Print edition for March 23, 1999

Columnist Scott Dickensheets: Lizards and monkeys and sex, oh my: Scott Dickensheets; Obviously, we're talking about art. Specifically, a piece from "Carnival of Love," Murphy's exhibit of sculpture at UNLV's Donna Beam Fine Art Gallery (on view through Friday). The show is about love and biology and animals and pop culture and a few sly winks at artistic convention -- all topics the UNLV grad student can address at length in his deep, slow baritone -- but first there's this thing with the stupid bubbles.

Preps: New zone benefits Southern Nevada schools: Spencer Patterson; Las Vegas-area high schools won a major victory off the field on Monday, as the state's governing body voted in favor of a realignment proposal that will increase local participation in state playoff events.

Monday's Prep Results -- March 23, 1999: Las Vegas 9, Lincoln (Ore.) 8

Wild Horse bills set for legislative hearings: The Senate bill also provides for a number of other protections for animals, particularly for those used by law enforcement agencies and for helper animals used to assist people with handicaps.

Second newspaper photographer convicted of obstruction, resisting: Keegan was working as an intern at the Reno-Gazette Journal when he was arrested last summer while photographing riots that broke out downtown after an event during the city annual classic car festival.

Scores of bills introduced on final day: Brendan Riley; By the end of the day, the bill total for both houses, since the session began Feb. 1, stood at 1,225. That's 58 more than the total for the entire 169-day 1997 session.

White House team in LV paving way for Clinton's visit: There was no word today on whether the crisis would force Clinton to cancel Thursday's visit, which was expected to raise as much as $400,000 for the Democratic National Committee.

Wednesday at Bay Meadows: 1st race 1 mi 3YO Fil Clm: 1 Time To Move (Perez) 118; 2 Hobie's Glory (Gonzalez) 116; 3 Majic Ruler (Dieguez) 116; 4 Own The Magic (Warren) 116; 5 Donttalktoomuch (Castanon) 116.

Bill would ban model nudity in escort ads: Too often, he said, children pull out copies of the magazines that often show female models in various states of undress.

Woman shot at restaurant buried today: Karen Zekan; And on sheets of paper in a detective's folder are notes revealing the horrific reality that the 24-year-old Las Vegas woman was killed by a bullet meant for someone else. She never knew her killer; she died within seconds Thursday night while waiting for food at a McDonald's restaurant drive-through window.

Metro travels nations to add diversity to ranks: Scott Reeder; It wouldn't be all that unusual except the test will be taken in New York City.

Keller seeks 13.4 percent budget hike: Erin Neff; Despite City Council's concerns during last year's budget season that Metro was too top-heavy, auditor John Heiss of DMG Maximus reported that Metro is the best-managed of the 66 police departments he's audited in his career.

Clark County to collect $6 million more than it spends: Clark County commissioners are to receive the tentative budget Thursday.

Box score: Michigan 17, UNLV 15: Box score: Michigan 17, UNLV 15

Plea bargain reached in drunken-driving case: Bill Gang; Forty-year-old Jeffrey Marples waived his preliminary hearing Monday in a Henderson Justice Court as the first step in the deal that will keep him behind bars for at least eight years before he will even be eligible for parole.

LV firm sets up sports book in Australia: American Wagering said it will pay the stadium a percentage of all wagers accepted and in return the stadium is providing the necessary space, services and utilities for its sports betting operation.

Police press conference sheds no new light: Robert Macy; "There was nothing there to indicate any foul play," Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Lt. Wayne Petersen told a news conference.

Fourth person arrested in Reno gang shooting: The arrest came a day after three juveniles were arrested in connection with the shooting of Angelo Cisneros, 21.

Seminar set on casino counterfeiting: The seminar is at 5 p.m. at CCSN's Cheyenne Campus. Information, 593-5477.

Officers cleared in inquest: Karen Zekan; The coroner's inquest, held Friday in District Court, included testimony from Officers Troy D'Ambrosio, 32, and Dean Mills, 34, who were involved in the fatal shooting. D'Ambrosio has been with the department 6 1/2 years, and Mills a Las Vegas officer for five years.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Santa Anita: Wednesday's card

Water study warns of Utah uranium leak: The findings by the nonprofit watchdog group Project On Government Oversight have prompted Nevada and California representatives to call for the 10.5 million tons of radioactive material to be removed rather than covering it with a cap to protect it from rain and leaving it next to the Colorado River near Moab, Utah.

Lung cancer deaths on rise in Nevada: The state Health Division reported Monday the lung cancer death rate in 1997 in Nevada was 78 per 100,000 people. That compares with 46.4 in the state per 100,000 population in 1991.

Runoff project may finally begin: The TRPA's governing board will consider approving the project at a late April meeting. It was up for approval this week, but was delayed.

Voters to decide if council size should be expanded: The size of the council would increase from four to six wards if voters approve the plan.

Gondrezick back in hospital: Less than 24 hours after he was released, UNLV basketball broadcaster Glen Gondrezick was back in Summerlin Hospital complaining of chest pains and has been diagnosed to have a blood clot in his heart.

CCSN starts from scratch in creating a sports program: Dean Juipe; Rodger Fairless is the first of what will be 10 head coaches to be hired by the Community College of Southern Nevada, if the school's president and athletic director have their way.

Congress tries again to restrict 'Net gambling: John Wilen; Sen. Jon Kyl is on the verge of re-introducing controversial federal legislation to ban Internet gambling.

Questions linger in death of actor: Ed Koch and Jace Radke; Metro Police were continuing their investigation today into why a successful actor who played a music critic on Brooke Shields' NBC sitcom "Suddenly Susan" was found dead in a $64-a-night room at a Las Vegas motel.

Assembly Democrats introduce bill for tobacco fund spending: Assembly Bill 652 would spend 65 percent of the estimated annual $48 million for health programs, and the remaining 10 percent would be invested in a public health trust fund for future health plans.

Economic hard times prompt educators to request more budgetary power: Kiley Russell; Richard Jarvis, chancellor of the University and Community College System of Nevada, asked a joint budget committee to give education officials the leeway to move money from campuses with lower enrollment to those that are over-enrolled.

Columnist Dean Juipe: CCSN takes first step toward goal: Dean Juipe; These guys might be dreaming.

Stratosphere's $80 mil. expansion on hold: John Wilen; If the lack of activity in the Stratosphere hotel-casino's unfinished hotel tower is not clue enough, Stratosphere Corp.'s latest Securities and Exchange Commission filing makes it official: the resort's long-awaited expansion is on hold.

Woman arrested again on charges of killing pedestrian five years ago: Authorities allege Woerner intentionally struck Sparks resident Kevin Brickey with her full-size Chevrolet pickup as Brickey was walking along the shoulder of U.S. 395 on Aug. 15, 1993.

Anti-gambling proposal renewed: "The gambling industry paints a pretty picture of prosperity and wholesome family living to the community when it asks for our vote," Stoner said.

Democrats introduce own version of Guinn's scholarship plan: Guinn's SB496 would allocate 50 percent of the tobacco money to a scholarship program.

UNLV second in Texas: The second-ranked UNLV men's golf team was in second place, five shots back, after shooting a 36-hole 16-over-par 592 Monday at the Cleveland Golf/Morris Williams Intercollegiate in Austin, Texas.

Attorney appointed to fill vacant Municipal Court seat: Erin Neff; The appointment, made by the Las Vegas City Council, removes the potential for giving one of six announced candidates for the seat a political advantage.

Box score: Texas A&M 5, UNLV 4: Box score: Texas A&M 5, UNLV 4

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Real estate ad misleads Cunningham fans: Next time you see "Minnesota Vikings" and "Las Vegas" used in the same sentence, do yourself a favor and ignore it.

Woman sues police who didn't believe her rape report: Tom Gardner; Finally, last week, the man she accused pleaded guilty to raping her. And he also admitted raping a teen-age girl more recently.

Nevada slot bills revised, unveiled: CARSON CITY -- Some big Las Vegas Strip casinos say International Game Technology (IGT) has a virtual monopoly on electronically linked slot machine networks, such as Megabucks, and the state must step in to even the playing field.

Bill protecting gays in the workplace moving through the Assembly: Assemblyman David Parks, D-Las Vegas, the bill's author, said Monday's voice vote seemed to cut roughly along partisan lines, with Democrats in favor and GOP panel members in opposition.

City looking for golf course proposals: Blaydes is director of corporate development for Performance Research Organization, which runs destination golf schools and franchises golf learning centers.

NCAA coaching gossip heats up: Steve Carp; If it's Final Four week, it can only mean one thing -- the coaching carousel will be spinning out of control.

Investment group changes its mind on Jackpot, supports deals: John Wilen; One of Jackpot Enterprises Inc.'s dissident shareholders has come in from the cold.

Judge rules against Montana contractor's request in gambler's death case: The affidavit was sealed at the request of Las Vegas prosecutor David Roger, who is heading a grand jury investigation into Binion's Sept. 17 death.

Wednesday at Santa Anita: 1st race 2 fur Fil Mdn: 1 Blue West (Means) 118; 2 Soft Bounty (Valdez) 113; 3 Maggie's Melody (Gomez) 118; 4 Empty Purse (Boag) 118; 5 Don'tiwish (Garcia) 118; 6 Qui's Fair Lady (Scott) 118; 7 Princes Melissa (Gonzalez) 118; 8 Pirates' Mistress (Antley) 118; 9 Ed's In Excess (Stimpson) 118; 10 Bandofpearls (Pulido) 118.

Senate measure redraws rules for art tax break: Mirage lobbyist Harvey Whittemore said SB521 clarifies eligibility requirements in a 1997 tax break law, and also will make several changes to benefit the public and taxpayers.

Size of council likely put to voters: Erin Neff; The council, which originally requested voters advise them on whether to increase their board, now is considering a bill to make the people's decision binding.

Las Vegas smoking opponents cut short: Art Nadler and Cy Ryan; Kenny, who is also a member of the Clark County Board of Health, is backing Assembly Bill 331, which would give counties power over the state in setting regulations. The Assembly Judiciary Committee, in a hearing simulcast to Las Vegas, heard from critics and supporters.

Rebels runners-up in tourney: Freshman Greg Porter hit a three-run home run in the sixth inning Monday night to propel sixth-ranked Texas A&M to a 5-4 come-from-behind victory over UNLV to win the Aggie Continental Airlines Classic at College Station, Texas. Texas A&M defeated Cal State-Northridge 12-9 earlier in the day while UNLV lost to Michigan 17-15 in 10 innings.

Federal investigators visit veterans care center: Problems cited were long waits for appointments, lack of services such as mammograms and magnetic imaging, and faults with the clinic's hiring practices.

Jury considers sentence for trio convicted in cabbie's death: "The state has brought into this courtroom the specter of life and death," said John Ohlson, defense lawyer for Sirex. "I'm gong to ask you to consider that the death penalty in this case is wrong. I'm going to ask you to choose life over death."

Gunmen sought in bar slaying: Karen Zekan; Security cameras captured the violent attack that began about 4:30 a.m. Monday inside the Coliseum bar and restaurant, 3645 S. Durango Drive near Sahara Avenue.

City Council briefs: The number is 229-2000. It can be dialed 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. After hours, callers can leave messages seeking responses.

City Council spending: City Council spending

Manufacturers can't control behavior of individuals: As far as guns and tobacco are concerned, these items are used by choice. When people use guns or light cigarettes they make a choice. They always have the option not to shoot or light up.

Elected officers seek pay hike: Glover said the elected officials' salaries are lower than those of other workers, and they're tired of continually lobbying the Legislature.

Columnist Jeff German: Wynn looking to stay neutral in three-way mayor's race: And who can blame him?

Court, FBI looking at missing ATM funds: District Court has been asked to resolve Business Bank of Nevada's $2 million loss of cash alleged to have been diverted illegally through an ATM network.

Letter: Poles happy to be part of NATO: During the whole Second World War, Poland was allied with the United States and Britain. We Poles have fought for our freedom and yours, but we felt that we were let down by the United States and Britain.

Rawson says he'll begin push for Medicaid funding for school: Under his plan, most Medicaid dental reimbursements would go toward covering construction debt and supporting a $6 million annual operating budget at the school.

Ark, animal park planned: A group led by a conservancy for endangered species plans to build a towering replica of Noah's Ark near Mesquite -- a town north of Las Vegas near the Arizona-Utah border.

Mirage discloses details on options, art: Falling stock prices through most of 1998 left some top Mirage executives with options to buy shares at exercise prices higher than prevailing market prices.

Five schools receive 'inadequate' mark: Benjamin Grove; That's down from 13 inadequate schools last year.

Bills seek to oust teachers on drug charges: Currently, school officials have to rely on actual convictions before they taking administrative action against employees charged with drug-related offenses.

Arbitration agreed to by Teamsters: The Teamsters are angry with the company's decision to subcontract the jobs of 62 to 70 drivers who transport garbage from transfer stations located throughout Las Vegas to the Apex garbage dump. The exact number of drivers is unclear. The union claims the action would eliminate 70 positions; the company claims it would eliminate 62.

Bill proposes arcade security, curfew for unsupervised children: SB513, introduced by and referred Monday to the Judiciary Committee, would be enforced all year, with the hours changing during the summer season.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: All kids are important: Next year, the Nevada high school graduates with a B average or better will qualify for $2,500 annually if attending UNR or UNLV. Those attending any of Nevada's community colleges will receive grants of $1,250 a year. This will give all of our colleges leeway to provide more scholarship opportunities for the culturally disadvantaged and at-risk students.

Grant to offset cost of upgrades: The federal funds, part of the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement Fund, generated by passenger facility charges on all plane tickets, will also provide a $3.1 million grant to build runways and taxiways at Henderson Executive Airport.

Obituaries for March 23, 1999: He is survived by two sons, Jack Alter of Baldwin Park, Calif., and William Alter of San Francisco; one daughter, Kathleen Gangwish of Las Vegas; three sisters, Evelyn Singleton of Arizona and Phyllis Glascock and Pat Schooley, both of Las Vegas; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Editorial: Court could use strong chief judge: The way it works now, District Court judges can keep their own hours and take as much vacation time as they want. In addition, they can refuse to help out other judges by declining to accept part of their caseloads. Although there is a chief district judge, it is a position in name only since he doesn't have genuine oversight of other judges.

Editorial: Southern Nevada loses civil rights champion: As the Sun's Ed Koch reported Sunday, blacks were subjected to conditions so bad during the 1950s that Las Vegas was dubbed the "Mississippi of the West." McMillan and others, though, weren't willing to tolerate this dehumanizing situation. In 1960, a civil rights march was planned to take place on the Strip to protest the continued segregation being practiced by hotel-casinos. But the march was called off after the casinos agreed to let blacks stay as guests at their hotels in a deal brokered by McMillan, then-Gov. Grant Sawyer, and the publisher of the Sun, the late Hank Greenspun.

Man sentenced for fraudulent returns: August Jeffery Gutierrez, 34, pleaded guilty on Aug. 8, 1998, to one count of conspiracy and five counts of aiding in the preparation of fraudulent tax returns.

Letter: Front Sight article told it like it is: I can also attest to the professionalism and dedication of the instructional staff. There is no "boot camp" mentality. The instructors are there to make sure that you attain the highest degree of instruction and training that you can absorb during your stay.