Print edition for December 9, 1999

What are we bid?: Every year, the Sun and its reporting staff are inundated with free stuff, such as hats, T-shirts, golf shirts, playing cards and glow-in-the-dark cuff links -- well, not glow-in-the-dark cuff links -- but lots of goodies nonetheless.

Community news briefs for December 9, 1999: Temple Beth Sholom will honor Mayor Oscar Goodman and his wife, Carolyn, at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Four Seasons hotel.

They're No. 1: Steve Guiremand; When the University of Utah football team arrives in Las Vegas early next week for the fun and festivities of the EA Sports Las Vegas Bowl VIII, the Utes will be bringing along more than their gear and pep squad.

Calf roper Burk aims to corral his lifelong dream: A world title: Although he is embroiled in one of several close battles for a world championship during this week's National Finals Rodeo, calf roper Blair Burk isn't playing the role of the tough cowboy.

Man charged with murder in wife's 1985 disappearance: NEW YORK -- Fourteen years ago, Gail Katz-Bierenbaum stormed out of her apartment on Manhattan's Upper East Side after an argument with her husband and never returned. At least that is what police documents show her husband, Robert Bierenbaum, said at the time.

Hard-working Woodward has sights set on another zone title for Bishop Gorman: Spencer Patterson; From the moment she entered high school, success has been a constant for Bishop Gorman senior soccer player Amber Woodward.

Lawsuit by man indicted in slot machine scam dismissed: Kim Smith; A civil rights lawsuit filed against Clark County and Sheriff Jerry Keller by a man later indicted in connection with a national slot machine scam has been dismissed.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: State title status anointed to three sports: Spencer Patterson; Beginning this year, Nevada will crown three additional state champions, the state's governing prep sports body has announced.

Guinn wants more timely tax collections from agencies: "I'm going to get more aggressive," he said during a Wednesday meeting of the state Board of Examiners.

Lawmakers review child welfare system: Sandy Thompson; The focus of Wednesday's hearing by a legislative subcommittee studying Nevada's child welfare systems was to determine what a good system should look like.

C-M expecting another strong year: Spencer Patterson; Although local prep wrestling fans can expect a highly competitive 1999-2000 winter season, some of the season's top matches won't be on display to the general public.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Friday's races at Hollywood Park: 1st Race -- Annie Lil - Second at this level in last, also 2nd at higher level before that, draws well, Garcia/Stute team. Demidoll - No rally in last, 3rd before that, drops back in for a tag here, continues bullet drills at training center, Pincay now. Value Play -- Bandofpearls

Local NAACP chapter enjoying rise from the ashes: Two years ago the local chapter of the NAACP was homeless and on the verge of going out of existence in Las Vegas.

Man shot by police after holding woman at gunpoint at interstate rest stop: The 25-year-old Las Vegas resident was not injured but was taken to a hospital for a checkup and counseling. She was "taking it quite well," a state police spokesman said.

Fight schedule: At Montreal, (ESPN2), Arturo Gatti, New York, vs. Rocky Martinez, Chicago, 10, featherweights; Eric Lucas, Canada, vs. Glen Catley, New York, 10, super middleweights.

Nevada casinos win record $794.5 million in October: Brendan Riley; Frank Streshley of the Gaming Control Board said today that the October win represents a 6.2 percent jump from the same month in 1998.

Residents argue against nuke waste shipments: Valerie Miller; The prospect of a nuclear traffic accident was heavy on the minds of residents attending a meeting on the possible transportation of radioactive shipments to a proposed high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

Gaming license urged for Lake Las Vegas casino: CARSON CITY -- A 500-room hotel at Lake Las Vegas in Henderson received preliminary approval from the state Gaming Control Board Wednesday to operate a small casino.

Bryan fights move to cut Army guard: Ben Grove; WASHINGTON -- Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev., is launching a counterattack on a Department of Defense proposal to cut 12,500 Army National Guard soldiers. The department wants to free up money to modernize war machines.

News briefs: A man attempted to grab a 12-year-old girl and pull her into his van Wednesday afternoon in the area of Chinchilla Avenue and Syracuse Drive, according to Metro Police.

Teen dies in fall at Red Rock Canyon: A 15-year-old Clark High School sophomore fell to his death at Red Rock Canyon after taking a different and more dangerous path than his teenage climbing buddies, Metro Police said.

Obituaries for December 9, 1999: Ronald L. Bissell, 61, of Las Vegas died Tuesday in a local hospital. He was born Jan. 1, 1938, in Montana. A resident for six years, he was a warehouse manager in the art supply industry and an Army veteran.

NFR notes: Hawkins' ride matches arena best: Pete Hawkins of Weatherford, Texas, notched his name in the National Finals Rodeo record book on his way to padding his lead in the bareback riding world standings.

Nevada Symphony Orchestra out of business: A letter sent to the orchestra's musicians from board president Janet Tanno informed them the orchestra had ceased to exist.

LV Academy to host camp: The camp has enjoyed good attendance the past five years. To ensure high-quality instruction, there is a limited enrollment.

May shares Nevada Open lead: May, who recently earned his PGA Tour card for next season, is tied with Indianapolis resident Jeff Cook atop the leader board. They were followed by James Blair of Ogden, Utah; Eric Epperson of Plano, Texas; and Shaun Haberstroh of Rapid City, S.D., at 70.

LV slot route operator says business is down at Rite Aid: Kim Smith and David Strow; Jackpot Enterprises Inc. of Las Vegas on Wednesday sued Rite Aid Corp., claiming a plan to expand Jackpot's slot machine business at Rite Aid stores is in jeopardy because of Rite Aid's well-publicized financial and regulatory problems.

Mills Lane goes toy shopping: Tom Gardner; Lane, flanked by four Marines pushing shopping carts, loaded up on dolls, action figures, costume jewelry, purses, hair gel and assorted other Christmas goodies for the Toys for Tots program.

Las Vegas firm tries to buy New Mexico racetrack: SANTA FE, N.M. -- The New Mexico Racing Commission plans an emergency meeting this month to consider including races at the Downs of Santa Fe in next year's schedule of racing around the state.

Nevada basketball player charged in park vandalism: He's accused of driving his truck onto the park, which still was under construction, and spinning "donuts" in the new turf, Reno police said.

Nevada casinos enjoy healthy gaming win increase of 6.2%: CARSON CITY -- Nevada casinos cleaned up in October on football and baseball bettors, but experienced a big downturn in baccarat play.

Sales, profits improve for LV manufacturer: For the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, sales increased 39 percent to $72.8 million. The annual profit was $11.4 million or $1.39 per share vs. a loss in 1998 of $2 million or 24 cents per share. American Pacific said full-year sales for its perchlorate rocket fuel ingredient were $48.7 million, up from $35 million in the previous year. The increase was attributed to AP's $39 million purchase of Kerr-McGee's rocket fuel business.

LV tourism officials campaigning for nonstop flights from Italy: New flights

LV economic forecasting gauge jumps: "Indeed, the November increase is the third-largest increase on record," the UNLV center said.

Round Table owner plots LV expansion: Phil Levine; Few investment managers can be deemed experts in both stocks and sauces. Then again, very few financial professionals share the diverse background of John Klacking.

CCSN splits up English faculty: Shaunta Grimes; A reorganization of the Community College of Southern Nevada English Department, the first department to be divided by campus, is causing some sparks, but officials say things should settle down in the next week.

Police kill gunman: Keith Paul; Chun Hall's voiced cracked a little and then she started to cry when she heard her daughter's voice over the phone Wednesday.

LVCVA proposing lawsuit against Venetian: In an item scheduled for action in Tuesday's LVCVA meeting, the board will be asked to file suit against the Venetian and other groups that have participated in the Venetian's legal actions against the agency.

State officials review slow debt collection: CARSON CITY -- A proposed regulation was unveiled Wednesday that directs state agencies to get tough with deadbeat debtors.

Boston chain launches locally at the Fiesta: Phil Levine; The Fiesta hotel-casino is likely the first of many stops in Pizzeria Regina's cross-country expansion.

Israeli visitors bring message of new age to Las Vegas: Stacy J. Willis; Israel is slipping out of its theo-political cloak. Underneath, there are orchestras and high-tech corporations; sports teams and tourism destinations.

Lawyer seeks secret AG files: Documents that may show the Nevada attorney general's office conducted a secret intelligence probe of gaming regulators could be unsealed next week if a lawyer persuades a judge to release them.

Thrill killer gets 40 years in prison: Jace Radke and Bill Gang; When the jury announced that Tony Amati would not receive the death penalty for what police call a thrill killing, his father let out a strangled whimper and began to cry.

Metro has its own New Year's package: Jace Radke; The extravagant millennium packages offered by Strip megaresorts have nothing on the Metro Police Department's version that includes handcuffs, a special one-way bus ride to Pecos and Bonanza roads and possibly a long, cold walk home.

Son of famed golfer Casper indicted on robbery charges: Bill Gang; The son of two-time U.S. Open golf champion Billy Casper has been indicted by a Clark County grand jury on charges he robbed a downtown bar and possessed a short-barrel shotgun and numerous drugs.

Ohl wins third calf roping go-around, takes all-around lead: Ohl passed calf roping leader Fred Whitfield for the all-around lead. Ohl leads by only $116 in the all-around, but still trails Whitfield by $4,999 in the calf roping standings.

Harolds, Nevada club building to be razed: Harrah's Reno said explosives will level the seven-story Quinn Building Dec. 15.

MGM Grand shuffles executive positions: Gary Thompson; MGM Grand Inc. shuffled its top management team Wednesday, elevating three key executives and announcing that Terry Lanni will remain chairman of the company while Alex Yemenidjian will resign as president.

National Finals Rodeo Results: Seventh Round-1, Lan LaJeunesse, Morgan, Utah, 84 points on Big Bend Rodeos Copenhagen Two Spot, $12,909. 2, Bill Boyd, Canada, 80, $10,202. 3, Jeff Collins, Redfield, Kan., 79, $7,704. 4, (tie), Mark Gomes, Nickerson, Kan.; Clint Corey, Powell Butte, Ore.; and Deb Greenough, Red Lodge, Mont., 78, $3,609 each.

Industry set to retool slots to accept newly designed bills: David Strow; For the fourth time in four years the gaming industry is preparing for yet another redesign of U.S. currency -- but this time, most are expecting a smooth transition.

City enters ambulance competition debate: Erin Neff; When the Clark County Commission considered medical service competition Tuesday, representatives of two ambulance services offered conflicting views.

Merger won't force sale of local branches: In June, Salt Lake City-based First Security and Zions -- parent of Nevada State Bank and recently acquired Pioneer Citizens Bank -- announced their intention to merge operations under the First Security banner. That merger triggered an antitrust review by the Justice Department.

Partners in suit over gaming-themed candy: The lawsuit, filed Tuesday by R.J. Hiel & Associates, targeted Las Vegas resident Rhonda Ivie and her company, Lines & Logos Inc. R.J. Hiel is attempting to get Ivie to honor its production contract, which it says runs through April 2003.

Hotel reopening, casino remains closed: Larry Bertsch, court-appointed receiver for the Maxim, said 400 of the hotel's 800 rooms will become available at 3 p.m. Friday. About 150 of the East Flamingo Road's property's workers are being brought back to work.

Strip casinos exercising early damage control: David Strow; Estimates of the crowd expected to welcome the New Year on the Strip may have declined drastically -- but a number of Strip hotel-casinos are taking no chances and plan to seal off their properties to the general public on the evening of Dec. 31.

Highlights of October win report on Nevada casinos: STATEWIDE: $794.5 million, up 6.2 percent.

Boys Basketball standings: SUNRISE REGION

Report: Federal firefighters nearly got killed in botched operation: Scott Sonner; CARLIN, Nev. - An inexperienced government fire crew and its supervisors broke practically every rule in the book and were nearly burned alive during a Nevada range fire last summer before a shift in the wind saved them.

Ayala, Tapia view fight as turning point: Dean Juipe; Rarely has the result of a single fight meant so much to the winner while proving so devastating to the loser.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Arum concludes he doesn't like Ike: Dean Juipe; Although he remains committed to paying the man's legal fees, promoter Bob Arum came away from his initial meeting with controversial heavyweight Ike Ibeabuchi less than pleased.

Former Durango High player charged in park vandalism: He's accused of driving his truck onto the park, which still was under construction, and spinning "donuts" in the new turf, Reno police said.

Nevada Sen. Bryan set for new role on panel: "Whatever we do in terms of priority for national intelligence could have some spinoff impact on Nevada and the (Nevada) Test Site," said Bryan, who has served on the panel since 1993.

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Don't forget unheralded heroes: Ruthe Deskin; With 2000 closing in, we are destined to see all kinds of lists naming the most influential people of the millennium.

Friday at Golden Gate: 1st race 6 fur 3YO & up F & M: 1 Fat's Power (Radke) 114; 2 Sisterinthelead (Carr) 117; 3 Russian Rose (Gonzalez) 117; 4 Surprise Wish (RBaze) 117; 5 Ticklish Issue (Bisono) 119; 6 L'Michelle (Lopez) 117; 7 Monica Luxury (Warren) 117; 8 Bella Villa (Nuesch) 117.

Columnist Joe Delaney: 'Folies,' Hackett, Greco set for Casino Legends Hall of Fame: Joe Delaney; The National Finals Rodeo continues through Sunday, concluding with an 11:45 a.m. performance at the Thomas & Mack Center. ... Ricky & the Redstreaks, starting at 11 p.m. nightly through Sunday in the Stardust convention center, offer the best post-rodeo action with performers, participants and technical personnel hanging out until the wee small hours.

Letter: What about parents' rights?: It reminds me of when Hitler, in Germany, during his reign as dictator, took parental rights away from minors and taught them what he, the government, wanted them to be taught. Does our government have that right? I say no!

Father of Colorado fire victim says lessons go unlearned: Scott Sonner; Bob Mackey, whose son died fighting a Colorado fire, said it didn't surprise him one bit.

Disparity in state benefits, college perks bothers Guinn: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn said Wednesday state government "is not going to play second fiddle" to the universities and school districts, which are allowed to pay travel expenses and lodging for candidates for top jobs.

Editorial: Gauging economic prosperity: While on the business side of the ledger Nevada has done exceptionally well, this state often doesn't measure up when it comes to rankings involving health and environment, whether it's suicide, teen pregnancy rates or air quality. While economic and social factors rarely converge in these surveys, an interesting study was released recently, though, that combined both to gauge the business climate in the state. The Washington, D.C.-based Corporation for Enterprise Development gave Nevada an overall performance grade of C, down sharply from last year's A grade. The reason for the dramatic drop is that in the past the Corporation ...

Spears, Backstreet Boys big winners at Billboard Awards: Angie Wagner; The group Dixie Chicks picked up three awards during the ceremony at the MGM Grand Hotel, including country artist of the year.

Girls soccer outlook: 1. Bishop Gorman Defending champs have played in three straight title games and return most of last year's starting unit.

Youths' access to Playboy remains heated library issue: The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District's policy that allows children to read Playboy is not on the agenda for tonight's library board meeting, but board members are expecting the issue to come up during public comment.

Guinn aide predicts harsh demands on state coffers: Ernaut made his sobering comments Wednesday to a task force established by the 1999 Legislature to help improve and refine the long-range financial planning process for the state.

Concept plan for new Rhodes project criticized: County commissioners Wednesday approved a development "concept plan" for 1,316 acres in the southwest part of the Las Vegas Valley.

Letter: Santa has so many helpers: Gennifer Flowers is exploring the virtues of Las Vegas. I hope Santa sends her an autographed copy of George Stephanopoulos' book. Being all too human myself, I suggest for James Carville a potted cactus from Gennifer's garden.

Girls Soccer: SUNRISE REGION

Wrestling outlook: 1. Cimarron-Memorial Defending 4A champs have seven state qualifiers back in the fold, including two-time state champion Chris Harris and 1999 state titlist Rayes Gonzalez.

Las Vegas Bowl information: Las Vegas Bowl information

Sun Boys Basketball Poll: Records through Tuesday

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Credit star QBs with a big assist: Alot of jocks talk about "giving something back" to their sport, perhaps because they feel guilty taking so much from it in the first place. And even then, they are usually compensated. Even an autograph comes with a price these days.

Friday at Aqueduct: 1st race 1-1/16 mi 3YO Clm: 1 Prospector's Nymph (Diego) 115; 2 Secret Greeting (Bridgmohan) 118; 3 Weather Call (Pezua) 112; 4 Sushi (Bravo) 120; 5 El Temperamental (Chavez) 116; 6 Skirmish Hill (Castillo) 118; 7 Philabusta (Leon) 116; 8 Wild Music (Beasley) 111; 9 Strike It Lucky (Beckner) 112; 10 Santoni (Gryder) 112.

Prep Wrestling standings: CLASS 4A

Editorial: State board makes right call on pardon: Times haven't been easy for Hayes since his release, though. He has had trouble finding a steady job, because he has been forced to note on job applications that he is an ex-convict. So the state Pardons Board unanimously voted Tuesday to pardon him, which means he no longer has to disclose his conviction. While it can't undo the harm Hayes suffered, restoring his civil rights is the least the state of Nevada could do.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: The Greatest, no doubt: I SAW IT twice with my own eyes. I am a believer.

Maxim hotel to reopen Friday, sans casino: The hotel, closed for more than two weeks because of a dispute between the hotel's owner and its operator, will reopen 400 rooms on Friday. The 22,000-square-foot casino, however, will remain closed.

Agencies review worst-case scenarios for Vegas New Year's Eve: Robert Macy; Southern Nevada authorities went through a tabletop drill Thursday, preparing for the worst when hundreds of thousands of visitors and locals converge on the Strip New Year's Eve.

Sun Girls Basketball Poll: Teams ranked jointly by the Sun and the Sparks Daily Tribune.

Girls Basketball standings: SUNRISE REGION

Friday at Hollywood Park: 1st race 6-1/2 fur 2YO Fil Mdn Clm: 1 La Bella Donna (Delahoussaye) 116; 2 Annie Lil (Garcia) 120; 3 Demidoll (Pincay) 120; 4 Excessively Sharp (Ramsammy) 120; 5 Bandofpearls (FValenzuela) 120; 6 Feminine Fury (Blanc) 120.

Letter: Black child ignored when Columbine won football title: On Dec. 4 Columbine played for and won the state football championship. To the team's credit, it dedicated its effort to a teammate who was among the victims of the deranged murderers. I am so sorry for the Columbine community, which produces children/athletes who demonstrate deplorable insensitivity by ignoring the murder of another of their teammates. The school principal and the football coaches are failures in this instance.