Print edition for February 11, 1999

Box score: Arizona 12, UNLV 11: Box score: Arizona 12, UNLV 11

Box score: UNLV 13, UC Santa Barbara 6: 2B--UCSB: Kemper, Wright 2, VonSchell; UNLV: Pryor, Hamill, Kaup. SB--UNLV: Ludwick (1), Hertel 3 (3). CS--UCSB: LaCour. E--Bannon 3, Neboyia, Molidor. S--Sarabia. SF--LaCour. DP--UCSB 1, UNLV 1. LOB--UCSB 8, UNLV 8. A--485. T--2:48.

Court takes Elko grand jury case under submission: Deputy Attorney General Paul Taggert said the four have been called "government thugs" in the press and by "fringe" groups. Yet they have no opportunity to respond, and Taggert urged the court to expunge the full grand jury report.

Racial-slur case appealed by school district: But the lawyer for the district argued the union's demand for information would disrupt the educational system and be "disastrous for the district."

Letter: Republicans doing their bit for history: The counterargument, and a very sound one, is that the Republican senators are seized with the desire to leave a full and complete factual record of William Jefferson Clinton's scoundrelly conduct for all of history to see.

Letter: Senate needs to declare mistrial: Radical Republicans are looking for a way to bypass the Constitution and convict the president by a simple majority vote.

Lawmakers look at state employee health plan: Gary Wolff, representing the Nevada Highway Patrol Association, testified Wednesday in favor of the measure that would expand the committee from five members to seven and require them to serve fixed terms.

Letter: Governor should not play politics with tobacco funds: Guinn will take the money for smoke-related health care and use it where he thinks it will help him in the polls. I decided to write this reply after reading Mike Penick's letter to the editor.

Letter: House managers acting irresponsibly: Patricia Van Betten

Boys Basketball standings -- Feb. 11, 1999: SUNRISE DIVISION

Girls Basketball standings -- February 11, 1999: SUNRISE DIVISION

Del Papa's challenge to ADA provision sparks controversy: The attorney general signed on to a lawsuit brought by Georgia. The suing states are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case in July.

Lawmakers look at discrimination due to genetic testing: Jennifer Coleman; "There are some people who you all know very well, who have a disease in their families who might pass that gene onto their children," James said Wednesday during a Senate Commerce and Labor hearing on his SB16.

Archaic murder law prevents charges: Jennifer Coleman; Barbara and Chuck Trickle of Las Vegas cried as they asked the Judiciary Committee to approve SB11 - a measure that can't be applied retroactively in their son's case.

Hispanic group to rally against Marvel; GOP leader defends him: Scott Sonner; Marvel, R-Battle Mountain, has been hospitalized with a serious case of pneumonia since Monday and has had no comment on his use of the word "wetback" last week.

Von Tobel renews call to rename Floyd Lamb park: But Assembly Speaker Joe Dini, D-Yerington, said, "I'm opposed to it. Floyd Lamb served the state well. I don't know if we want to insult him this way."

Fight challenge leaves one dead, one in jail: Ortega and Owen Finnegan, 69, were drinking at an Elks Club when they got into an argument over who was the better fighter, police said. They each bet $100 to decide the issue.

One dead, officer injured in apartment complex incident: Police were called to an apartment Thursday afternoon to interview a possible kidnapping suspect.

Sheriffs ask lawmakers to pass jail costs on to inmates: Jennifer Coleman; Under SB114, the department - and any other county sheriff around Nevada who wanted to - could also bill for running inmate work programs.

508400255.html: HONOR SQUAD

Bill would require under-40 coverage of mammograms: These are preventive health insurance measures, she said as she introduced the two bills. But she acknowledges insurance companies are "not very happy" about the legislation because it makes the coverage mandatory.

Man involved in bungled suicide pleads innocent: Authorities said McGilbra apparently tried to kill himself on Jan. 4 by opening a gas valve and inhaling the fumes. He fell asleep, and when he woke up he lit a cigarette with the intent to blow himself up.

Measure would outlaw fireworks that leave ground: The bill would allow such things as sparklers, cones, fountains "and everything that is stationary and doesn't leave the ground," she said. Fireworks that shoot into the air, posing fire hazards upon touchdown, would be outlawed.

Metro asks for more leeway in wiretaps: Jennifer Coleman; When investigating crimes including murder, kidnapping, robbery, extortion, bribery, bombings and child molestation, police can ask courts for wiretap authority. SB120 would add attempted murder, battery with a deadly weapon and drive-by shootings to the list.

Bryan says boorish behavior not covered by Constitution: Scott Sonner; "The president's conduct is boorish, indefensible, even reprehensible," Bryan, D-Nev., said in a prepared statement.

Hall induction caps stellar baseball career for Barrett: Spencer Patterson; As much as he cherishes his 1986 World Series memories, Marty Barrett has an equally special place in his heart for his years at Las Vegas' Rancho High School.

Obituaries for Jan. 28, 1999: Joseph Abodeely, 68, of Las Vegas died Wednesday in Las Vegas. He was born Nov. 26, 1930, in Iowa. A resident for many years, he was an entertainer/musician.

Hall of Fame Class of 1999 -- capsules: Marty Barrett, 40

Legislators hope to avert conflict over university spending: Titus and Assembly Majority Leader Richard Perkins, D-Henderson, have scheduled the session with Sisolak and other southern lawmakers and regents.

TV gambling spokesman dismayed that new governor has not contacted tribe: The election of Davis was considered a plus for Indians frustrated by their inability to negotiate gambling compacts with then-Gov. Pete Wilson. The remarks by Macarro, the most visible member of an increasingly politically powerful group, come as Davis already is under fire from special interest groups critical of his first month in office.

Senate bill would cut into appointment power: Jennifer Coleman; In his state of the state address in January, Guinn asked the Legislature for the more flexibility and authority - not less - in running the executive branch of Nevada government.

Agency asks legislature for additional employees to curb consumer fraud: Kiley Russell; The Assembly Ways and Means Committee was asked Wednesday to endorse the new positions - and override a recommendation against the new employees by Gov. Kenny Guinn.

Academic all-WAC teams announced: The football players were (presented in academic year) senior Brandon Ellena, juniors John Greer, Blake Livingood and Tim O'Reilly and sophomore Kawika Batoon. All but Livingood also were on last year's academic team.

Nevada Focus: Nevada's Walker Lake has up-and-down history: "Without the interference of man upstream, Walker Lake would not be endangered today," says Mike Sevon, regional supervisor of fisheries for the Nevada Division of Wildlife.

Jones won't run for third term: Angie Wagner; "I just think right now it's time to take a step back and reflect," Jones said Thursday in announcing she would not seek a third four-year term in this spring's city elections.

Wednesday's Prep Results: Basic 70, Vo-Tech 56

Assembly panel OKs bill to repeal ethics law: "This law has created a chilling effect on free speech," said Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas.

Durango zips past Gorman: Spencer Patterson; By Spencer Patterson LAS VEGAS SUN

Columnist Dean Juipe: Rejeuvenated Randall has tough test in Carr: Dean Juipe; Five years ago, Frankie Randall seemed to be at the top of his game.

Quartey still being difficult: Dean Juipe; Behind shades and in the shadows, Ike Quartey has maintained a very low profile for his high-profile fight with Oscar De La Hoya.

Brief: New route rejected by some Strip resorts: Monorail officials had hoped to include the Fashion Show Mall and the Stardust and New Frontier hotel-casinos into their route. But in order to accomplish that, the track would have to go onto Desert Inn property in order to avoid a planned pedestrian overpass at Spring Mountain Road and Las Vegas Boulevard.

Candidates fail to show for county Democrat meeting: Erin Neff; Mayor Jan Laverty Jones, who was to deliver the keynote speech to fellow Democrats gathered at the Carpenter's Union Hall, backed out, citing an illness in her family, according to county Democratic chairman Charlie Waterman.

Gordon thrives under pressure of stardom: Dick Brinster; DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- For Jeff Gordon, fame in the fast lane means a fishbowl existence and avoiding slip-ups amid all the attention.

IHL president embarks on mission to save Thunder: Steve Guiremand; International Hockey League president Douglas Moss said Wednesday that he will be visiting Las Vegas for a few days next week.

Indian gaming loses ground: "The Indians did more harm to their cause than good," one casino industry lobbyist said. "They sort of replaced us as the bogeyman in this whole thing."

Agassi's obscenities get him booted from San Jose event: Las Vegan Andre Agassi, seemingly on his way to an easy victory over an unheralded opponent, was defaulted from the Sybase Open for a series of "audible obscenities" Wednesday night in San Jose, Calif.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Unbeaten Cimarron primed for tourney: Spencer Patterson; For the third straight year, the story line is the same for Cimarron-Memorial's wrestling team as it gears up for this weekend's 4A Southern Zone tournament.

SUN Boxing Rankings -- February 11, 1999: Dean Juipe; By Dean Juipe

Rancho win wraps up Sunrise title: Matt O'Brien; What a difference a year makes.

Ralph Siraco's Selections for Santa Anita: Friday's card

Columnist Steve Guiremand: Foul play suspected in Neuheisel hiring: Steve Guiremand; There is an interesting theory being floated among USC alums these days concerning the controversial hiring of Rick Neuheisel by the University of Washington.

Harrah's posts record quarter, year results: Gary Thompson; Fourth-quarter net income rose to $14.2 million, or 14 cents per diluted share, from $12.1 million, or 12 cents a share, in the 1997 quarter. Revenue jumped to $524.7 million from $398 million.

Brief: IGT wins delay for new system: Board members also were told that following a recent change in federal tax law governing jackpots, most of IGT's big winners are accepting discounted lump sums.

Sun Boys Basketball State Top 10 poll -- Feb. 11, 1999: Teams ranked jointly by the Sun and the Sparks Daily Tribune.

Check of car seats good for shot at college tuition: That's the offer the Clark County Safe Kids Coalition is making for this Saturday at several locations around town.

Skinner hoping for breakthrough season: Mike Harris; DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- The favorites for the Daytona 500 read like a Who's Who of stock car racing.

Brief: Merger faces static in Louisiana: The representative, Ricky Shetler, worked for a company that owns the land where the Players riverboat docks in Lake Charles. He later worked as a consultant for Players.

Woman who says police used excessive force set to testify: Brenda Nadell filed suit almost four years ago against Metro and Officers Steven Leyba, Michael Etherton and Greg Zeil, alleging her civil rights were violated when she was arrested the night of July 22, 1994.

Columnist David Broder: Game ends after vote on removal, rules say: David Broder; It was not an edifying spectacle. Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, the chamber's unofficial historian, told ABC that he had concluded President Clinton had committed "high crimes and misdemeanors."

Stars, Thunder owners eye A's: Two Hollywood moguls responsible for the movies "Batman," "Basic Instinct" and "I Know What You Did Last Summer" -- and who also head the company which owns the Las Vegas Stars and Thunder -- have expressed an interest in buying the Oakland Athletics, two newspapers reported.

Columnist Tim Graham: It'll be tough for Oscar to step away: Tim Graham; Columnist Tim Graham: It'll be tough for Oscar to step away

Arizona's Duncan kills Rebels: Freshman right fielder Shelley Duncan capped a two-homer, six-RBI day with a bases-loaded double with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, giving Arizona a 12-11 come-from-behind victory over UNLV Wednesday at Tucson. It was the undefeated Wildcats' 11th consecutive win. The Rebels dropped to 2-3.

Henderson billionaire called 'Howard Hughes of Chocolate': One of the business world's most enigmatic leaders quietly lives in Henderson a couple months out of the year while the empire he helped build flourishes worldwide.

Spent nuclear fuel rods from engines lost at NTS: The information came to light as films detailing nuclear mishaps during the Cold War were released, telling stories of people left on an island near a Bikini atoll during a nuclear test and of nuclear bombs accidentally dropped from aircraft and buried in several states.

Good news for Unser Jr.: The 12-year-old daughter of racing driver Al Unser Jr. has a good chance of recovering from a rare spinal condition, two Albuquerque neurosurgeons say.

Lawsuit involving hospitals, Sierra Health continued: Art Nadler; The medical facilities -- Valley, Desert Springs and Summerline hospitals -- sued Sierra Health Services in September for attempting to collect money from them for debts owed by Northern Nevada Medical Center in Sparks. Universal Health Services Inc. is the parent company for all four hospitals.

Brief: Condo owners sue over defects: A letter filed with the suit said the defects include insufficient drainage of common areas, inadequate fire walls, poor duct work and incorrectly installed wires and plumbing. In some cases, the letter alleges, inadequate sewage pipe installation causes sewer gas smells to vent into condo units.

Editorial: Momentum gathering for airline regulations: When even ardent conservatives, who usually believe in less government intervention, are climbing aboard the airline regulation bandwagon, you know something is up. One of the reasons for their outrage is that many of the senators and representatives fly home weekly, either feeling firsthand the effects of deregulation or getting an earful from their fellow passengers.

Brief: Circus executive takes NRA post: Sloan, an attorney who has overseen Circus Circus political activities for years, said he will try to "enhance awareness of the gaming industry's enormous contributions to the state's economy and the negative impacts an industry downturn would have on those who live and work here."

Residents skip advisory panel meeting: Valerie Miller; That was nearly the problem faced by the Henderson Citizens Advisory Committee Thursday as it tried to elicit feedback from residents before going forward with the second phase of a study plan.

Longtime health care administrator Ogren dies at 71: It was the day that the Washoe Medical Center board, with great reluctance, fired him after 21 years at the hospital -- 14 as its administrator.

Obituaries for Feb. 11, 1999: She is survived by her husband, Leif; three sons, Dan Ketchum of Simi Valley, Calif., and James Brandin and Eric Brandin, both of Las Vegas; two daughters, Patricia Adler of San Clemente, Calif., and Barbara Serapion of Peachtree, Ga.; one sister, Dorothy Jones of Solana Beach, Calif.; 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Editorial: Las Vegas' vote delay is a mistake: Especially when it comes to developers seeking an exemption to zoning standards, elected officials will put off making a decision on the request in the hope that neighborhood residents who protest the project will eventually tire of repeatedly having to show up at the meetings. After all, it is a hardship for the homeowner to miss a day of work, unlike the developer's representatives, whose job it is to appear before government bodies, such as a city council.

A curator, a coati, an exhibit and an attitude: A sign in the entrance states: "If you are looking for glitz and glamour, instant gratification or lions and tigers jumping through hoops, please visit the other wildlife available in Las Vegas."

Planning commission blocks senior housing complex: Jace Radke; The tie amounts to a denial, but the developer is expected to appeal the ruling and have the case decided by the City Council.

Self-help legal center to open in Las Vegas: Assemblywoman Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, said 44 percent of the people who show up in the Clark County Family Court system don't have a lawyer. And 66 percent of the judges' time is spent on cases where the litigants are not represented.

Lady Rebels coach has team headed in right direction: By Brian Hilderbrand; Regina Miller is big on quotes.

Water fight develops between Clark, rural counties: Ten years ago, water officials in Clark County filed applications to draw ground water from Nye, White Pine and Lincoln counties to be piped to Las Vegas, which is running out of water. The applications are still pending.

Donations pour in after 3 children die: The bodies of the children were found in two rear bedrooms of the residence in the Casa Linda mobile home park at 5250 E. Lake Mead Blvd.

City policy raises issues of location, competition: Scott Reeder; City officials say the current zoning policy is the best alternative to having strip joints and adult bookstores sprouting up in residential neighborhoods across the city.

Fannie Mae helps Windsor Park relocation plan in North Las Vegas: The 10-year, general obligation bond allows the city to continue its Windsor Park Housing Revitalization Plan, which offers qualified residents $50,000 to help purchase another residence within the city limits.

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Giving a brave dog its due: Ruthe Deskin; It was while reading a recent issue that I ran across a most remarkable dog story.

Brief: Utility earnings increase: Revenue in the 1998 quarter of $269.3 million was up from $231.1 million in the year-ago quarter.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Long weekends becoming more frequent: Joe Delaney; Last year, New Year's Eve was on a Friday, making for a nice long weekend. ... The Consumer Electronics Show doesn't do much for the showrooms, lounges or casinos, but it does very well for the hotel end. ... Now we have Martin Luther King Day for a weekend in mid-January, helped this year by a Mike Tyson comeback fight against Frans Botha.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: DRI is a Nevada asset: As an active Nevadan I've found the resources of DRI invaluable when seeking to solve energy, water, air, soil and weather problems that affect our state. When traveling abroad, the work of the DRI becomes most evident during conversations with educators and government authorities in other nations.

Committee votes to kill campaign smear law: Liberal and conservative organizations lined up against the law, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of free speech.

Multiculturalism now part of UNLV life: Stacy J. Willis; "The text book was 'The Meaning of Difference,' " said Rose, the director of the women's studies program at UNLV, who was teaching the class. "At the end of the course, he said to me, 'This course hasn't been about a subject, it's been about life.'

Murphy asserts Fifth more than 200 times: This came as a Clark County grand jury heard testimony for the first time in an investigation into Binion's Sept. 17 death.

Protest grows on student funding inequity: A three-part resolution unanimously passed by the committee Wednesday evening asking for an end to the inequitable funding practices will be sent today to regents and presented to the full Faculty Senate Feb. 19 for its approval.

Fight schedule -- February 11, 1999: At The Orleans, Las Vegas, (ESPN2), Antonio Diaz, Coachella, Calif., vs. Mauro Lucero, Mexico, 12, junior welterweights; Bronco McKart, Monroe, Mich., vs. Rene Herrera, El Paso, 10, junior middleweights; Tony Marshall, Albany, N.Y., vs. Javier Altamirano, Mexico, 10, junior middleweights; Blaise Soares, Las Vegas, vs. Carlos Bojorquez, Mexico, 6, junior middleweights.

Sidekick Supreme: He'll be linked to Johnny Carson for all eternity with his oft-repeated catch phrases branded into pop culture:

Babbitt encourages cooperation in saving Walker Lake: "You're off to a good start," Babbitt told the group during a meeting at the Lyon County Library. "It's not going to be easy.

CART's bad boy still steamed over suspension: Jeff Shain; HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- Paul Tracy doesn't know yet where he'll be for CART's season-opening race next month in South Florida.

Vegas in running for 2002 Hispanic convention: Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Hawaii are vying for the convention.

Ferrari boss rules out another last-race: PIERO VALSECCHI; MARANELLO, Italy -- Ferrari's boss won't predict where Michael Schumacher will finish in the Formula One standings, but he does guarantee there won't be another heartbreaking defeat at the end of the season.

New carrier to begin service April 15th: Conway told a chamber of commerce luncheon Wednesday that National Airline passengers who have a stop-over in Las Vegas will be allowed unlimited time before continuing on to their final destination.

Community responds to fire victims with donations: Angie Wagner; "It's truly amazing," Clark County Assistant Fire Chief Joe Planck said Wednesday. "I'm completely overwhelmed. I've never seen anything like this."