Print edition for April 21, 1999

Provost faces triple challenge for judge: Provost, 38, heard more than 250 trials in 1998 and presides over adult and juvenile traffic arraignments.

Nevada in line for water funds: While the bulk of the money will go toward environmental improvements and a water system at Lake Tahoe, the Truckee River and Walker Lake in Northern Nevada, almost $1 million will be spent in Las Vegas.

Voters have more choices in Henderson Wards 1 and 2: Candidates must live within the ward in which they run, but they are elected at-large. The most recent count shows the total number of registered voters in Henderson is a little more than 80,000.

Henderson council hopefuls much alike: They are both Republicans, although that should not be a factor in this nonpartisan race. The candidate who wins the May 4 primary gets the four-year job.

Casino sues ex-employee over horses: Smith was terminated from the Horseshoe on Jan. 3, the suit said. On Jan. 28, Horseshoe officials retrieved a tractor trailer and one stagecoach from a farm in Aledo. But the Horseshoe alleges Smith is still in possession of the horses, a horse trailer, a leather harness and other equipment.

Henderson: Crushing operation gets OK: Lisa Snedeker; After more than three hours of testimony from homeowners and discussion with the land owner and developers, the council reaffirmed an earlier decision by the Planning Commission to approve a controversial rock crusher in order to finish the subdivision.

Ex-Clark High star Glover set to fulfill dream: Tim Graham; By Tim Graham LAS VEGAS SUN

Tracking Nevada milk prices: For consumers who have been told how "milk does a body good" by white-mustachioed celebrities, dairy regulators have some good news.

Developers accused of defective construction: The suit says the condominiums, located at Alta and Buffalo drives, have numerous construction defects including improper waterproofing, stucco cracks, plumbing problems, drywall cracking, erosion and other damage.

Woman guilty in injury fraud case: Bill Gang; Now she has lost it all and has a criminal record.

County approves new pact for McCarran advertising: Adrienne Packer; Forsythe, Francis, Ernaut and Associates (FFE) will take over as the airport's advertising master concessionaire beginning July 1.

Nevadans mourn victims; cite overall safety in schools: Benjamin Grove; Pope frantically called friends and former neighbors to find out if anyone he knew fell victim to gunmen who terrorized Columbine High School.

Editorial: Legislation would aid national parks: The federal government is expected to have an $80 billion surplus this year, so using a portion of these royalties makes sense. About 65 million people visit national parks every year -- including 90,000 who visit the Great Basin National Park in eastern Nevada -- and this plan would help repair threatened ecosystems and preserve resources at these national parks.

Donrey newspapers team with KOZ.com: "We already have more than 400 local organizations participating in our Community Links area; but with CPS, we can offer so much more functionality to these and other groups," said the Review-Journal's Jack Harpster, new media director at Donrey.

Venetian to open May 3: The $1.5 billion Renaissance-themed resort featuring replicas of noted landmarks of Venice will open that morning with a private media preview, followed by an evening charity gala to benefit REACH OUT, a center for children in Las Vegas suffering from AIDS, Venetian executives said Tuesday.

Popular county worker Smith dies at 29: Adrienne Packer; A week ago Jennifer Smith was discussing her upcoming celebrations: her son's first birthday Monday and her 30th on Saturday.

Jones joins the battle of Venice: "It's not good for Sheldon," Jones said. "He doesn't need this aggravation. And it's not good for us."

Legislators eye extra tax revenue: Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, disclosed Tuesday that legislative financial experts have tentatively forecast about $40 million a year in revenues higher than expected.

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Odessky to speak about 'Good Old, Bad Old' times: Elizabeth Foyt; Birthday celebrationMarjorie Fields was recently honored with a multi-day celebration marking her 70th birthday. Gathering for a marvelous family visit at her Spanish Oaks home was her son Todd, his wife, Dunja, and their son, Kevin, all of Munich, Germany, as well as Kevin's grandpa, Hanno Ettwein. Present for the visit was daughter Donna and her husband, Dean, of Hancock, Minn., and Marjorie's youngest daughter, Tina Kobrin, of New York City.

Cyphers balances roles of motherhood, politics: Lisa Snedeker; When the first-term Henderson councilwoman talks about her son who is a little more than a month old, her eyes light up and she becomes very animated.

Metro K-9 unit mourns loss of Fred: Jace Radke; "People have to understand that this is a tragic loss for our unit and for Fred's partner," Lt. Tom Smitley said. "These dogs are just like our partners."

County firefighters lose a good friend: Last summer Clark County firefighters Stephen Kingry and Steve La-Sky planned to go to the first-ever bull run in Mesquite to test their courage against the charging beasts.

Merchants report nearly $2.1 billion in February sales: Brendan Riley; CARSON CITY - Nevada merchants had another good month- nearly $2.1 billion in February sales - and that in turn produced a 14.3 percent gain in sales tax collections compared with the same month in 1998.

Mayoral race goes global: The latest attack is in the form of a 30-second television advertisement from fellow mayoral candidate Mark Fine. But the chairman of the Korean Association of Las Vegas, which has endorsed Adamsen, is angered by the ad and believes it will solidify support for the Las Vegas city councilman in the local Asian-American community.

Editorial: Overhaul needed of foster care: The couple, who live near the town of Yerington in Northern Nevada, told the Assembly Ways and Means Committee on Monday about the need to pass Assembly Bill 158, legislation that would overhaul the state's roundly criticized foster care and adoption system.

Box score: Stars 5, Golden Spikes 0: Las Vegas

Letter: Draft-dodging president now dropping bombs: Here's a guy who in the '60s (draft dodger) carried signs against our country and young men -- so many who lost their lives.

Letter: High gas prices fueling campaigns: MABLE M. HARRIS

Hollywood Park opens with Friday night card: Ralph Siraco; The annual changing of the guard in Southern California from winter/spring racing to spring/summer racing takes place on Friday night when Hollywood Park takes the circuit baton from the recently concluded Santa Anita meet for a 66-day stand that runs through Monday, July 19.

Omaha salvages split with Stars: Las Vegas (7-6), behind the brilliant five-hit pitching of left-hander Heath Murray, won the opener, 5-0.

Mental health advocates lament defeat of insurance bill: Art Nadler; State mental health advocates expressed shock Tuesday in the wake of the defeat of a Senate bill that would have required health insurance companies to pay for mental illness treatments at the same level as physical diseases.

Hafen longtime resident in fastest-growing city: Lisa Snedeker; And anyone who has been in the city for any length of time probably knows him.

Fishing report -- April 21, 1999,: Most of the success for stripers has been coming by drifting anchovies. Casting spinner baits and artificial worms toward brush have been yielding largemouth bass.

Guide compares Nevada auto insurance prices: A survey of 26 companies shows that such firms as Hawkeye-Security Insurance Co. and Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Co. offer some of the lowest rates.

PUC staff counsel leaves office: Jack Finn, a spokesman for the governor's office, said he could not comment on Wellinghoff's departure, other than to say it was a personnel matter.

Expectations for Station up: "Station reported excellent first quarter results, with operating earnings per share of 18 cents, ahead of consensus of 13 cents, and our 15 cent estimate, which was the high of the Street" said Curtis.

Thursday at Aqueduct: 1st race 6 fur 3YO Fil Clm: 1 Peace Lily (Velazquez) 118; 2 Call Her Magic (Luzzi) 116; 3 Gayle's Glory (Espinoza) 112; 4 Promises Inthedark (Lopez) 116; 5 Kinnesbrook (Douglas) 116; 6 Stormy Nation (Rocco) 109; 7 Sosume (Molina) 105; 8 Golden Bluff (Bravo) 116.

Detective disputes secret testimony of Binion witness: Linda Carroll last Thursday told reporters she didn't believe Binion's Sept. 17 death was suspicious.

Supplier profit to beat estimates: The increase is primarily due to the company's Caribbean Stud progressive table game, which was acquired late last year. The company has more than 1,000 of the games in play.

Plan leaves cafe by roadside: Adrienne Packer; Public Works officials said earlier this month an agreement had finally been reached on the design for the east-west arterial, but the claim proved false Tuesday when the project was presented to commissioners.

Letter: Rationing taught value of conserving: Those of us who remember the war years of the '40s learned to do without. Dad got a ration stamp for a certain amount of gas for work.

Tuesday's prep results -- April 21, 1999: Chaparral 200 340 3 -- 12 15 1 Las Vegas 200 001 0 -- 3 3 3

Medical experts testify child suffered injuries before her death: Autopsy reports showed the little girl had 11 fractured ribs, a broken arm and bruises on her abdomen.

Community briefs: Local firefighters, police, Shriners, Wal-Mart managers and a UNLV mascot will be put in "jail" for one hour until they raise "bail." Funds raised will benefit University Medical Center's Children's Miracle Network. Call 656-0199.

Denton falls from idol to outcast: There are those who believe he has completely used his allotment of forgivable mistakes and that Jon Denton's plummet from sure-fire NFL prospect to undrafted renegade is entirely of his own doing.

County squad descends on blighted complex: Between 30 and 40 members of the team descended upon the Puebla Estates at Lamont Street and San Miguel Avenue about 8:30 a.m. and spent four hours issuing warnings.

Lakes Gaming reports net: The company said expansion of the gaming area and hotel at the Grand Casino Coushatta helped boost revenue from Lakes' management contracts with Indian casinos 19 percent over the 1998 first quarter.

Hilton officials pull out of tough parking spot: "We saw that it was 20 bucks, and I thought, 'I bet we could do better than that,' " Gorman said. "It is a lot of money."

Trauma Intervention Program seeks volunteers: In its fifth year, the Trauma Intervention Program responds to an average of 120 calls a month from emergency agencies such as Metro Police, local fire departments and hospitals.

Nuke storage bill debated despite threat of veto: Mark D. Preston; The committee, which is expected to pass the legislation and move it to the House floor for a full vote, was ironing out the bill's details this afternoon.

City Council considers downtown site for new city hall: The estimated cost of the project is $42 million.

Source: Mirage enters talks to buy Caesars gambling empire: Tim Dahlberg; LAS VEGAS -- Mirage Resorts Inc. is trying to expand its presence on the Las Vegas Strip by buying neighboring Caesars Palace and other Caesars properties.

County tries again to curb Strip smut: Adrienne Packer; Commissioners voted unanimously to hold a public hearing and perhaps adopt the newest law banning "off-premise canvassing" on May 4. The term refers to people who thrust handbills, often pornographic, at people as they walk along Strip sidewalks.

Cost of health proposal debated: Art Nadler; The Senate on Monday voted to send Senate Bill 520 to the Senate Finance Committee because the state Department of Human Resources said the bill would carry a $99 million price tag for fiscal year 2000 and $98 million in fiscal year 2001.

Box score: Golden Spikes 4, Stars 3: Las Vegas

Obituaries for April 21, 1999: She is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Eat, drink and be lobbied?: CARSON CITY -- Sens. Ray Shaffer, D-North Las Vegas, and Mike Schneider, D-Las Vegas, are running neck-and-neck in accepting free meals, drinks and entertainment from lobbyists after two months of the Legislature, a new report says.

School district address adds to LVCVA feud: Benjamin Grove; In response, the LVCVA called a truce -- sort of.

Wynn hits Trump with suit: John Wilen; It seems the long dispute between casino moguls Steve Wynn and Donald Trump will never die.

UNLV's Tishler ranked 19th: Tishler, a senior from Tel Aviv, Israel, whose career-high ranking of 27th came last fall, has won 27 of his last 29 matches in singles and doubles combined.

Columnist Peter Benton: Duval seems fearless, but also mysterious: Peter Benton; What's David Duval -- without doubt the man of the moment -- really like? On the golf course, he appears to be quite emotionless and possibly even surly.

Columnist Paula DelGiudice: Largemouth bass fishing picks up: Paula DelGiudice; The warm weather that settled into Southern Nevada last weekend should improve fishing conditions tremendously.

Columnist Tim Graham: Thunder's exit leaves Neverett out in cold: Tim Graham; The Las Vegas Thunder's demise might force the area's most talented play-by-play voice out of Las Vegas.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Spots remain in Robinson benefit event: Individual entries are now being accepted for next weekend's inaugural John Robinson Celebrity Invitational golf tournament.

Circus, Sierra stocks called laggards: Calpers, the nation's biggest public pension fund, today said it picked nine companies this year for shareholder activism aimed at improving their stock prices. Calpers chose its target companies based on stock performance, board practices and a financial performance measure called economic value added.

Videotape shows lawmaker took active role in debate on Tahoe pier bill: Brendan Riley; A legislative videotape shows that James, during an April 9 Judiciary Committee hearing on the homeowners' association measure, advocated term limits, residency requirements and operating rules for the associations.

Bill mandates psych tests for animal-abusing, gun-toting youths: Jennifer Coleman; AB221 was one of four juvenile justice bills reviewed by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Mirage sues Trump Hotels, claims trade secrets were stolen: Mirage Resorts Chairman Steve Wynn said in a statement that the filing was the first salvo in a barrage of revelations.

Car dealers ask lawmakers to let them loan cars to coaches: Jennifer Coleman; John Sande, representing the Nevada Franchised Auto Dealers Association, told the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday that dealers often loan cars to groups they want to support.

Visitor shot as he answers front door: Mingo was visiting a friend who lived in the home when he heard a knock at the front door. The resident told Mingo to answer the door, police said.

Shoshone-Paiute tribes receive grant for FM radio station: "Owyhee is one of the most remote places in the state of Nevada," said Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., who announced the grant Wednesday. "This grant will allow the tribe to activate their own FM radio station on 88.5. It is the first non-commercial radio station for this community of 1,550."

Club Cal-Neva to reopen second closed casino in downtown Reno: Local officials hope the Cal-Neva's intentions signal brighter days for Washoe County's casino and tourism core, where six casinos have closed in the past four months.

New budget may save state millions, speed services for mentally retarded: Kiley Russell; Gov. Kenny Guinn first proposed a $156 million budget for the Division of Mental Hygiene-Mental Retardation.

Neglected kids in shelters too long, audit says: If children had been moved within 10 days from shelters to foster care, the division would have saved more than $1 million, the auditors said. Instead, children spent an average of 33 days in state custody, costing Nevada $870,000 in 1998.

Senators criticize Babbitt for new Indian gambling rules: "Simply put, we do not believe Secretary Babbitt has the authority to ignore dozens of elected governors, senators and members of Congress to write his own Indian gaming laws," Bryan, D-Nev., said.

Controversy rages over mining regulations: Scott Sonner; But Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., said he was continuing a fight in Congress and was confident the Bureau of Land Management ultimately would back down and extend the May 10 deadline for public comment on the controversial package of proposed regulations.

Casino keeps up pursuit of heavy loser: About seven months after the loan was made, Hatta transferred his half-interest in his Vancouver home to his wife, but that didn't put the casino's collectors off the trail.

Letter: Marijuana should not be prescribed: They were made illegal for a reason. Next we'll be hearing about how cocaine should be legalized because it numbs the pain.

Letter: Test takers doomed without calculators: Throughout their years of school the teachers allowed them to use calculators to compute their problems. But the test they are given does not allow them the use of these electronic helpers.

Harrah's profit indicates good times for LV Strip: Gary Thompson; The company, which operates 18 hotel-casinos in the United States and Australia, said first-quarter net income rose to $34.1 million, or 27 cents a share, from $23.2 million, or 25 cents a share, in the 1998 first quarter.