Print edition for April 20, 1999

$450,000 award given in lawsuit against hotel: Bill Gang; His white girlfriend, who also complained of being fondled and roughed up during the dispute that began over a routine check of her identity to ensure she was 21, was awarded $114,000.

Assembly votes down new insurance requirement: But Assemblyman Harry Mortenson, D-Las Vegas, opposed the bill, saying many economy-minded people with several vehicles get policies that just cover them no matter what vehicle they drive.

Blitzstein slaying suspect Davi pleads guilty: Bill Gang; The plea bargain, which requires Davi to testify as a prosecution witness against other defendants in the case, came to fruition late Monday, defense attorney Daniel Albregts said.

Jackpot shareholder crops criticism of merger: Nichols, a Los Angeles-based investor who controls about 1.6 percent of Jackpot's common stock through his firm, Windward Capital Management Co., has been a vehement critic of Las Vegas-based Jackpot and its chief executive, Don Kornstein. He has vowed to oppose Jackpot's recent acquisitions, and has filed Securities and Exchange Commission documents seeking to force Jackpot to disclose acquisition offers he believes the company has received.

Editorial: IRS must transform its culture: The agent that these officials wanted to terminate was no ordinary employee: She was Jennifer Long, a career tax auditor who created a sensation when she told a congressional committee in 1997 that low-income taxpayers were being targeted for audits while agents were instructed to avoid the friends of agency managers. Long was the only agent at that hearing -- former or current -- willing to testify openly; the rest had their identities hidden or disguised out of fear of retribution. The attempted action against Long has given credence to other agents' assertions before Congress that whistle-blowing isn't tolerated by ...

Inquest set in shooting by cop: At that time, a jury of seven citizens and an alternate will be assembled in Department 5 to hear the contents of a Clark County Coroner's report and other evidence regarding the April 12 slaying of 32-year-old John Perrin of Las Vegas.

Venice joins union battle: The Culinary Union has enlisted the help of the mayor of Venice and the Italian labor movement in its fight to organize hotel workers in Las Vegas.

Adelson to sue LVCVA, alleges conspiracy: Gary Thompson; "They're exposing the county to a lawsuit from us for hundreds of millions of dollars," Adelson said Monday. "If they cause us to lose value because of them, we'll sue them for as much as we can."

Columnist Ron Kantowski: College football's elite teams may bypass UNLV: At UNLV, intersectional college football games against powerhouse programs have been both. But given what has been happening at the University of Hawaii, Rebel fans can expect more North Texas States and fewer Tennessees on future UNLV schedules -- at least until John Robinson can put a winner on the field.

Columnist E.J. Dionne: Clinton's USA good for middle class: You'll hear less in the coming months about what these retirement accounts might accomplish than you will about the politics of the proposal and the battles between Democrats and the Republicans on Social Security. That's a shame. This is one of the better ideas Clinton has put forward.

Sierra Club wants to save Red Rock, other areas: "Red Rock Canyon is Las Vegas's backyard wilderness," the report said. It noted natural springs there recharge the valley's ground water and desert bighorn sheep roam the vivid scarlet sandstone.

UNLV told to rehire fired professor: Bill Gang; The case that stemmed from a lawsuit filed by 63-year-old Richard Sutton could have been avoided if UNLV officials had simply followed through with a 1993 deal, Sutton's attorney Adam Levine said after Friday's verdict.

Nevada Senate approves cap on electricity rates: The vote on SB438 was 18-2 with Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, and Sen. Joe Neal, D-North Las Vegas dissenting. It now goes to the Assembly.

Senate committee approves flag salute bill: Parnell adds the initial version of the bill was improperly written and read as if she opposed the Pledge of Allegiance. She said the opposite is true.

Four Las Vegans finish marathon: Ira Zimmerman finished the prestigious race most quickly among local men, turning in a time of 3 hours, 7 minutes, 41 seconds. At 52 years old, Zimmerman finished less than a minute outside the top 25 in the veteran age category.

The Card Way: Mel Larson lost his favorite pet, a cat named Keeke, to leukemia five years ago.

Lawmakers urged to reform state's foster care system: Kiley Russell; The parents urged the Assembly Ways and Means Committee on Monday to approve AB158, designed to help fix Nevada's much-criticized foster care and adoption services.

Owners predict sports complex to open in May: The facility on Spice Islands Drive will offer year-round ice-skating, something the Reno area hasn't had for six years, developers said.

Room tax bill gets Senate approval: A late amendment also funnels some of that money to Sparks. The bill requires the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority to pay Sparks in increasing increments up to $350,000 a year over eight years.

LVMS will figure in expansion plan, but not until 2001: Craig has experienced his share of victories, increasing his series from 16 to 20 races since 1994, negotiating expanded television coverage to more than 195 countries and overseeing CART's initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange.

Assembly moves last 15 bills before Monday deadline: Kiley Russell; But one high-profile bill, to ease Nevada's harsh marijuana penalties, wasn't voted on at all during the rush to meet the midnight Monday deadline.

Senate meets deadline on passing bills: Jennifer Coleman; Nevadans' electricity rates would be capped until 2003 under SB438, which would deregulate Nevada's power market. The bill was passed on a 18-2 vote.

A banner season at Santa Anita: Ralph Siraco; The curtain came down on a successful Santa Anita racing season Monday with several records falling to new highs. Sharing in the banner meeting were title holders Bob Baffert and David Flores. On the equine side, Free House, General Challenge and Excellent Meeting came away with meeting honors but, the real windfall came in the numbers.

Golden Spikes rock Tollberg, Stars: That bad game occurred Monday night at Rosenblatt Stadium.

Gibbons raps administration for spending too little on military: Scott Sonner; RENO, Nev. - A congressman who served as a combat pilot in the Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars says a trip to the Balkans confirmed his worst fears about the downsizing of the U.S. military.

Authorities investigate inmates suicide: Perron was found during a routine cell check at 12:30 a.m. Langton said the inmate was fine when checked a half hour earlier.

Ethics Commission clears Reno Mayor: The center affiliated with the University of Nevada, Reno works to increase trade with foreign countries.

Congressman back from Kosovo: Scott Sonner; Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., a former combat pilot in the Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars, said Monday that he came away from a refugee camp in Macedonia with a greater appreciation for the generations of hatred between the Serbs and ethnic Albanians.

Box score: Cubs 3, Stars 2 (11): Las Vegas

Reno-Tahoe Airport to host Postal Service hub: "The USPS will become a prestigious tenant that will attract additional cargo to our area," said Krys Bart, Airport Authority director. "The additional flights provided by USPS will also allow us to reduce our landing fees, thereby enticing the airlines to expand or create new air service to our region."

Nevada women oppose Dow Corning bankruptcy plan: Sandra Chereb; An objection on behalf of 55 Nevada women was filed Monday in U.S. Bankrupcty Court in Bay City, Mich.

Doctors sue Republic over medical waste monopoly: One potential competitor is already operating in Las Vegas despite legal challenges to its right in light of the existing franchise agreement between Republic Silver State Disposal Inc. and local municipalities.

Reid pushing new funding source for national parks: Scott Sonner; "The National Park system is one of the great things government has done for the world. It is in jeopardy," Reid, D-Nev., said in a telephone interview from Washington.

Councilman: No diversity guarantee with big council: Sen. Joe Neal, D-North Las Vegas, said the "sphere of influence" of blacks and Hispanics was lessened when the boundaries of the wards were redrawn.

Lawmaker's role questioned in amending Tahoe pier bill: Brendan Riley; Senate Judiciary Chairman Mark James also said he was hit with "malicious, untrue statements" from critics who said the amended bill passed despite his firsthand knowledge of opposition in Glenbrook to Harvey Whittemore's pier plans.

Judge orders Nevada coroner to give up DNA in paternity lawsuit involving Sonny Bono: Court papers filed in the Riverside County courthouse show that Cher filed a claim against Bono's $1.66 million estate last fall, alleging that her ex-husband owed her back alimony payments, the New York Daily News reported today. No amount was stipulated in the documents.

Trial begins for man accused in baby's death: The baby girl was taken to Washoe Medical Center on Jan. 31, 1998. She was pronounced brain dead a few days later.

Battle looming over nuke transport routes: Adrienne Packer; And the level of distrust hasn't waned in the past two years.

Lawmakers sticking to schedule: Cy Ryan and Scott Reeder; Monday was the deadline for each house to pass bills it originated. The Senate approved nearly 60 bills and the Assembly passed more than 15.

Editorial: Clinton's new plan aids national forest: Members of Alaska's congressional delegation are fervent believers in logging expansion and are furious about the plan. But Clinton, who has appeased the delegation in the past by exempting the Tongass National Forest from other logging restrictions, stood up to the Alaska lawmakers this time. Some environmentalists are disappointed the administration didn't set aside more of the Tongass, but it appears the right balance has been reached between protecting the environment and ensuring sufficient timber for the logging industry.

Wednesday at Aqueduct: 1st race 1 mi & 1 fur 3YO&up F&M Mdn: 1 Wallimar (Lovato) 113; 2 Gebb's Prince (Pezua) 113; 3 Judges Dream (Diaz) 113; 4 Ivory Castle (Lopez) 123; 5 Meteoric Rise (Winnett) 113; 6 Battle Of Saratoga (Espinoza) 113; 7 Brendan Shine (Velazquez) 113.

Composer proposing to build an LV resort: The Telegraph of London newspaper reported that Lloyd Webber has long wanted to build a resort in Las Vegas, but has been blocked by Universal. Lloyd Webber gave up effective control of Really Useful Holdings a decade ago when he sold the minority interest. That deal left him feeling "like an idiot," the Telegraph reported.

Enterprise's future to be taken up at meetings: Lisa Snedeker; They've scheduled the first of three meetings to hear those comments 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Cartwright Elementary School, 1050 E. Gary Ave. Subsequent meetings have been scheduled for May 11 and May 25.

Assembly gives in to feds, passes tougher DUI measure: The U.S. Transportation Department has vowed to withhold federal highway funds from any state that does not have such a law.

Full House president investigated by SEC: Giuffria could not be reached for further comment.

UNR signs Eldorado's Bayless: The 6-7 Bayless, who averaged 23 points and eight rebounds last winter, becomes the fourth local boys player to commit to a college. He joins Clark's Kevin Gaines (Michigan), Cheyenne's Demetrius Hunter (Georgetown) and Durango's Jason Burns (Georgetown).

Letter: KLA comparison an insult to Jews: The KLA has a drug link that goes from Bulgaria and Istanbul to the drug sewers of New York City. The KLA cold-bloodedly supports slaughtering 400,000 of its own people for propaganda purposes.

Letter: Youth drug abuse worldwide problem: What consequences are being set to those who use and supply illicit drugs whether they're on or off campus?

Radio pirates at issue during LV convention: Jeannine Aversa; They are radio pirates.

Picking new leader tops agenda for School Board: Benjamin Grove; Also foremost on the minds of school officials: managing a multibillion-dollar school construction program at a time of explosive growth, trying to teach a growing population of Spanish-speaking and special education students and coaxing more parents into classrooms.

Community briefs: John Bowers, chairman of UNLV's English Department, received the Regents' Teaching Award. Julie Jenson, head of UNLV master's of fine arts degree program in playwriting, received the Regents' Creative Activity Award. Richard Jensen and Lea Sexton, academic advisers, received the first Regent's Academic Advisor Awards.

Las Vegas news briefs: Josef Keys, 21, and Cimmaron Mendoza, 21, walked off about 12:30 a.m. Monday, a spokesman from the Nevada Department of Prisons said.

Monday's prep results -- April 20,1999: Cimarron-Memorial 200, Western 217 Medalist: Weston Leaver (Cim) -- 34

School sports bill dies in Senate: The bill originally proposed excluding five California high schools that are members of the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association from postseason competition.

Obituaries for April 20, 1999: She is survived by her husband, David; six children, Teresa Rueckert, Regina Heilman, Brian Rueckert and Jim Ryan, all of Las Vegas, Joyce Nellis and Gary Nellis; one sister, Peggy Donovan of Forked River, N.J.; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Controller's job in jeopardy as measure approved: The move would eliminate nine positions and save $500,000 a year, Sen. Dean Rhoads, R-Tuscarora, said. Senate Joint Resolution 9, which goes to the Assembly, would have to be passed this session and in 2001, then be approved by voters in June 2001 to become law.

Letter: Commissioners are blind when it comes to airport: Our county commissioners didn't notice that we need six to eight runways east to west just to keep up with the flow. They don't care about the noise or the increased burden of the changing flight patterns to keep up with the number of planes coming in for the oh-too-few runways.

Cash flow falls at Riviera, increases at Tropicana: Separately, Aztar Corp. of Phoenix said revenue of $35.8 million at the Las Vegas Tropicana was down from $37.6 million in the 1998 quarter. But EBITDAR cash flow of $3 million was up from $1.5 million thanks to strong demand for rooms and cost control programs. EBITDAR is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent. Aztar, which also has casino resorts in Atlantic City and elsewhere, said it earned $2.9 million or 6 cents per share during the quarter, up from $618,000 or 1 cent per share a year earlier. Riviera holdings said quarterly revenues of $40.3 million were ...

Receiver chooses Penn St. over UNLV: Steve Guiremand; There was some good news and some bad news for UNLV football coach John Robinson on Monday in his quest to land a couple blue-chip recruits who have decided to leave USC.

Southern Utah rips UNLV: Southern Utah rips UNLV

Box score: Southern Utah 13, UNLV 5: Box score: Southern Utah 13, UNLV 5

Assembly passes bill to regulate high-interest check loan firms: Testimony during hearings on the measure showed that often, the annualized interest rate on those loans can be thousands of percent with multiple penalties that those who get the loans don't understand.

Federal funding to help local police get bulletproof vests: "This program will help save lives of those who put their lives on the line for the public's safety," Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., said Saturday. "Criminals should not be better protected than those who seek to get them off the streets."

Box score: Golden Spikes 7, Stars 4: Las Vegas

Finances improving at Reserve hotel-casino: The improvement helped Ameristar substantially lower its first quarter loss to $112,000 or 1 cent per share compared to a loss of $6.6 million or 32 cents in the year-ago quarter.

County will consider new anti-smut law: Bill Gang; A federal court hearing Monday on a lawsuit brought against the ordinance by the American Civil Liberties Union failed to resolve any substantial issues. Only the ACLU lawyer appeared.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Teams keep Las Vegas hopes alive: Dean Juipe; The dreamers just can't believe it.

Letter: Las Vegas behind times on recycling: Even little Reno, which most Vegans hold in such disdain, is much more progressive. They have recycling bins at almost every supermarket for glass, cans, plastic and newspapers. They also have home and apartment pick-up. Why not here?

Circus Circus hints at new name: Gary Thompson; Circus Circus Enterprises Inc. indicated Mandalay Bay will play a prominent role in its long-awaited name change.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: A gut-wrenching war: The age of a person observing what's taking place in the Balkans may determine his or her state of confusion. People my age recall the Serbs standing up to the invading Nazis and helping downed American airmen escape their grasp. We also can recall the Germans bombing Belgrade and executing the Serbs. Today the grandchildren of those German bomber pilots and the grandchildren of those escaping American airman have joined together and both are now bombing Belgrade.