Print edition for August 26, 1998

Serving Your Community: * LITERACY DAY DINNER -- The second annual International Literacy Day Dinner is set for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Rio hotel-casino. The evening begins with cocktails and a silent auction. The program that begins at 7:30 p.m. will include the presentation of the Literacy Pioneer Award. Community leaders and organizations are invited to attend this event which promotes literacy awareness and recognizes leaders in adult education. The International Association of Business Communicators Las Vegas Chapter, and Nevada Bell are sponsoring the event. Tickets are $50 a person or $500 a table. Proceeds will benefit the Southern Nevada Literacy ...

Production up, profits down, in Nevada mining: "The report shows the industry has done a very good job trying to adjust their operations to the lower gold price," said Russ Fields, president of the Nevada Mining Association. "But the price has fallen enough that we will really see some marginal operations start to suffer."

Woman pleads guilty to bilking elderly Lake Tahoe man: Her plea came as her trial was about to begin in Douglas District Court. Sentencing was set for Oct. 5.

Connecticut man dies in Elko rollover: Authorities said the truck went into a skid and overturned down a steep gravel embankment after Mushinsky put on the brakes.

Rally condemns friend of man charged in casino slaying of 7-year-old: "He was in the bathroom ... and he didn't do (anything) about it," said the girl's mother, Yolanda Manuel, who traveled from Southern California with about 50 others to attend. "He could have stopped it. I'm very outraged. He is an accomplice to murder."

LV Chapter NAACP officers suspended: Adrienne Packer; Officers and members of the executive committee were suspended for failing to submit the chapter's financial statement for 1996.

Plan to revamp Las Vegas city audits: Mayor Jan Jones is calling for an independent audit department. And she says from now on, the city auditor will report to that audit department rather than the city manager.

Mesquite council approves bull run for 1999: The event was held on the outskirts of Mesquite July 11, drawing some 600 runners and an estimated 7,000 spectators.

Children's health insurance program to offer two options: The package that will go to the parents of children already found eligible will include information about the managed-care providers. Parents must choose a provider and pay their premiums by Sept. 25 to be enrolled by Oct. 1.

Vegas mayor at odds with planing board over city growth: But North Las Vegas Mayor Mike Montandon, a member of the planning board, defended the panel's work and said Jones is in no position to criticize the authority.

Bellagio land will be used for Frank Sinatra Drive: The county will pay Bellagio $25.58 per square foot; the appraised value of the land is $230 per square foot. Bellagio will build the stretch of roadway. The resort is scheduled to open in mid-October.

ACLU steps up criticism of Reno police at riot: Scott Sonner; But Reno Mayor Jeff Griffin defended the 100 police officers who used pepper spray and dogs to make more than 150 arrests when a crowd of 1,000 rioted late Saturday night Aug. 8 at Hot August Nights.

Obituaries for August 26, 1998: He is survived by one daughter, Miranda Barton, and one son, Nathan E. Barton, both of North Las Vegas; his father, Benny Barton of Lake Havasu City, Ariz.; his mother, Betty J. Barton of Las Vegas; and one sister, Christie L. Mariani of Sherman Oaks, Calif.

Investor-alert bill backed by lawmakers: "Somewhere down the line we have to stop protecting everybody but the victim," said Assemblyman Barbara Cegavske, R-Las Vegas. "That is what is happening."

Plan to try again on banning leaflets from Las Vegas Strip: A three-judge panel from the 9th Circuit recently announced that the county could not enforce the law.

Clark County health officials warn of deadly mailings: The Clark County Health District says anyone who receives a suspicious substance or has questions about the California investigation should call the district or the FBI.

Three finalists in line for library post: The candidates are:

Nevada sales hit $25.36 billion in fiscal 1998, up only 3.4 percent: Brendan Riley; The figures, reported Tuesday by the state Taxation Department, ensure that the state will have a tax revenue shortfall estimated by Taxation Director Mike Pitlock at $20 million or more.

Victim in fatal freeway accident identified: And the driver of the Toyota Sports Utility vehicle that was heading east in the westbound lanes near Valley View Boulevard has been identified by troopers as Josephine L. Moulchin, 43.

Judge warns candidate against lawsuit: "I recommend strongly you consult with an attorney because there are consequences to your actions," Huff said. "If you are pursuing something that has already been decided, the court could, upon request, award payment of attorney fees and costs to the county."

Box score: Trappers 10, Stars 7: Las Vegas

Group to build replica of mining camp: "We wanted to give something back to the community," Bev Matson said. Added Les Matson, "Hopefully this will encourage others to give to this project, too."

Las Vegas news briefs: According to records at the Clark County Detention Center, Bibber was released on his own recognizance Tuesday evening, but Metzger was still being held.

Guinn accepts debate challenge: Guinn accepts debate challenge

Edwardsville storms back to win American Legion title: Tim Graham; Let it flow.

UNLV women's basketball games set: UNLV women's basketball games set

UNLV center earns high marks: Steve Carp; Simply put, the goal was to get better.

Where I Stand -- Lee Fisher: Hank Greenspun's editorial crusades leave great legacy: Even Moe Dalitz, a gentle ex-Clevelander who was mentioned at times in the same breath as citizens whose membership included Murder Incorporated, La Cosa Nostra, Al Capone's Chicago associates and The League of Women Voters, was a Hank booster.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Del Mar: Selections made for clear racing conditions before scratches.

Nevada taxable sales rise in June: The state Taxation Department reported Tuesday sales statewide reached $2.2 billion. In Clark County sales totaled $1.5 billion, up 6.3 percent. That increase tied with March as the second-best showing for the fiscal year.

Editorial: Redistricting peril for Clark County: Even if they didn't want to listen to Williams they could have taken independent legal advice. The Legislature's chief deputy counsel said the County Commission could change its political boundaries only if it used U.S. Census Bureau figures. Also, it was noted that twice during the 1990s the Legislature rejected proposals that would let the County Commission use information other than census data to redraw political boundaries.

124th State Fair begins in Reno: The 124th state fair kicks off at the Reno Livestock Events Center Wednesday with five days of activities heavy on family entertainment, from duck races to a flaming high diver.

Education secretary stresses school safety: Benjamin Grove; In an interview with the Las Vegas Sun, Riley discussed a report Clinton will release aimed at helping schools identify violent students before they bring guns to school.

Columnist Tim Graham: Plenty of football available on local radio: Tim Graham; No one's even going to ask if you're ready for some football.

New group inviting candidates to forum: The group, the Clark County Civil and Political Rights League, has invited gubernatorial primary candidates Joe Neal, Kenny Guinn and Aaron Russo, as well as other primary candidates, including Chuck Lee who is running for sheriff, to the 7 p.m. forum.

Henderson firm says it's victimized by Internet lies: Chief Executive Officer Johnny Thomas conducted a conference call this morning to discuss reports the company would have to restate its earnings.

Dog becomes first mascot of fire department: Mayor Jan Laverty Jones presented Sparky and her owner, LVFD Public Education Officer Evert Wilson, with Sparky's collar badge, No. K-9, at a ceremony Monday.

HMO pledges to pay old claims to doctors: Art Nadler; Guy Perkins, supervisor of the Life and Health Section, said officers of the health maintenance organization met with him on Monday. The company agreed to compensate doctors who were never paid when FPA Medical Management Inc., PacifiCare's billing company, filed for bankruptcy in July.

Democrats add to lead among county voters: Jace Radke; Of the 547,226 registered Southern Nevada voters, 243,619 are Democrats, about 31,000 more than the 212,512 registered Republicans. For the 1996 primaries, Democrats held a 25,000 voter edge.

Breakup of WAC official: It means the departing eight -- UNLV, Air Force, Colorado State, Brigham Young, New Mexico, San Diego State, Wyoming and Utah can move forward with plans to operate come July 1, 1999. The yet-to-be-named league can openly negotiate with the television networks, bowl games and potential corporate sponsors as well as begin the process for NCAA membership as a Division I conference.

Plans solidify for two off-Strip resorts: John Wilen and Gary Thompson; Harvey's Casino Resorts has received Clark County Planning Commission approval for a 2,500-room resort on the northeast corner of Harmon Road and Koval Lane.

Officials say beltway won't end congestion: Scott Reeder; "All this will do is help us keep up with the massive population growth we are experiencing," said Jim Caviola, a consultant with the project, who works for Parsons Transportation Group. "The average person will not notice much difference in congestion on city streets once this is complete."

Confident Sawyer solidifies Rebels' defense: Steve Guiremand; UNLV defensive end Talance Sawyer was a first-team all-WAC choice last year after registering a conference-high 18 tackles for losses.

Brady is target of federal probe: Jeff German and Bill Gang; Former Metro Police officer Christopher Brady has received a letter informing him that he's a target of a federal grand jury investigation into the December 1996 drive-by shooting of Daniel Mendoza.

Witnesses: Murder victim's husband unmoved: Karen Zekan; Police visits to the couple's Halloran Court home upon numerous occasions found Clarence Elliot sleeping. Just six days after the woman disappeared, Elliot told a friend that he was going gambling.

Agassi lends name to plan for south end of Strip: Gary Thompson; The last-minute addition of Agassi is designed to garner local support for the Player-CCA bid, which is considered a big underdog to two competing proposals.

Thursday at Saratoga: 1st race 7 fur 3YO&up Mdn

Sheriff's war chest at $405,000: As of Tuesday's campaign finance filing deadline, Keller amassed $405,951, well ahead of Chuck Lee's $244,991 and Bobby Hitt's $178,543.

Letter: President's cost for misbehaving should be obvious: What do we do? We do like parents do when their children misbehave. We punish him. We remove him from office. Ken Starr must make his report. Congress must impeach him and kick him out of office. That's the only way that the younger generation can get the message about the costs of misbehaving. This has been my moral misgivings about this sordid mess.

Casino America announces name change and first quarter results: The company reported total revenue $114 million for the first quarter, compared to $111.7 million for the same period a year ago.

Las Vegas business briefs: sgreen@lasvegassun.com; LOUISIANA HORSESHOE TO EXPAND -- Jack Binion's Horseshoe hotel-casino in Bossier City, La., will add a showroom and 784 parking spaces, the company said. The 1,100-seat showroom will be able to accommodate anything from a concert to a boxing match to a player party, though nothing has been scheduled yet, said Sylvia Rachal, a spokeswoman. The new spaces will alleviate parking problems the resort has experienced since its 660-room hotel opened last November, Rachal said. The Horseshoe's casino opened 3 years ago. Ground will be broken for the expansions next month, and they will be completed by October, said Rachal.

Nurses push for hospital accountability: Art Nadler; Teresa Morrow, a nurse at University Medical Center, said the public has a right to know at any given moment the number of staff nurses on hand, patient status, infection-rate levels on various floors and any abnormalities such as incidents of patients falling and medication errors.

Letter: Taxpayers pay for government business, not monkey business: If any taxpayer were to be determined having sexual relations at work, while on the clock, especially in the employer's building, he would be fired. He would be shown the door, canned, dropped like a hot rock, because it is not acceptable behavior to do such things at work.

Stars renew deal with Padres: Steve Guiremand; The Las Vegas Stars will remain the triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres for the 1999 season. Whether that 17-year relationship continues into the next millennium could very well be determined by the voters of San Diego in November.

4A Sunset Division Capsules: Spencer Patterson; A look at the 4A Sunset Division football teams:

Columnist Dean Juipe: NFL should wise up, cut exhibitions: Dean Juipe; They're injuries. Severe injuries. Season-ending injuries.

County in court over justice center: Adrienne Packer; "They have gotten so arrogant," attorney John Netzorg said of the county.

Council approves golf deal with MGM Grand: Jace Radke; The 40-year lease agreement, which can be renewed for 30 more years, is for land that includes popular hiking and biking trails near the interchange of U.S. 95 and U.S. 93.

Cimarron-Memorial to rely on run: Spencer Patterson; Imagine you're a defender playing against the Cimarron-Memorial football team this fall.

Missouri Gaming Commission hears proposal for another casino: "There's still a great market for growth in the St. Louis area," said Steve Roberts, a partner in the Lady Luck Kimmswick operation.

PUC to hear from merger opponents: "Any of those type of matters we would address when they come up," said Tom Henley, a spokesman for Nevada Power.

Guinn spends $3 million; Russo reports $1.1 million: His primary opponent, Aaron Russo, is next, reporting he has spent $1.1 million, most of which came from his personal finances.

NTS a step closer to space program: The Senate passed the Commercial Space Act before leaving for its August recess. The act authorizes the Office of Commercial Space Transportation to license commercial retrievable vehicles.

Long John Silver's shuts two LV restaurants: Brian Seals; The Lexington, Ky., company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization in June.

Letter: Separate transit system needed for senior citizens: They are planning a paratransit system that would deviate from the three-day request and scheduled routes, as it is set up now. They are having a meeting (hopefully) to suggest another option: to provide a separate service strictly for the elderly.

Editorial: HMOs use tactics they once decried: The United States probably has the most advanced medical system in the world. Of course there are medical miracles. With the advent of managed care and an emphasis on profits at the expense of medicine, however, there have been too many medical tragedies. Congressional reform of managed care is needed.

Columnist Peter Benton: Nev. State Seniors crown champions in Mesquite: Peter Benton; TOM VANDERLEEST, Wayne Lathrop, Sammy Lee, Warren Batchelor and Frank Singer shot 68s to share first flight honors in the Nevada State Seniors Golf Club's individual stroke play event, played over the Oasis layout in Mesquite.

Kenny leading commission fund-raiser: So is Dario Herrera, who is vying for the seat that will be vacated by Commissioner Lorraine Hunt.

Donations to Legislature incumbents overwhelm foes: The Las Vegas Democrat, seeking his second four-year term representing District 2 in the Senate, raised $83,674 through Tuesday's campaign finance filing deadline. Fellow Democrat Maggie Carlton raised $48,495.

National office suspends local NAACP leaders: President of the local chapter, the Rev. James Rogers, and his officers weren't the only leaders nationwide who were suspended for failing to turn in their 1996 financial statements.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Finding games can Boggle the mind: During a New England vacation, my friends and I played the game nightly. I was determined to keep playing when I came home.

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: 'Rat Pack' premiere conjures old Las Vegas spirit: Elizabeth Foyt; Gov. Bob Miller was in top spirits as he stopped to speak with Jackie Baskow, owner of Baskow Talent Agency, who coordinated much of the film's casting. Making his way into the hotel and the screening in the Crystal Showroom as well was Paul Anka, who graciously posed for candid snapshots and visited with the assembled fans. Receiving equally enthusiastic responses were Frankie Avalon, Angie Dickinson, George Clooney, super-model Cindy Crawford and others. Lending their own talents to the evening were "Rat Pack" stars Bobby Slayton (Joey Bishop), Angus Macfayden (Peter Lawford), Ray Liotta (Frank Sinatra), Las Vegan Don Cheadle ...

Columnist Paula Del Giudice: New wildlife office benefits boaters: TODAY MARKS the opening of a new Nevada Division of Wildlife office located at 744 S. Racetrack Road in Henderson. The new office is opening to provide more convenient customer service to the boat owners who reside in the southern Las Vegas Valley.