Print edition for April 8, 1998

Letter: Legislation needed to allow prosecution of Trickle's murderer: Letter: Legislation needed to allow prosecution of Trickle's murderer

Hilton, Grand Casinos still talking: Gary Thompson; An acquisition of Grand -- which owns three resorts in Mississippi, including the two largest currently operating on the Gulf Coast -- would give Hilton's gaming spinoff a presence in the three top casino markets in the country.

Nonstop flights from Vegas to Japan to begin: The first scheduled nonstop air service between Las Vegas and Japan will begin this June when Northwest Airlines begins twice-a-week flights on Boeing 747 jets.

Editorial: Residents pitch in to help save home: The 1997 Legislature was told about abuses by these associations and passed legislation intended to help protect homeowners. The next session of the Legislature should investigate whether more protections are needed for those who live in communities governed by homeowners associations.

Insurer denies predatory pricing charge: Insurance Commissioner Alice Molasky-Arman told a legislative committee Tuesday that Gem used an unfair trade practice called low balling to sell benefit-rich policies for prices far below market value.

Letter: Cut back on foreign aid and spend money at home: This is America. They call us the melting pot and so it may be. We love freedom and liberty, but the entire world we cannot support forever and a day. For our people are being taxed until, in America, there is no longer liberty. We lose the very thing our heritage bought for us. Taxation without representation. Those we put in office can vote themselves a raise. Can we, the working people, do the same?

Letter: Founders of nation escaped English religious persecution: This small group just wanted to practice their Christian faith without interference from the Church of England, but from them sprang perhaps the greatest country in the world.

Letter: City must find best use for Union Pacific property: Bearing in mind that Jones is a stockholder in both the Golden Nugget, located near the Union Pacific property, and Grand Casinos, the owner of the Stratosphere, it makes me wonder if she realizes that it appears to some people that she might possibly gain a small, personal monetary benefit from the Union Pacific property remaining nongaming and noncompetitive or from the Stratosphere land-banking nearby properties through the use of the city's eminent domain powers for possible future expansion?

Letter: Solution offered for handling Arkansas shooters: The alfa wolf just returned from hunting to bring food for his young and mate. One cub was badly mauling another and it was yelping its head off. The alfa wolf went over and just growled. The troublesome cub obeyed and stopped picking on the other pup.

Editorial: Work slowdown only hurts town: Taxi drivers are upset that the Taxicab Authority had postponed for a month the issue of whether or not 91 permanent cabs should be removed from use. The taxi drivers believe the more taxis there are, the more they get hurt in the pocketbook. In a community as fast-growing as Las Vegas, however, it's tough to understand the need for fewer cabs for tourists and locals alike. But rather than waiting for the Taxicab Authority to decide the merits of the issue in May, some taxi drivers appear bent on hurting the community's No. 1 industry: tourism.

Letter: Better research needed before bus stops moved: Cars park there all day, while going into the beauty shop and the tattoo shop. That means when the bus shows up, they have to worm themselves around, while traffic is held up more so, than usual.

Letter: More crosswalks will help save pedestrians: Also, your transportation here needs some improving, especially the taxicabs. It cost us $20 to come from the Gold Coast to our home here on Nellis because the cabs keep the meters running at the signals and traffic tie-ups, which is wrong, especially for senior citizens who don't want to take a bus as they are handicapped and don't want to cross the streets as they are.

People in the news for April 8, 1998: Not over my checkbook

Letter: NATO expansion should get Senate's approval: Polish people have always been great friends of the United States, even when they were under communist domination after the Second World War.

Obituaries for April 8, 1998: Graveside services were scheduled at 10 a.m. today in Woodlawn Cemetery. Hites Funeral Services, 438 W. Sunset Road, Henderson, is handling arrangements.

Senior PGA Tour Statistics through April 5: Scoring

Insurers look to compete: CARSON CITY -- When private companies are allowed in July 1999 to write workers' compensation policies, there will be plenty of competition.

Reno city manager gets $6,000 raise, $10,000 bonus: McNeely was hired in February of 1996. At that time, his annual salary was $103,000 and he was eligible for a $10,000 bonus.

Chiropractor faces discipline hearing over cancer cure claim: Authorities also allege Hansen mishandled an examination and treatment of an infant who died in December 1993.

Thursday at Golden Gate: 1st race 6 fur 4YO&up Clm

New digital TV set shoppers should study before they buy: Jeannine Aversa; Initially, digital TV set owners who don't have cable television will need an indoor, and possibly, a rooftop antenna to receive and watch digital broadcasts provided by ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox and local TV stations. Some broadcasts will begin this fall.

Aladdin to disappear on April 27: When wrecking crews set the charges at the 31-year-old Aladdin hotel-casino on the Strip it will disappear in a huge puff of smoke about 7:30 p.m. on April 27.

Holocaust survivors share tales at Air Force base: Dozens of round tables in the banquet room at Nellis Air Force Base's enlisted men's club were occupied by a sharp contrast of diners.

Light response to drive for cabbie slowdown: Bob Shemeligian; "Wishful thinking," said Ray Chenoweth, owner of Nellis Cab Co.

Three arrested in killing of woman: "At this time, we have no evidence that it has any connection whatsoever," Sparks Police Lt. David Zarubi said. "It's just a tragic coincidence that that same residence would be affected by a homicide within that short a time."

Appeals court upholds dismissal of suit by tunnel opponents: The city did so amid assurances from Mirage that the project would be built, thereby meeting the public policy goal of returning the land - the former site of a municipal dump - to the tax rolls, the judges said.

Thunder season statistics through April 5, 1998: * -- Rookie

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Jewish Federation luncheon a hit at Chinois: Elizabeth Foyt; Chinois, in the newest section of the Forum Shops at Caesars, set aside its quite spacious second level for the luncheon, which opened in congenial fashion with a social hour, where guests, including Judy Mack, Sandy Mallin, Jane Schorr, Jeri Fisher, Hilde Sills, Marilyn Etcoff, Linda Chenin and Hyla Worth, were seen mingling with friends, including Sherrie Sigesmund, Lil Kronberg, Rochelle Hornsby, Lillian Glicken and dozens more. Conversations frequently turned to the theme of children, as with realtor Eva Kallick, whose son Mitchell, a senior at Green Valley High School, is busy fielding scholarship offers for both volleyball and scholastics.

Nedved shines in debut, but Thunder is thumped: Tim Graham; It promised to be a gala event, not unlike a New Year's Eve party. After all, Tuesday night was supposed to mark the beginning of a new season for the Las Vegas Thunder.

Thursday at Aqueduct: 1st race 6 fur 3YO Clm

Teen dies after pickup plunges down embankment: Officers said the truck driven by Robert Gene Carrasco apparently blew a tire before it plummeted down a 500-foot embankment.

Dialogue continues over Cave Rock: While the Forest Service seeks guidance on a management plan, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is considering an application to designate Cave Rock a cultural site under the National Historic Act.

Girl struggles to recover from dog attack: Karen Zekan; Tineshea Adams has undergone two surgeries at University Medical Center to correct injuries to her head and feet, which were bitten during Sunday's 5 p.m. attack.

Columnist Peter Benton: Durant, Weigman team up to take Ladies tournament: Peter Benton; Durant/Weigman's score of 9-under 63 was reflective of the way their games complimented each another in a demanding yet fun-filled format.

Mikohn, Alliance seek new gaming products: John Wilen; Richard Irvine, president and chief operating officer of Mikohn Gaming Corp., and Morris Goldstein, president and chief operating officer of Alliance Gaming Corp., spoke at last week's symposium.

Strip hotel to be imploded April 27th: The Aladdin is the latest Las Vegas resort to make a spectacular exit.

Box score: Ice Dogs 8, Thunder 3: Second Period -- 3, Long Beach, Byce 8 (Lambert, Penn) 3:03. 4, Long Beach, Yachmenev 22 (Ast) 4:29. 5, Long Beach, Lambert 19 (Ferner, Byce) 9:55 (pp). 6, Long Beach, Augusta 35 (Todd, Penn) 15:27. 7, Long Beach, Todd 17 (Ignatjev) 18:08. 8, Long Beach, Blaznek 1 (Mateucci) 19:25. Penalties: Penn, Long Beach (interference) 6:27; Day, Las Vegas (holding) 8:19; Blaznek, Long Beach (interference) 10:30; Penn, Long Beach (holding) 13:17; Christian, Las Vegas (slashing) 13:17; Ast, Long Beach (hooking) 16:01.

Solemn journey for procession carrying statue for slain officers: Robert Macy; The caravan included more than two dozen vehicles from local, county and state jurisdictions, escorting a flatbed truck bearing the $150,000 memorial.

Regina Miller has big plans for the Lady Rebels: Regina Miller must have known the comparison would be made sooner or later, it just came sooner than she had anticipated.

Box score: Trappers 9, Stars 4: Edmonton

Older women targets of home-invasion robbery duo: Cathy Scott; The latest such robbery occurred Friday night. The first one was about two weeks ago, Metro Police robbery Sgt. Lori Crickett said.

Ohrenschall happy with final ruling: Bill Gang; After hearing that 16-year-old Katie Ross is being medically cared for, is receiving an education and even has her social life back on track, Family Court Juvenile Judge Gerald Hardcastle ordered only 60 days of supervision.

County Commission moves ahead with plan to redraw election districts: Jeff Schweers; The County Commission Tuesday voted 6-1 to approve a reapportionment plan using staff-generated estimates instead of more accurate census data, despite warnings that such data would not withstand a court challenge.

Las Vegas business news briefs: sgreen@lasvegassun.com; * VIDEO POKER ON TRIAL IN SOUTH CAROLINA -- Video gambling is a "scourge of our state" that should be outlawed, a lawyer told South Carolina's Supreme Court today. While the issue has been debated for almost 10 years in pulpits and the Legislature, video gambling has grown into a $2 billion-a-year industry. Gov. David Beasley, who calls video poker "the crack cocaine of gambling," is leading a charge to outlaw it. The state Supreme Court until now had avoided deciding whether video poker is an illegal game of chance or a game of skill. But the issue was thrust ...

Reno to receive cosmetic makeover: New, brighter street lights, along with banners and signs will be installed.

Airport wants county to red-flag car registrations of those with airport parking fines: Jeff Schweers; If approved, the ordinance would allow airport officials to send a report to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, which would then prevent a car owner from renewing vehicle registration until they pay their outstanding fines.

IHL recaps for April 7, 1998: QUEBEC CITY--The Michigan K-Wings (35-27-7) snapped a three-game losing streak, and took over fourth place in the IHL Central Division, Tuesday by shutting out the Quebec Rafales 3-0 at Le Colisee. Peter Douris put Michigan on the board 4:56 into the game. Jason Botterill and John Emmons added power play goals to seal the win. Michigan goalie Manny Fernandez faced and stopped 27 Quebec shots. Frederick Deschesne made 29 saves on 32 chances for the Rafales, who fall to 25-47-7.

Henderson City Council kills plan for neighborhood casino: Adrienne Packer; HENDERSON -- Three hundred residents who attended a City Council meeting Tuesday to protest a proposed hotel-casino left without saying a word to council members.

Proceed with plan despite protests over legality: The commission has approved a plan to spend $40,000 to use population estimates generated by county staffers. It will receive input from a citizen committee on new boundaries.

Las Vegas Stars scorecard -- April 8, 1998: Stars manager Jerry Royster was naturally disappointed that his team lost its season-opener Tuesday night, but felt his team didn't play as poorly as the 9-4 score might have indicated. "Their weren't a lot of mistakes," Royster said. "We had one error (by third baseman George Arias and we didn't have any base-running mistakes until the last inning." Royster was referring to an apparent brain freeze by catcher Mandy Romero, who inexplicably was caught stealing second with his team trailing by five runs after leading off the bottom of the ninth with a single. Did Romero miss a sign? "I ...

Construction begins on classroom additions: About one-fourth of the school bond money -- $155 million -- is being used to build classrooms at existing schools. The building initiative translates to 13,563 new classroom seats.

Where I Stand - Mike O'Callaghan: Venom replaces intelligence in GOP attack on Evans: Last week, Muth became part of the political storm created by the wind of people who thrive on extremism. He put out a news release that attacked Nevada AFL-CIO leader Claude "Blackie" Evans personally. The release is about as vitriolic as any ever produced by either political party in this state. Even after reading it twice, I found it difficult to believe that Muth had written this attack. It went far beyond anything that we have heard coming from the recent county convention.

Lethal Weapon producers use Vegas freeway instead of San Diego route: "It was very disappointing to us," said Irene Rodriguez, president of the San Ysidro Chamber of Commerce. "We're not happy."

Assemblyman Price returns home from the hospital: "I'm going to take it easy for a while," said the 61-year-old Democrat who underwent triple bypass surgery at Washoe Medical Center. "I can't drive a car for a month."

Man to face trial on pimping charges: Bill Gang; He had cut a demonstration rap compact disc entitled "The Big Pimp" under the name "Gorgeous Dre," although 2,000 of them were still sitting in his garage. He also told police he had been the technical consultant on the movie "American Pimp."

Volunteers sought for Operation Desert Clean-Up: There will be a raffle, free food, drinks, t-shirts and water bottles. Lark Williams of 97.1- FM, "The Point," will host the event. U.S. Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev.; Rep. John Ensign, R-Nev.; Las Vegas City councilmen Larry Brown and Arnie Adamson; Clark County Commissioner Lance Malone; gubernatorial candidate Kenny Guinn and several others are scheduled to attend.

Nevada Power settles Test Site dispute: Bill Gang; The controversy dates back to 1963, when Nevada Power Co. and Valley Electric Association Inc. formalized their shares of the government's business.

1998 Las Vegas Stars Roster (3-31-98): General Manager: Jerry Royster

Hearing set for teen charged in accident that killed two: Bill Gang; Amber Carey was driving north on U.S. 95 near Lake Mead Drive in Henderson at speeds that may have topped 115 mph when a tire rated for slower speeds blew out.

Columnist Dean Juipe: UNLV hires another loser from far away: Dean Juipe; But LaDonna, get this: UNLV may as well have kept you. Given the shaky qualifications of the woman hired to replace you and the fact UNLV graciously agreed to pay you $65,000 to not coach the Lady Rebels next season, the school may have been better off crossing its fingers and keeping you on.

Architect files lawsuit, says he came up with original idea for New-York theme: Bill Gang; Domingo Cambeiro Professional Corp. alleged in the District Court lawsuit that in the spring of 1993 he was approached on behalf of Mark Advent and Tri-M Holdings Inc. to design a commercial facility.

Teen agrees to plead to neglect charge: Adams appeared in Henderson Justice Court Tuesday and waived her right to a preliminary hearing, meaning her case will go directly to District Court.

Commissioners tell staff to negotiate with Walters Group to build, manage golf course: Jeff Schweers; The Walters Group was the sole respondent out of 88 companies that were invited by the county to submit proposals for the $14-million project.

Stars fall in opener: Steve Guiremand; The 6-4, 205-pound was uncharacteristically wild, walking four and throwing 94 pitches while yielding three runs in just four innings in the Stars' 9-4 loss to Edmonton.

She fought cancer on the dance floor: Nationally acclaimed Las Vegas ballroom dancer Donna Medrano competed with such enthusiasm and poise that one judge commented in a magazine article a few years ago that she was "the best" female performer at a major competition.

1997-1998 Las Vegas Thunder Roster (4-8-98): Head Coach: Clint Malarchuk -- Chris McSorley

Limbaugh inducted into NAB Hall of Fame: Limbaugh, host of "The Rush Limbaugh Show," syndicated on more than 600 radio stations, was inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame during a lunch at the NAB's Las Vegas convention.

Wife of state Senate majority leader dies: Raggio, the wife of Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, died Wednesday at home. She was 70.

State closes health insurance company: "Some of these people had uninsurable pre-existing conditions," she said. "They were people who would not have been able to obtain coverage."

Stars home opener less than sweet: Opening day traditionally is the one day of the season a baseball team can count on a sell-out crowd. That is, unless that team happens to call Las Vegas home.