Print edition for July 29, 1999

Fight schedule: At Ledyard, Conn., (ESPN2), James Toney, Ann Arbor, vs. Adolpho Washington, Lexington, Ky., 10, cruiserweights; Ray Oliveira, New Bedford, Mass., vs. Chiat Salman, Turkey, 10, junior welterweights.

State probes Mirage-Trump P.I.: David Strow; Louis "Curt" Rodriguez, the private investigator who said he funneled secret Mirage Resorts Inc. documents to archrival Trump Hotel & Casino Resorts, is now under investigation by Nevada regulators.

Real estate agent recalls 'disturbing' phone conversation with Murphy: New details of a chilling telephone conversation between Ted Binion's real estate agent and his girlfriend the day he was murdered are disclosed in court documents obtained by the Sun.

Friday at Saratoga: 1st race 7 fur 3YO & up F&M Mdn: 1 Gallopin Galatea (Bailey) 116; 2 First Class (Velazquez) 116; 3 Kings Park (Bridgmohan) 116; 4 Deputy Blues (Day) 116; 5 Come On an Dance (Nelson) 116; 6 Lottsa Talk (Santos) 116; 7 Silver Cord (Samyn) 116; 8 Heavenly Romance (Diego) 116; 9 Paradice Vice (Espinoza) 121; 10 Yorkville Miss (Smith) 116; 11 Ladies Galore (Bradley) 121; 12 Cosette (Graell) 116.

Vegas air tour operators seek help from Asian-American businesses: David Strow; The Federal Aviation Administration's proposed cap on tourist flights over the Grand Canyon could have an economic impact of more than $100 million a year on Southern Nevada, according to the association representing the airlines conducting those flights.

Control of water project may shift to local agency: Congress is considering transferring control of the original system built to deliver water from Lake Mead to the Las Vegas Valley from the federal Bureau of Reclamation to a local agency.

Suspect in slaying of co-worker, employer, faces death penalty: Bill Gang; The district attorney's office has announced that it will seek the death penalty for a man charged with murder in the shooting deaths of his boss and a co-worker at an air-conditioning company late last year.

Box score: Zephyrs 7, Stars 6: New Orleans

Matthews snaps slump with HR in Stars defeat: Steve Guiremand; One swing at a time.

Silver State workers fear union busting: Adrienne Packer; Republic Silver State Disposal Inc. union workers fuming over a barrage of layoffs fear their situation will only worsen now that the trash-hauling giant convinced local governments to grant it a 15-year contract extension.

Columnist Paula DelGiudice: Congress shows support for wildlife: Paula DelGiudice; Earlier this month the House of Representatives made a significant leap forward in assuring the future of wildlife and wild places. It passed by a vote of 213-202 an amendment to the FY 2000 Interior Appropriations Bill to provide $30 million for the states under the Land and Water Conservation Fund. It's been five years since funds that are allotted by law have actually been appropriated for their intended use.

Home for mentally ill patients opens: Art Nadler; The state Division of Mental Hygiene and Mental Retardation officially opened Southern Nevada's first intermediate residential home for mental health patients Wednesday.

Hotel-casino celebrates expansion: The latest, $70 million project added 390 rooms, a chic Italian restaurant, a glass-enclosed pool with a waterfall and a health club, as well as additional casino and convention space.

Arena subcommittees named: Erin Neff; With questions of market competition, cost and public perception swirling around hopes to bring a sports arena and performing arts center to Las Vegas, a committee studying the proposal decided it needed smaller groups to focus on the diverse issues.

Flash flood watch is issued for Clark County: A flash flood watch was issued for Clark County through midnight tonight as thunderstorms were expected to cross the valley, bringing at times heavy rains and possible flooding.

Missouri regulators give OK to open boarding test: Paul Sloca; JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gamblers in eastern Missouri could soon be playing aboard riverboat casinos for as long as they want thanks to an open boarding pilot project approved by the Missouri Gaming Commission.

Local briefs for July 29, 1999: An inmate was found dead in his cell at the Southern Nevada Desert Correctional Facility in Indian Springs Wednesday afternoon.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Armstrong hasn't sparked a local cycling craze: In states such as Colorado and New Mexico, places that lead the league in fresh air and healthy lungs, they are part of the landscape. Guys and gals wearing weird headgear and spandex suits, their calves stretched taut like guitar strings, pedalling as if there's no tomorrow but fast enough to get there.

Nevada regulator argues for states' electricity rights: CARSON CITY -- State Consumer Advocate Fred Schmidt has told a House subcommittee in Washington D.C. that states should be free to set their own dates to permit open competition in the electric industry.

Experts: Gaming, transiency make LV tough for child-raising: Ellie Hicks isn't surprised that a national study says Nevada isn't one of the best places to raise a child, but she wouldn't call it one of the worst either.

Arena study committee to hire consultant: Erin Neff; A sprawling committee packed with political power and a broad-based sampling of gaming interests agreed Wednesday they need additional help to determine the feasibility of a sports arena or performing arts center.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Friday's races at Del Mar: 1ST RACE:

Federal briefs for July 29, 1999: The House voted 420-8 on an energy and water development budget that includes $4.7 million for Nevada and $5.4 million for 10 counties to oversee federal scientific studies at a proposed nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain.

Judge sentences convicted child molester to life term: Bill Gang; A psychologist who examined a 27-year-old man convicted of molesting three young boys concluded there is a good chance he would do it again if given a chance at an early release from prison.

Test site, other DOE facilities set for special security training: Work will stop at the Nevada Test Site and other Department of Energy research and weapons sites one day next week to train employees in preventing espionage and tightening national security.

Friday at Del Mar: 1st race 1 mi 3YO & up F&M Clm: 1 Dancing Brick (Martinez) 110; 2 Ms Ly Beau (Espinoza) 119; 3 Truly Misty (Pedroza) 119; 4 Sentimental Susan (Solis) 119; 5 Halo Missy (Black) 119; 6 Stardust Serenade (Radke) 114; 7 Triple Value (Pincay) 119; 8 Victoria One (Nakatani) 119; 9 Cominundone (Flores) 119.

Postal Service agrees to conduct environmental assessment: The environmental assessment could lead to a more extensive environmental impact study if problems are identified.

Automaker's profit falls unexpectedly: DaimlerChrysler was expected to post second-quarter profit of 1.7 billion euros, with earnings per share at 1.7 euros on sales of 36.2 billion euros, according to the average of a seven-analyst poll by Bloomberg News.

Park Place sells $300 million of notes: Park Place may redeem the notes in whole, but not in part, at any time before maturity by paying a premium on the coupon rate. The notes haven't been registered for public trading.

Two closed casinos to be razed: Harrah's Reno bought the boarded up Harolds and Nevada clubs in June. Now, Harrah's is making arrangements to demolish the two buildings, the Reno Gazette-Journal reported Wednesday.

Gambling regulators approve plan to limit slot machines: Angie Wagner; The Nevada Gaming Commission on Thursday approved a plan that would limit slot machines in non-casino locations, make grocery stores and drug stores segregate gamblers from shoppers in alcoves and prohibit automated teller machines within the gambling area.

Detroit's first casino set to open today: Justin Hyde; DETROIT -- Mayor Dennis Archer stood at the craps table in Detroit's new $225 million casino, pulled out a large pair of fuzzy dice and gave them a roll. They came up seven.

Profit, revenue up for health insurer: "The second quarter was very strong, with 41 percent earnings per share growth compared to the same quarter in 1998, following on the heels of an exceptional first quarter," said CEO Alan Hoops.

Two die in separate rollovers on I-80 in Elko: The NHP said the Granite Construction Co. truck overturned when Muir overcorrected.

Guinn denies he intervened in Southwest Gas merger: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn on Wednesday denied he ever signed or sent a letter involving the merger of Southwest Gas Corp., where he was once the board chairman and a shareholder.

Profits increase for home builders: And Beazer Homes USA Inc. of Atlanta, also a Nevada builder, said it earned $10.3 million in its third quarter, up 82 percent from the year-ago quarter.

TRPA looks into link between water level, Tahoe pollution: A dam at Tahoe City, Calif., controls the flow of runoff from Lake Tahoe into the Truckee River.

Henderson firm to sell seeds on the Internet: Henderson firm to sell seeds on the Internet

Fewer needy Nevadans tapping state for cash: A report issued this week by the agency shows that 18,308 people received cash assistance in June, a 57 percent decline in 51 months. Food stamp use is down by almost 39 percent over the past four years, and Medicaid, even with the state's high population growth, is holding steady.

Seeking shelter: Tuy Seiler lives in a studio apartment the size of a two-car garage, but the 67-year-old native of Vietnam couldn't be happier if her temporary residence at the new St. Vincent-HELP apartments were a 20-room mansion.

UCLA players get fines, community service: LOS ANGELES -- Nine UCLA football players pleaded no contest Wednesday to illegal possession of handicapped parking placards, a misdemeanor, and were sentenced to 200 hours of community service and $1,485 apiece in fines and fees.

Elko County Commission violates open meeting law, AG says: Sandra Chereb; But Deputy Attorney General Victoria Oldenburg said an investigation of the April 1 meeting in Wells concluded the violations were unintentional and no legal action would be taken against the commission.

Excitement level high for MGM Grand opening: MIKE HOUSEHOLDER; So Mrs. Drakos was among the throng at the public opening Thursday of the MGM Grand Detroit Casino, one of three temporary casino slated to open in Detroit this year.

University regents approve Whittell land swap: Jennifer Coleman; The 16,500-square-foot stone chateau will become a research center for environmental studies for UNR and will be open to the public for tours and conferences.

UNLV picks ex-Navy coach: Niumatalolo, 34, will replace Jeff Kearin, who resigned last week to become the new head coach at Cal State Northridge.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Botha, Briggs battle for right to face champ: Dean Juipe; Heavyweights will always be at the top of boxing fans' list of favorites, so much so that even good heavyweights with a few losses can make a decent living.

Former casino hostess claims she was made a scapegoat: Angie Wagner; Laura Choi knows the names on the list because as a casino hostess for Mirage Resorts Inc., she traveled to South Korea to meet with the gamblers about their debts.

Force, longtime newspaper reporter and PR exec, dies at 91: Art Force, a veteran newspaperman turned publicist, was discussing a public relations campaign with his superiors at the Last Frontier resort in 1953 when a controversy arose that would forever define his sterling character.

Tatupu declines UNLV job: Steve Guiremand; Former USC and NFL star Mosi Tatupu turned down an offer to become tight end and special teams coach for his former college coach, John Robinson, on Tuesday.

Letter: Legislation would cripple research: About 30,400 Americans have kidney cancer, and 200 cases were diagnosed in Nevada last year. This legislation would hurt those patients by hurting research on a cure.

Editorial: State can do better for children: But Nevada also receives its share of unflattering reviews. The latest study, coming from the Children's Rights Council of Washington, D.C., ranks the state 44th in conditions for raising children. Maine was rated the best state and Louisiana the worst.

Letter: Locals can force prices to drop: The politicians have nothing to do with telling the hotels how to run their businesses and what they should charge. I also don't think locals should be treated any different than tourists.

Community news briefs for July 29, 1999: Joe Shoong Park, 1503 Wesley St., near Charleston and Nellis boulevards, will be rededicated with a "Summer Celebration" 8-10 a.m. Saturday. This five-acre neighborhood park recently underwent a $370,000 renovation and improvement project. A free pancake breakfast will be served, and there will be water games for children, a DJ for entertainment, contests and prizes. Call 455-8200.

Letter: Flag burners only hurt themselves, not rest of U.S.: However, I don't think this subject is worthy of all the attention it is getting.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: New Cherokee chief: LAST WEEK I spent four days in and around Cave Springs, Westville, Marble City and Stilwell. If you aren't from Oklahoma there's a better-than-even chance you still don't know where I was during that period of time. I can tell you that it's one of the most beautiful spots on Earth despite a heat wave and high humidity. In addition to the natural beauty, there are 30-pound catfish in the Illinois River and deer, wild turkey and elk in the Cookson hills.

Editorial: Note to judges: Why make rules?: A rule they adopted in May gives the chief district judge the authority to decide whether administrative meetings may be open to the public. Chief Judge Lee Gates had announced that the meeting would be open to everyone. But his colleagues voted 8-7 to close a portion of the meeting to discuss adopting rules of accountability. The logic of the majority was that the judges could speak more freely in private.

Teens to serve LV needy: The volunteers are working through the international Youth Unlimited SERVE Projects program, which sponsors 24 volunteer programs in the United States, Canada and Honduras. The programs provide more than 1,500 teens and adult leaders the opportunity to travel and volunteer.

Chambers envisions a winner: Spencer Patterson; Standing surrounded by dirt, on a plot that will soon become the Community College of Southern Nevada baseball field, head coach Tim Chambers acts like a kid in a candy store.

Fishing report -- Las Vegas area -- July 29, 1999: Boaters are finding fish in deep water in Las Vegas Bay and are connecting with fish by trolling and drifting with baits. Some of the better action has been taking place around Sand Island.

Obituaries for July 29, 1999: Gene Bylund, 65, of Boulder City died Monday in a local hospital. He was born Aug. 7, 1933, in Detroit. A resident for 10 years, he was a retired maintenance worker for the Department of Parks and Recreation and a Korean War Navy veteran.

Letter: Liberals change story about Clinton: They are changing the subject again. The president lied and used dishonorable means to avoid service in the Vietnam War but Dan Quayle and George W. Bush will be tried.

Columnist Steve Carp: Big West breakup was inevitable: Steve Carp; You could see it coming. Especially given the way collegiate athletics are headed. The dominoes were going to eventually fall.

The Las Vegas Youth Ambassadors fine-tune teens' stage talent: Kimberley McGee; "If it wasn't for this," 17-year-old Guiddo Benites says, "I'd be asleep till 2 in the afternoon."

Columnist Joe Delaney: Stepping to the plate with memories: Joe Delaney; Baseball is this columnist's favorite form of sports entertainment. ... Watching all those great players of the past gathered around Ted Williams, one of the greatest, as a prelude to the All-Star Game recently on TV, brought back so many wonderful personal memories. ... I was there in New York City's Polo Grounds when Willie Mays robbed Cleveland's Vic Wertz of at least a triple in the 1954 World Series, won by the N.Y. Giants in four straight games.

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Children must learn to behave: Ruthe Deskin; Children should be seen and not heard.

Vegas.com to sponsor IRL race at Speedway: Vegas.com, Nevada's largest Internet website, will sponsor the Sept. 26 Indy Racing League event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Vegas.com publisher Danny Greenspun announced this morning.