Stories published March 21, 1997Las Vegas Sun

Former Nellis commander tapped as Kistler director: Gregory was introduced Thursday to the board of directors of the Nevada Test Site Development Corp., a federally funded nonprofit group whose goal is to encourage businesses to use the Nevada Test Site's facilities.

Tour operator grounds copters: Sundance Helicopters at 275 E. Tropicana Ave. took the action Saturday on four Bell helicopters, according to a Federal Aviation Administration official.

Harrah's Lake Tahoe pays $25,000 fine: James Rankl, associate general counsel for Harrah's Lake Tahoe, told the commission Thursday that this was a one-time violation by a Harrah's employee.

Indian Center, CCSN host cultural festival: Celebrities from such movies as "Dances With Wolves" and the "Last of the Dog Men" will support the Indian Center's annual fund-raiser, "Honor the Elders," by serving as emcees.

Nuke-dump comment period extended: The first comment period was set for Dec. 16 through Feb. 14. But public requests for more time pushed the closing date for comments to March 17.

Comment line: Double the penalty: Comment line: Double the penalty

Columnist Joe Delaney: No one makes it alone -- ask Wayne: Joe Delaney; His early shows would run at least two hours, and the late ones often lasted three hours or more. ... During the period from the early 1970s to the mid-1980s, Newton in town was like a second convention.

Las Vegas business briefs: By Mike Campbell; * SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOP -- A workshop focusing on small business concerns and issues that may not be felt by larger companies will be held next week. On Thursday, March 27, a panel of city, county and state representatives will address these small business issues in a workshop. The workshop will be held at the Clark County Government Center in Room 1119 and starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m. For additional information, contact Terry Johnson, small business advocate for the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, at 486-4335.

Comment line: The guilt lingers: Comment line: The guilt lingers

Students explore culture in musical 'Extravaganza': David Renzi; Kudos to event chairman Marilyn Gubler, he says. Many thanks to local coordinator Kathy Kidd, he adds. Couldn't have done it without choir coordinator Nichole Davis, he insists.

NASCAR's John Nemechek dies: Nemechek had developed some chemical imbalance throughout his system due to a slight deterioration in kidney function, the hospital said Thursday.

Suspension upheld for ignoring suicide threat: State Hearing Officer John Graves said Stanley Bowditch is getting off light after declining to take action on two telephone calls about a woman who was distraught after losing all her money at the Showboat hotel-casino in June last year.

Dean Juipe: Temptations aside, Bayno will stay put: It's not that he couldn't. Or wouldn't.

Comment line: Here's the broom: Comment line: Here's the broom

Black cultures explored: Debra D. Bass; The theme is "The Fruits of Africa," a journey through the black diaspora -- the cultural migration of Africans, Europeans, Asians, Latin Americans and Indians.

Comment line: Cut the noise: Comment line: Cut the noise

NCAA women: Illinois battles No. 1 UConn in a Midwest semifinal: Chuck Schoffner; "I was asked, 'Why aren't you more excited?'" Grentz said. "I said, 'I know what's coming.'"

Golf roundup: Paul Stankowski off to another fast start: The first round of the Bay Hill Invitational at Orlando, Fla., had a familiar look to it.

An alert citizenry can save children's lives: Karen Zekan; That second has come to define Judy Gifford's existence.

Weekly racing standings and schedule: NEW YORK -- The 1997 NASCAR Winston Cup stock car racing schedule, with winners in parentheses and driver point standings:

Horton will be featured in 'Evening': The Palmore Brothers will open the show. A silent auction and dinner precede the concert.

Vegas-Bound Plane reports smoke in the cockpit: "The plane landed safely without incident and the passengers disembarked safely," said Christine Stern, director of marketing and communications at the airport.

Two found dead in separate LV homicides: Cathy Scott; Residents in the 900 block of McWilliams Avenue, near Washington Avenue and H Street, called Metro Police at 1:50 a.m. after hearing gunfire. Neighbors reported that they saw a man lying face down in the street following "numerous gunshots," homicide Sgt. Bill Keeton said.

Lecture looks at 1941 Hollywood: The series will be presented over five Saturdays. The fee is $25. Call 895-3394.

Comment Line: Blame everyone else: Comment Line: Blame everyone else

505716201.html: SUNDAY

Letter: Voters should be watching Ensign's record on tax hikes: In assessing his voting record, he voted to increase our taxes six out of eight times on some of the largest bills voted on in the House recently. Examples are: Farm Bill HR2854, Debt Limit Extension HR3136, Housing Overhaul HR2406, and Minimum Wage Increase HR1227.

State workers laugh at pay raise: They told the Senate Finance Committee Thursday that Gov. Bob Miller's recommendation for a 3 percent pay raise in each of the next two years is not enough.

Women's history event set for WLV: * Pat McCarty, archivist at UNLV, will discuss preserving the past and what to do with old books and photos at a workshop 2:15 to 5 p.m.

Colonial Dames society holding state conference: The local chapter was chartered in 1971; the national society celebrates its 82nd anniversary in July.

Ben Stiller takes break for comic (book) relief: Patricia Bibby; On the day we caught up to him, Stiller was taping a guest appearance on "The Anti-Gravity Room," a comic-book oriented show that airs on cable's Sci-Fi Channel. Stiller even had a little cable-guy protege, Nick Scoullar, the 15-year-old co-host of "The Anti-Gravity Room."

Sports history for March 21: 1953 - Syracuse and Boston play a quadruple overtime playoff game and rookie Bob Cousy sets an NBA record with 50 points to lead the Celtics to a 111-105 victory over the Nationals. Cousy scores 30 points from the foul line.

Huntridge owner to run for LV Council seat: Lenz, a Las Vegas native, graduated from Las Vegas High School and studied music at UNLV. He has owned his own businesses since 1977. He is president of TLG, a production company, in addition to his duties at the Huntridge.

Questions raised over $70 mil. road surplus: Jeff Schweers; Upset that money was available when her constituents are told there's no money for repaving and other road maintenance, Williams said Thursday she wants the department's finances taken out of Public Works Director Marty Manning's hands.

Comment line: Try Mexican justice: Comment line: Try Mexican justice

Comment line: Sidewalk fix-up affordable: Comment line: Sidewalk fix-up affordable

Spartan baseball team undefeated: James Yodice; Two weeks ago, Calvin Valvo was at a loss for words.

Gaming chip celebrates Basilio's boxing career: This year marks the 40th anniversary of Basilio's victory over the man many experts say was the greatest fighter, pound-for-pound, in boxing history.

State Gaming Commission votes to investigate Davis company for license: Three of the five commissioners supported Davis' application. One abstained and one was absent.

Veras has secure spot with Padres: In the ensuing 12 months, Bochy has learned enough about Veras to include the 24-year-old right-handed reliever among the 11 pitchers with whom he will open the regular season in 11 days.

UNLV offers discount for performances: The Mazowsze Ensemble will perform at 8 p.m. Monday in Artemus Ham Hall. The Mazowsze Ensemble, a popular Polish musical dance ensemble, has performed in 40 countries. Its repertoire includes songs and dances from 38 different ethnographic regions of Poland and is mainly based on Tadeusz Sygietynski's compositions. Tickets range from $17.50 to $43.

'Murder, My Sweet' will kick off 2nd part of 'Film Noir Series': The genre was named by French critics after they saw the changes in American cinema that began in 1941 with films like "Stranger on the Third Floor" and "The Maltese Falcon." Such films reversed the earlier optimism of American film and presented a horrifying and paranoid view of humanity and society.

Yard sale to aid LV Blind Center: Admission to the ice cream social is $5. Hot dogs will also be served. With yard-sale purchases of $25 or more, the ice cream social is free.

Resorts offer Easter options for dining: CAESARS PALACE will entice with strolling Easter Bunnies greeting guests and handing out chocolate coins.

Early-retirement fund suspended; money gone: Jeff Schweers; By a unanimous voice vote Thursday, the board suspended the program for a year, with the condition that staff report on the financial impact of the program before deciding whether to start the program up again.

Family Court mediation in works: Rachael Levy; Mediators of Southern Nevada Inc., a nonprofit company with about 70 members, has been meeting with court officials who are in the process of revamping the Family Mediation and Assessment Center.

Comment Line: Common sense lacking: Comment Line: Common sense lacking

Silicon's Odyssey gets state OK: Gary Thompson; Their euphoria spilled over into the hallways, where several phoned friends to exclaim, "We're rich!" and "We made it!"

Tax equity plan will be revived: Jeff Schweers; The so-called "tax equity" plan developed behind closed doors with city officials was tabled by the commission earlier this week because two elements would have raised taxes in the unincorporated county.

Local stockers return to track: The Winston Racing Series late model sportsman cars will be joined by limited late models, street stocks and ministocks. Reserved seats are $12, with adult general admission $9 and children 6-12 admitted for $3. Senior citizens and military personnel get in for half price.

Columnist Ken McCall: Local electric car owner practices what she preaches: Ken McCall; As the Las Vegas Valley slips out of compliance with federal air quality standards and closer to transportation restrictions, the 54-year-old Desert Research Institute computer programmer can drive around town with a clear conscience.

Photo exhibit gives picture of jazz life: Claxton's portraits convey the spirit of jazz culture through intimate, poetic glimpses of legendary artists at work and at play in rehearsal halls, nightclubs, hotel rooms and at home. The photographs in the exhibit span 1955 to 1975 and include images of Miles Davis, Chet Baker, Count Basie, Bill Evans, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday and Las Vegas' own Joe Williams.

LV tries to put it together: Tim Graham; A flash here. A flash there.

Honoring the People fast facts: * MONDAY: Fit Fox Sacred Relay Run, Senior Citizen Walk.

Letter: Contractor was the victim in cement vandalism case: As a parent, I would be absolutely livid if my child had done this. I probably would have called Metro myself to teach him/her a lesson that defacing property (with or without permission) is wrong and deserves punishment. Instead, what does Jeremy get? He gets to be on local TV, in the newspapers, and then on national TV. All the while, his mother plays "victim" to the gullible media hogging as much air time and newsprint space as she can get her hands on. Instead, what she should be doing is taking responsibility for her son's debacle and teaching him ...

Moscow Balilaikas to give performance at UNLV: The Moscow Balilaikas return to the United States after two seasons of coast-to-coast sold-out performances and standing ovations. The new program includes Soviet classics as well as a few surprises.

Editorial: Growth issue belongs at local level: Instead, the governor supports enabling legislation to give the responsibility to local governments. That makes sense. Growth is Southern Nevada's problem and should be solved by its governments. Getting the Legislature into the tax game robs the County Commission and the City Council of accountability.

Kebu helps Bakersfield get to final: Bakersfield (28-4) and Northern Kentucky (30-4) will meet for the championship Saturday.

Heritage Museum offers Native American arts event: The festival highlights the history and artistry of American Indian cultures. Activities include artists demonstrating how their art is made; dance, drama and music performances on the museum's outdoor stage; and educational talks and videos in the historic railroad depot lecture hall.

Sunday, the rabbi sings Pilate: David Renzi; Johann Sebastian Bach's "St. John Passion," this year's Easter presentation by the Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society, will feature, among others, Neil Wilson as Jesus and Gary Golbart as Pontius Pilate. Rabbi Gary Golbart.

Reports: Ex-mayor heading group seeking casino license: Young, 78, who advocated legalized gambling in Detroit while serving as mayor from 1973 to 1993, is chairman of the partnership. Other members include JoAnn Watson, former president of the Detroit chapter of the NAACP; Elliott Hall, a Ford Motor Co. vice-president; and Ford dealer Nathan Conyers, the brother of U.S. Rep. John Conyers, D-Detroit.

SUN Racing roars to life on website: SUN Racing will offer up-to-the-minute news from Las Vegas Motor Speedway, including race weekend practice speeds, qualifying times and race results.

'The Festival' covers many familiar music, dance eras: It is the story of a two-day festival, about a young couple looking for a future and historical adversaries looking for revenge. The show offers music and dancing.

Gated communities tie hands of police: Metro Police Lt. James Chaney said officers are discouraged because they can't pick up drunken drivers in gated communities in Southern Nevada.

John Lee Hooker is living 'em and, of course, playing 'em: He has a new CD, "Don't Look Back," that reaffirms his status as the pre-eminent spinner of what the man himself calls the "real, real deep blues."

Where You Stand for March 21, 1997: - Las Vegas

Williams' classic play will come to area theater: "The Glass Menagerie" will travel to 50 towns and cities across America as one of three productions in the Acting Company's 1997 touring repertory.

Record Producer: B.I.G. slaying not result of East Coast-West Coast feud: Combs, president of Bad Boy Entertainment, also flatly dismissed one lingering theory: that a coastal feud triggered the drive-by shooting March 9 in Los Angeles. Police have made no arrests.

Strip curfew for kids under 18 to be strictly enforced: Karen Zekan; Many schools let out for spring break this afternoon -- the moment local law enforcement typically begins seeing young people hanging out on the street corners and cruising Las Vegas Boulevard in violation of the county ordinance banning unaccompanied minors after 9 p.m., said Trooper Steve Harney, Nevada Highway Patrol spokesman.

McGraw leaves 'em standing, yelling for more: Joe Delaney; In four short years, McGraw has amassed a number of industry awards. Two of his three albums to date have been certified quintuple platinum and double platinum, respectively. "Renegade" got things rolling in high gear, "Down on the Farm" was more of the same, then he had the females screaming when he crooned "She Never Let It Go to Her Heart." "All I Want Is a Life" hit a different chord, setting up a weeper, "She Can't Be Really Gone," when he's the most effective.

Court starts quick hearings to speed up case appeals: "This court is in a crisis," Cornell said. "They have to do what they can to reduce the backlog of cases. I'm very sympathetic to the court."

Man may be charged in highway deaths: Karen Zekan; Claude Robert Smith, 55, remained in serious condition at University Medical Center after being transported by Flight for Life from the crash site on U.S. 95 outside Goldfield.

LVCVA aims to boost its marketing: Thomas Smith, vice president of facilities for the LVCVA, told a breakfast gathering of the Southern Nevada Chapter of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties that the goal isn't to attract bigger conventions, but to have the ability to handle several gatherings at the same time.

Shoshone ask for territory: Filed Thursday by Raymond Yowell, chief of the Western Shoshone National Council, the motion asks the court to resolve the relationship between the Shoshone Nation and the federal government, dating back to the Treaty of Ruby Valley of 1863.

Split PSC votes to combine Southwest Gas rate cases: Commissioner Judy Sheldrew cited rate stability as the reason for combining the cases rather than possibly lowering rates and then boosting them later. A decision on the combined gas rate case is anticipated in August.

NCAA roundup: Bruins bank on Dollar: Dollar used the same tactic Thursday night to break the back of a stubborn Iowa State team in the NCAA Midwest regional at San Antonio and set up a showdown with Minnesota on Saturday.

Over 250 tips received aft er TV show's segment on Shakur: Cathy Scott; "That's a good number for us," said Judy Storch, a producer with the NBC program. "We aired a 'lost love' case that was fairly solvable, but we got more calls on Tupac."

Saints and Sinners set to roast UNLV basketball coach for charity: Admission is restricted to members only. Membership dues are $35. For reservations, call 474-7113 before 5 p.m. or 383-3768 after 6 p.m.

Henderson will sit on bench: PEORIA, Ariz. -- Will he stay or will he go? It doesn't really matter to San Diego Padres outfielder Rickey Henderson.

Spring Training: Mariners' Johnson doesn't let a little ache get in way: For a moment Thursday, they had to wonder if that would be the case. The 6-foot-10 left-hander stirred concern in the fifth inning at Mesa, Ariz., when he grimaced in pain after fielding Brian McRae's soft grounder.

House rejects gambling bill on tie vote: The defeat of the legislation was a blow to Indian tribes and to gambling interests that had hoped to get a bill through the Legislature before it adjourns Saturday.

Foundation laid for new era of Rebel hoops: Steve Carp; When practice for the 1996-97 basketball season began in mid-October, few expected UNLV to be playing in late March.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Coppola's success not just in movies: For almost 30 years as a director, writer and producer, he's managed to please the public and the money men with his innovative films. One of the most successful, "The Godfather," will be re-released shortly in celebration of its 25th anniversary.

Judges limit Family Court order's clout: Rachael Levy; The eight judges agreed last month to restrict the restraining order's authority over temporary alimony and child support, custody and visitation. The orders, once good for a year, now expire after 60 days.

People in the news for March 21, 1997: Briefly

Ron Kantowski: New cars, same old challenges at PIR: "I don't know what everybody is talking about that is so different," said the veteran driver, looking ahead to Sunday's Phoenix 200 (3 p.m., Channel 13) on a challenging track known as the World's Fastest One Mile Oval.

Letter: Anderson attorney says facts not reported in arrest: A representative from the concrete company then demanded Ms. Anderson pay the construction company $11,000 or he would report Jeremy to the police. By the company's own admission, the estimated cost to replace the entire sidewalk is only $7,100. If Ms. Anderson had paid immediately, she would have paid $3,900 too much, but then, her son wouldn't have been reported to the police.

Shopping mall with Middle East theme planned for Aladdin: Bob Shemeligian; "We believe the Aladdin sets a great desert passage type of theme," said Alberta Davidson, vice president of marketing for TrizecHahn Corporation, a major real estate developer.

Vocal Extravaganza in Black: * TUESDAY: Semifinals, 6 p.m., UNLV's Artemus Ham Hall ($10 general admission, $5 students and seniors).

Columnist David Ehlers: New York-New York produces a winner: David Ehlers; As the Las Vegas Investment Advisors' surveys indicated that New York-New York was getting stronger and not weaker as common wisdom would indicate, it became apparent that the partners -- MGM Grand and Primadonna -- had developed an asset of very substantial, yet unknown value. The surveys clearly indicated that Wall Street was overlooking what was so obvious. As the weeks passed into months, Las Vegas Investment Advisors and an affiliated company, American Investment Services, published an investment report and buy recommendation on Primadonna written by this columnist when the stock was $19.

Bar association bilked of $36,000 on credit card: Bill Gang; Deputy District Attorney Valerie Adair said Thursday that unauthorized charges on the bar association's American Express card over the last four months included such things as children's furniture and a $7,000 trip to Jamaica.

Bill regulating records fees questioned: Representatives of a committee of state officials that worked on AB214 also urged action on the measure, along with some government and press representatives.

Nevada to buy Tahoe development rights: Land agent Sarah Grable said coverage is the term used by the California-Nevada Tahoe Regional Planning Agency to refer to the amount of land each property owner can legally develop or cover up. The number of square feet that can be covered on each parcel differs according to a long list of factors, including such things as how close it is to the lake shore and steepness of the terrain.

Fast facts on 'St. John Passion': TICKETS: $10 for adults, $7 for students, military and disabled. Call the UNLV Performing Arts Center box office, 895-3801.

Circus Circus plans new project with 13,800 new rooms: Geoff Schumacher; After a string of megaresort openings in recent years culminating with January's unveiling of New York-New York, 1997 does not figure to see another debut of a new Strip gambling palace.

Longtime judge Guy dies at 73: Art Nadler; Former District Court Judge Addeliar Dell Guy, Nevada's first black judge, died Thursday afternoon following a lengthy illness. He was 73.

Water board receives pump-disaster details: The report, "Southern Nevada Water System Emergency Interruption," explains for the first time in detail the events surrounding the crash.

Auto Racing Leaders: NEW YORK -- The 1997 NASCAR Winston Cup stock car racing schedule, with winners in parentheses and driver point standings:

Where I Stand: Don't let lazy people and machines change your name: If you allow the different government agencies and some businesses to continue down the road of computer name-changing, they will eventually do more damage to your name than was done to many foreign names processed through Ellis Island. Foreigners coming to the U.S. in those days were so eager to be allowed into our country that they were afraid to object, even when knowing their names were being butchered.

Science programs, workshops prepared for Lied museum: Activities kick off during school spring break, Saturday through March 30, with daily workshops and demonstrations featuring sound-wave exhibit tours, simple string-and-cup phone technology, secret-code rings and several science workshops for preschoolers and parents.

New regional mall set for Summerlin area: Riding contacts established by the corporation's new parent company, the Maryland-based Rouse Co., Hughes intends to open the new center by 2000.

Silicon wins slot machine approval: Silicon Gaming chief executive Donald Massaro said most of the major casinos in Las Vegas and Reno already have agreed to try Odyssey. The new gaming device went through field trials at Bally's prior to the commission's decision.

Ralph Siraco's Selections For Santa Anita: Selections made for clear racing conditions before scratches.

Trucking lobbyist upset at proposal: Larry Henry; The Nevada Resort Association, the gaming industry's lobbying arm, has hired former state Transportation Director Garth Dull to develop a plan to stick a weight/distance tax on the trucking industry. Casinos want to widen the interstate between Las Vegas and California.