Print edition for April 30, 1999

Auto racing schedule, leaders and standings -- April 30, 1999: NASCAR Winston Cup schedule, with winners in parentheses, and driver point standings:

McDonald makes his mark: Erin Neff; Autographed helmets, stadium models, team pictures and a signed Joe Montana jersey all circle the prized possession: a framed photo of storied coach Knute Rockne that McDonald says came right out of the locker room in South Bend, Ind.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Rusty eyes win No. 50 at Penske's Calif. track: FONTANA, Calif. -- Rusty Wallace would like nothing better than to win Sunday's California 500 NASCAR Winston Cup race at California Speedway.

Study reveals underfunding at all Nevada college campuses: The study recommends that the Board of Regents seek an additional $24 million from the Legislature this year and to request a similar increase every session.

Box score: Cannons 9, Stars 4: Calgary

Natural gas leak investigated in body shop blast: Tom Gardner; They were to return today to further examine a gas meter at the building where the blast collapsed the top floor down to the ground level and fire sent toxic smoke skyward above the 21-story Reno Hilton across the street.

Mat's all Folks: U.S. National Wrestling schedule: TODAY: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (men's freestyle and Greco-Roman); 6 p.m.-10 p.m. (women's freestyle); 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (junior freestyle).

Circus Circus security officers allege sexual harassment: "At such time, other officers would be notified by radio to come to the office to view the videotapes and/or live images," the complaint alleges.

Licensing recommended for Resort at Summerlin project: Swiss Casinos of America Inc. already had prequalified by getting a slot distributor's license. That condition stemmed from an agreement with the Howard Hughes Corporation, developer of the booming Summerlin community on the northwest side of Las Vegas.

Arraignment delayed for men accused in killing: The two had been scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday.

Seeded athletes for U.S. National Wrestling Championships: FREESTYLE

Zoning bill draws fire from county officials: Kiley Russell; The bill would force local governments to treat manufactured homes built after Jan. 1, 1996, as regular "site-built" homes in zoning regulations.

Company reports higher gold production: The corporation produced 683,996 ounces of gold for its account in the first quarter, 7 percent more than the 637,867 ounces produced in the first quarter of last year, at an average cash production cost of $154 per ounce, compared with $184 per ounce a year earlier.

Anti-hazing bill pushed by student leaders: Kiley Russell; Hazing isn't limited to humiliating pledges or getting them drunk, students told the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Slot player's jackpot appeal faces long odds in Nevada Supreme Court: Scott Sonner; Cengiz "Gene" Sengel thought he did it on Sept. 21, 1996, when he lit up a one-armed bandit with three jackpot symbols at the Silver Legacy Hotel & Casino.

1999 Pacific Coast League: Central Division

Senator calls for investigation of water use at Fallon NAS: Scott Sonner; "I want to find out why they haven't met their original commitment," Reid, D-Nev., told The Associated Press Friday.

Saturday at Hollywood Park: 1st race 6-1/2 fur 3YO & up F&M Alw: 1 Dinner Bell (Pincay) 115; 2 Tuckalucky Lady (Alvarado) 117; 3 Jenisilver (RBaze) 115; 4 Sure Special (Vergara) 117; 5 Flying Lesson (Valdez) 115; 6 Miss Millie (Black) 122; 7 Personified (Blanc) 110; 8 Grenda (Berrio) 117.

Letter: Most charities are reputable: Additionally, in compliance with state and federal law and in an effort to protect Kidney Cars donors, the National Kidney Foundation requires that title transfer take place prior to vehicle pickup. Our donors receive receipts and may obtain copies of the bill of sale which absolves them of any responsibility related to their donated vehicle if the buyer does not re-register the car.

Bryan threatens to delay appointment to nuke panel: Bryan wrote a letter to the White House on Thursday with details of the grievances he has with the commission that is responsible for licensing a high-level nuclear waste repository. Yucca Mountain, 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas, is the sole site under study.

Utility selling bonds: The company on Thursday filed a statement to issue $130 million in Series B senior unsecured notes at a rate of 6.2 percent due on April 15, 2004.

Saturday at Golden Gate: 1st race 6 fur 4YO & up F&M Clm: 1 Naughty (Patti (Arriaga) 118; 2 Fifty Nine White (Matias) 118; 3 She's A Show Off (Delgadillo) 118; 4 Courageous Sal (Carr) 118; 5 Ask Ashley (Castro) 118; 6 Miss Sway (Perez) 118; 7 Cigarillo (Schvaneveldt) 118; 8 Havasu Bella (Barton) 118.

Letter: TV, movies root of sex, violence problems: Unless and when a complete revision of all aforesaid is undertaken heart-breaking occurrences will continue. Social workers should be shelved. Strict adherence and remedial laws should be our foremost goal or God help us all.

Forest Service considers possibility of oil and gas drilling: "So far we've got 10 to 15 scoping letters, ranging from a sentence to three or four pages," Jim Winfrey, the USFS team leader, told the Elko Daily Free Press.

Phone company cutting jobs: A memorandum sent to Sprint employees by Michael Fuller, the local division president, said most of the 700 job cuts would be made through attrition.

Senate debates privatizing industrial insurance: Jennifer Coleman; The minority Democrats invoked a Senate rule to ensure that a vote couldn't be taken until the next day. Bill Raggio, the Republican majority leader, retaliated by scheduling a vote early Friday - a half hour after midnight.

Weather postpones young Knievel's Grand Canyon stunt: Michelle Rushlo; At the last minute Thursday, he decided against jumping a portion of the Grand Canyon on a motorcycle, saying the frigid weather prevented him from getting needed practice and made the ramp conditions too hazardous.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Give Prima, Butera, Guercio their due: Joe Delaney; GAP, an apparel manufacturer, used the Prima version on a recent television commercial. ... The prime beneficiary for all this appears to be the Brian Setzer Orchestra on a CD with a replicated version of the original Prima recording. ... Enterprise Music Corp, affiliated with the American Society of Authors and Composers (ASCAP), has the publishing rights.

'X' Rides fast facts: When: Saturday and Sunday. Check-in opens at noon Saturday at the Little A'Le'Inn motel and restaurant.

The 'X' Miles: Karen Zekan; RACHEL -- Could little green men really be out there?

Thursday's prep results -- April 30, 1999: Durango 6, Bishop Gorman 5 Bishop Gorman 000 140 00 -- 5 7 2 Durango 100 301 01 -- 6 7 1

Governor signs measure to create special license plates: The 180-acre site near U.S. 95 and Valley View Boulevard contains the springs and meadows where 19th century travelers along the old Spanish Trail stopped and dubbed the place Las Vegas.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Hollywood Park: 1ST RACE:

City Council approves purchase of casino land: The City Council voted 5-3 Thursday to spend an estimated $250 million to buy land or take unwilling owners to court to take their property.

Man convicted of Internet rapes skips bail, on the run: Tom Gardner; One of his victims, who was present in the Washoe County courtroom to testify, nearly fainted at the news and began sobbing uncontrollably.

Saturday at Aqueduct: 1st race 1 mi & 1 fur 3YO & up F&M Turf Alw: 1 Julia's Child (King) 120; 2 Smart Pro (Lovato) 120; 3 Claromatic (Smith) 115; 4 Joey's Lauren (Espinoza) 111; 5 Not Exactly Monday (Rocco) 115; 6 Cutry Girl (Santagata) 111; 7 Fair Game (Lopez) 113; 8 Some Irish Legend (Bravo) 111; 9 Michelle's Tatala (Douglas) 120; 10 Lolly Go Litely (Castillo) 120.

Letter: Americans need to improve health: So, what's the advice? Get off your duffs, America!

Senate OKs plan to privatize insurance: CARSON CITY -- It was dubbed "Midnight Madness" as the Senate convened at 12:40 a.m. today to approve Gov. Kenny Guinn's plan to convert the state's industrial insurance system into a private company.

Barber-councilman likes to trim blight from ward: Erin Neff; While dressed in a business suit and seated in his leather swivel chair at City Council meetings, Gary Reese sometimes appears uncomfortable.

Columnist Scott Dickensheets: A sleepy Eggers discusses his grass-roots literary effort: Scott Dickensheets; You probably haven't seen McSweeney's (McSweeney's is its shorthand name; the first issue was called Timothy McSweeney's Quarterly Concern, the second, Timothy McSweeney's Blues/Jazz Odyssey). I suspect I'm the only subscriber in Las Vegas, and I haven't seen it in bookstores here. Too bad; it's a true rara avis of the newsstand.

Today is last chance to vote early: Erin Neff; Judging from the response at early voting sites throughout Clark County this year, voters seem to like avoiding the last-minute politicking and advertising bombardment.

Mayor candidates to wind up campaigning at jamboree: Jace Radke; Mayor Bob Ferraro and Councilmen Bill Smith and Robert Kenneston will all be at this weekend's annual Boulder City Spring Jamboree but are finished with active campaigning.

Growing big game animals means increased number of hunting tags: "The recommended increases for deer reflect the upward trend that our populations have been following since the disastrous winter of 1992-93," Greg Tanner, the division's chief of game, said.

Quarterback Thomas will sign Saturday: Steve Guiremand; Highly regarded quarterback prospect Jason Thomas said he will make his long-rumored transfer to UNLV official Saturday when he holds a press conference announcing he will become a Rebel.

Cox to sponsor pavilion for UNLV's basketball and volleyball teams: Steve Carp; After months of negotiation, the planned practice facility for UNLV's basketball and volleyball teams has secured the necessary financing.

Channel 3 plans to nix sports: Tim Graham; The KVBC Channel 3 slogan is "Where News Comes First."

Six battle to unseat Reese in Ward 3: Jace Radke; Beating an incumbent is not an easy thing to do, but it's not impossible either, challenger Bradley Loring Smith said.

Employee of children's home faces sex charges: Jace Radke; Larry M. Wisenbaker, 34, was arrested by Boulder City Police Wednesday night after children at the home began coming forward and reporting they were abused, Detective Kristen Smallwood said.

Veteran deputy DA may have tried his last murder case: Retiring Chief Deputy District Attorney Dan Seaton was to ask a District Court judge today to move the date of what would have been his last murder trial to sometime after his July 2 retirement.

Glitch hits Wells Fargo service: Sam Zuckerman; San Francisco's Wells Fargo, the nation's largest online bank, is the name of the bank created after the merger of Norwest and Wells Fargo banks.

Mississippi first-quarter casino revenue increases: Sherri Williams; The Mississippi Gaming Commission reported gross gaming revenues from the first quarter increased 10 percent from $556.1 million in 1998 to $612.2 million this year.

Events this weekend: The Actors Repertory Theatre presents "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare," featuring 37 plays, at 8 p.m. today and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday in the Summerlin Library Theatre, 1771 Inner Circle Dr. Tickets are $15 to $22.50. Call 647-7469.

Dummies frontman explains band's 'Hand' in its latest set: Larry LeBlanc; Kicked off by a funky lowdown single, "Keep A Lid On Things," featuring lead singer Brad Roberts' celebrated baritone voice, the album was released worldwide March 23 by Arista Records.

Sun Life Datebook: Poet Dorianne Laux will lecture on "Women in Literature" at 7 p.m. today at the Enigma Garden Cafe, 918 1/2 S. Fourth St. Call 651-4801.

Movie Guys: Moviegoers may feel trapped by 'Entrapment': Dave: One would think that an adventurous film whose stars include a respected Academy Award-winner, and the hottest actress in Hollywood whose face dons every major magazine cover, would make for solid entertainment. However, even though the entire audience will be ogling in their seats for the two stars -- the women dreaming over the debonair nature of Sean Connery, and the men fantasizing over Catherine Zeta-Jones -- this romantic caper of sorts is all flash and no show.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Elegant fashion show, luncheon at Bellagio benefit Meadows School: The Meadows School Fashion Show and Luncheon, which took place this week at Jasmine at the Bellagio, was a fine example.

Holmes at home in Cabaret Theatre: Joe Delaney; Holmes does not use an opening act for his 80-minute, concert-type presentation and certainly doesn't seem to need one. The orchestra has a brief chance at setting up his quiet entrance and makes the most of it. "Get Here (If You Can)" is a strong opener for the affable, very much at ease (most of the time) Holmes. "While The City Sleeps" rocks mightily, and the audience, a mixture of young and old, responds in kind. "If I Could Change The World" gives the brilliant Philip Wigfall, who doubles on alto sax and flute, a chance to establish a very ...

Upcoming shows: Wednesday: Latin Legends Live, Orleans

Columnist Steve Bornfeld: Noah and Cleo and Joan: Steve Bornfeld; Call it "Caesar, May I Canoodle with Cleo?" Call it "Joanie, May I Light Your Fire?" Call it "Noah, May I Scoop the Animal Poop Before This Ark is Condemned by the Board of Health?"

Two executives lose gaming licenses: The Taj executives were trying to recruit the high roller, Stanley Nieberg, back to the Taj.

Birth announcements: April 13: A girl to Tami and Rusell Wagner.April 14: A girl to Rosemary Mulvihill and Robert Ball; a girl to Dora and Joseph Costanza.April 15: A girl to Roxanne and Vincent Alba Jr.; a boy to Janette and Michael Kennedy; a girl to Rachel White and Donald Claiborne; a boy to Margaret and Charles Spence; a girl to Laura and Joseph Voelkel.April 16: Olga Lopez.April 17: A girl to Rebecca Gonzalez and Jose Garcia.April 18: A girl to Melanie Obregon and Johnny Delgadillo; a girl to Gwendolyn and Harry Romanski.April 19: A girl Teresa and Justin Gonsalez.

Columnist Geoff Carter: Underworld doing 'the live thing' at House of Blues: Geoff Carter; They may sound like lunatics of the first water, but that's Underworld for you. And true to their name, the London techno outfit is hotter than hell right now. "Born Slippy (NUXX)" is still working off the push it received from its appearance at the climax of "Trainspotting" some three years ago, new album "Beaucoup Fish" is getting rave reviews (no pun intended) across the board and tour stops are selling out right and left.

Aladdin default cured: In addition, the project's outside accountants have issued a new, unqualified opinion on Aladdin Gaming's latest financial report, removing their previous qualified opinion that constituted a condition of defaul.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Horse fans perpetually sing blues: Dean Juipe; Horse players act like there is no sunny side of the street.

UNLV women's tennis team tops Air Force: The Rebels won four of six singles matches and then clinched things by taking all three doubles points.

Panel changes bill calling for child abuse reports: The panel also decided to exempt family members from the crime reporting requirement.

Senate flap over bill privatizing industrial insurance: Jennifer Coleman; "If you don't want free expression, why don't you declare a dictatorship?" said Sen. Joe Neal, D-North Las Vegas, as Republicans cut off debate on the bill that privatizes the system insuring employers for on-the-job injuries.

Obituaries for April 30, 1999: She is survived by her parents, Shirley and Gordon J. Murray, one sister, Misty Marie Evenson, one stepsister, Amber Murray, and two stepbrothers, Justin Murray and Sean Murray, all of Las Vegas.

Foundation honors UNLV's Cavagnaro: Cavagnaro will be honored at the 17th Banquet of Champions at Sam's Town Hotel in Tunica, Miss., on May 6. Other AD honorees are Charles Shira of Mississippi State and Harold Wilkes of Tennessee-Chattanooga.

Fed gaming panel under fire for way it holds meetings: Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev., said today the nine-member panel violated federal open meeting and disclosure laws this week in Washington, when it held two closed personnel sessions without properly notifying the public and failed to make copies available of a much-skewered draft report.

Fiery crash claims life of LV woman: Helen McGarry died at the accident scene in the Spokane Valley, the State Patrol said. Her age was not immediately available.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Ban guns, or require 'em: It must be me because I don't hear anyone else raising a voice of concern about some bills working their way through the legislative process toward a cherished place on Gov. Kenny Guinn's desk. Or perhaps it is because no one wants to tangle with the NRA and the gun lobby in Nevada. That would make more sense, which is why I am one of the crazy ones to at least question what's going on in this state.

Businessman, ex-city worker, activist vie for Ward 1 seat: Jace Radke; Here is a look at the candidates:

Court reinstates suit against Henderson company: U.S. District Judge James Ware dismissed the suit because it was filed more than a year after a February 1993 Forbes magazine article that said the company's touted new battery was untested in the real world.

Delay hits Henderson film studio: Jace Radke; The studio complex, which would be built on 20.5 acres at Dawson Avenue near the Union Pacific Railroad tracks, has come under fire from residents of the neighboring Mission Hills housing development.

Henderson's college plan gets good news: Perkins, D-Henderson, said he has found some money in the $3.2 billion budget of Gov. Kenny Guinn that can be used. He declined to say what programs would be affected by the transfer of funds.

Henderson: Candidates field residents' concerns about rapid growth: Lisa Snedeker; Residents living in the nation's fastest-growing city are mainly concerned about rapid development and how it will affect their quality of life.

Las Vegas news briefs: A May 10 trial date is set for a 22-year-old Las Vegas man charged with murder in a drive-by shooting.

Calm, compromise asked on insurance bill: Assembly Majority Leader Richard Perkins, D-Henderson, said today he disagreed with the tactic of the Senate Republican leadership not to allow debate on Senate Bill 27, which turns the state's insurance system for injured workers into a private company.

Las Vegas told not to fret over Y2K issue: But just in case consumers don't share the optimism, twice the amount of currency presently in circulation will be available for withdrawal at the end of December.

Resort at Summerlin likened to Scottsdale, Palm Springs: The $279 million, 541-room project, to open June 29, was called "the first true luxury Scottsdale-Palm Springs golf resort," in Las Vegas by lawyer Greg Giordano, representing owner Swiss Casinos of America Inc.

Streak cures Stars' Davis of playing hunches: Steve Guiremand; Normally a .232 batting average isn't much to get excited about. But if you're Las Vegas Stars catching prospect Ben Davis, it's definitely reason to celebrate.

Editorial: Turning deaf ear to public: The bad news doesn't stop there. On March 1 the Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued a proposed rule that would allow the commission to circumvent open meeting laws. The rule, if adopted, would permit meetings to be held in secret by three or more of the commission's five members. As it stands now, only two members of the commission can discuss business privately that is not open to the public. Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev., is adamantly opposed to the plan. "With the NRC having control over some of the most dangerous and volatile substances known to mankind, the argument could be ...

Homeless man rescued from wash: Steady rainfall that began around 6 p.m. Thursday and continued through 6 a.m. today created the raging water in the wash and closed a number of Las Vegas streets for a brief period this morning.

USA wrestling program grappling with Title IX: Tim Graham; Wrestlers don't find anything equitable about it.

Editorial: Right decision on Venetian sidewalk: Editorial: Right decision on Venetian sidewalk

Del Mar Mortgage sues over failed investment: Three companies and a trust fund that made a loan to a group of developers have filed suit in District Court, claiming they are out more than $1.1 million.

Durango needs an assist from bitter rival Gorman: Spencer Patterson; The bad blood between baseball rivals Bishop Gorman and Durango was never more evident than on Thursday night, when the two clubs met with a possible Sunset Division title in the balance.

Medicaid to get chunk of $105 million: CARSON CITY -- There's going to be an extra $105 million in tax collections in the next 2 1/2 years, but Nevadans should not expect any tax break and state workers won't be getting a pay raise.

Mechanics blamed for Alaska Airlines flight cancellations: The slowdown continued today, bringing the number of flights canceled by the airline to 282.

Field balanced at Derby: Ralph Siraco; LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The final Kentucky Derby of the 20th century will take place Saturday, and it may well be among the most contentious, well-balanced and competitive Derbies ever run. So much so that the track had to exercise the rule limiting the field to 20 entries -- something that hasn't been done since Swale won in 1984.

Despite a title in hand, McGrath won't hold back: Although he clinched his record sixth PACE Supercross Series championship two weeks ago, Jeremy McGrath has plenty of motivation heading into Saturday's season finale at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Albertson's, Lucky, Smith's in talks: Fred Meyer itself is being acquired by Kroger, the nation's largest grocery chain.

Executive describes threat made by Panaro: David Graff told the U.S. District Court jury that Panaro was one of four men who met him in the Topper's Lounge parking lot to tell him that his company, Tri State Electric Inc., must stop competing with Silver State Electric Supply, owned by Panaro's son.

Adamsen's ads attack Goodman: In a campaign flier set to arrive in registered voters' mailboxes today -- Adamsen claims Goodman is against Megan's Law that mandates authorities notify neighbors when a convicted sexual offender moves into the community.

Miller wants chance to fight for city again: Erin Neff; A Supreme Court decision in December -- seven years after Miller first took the case to lower courts -- allowed him to proceed with a libel lawsuit against Jones.

Focus on fighting mail theft pays off: Jace Radke; Monday's thefts were from apartment mailbox units near Arville Street and Twain Avenue and Desert Inn Road and Maryland Parkway, but the two thefts bring the total number reported for April to just five. That's a big improvement from earlier this year, postal inspector Don Obritsch said.

Little League coach charged: Metro Police arrested Garen Pearson Thursday after one of the victims reported him to authorities on Wednesday, Lt. Tom Monahan said today.

Illinois casino to get new dock: Casino general manager Brenda Bauer said the dock will have the atmosphere of a turn of the century warehouse district, the Post-Dispatch newspaper reported.

'Phantom' casts a huge shadow on summer films: Kirk Honeycutt; As summer nears and the movie business hoists its tent poles under which the multitudes will gather, a Beast lurks nearby. It's a Beast with the stamina to last all summer and possibly devour many other acts.

Appeal to block protest at Venetian denied: The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, based in San Francisco, denied a Venetian request for an emergency appeal of a lower court's denial of a Venetian request for an order banning the demonstrations.

Cold, rainy weather swamps Southern Nevada: Robert Macy; Overnight temperatures dipped into the mid-40s after a day that set a record low for the high reading.

Governor reaches for middle ground in education budgets: The changes added up to a net increase of $12.9 million next year and $13.6 million in 2001 to the public education budget. That will bring the distributive school account, the largest state government budget, to $2.8 billion for the biennium.

Subcommittee votes to keep Jean prison open: But the special Senate-Assembly subcommittee on prisons voted Thursday to reject the Guinn plan, with every Assembly member opposed to the idea. The plan needed a majority of members from each house of the Legislature to pass.

Reid calls for investigation of water use at Fallon NAS: Scott Sonner; "I want to find out why they haven't met their original commitment," Reid, D-Nev., told The Associated Press.

Senate panel goes after counterfeiters, trademark thieves: Joe Guild, a lobbyist for the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition, says the change is needed because the misdemeanor status of the crime makes prosecutors reluctant to pursue counterfeiting cases. Misdemeanor convictions carry maximum penalties of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Aggressive driving bill slowed in Senate committee: A first offense would be a misdemeanor with violators required to attend a traffic safety course. A second conviction would result in a one-year driver's license revocation.

Growth the biggest issue on the minds of Las Vegans: The issue has been prominent in the current campaign for mayor, with attorney Oscar Goodman calling for developers to pay impact fees to support services and all the candidates blaming each other for traffic and other problems.

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