Print edition for July 16, 1999

Murphy free on bail, under house arrest: A Metro Police detective had a tough time obtaining information from Sandy Murphy when he questioned her at Valley Hospital Medical Center several hours after she had reported Ted Binion's death.

Resort at Summerlin quietly opens doors: David Strow; As lightning bolts tore through the sky and raindrops started to fall, the $276 million Resort at Summerlin quietly opened Thursday night, ending a week of delays caused by flooding.

Historic district proposed: Jace Radke; The city of Las Vegas is well on its way to making a downtown neighborhood known for its proliferation of law offices into an historic district.

Earnings increase for banking concern: Loans outstanding increased 14.3 percent to $7.591 billion at June 30.

Las Vegas news briefs for July 16, 1999: Three valley residents have been arrested and charged in a series of construction site robberies in Henderson.

Sex-addict remark earns janitor two-day suspension: CARSON CITY -- A state janitor is going to get a two-day suspension for suggesting to a female co-worker that she was a sex addict, a hearing officer has ruled.

Henderson: Calico Ridge development debated: Valerie Miller; An overflow crowd filled the Henderson City Hall as the Planning Commission reviewed recommendations Thursday night for the future of the Lake Mead area.

Mayor at work in U.S. capital: Jonathan Lipman; WASHINGTON -- Mayor Oscar Goodman was on Capitol Hill on Thursday, charming politicians, poking fun at his image, and lobbying for federal money to carry out his numerous proposals.

Fabrication shop buys Vegas rival: BPW said American Laser's assets include Nevada's first 3000-watt laser cutting machine, brake press, insertion machine and other equipment.

Board of directors named: Board members are Michael Niggli, chairman and chief executive officer of Sierra Pacific Resources; Malyn Malquist, president and chief operating officer of Sierra Pacific; Edward Bliss, a consultant with Scudder Kemper Investment Co.; Mary Kaye Cashman, chief executive officer of Cashman Equipment Co.; Mary Lee Coleman, president of Coleman Enterprises; Krestine Corbin, president and chief executive officer of Sierra Machinery Inc.; and T.J. Day, senior partner of Hale Day Gallagher Co.

Out-of-staters get tuition benefit: CARSON CITY -- Alumni of Nevada universities and community colleges who live out of state are now eligible to participate in the state's saving program for their children's education.

Autopsy: Binion may have had fatal cocktail: Copyright 1999 Las Vegas Sun.

Resorts support LVCVA: David Strow; In a rebuke to Venetian owner Sheldon Adelson, the Nevada Resort Association came out in unanimous support for the $150 million expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Nevada jobless rate dips: CARSON CITY -- Unemployment in Nevada in June dipped to 4 percent, which is below both the national and California rates.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: LV drag race has Marnell excited: As much as Pro Stock driver George Marnell is looking forward to the second half of the NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series season, the Las Vegas resident is more eager to see the 2000 season roll around.

Henderson to get $811,000 HUD grant: Sonya Padgett; Henderson will receive an $811,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by August, to fund a variety of community programs.

Diamond doubles: Cheryl Miller; They're supposed to be an affordable alternative to diamonds. But moissanites, the manufactured gemstones that sparkle like diamonds at only a fraction of the price, have cost some Las Vegas area pawnbrokers thousands of dollars.

Cost of living declines in Las Vegas: The bank's monthly survey of prices found Las Vegas transportation costs fell 11 percent in June thanks to falling gasoline prices as well as lower costs for auto insurance premiums and maintenance.

Airport's optimism survives: Will Shuck; LONG BEACH, Calif. -- When 8-month-old WinAir Airlines went out of business last week, it stunned Long Beach officials, sent stranded passengers scrambling for flights and put 360 people out of work.

Casino fined $250,000 for illegal sports bets: The issue concerns so called "messenger bets," in which a person is paid to place bets for others. The practice is illegal in Nevada.

Utility earnings get a boost: The company that provides electricity to more than 1.4 million Las Vegas-area residents reported net income of $11.7 million or 23 cents per share, up 12.5 percent from the $10.4 million or 20 cents reported in 1998's second quarter.

Panel denies plan for more housing: Valerie Miller; A proposed development in a rural community was rejected, but a hotel project was approved Thursday by the Henderson Planning Commission.

Wild horses may be ridden out of Red Rock: Critics of a proposed management plan for Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area say Southern Nevada's wild horse and burro herds will be stuck between Red Rock and a dry place.

Ethnic restaurant battles for life: Martha Sattwhite worked most of her adult life in hot kitchens, never earning more than $2 an hour at any of her jobs, to raise 10 children.

As Congress debates HMOs, many Nevadans are protected: Assemblywoman Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, the architect of the measure, says it has been working well, with fewer complaints about conduct by health maintenance organizations and other types of managed care providers.

Letter: Profane writing is abominable: Surely our society has not deteriorated to the point where "best selling" authors are the most purchased and read.

Box score: Stars 5, Grizzlies 2: Oklahoma

2 tagged for state's Black Book: David Strow; The Nevada Gaming Control Board on Thursday formally nominated two convicted felons for inclusion in the state's so-called "Black Book."

Saturday at Belmont Park: 1st race 1-1/16 mi 3YO&up Alw: 1 Jacque Z. (Rodriguez) 118; 2 Doctor Ed (Smith) 113; 3 Red Comet Rising (Ortiz) 112; 4 Overshadowed (Bridgmohan) 118; 5 Houstand (Teator) 112; 6 North Creek (Luzzi) 112; 7 Coby Appeal (Beitia) 112; 8 Midnight Red (Nelson) 118; 9 Belabor (Gryder) 112; 10 Lucky Scruffy (Leon) 118; 11 Go Public (Espinoza) 112.

Nugget agrees to pay $250,000 fine for illegal sport betting: State investigators said a California couple and another person shuttled hundreds of football parlay cards between the Nugget and San Jose, Calif., for other people. The Sparks casino paid for the messengers' travel, lodging and meals.

Diggs wants to break down stereotypes: David Neil; For those who may have missed Angela Bassett taking a tropical vacation to Jamaica in 1998's sexy drama, "How Stella Got Her Groove Back," the answer to the title was in 28 year-old Taye Diggs. The young, good-looking actor, who caught every girl's eye last year in his feature debut, went on to co-star in the highly anticipated follow-up film from "Swingers" director Doug Liman, the adrenaline-fueled comedy "Go."

Massachusetts lottery audit reveals lax oversight, fraud: Jean McMillan; BOSTON -- Lax oversight and possible fraud at the state lottery allowed scam artists to collect millions of dollars and avoid state and federal taxes, according to a report from the state auditor.

Shelf Life -- Scott Dickensheets: Siegfried and Roy revealed in pages of Vanity Fair: If I seem a little tetchy today, forgive me; I'm suffering from a severe bookache. I never thought this would happen, but I'm booked out, booked up, book-lashed -- can't read another word. A book a week is a killer regimen for a slow reader and busy guy like me. I'm lucky I have time to read a book jacket. What this means to you, the reader: No book review this week.

GOP governors meet in Las Vegas to talk about their policies: Kiley Russell; The meeting was part of a one-day conference sponsored by the Republican Governors Association. It was intended to give the governors a chance to talk amongst themselves and with local business leaders about GOP policies on the state and national levels.

Birth announcements: June 27: Miranda to Ignacio and Cynthia Salas; Morgan to Eric and Alison Anderson.

No one stepping forward to provide services for man accused of faking his death: Robert Macy; Since he committed suicide, relatives have kept their distance and the military is weighing whether it will be forced to bury Bennett.

LV air traffic jumps 12.3 percent in June: McCarran's record 12.3 percent passenger increase prompted the investment company Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette to maintain its "outperform" rating for Las Vegas gaming stocks.

Center treats sufferers of osteoporosis disease: Art Nadler; Desert Springs Hospital Medical Center recently became the first hospital in Clark County to open a facility specifically designed to treat people suffering from osteoporosis and help those prone to developing the disease.

LV woman speaks way to finals of event: Leslie Smith participated in recent speaking events through International Training and Communication, a group with two local chapters. She won at the club level and followed that up with wins in Southern California at the council and regional levels.

Funding fight puts firearms training facility in jeopardy: Stacy J. Willis and Grace Leong; Financial problems have surfaced in the development of a "visionary" firearms training facility and residential subdivision near Pahrump.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: People, dogs and games: THE TOUR DE FRANCE, an eight-stage women's bicycle endurance and speed race in Idaho, the Ironman Triathlon and other tough physical tests have captured television viewers' attention the past 15 years. This, along with Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura with his wrestling and SEAL training stories, have captured the nation's fancy.

Sound Check -- Geoff Carter: Expansion Union's sound transcends genres: "Americans don't get dance music," lamented a recent issue of Mixmag. "They invented it, but they don't understand it."

Movie Guys: Crocodile tale of flaccid 'Lake Placid' is a crock: Grades: Jeff, C; Dave, D +

Rated: Raunch: In the mocking heavy-metal music satire "This is Spinal Tap," air-headed guitarist David St. Hubbins (expertly portrayed by Michael McKeon) has the following exchange with equally dim-witted bassist Derek Smalls (played by Harry Shearer):

Saturday at Hollywood Park: 1st race 6 fur 3YO&up Mdn: 1 McCordnskuba (Blanc) 116; 2 Cal Bread (Antley) 116; 3 Deposit On Top (McCarron) 116; 4 Onkle Phil (Garcia) 116; 5 Fabulous Concept (Nakatani) 116; 6 Ultimate Showdown (Flores) 122.

Flood of games engulfs visiting coaches: Steve Carp; Tom Abetemarco is trying to build a successful basketball program at Sacramento State. In order to do so, he needs players.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Newton-John misunderstood in her early days on the Strip: Joe Delaney; Olivia Newton-John, coincidental with her first album release in four years, "Back With A Heart," is performing in the Desert Inn's posh Crystal Room tonight through Sunday. ... Olivia made her Las Vegas debut in the mid-1970s as an opening act for the late Charlie Rich at the LV Hilton, then home base here for Elvis Presley.

Editorial: Some DOE workers could soon get help: Along with the beryllium compensation, President Clinton created a task force to also examine whether other occupational illnesses arising from work at nuclear weapons facilities may have occurred, including exposure to asbestos, mercury and uranium. Repeated denials in the past regarding such links damaged the DOE's reputation; it's good to see the agency finally make itself accountable.

Government may compensate sick Test Site workers: Current and former Nevada Test Site workers may be eligible for compensation for illnesses caused by exposure to beryillium and other toxic substances while testing nuclear weapons.

Death of mechanic at Levi's factory spurs federal probe: Levi's 360 employees were sent home after the accident Tuesday at about 1 p.m. and did not return to work until Thursday, giving the Occupational Safety and Health Administration time to conduct a preliminary safety review.

Ethics Commission wants D.A. to look at case against activist: At its July 7 meeting, the ethics commission ruled the case should now be forwarded to the district attorney for criminal review.

Editorial: Finally, parks get their due: Last week the Clark County Commission unveiled a 20-year master plan for developing parks in the unincorporated parts of the valley, which would result in an increase of 2,850 acres for park lands. During the next two decades the county intends to devote $662 million to develop new parks and build recreation centers, along with renovating existing open spaces. The plan also envisions a winding, 300-mile trail that would connect the Red Rock Recreation Area to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Group fighting postal service expansion hires lawyer: Residents complain the seven air cargo planes that would take off between midnight and 2 a.m. are noisy Boeing 727s - the same planes airport officials have lobbied airlines to do away with because of noise concerns.

Help needy children go to camp: Nathan has attention deficit disorder. His mother says he could really benefit from group activities. Joshua's mother would also like to see her son interact with others in a positive environment. Neoshi's charm would enhance any camp, her mother says.

Dial File -- Steve Bornfeld: Roger, Houston: TV has landed: Fly me to the moon and let me play among the stars.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Suitors surround prep event: Dean Juipe; The guys line the walls like it's a high-school dance, some more nervous than others but each with an eye on the talent.

Two arrested on charges of child molestation: Detective Jim Stegmaier said Batchelor told police he was giving three young boys a "lesson" when he performed sexual acts with them.

San Remo's 'Night Madness' a work in progress: Joe Delaney; Maliboo Magic's production of "Night Madness," new in the San Remo's mini-showroom, playing Wednesdays through Mondays at 7:30 and 10 p.m., is billed as "A Tale of Love and Mayhem, A Tale of Music and Magic." There is a modicum of magic, and the music is well-chosen but on tape. There is no mayhem and love does triumph in the end. The cast is stronger than the show's content.

Arts council gives money for program: The program provides matching funds for schools and organizations to work with professional artists in a wide variety of educational and cultural settings. From contemporary dance techniques to the ins-and outs of ceramics, students and teachers explore how the arts excite, inspire and enhance learning.

Brimmer attracts attention of recruiters: Spencer Patterson; For Durango's Jamaal Brimmer, an athletic scholarship to a Division I college has long been a realistic dream.

Douglas commissioners seek help to save Dreyfus estate: But the structures on the property remained in the hands of the Olympic Group, which sold them to Park Cattle Co. two years ago.

Industrial site at Apex may finally become reality: Adrienne Packer; A 21,000-acre chunk of desert land that Clark County leaders heralded 10 years ago as an industrial park that would keep chemical factories away from residential areas might finally be developed.

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

Sun Life datebook: The works of Gina Cinque will be on display through the month of July at Cafe Lago, 8400 W. Sahara Ave. Art is available for sale. Call 228-8295.

Virginia fugitive agrees to return to face charges: Robert Macy; Sage Alexander Weakland was thought to have drowned in a boating accident until he was arrested here Wednesday by an elite fugitive apprehension team. Virginia authorities have suspected Weakland faked his death to avoid going to jail for three years on robbery and conspiracy charges.

Letter: Books, movies insult intelligence: Amongst my friends and acquaintances I don't know anyone who uses such awful language as I've seen in modern books and films. I shut them out.

Dolphins drop Denton after brief NFL tryout: The former Green Valley High School and UNLV star, who signed his first NFL contract with Miami on Monday, was waived by the Dolphins on Thursday following the team's quarterback camp.

Obituaries for July 16, 1999: She is survived by one daughter, Gloria Foard of Las Vegas; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Lunches provide students recognition they deserve: It's been some years now since Caesars Palace formed a relationship with the Dell H. Robison Middle School through a Student Recognition Program.