Print edition for October 8, 1998

Caesars Palace owner's debt downgraded: John Wilen; "The Las Vegas market will be impacted next year as four new mega resorts are added on the Strip," said Standard & Poor's in a release.

Unions urge state to regulate safety of railroads: Unions participating in the review process are taking the opportunity to air concerns about workplace issues in locomotive cabs and on walkways along Nevada's 1,107 miles of track.

Calambro case headed to the U.S. Supreme Court: Pescetta said he served notice when the Nevada Supreme Court refused to stop Calambro's execution.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Expect a war between De La Hoya, Quartey: Dean Juipe; What may well be the toughest fight of Oscar De La Hoya's career presents a problem for promoter Bob Arum.

Fight schedule -- October 8, 1998: At Kansas City, (FSN), Alex Stewart, St. Petersburg, Fla., vs. Ezra Sellers, Washington, 10, heavyweights; Mario Iribarren, Cuba, vs. Randy Carver, Kansas City, 12, super middleweights; Lance Whitaker, Los Angeles, vs. Dan Conway, Kansas City, 10, heavyweights.

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Looking back, looking ahead for the Sun: Ruthe Deskin; It took months of planning and organizing by a group of talented and innovative folks to give the Las Vegas Sun its new look.

Health officials say flesh-eating bacteria no threat to population: Art Nadler; The unidentified patient was transferred from MountainView Hospital to University Medical Center last week. He died from complications on Friday.

Leaks seen as source of 'sick building': Art Nadler; Representatives from the state Risk Management Division are meeting at 1 p.m. today to plan the next line of defense with building maintenance personnel, scientists and tenants from agencies located in the $26 million office complex at 555 E. Washington Ave.

Longtime printer for Sun, union official Smith dies: Smith, who was employed by the Sun from 1966-84 and founded Time Printing in 1981, died Sunday at his home following a lengthy illness.

Rebels golf team drops to fourth: Rebels golf team drops to fourth

Bank robberies up this year: Karen Zekan; As of Wednesday evening, a total of 69 heists had been pulled off at local banks, said Aurelio Flores, Bureau spokesman. The 69th bank robbery in 1997 didn't occur until Nov. 26.

Eustachy can give thanks to the Bulls: Steve Carp; Somewhere along the food chain that is the dysfunctional hierarchy of the Chicago Bulls is Larry Eustachy.

School district lawsuits: The district has about 200,000 students, up from 122,000 eight years ago.

Scherer calls for death case reform: Scherer called for legislation to let Nevada take advantage of the 1996 federal law reducing appeals an inmate on death row can file. Under that plan, inmates would get one complete and thorough appeal. But only a significant change such as new evidence would allow another federal appeal.

Editorial: Union election at hospital is welcome: The union, which is associated with the Service Employees International Union of the AFL-CIO, had argued with the hospital on how to conduct the election. But a compromise was reached, allowing a secret ballot. And prior to the election hospital officials will not express their views. In addition, the union, which in the past has accused the hospital of understaffing in nursing, has agreed to stop all of its negative campaigning against the hospital.

County wants closer look at elementary school's parking: Adrienne Packer; The Cherokee Lane school's enrollment has doubled to 1,200 in two decades. Its parking lot fills quickly, leaving teachers only neighborhood streets for parking. When parents arrive to pick up their children, they double-park.

Stewart in chase for IRL championship: It has been said that race-car drivers are a rare breed, and Tony Stewart is no exception.

Editorial: Killing a decent HMO bill: Bowing to the concerns of the managed-care lobby, which launched a $2 million advertising blitz to thwart any reform package, the Senate has refused to consider legislation that would have given protection to Americans caught under restrictive health care plans. Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., acknowledged this week that a bill that would have given patients a greater voice has joined other important legislation Republicans have thrown to the scrap heap. "The landfill includes our patient bill of rights," Daschle said. "We leave with great disappointment."

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

LV construction strikes go on and on: Brian Seals; About 130 workers with Tradewinds Construction, Pete King Corp. and MYS Drywall and Acoustics have walked off the job, union organizer Jim Sala said Wednesday.

Tyson asks Supreme Court to keep medical records private: CARSON CITY -- Boxer Mike Tyson has asked the Nevada Supreme Court to keep the results of his mental examination confidential because there is a "great possibility of misuse" if they become public.

Preps: Youth golf gives boost to Rancho High: Spencer Patterson; Forfeits and the Rancho High School girls golf team have been an inseparable pair for most of the 1990s.

DA warns candidates: Run in the district you live in: Bill Gang; District Attorney Stewart Bell and his staff decided it was time to deal with the issue and the first target is Republican Assembly 14 candidate Michael George Plaisted.

Excess dirt could delay section of beltway: At a meeting with Sun City Summerlin residents Wednesday night, Clark County Commissioner Lance Malone said he would vote at the Oct. 19 commission meeting to allow the company an extended deadline for excavating the land between the Summerlin Parkway and Cheyenne Avenue.

Indian gaming seen as uphill fight by industry: "We could lose it, absolutely, given the fact that many people in the industry are sticking their heads in the sand," said Mike Sloan, general counsel of Circus Circus Enterprises. "In any campaign, when somebody out-spends you 3-1, it's hard to win."

Ex-IHL scoring leader dies: Morin apparently suffered a heart attack while playing for the Berlin Capitals of the German league Tuesday night, the IHL said.

Clean-up work rewarded at Freedom Park: The event, sponsored by the Las Vegas Hispanic Counsel of Mexico, offered children and their parents the chance to see Circus Osorio and the Mexico Vivo dancers for free as a reward for pitching in to keep Las Vegas clean.

Hunter opts for Georgetown: Tim Graham; During his junior year, courtside observers could watch Demetrius Hunter and fathom him going on to play college basketball at Pepperdine. That seemed about right.

Prep football top 10 -- October 8, 1998: Prep football top 10 -- October 8, 1998

PT's takes on Canadian partner: P.T.'s has 17 operating pubs and other facilities with 339 gaming devices, 14 other properties in various stages of development and the associated U.S. Coin Co. slot route company.

Man sentenced in girl's drowning: Bill Gang; David Knight sought probation Wednesday by telling District Judge Donald Mosley that the death of Ariel Robson on March 31, 1995, was "a horrible, tragic mistake ... a total accident" that occurred when he left her alone for a moment to answer the telephone.

McCullough doesn't mind being underdog vs. Hamed: Dean Juipe; Wayne McCullough has lost only one professional fight and is regarded as a national treasure in his native Ireland.

Mickelson, Couples commit to LVI: The Las Vegas Invitational's marquee is getting crowded.

Judge Fine found guilty of misconduct: The state Judicial Discipline Commission said Wednesday that Fine held meetings on a case without lawyers from either side being present; appointed her relative to be a mediator in a case without informing the parties; and changed the parental rights of a mother to her child without notice or a hearing.

State charges dropped in killing linked to wealthy du Pont family: Bill Gang; The pair still face federal charges.

IRL Driver appearances: Today

Former Little League president indicted: Bill Gang; Former league President David McCurdy was indicted Wednesday on charges of theft, attempted theft and insurance fraud. Chief District Judge Myron Leavitt issued a warrant for McCurdy's arrest following the indictment.

Program zeroes in on guns at school: Benjamin Grove; Their answers:

District's growth has legal caseload on rise: Benjamin Grove; Three years after he took a tumble in a puddle of water at Green Valley High School while delivering 10 pizzas, Kostas is $50,000 richer.

NLV rec center gets unanimous vote of approval: Jace Radke; City staff reported at the council's Wednesday night meeting that the development of the new center will cost about $3.5 million. The cost of the project will be funded through the city's recreation funds.

County struggles to set policies on nursing homes: Adrienne Packer; But whether living facilities for elderly people should be built in neighborhoods of single-family homes or squeezed into commercial districts has spurred several debates inside the Clark County Commission chambers.

Low stock prices cause Strip executives to consider going private: Gary Thompson; Fed up with plunging stock prices, executives at some publicly owned gaming and lodging companies are considering going private through leveraged buyouts or accelerated stock repurchase programs, analysts say.

UP courts developer for downtown land: Mike Forche, president of the City Centre Development Corp., which is responsible for coordinating the redevelopment of downtown Las Vegas, told the City Centre board of directors Wednesday that the railroad will bring representatives of the company to tour the area next week.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Nevada's medical ethics: The American Medical Association Code of Medical Ethics states that "The confidentiality of physician-patient communications is desirable to assure free and open disclosure by the patient to the physician of all information needed to establish a proper diagnosis and attain the most desirable clinical outcome possible. Protecting the confidentiality of the personal and medical information in such medical records is also necessary to prevent humiliation, embarrassment, or discomfort of patients. At the same time, patients may have legitimate desires to have medical information concerning their care and treatment forwarded to others."

Jenkins helping to carry load for Cougars: Steve Guiremand; When it comes to college football, BYU head coach LaVell Edwards is kind of like E.F. Hutton: When he talks, people listen.

Obituaries for October 8, 1998: She was preceded in death by one son, John Arbogast.

Appeals plan: More Nevada cases heard by state judges: Bill Gang; A congressionally chartered commission Wednesday released its study of the 9th Circuit, recommending the court and its 28 judgships be sub-divided into three parts but not dismantled.

County approves big hotel-casino near Sands Expo Center: Adrienne Packer; Sunrise Apartments is the fourth developer to propose building a hotel-casino resort on Koval Lane. Soon the narrow road that runs parallel to Las Vegas Boulevard may be transformed into a mini-Strip.

Nevada delegation regroups on cargo airport bill: The House voted 302-123 to defeat the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Act. Southern Nevada's proposal for an airport on a dry lake bed in the Ivanpah Valley to relieve busy McCarran International Airport was one of 100 measures included in the failed bill.

Columnist David Broder: Democrats are party to a shameful candidate: David Broder; But when party leaders compare notes about the November election, no one has a more woeful tale to tell than Michigan's Democratic Chairman Mark Brewer. Clinton is the least of his problems.

Letter: Celebrities trash Agassi function: It also didn't seem that there was the usual closeness between all of the on-stage personnel as there has been in the past and that the performers were just there to promote their own careers and egos.

Wednesday's Prep Results: Meadows 18 1/2, Clark 4

Brief: Departing Rio exec gets $2 million-plus: The proxy statement noted that if the merger isn't consummated, Rio or Harrah's might be required to pay the other company a $22.5 million termination fee.

Brief: Wells Fargo plans to sell 2.5 million shares: Companies prefer pooling so that they can avoid a writedown for goodwill and report higher future profits.

Team owner Foyt adding to his lore: MIKE HARRIS; The memories are fading now.

Preps: Boys Tennis standings -- October 8, 1998: SUNRISE DIVISION

IHL Standings -- October 7, 1998: Northeast Division

Brief: LV visitor information system going nationwide: Operated through MCI and sponsored by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the service is being advertised in newspapers in Las Vegas feeder markets and Arbogast said once the system reaches its capacity of 1,000 connection points, he will expand the service to other tourism markets.

Le Mans comes to America, maybe Indy, too: AP Sports Writer

Brief: LV firm's stock options now traded: The Chicago Board told Sage that companies trading on multiple exchanges benefit from more liquidity and lower stock price volatility.

Preps: Girls Tennis standings -- October 8, 1998: SUNRISE DIVISION

Prep Football standings -- October 8, 1998: SUNRISE DIVISION

Letter: Criticism of athlete unfair: Where is he coming from? Flo Jo never failed a drug test! She has served as a model athlete and citizen to the young people of our country. She has represented our country with great distinction and honor. What has Juipe done lately?

Brief: Legislator wants noise regulations stricken: Hansen said there is no scientific validation that natural quiet has not been restored at the canyon and air tour noise regulations shouldn't be enforced until there is.

LV's Tyler Houston comes into his own during baseball's memorable season: Tim Graham; The season ended for the Cubs on Saturday, yet Tyler Houston remains in Chicago.

Preps: Girls Volleyball standings -- October 8, 1998: SUNRISE DIVISION

Letter: Easy to interpret Clinton's remarks: John H. Meierdierck

Letter: Starr should be under indictment: The only difference between them and the president is that the president got caught. This report just proves one thing: Americans like to read any dirt that is printed, and the kinkier the better.

Brief: LV seed company may entertain merger offers: AgriBioTech is a fast-growing, high-technology grass seed company.

Nevada Focus: Horse helicopter roundups no longer controversial: That's what happened last week when BLM officials held an annual hearing - required under federal law - on the historically controversial practice of using helicopters to round up wild mustangs on the open range.

Friday at Bay Meadows: 1st race 1 mile 3YO &up Clm: 1 Favorite Gift (Baze) 116; 2 Playin The Blues (Tohill) 119; 3 She Is Welcome (Perez) 116; 4 Dawn's Castle (Carr) 115; 5 Hawkette (Sandoval) 115.

Binion investigation returns to death scene: "We're taking another look at the house," Homicide Lt. Wayne Petersen said. "They went out to get some first-hand knowledge of the physical layout of the house."

Preps: Boys Soccer standings -- October 8, 1998: SUNRISE DIVISION

Brief: Union torments subcontractor: The union cited 112 "deficiencies" issued to Amalgamated Safety by the Transportation Department between March 25 and Sept. 21.

Letter: NOW leader not doesn't speak for this woman: But when her opponent, Bay Buchannan tried to explain that any person, including the president of the United States, commits perjury, lies under oath, etc., should either resign or be impeached for the good of the country, she was either cut short by King or interrupted by Ireland.

Brief: Board member dies: Temen, 65, died Monday following an illness. Services are scheduled for Friday in Reno.

Letter: With shelters full, why sell pets?: Letter: With shelters full, why sell pets?

Letter: Nevada hurt by California verdict: At least the two-stroke wave runners will be gone. That's good. Good for the swimmers and good for the ears of the nonswimmers.

David Cassidy to depart MGM's 'EFX': Melissa Schorr; David Cassidy, the former teen idol of "The Partridge Family," and star of the MGM Grand's $45 million special effects extravaganza "EFX," announced Wednesday that he will be leaving the show in December after a two-year run.

Letter: Good Samaritan law not the answer: In which one of these environments, as a society, do we have the greatest opportunity to influence the development of a young mind about moral conduct? The answer is, of course, the classroom. We must establish a curriculum which teaches children from kindergarten through the 12th grade moral philosophy.

Columnist Tim Graham: Driving the Thunder down under: Tim Graham; As time passes it becomes more evident the Las Vegas Thunder's brain trust suffers from a lack of blood flow.

Miles for Smiles: Kimberley McGee; The whine of drills and teeth grinders resonate at a new dental facility, as overlays to straighten patients' teeth are shaped.

Burton says rivalry talk a bit premature: AP Sports Writer

Letter: Other parties worsened scandal: Congressman are not interested in national polls, simply the registered voters in their district. Seventy percent would vote to impeach. At this time, there is a 23 percent chance of a democratic election plurality.

Preps: Girls Golf standings -- October 8, 1998: SUNRISE DIVISION

Brief: LV restaurant operator's shares fall: Several other analysts lowered their ratings on Morton's, largely on concern that sales will shrink as the U.S. economy slows following weakened economies in Asia and Latin America.

Friday at Belmont: 1st race 6 fur 2 YO Fil Mdn: 1 Confirming (Gryder) 118; 2 Whateverlolawants (Lovato) 118; 3 La Grocerita (Bridgmohan) 113; 4 Holy Golightly (Chavez) 118; 5 Xylophone (Bravo) 118; 6 Margin For Error (Velazquez) 118; 7 Better (Migliore) 118; 8 Wind Tunnel (Santos) 118; 9 La Ville Rouge (Luzzi) 118; 10 Youbetterbelieveit (Bailey) 118.