Print edition for April 14, 1998

Judge sentences Singleton to death for killing prostitute in Tampa: "This was an unprovoked, senseless killing of a human being," said state Judge Bob Mitcham. "We are living in times worse than Sodom and Gomorrah."

Cave Rock talks near impasse: "To be simple and frank about it, nothing's changed from our point of view," Wallace said.

Prep Schedule April 14-18: Baseball

Columnist Dean Juipe: New arena set for NLV site: Dean Juipe; Word surfaced Monday that construction of an 8,000-seat arena on the Strip in North Las Vegas will begin April 30. That facility, due to open by May of 1999, will be built at 2845 Las Vegas Blvd. North, near the Strip and Pecos Road intersection.

Study: Employees at increased cancer risk because of secondhand smoke: The study, which was prompted by an employee's request for a "health hazard evaluation," was conducted over three days in March 1996. The results were published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine last month.

Well-Versed in Vegas: Anne Hosier; Not long ago, Norman Kaye, Nevada's longstanding poet laureate, got a phone call from a state archivist.

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

Common Cause president questions Miller trust fund: But Hulse added that Miller deserves credit for coming forward and releasing the names of the contributors who gave $71,000 to allow the governor and his staff to travel outside Nevada.

Box score: Cannons 8, Stars 5: Calgary

The endless winter keeps holding on: Enough snow fell to make chains mandatory on Interstate-80 over Donner Summit and on U.S. 50 over Echo Summit. Westbound I-80 was closed briefly by accidents.

Planned sports complex clears another hurdle: Adrienne Packer; The BLM gave the parcel located at Vegas and Durango boulevards to the city on the condition that it has input on the type of development proposed.

Pair make impression at pre-draft NBA camp: Steve Carp; Things couldn't have worked out much better for UNLV's top two players as they attempt to take their game to the next level.

Stars welcome 21-year old sensation at shortstop: Steve Guiremand; WHILE ATTENDING Colegio Redentol school in Bani, Dominican Republic, Juan Melo attracted interest from major league teams like the Florida Marlins and Detroit Tigers.

Model of Self-Rule for Latin American Tribes: Howard LaFranchi; KUNA YALA INDIAN AREA, PANAMA -- On the small reef island of Wichub Huala, men , children, and women in bright, intricately embroidered clothing file into a dirt-floored congress house, where the town elders sit astride hammocks. One of the local leaders, or shilas, begins to sing in a droning chant, signaling the town meeting is under way.

Japan Abuzz Over Sexual Harassment: Nicole Gaouette; The boss is Seiko Matsuda, also known as Japan's Madonna. She's a pop singer with a big smile and a knack for managing the media.

3 arrested in robberies at fast-food restaurants: Cathy Scott; Investigators say the men are suspected of robbing clerks and managers at 12 fast-food restaurants since March 17. The last robbery was April 8 at Blimpies in the 600 block of N. Nellis Blvd., police said. No one was injured in any of the robberies.

High court rules on alimony cases: "Rights to spousal support are not rescinded merely because the recipient spouse is cohabiting," said Justice Miriam Shearing, who wrote the majority opinion. The decision said there must be a financial test to determine whether there should be a change in support.

Government says Fernald Ohio waste shipments to Nevada can resume in June: A container leaked Dec. 15 near Kingman, Ariz. No one was injured, and no evacuations were required.

IRS may soon feast on casino workers' lunches: John Wilen; For service industry employees nationwide, that appears to be truer than ever.

Mail delivery finds safety in numbers: Bob Shemeligian; But Las Vegas resident John Datian questions whether the post office is changing quickly enough.

Wednesday at Golden Gate: 1st race 1-1/16 mi 4YO&up F&M Clm

Final 1997-98 IHL Standings: Northeast Division

Open-meeting ruling against regents hailed: "I'm not surprised the Supreme Court found the regents violated the law," he said.

Monday's College Baseball Scores: Amherst 18, American Intl. 11

Prep Results for April 14, 1998: Silverado 15, Virgin Valley 5

People in the News for April 14, 1998: Tears for fears

'Damascus Gate': Believers and Cynics on Road to Rebirth: Michiko Kakutani; They are people looking for love, money or drugs, the big score or the great escape. But they are also people in search of something larger: some intimation of hope or faith, some hint that there is more to life than the bump and grind of daily existence.

Columnist Steve Carp: Not everyone is unhappy in triple-A: Steve Carp; IT'S EASY TO understand Eddie Williams' frustration at starting his 15th professional baseball season in Las Vegas instead of San Diego. Or in any of the 27 other major league cities for that matter.

Motion seeks dismissal of sex case against ex-cop: Cathy Scott; "There is no evidence that will allow a conviction," attorney Clarence Gamble said.

Thunder could learn Nedved's fate today: Tim Graham; The Las Vegas Thunder and International Hockey League finally have settled on an arbitrator.

Preps: Cheyenne aces Bonanza in volleyball: Spencer Patterson; It's a do-or-die season for the senior-laden Cheyenne boys volleyball squad, and that's exactly the way the Desert Shields played Monday night against Bonanza.

TV/Sports for April 13-18: TUESDAY

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Top-ranked Rebels just keep rolling along: By Brian Hilderbrand LAS VEGAS SUN

Commission again told to wait for census data: Jeff Schweers; The board "lacks the authority to establish new or changed county commissioner election districts using a population basis other than the last preceding decennial census," the opinion said.

City Council approves increase in funding for pound: Adrienne Packer; Council members also allowed Animal Foundation International -- which has a contract with the city -- to keep licensing, impounding and boarding fees to make up for budgetary shortfalls.

Former charity director pleads guilty to taking $114,000 from agency: Garcia admitted to writing 74 checks from the charity to herself and depositing the checks in personal bank accounts. She tried to cover up the thefts by falsifying records and misrepresenting the financial status of the local chapter to the charity's national leadership.

From Supporting to Unsinkable Actress: Bernard Weinraub; "Bates is transcendent," Nichols said. "She's just the real thing."

Government witnesses details alleged scam: "At that time it appeared to me that there could be several charges against me, and my health was not too good, and because of my age and the fact I knew I had committed some violations, I just thought it was wise for me to try and solve my problem by cooperating," Gustafson told a federal jury.

Where I Stand -- Ruthe Deskin: Research can help consumers avoid getting ripped off: We get just as annoyed as some of our readers when they feel they have been "ripped off" by automobile repair shops.

Letter: Disabled have tough time with some public telephones: Jack K. Cook

Reinstated cop wins support from judge: Cathy Scott; Becker, however, ruled that the board, in this case, did not have the authority to impose employment conditions upon Stark's reinstatement. Michael Snyder, Metro's human resources director, said the board had ordered that Stark be placed on probation for 18 months, undergo psychological evaluation at his expense, and be supervised by a field-training officer.

Letter: Hundred Club needs community's support: For you millionaires out there, be advised that some of our most renowned and respected citizens in this country are proud and active members of this fine organization, but remain anonymous. Please do your homework and then search your hearts and conscience, and I know you will do the right thing. These fine men and women are there when we need them.

Editorial: What are these guys smoking?: The spokesmen for the tobacco industry certainly didn't do themselves any favors with their hyperbole. J. Phil Carlton, a tobacco industry attorney, even invoked Big Brother in decrying the legislation. "It is inconceivable to me that a Republican Congress would pass a bill that calls for the kind of big taxes, big government and big brotherhood that this bill calls for," Carlton said on the "Fox News Sunday" program. But to equate Congress' anti-smoking curbs to Big Brother insults the intelligence of the American people.

Letter: Russo a bully in bid to be governor: As a voting citizen of Las Vegas for many years, I've observed a lot of bull that's exhibited itself in our town and take offense to anyone portraying himself or herself to be what he or she is not. But then again, are we sure Russo isn't just a setup to be sure we vote for Kenny Guinn?

Obituaries for April 14, 1998: He is survived by three sisters, Mary Matthews, Diane Baxter and Christy Beustad, all of Las Vegas.

Letter: Homeowners group should feel shame: The compassion, care, concern and monetary help came to me from everywhere.

Spring Mountain preservation agreement signed: For many people such as Lois Sagel, who led the public's efforts to expand the area's preservation, the conservation agreement reverses the loss of 75 percent of all species that ever existed.

Icahn, Station Casinos must wait to bid for Arizona Charlie's: John Wilen; Station Casinos, operator of four locals properties in the Las Vegas area, also is interested in Arizona Charlie's.

Nevadan among many who feel misled by sweepstakes: Victor Flores, who enjoys donning a clown costume and amusing children at Sunrise Hospital, found no humor in a story that American Family Publishers seemed to be trying to convince everyone in America that each of them is the sole winner of a $10 million sweepstakes.

Man killed in accident: He was traveling at a slow speed and a tractor-trailer tried to pass him from behind just as Berke turned left into a driveway.

Tahoe scene to grace Nevada Bell phone book: Runners up were a picture of horseback riders and a rural ranch.

Teens learn cooking tips from two masters: Angie Wagner; "Now do we eat it?" asks 13-year-old Jennifer Ross.

Court: Assemblyman Williams must pay child support: Art Nadler; The U.S. Bankruptcy Court ruled Monday that Williams, D-Las Vegas, must pay $650 a month to fulfill his Chapter 13 obligations. This is in addition to the $500-a-month child support he must also pay his former wife, Debra Gray.

Plan to spruce up downtown Eureka leaves many disappointed: The project consisted of installing antique street lights, park benches and planters. A $650,000 economic development grant was expected to pay half the cost of the redevelopment and airport improvements.

Police: Prize tickets are bogus: The ticket looks real, from its "Lucky You!!!" at the top, to its claim number, its enticing list of prizes and its phone number to call.

High court hears condemned land case: Nevada Power lawyer Stephen F. Smith agreed the case produced an "abnormal result," and the utility isn't trying to collect from the property owners.

Group gets chance to learn from two masters: Youth ambassadors to the program received training and tips from the creators of Spago's and Chinois at the Forum Shops at Caesars.

Hotel workers rally to protest possible free lunch tax: Robert Macy; Reid, author of the taxpayer bill of rights, was the featured speaker at a noontime rally to protest an IRS plan that would tax free meals now provided to hotel employees.

IRS deadline nears: This line from Lost in Space has universal application now that the most perilous deadline of all is looming -- April 15.

Post office to stay open for late filers: Two local radio stations will broadcast from the Sunset branch to make the tax deadline more fun for customers and employees. The IRS will have a representative on hand from 7 to 11 p.m. to assist customers with last-minute tax advice. For those customers who simply can't meet the April 15 tax filing deadline, extension forms will be available at many Las Vegas post offices.

Onlookers check Net gaming's threat to casinos: "There are parallels between the movie and gaming industries," Director William Eadington said.

Stunt man Super Dave films movie in Las Vegas: Angie Wagner; Super Dave's world tour bus trudged down Fremont Street on Monday night as 300 local extras lined the sidewalks with party hats and streamers in celebration of New Year's Eve 1999.

Former officer to be freed today in disputed house-arrest case: Cathy Scott; Sgt. Barry Payne, in charge of Metro's house-arrest detail, said the bracelet would be removed from Phelan some time between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Program seeks volunteers to be advocates for kids: The CASA program trains volunteers to speak up for abused and neglected children in court.

More than 1,000 children apply for Nevada Check Up program: Brendan Riley; Gov. Bob Miller reported the application total Tuesday, adding that's a "brisk rate" since the program has been running for just five weeks.

Snow and cold as spring shivers through a fourth week: Tuesday's most unsummerlike weather left enough new accumulation in the Sierra to bring out chain or snow tire controls. It was chains only for part of the morning over Donner Summit on Interstate-80.

Woman hits $2 million jackpot: A short time later, she was $2,197,871 richer when she hit the statewide Quartermania progressive jackpot just after 4 p.m. Monday. Earlier in the day, she told a friend that she felt she was due for a big win.

Ground broken on new power plant: The 475-megawatt plant stirred controversy last summer among city residents who went to court to reverse the City Council's unanimous approval of the project.

Attorney wants sex case against ex-cop dismissed: "We believe there is no evidence that this was without the consent of these prostitutes," attorney Clarence Gamble said.

Alleged LV swindle could involve $30 million: Brian Seals; They were looking for Eric Stein, who headed the Sterling Group. After talking a while, they found they had a lot in common. Specifically, both had invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in the Sterling Group -- and they wanted to know what happened to their money.

Casinos suffered big revenue decline in February: Casinos statewide won $588.2 million, or a 7.3 percent decrease compared to the same month of 1997. "It wasn't a good month for the state and for most of the markets," said board spokesman Russell Guindon.

Letter: Liberal ideas have hurt public schools: Excuse me if I sound a bit suspicious and cynical about the left wing's off-the-wall ideas to "help" our education system. Over the past 30 years, these liberal ideas have contributed more than anything else to the demise of our schools, including pathetic test scores and rising delinquency problems.

Historian: Vegas 'where American spirit crawls to die': James Howard Kunstler on Monday told students at UNLV's Paul B. Sogg School of Architecture that American cities are in deplorable shape.