutheran Social Services celebrates birthday: "Being a Nevada nonprofit corporation, run by Nevadans, gives us more focus and renewed energy to do more for people in need here in our state," says LSSN Board President Duane Berglund.

Veterans clinic to be named for Guy: Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev., sent a letter today to Veterans Affairs Secretary Jesse Brown recommending that the clinic at Martin Luther King Boulevard and Vegas Drive be named for Guy, a Coast Guard veteran of World War II and Army veteran of the Korean War.

One Lap of America racers solicit bone marrow donors: Unfortunately for 43-year-old cross-country racing enthusiast Bob Kleinman of Somers, N.Y., the latter literally applies.

Obituary: Rudy Arebalo: Visitation is scheduled from 4-7 p.m. Thursday in Affordable Cremation and Burial Service, 2457 N. Decatur Blvd. Graveside services will be 1:30 p.m. Friday in Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Boulder City.

Obituary: Billie Kuss: Affordable Cremation and Burial Service, 2457 N. Decatur Blvd., is handling arrangements.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Big chance slips away from Chang: Dean Juipe; But it could also be better.

State nuclear office put on short leash: The controls were proposed because of the audit and also because Loux at first balked at accepting the audit recommendations, Finance members contended.

Free fishing derby slated: The event coincides with Free Fishing Day in Nevada. Admission into the state park will also be free that day.

Jazz legend Joe Williams to perform at CCSN: Rising to prominence as a vocalist with the Count Basie Orchestra 46 years ago, Williams has become an international star and the recipient of many awards and honors.

Boulder City to get new mayor, right to OK city land sales: Both changes resulted from Tuesday's general election, as Eric Lundgaard, a 12-year veteran of the council in his second term as mayor, was soundly defeated and a charter amendment question restricting the sale of city land passed overwhelmingly.

Media Notes: Reggie Theus likes the Bulls in 6 games: Tim Graham; About the only thing Reggie Theus didn't accomplish in his illustrious basketball career was an appearance in the NBA Finals.

Judge, litigants' view of Family Court differ: CARSON CITY -- The much-criticized Clark County Family Court system is slow to make decisions, bases some rulings on sexism and is tearing families apart instead of uniting them, a parade of critics told state lawmakers.

Reports show Sen. Reid richest member of Nevada's congressional delegation: Following Reid in order of apparent wealth are:

All-Star soccer rosters: GIRLS

2 arrested in slaying of mobster Blitzstein: Rachael Levy; The murder was part of organized crime families' efforts to muscle in on Blitzstein's rackets, authorities alleged.

Upgrade of Legislature's computer system could top $1.2 million: "It's time to swallow our pride," Coffin said, adding that the high-tech, television-type display boards in the Senate and Assembly can't provide the range of information that was included on the old chalk boards.

Texas Speedway banks troublesome: "I'm just sort of trying to find my way around," said Indianapolis 500 runner-up Scott Goodyear. "I literally drove into the turn and couldn't see it. I've never experienced anything like that before. We obvously are going to have to work to get the car set up to feel comfortable with it."

Majors call on Nevada's finest: James Yodice; He wanted to play for the Florida Marlins. Simple enough. On Tuesday, he became official property of the Florida Marlins.

Letter: Jordan's teammates give him too much recognition: One thing opposing players have learned -- touching or brushing Mr. Michael will result in a whistle.

Columnist Paula Del Giudice: Free Fishing Days help sport: If you didn't see a thick envelope from the Hunt Application Office, maybe what you will find will be a refund check in a thinner envelope. I was thrilled to receive a deer tag for the first time in two years -- Area 11, late season. I wasn't too surprised that husband Mike had one too, since we applied as a party. November is going to be a busy month. ...

Obituary: Jay Nelson Gardinier: Desert Memorial Cremation and Burial Society, 1111 Las Vegas Blvd. North, is handling arrangements.

New home construction rate declines in Elko: "It looks like we're issuing more permits for remodeling of existing homes and garages and less for building of new homes," said Jennifer Sarman of the Elko County Community Development Department.

Obituary: Mary Ann Gaston: Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Thursday in American Burial and Cremation Services, 310 Foremaster Lane. Services will be 11 a.m. Friday in Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery.

House panel also advances casino contract: The House Criminal Justice Committee voted 7-4 to send the contract without action after a motion for a favorable vote failed.

Where You Stand for June 4, 1997: Charles Gilbert

A wild night for woman pitcher: She also struggled in her debut at Sioux Falls, S.D., facing three batters and giving up three earned runs without getting an out as the Canaries went on to win 11-1.

White Pine County and Ely City plan to share certain government costs: "There needs to be cooperation and communication on both sides or this agreement will fail," said County Recorder Joe Petrelli.

Where I STand: Broadbent, Mack helped spread the spirit of tolerance: The Anti-Defamation League chose well last week when it selected former Airport Director Bob Broadbent and longtime Las Vegan Jerry Mack to honor at its annual Community Services Awards Dinner. For in those two individuals is the embodiment of what Las Vegas has been all about -- respect for each other and dedication to the idea that community is about giving back so that future Las Vegans will enjoy more than those who came before.

Lutheran Social Services to mark beginning: "Being a Nevada nonprofit corporation, run by Nevadans, gives us more focus and renewed energy to do more for people in need here in our state," says LSSN Board President Duane Berglund.

People in the News for June 4, 1997: Rocking president

Obituary: Thomas Keesey: Desert Memorial Cremation and Burial Society, 1111 Las Vegas Blvd. North, is handling private arrangements.

Fishing Report: * KIRCH WILDLIFE AREA -- Rainbow trout fishing is slow at Haymeadow and Cold Springs reservoirs, while the largemouth bass fishing has been fair at Haymeadow. On Monday an angler reported catching several bass while casting near the dam at Haymeadow. Small largemouth bass are still being caught at Adams-McGill Reservoir.

Letter: Court ruling will open door to presidential suits: This shortsighted ruling by the Supreme Court not only allows this president to be sued, but future presidents as well. There's nothing to stop me or anyone else from filing frivolous lawsuits against future presidents or members of Congress for that matter. It's something the Republicans should think about if they ever get the White House back.

Labor rallies for bargaining bill: The rally will be in front of the state's Bradley Building at 2501 E. Sahara Ave. from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Rayburn denies bribe-taking from video poker operator: "I have sold a lot of things in my life, but I have never sold my vote and I want them (prosecutors) to prove it," Rayburn said.

Columnist Peter Benton: Garrete-Yevorsky top Spanish Trail event: Peter Benton; Format for the two-day event was one low net ball of partners the first day and low net (both balls) the second day.

Congressman's nephew hurt in water slide accident: The Nevada congressman's wife, Dawn Gibbons, told KRNV-FM the teen also has a collapsed lung. He is one of 32 people injured in the accident that killed a 17-year-old girl.

Obituary: Stanley Joseph Bajgot: Visitation is scheduled from 4 p.m. until a 6 p.m. rosary today in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Mass will be celebrated 9 a.m. Thursday in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Graveside services will follow at 11:30 a.m. Thursday in Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Boulder City.

Obituary: Regina J. Monzillo: Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday in Holy Family Catholic Church. Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave., is handling arrangements.

End-of-session votes seen on school, tax bills: Her "ring-around-the-valley" proposal, AB490, is in the Assembly Infrastructure Committee. Once approved there, it faces a vote on the Assembly floor and further hearings in the Senate.

Grad gets high school sheepskin at 82: Gronert, with his freshly pressed crimson robe and new tie, was among 154 graduates of Reno's alternative Washoe High School. He was given a standing ovation.

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: 'Ladies Do Lunch' to benefit ballet: Elizabeth Foyt; Wendy Plaster, chairwoman of the luncheon, waited on the upper tier of the Crystal Room to greet the fashionable crowd, including Peggy Brown with Saks General Manager Mari Landers, Rene O'Reilly, Veda Costello, Jewel Brooks and Peg Crockett. Nearby with friends Julie Pilkington and Saundra Munley was Suzanne Van Aiken, in high spirits and good health after a bout with malaria, which she contracted while traveling across Africa.

Johnson's injury brings plea for change in qualifying rule: Johnson, sidelined possibly 2-4 weeks with an injured left quadricep sustained during Sunday's 150-meter match race against Donovan Bailey, is considered "extremely doubtful" for the national championships at Indianapolis, where the first three finishers in each event qualify for the World Championships at Athens in August.

Obituary: Ethel S. Yamaguchi: Visitation is scheduled from 3-8 p.m. today in Palm Mortuary, 1600 S. Jones Blvd. Services will be 10 a.m. Thursday in Palm Chapel, Jones.

Montandon wins over political veteran Goynes: The 33-year-old commercial real estate appraiser for Bank of America beat City Councilman Theron Goynes 55 percent to 45 percent Tuesday after vowing to improve the city's zoning decisions and fiscal management.

Obituary: Enrique 'Henry' Saavedra Jr.: Visitation was scheduled from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. services today in Palm Mortuary, 1325 N. Main St. Burial followed in Palm Memorial Park.

Obituary: Belinda Faye Howard-Millner: Visitation is scheduled from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday in American Burial and Cremation Services, 310 Foremaster Lane. Services will be noon Thursday in American Burial and Cremation Services. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Preps: Soccer all-star games on Saturday: James Yodice; Clark County's premier high school soccer players are on display this weekend at Green Valley High School.

Serving Your Community: * POLICE VS. FIREFIGHTERS -- The fifth annual Police vs. Firefighters Charity Baseball Game will be at 7 p.m. Friday at UNLV's Wilson Stadium. Proceeds from the event, sponsored by Bank of America, KVVU Channel 5 and KBGO 93.1-FM, will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Tickets are $3, or two for $5. Children under 6 are admitted free with a paying adult. Tickets are available at the JDF office, 4220 S. Maryland Parkway, and at the stadium on Friday. Seventh-inning stretch activities will include a raffle drawing. For more information, call 732-3795.

Obituary: Jessie B. Brown: Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Thursday in American Burial and Cremation Services, 310 Foremaster Lane. Services will be 11 a.m. Friday in Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery.

US Probe Into Nazi Ties Still Hurts in Switzerland: Cathryn J. Prince; Publication of a United States government report calling Switzerland Nazi Germany's banker has many Swiss still feeling betrayed and angry.

Colombia Youths Break Stereotype Of Drug Violence: David Aquila Lawrence; From the time he was 14, Mr. Estrada's life focused on drugs, robberies, and gang war in Medellin, once Colombia's drug-trafficking capital. Nine months ago he decided to change. "I started to think that maybe someone might come to kill me and get my mother or my little sister. I said, 'No more.' "

12-year-old in critical condition following shooting: "There's talk that it may have been in retaliation for someone testifying about someone else - a snitch situation," said Sgt. Jim Owens of Metro's gang detail.

Obituary: Johnny Clyde Dungan: A memorial service will be 3 p.m. Friday in Bunker Mortuary, 925 Las Vegas Blvd. North. Burial will be private.

Obituary: William Everett Dial: Desert Memorial Cremation and Burial Society, 1111 Las Vegas Blvd. North, is handling private arrangements.

Montana Newcomers Create Culture Clash: Todd Wilkinson; BOZEMAN, MONT. -- It's been said that no community in Montana loves to celebrate an old-fashioned parade more than trendy Bozeman - an agricultural college town that once served as an outpost of civilization on the Western frontier.

Clintons as First Parents: Waltons of White House: Linda Feldmann; When Chelsea Clinton was a little girl in Arkansas, and daddy was governor, he would drive her to elementary school every morning. Once a week, he'd have lunch in the cafeteria with the kids, friends from Little Rock say. At night, Hillary Rodham Clinton has said, she'd sometimes find Bill had fallen asleep while reading Chelsea bedtime stories. And through all the years of dance lessons and school events, the Clintons have moved heaven and appointments to avoid missing a performance.

Medellin's Legacy of Drugs and Know-How: David Aquila Lawrence; People from Antioquia call themselves "Paisas" and have a different accent, a different cuisine, and even their own national anthem. Paisas have a reputation for hard work and ingenuity.

Obituary: Eugene E. Deflorentis: Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday in Red Rock Baptist Church. Affordable Cremation and Burial Service, 2457 N. Decatur Blvd., is handling arrangements.

Fifty Years Later, Marshall's Legacy Lives: Daniel Sneider; SAN FRANCISCO -- Last April, a group of construction industry businessmen hailing from Russia's frigid interior made their way to the more balmy clime of Louisiana's Gulf Coast. But the 10 men had little time for sunbathing.

Sparks flushing, testing fire hydrants; brown water expected: One of the side effects is that flushing hydrants loosens rust deposits, sediment and debris in water lines, officials said.

Is Nigeria a Coup Cop or Bully in Sierra Leone?: Antony Goldman; LAGOS, NIGERIA -- Humiliated at the hands of what it had described as a rag-tag army of mutinous soldiers and bush rebels, Nigeria says it will continue to spearhead regional efforts to return to power the elected government of Sierra Leone, which was ousted in a military coup May 25.

Sports parimutuel betting recommended: While "Mega$ports" was recommended, the board held back on a related plan by an American Wagering subsidiary to make and distribute parimutuel betting systems - partly because of concerns about possible links to a notorious Mexican gambling figure.

Stars turn tables; blow out Rainiers: But taken in the context of the Stars' seven-game losing streak, it was a monumental victory on two fronts.

Girl, 12, caught in gunfire at school: Karen Zekan; "There's talk that it may have been in retaliation for someone testifying about someone else -- a snitch situation," said Sgt. Jim Owens of Metro's gang detail. "It may not have been directed specifically at her."