Print edition for December 10, 1998

Teenager indicted in crime spree: Bill Gang; Both car-jackings ended up with the vehicle's owners keeping their cars. In one case, the trio gave the owner, a woman with a 7-year-old, $50 for gas and damage to the car. In the other, the trio disabled the vehicle in front of the owner's house before they could drive it away.

Special education teaching hopefuls await state approval: Benjamin Grove; But Perez has another goal: becoming a special education teacher. He hopes an upstart Clark County School District program will make that happen.

Public hearings held on unrestricted reptile collecting: About 55 people showed up for the hearing in Reno Wednesday, and at least that many were expected in Las Vegas Thursday evening, said Nevada Division of Wildlife spokesman Dave Rice.

Community briefs: The integration of Administration Computing and Academic Computing is part of the reorganization made by UNLV President Carol C. Harter following the resignation of Norval Pohl, vice president for finance and administration.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Barbutti honors longtime musical friend: Joe Delaney; Joe Fazzi and Pete Barbutti grew up together. ... Joe played drums with Pete back in Scranton. ... Pete's son Mark is married to Joe's daughter, Andrea. ... Fazzi has a degenerative eye disease; his sight is failing fast. ... Pete, through his travels, has accumulated numerous frequent flier miles.

LV casino opening threatened by Gaming Board: The state Gaming Control Board Wednesday criticized Mona for his associations with telemarketers who had brushes with federal regulators. And Board members complained about his accounting practices.

Editorial: Spying on co-workers indefensible: As the Sun's Jeff German reported Tuesday, the chain of events began in early November when Stanton, a sign-maker at the Facilities Division of the General Services Department, was asked by Hawkes and Thompson whether she had been sexually harassed while working there. Stanton said she told them that while she felt harassed it wasn't serious enough to make it public.

Nevada regulators give initial OK to Hilton split: The new gaming company will be called Park Place Entertainment Corp. and have 18 casinos in Nevada, Australia, Mississippi, Uruguay, Missouri, Louisiana and Atlantic City.

Brief: Casino stock trading blues: JCC Holding owns Jazz Casino Co., successor to Harrah's Jazz Co., which went into bankruptcy after a series of setbacks suffered during its attempt to open a land-based casino in Louisiana.

Brief: Riverboat win increases: State Police said New Orleans casinos won $25.3 million, Shreveport-Bossier city boats won $48.7 million, Lake Charles casinos won $23.9 million and two boats in Baton Rouge won $9.8 million.

Friday at Hollywood: 1st race 6 fur 2YO Fil Alw: 1 Capote's Caper (Espinoza) 120; 2 Reina Co (Enriquez) 117; 3 Memoranda (Garcia) 120; 4 Air Force Woman (Gonzalez) 120; 5 Excessive Bliss (Flores) 117.

Brief: American Wagering posts loss: Revenue fell to $2.6 million from $3.3 million, the company said.

Analysts rate hotel, gaming companies: James Sullivan of Prudential Securities cut Starwood to "accumulate" from "strong buy," with a 12-month price target of $35 a share. Brad Cohen of Sands Brothers & Co. downgraded Starwood to "sell" from "strong buy."

Letter: House has duty to vote for impeachment: Reading and hearing about all these polls: 60-something percent do not want the president impeached, 60-something percent do not want the president removed from office, 60-something percent think the president is doing a good job, etc. In all these polls, I have never seen or heard where these polls were conducted, the age, race or gender of the respondents. As any pollster worth his salt knows, you can get any poll outcome you want based on where and whom you target.

While Mortensen won't win all-round title, he still had good year: Bill Bowman; But for Mortensen, the 1997 World Champion All-Around Cowboy, the run is about over.

UCLA reaches for an NCAA Championship: Steve Carp; But that's what 11 national championship banners will do for you. You're only as good as your last ring.

Children still critical after apartment fire: City of Las Vegas firefighters were continuing to investigate the cause of the blaze this morning.

Analyst sees LV gaming cash-flow declines continuing: Gary Thompson; Southern Nevada casinos' 27-month string of declines in same-store cash flow should continue for another nine quarters, a top gaming analyst says.

Obituaries for December 10, 1998: He is survived by his wife, Irma; one son, Richard Allmer of Palmdale, Calif.; two daughters, Thora Donovan and Susan Allmer, both of Las Vegas; two brothers, Hal Allmer of Fort Meyers, Fla., and Eugene Allmer of Edison, N.J.; three sisters, Audrey Launay and Dorothy Byrne, both of West Palm Beach, Fla., and Alice Small of New Jersey; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Airbag sales deflate for LV firm: John Wilen; American Pacific Corp. reported vastly improved earnings on slightly higher sales in the company's fourth fiscal quarter that ended Sept. 30.

Bail reduced for teen charged in June killing: District Judge Donald Mosley on Wednesday reduced the bail from $100,000 for Amalia Boyer, who was 16 at the time of the shooting at 4537 E. Cool Valley Dr., near Bonanza Road and Lamb Boulevard.

Ensign's press secretary to take job with Guinn: The announcement came the day after Ensign conceded defeat to Sen. Harry Reid.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: A tough neighborhood: The picture of Israeli soldier Assaf Meyara, 19, being stoned by a mob upset me. You can just imagine the anger I would have felt if it was an American soldier wearing the uniform and patch of my former combat unit. Now consider how the picture affected the people of Israel where every family has members in military uniforms sometime during the year. Also these same families read weekly about Israeli soldiers being killed in Lebanon and are fearful when their younger children are put on a bus for school. Will they be a target of terrorists bombs?

Brief: Proposal would tie increases to price index: Under the proposal, rates would increase in July based on the previous year's price index. Spinello said the 1998 CPI is running at about 1.7 percent. If the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimate of a 1.6 percent increase holds, a rate increase of $1.86 to $118.26 per year would occur.

Officials say valley ahead in race for crash-free 2000: Those are just a few tidbits of advice from Clark County residents who believe Y2K -- the abbreviation for the year 2000, when computers worldwide are predicted to crash -- spells doom and gloom.

Judge approves Nevada's settlement with tobacco industry: Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa said she expects the settlement to bring Nevadans $1.2 billion from the tobacco industry over the next 25 years.

Standoff after killing ends in surrender: After a stand-off that lasted almost three hours, James D. Perdue, 53, surrendered peacefully, according to Metro homicide Lt. Wayne Petersen.

Nevada ranks at bottom in appreciation of existing homes: By comparison, existing home prices appreciated 8.5 percent in California and 4.6 percent in Arizona, the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight reported in its third-quarter House Price Index.

Supreme Court rejects appeals by two LV killers: The court upheld the first-degree murder conviction of Gregory Leonard, convicted of strangling 65-year-old Thomas B. Williams in November 1994 in the Las Vegas apartment complex where they both lived. And the court dismissed the appeal of David R. Riker, found guilty of the robbery-murder of Kevin Marble in Las Vegas in April 1992.

Sanford turns down offer to come to UNLV: Steve Guiremand; For Sanford, it would be the fourth of five states he would visit in a two-day span. Later that afternoon, he would drive three more hours to meet with another top-notch prospect in Seattle, Kennedy running back Paul Arnold.

National Finals Rodeo Results - Dec. 10: Steer wrestling-1, Tim Segelke, Snyder, Colo., 3.4 seconds, $14,936. 2, Ote Berry, Checotah, Okla., 3.7, $11,192. 3, Byron Walker, Ennis, Texas, 4.0, $7,448. 4, (tie) Rod Lyman, Victor, Mont., and Jeff Corbello, Iowa, La., 4.3, $2,502 each. 6, Kurt Goulding, Duncan, Okla., 4.4, $828.

State authorizes creation of credit card system for agencies: Agencies using the cards must pay all charges in full at the end of each billing cycle.

Editorial: Smart zoning could help neighborhoods: Another plan would be to apply the same setback requirements to commercial businesses that apply to hotel-casinos, so that the higher the building is, the greater the setback that would be required. This could help alleviate the feeling of a homeowner that someone sitting in an office in a high-rise always is peering down at him.

Latest computer policy for Nevada colleges still misses ACLU mark: Stacy J. Willis; The University and Community College System of Nevada released the fifth revision of the policy earlier this week, hoping it would allay concerns about computer privacy issues raised by faculty and ACLU representatives.

Zoning change for auto center raises concerns: Jace Radke; The auto service mall, which is made up of repair shops and other auto-related businesses, is proposed for the corner of Commerce Street and Carey Avenue.

Columnist Tim Graham: Royster takes on new role with Expos: Tim Graham; It was obscure. But there it was, buried in small type on Wednesday's Scoreboard page under the transactions heading.

UNLV students want anti-hazing laws: Stacy J. Willis; In short, no hazing.

Brief: Marvin Davis building in Missouri: The Kansas City Star reported this is the first gambling company to win permission for off-river riverboat construction since voters approved a constitutional amendment Nov. 3 allowing riverboat casinos to operate from artificial basins as opposed to real rivers.

Letter: Crisis would be not to impeach: I firmly believe if these majors in the Marine Corps are speaking out, there are thousands upon thousands in the military who share the same dislike for the president. But out of fear of reprisal they keep silent. Much like many people in society, they say what is only socially acceptable.

Growth has high schools planning for realignment: Spencer Patterson; For now, those days are over. On Wednesday night, most of the area's 4A boys and girls squads opened their conference slate, many after as few as three non-league contests.

Brief: Stock seller sued: However, LVAL-Delaware alleges an audit later revealed financial discrepancies. The suit alleges a $48,000 shortfall between January 1998 and September 1998 and alleges it was caused by Donohue's misappropriation of cash for his use.

Las Vegas news briefs: Several people forced their way into a local apartment at 7:30 p.m. Monday, police said. The suspects demanded money they claim was owed to them for moving expenses, beat the resident, took some jewelry and said they would return to collect the money.

Brief: Shuffle Master retains investment banker: "We will seriously explore and consider all of our options and opportunities, but we can make no assurances what the outcome of this activity will be," he said.

Man convicted in child-sex case may have run LV day-care center: Kelly David Smith, 40, accepted a plea bargain in Victorville, Calif., Superior Court last week that will require him to be sentenced to six years in prison and serve at least 85 percent of that sentence, prosecutors said.

Friday at Golden Gate: 1st race 6 fur 2YO Fil Clm: 1 Atlantic Miss (Tohill) 116; 2 Madam Cupcake (Meche) 116; 3 AVA Tricks (Carr) 116; 4 Own The Magic (RBaze) 116; 5 Neaskra (Castro) 116; 6 Bronze Cote (Warren) 116; 7 Time To Move (Meza) 116.

Girls 4A basketball teams: Matt O'Brien; SUNRISE DIVISION

Ensign admits defeat to Reid: Challenger John Ensign threw in the towel at 9 p.m. Wednesday after Washoe County completed its recount. "I'm at peace with the outcome," Ensign told a news conference in Las Vegas.

Bitter church battle may be heading for compromise: Residents in the area complained during a heated debate before the Clark County Commission Wednesday, prompting a possible compromise. Church officials suggested the possibility of reducing the height to 85 feet.

Prison industry programs doing better than ever before: Skolnik said a University of Nevada, Reno study credits prison industries with a total economic impact of $14.3 million in the state last year while providing 406 jobs for inmates.

Court: No wiretap without consent: Justice Bill Maupin, who wrote the majority opinion issued Wednesday, said it was clear the Legislature intended that both parties must consent, absent a court order.

Letter: It's time for gaming tax to be increased: Why does our state continually raise our sales tax while never touching the gaming tax? Shouldn't gaming pay its fair share as we are continually asked to do? There has been no change in the gaming tax for 12 years.

High court ruling on vehicle searches will have little impact here: "The Nevada Supreme Court, to its credit, is much better on search and seizure issues than the United States Supreme Court," say JoNell Thomas, a Las Vegas criminal defense attorney who is Nevada's representative on the board of directors of the National American Civil Liberties Union.

Former Rebel booted from Eastern Kentucky team: The Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader has reported that Colonels coach Roy Kidd booted Denton in the aftermath of the Green Valley native breaking curfew prior to EKU's last game, and "not doing the things he's supposed to do," since the end of the season.

Vipers 2, Thunder 1: Mike Prokopec gave the Vipers a 1-0 lead 12:47 into the game, with his 10th goal of the year.

Columnist Jeff German: Jones looks determined to land top Democratic Party post: Two terms as mayor and two failed bids for governor apparently have convinced Jones her future in politics lies outside Nevada government.

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Agonizing over the death dilemma: Ruthe Deskin; My beloved mother, a sincerely religious person, prayed to her God to deliver her from the dreadful pain and suffering that was her lot as her frail body gradually succumbed to a fatal illness.

Don't let lack of tree safety spoil your holidays: Each year in the United States, more than 1,300 people are treated for injuries related to holiday lights, and Christmas trees are involved in about 500 fires a year, according to the Fire Marshal's office.

Brief: Mississippi resort to expand: This is the latest in a wave of hotel-casino construction on the Gulf Coast. Room inventory there is expected to exceed 16,000 by the end of next year, according to the Gulf Coast Hotel-Motel Association. There were 6,447 rooms in 1993.

4A boys basketball: Spencer Patterson; SUNRISE DIVISION

Friday at Aqueduct: 1st race 6 fur 3YO & up F&M Mdn: 1 American Double (Bridgmohan) 119; 2 Kerry Offaly (DeCarlo) 119; 3 All Is Well (Madrid) 119; 4 Be An Aris (Molina) 114; 5 Smart Pro (Douglas) 121; 6 Islander Blues (Diaz) 114; 7 Longing Tobe Legal (Luzzi) 119; 8 Paradice Vice (Gryder) 119; 9 Upstate Kate (Velasquez) 119; 10 Grany's Love (Leon) 121; 11 Rozalindas Shoes (Rivera) 119; 12 Krystal (Diego) 112.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Upstart Vargas Challenges Campas for title: Dean Juipe; Actually, he's only 27. But with 74 professional fights under his belt, the IBF junior middleweight champ has the background -- if not the appearance -- of an older man.

Study says Nevada children suffer: The report says Nevada state has the highest high school dropout rate in the nation, ranked 42nd for the number of teen births, and had a 49 percent increase in violent crimes involving juveniles from 1995 to 1997.

Two children die one day after apartment fire: The children had been sleeping in a back bedroom of the second-floor apartment when the fire began.

Fight Schedule: At Rochester, Wash., John Palaki, Seattle, vs. Miguel Arrozal, Mexico, 12, lightweights.

Sen. Jacobsen says oil company lawsuit news to him: "I've been out of there for 16 years," added Jacobsen. "It's strange it would surface in that manner without some papers being served on us."

Fight with Tyson puts spotlight on Botha: Dean Juipe; Just one day after his fight with Mike Tyson was formally announced, Frans Botha was seeing the effects of striking it rich.

Nevada Focus: Cartoonist succeeds by drawing himself: Tom Gardner; No, meet cartoon characters Opal and Earl. They are Brian Crane's alter egos in his comic strip "Pickles." So are their daughter Sylvia, their grandson Nelson, their perplexed dog Roscoe and their standoffish cat Muffin.

Mortensen wins fifth saddle bronc world championship: "I feel like I'm riding pretty good right now," said Mortensen, last year's all-around champion. "There's so much pressure here that you rarely see guys ride as good as they did all year long."

Subcritical test postponed another day at Nevada Test Site: The DOE said problems with the experiment's diagnostic package forced the delay.

Lahontan trout researcher dead at 49: Vinyard, who died in his sleep early Wednesday, is survived by his wife Deidre, director of the UNR intensive English language center, a son and a daughter. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Reid will fight major overhaul of Social Security: Scott Sonner; "The important thing is to mend it, don't end it," Reid, D-Nev., said.

Navy says missile flights over Nevada nothing new: Grace Potorti, director of the Rural Alliance for Military Accountability, sounded an alarm on Wednesday saying the overflights were taking place without public notice or testimony.

English teachers must move to make room for paranormal studies: The Consciousness Studies Program, with a staff of three and a following of 98 students, plans to take over the space and invite in larger groups to discuss near-death experiences and other unearthly topics. About a dozen philosophy graduate students also will be moved into the Houssels House in the coming months.

'Tis the season to be passing funny money: "The more I looked, the more I realized they didn't look or feel right," Mick said. "I realized they were a fairly decent color copy done on good paper.

Report: 4.9 percent jump in tourism traffic: Robert Macy; The increase was the highest monthly hike since April 1997, according to figures released Thursday by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Nevada Focus: Smith Valley cheerleaders do it all: And when the game is over and the coach's wife, Shelly, says it's time to cheer for the Bulldog boys team, they change their clothes and do that, too.