Print edition for July 30, 1999

Local news briefs for July 30, 1999: A 17-year-old boy from California died Thursday in an accident on Lake Mohave.

Davis vetoes bill over banked games: The legislation, AB1417, stemmed from a recent court ruling that the author, Assemblyman Herb Wesson, D-Culver City, said had made the regulations governing banked games in California confusing.

The Flaming Lips shine on: On Friday music fans who head to the Joint to see Oklahoma City's Flaming Lips are going to experience perhaps the most unique rock show of the summer.

Wynn building AC community center: The two-story building will house day care, after-school and senior citizen programs. Construction will begin in October and finish next summer.

Anchor wins Florida case: Anchor initially won the contract in October 1996, but the award was contested three times by rival lottery-equipment supplier GTECH. The appeals court affirmed the Florida Department of Lottery's final administrative order issued last year awarding the contract to AWI.

MGM casino to help revive blighted downtown: Mike Householder; DETROIT -- Tony Petschler was so excited about the prospect of gambling that he showed up at the city's new casino early -- seven hours early.

Mirage debt collection figure disappoints Korean media: David Strow; At the center of the legal battle between Mirage Resorts and Trump Hotel & Casino Resorts is one contention -- that Laura Choi provided secret lists of the Mirage's South Korean high rollers to Trump.

Little Caesars' 21 Las Vegas stores not affected by closures nationally: Little Caesars officials say they will not close any of the chain's 21 franchise and company-owned stores in Las Vegas, despite the recent abrupt closures of 300 Little Caesars in other cities nationwide.

Man guilty in murder of clerk: Bill Gang; A Los Angeles man who had spent time in juvenile and adult jails in California was found guilty by a District Court jury today of murder charges in the shooting death of a convenience store clerk.

Births: July 14: Erick to Karen and Robert Finkle; Jose to Maria Gollas and Jose Pereze.

Liens pile up against Venetian, builder: Gary Thompson; Numerous Nevada construction companies are lining up to file liens against the $1.5 billion Venetian resort and its construction manager.

Officials fear floods could cause radioactive contamination of water: Environmentalists and congressional members from the West have worried for years that uranium tailings in Utah along the Colorado River could contaminate the Southwest's major water supply with radiation.

Neighborhood slot licenses are restricted: David Strow; A divided Nevada Gaming Commission clamped down on the expansion of neighborhood gaming Thursday, passing a new regulation designed to restrict the placement of slot machines by small businesses.

Check-mates: Chess match schedule

Las Vegas swap meet faces accusations of allowing sale of counterfeit goods: Grace Leong; Broadacres Inc. of Las Vegas was sued by Levi Strauss and Co. and Nike Inc., alleging it infringed on their trademarked brands by allowing the sale of counterfeit merchandise at its swap meet.

1999 American Legion playoff schedule: Today

LV business index falls again: The main factor dragging down the index in July was a decline in gasoline consumption. UNLV said gas sales in May fell 9.73 from April, but were up 0.28 percent from July 1998.

Mego sets reverse stock split: The split is needed for Mego to meet the listing qualifications of the Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market system. Mego's stock has dropped below $1 per share in violation of Nasdaq requirements -- a reverse stock split would presumably result in higher per-share prices.

Test Site expected to receive $50 million nuke research job: The Nevada Test Site is in line to receive a $50 million nuclear weapons research complex that Congress had approved for New Mexico's Los Alamos National Laboratory last year, according to a Senate report released this week.

State estimate hikes nuclear shipments: If Yucca Mountain opens as a high-level nuclear waste repository in the year 2010, a state transportation expert estimates 10 shipments of radioactive cargo a day could travel through Southern Nevada.

Southwest merger endorsed: David Strow; A major advisory and research agent for institutional investors has recommended its clients vote for Southwest Gas Corp.'s proposed $1.8 billion acquisition by ONEOK Inc.

FBI: Suspect in slot scam left LV: Kim Smith; Authorities say they believe the lone suspect still being sought in connection with a national slot machine scam purposely misled his attorney to foster his escape.

Would-be politician faces fourth psychiatric examination: Bill Gang; After District Judge Kathy Hardcastle ordered a fourth psychiatric examination for perennial political candidate and convicted felon Hilary Michael Milko, he yelled that there were nuclear devices at Lake Mead and that he knew who killed John F. Kennedy Jr.

Tourists attacked in Circus Circus lot: Cheryl Miller; Two tourists remained hospitalized this morning after they were stabbed Thursday night during a robbery in the Circus Circus parking lot.

Juvenile probation officers might carry guns: Bill Gang; While adult probation officers routinely carry guns on the job, juvenile probation officers aren't armed.

Judge delays call on release of Binion tape: District Judge Michael Cherry today delayed a decision on whether to release a copy of a videotape of Ted Binion's home taken the day after his Sept. 17 murder.

Letter: County website serves residents: A lot of people need our services: family, marriage, and juvenile drug and alcohol counseling; community service projects done by the juveniles to pay off their fines; Family Court, URESA Court (for child support and paternity testing), and Juvenile Court. We have Court by Peers, where juveniles are judged by their peers.

Letter: Image of Mesquite is turning into a bunch of bull: You were steeped in a tradition of kindness and an enviable lifestyle of values, honesty and goodwill.

Letter: Golf course OK smells rotten: Does it all come down to campaign donations?

Letter: Alcohol worst killer of all: My daughter will die because she cannot get a transplant. I hope someone can help her. It won't be the liquor industry.

Columnist Dean Juipe: One leaves to applause, one to jeers: Dean Juipe; There's a right way and a wrong way to do most everything, and when it comes to superstar athletes announcing their retirements both extremes were on display this week.

Obituaries for July 30, 1999: Le Roy Ayres, 79, of Boulder City died Wednesday in a local hospital. He was born Jan. 21, 1920, in Cincinnati. A resident for seven years, he was a retired auto worker for an auto manufacturing company, a World War II Navy veteran, a member of the National Rifle Association and Boulder Rifle and Pistol Club.

Letter: Pocono could not be bought: Nah-nah-nah-nah-nah-nah, I told you so!

Chance of more thunderstorms looms over Las Vegas: The 1984 rainfall record for July remained intact in the Las Vegas Valley Thursday, but forecasters are not ruling out more thunderstorms rolling across Southern Nevada today.

Letter: Atlanta fans weren't at risk: It is not unusual to have no debris fence where there are no people.

Road expansion worries residents: Valerie Miller; Fears that neighborhood streets may be turned into congested highways compelled dozens of Henderson residents to voice concerns at Thursday's meeting of the city Planning Commission.

Former UNLV star Kendall shares Hartford Open lead: The field took advantage of a windless day and a well-watered TPC at River Highlands course to come within one of the course record. It was the lowest first-round score since the 6,820-yard course was redesigned in 1991.

LV team named Strikers: LV team named Strikers

Three locals to compete in Soap Box Derby: Michael Voss, 12, of Henderson will compete in the Masters Division; Sean Henderson, 9, of Henderson is entered in the Stock Division; and Andrew Marquis, 12, of Las Vegas, will compete in the Super Stock Class. Derby contestants range in age from 9 to 16.

Editorial: Arena issue deserves a fair look: If the committee believes we should have an arena, the public will want to know who will pay for the facility and where the money will come from.

Editorial: Going extra mile not to be missed: The trailer park suffered extensive flood damage, but the commissioner eased the pain of its residents by repeatedly going door to door and then working behind the scenes to secure local government assistance for the battered property. The residents showed their appreciation by gathering 63 signatures on a petition expressing their thanks to her.

Shelf Life -- Scott Dickensheets: Revving up for a literary 'Road Trip': Then again, I hate to drive, so, when you think about it, that's a pretty stupid fantasy. I'm just not a car guy. Nonetheless, when I read James Morgan's "The Distance to the Moon: A Road Trip Into the American Dream" (Riverhead Books, $24.95), my first thought was one of envy: Why didn't I think of this?

Solutions offered in keeping gangs in check: The answer to significantly reducing the gang problem in the United States -- perhaps more than the passage of ordinances or increased police action -- may be simple community involvement.

Coyotes lose to Rhinos: The Coyotes return to action tonight at 7:30 with the Anaheim Bullfrogs providing the opposition at the Santa Fe.

Drug firm settles ad lawsuit with state: CARSON CITY -- Nevada will receive $766,000 in a $41.8 million settlement between 37 states and Knoll Pharmaceutical Co., and BASF Corp., in a dispute over marketing claims about a drug that treats thyroid illnesses.

Legion tourney begins tonight: Spencer Patterson; With one berth to regionals gone and one up for grabs, the 1999 Nevada State American Legion Tournament begins tonight at UNLV's Wilson Stadium.

Still believin', Journey hits Vegas with a new line-up: Tamara Conniff; When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing band -- but that's not a problem in Vegas: "Swingers" is a 3-year-old video store inhabitant, having dropped out of the top-10 video rental and sales lists. Swing-dancing siren Heather Graham is running the streets with Austin Powers these days, and hep-cat Vince Vaughn has graduated to "Psycho."

Date book: The sixth annual Valley Health System Baby and Family Lifestyle Expo, featuring more than 100 booths geared toward the family, will be from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at Cashman Center, Halls A and B. It is running in conjunction with the Community College of Southern Nevada's Back-To-School Fair. Admission is free. Call 889-7343.

Noise, screaming and blood everywhere: David Barstow; In the chaos after a mass shooting in an Atlanta office building, Cabrer kept going. Security guards were running everywhere. He crossed a walkway and found himself at the emergency exit of All-Tech Investment Group. He looked inside a large room. He saw a man with a bullet hole in his cheek. Silently, the man was feeling his body to see where he had been hit.

Sound Check -- Geoff Carter: Some suggestions for an arson-free Woodstock event: Attention Woodstock 1999 promoters: It didn't have to go down this way, with the fires, the rioting, the Limp Bizkit, the what-have-you. You could have had your "three days of peace and music" if you had simply changed a few rules. There's no need to hire extra security or firemen for the 2004 event -- just implement these simple changes and not one trailer will be set aflame, not one potentially crippling mosh pit-related injury will be inflicted and -- most importantly -- that drugged, don't-move-just-soil-yourself-hippie stupor will return.

Box score: Stars 5, Zephyrs 4: New Orleans

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

A trail of violence leads to a bloody end: James Pilcher; ATLANTA -- Clutching his handguns, the man in the khaki shorts bolted from the cool lobby of the tinted-glass office building into a blast of Georgia summer heat. He headed for his minivan and made sure to fasten his seatbelt.

Saturday at Del Mar: 1st race 1-1/16 mi 3YO & up Clm: 1 Shady Link (Pedroza) 119; 2 My Shogun (Garcia) 119; 3 Neotorque (Solis) 119; 4 Hooten Harry (Berrio) 119; 5 Cold Chisel (Ramsammy) 119; 6 Totana (Espinoza) 119; 7 Chief Arias (Puglisi) 119; 8 Pelagius (Radke) 119; 9 Edgewood (Blanc) 119; 10 Zapateo (Flores) 119; 11 Big Bing (Black) 119; 12 Wolfhunt (Pincay) 119.

Saturday at Saratoga: 1st race 6-1/2 fur 3YO & up Clm: 1 Kitt Carson (Prado) 114; 2 Bye Bye Boker (Albarado) 118; 3 Deja De Retarme (Chavez) 118; 4 Carson County (Sellers) 118; 5 Jolie's Secret (Lopez) 118; 6 Golden Tent (Gryder) 120; 7 Grim Reaper (Day) 118; 8 Robb (Velazquez) 118; 9 Land Boom (Davis) 114; 10 Copelan's Pache (Leon) 118; 11 Lucky Carrde (Bridgmohan) 118; 12 Double Screen (Smith) 118.

LVMS Dirt Track Points Standings: IMCA Modifieds

The Movie Guys: 'Blair Witch Project': Be afraid. Be very afraid.: Grades: Jeff, A; Dave, A.

Tyson's weight, opponent are still mysteries: Dean Juipe; Dan Goossen's brand of optimism isn't exactly contagious, yet the promoter keeps an ever-hopeful attitude when responding to questions about Mike Tyson.

Stars trade rumors fly: Steve Guiremand; Trade rumors involving several Las Vegas Stars continue to heat up as major league baseball's Saturday night trade deadline approaches.

Mexican team fires 209 to win Americas Cup: Spencer Patterson; Loaded with teams from golf-rich California, Nevada and Arizona, the field for this week's Girls Junior Americas Cup Tournament read like a who's-who of the Southwest's top young players.

Wynalda vows to avenge men's World Cup debacle: Steve Carp; Injuries

Good food, laughs and magic had at Empire: Joe Delaney; Caesars Magical Empire has been operating in Caesars Palace for approximately three years and we have resisted going there until this past week. Our mistake. Had we attended sooner, we would have taken visiting friends there or at least suggested they included the Magical Empire on their things-to-do list. The $72.50 tab includes a three-course dinner, continuous entertainment, taxes, gratuity and a glass of wine with dinner.

Dial File - Steve Bornfeld: Apples and oranges and Emmys: As Johnny Carson might have put it in one of his classic Art Fern/"Tea Time Movie" bits: "We now return to Showtime, HBO, My Wife's OB-GYN and Hymie the Wonder Mule in "The Cable Thing That Swallowed The Networks," or "How to Succeed in Emmys Without Really Trying."

Columnist Joe Delaney: Early impressionists paved the way for today's stars: Joe Delaney; With David Cassidy being revealed on Wednesday as Danny Gans' Rio replacement, the announcement that Gans will be moving to the Mirage in mid-January should be forthcoming within the week ... The Rio's timing seems premature unless a deal has been made for Gans to leave earlier.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Draft breezes blowing: THE CONTINUING economic health of our nation is almost too good to be true. Not everybody's benefiting from this situation, but most high school graduates can find a job that they like and that provides enough cash to enjoy their immediate environment. Evidently a vast majority of them believe their present situation is better than what the military has to offer.

Pair of Jewish teenagers honored: Andrew Urban and David Lieberman, both going into the ninth grade next year, were selected for their leadership potential, Jaqueline Fleekop, educational director for Congregation Ner Tamid, said.

Reid, Bryan blast GOP tax cuts; Reid says Nevadans "Aren't Stupid": SCOTT SONNER; "The American people, the people of Nevada do not want a tax cut first," the Senate minority whip said Friday.

Excitement level high for MGM Grand opening: MIKE HOUSEHOLDER; Petschler, 54, a retiree from Dearborn, was one of thousands of people who swarmed to Thursday's opening of the Motor City's first temporary casino, the MGM Grand Detroit.

Says Yucca project would draw 10 shipments a day: The state's estimate forecasts three to seven truck shipments, one to two heavy haul loads and one rail cask a day for 30 years until a proposed repository is filled.

Nevada site in line for weapons research project: The Energy Department proposes to spread post Cold War work among its national laboratories and test sites under a "Mega Strategy."

Former Washoe tribal police chief sentenced to prison on weapons charge: U.S. District Judge Howard McKibben on Thursday also sentenced Ahdunko to three years probation for making false statements in a police report about an accident involving a tribal vehicle that Ahdunko was using for personal use.

Regulators approve Sprint rates: Under an agreement among several parties in the rate case, Sprint's bill for basic business and residential service will go up nearly $2 a month per line. But customers will get a $30.60 credit beginning next month to offset early termination of a cap on local phone rates.

509113413.html: Feb. 14 - Daytona 500, Daytona Beach, Fla. (Jeff Gordon)

Couple stabbed at Las Vegas casino: The incident occurred as their two children watched.

Curran ends tenure on Nevada Gaming Commission: As a Nevada Gaming Commission meeting ended Thursday, Curran said he was privileged to serve on the panel - including a record eight years as chairman - and oversee the development of the state's top industry.

Local hands greet travelers: The hands make up a mural on the airport parking garage.

Judge denies girlfriend access to Binion home: ROBERT MACY; District Judge Michael Cherry on Friday again denied Sandra Murphy access to the home pending the outcome of murder charges against the former topless dancer.

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