Print edition for July 15, 1999

Police shoot, kill, man in domestic violence standoff: Sandra Chereb; Officers first responded to the residence at 2541 Orovada St. around 2:30 a.m. after dispatchers received a 911 hang-up call, Deputy Chief Ondra Berry said.

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Dialing up telephone memories: Ruthe Deskin; Problems of growth are nothing new to the Las Vegas Valley. Some of us remember when the phone company couldn't keep up with the demand for new telephone installations.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Lauding local Variety Club for years of service: Joe Delaney; Variety Club of Southern Nevada, Tent 39, "The Children's Charity," serving more than 17,500 special-needs children with 33 nonprofit agencies locally, will be the beneficiary of the third annual Magoo's Gaming Group golf tournament Saturday at the Angel Park Golf Course, starting at 7 a.m. with a four-man scramble format.

Help children fulfill dreams at camp: Yet Amy really wants to go to camp. The program gives children time with other children and teaches them how to get along, Amy said in a letter.

Fight schedule: At Atlantic City, (FSN), David Reid, Philadelphia, vs. Kevin Kelly, Australia, 12, for Reid's WBA junior middleweight title; Butterbean Esch, Bay City, Mich., vs. TBA, 4, heavyweights.

Officers arrest man trying to sell skull taken from crypt: Shaughnessy, booked Tuesday for felony grave-robbing and possession of stolen property, faces a preliminary hearing July 28 in Justice Court. He's being held in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Letter: Career politicians should become things of the past: The president is limited to eight years in office. No one should serve longer. How about senators serving a limit of six years and house members a limit of four years. Four, six, eight and out the gate.

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Editorial: Use caution before adopting big tax cuts: New forecasts by the White House and Congressional Budget Office do indicate that the nation can expect huge budget surpluses in coming years, so there should be room for some tax cuts. But Congress needs to ensure that budget surpluses be used first to shore up Social Security and Medicare before huge tax cuts are passed. The economy may be flush now, but this is not the time to take such a risk with our nation's future.

Friday at Hollywood Park: 1st race 1-1/16 mi 3YO&up F&M Alw: 1 So Generous (Desormeaux) 116; 2 Puddy Cat (Solis) 119; 3 Mamaison Miss (Gomez) 116; 4 Feverish (Delahoussaye) 116; 5 Fee Fi Foe (Nakatani) 110.

Obituaries for July 15, 1999: Shirley Jean Ardis, 61, of Las Vegas died July 8 in a local hospice. She was born Sept. 27, 1937, in Evergreen, Ala. A resident for three years, she was a teacher and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Friday's races at Hollywood Park: 1st Race

TV advance: 6 a.m.

Goo Goo for GoGos: Jane Wiedlin in particular has become a much sharper guitar player over the years (she also entertained the audience with her illicit desires for Siegfried & Roy). Of course, in the end the crowd wanted the hits and the band played them all including their cover of "Johnny Are You Queer." The Go-Go's may not have a future but they are better than most at re-living their past, and on Saturday that is all that the audience wanted.

Editorial: High-tech companies take a pass: While others have benefited from this westward migration of high-tech companies, Las Vegas has been left behind, not making the top 50 of the Milken Institute's listing. This doesn't mean Las Vegas is hurting economically. After all, this metropolitan area consistently has been a national leader in job growth. The problem is that most of this growth is tied directly or indirectly to tourism. While gambling has been a godsend for our economy, a reliance on one industry is perilous if the economy takes a downturn.

Letter: Humans cause animal suffering: While there are laws against people who abuse animals, there aren't any for those who allow animals to come into being and who then "get rid" of them. They, too, are guilty in an actual and moral sense.

Las Vegan Mike Marshall remembers his role helping children escape the terrifying Chowchilla kidnapping: Lisa Ferguson; It's the question that has trailed Las Vegan Mike Marshall for more than two decades.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Lest we forget Saddam: IN MAY when the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia indicted President Slobodan Milosevic, this action dismissed the theory that a sitting head of state can't be indicted by such a tribunal. So why hasn't Iraq's Saddam Hussein been indicted?

Veteran Reno officer resigns amid internal investigation: "Phil retired on his own choice," Hoover said. "He was not asked to resign. He was not forced out. It came after I authorized an administrative departmental investigation."

Police seek suspects in extortion attempts: A suspicious device found in a small box turned out to be an elaborate fake.

Friday at Belmont Park: 1st race 1 mi 3YO&up Mdn Clm: 1 Free Run (Velazquez) 116; 2 Golden Pistol (Gryder) 116; 3 Too Much Dave (Luzzi) 116; 4 Doc Keller (Diego) 111; 5 Fight For Victory (Espinoza) 116; 6 Ras Dashan (Rodriguez) 122; 7 Exclusive Dancer (Santos) 116; 8 Majic Lite (Smith) 117.

Mobsters face more charges of attempting to take over outcall industry: The defendants are alleged to have threatened or used "actual force, violence and fear" to reach their goals since they were jailed in October.

Lawmakers announce $1 million grant for Nevada mine workers: "The closure of the BHP mine affected nearly one-fifth of the workforce in Ely and its impact can be felt across White Pine County," Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., said in a written statement. "This funding will aid hundreds of local miners by providing them with assistance and training to re-enter the job market."

French residents of Vegas gather for first look at new resort: Robert Macy; Famed French entertainer Line Renaud drew cheers from the audience as she helped christen a two-thirds-size replica of the famous Arc de Triomphe at the new Paris-Las Vegas hotel-casino.

Gaming regulators nominate two for black book: Mealey, 58, pleaded guilty in May to one count of possessing a slot cheating device, according to control board records.

Traffic-signal system made Y2K-ready: The software program has been modified to extend the range of calendar dates the computer could handle to 60 years, from 1971 to 2031.

Financing committed for Caesars deal: "We're very pleased that the commercial bank market has enthusiastically endorsed this transaction in committing $3 billion, which ensures that we can close the Caesars transaction in the fourth quarter," Park Place Chief Financial Officer Scott LaPorta said Wednesday.

Former owner of Moulin Rouge Preddy dies: Joe Preddy worked hard with his wife, Sarann Knight Preddy, and her son, James Walker, to try to revive the Moulin Rouge, the city's first integrated hotel-casino.

As part of rehab, troubled kids join Girl Scout program: Sonya Padgett; The girls come from a variety of backgrounds, but all have joined the Girl Scouts' CHOICES program for the same reason: they were court-ordered.

Late-night movie host, entertainer Timm-Dickey dies: Vibrant late-night movie host and local entertainer Robin Timm-Dickey died July 4 in Simi Valley, Calif., after a 16-month bout with colon cancer. She was 40 years old.

Columnist Steve Carp: Tourism will decide soccer tourney's fate: Steve Carp; So Las Vegas is getting into the soccer business?

Columnist Dean Juipe: Botha severs ties with manager: Dean Juipe; It was a relationship that appeared to be among the coziest in the sport.

Work resumes at Levi plant two days following employee's death: The state Occupational Safety and Health Administration is conducting an investigation into the man's death.

Letter: Blame Congress for national debt: Some people tell you it is Reagan and Bush's fault. Is it? The Constitution of the United States governs all taxing and spending. Cracking open an encyclopedia, Article I lists the powers of Congress.

COmmunity news briefs for July 15, 1999: The Las Vegas chapter of Service Corps of Retired Executives will present its next "Starting a New Business" workshop at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the Showboat hotel-casino.

American Legion Standings: (Through July 13)

Ely chill breaks record: The previous record was 76 set in 1962.

NTSB opens probe into glider crash that killed Smithsonian official: Brendan Riley; Donald Engen, 75, head of the museum, and longtime friend William Ivans, 79, of La Jolla, Calif., died Tuesday when Ivans' motorized glider lost a wing at about 5,000 feet above the floor of the Carson Valley, a mecca for glider pilots.

Deal could speed El Rancho plans: David Strow; Cash-strapped Las Vegas Entertainment Network Inc. has been bailed out by a consortium of wealthy investors, who have purchased 53 percent control of the company for $305 million.

More racketeering charges for alleged mobsters: Bill Gang; A new federal racketeering indictment has been returned against five reputed New York mobsters who already were facing charges of attempting to muscle a takeover of the lucrative outcall entertainment industry in Las Vegas.

Bennett family members not off hook in faked death: Bill Gang; The U.S. Marine entourage that was poised for Arthur Bennett's court-martial before he hanged himself in the county jail late Monday has packed up and gone.

Order has District Court judges grumbling: Bill Gang; An order by Chief District Court Judge Lee Gates that judges with lighter workloads take cases from those with heavier ones caused some grousing among some of the judges Wednesday.

Casino cashier pleads guilty to theft: Bill Gang; Over the course of nearly two years, a slot booth cashier at Binion's Horseshoe hotel-casino walked off with more than $1 million and used part of it to put a down payment on a house, buy a sport utility vehicle and establish trust funds for her children.

Friends, family baffled by death of Vegas educator: Nuria Serrat was fearless.

MGM earnings hit record: David Strow; MGM Grand Inc. beat analyst earnings estimates by 30 percent in the second quarter, largely because of a record performance at its flagship Strip hotel.

Nevada bucks trend for revenues: The Nevada Film Office reported more than $79 million in revenues and about 500 productions coming to Nevada between July 1, 1998, and June 30, 1999. Revenues for the previous fiscal year were $51 million.

Factory to close marshmallow tour: Sonya Padgett; A popular Henderson tourist attraction has shut its doors to the public after drawing up to 500,000 visitors a year since 1986.

Kansas vows tough fight as tribal casino nears final OK: Rick Alm; KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Plans for a tribal casino in Miami County, Kan., have advanced to final review stage before the U.S. Department of the Interior -- setting up a potentially bitter battle with indignant Kansas authorities.

Murphy: Binion planned to enter rehab: Copyright 1999 Las Vegas Sun

Downtown landowners get $3 mil. from county: Adrienne Packer; Downtown land owners who accused Clark County of under-appraising their land were awarded nearly $3 million Wednesday for a parcel condemned last year in preparation of the new Regional Justice Center.

Valley Hospital sues doctor: The hospital says Dr. Alvin Blumberg is obligated to pay the $320,000 settlement it has already paid to settle a suit filed against it by the deceased's wife. She had filed a suit earlier against the hospital for alleged malpractice in its staff's care and treatment of Israel Albachari.

National Sports sues competitor: The sports information provider accused Coaches Corner in a District Court suit of contacting National's customers and telling them how to dispute credit card charges for the sports information and therefore avoid payment.

Ramsey looking for strong second halves from Stars' marquee players: Steve Guiremand; The Las Vegas Stars went just 11-25 in their 36 games before this week's All-Star break.

Opening near for hotel-casino: A spokeswoman said emergency light tests were completed Wednesday and there were still some inspections remaining this morning for the $276 million resort. If the tests are successfully completed, the resort will open tonight at 11 p.m.

As resorts grow, retailers follow: For those who say retail is on the verge of being overbuilt on the Las Vegas Strip, George Connor has three words: Mall of America.

Legion race is tightening up as it heads into the stretch: Spencer Patterson; With only two weeks left in the American Legion baseball regular season, the race to make the state tournament's field of eight is tighter than ever.

Colletti seeks new trial: Prosecutors claimed A.G.E. Corp. and A.G.E. Enterprises were elaborate fronts to hide fugitive brothel boss Joe Conforte's continued ownership of the bordello east of Reno.

McDonald is taking care of his friends: Erin Neff; Las Vegas City Council members all have at least two trusted friends working on their staffs, but Councilman Michael McDonald has gone a step further by snagging good-paying city jobs for two other pals.

Las Vegas news briefs for July 15, 1999: An 18-year-old man wanted by authorities on charges of robbery and fleeing prosecution was arrested late Wednesday by a team of local law enforcement officers.

Comdex is on list of holdings to be sold off: Peter Poole-Wilson; TOKYO -- Softbank Corp., seeking to restrict its $15 billion investment portfolio purely to Internet companies, said it will sell its stakes in other companies, sending its shares to a record high.

Quarterly earnings increase 7.1 percent: Profit from operations rose to $383.8 million, or 53 cents a share, from $358.2 million, or 48 cents, a year earlier. The bank was expected to earn 54 cents a share.

Guinn laments consequences of regents' recent infighting: The university system regents have withstood some of the stormiest sessions in memory during the past seven months, so when three of them listened to a tape of Gov. Kenny Guinn calling the board irresponsible, they took it in stride and accepted it as constructive criticism.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Money, sleaze drive today's tournaments: Back when I was a kid, there was a middle-aged guy who coached Little League baseball and C.Y.O. league basketball named Bernie Biel. Bernie was a bachelor who used to take a lot of his players for Cokes and ice cream.

Number of serious crimes on decline in Las Vegas: Cheryl Miller; Mirroring a national trend, serious crime in the Las Vegas area dropped 12 percent between 1997 and 1998, according to preliminary numbers released by the state.

Casino gets OK on sports book: David Strow; The Stratosphere hotel-casino has been approved by the state Gaming Control Board to establish a 5,000-square-foot sports book, which it hopes to open by Aug. 15.

TV action show set for filming: Sonya Padgett; Hollywood is coming to Henderson.

Regulators put concerns aside over pair: John and James Bauchman, owners of Bauchman Gaming Ventures, applied for permission to acquire Ernie's Casino at 1901 N. Rancho Drive. Their application is still subject to approval by the Nevada Gaming Commission. The casino operates 64 slot machines.

County declared state disaster area: Adrienne Packer and Mary Manning; Gov. Kenny Guinn declared Clark County a state disaster area early today, making neighborhoods ravaged by floodwaters during last week's fierce rainstorm eligible for state funds.

Russo weighing bid for Congress: Erin Neff; Long considered anti-estab-lishment, movie producer Aaron Russo announced Wednesday he was bucking both political parties by becoming an independent and considering a run for Congress next year.

Desert look sweeping across valley: Cheryl Miller; Two months ago Las Vegas residents Nadine and Joe Cracraft decided to give up the ability to wriggle their toes in their front-yard grass for a desert landscape and a discount on their water bill.

Guinn asks for federal disaster aid: Robert Macy; Guinn said he was asking for 100 percent federal relief because the state is not in a position to provide any type of matching funds. If a federal declaration is made and 100 percent funding is not provided, the city of Las Vegas and the county would be expected to cover the difference, Guinn said.

EPA says plan to widen U.S. 95 could create further problems: The Environmental Protection Agency is criticizing a state plan to widen U.S. 95, saying the proposal could create more traffic jams, air pollution and noise in the fastest-growing area of the valley.