Print edition for May 16, 1997

Ungar wins World Series of Poker finale for 3rd time: Ed Koch; A hard-luck gambler also finds it difficult at times to provide his children with the nicer things. But other times, when the streaks run good, the rewards are really special.

A tribute to Jimmy Cook: Cook was a highly regarded saxophonist and band leader in Las Vegas for years, with prior big-band experience with top names on tour.

1997 Las Vegas Stars Statistics through May 14: 1997 Las Vegas Stars Statistics through May 14

Columnist Ken McCall: Rampant growth may force debates on quality of life: Ken McCall; THE STAGE WAS SET for some of the valley's top elected leaders.

UNR graduating 81 LV-area students: The Clark County graduates:

Juveniles rob second worker at Marble Manor: Cathy Scott; Raul Rivera was in serious condition today at University Medical Center after undergoing surgery to remove a bullet that went through his back and lodged in his chest, Metro Police said.

Growth limits backed: "This is a positive step towards controlling growth and making sure what we have is quality growth," Goldwater said after the bill's introduction. "Rather than just unrestrained growth, this makes us stick to a plan."

Older areas are neglected: Jeff Schweers; "There's been a benign neglect of the older neighborhoods," Williams said Thursday, repeating her theme that county revenue has been directed to the outer edges where growth is occurring while the urban core is decaying.

Class reduction questioned: Whether the practice is producing tangible solutions to class sizes is unclear from the newest round of test results issued by the state Department of Education. The study examines the results of recently taken fourth-grade standardized achievement tests, comparing the scores of pupils who lived in Nevada for first and second grades vs. pupils who lived elsewhere for both or one of the years.

Witnesses: Officer watched attack on fellow officer: Cathy Scott; This is what allegedly happened Monday as a female officer was attacked at the Arco station at Las Vegas Boulevard and Mesquite Avenue, near City Hall.

Box score: Stars 7, Cannons 6 (10): E--Shaw, Granger. DP--Calgary 1. LOB--Calgary 6, Las Vegas 10. 2B--Lee, Tredaway. 3B--Velandia. HR--Polcovich (1), Ward (4), Tolentino 2 (2). SH--Bruske. SB--Beasley (1).

Sports parimutuel betting planned: And it could be almost as profitable for bettors lucky or smart enough to beat the astronomical odds of picking 18 to 22 winners on a variety of sporting propositions.

Sports history for May 16: 1916 - Damrosch, ridden by Lineus McAtee, takes the early lead, gives it up in the stretch, and comes back to beat Greenwood by 1 1/2 lengths in the Preakness Stakes.

Las Vegas Stars scorecard: Upcoming games

Where You Stand for May 16, 1997: Eva Wallerstein

No defense witnesses in murder trial: Attorneys David Schieck and Pete LaPorta are expected to base their case on the contention that the prosecution failed to prove its charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

Key hands: * CLUB CATCH: John Strzemp: 7(c)-9(c), Mel Judah: A-J; Community cards: J-8(c)-A(c)-3(c)-10; Pot: $535,000.

Control Board: Binion not fit for new license: The Control Board, which complimented Binion on his drug-free life, found Thursday that he has not kept his part of an agreement to stay out of the Horseshoe Club's operations during his one-year suspension.

NCAA West Regional, results: Team Standings

Getting tough on truancy: A bill, authored by Giunchig-liani -- the assemblywoman -- was introduced in the Legislature Thursday to set up a program to help both the truant pupil and the family.

Las Vegas birthday celebration set: Nearly 1,000 volunteers will gather at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel on the corner of Hollywood and Kell. Beginning at 7 a.m., they will remove debris from the Sunrise Mountain area.

LV festival devoted to Dylan, Dead: Sponsorships for the events are available, and start at $25, which helps promote the arts through WorldFolk, a nonprofit organization dedicated to people, music and culture.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Thank you, Milton Berle: Joe Delaney; MILTON BERLINGER was born July 12, 1908, in New York City. ... He began performing at age 5, 83 years ago. ... Young Milton attended the New York Professional Children's School. ... Buster Brown was the most popular name in children's shoes. ... As a model, Milton was the "Buster Brown Boy" before becoming a child actor in silent movies. ... His mother, Sandra, also had him working in vaudeville as "The Boy Wonder."

'Viva La Tules' next month at Winchester: VanAnn Moore, a singer-actress, will portray Dona Dona Tules Barcelo (1804-1852), who was the topic of an article in Harper's April 1854 magazine in which she was called Santa Fe's foremost lady gambler. Her famous gambling hall was patronized by soldiers, wagon traders, conspirators, priests and society members.

Tahoe County panel forming: The Senate's members on the panel should be named Monday. The list is expected to include Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio and fellow Republicans Lawrence Jacobsen, Ann O'Connell and Jon Porter, and Democrats Ernie Adler, Ray Shaffer and Bernice Mathews.

Ex-Cigar owner looks to purchase Riviera: Entrepreneur Allen E. Paulson and the Riviera Holdings Corp. announced today they signed a nonbinding letter of intent that says Paulson would take ownership of RHC after a new company he formed would merge into it.

Toll roads on the move with OK from committee: The bill, supported by the Nevada Taxpayers Association, passed Thursday with a 5-2 vote. It was amended shortly before the vote to prohibit existing highways and streets from being converted to toll roads.

Obituary: Virginia Patchin: No local services are scheduled. Freitas/Rupracht Funeral Home, Yerington, is handling arrangements.

Inner-City Games sparks big tennis clinic turnout: The 1997 Greater Las Vegas Inner-City Games will continue in full swing with the first tennis clinic 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Rancho High School, 1900 E. Owens Ave.

Small business to get boost in Henderson: Bob Shemeligian; This is especially true in Henderson, a fast growing community where many entrepreneurs are attempting to enter the commercial market.

Editorial: Telemarket game needs vigilance: Unfortunately, despite the multi-agency sweep of boiler rooms in the city, it will take considerable vigilance to ensure the shameful industry doesn't make a comeback.

NASCAR's best at The Winston: The 70-lap race on Charlotte's high-banked tri-oval has traditionally lacked much of the drafting and strategy associated with regular weekly events.

Assembly approves higher taxes to cover infrastructure costs: But proponents of the bill say it has many safeguards, including one requiring review of the sales taxes every 10 years and another requiring public hearings before county commissioners may vote on the taxes.

Chairman opposes English-only bill: Bache said he wants to see the outcome of a 1995 court case over English-only laws in Arizona before considering similar laws in Nevada.

Binion admits to loaning $100,000: The State Gaming Control Board grilled Binion on Thursday about the loan and how he became a business partner of Peter Ribaste, identified by the FBI as a longtime associate of the Kansas City mob.

NBA playoff suspensions: May 2, 1994 - Dennis Rodman of the San Antonio Spurs was suspended for one game and fined $10,000 for various actions during Game 2 of the Western Conference first round series against Utah on April 30.

April 6 proclaimed Tartan Day: Assembly Bill 362 establishes Tartan Day and recognizes the contributions of Scots to the development of America. Scottish immigrants were responsible for many of the Nevada's early mining operations.

Worth a Re-Pete: Steve Carp; The story goes something like this:

Blowout cause of fatal crash: Nevada Highway Patrol investigators have determined that the flat left front tire caused the disabled vehicle to swerve left into the dirt median and roll at least once near Craig Road at 12:20 p.m. Thursday.

Preps: Boys Golf: GREEN VALLEY: Adam Abolafia, Doug Brown, Avi Khitri, Dallas Massey, Joey Matyas, Jared Munk. BASIC: Jerry Cram, Ryan Smuskiewicz. CHAPARRAL: Mike Milne. ELDORADO: Mark Kohut.

505905105.html: Virginia Sarah Steinman, 80, of Henderson, died May 3 in a local nursing home. She was born Feb. 13, 1917, in Chelsea, Okla. An 11-year resident, she was a homemaker.

Obituary: Goldie M. Garner: Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Bunker Mortuary, 925 Las Vegas Blvd. North, is handling arrangements.

Obituary: Misty Rider: Visitation is scheduled one hour prior to 11 a.m. services Saturday in the LDS Church, Gateway and Wyoming. Graveside services will follow in Palm Valley View Memorial Park. Affordable Cremation and Burial Service, 2457 N. Decatur Blvd., is handling arrangements.

Letter: NLV Homeowner chafing under city zoning rules: A year and a half ago, my home burned. Since that time, we have been working on the house. We are not completely done yet. We do what we can, where we can and when we can afford it.

Work continues on flooded 395: About four months of work and $15 million have rebuilt the road to the point that repaving is expected to begin next week.

Money panel approves funding for chemical castration, civil commitment: "All were unanimous," said Sen. Mark James, R-Las Vegas, who developed the package in the Senate Judiciary Committee, which he chairs.

Italian Open, results: Singles

'Do Lunch' for dance: "Ladies Do Lunch" invites patrons to dine at the newly decorated Crystal Room in the Sheraton Desert Inn and view the 1997 fall collection from Bill Blass, an award-winning American designer since the 1950s.

Softball: at Sunset Park

'Nunsense' (or 'Nuns with no funds'): There will be a preview on May 23, with the opening May 24. The play will cover two weekends: 8 p.m. May 23-24, 2 p.m. May 25, 8 p.m. May 29-31 and 2 p.m. June 1.

PBA IOF Open Standings: 1, Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., 6-2, 6,179. 2, Justin Hromek, Andover, Kan., 6-2, 6,156. 3, Bob Learn Jr., Erie, Pa., 6-2, 6,097. 4, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Stockton, Calif., 7-1, 6,054. 5, Ricky Ward, North Fort Myers, Fla., 5-3, 6,022. 6, Ernie Schlegel, Vancouver, Wash., 4-4, 6,005.

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

Rockettes join in celebration marking Liberace birth date: The Rockettes, who are currently appearing at the Flamingo Hilton, and Liberace have special ties.

Letter: Delays in child support burden social services: We have too many cases coming into our office daily and not enough manpower to process them expediently.

AMA Supercross: * WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

NASCAR mum on big race: KTNV-TV Channel 13, quoting two unidentified NASCAR sources on Thursday, said the Winston Cup cars and drivers will make their Las Vegas debut during the first weekend in March.

Silverado keeps up tradition: James Yodice; An exciting -- but not combustible -- fusion of youth and experience, this is not the same Silverado softball program which won the last two Southern Nevada zone tournaments.

Where I Stand: Media and politicians ignore Korean War MIAs' plight: ---

German Open, results: Singles

Mr. Smith goes to San Diego: Tim Graham; Thursday night at Cashman Field, he gave up a single to Calgary Cannons' leadoff hitter Tony Beasley, who promptly stole second. Smith came back, though, forcing a fly out and striking out the last two to stop the run from scoring.

Saturday at Hialeah Park: 1st race 6 fur 3YO&up F&M Mdn Clm

Touch Gold goes for gold in Preakness: John Nelson; "I'm the underdog again, just like in the Breeders' Cup," he said.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Wrath of McGrath: 5th title a long shot: With 45 career victories -- 17 more than his closest competitor -- and four consecutive American Motorcycle Association Supercross championships in his saddlebags, he is considered Superman on two wheels.

Phone calls run against sales tax: Larry Henry; On Wednesday and Thursday, 55 callers phoned to weigh in on Assembly Bill 291, allowing county commissions statewide to impose a quarter-cent sales tax increase for growth-related problems.

Christ leads fifth musical festival: Nine concerts around the Las Vegas Valley will show off the talents of the festival's 80 students and 20 guest artists. Former principals from the Boston, Philadelphia and San Francisco orchestras will be in residence at UNLV to coach.

AARP proud of new info center: That's why the American Association of Retired Persons invited its national president to cut the ribbon Thursday at the grand opening of the newly enlarged AARP Information Center at the Howard Cannon Center, 340 N. 11th St.

Obituary: Charles Ray Hector: Desert Memorial Cremation and Burial Society, 1111 Las Vegas Blvd. North, handled arrangements.

The river not-so-wild: Melissa Schorr; Slackers ahoy!

New Pikes Peak track ready: Construction crews have been racing to meet a Thursday deadline for completion, which raceway general manager Lex Dudas (the former operations manager at Las Vegas Motor Speedway) called "a realistic target, although there will still be some minor work left to be done. We will, however, be ready for sure by our first race."

Obituary: Dorothy Thompson: Services were private. Burial was 2 p.m. today in Palm Valley View Memorial Park. Palm Mortuary, 7400 W. Cheyenne Ave., handled arrangements.

Obituary: William E. Barnett: Visitation is scheduled from noon-7 p.m. Friday in Palm Mortuary, 1325 N. Main St. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday in Palm Chapel, Main. Burial will follow in Palm Memorial Park.

Ozone treatments bump water budget: But SNWA Manager Pat Mulroy told the board Thursday that Clark County's debt management committee is expected to approve expanding the water authority's debt limit Wednesday, allowing projects to keep up with growth on time and significantly under budget.

Prep schedule: Today and Saturday -- Southern Nevada Zone diving meet is Friday at UNLV at 5 p.m. The Southern Nevada Zone swimming meet is Saturday at UNLV at 9 a.m.

Obiturary: Vern Leroy Tyson: Nevada Funeral Service-Nevada Cremation or Burial Society, 726 S. Casino Center, Suite 208, handled arrangements.

Las Vegas living costs decrease: While consumer prices fell 0.1 percent in Las Vegas according to a report issued on Thursday by First Security Bank, the national Consumer Price Index released by the Labor Department the same day showed prices were up 0.1 percent nationally.

Natalie Cole close to perfect: Joe Delaney; Slimmer and trimmer, Natalie, resplendent in white, was warmly received after a swinging overture by an enhanced Caesars Palace orchestra with a full string section. "Teach Me Tonight" started well but soon developed into the usual scat variations.

NBA playoff comebacks: Boston vs. Philadelphia, 1968 Eastern Division Final-x

Saturday at Belmont Park: 1st race 1 mi 3YO&up Turf Mdn

Columnist David Ehlers: Are gaming stocks making a comeback?: David Ehlers; The question: Is the long bear market in gaming over? What next?

RTC compromises over Strip monorail plans: Jeff Schweers; The partial system was seen as a compromise that would enable Strip properties to begin development of their own fixed guideway systems, with the ultimate goal of connecting the private and public systems.

Ungar's play was as hot as the gallery: While some sweltered under the Fremont Street Experience canopy watching several hours of World Series of Poker action, others with a passing interest found relief elsewhere.

Would-be Klingon tries to find right Trek: I'm as tense as a teen meeting my prom date's cranky old man.

A special day of dance is on 'tap': Admission is free. For details on other tap events, call 455-7340.

Obituary: Frances Capparelli: Obituary: Frances Capparelli

UNLV golf: Spiked Aztecs docked: Three players from San Diego State wore metal spikes during the first round of the NCAA West Regional Championship Thursday at Carlton Oaks Country Club and were penalized 44 stokes, dropping the Aztecs from a tie for fourth place to last place in the 18-team field.

Protection of well water major valley concern: If the Legislature approves Assembly Bill 436, in its first hearing today before the Assembly Committee for Government Affairs, Southern Nevada water officials will spend the next two years planning how to protect well water from contamination and overuse.

Trio seeks two spots on council: Whitacre and Sanford are Yerington natives while Linch moved from Sacramento, Calif., about a year ago after previously living in the Carson City-Lake Tahoe area, the Mason Valley News reported.

Obituary: Martin Dubowitz: No local services are scheduled. Bunker Mortuary, 925 Las Vegas Blvd. North, is handling arrangements.

Water-efficient landscapes sought: AquaVision's annual landscape awards are being co-sponsored this year by the Southern Nevada Water Authority and recognize local citizens who have the vision to plant landscaping that reduces water use and still create beautiful desert environments.

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

Auto Racing leaders through May 15: The 1997 NASCAR Winston Cup stock car racing schedule, with winners in parentheses and driver point standings:

Nike drops LV tourney: Steve Carp; In addition, Las Vegas Events, which has been a longtime sponsor of the tournament originated by John Farrell 23 years ago, also has withdrawn its support.

Room tax will not pay for growth: Jeff Schweers; They criticized fellow board member Mary Kincaid, a county commissioner, for suggesting that some of the excess revenue coming from new hotel rooms could be better used on parks, roads and fire and police protection.

Obituary: Frank Jerome Terry: Desert Memorial Cremation and Burial Society, 1111 Las Vegas Blvd. North, is arranging private services.

Rebels trail by 11 after first round: SANTEE, Calif. -- When the UNLV golf team played in a tournament at Carlton Oaks Country Club in March, Rebels head coach Dwaine Knight said the event would help his players when they returned to the course for the NCAA West Region Golf Championship.

People in the News for May 16, 1997: Oprah undecided

Obituary: Michael Rabetsky: Mass was celebrated 10 a.m. today in St. Joseph, Husband of Mary Catholic Church, 7260 W. Sahara. Nevada Funeral Service-Nevada Cremation or Burial Society, 726 S. Casino Center, Suite 208, handled arrangements.

Pahrump blaze nearly contained: The blaze, which began over the weekend from lightning striking in Wheeler's Pass in the Spring Mountains, was 50 percent contained this morning, said Dee Gardner, a public affairs officer for the Forest Service. More than 200 firefighters from Nevada, California and Arizona have been fighting the fire, digging around it to contain it.

Baseball: At UNLV's Wilson Stadium

Obituary: Abraham Harvey Fox: A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Sunday in the Masonic Daylite Lodge of Las Vegas. Davis Paradise Valley Funeral Home, 6200 S. Eastern Ave., is handling arrangements.

Obituary: Mario T. Coleman: Services were 1 p.m. today in True Love Baptist Church. Burial followed in Woodlawn Cemetery. Rose Manor Chapel, 615 W. Van Buren Ave., handled arrangements.

Letter: Hold casinos taxes to same level as state sales levies: So here's an idea in case anyone in Carson City is left with any courage at all:

Obituary: Irwin I. Hirschhorn: Services were 3 p.m. today in Palm Mortuary, 7400 W. Cheyenne Ave.

Obituary: Dan Duane Dannatt: Nevada Funeral Service-Nevada Cremation or Burial Society, 726 S. Casino Center, Suite 208, is handling arrangements.

Obituary: Marian Redish Williams: She is survived by one son, Michael Carey Williams of Lawrence, Kan.; one sister, Katherine Redish of Las Vegas; and her companion, Joseph Lemon of Utah.

Obituary: Gloria Jean Kimble-Ketterling: Obituary: Gloria Jean Kimble-Ketterling

Columnist Dean Juipe: Great coach simply won't praise team: Dean Juipe; Take the case of former UNLV basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian, who once told a beat man to make up a quote for him if the reporter was unable to reach the coach later that night as a breaking story appeared to be coming down. "You know what I'd say," Tark said, granting a permission of sorts to fabricate his response.