Print edition for April 29, 1998

Casino employees sue tobacco companies over secondhand smoke: Joseph Avallone, Gerri Murphy, Joan Zaryck and Joe Yaniak - all employees of Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino - said they have suffered "substantial injuries and damages," from mental and emotional suffering to medical treatment costs and loss of income. They are seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as legal fees.

China's Fourth Estate Emerges, Timidly: Kevin Platt; Path-breaking reporters here are beginning to cover everything from official corruption to police brutality. But some wonder if the trend will trigger another party clampdown on the press. "Investigative reports can only be made of local officials, and it is unclear how long the party will tolerate the prying eyes of the press," says Dai Qing, a former reporter for one of China's leading newspapers.

AG's office seizes Sunrise medical billing records: Art Nadler; Bob Harmon, spokesman for the attorney general, said today's action is separate from an ongoing, national investigation that is looking into Medicare fraud.

Obituaries for April 29, 1998: He is survived by his wife, Jacki; three sons, Eric Anderson and Greg Anderson, both of Tempe, Ariz., and Mike Anderson of Scottsdale, Ariz.; two daughters, Deann Divers of North Las Vegas and Julie Herrmann of Las Vegas; his mother, Violet Gredig of Las Vegas; one brother, Larry Anderson of Wichita, Kan.; and one granddaughter.

LV bail bond firms file suit against court, city: Bill Gang; The two lawsuits, filed by attorney Robert Griffy, are seeking reimbursement of more than $360,000 paid between 1991 and 1997, when the Nevada Legislature passed a statute authorizing the collection of the administrative fee.

Aussie Women Leaders Seek Equality: Caryn Coatney; In 1894, the state of South Australia became the first place in the world where women ran for office and exercised the right to vote. Those rights were extended to the rest of the country by 1902.

Washoe tribe to manage Meeks Bay Resort at Tahoe: Brian Wallace, the tribe's chairman, said managing the resort on the lake's west shore will mean the Washoe will be a visible part of the Tahoe Basin from now on.

Rebels to find new home in the WAC: Steve Carp; Which route to take may be subject to debate. But there's one thing everyone in the Western Athletic Conference agrees on, and that's the destination.

Poker player Brunson robbed by armed men: The 64-year-old Brunson said today he faked a heart attack on his doorstep late Saturday as two men, dressed in black and wearing ski masks, pulled a handgun on him and dragged him inside his house.

Editorial: Kids, uniforms and the schools: Fay Herron Elementary School students started wearing uniforms for the first time on Monday, becoming the 15th school with such a policy. Fourth-grader Franky Gutierrez couldn't be more pleased. "It's going to be great," Gutierrez told the SUN's Benjamin Grove. "Now if someone says you're ugly, I can say you're ugly -- you've got the same uniform on."

People in the News for April 29, 1998: Smith blarney

Editorial: Closing a chapter to a family's grief: Before Cohen moves forward, the Pentagon is consulting family members of the nine Americans who could be the unidentified pilot, members of Congress and veterans' groups. Cohen also said Monday he won't make his decision on the panel's recommendation until his general counsel determines whether there are any legal obstacles.

Winchester Community Center events: Two field trips are scheduled for May. Signups for May and June trips have begun and the trips fill quickly. On May 8, will be a trip to UNLV to tour its desert landscape garden and through many of the non-desert trees and shrubs suitable for Southern Nevada. It will be led by UNLV's landscape, grounds and Arboretum staff. The trip fee is #2. On May 22, geologist Robert Needham leads a trip to Crystal Pass to find some of that area's famous orthoclase crystals. The trip fee is $3.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Commissioners shouldn't succumb to underbuiling: Some of us remember the public outcry when the new airport was first opened and later expanded. Critics claimed it was too big and too fancy, and now it's necessary to add on another wing. The same kind of critics were around back in the 1950s when Bud Albright and the County Commission pushed for a convention center. Since then, it has been almost always in some stage of expansion and improvement.

Columnist Paula Del Giudice: Caution can save many lives at Lake Mead: TWO MEN in a 14-foot sailboat died at Lake Mead last Friday when their craft capsized, sending both into the water. Though they were wearing personal flotation devices, they succumbed to hypothermia. With water temperature around 60 degrees, it doesn't take long for hypothermia to set in and cause death.

Letter: Don't be fooled by petition supporters: Don't be fooled by the big lie. Nevada's working men and women didn't ask for this, and they don't need it. It's just a ploy to give more power to a small group of radicals, burden our businesses with unnecessary paperwork and hurt our economy.

Suspect in Showboat robbery identified: An arrest warrant was issued today for David Ray Sheperd, 34, Lt. John Alamshaw said. The warrant, charging Sheperd with burglary with the use of a deadly weapon and robbery with a deadly weapon, was signed by Justice of the Peace Doug Smith.

Photos on invitation generate controversy: Assemblywoman Kathy Von Tobel, R-Las Vegas, whose name was mistakenly used on the invitation as a sponsor, says it's inappropriate for an elected official to "have a lingerie party, and I wouldn't be a part of it."

Where a Woman's Work Is Never Done: Lara Santoro; AKSUM, ETHOPIA -- The water bearers come at nightfall, a procession of young women shrouded in thick white cloth. They sink to their knees by the water's edge and dip their dirty jerrycans underneath the murky surface of the pool.

Letter: Homeowners groups must put people first, assets second: We have had similar situations on our property. Our board is not a legislative machine or a police force. It is a functioning asset, a protective force, protecting the people first and then the assets.

Reno DA announces for second term: Gammick introduced his top associates as "the prosecution team for the 21st Century."

Blair Shows Flair in First Year: Alexander MacLeod; LONDON -- It's been a hectic first year for the politician who ended 18 years of Conservative Party rule in Britain. In the world beyond the island nation, Prime Minister Tony Blair is winning a reputation as a high-profile international crisis-buster.

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Cigar reception lights up the night: Elizabeth Foyt; George Voskericyan of Boss Cigars was present to explain how his company sells only hand-rolled cigars made in the Dominican Republic and distributed exclusively from Las Vegas. Lone Wolk Cigars, recognized for both their taste and affiliation with Chuck Norris and Jim Belushi, was represented by corporate president Michael Daugherty, who spoke about the creation of Lone Wolf Torpedoes.

San Diego businessman says he was duped by LV scheme: Brian Seals; Michael Anderson created Financial Growth Consultants to raise funds for Affordable Media, doing business as the Sterling Group of Las Vegas.

Letter: Tough to find common sense: The second group to ask are those who have suggested that we let unskilled people treat the sick but let the licensed people be accountable for those people's actions. Why don't we just let one person in each household get a driver's license and let everyone else drive on it or, better yet, one licensed or college-graduate doctor, lawyer, professor, electrician or plumber, and we'll all work under them.

Letter: Big Tobacco shouldn't be allowed to pollute air: Theodore Castillo

New Henderson casino under way: John Wilen; The 17,900-square-feet casino will house 199 slot machines, a 140-seat restaurant, and a 50-seat meeting room. No table games or hotel rooms are currently planned, though "anything is possible in the future," said Steve McLaughlin, general manager of the Gold Rush Casino Henderson.

Judge denies motion for pictures to be taken of alleged victim: Bennett's attorney, Kenneth Combs, sought the hearing after prosecutors added two charges April 21. His client already faced 13 charges, including six counts rape of a child. The extra charges stemmed from photographs of a teen-age girl's genital area that police found after Bennett's arrest.

House of Blues expanding to Las Vegas: The joint venture between the Los Angeles-based House of Blues Entertainment, Inc. and Las Vegas-based Circus Circus was announced at a news conference here.

Columnist Peter Benton: Low golf scores highlight Nevada State Seniors event: Peter Benton; THE NEVADA STATE Seniors Golf Club's recent three-day, two-man tournament in Lake Havasu, Ariz., featured scores that were much lower than the norm.

One of three casino developers may fold on temporary site: "It may in the end be more valuable to go great guns with a permanent (casino) and get it operating and generating revenue," Circus Circus spokeswoman Sarah Ralston told The Detroit News in a report Wednesday.

Newspaper, state demographer have different population numbers: Judson says Pahrump won't hit 26,955 until some time in 2003.

Traffic stop leads to drug bust: The car was stopped on Interstate 80 early Tuesday. Troopers were led to believe that either contraband or drugs were in the car and received permission to search it. Canine Sadie confirmed their suspicions.

Thursday at Golden Gate: 1st race 6 fur 3YO Fil Mdn Clm

Bids being sought for new, privately run juvenile prison: Brendan Riley; A May 8 deadline was given for companies that hope to qualify as bidders on the project.

Box score: Redbirds 5, Stars 3: Memphis

Rebels' even-par round gives them 5-shot lead: After 36 holes of play, UNLV is in first place, five shots ahead of second-place Texas Christian. New Mexico and Brigham Young are tied for third, while Colorado State is in fifth.

UNLV associate AD Chambers resigns: Steve Carp; For months, there had been rumors that UNLV associate athletic director David Chambers was looking to move on. So it wasn't a total surprise to hear that Chambers, the No. 2 person in the athletic department, resigned Tuesday, effective May 15.

Nevada lawmakers pleased with California gambling decision: It also made the Pala gaming facilities subject to state and local health, safety, workers compensation and construction laws.

Deadline set for misdemeanor fines: Fines now are due within 30 days and it will cost $100 to get any extension on all but the larger assessments, the Lahontan Valley News and Fallon Eagle Standard reported.

Ranchers' elk lawsuit rejected by judge: The four included state Conservation and Natural Resources Director Peter Morros, Wildlife Administrator Willie Molini, and wildlife employees Larry Barngrover and Larry Gilbertson.

WAC re-alignment proposals: Plan A

Plan attacks soft money from casinos: Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va., author of legislation creating a federal commission to study gambling's growth in America, told his colleagues on Capitol Hill last Wednesday that he would seek the ban during an upcoming House debate on campaign finance reform.

Company official says AG off base in suing him: Meyer added that his Reno-based company, started in October 1996, has been challenged in other states and has survived.

OSHA safety figures 'shocking': Karen Zekan; Marilyn Howard had been on the job six months the night it happened, working the graveyard shift in a deserted 7-Eleven on Las Vegas Boulevard North, near Lamb Boulevard.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Thrills, spills as Stars' fans feel extremes: Dean Juipe; One was touching, a rush of sorts.

Man convicted in death of Elko scientist: Lymbery died of a heart attack following a fist fight with Morse.

Yet another bid to save the Mapes: The first floor and a mezzanine would be converted into stores, restaurants, a day care facility and a gymnasium while the Sky Room on the top floor would become a cocktail lounge.

Thursday at Aqueduct: 1st race 7 fur 4YO&up Clm

Ethics Commission won't investigate official: She was accused of having an improper meeting in her office in Carson City with her inmate brother, Danny Winder, who had a job with the state mail room.

Hajek has designs for future in bigs: Steve Guiremand; Las Vegas Stars second baseman Dave Hajek went back and earned his degree in architecture from Cal Poly Pomona in 1994.

Lyon County public defenders ask for raises: Attorney Ken Ward represented the three attorneys in asking for a $12,000-a-year boost in the $83,333 each currently receives. The commission's offer would take them to $87,500.

WAC Championship, Tuesday's Results: TEAM RESULTS

Washoe manager gone after 21 years: County Commissioners decided Tuesday night to cut him free with a $118,515 severance package.

Columnist Tim Graham: Women give local TV sports another view: Tim Graham; The integration of women in sports journalism is not a fresh story anymore.

Late reports to cost officials: Each day they fail to turn in the reports - which most can fill out in less than five minutes - adds another $100 to their fines.

New police substation planned for Henderson: Adrienne Packer; For the Henderson Police Department, it also translates into more crimes, more patrol officers and the need for additional office space.

Judge considers complaints that five practice medicine without license: Art Nadler; Hardcastle is expected to rule on Thursday whether University of Nevada School of Medicine resident physician Dr. Rafael Mirchou and four other people in the Santa Ana Medical Center, 865 N. Eastern Ave., Suite D, were practicing medicine without a license.

Binion factions gain more time for buyout: Horseshoe President Jack Binion and his sister, Becky Behnen, suing each other in court, joined forces to persuade the Nevada Gaming Commission to give them more time to buy out their brother, Ted Binion, whose license has been revoked.

Both sides hail Fremont Street free-speech ruling: Denise Cardinal; Last fall the American Civil Liberties Union filed a complaint against the city of Las Vegas for infringement of First Amendment rights.

Judges face conflict in courthouse project: Jeff Schweers and Bill Gang; Hardcastle told the judges in a bench conference Tuesday morning that it would be inappropriate for her to hear the case because she sits with other district judges on a technical committee for the justice center project.

UNLV Faculty Senate nixes proposed computer use policy: The computer use policy rejected by the board at a regular bi-monthly meeting was not in its final form, noted the attorney who drew it up, but ACLU Executive Director Gary Peck found the document so objectionable even at this early stage of development that he strongly protested its wording.

Boy, 12, arrested for carrying loaded handgun into classroom: Cathy Scott; The boy, whose name has not been released because of his age, had taken his jacket off in the classroom, Young said. The teacher picked up the jacket to move it and noticed that it was heavy, he said.

Ex-auditor sues city for $2.8 million over firing: Denise Cardinal; In a complaint filed today (Wednesday) in District Court, Toohey alleges that the City Manager's office fired her in March because she was too progressive in her audit practices.

Casino mogul Wynn to sell Tahoe estate: Van Dyck added Wynn "is very involved with the Las Vegas community and his Las Vegas projects, such as the new Bellagio casino, and is finding it unfortunate that he is not able to spend as much time at Lake Tahoe as he would like to."

Tuesday's College Baseball Scores: Amherst 7, Fitchburg St. 0

Rodeo Money Leaders through April 27: ALL-AROUND

Redbirds 5, Stars 3: Chip Hale's two-run single highlighted a five-run outburst by Memphis in the eighth inning as the Redbirds rallied for a 5-3 victory Tuesday over the Las Vegas Stars.

Tuesday's Prep Results: Gorman 211 106 -- 11 9 0 Cheyenne 000 100 -- 1 5 2

Stuart, Mixer to remain with merged brokerage: Stuart Mixer Commercial has thrived as a commercial real estate company in Southern Nevada for six years.

Nevada officials battling Babbitt over mining laws: Paul Kane; But Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt, testifying before the same Senate committee, flatly rejected the industry-backed bill supported by Miller, Nevada Sens. Harry Reid and Richard Bryan, both Democrats, and other Republican leaders.

Burt Lancaster double dies: Stewart, a regular visitor to Las Vegas since the late 1940s and a local resident since 1990, died April 21 of cancer at the Harbor House hospice, his family said.

Pollen extends suffering: Mike Naylor, director of the air pollution control division of the Clark County Health District, said that this year's pollen season is one of the worst on record.

Harrah's is keeping the Showboat brand name: John Wilen; Nevada Gaming regulators Tuesday approved Harrah's Entertainment Inc.'s $1.15 billion acquisition of Showboat Inc.

U.S. ranking adds fuel to fight over teacher pay: And, John Jasonek, interim director of the Clark County Classroom Teachers Association, says that if the 1996-97 survey of teachers salaries by the American Federation of Teachers survey isn't flawed then Nevada didn't get such a high rating because of Clark County.

Brunson reigns in early round of poker event: He has done that a lot for nearly 30 years in card rooms around the globe, including winning back-to-back world championships at the World Series of Poker in 1976 and '77.

Teenager pleads guilty in death of baby: Bill Gang; Tuesday's plea bargain saved the 19-year-old Henderson resident the possibility of a conviction to a second-degree murder charge -- with its mandatory prison time -- but still could result in an eight-to-20-year prison sentence when she returns to District Court on June 29.

New Mexico wants delay in radioactive waste storage: The Environmental Protection Agency has said it plans to allow the $1.8 billion WIPP site near Carlsbad, N.M., to start receiving waste. However, EPA officials indicate Thursday's original deadline for signing the permit to begin operations there could be delayed. Instead a decision is expected later in May or early June.

Planning coalition seeks identity: Denise Cardinal; Take Tuesday's meeting when the coalition, made up of elected officials from Clark County and the cities within it, explored the options of its scope and talked about ice cream trucks.

Union challenges firefighter pay: Cathy Scott; Two firefighters, including Steve La-Sky, an acting public information officer, are officially stationed in Laughlin and collecting extra pay for it, but are not physically working there. Three other firefighters are receiving "24-hour benefits," or extra pay, while on temporary transfers, sources said.

Water district to replace chlorine use in treatment: It will cost the district $2 million for the treatment conversion, but will improve the quality and safety of the district's drinking water, according to the proposed water district budget reviewed today.

Ethics panel drops complaints: The commission decided at its meeting last week not to proceed with further hearings in the case of Ferraro and Councilmen Bryan Nix and Mike Pacini who voted to withdraw the city's application for a landfill permit in the Eldorado Valley. The complaint against Nix was dismissed in March.

Sheriff candidate announces campaign at scene of killing: Cathy Scott; Lee announced his candidacy at a news conference Tuesday on McKellar Circle, the scene of a fatal drive-by shooting by an off-duty Metro officer in 1996. Daniel Mendoza, 21, was killed when former officer Ron Mortensen, who was celebrating his birthday, opened fire on a crowd, hitting Mendoza once in the heart.

Metro official finalist for Spokane's chief: Cathy Scott; Conner, 50, is one of six finalists, including a woman, for the top position with that department, which has 288 sworn police officers and 150 civilian employees. The city of Spokane has a population of 180,000.

Ranchers' elk lawsuit rejected: Judge Richard Wagner said the four state employees who were sued were immune from liability. The four, who included state Conservation and Natural Resources Director Peter Morros and Wildlife Administrator Willie Molini, were acting within the scope of their authority, the judge said.