Print edition for October 16, 1997

TV sports schedule: d FRIDAY

Southwest Gas looks for extra $31.5 million: If approved, the plan would mean an 18.1 percent increase, or $23.1 million, for 300,000 customers in Clark County. That's an extra $5.11 per month for a residential customer using 45 therms of natural gas.

Nov. 18 election set on bond issue sought by TCID: The election resolution caps the amount of money the district can raise in bonds at $30 million - well above a $20 million figure that had been mentioned earlier.

Two survive crash: Both were in satisfactory condition at Washoe Medical Center.

Analysts differ on success of Hilton bid: But Smith Barney & Co. analyst Harry Curtis said Wednesday that Hilton's $11.5 billion bid would be approved by ITT's shareholders at an annual meeting Nov. 12.

Columnist Steve Carp: Control the issue in new proposals: Steve Carp; But instead of taking the adidas shoe guru head-on, the NCAA will let USA Basketball and the National Association of Basketball Coaches do its dirty work.

NTBA offers year-end rewards for Las Vegas bowlers: The organizing and steering committee now includes managers of the Gold Coast, Mahoney's, Mountain View (Pahrump), The Orleans, Renata's Sunset, and Terrible's Town bowling centers and organizers of the Nadeau's, Wally's and WildDOG tournaments. A players' advisory group provides important input on all aspects of NTBA activities.

Movie Buzz: Dirty pool with Mermaid?: "Beast" will be re-released next year and will go up against DreamWorks' first animated venture, "Prince of Egypt." Hmmmmm ... "Beast" was spearheaded by former Disney exec Jeffrey Katzenberg. So is "Prince of Egypt." Now, Disney may pit the "Beast" against Katzenberg's new baby.

The Big and the Beautiful: Melissa Schorr; Imagine life as a size 24 in a size 12 world -- that thinks it's a size 6 world.

Pioneer Growth-Busters: Jillian Lloyd; BRIGHTON, COLO. -- To Jim Nelms, the 72-acre farm outside this rural town near Denver is just as it should be: neatly furrowed rows of overturned earth undisturbed by residential development.

Grammy-winning cellist to perform at library: Katz, as a member of the Cleveland Quartet, has been featured on nearly 70 recordings for RCA Victor, Telarc International, Sony and Phillips Records. Of special interest to cellists is his recording of the "Dohnanyi Cello Sonata" with pianist Barry Snyder on Pro Arte Records. He received Grammy Awards in 1996 for Best Chamber Music Recording and Best Recorded Contemporary Composition. Prior to joining Rice University, Katz spent 20 years as a teacher with the Eastman School of Music.

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

Columnist Joe Dealaney: UNLV place to be this week: Joe Dealaney; Tonight at 8, the UNLV Department of Theatre offers Wendy Wassersstein's play, "Uncommon Women and Others," the start of a two weekend run in the Black Box Theatre, admission $5.

Movie Guys review: Satanic Pacino fires up 'Devil's Advocate': * Starring: Al Pacino, Keanu Reeves, Charlize Theron, Jeffrey Jones and Craig T. Nelson.

Dial File: A TV kid without a rap sheet? How Savage: -- "I Believe in You" from "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying"

Corrales biding his time: Dean Juipe; Without exception, everyone who has seen Diego Corrales fight believes he is a future world champion.

UNR Researchers go undercover for moose study: Berger, 43, and Cunningham, 45, a research scientists, have spent almost two decades risking their necks to study the habits of large wild animals in Africa and America. But it's the work with moose, especially the costume, that's attracting national attention.

Nevada Focus: South Tahoe native sets out for high seas adventure: If it sounds like the adventure of a lifetime for Kingman, who grew up sailing on Lake Tahoe, that's because it is.

Aztecs fighting for lives: Tim Graham; The season kicked off when three of his players were thrown in jail on rape charges and held on $1 million bonds before training camp even started.

Western States Consider Power Primary: Linda Feldmann; RENO, NEV. -- One by one, the politicians take the podium and emit a cry from the heart: America's Mountain West is sorely misunderstood.

New on video: That's Powers, Austin Powers: It also pokes fun at the stereotypical characters found in the early Bond films thanks to Elizabeth Hurley's sexy sidekick and Robert Wagner as a henchman-turned-corporate genius. The film is at its best when it sets up and knocks down typical spy thriller conventions. Or, to put it another way: "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" is simple Shagariffic!

Gaming analysts, casino exec offer insight: Coccimiglio said Donald Trump is the leader in Atlantic City "and the quality of what he's built there pales in comparison to companies such as Mirage, the premier builder in the industry."

After Doing Time, Teens Serve Burgers: Isabelle de Pommereau; MIAMI -- Until recently, Danny Almiero harbored an abiding hatred for police officer Gene Kowalski. The Dade County cop caught him stealing cars and helped put him behind bars.

Kite, Janzen added to LVI party: Tom Kite, who captained the United States Ryder Cup team in its surprising loss to Europe last month, and U.S. team member Lee Janzen will have a reunion of sorts in next week's Las Vegas Invitational.

Obituaries for October 15, 1997: Ybrahim Aguiar, 60, of Las Vegas died Saturday in Las Vegas. He was born Dec. 24, 1936, in Cuba. A one-year resident, he was a plumber.

Henderson offers a 'Howl-O-Ween': Lock-in activities during the event will include stories, scary movies and "haunted" games. Participants will also be taught how to make masks from scratch. The lock-in will be supervised by Parks and Recreation staff the entire time.

New Militia Tactic: 'Paper Terrorism': Brad Knickerbocker; ASHLAND, OREGON -- Don't like the judge who gave you a speeding ticket? Impeach him.Ticked off at the building inspector who's pressing you on some local ordinance? Slap a million-dollar lien on his property.

Cine-cism: Meet the future - "stadium seating": The place is massive. Although the theaters were unfinished, we can tell that the project will be quite impressive when completed. We were led into the huge projection room where the state-of-the-art film projectors and sound systems were being installed. All of the theaters will have THX sound systems to provide you with the best quality audio.

Editorial: Nuclear industry stacks deck: Like hucksters at a carnival, the nuclear industry is dangling dollars in front of senators and congressmen, then stuffing their campaign coffers to the tune of $12.8 million.

Scientist urges study of Nevada health problems for link to radiation: Such knowledge is critical if Nevada is to prepare itself for being the host state for high-level nuclear waste, Marie Boutte of the University of Nevada, Reno said Wednesday at a meeting of the Nevada Commission on Nuclear Projects.

Racings news briefs: That was particularly significant in light of the fact that everyone in the series was running in new cars with new engines, the result of a complete change in the technical rules after the inaugural IRL season.

Trust fund established for fallen security guard: Karen Zekan; The bank set up a savings account trust fund in Paul McClure's name on Wednesday with a $1,000 deposit to assist the 59-year-old Henderson man's family.

Reid continues push to revamp IRS: When asked what part of the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1997 he would refuse to change in any negotiations, he responded that it was the creation of an independent Citizens Oversight Committee.

City of North Las Vegas expands to five days: The city has operated on a four-day week (closed Mondays) since 1976 -- a move prompted by budget pressures and the energy crisis -- but recent research indicated a demand for extra service to the public.

City plans vigorous crackdown on taggers: Denise Cardinal; That's the theme of a new city ordinance being proposed by Las Vegas Councilman Michael McDonald, who has noticed that middle-class kids are now responsible for much of the graffiti vandalism around town.

This week in racing: Idle

Analysts: LV needs flight plan: Gary Thompson; Clark County commissioners, casino operators and air carriers must work together to solve infrastructure problems threatening Las Vegas tourism, gaming analysts said Wednesday.

Justice reform sought: Jack Frem has filed notice with the secretary of state's office that he wants to put three constitutional amendments on the 1998 ballot.

Report: Terrorism risk high for nuke shipments: Transportation expert Robert Halstead and criminal justice Professor James David Ballard, consultants for the Nevada Agency for Nuclear Projects, released the report Wednesday.

Del Webb land swap to aid endangered fish: The Del Webb Conservation Holding Corp. agreed to swap the land and other parcels for land near Henderson to expand its development, said Del Webb spokesman Sean Patrick.

Where I Stand: Good, bad, sad and refreshing bits of information: A letter from Rick Traasdahl is both sad and refreshing. Rick, truly one of the good guys in town, writes: "How interesting this puzzle of life is. We are affected by so many forces, people and events. We hear that we are the only ones that really have control of ourselves and our destiny. Not true! As parents, we do all kinds of things for our children. Make sure that the diaper is fresh, no red bottom. Have you brushed your teeth properly? Look both ways before you cross that street. Let me fix that scratch on your knee. Have ...

Economist foresees slowdown: Gary Schlossberg, who addressed the Las Vegas Executives Association Wednesday morning and customers of Wells Fargo's Private Client Service Division in the afternoon, said a healthy national economy and California's continued recovery would lessen the blow for Las Vegas, which he predicted would have job growth of 5-6 percent next year.

Kings Canyon property looked at as open space: Rushing said his property is some of the most beautiful property in the canyon.

Cybergamer: Internet gambling ban won't work: Michael Toohey, managing director of Australian Gaming Specialists, said Australia began investigating Internet gambling issues in May 1996.

Bicyclist killed as he slides into school bus: Karen Zekan; The bicyclist, a 33-year-old Las Vegas man, was southbound on Paradise Road near Harmon Avenue about 12:10 p.m. when he crashed to the ground and slid beneath the Clark County School District bus.

Benson looking for top 10 finish: Mike Harris; Benson, who will leave Bahari Racing at the end of this season to join the ever-growing Roush Racing team, goes into the final three races of 1998 in 12th place in the driver standings, but only seven points out of 10th.

Columnist Jeff German: Casino industry's campaign strategy lacks continuity: Political action committees have been created, a lobbying team has been established, money has been donated to both parties and one casino boss even has played golf with President Clinton.

Virginia woman hits nearly $2.9 million slot jackpot: "I just stood there when it hit," she said. "I had my mouth open to yell but nothing came out."

Blackout, slump can't change Earnhardt's outlook: MIKE HARRIS; Even finding a 90-minute hole in his life, when he couldn't remember a thing that had happened, didn't frighten NASCAR's "Intimidator."

Southwest Gas looks for extra $31.5 million from customers: Jaime Ramirez, senior manager of rates for the Las Vegas based company, testified Wednesday the firm wants to collect the extra money over a 24-month period, rather than 12 months to soften the blow on consumers.

People in the News for October 16, 1997: Briefly

SUN corrections: * A story in Tuesday's SUN about the Women in Military Service for America Memorial contained an error. Las Vegan Mary Knapp was incorrectly identified. She is a Marine veteran of World War II.

Woman fatally stabbed, possibly protecting cat: Karen Zekan; Metro Police were told by neighbors that the woman recently had taken in a neighbor's cat that some teenagers allegedly had been torturing.

School construction managers ousted: Art Nadler; Because of delays and cost overruns in its program to build new schools and renovate older ones, the Clark County School Board decided Wednesday not to continue using the company overseeing the work.

Inmate in critical condition after beating: George Butler was in a coma this morning in UMC's trauma unit after undergoing surgery Wednesday, a nursing supervisor said. He was on a respirator, prison spokesman Howard Skolnik said.

Cimarraon's versatile Lunkwitz dangerous in any positon: Steve Cunningham; A three-year starter. A first-team southern zone selection a year ago. A member of the Olympic Development Program's west regional pool in his age group.

Lopez in a tough position: Dean Juipe; Well, it's cluttered a bit, Lopez having won five minor titles.

Golota given pain-killer prior to Lewis fight: Dean Juipe; Wednesday's news baffled those associated with the heavyweight contender, who was knocked out 95 seconds into the WBC title bout.

Letter: Golf ball club violated statutes, U.S. postal laws: Why not? She should. That is the way she treated all of the other people accused of being involved in the alleged pyramid last summer.

Letter: Awarding airport contract to Broadbent's daughter is nepotism: By no stretch of the DBE-certification process does the daughter of Bob Broadbent, one of the most powerful, influential men in Las Vegas and formerly the airport director, and the business partner of Sig Rogich, one of the most powerful men in Nevada and U.S. Republican politics, qualify as disadvantaged.

Stratosphere stockholders may come up empty: Bill Gang; The expected result of the bankruptcy is that only the secured bond holders will get paid what they are due while unsecured creditors will be struggling for what may amount to nickles and dimes on the dollar.

Queens of the Greens: Steve Cunningham; "The only thing Del (Sagers, Green Valley's coach) is worried about right now is somebody steppin' out of their car and turning their ankle," Nelson said with a laugh. "Absolutely, they're the best team."

Letter: Breastfeeding helps establish special mother-child bond: One benefit of breastfeeding you overlooked is the unique development of the relationship between mother and baby. Skin-to-skin contact, eye contact and closely cuddling your baby are all done during breastfeeding, unlike bottle-fed babies who feed themselves. These have been proven to stimulate babies physically and mentally. Neonatal units use this type of care in helping premature infants to thrive.

Green Valley boys, girls advance to state tennis: The Green Valley boys downed Bishop Gorman, 18-4 1/2, and Bonanza whipped Silverado, 18 1/2-4. Those two schools earned state tournament berths with the victories and will battle this morning for the zone title. The match is at The Meadows.

Football matchups: THE PICK: Green Valley 24, Chaparral 21

NLV residents build case against development: Andy Holtmann; Roughly 50 people spoke out against two agenda items involving high-density development at Wednesday's City Council meeting.

Letter: Promise Keepers critics don't approve of traditional values: I submit that the issue is not the fact that men are seeking to be men of integrity and promising to follow through on their commitments; the real issue is that some people do not approve of the call to return to traditional values but instead want to continue to promote the feminist agenda.

LV firms await word on Detroit gaming: Three casino licenses are being offered and two bidders, including one backed by Circus Circus Enterprises, have received "preferred status" in the process.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Belmont Park: dd Belmont Park

Ethics panel delays hearings on commissioner: The hearings, which had been scheduled for Friday, will be moved to either Nov. 13 or 14 at a site in Las Vegas that is yet to be determined, said Louis Ling, a deputy attorney general who handles matters for the six-member ethics panel.

Williams drops appeal: Villeneuve raced in the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka last Sunday under appeal of a one-race ban he received for ignoring a yellow flag during the practice session for the race. He picked up two points for finishing fifth, giving him a one-point lead over Schumacher, who won the race.

Disappointing month for N.J. casinos: "I wonder what they're going to blame it on this time? It can't be the rain. It can't be the cold. It can't be the calendar," said industry analyst Marvin Roffman of Philadelphia.

1997 Formula One racing schedule and winners: March 9 - Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne (David Coulthard).

Ralph Siraco's selections for Bay Meadows: dd Bay Meadows

Miller names Lucy Stewart to state Public Utilities Commission: The PUC was created by the 1997 Legislature, which dropped the panel's old name - Public Service Commission - and cut it from five to three members.

1997 Indy Racing League schedule and winners: True Value 200, Loudon, N.H. (Scott Sharp).

1997 NASCAR Craftsman Truck racing schedule and winners: Jan. 19 - Chevy Trucks Challenge, Orlando, Fla. (Joe Ruttman).

1997 NASCAR Winston Cup stock car racing schedule and winners: Feb. 16 - Daytona 500, Daytona, Fla. (Jeff Gordon).

Man indicted in deputy shooting: The indictment charged Dennison, 35, with attempted murder, assault with a firearm against a peace officer and other weapons violations.

1997 NASCAR NASCAR racing schedule and winners: Feb. 15 - Gargoyles 300, Daytona Beach, Fla. (Randy LaJoie).

County conducts disaster drill: Cathy Scott; That was the scenario in a disaster drill conducted Wednesday morning.

1997 CART Indy-car racing schedule and winners: March 2 - Marlboro Grand Prix of Miami, Homestead, Fla. (Michael Andretti).

1997 National Hot Rod Association racing schedule and winners: Feb. 2 - Chief Auto Parts Winternationals, Pomona, Calif. (TF-Gary Scelzi; FC-John Force; PS-Warren Johnson).

Henderson approves parks expansion: Annette Atkins; The expansion plans are expected to go before the City Council Tuesday for final approval.

Police search for stabbing suspect: Karen Zekan; A nursing supervisor at University Medical Center said today that the woman, whose name was not released, was recovering and in good condition.