Stories published March 25, 1999Las Vegas Sun

Gorman football banished from Boyd: Spencer Patterson; There's no place like home, unless your home field happens to be located at someone else's high school.

Mesquite will run bulls second year: Actually, there will be even more snortin', rip-roarin' bulls, which is one reason the second annual Running of the Bulls America 1999 event figures to be more impressive than last year's inaugural run.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: UNLV acts if it has something to hide: When someone is accused of doing something wrong or suspicious, that someone usually tries to clear his name by providing proof or other information to the contrary.

Don't trust the scribes on Tobacco Road: ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- It didn't take long for the subject to come up. And as he usually is, Mike Krzyzewski was prepared for it.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Contenders should emerge after spring break: Spencer Patterson; If the early season is any indication, this year's Class 4A baseball and softball races appear to be more wide open than ever.

Obituaries for March 25, 1999: He is survived by one daughter, Vicki Ashenfelter of Henderson; one son, Dennis Arnst of Tempe, Ariz.; one brother, Ivan Arnst of Lincoln, Neb.; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Nellis units staying home: "The units can be ready to go with little notice," said Mike Estrada, chief of external affairs at Nellis. "They are the helicopter rescue squadron and the unmanned aerial vehicles at Indian Springs."

Columnist Dean Juipe: 'Unknown' Coley at front of line for De La Hoya bout: Dean Juipe; When promoter Bob Arum talks about Oscar De La Hoya's future plans and opponents, the names come easily to him.

Letter: Take highway land back from real estate agent: I hope that everyone that has read the story will remember Mr. Neil Ohriner and hope that their real estate agent has better ethics than he does. Oh, he can say this is the fault of someone in the assessor's office and he would be right. But any decent law-abiding, god-fearing person would have pointed out the mistake.

Columnist Jeff German: Bryan a grandpa in 1999, Democrats may be bridesmaids in 2000: Conner Hudson Bryan, who weighed in at seven pounds, was born Tuesday night in Reno. Conner is the son of Richard Bryan Jr., a Reno cardiologist, and his wife, Karen.

'Chicago,' 'Chicago,' that toddlin' show: Joe Delaney; The musical is in two acts with a 10-minute intermission. Total running time at the show we attended was two hours and 10 minutes. There was never a dull moment from start to finish. It seemed too soon over.

Two Reno police officers stabbed; suspect dies: Scott Sonner; One officer, Pam Cercek, 41, was stabbed all the way through her shoulder and out her back with the 7-inch long steak knife, Deputy Police Chief Jim Weston said.

OSU coach feels at home: Steve Carp; By Steve Carp LAS VEGAS SUN

Letter: Mistake shouldn't cost taxpayers: FRANK BARKER

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: IOC does more of nothing: The time for a study is long past due and punishing a few weak members does little to assure the world of the purity of the Olympic flame. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., has a suggestion that would really cleanse the entire operation. McCain is considering a law that would remove the IOC's tax-exempt status. This, for example, would increase the cost of John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Co.'s sponsorship by 40 percent. Maybe this doesn't bother the IOC which had a bank balance of $207 million at the end of 1998.

Station Casinos to pay one fine, appeal another: Other violations covered by the fine included irregularities with a car giveaway, serving alcohol to intoxicated patrons, failing to make full and timely tax payments and another false advertising claim that the Kansas City operation offered "over 400" nickel and dime slot machines. In fact, there were fewer than 200 such slots.

New UNLV assistant Jackson has shined as Robinson's, Jerry Buss' right-hand man: Steve Guiremand; John Robinson has been blessed with his share of talented assistant coaches during his two previous college coaching stints at USC.

Columnist Joe Delaney: More local performance venues coming on line: Joe Delaney; The Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts (7,000 seats) should be back in action in 2000. ... Before that, LV will have three events centers with a 5,000- to 6,000-seat potential: Buffalo Bill's Star of the Desert Arena at Primm, a new one at the Rio, and the Millennium, being built in North Las Vegas.

Hershiser joins Mets: RONALD BLUM; The New York Mets won the bidding war for Orel Hershiser, agreeing today to a $2 million, one-year contract.

Preps: Eagles' swimmers blast off: Spencer Patterson; By Spencer Patterson LAS VEGAS SUN

Attorney General says she's encouraged by support: Del Papa, a Democrat, has been considered a leading candidate for the seat being vacated by Sen. Richard Bryan.

Gaming industry tries understanding new problem gambling rules: John Wilen; Is it when you've gambled away a hundred dollars more than you planned? Is it when you can't resist the urge to head straight for the casino after work? Or is it when you begin to embezzle money to finance your habit?

Columnist Tim Graham: Bayno may not receive public support: Tim Graham; Two years ago, the past and future of Rebel basketball converged at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Letter: Smokers invade clean air space: You still have the freedom to smoke at home, outside, in casinos or even in your vehicle. When I play slots in casinos I usually sit were there are no smokers. How many times have I had to move because someone sat down beside me, and the first thing they do is to light up. But show me a little respect, just as I respect your right to smoke. Most get arrogant if you say something. After all, I was sitting there first so why should I have to move?

Las Vegas news briefs: Sgt. Mike Stansbury of Metro Police's gang section said two groups of about four or five teens started arguing about 6 p.m. and at some point went inside to get their guns, then started firing.

Letter: CCSN enrollment should be praised: I find it distressing that an elected official such as state Sen. Bob Coffin would even suggest that we couldn't afford to educate some students. I wonder if Coffin would turn away his children or his neighbors' children from an education. Which students will Coffin turn away?

One death sentence handed down in killing of Reno cab driver: Two others defendants, Harte's girlfriend Latisha Marie Babb, 20, also of Fallon, and Weston Edward Sirex, 26, of Reno, were sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Garth may come to Cashman: The Garth Brooks traveling baseball show could be making an appearance in Las Vegas next weekend.

Wednesday's Prep Results -- March 25, 1999: Cimarron-Memorial 9, Lincoln (Ore.) 3

Critics rip study calling for more roads: Critics, however, are saying "not so fast." More roads and highways, they say, will only compound the problem. Where there are roads there will be drivers, they say, adding that more buses and trains and walkways should constitute the greater portion of any proposed solution.

Sun Softball State Top 10 poll -- March 25, 1999: Teams ranked jointly by the Sun and the Sparks Daily Tribune.

Clinton cancels Vegas trip: White House spokeswoman Elizabeth Newman said from Washington that the president wanted to remain in the nation's capital as NATO launched air strikes against Yugoslavia.

Homeowners want speedy resolutions to their repair problems: Kiley Russell; Advocates of AB442 told the Assembly Judiciary Committee about leaking roofs, cracked walls, substandard electrical wiring, water damage and even toxic mold in new homes. They said the bill would speed up negotiations between owners and builders and avert costly court battles.

City attorney resigns after condemning city's ties to casino owner: Ms. Sylva claimed Wednesday that the bingo club-casino was illegally built with taxpayer money.

Nevada Focus: These canes are made for more than walking: Sandra Chereb; Shuey has designed a cane with a larger crook and smooth notches along the staff. And though they may look like ordinary walking sticks, with a little training and practice they become inconspicuous yet powerful self-defense tools.

Sun Baseball State Top 10 poll -- March 25: Teams ranked jointly by the Sun and the Sparks Daily Tribune.

Lawmaker defends tax credit for companies with low-salaried workers: Brendan Riley; Sen. Maurice Washington, R-Sparks, told the Senate Taxation Committee his SB403 is intended to give a business tax cut to firms that hire people whose income doesn't exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty standard.

Iowa legislature moves to ban some casino cash withdrawals: "Most people are very concerned that there are too many Iowans gambling recklessly with money that they can't afford to gamble with," said Sen. Andy McKean.

NDOT worker killed in accident in Ely: Another employee, Robert Gene Broderson, 34, of McGill, was in the cab of the truck at the time of the accident, the patrol said. Broderson was not hurt.

Preps: Swimming & Diving top teams -- March 25, 1999: 1. Green Valley

City says candidate Miller breaking law: Erin Neff; Steve Miller, a candidate for City Council in Ward 1, displays the city's seal at the top of his campaign website in what the city attorney's office has decided is an unlawful use.

Preps: Baseball standings -- March 25, 1999: SUNRISE DIVISION

Stratosphere sued by retailers over escalator: Strato-Retail, a company that leases Stratosphere's 69,000 square feet of retail space and then subleases shops to 57 retail tenants, says the new escalator will hurt its ability to attract retail tenants by allowing visitors to the Stratosphere Tower to bypass its shops.

Nevada Jobless rate up slightly in February: CARSON CITY -- Nevada's unemployment rate inched up to 3.5 percent in February with an estimated 34,100 people out of work. But the Las Vegas economy remained strong.

Prep: Softball standings -- March 25, 1999: SUNRISE DIVISION

Class-action suit filed by Reno attorney: Eleven of the 12 Las Vegas area Econo Lube stores are independently owned as franchise stores and are not subject to the suit. The one company store, at 1100 S. Main St., is in the process of converting to a franchise operation.

Nevada officials rip interim storage plan: Robert Macy; Sen. Richard Bryan told the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee that the bill "places 50 million Americans in 43 states, living within one mile of transportation routes for nuclear waste, at unnecessary risk."

HIV-positive boy gives inspirational message: Michael Dowling told members of the Assembly he was born HIV positive and his mother told him "I'd probably die by the time I was 3 years old."

Enthusiasm grows for Mesquite ark: But this month, the council gave its blessing to something a little more Old Testament.

Bees swarm at elementary school: School was out for the day, but as a precaution, children waiting for rides home were moved to the front of the school. No one was stung.

Plan would eliminate Nevada business tax on small firms: Scott Reeder; Currently, businesses must pay the state $100 a year for each person they employ.

Henderson: Calico Ridge debate near compromise: Valerie Miller; Calico Ridge, a residential subdivision of about 400 homes on Henderson's northeast side, took center stage again at a meeting Wednesday night of the city's Citizens Advisory Committee.

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Artist to head Sunrise Children's Hospital Foundation gala: Elizabeth Foyt; The annual luncheon will be April 23, with the black-tie gala and art auction on April 24. Multitalented artist Bob Byerley is honorary chairman for the gala evening at the Las Vegas Hilton, and promises it will be a splendid evening indeed. Invitations will soon be in the mail, with advance details and reservations available by calling 731-8373.

Teen pregnancy drop credited to awareness of abstinence benefits: Winters, 19, of Las Vegas and other members of the advisory council held a news conference Wednesday to announce that the teen-age pregnancy rate fell 22 percent in Nevada between 1993 and 1998.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Santa Anita: 1ST RACE:

Friday at Aqueduct: 1st race 1 mi 3YO & up F&M Mdn Clm: 1

Search goes national for suspect in killings: Karen Zekan; Homicide Lt. Wayne Petersen said a physical description of Calvin, 25, has been entered into the National Crime Information Center's computer database, which is accessible by all law enforcement agencies in the country.

Time share resort in dispute over deed: The suit was filed last month by Robert E. and Joan Morris, who own a time-share unit in the Jockey Club; Jockey Condominium Inc., a non-profit corporation that manages the Jockey Club; and Jockey Club Resort Properties, the Jockey Club's owner.

NLV police count on grant in battle against growing meth problem: Lisa Snedeker; The City Council, during a special meeting, agreed to apply for a grant that if received would provide the department with funding for two additional narcotics officers as well as equipment including vests and vehicles.

Court upholds LV murder conviction: The court rejected the argument of Phelps' lawyers that there was insufficient evidence for the District Court jury to find him guilty. Phelps argued he believed the victim, Billy Matthews, was already dead when he dumped his body in a trash compactor and activated the machine.

Gordon-Burton rivalry one of mutual respect: Dick Brinster; The Jeff & Jeff Show is becoming one of the great NASCAR rivalries.

'Wake-up call' for valley's students: Benjamin Grove; School officials on Wednesday released the latest round of results from the Nevada Proficiency Examination, taken by students in February. Students must pass the test to earn a diploma.

Fight schedule -- March 25, 1999: At Cherokee, N.C., (USSB), Anthony Jones, Detroit, vs. Urbano Gurrola, Mexico, 12, for vacant NABF junior middleweight title; Rhoshii Wells, Atlanta, vs. Ron Weaver, New Orleans, 8, junior middleweights.

Lawyer says he'll deliver witness in Binion case: "I'm going to produce my client," Huntington Beach attorney Chet Bennett told the Sun. "I'm trying to get it resolved. I don't want to see her handcuffed, and I don't want to see her in jail."

Southwest beefs up Vegas schedule by eight flights: The Dallas-based airline announced today that among the eight flights will be new nonstop service to Baltimore-Washington International Airport and Chicago's Midway Airport.

Mother, stepfather sentenced in child abuse: Bill Gang; But it still was not clear at Wednesday's sentencing hearing who actually killed William Cooper II in August.

Hornaday-Sprague rivalry builds truck series: JEFF SHAIN; Jack Sprague felt betrayed.

Editorial: It's time to clean up old uranium site: There has been much controversy about how to remedy this situation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists originally suggested moving the uranium mill tailings, but the U.S Nuclear Regulatory Commission rebuked this initial finding. Shortly afterward, the Fish and Wildlife Service reversed course and agreed with the NRC.

Prep: Boys Volleyball standings -- March 25, 1999: SUNRISE DIVISION

June hearing set in Binion chip dispute: Binion's refused last year to cash Stupak's chips, saying it could not verify he had won them at the casino. A Board agent ordered the casino to pay Stupak, but Binion's appealed that order to a hearing examiner.

Icahn taking travel company public: Lowestfare.com Inc. is a discount travel service that provides low fares over the telephone and Internet through its agreements with 800 travel agents and a variety of airlines and resort companies, including the Icahn-owned Stratosphere hotel-casino, and Trans World Airlines, an airline once controlled by Icahn. The company also has agreements with America West Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Hertz Rent-a-Car, and Carnival Cruise Lines.

Bill requiring schools to set aside time for pledge OK'd: She said the Legislature begins each floor session with the pledge and students should have the same opportunity.

Friday at Bay Meadows: 1st race 5-1/2 fur 4YO & up F&M Clm: 1 Natalie's Gray (Delgadillo) 118; 2 Sky Stalker (Schvaneveldt) 118; 3 Lord Of The Hills (Radke) 111; 4 Alec N Chase (Tohill) 118; 5 Go To Guy (Castro) 118; 6 Annulet (Hunter) 118.

Students testify about charter schools bill: SB258, requested by Sen. Maurice Washington, R-Sparks, allows for unlimited charter schools, creates a state commission to authorize their development, allows the conversion of public schools to charter schools and lets teachers at charter schools negotiate for pay and benefits.

Assembly panel hears proposal to keep children from seeing lewd ads: Kiley Russell; Several Molasky Middle School students stumbled into the hearing room where two three-by-four-foot blowups of ads depicting half-naked women were being shown to lawmakers by Assemblyman John Lee, D-Las Vegas, who wants the ads outlawed.

Utilities try to sooth public concerns over Y2K problems: Jace Radke; That's just one of the crazy stories that Ranck has heard as residents prepare for the possibility that on Jan. 1, 2000, computers controlling such vital services as power, water and banking shut down because they cannot recognize years beyond 1999. It's popularly known as the Y2K bug.

Bill would strengthen animal protections: Jennifer Coleman; SB356 would also increase the penalty for harming domestic animals and repeat offenders could be charged with a felony. Also, permanently disabling or killing a police animal would be a felony.

Democrats want to expand high school government bill: Sen. Bob Coffin, D-Las Vegas, said he and other Democrats believe the information taught in government classes should be left to the discretion of the teachers.

Judges vote to soften hard-rule proposal: Bill Gang; Sources inside Wednesday's closed meeting, which judges originally said would be open, said the majority of judges voted to turn down rules that would limit their vacation days and require them to be present in the courthouse at least most of the day.

NLV: Open spaces pushed: Lisa Snedeker; The Planning Commission Wednesday night voted 5-1 to approve revisions on how common open space in a planned-unit development will be calculated. Commissioner Chris Montanez cast the lone dissenting vote.

'Pioneer' spirit on the radio: Scott Dickensheets; That this etcetera is actually vast, and not nearly as empty as the national consciousness or even Rand McNally might suggest, isn't news. We know the void is filled with stories, legends, people and history. What is surprising is just how full of stories, legends, people and history. Fifty thousand watts of proof beam out every Sunday evening from the Union Plaza hotel-casino, home of KDWN 720-AM, home of "The Pioneer Territory Program."

Census Bureau counting on reply from more Nevadans: Jace Radke; But the representative of the U.S. Census Bureau says in his case, he al is from the government and he really al is here to help. An accurate count of Nevadans will only help the state, and a count that comes up short could hurt in many ways, he says.

More punch sought for planning group: Scott Reeder; At least that is the contention of Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, who is pushing for giving the Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition more power.

Escort service fights news-rack nudity bill: But the largest escort service in Las Vegas, Hillsboro Enterprise, is crying foul and said a bill before the Assembly Judiciary Committee is unconstitutional.

Columnist Janie Greenspun: Tales of toads and Angel abode: Janie Greenspun; Recently I had the good fortune to trek along on a Nature Conservancy of Nevada expedition, in search of the elusive Armagosa toad. The Conservancy is planning to buy the old Torrance Ranch in the Oasis Valley, home of the toad and other rare species of fish and birds.

Strickland spent his last hours in part of Las Vegas known as the 'naked city': Robert Macy; The "Suddenly Susan" actor left the Oasis Motel, but returned before dawn Monday to rent the room where he apparently committed suicide.

Editorial: Smoking regulation is best left to locals: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. lobbyist Harvey Whittemore didn't hesitate to use hyperbole when he denounced Assembly Bill 331 this week before a committee hearing in the Nevada Legislature. "The purpose of this bill is to ban smoking altogether all throughout the entire state," Whittemore said. What nonsense.

Friday at Santa Anita: 1st race 6-1/2 fur 3YO Fil Mdn: 1 Hollywood Paldcat (Flores) 120; 2 a-Tapioca (Gomez) 120; 3 Doremifasolasido (Espinoza) 120; 4 a-Torrentina (Ramsammy) 120; 5 b-La Vuelta (Garcia) 120; 6 Half Queen (Black) 120; 7 b-Andover The Money (Blanc) 120; 8 Rial Fill A Pocket (Berrio) 120; 9 Exact Time (Desormeaux) 120.

Cleaner-burning gasoline still under consideration: Art Nadler; The cleaner burning gasoline would be reformulated for Nevada to reduce sulfur and aromatic hydrocarbon levels by 9.6 percent or 38 tons per day of carbon monoxide.

Murder charges dropped against older brother, cousin in double homicide: Angie Wagner; They, along with another relative, will stand trial in a shooting that killed two people.

Settlement reportedly near in parachuting death of Reno officer: City Attorney Patricia Lynch said the council is scheduled to discuss details of the settlement at its April 13 meeting.

Murder charges dropped against teens: Bill Gang; However, Justice of the Peace Doug Smith ruled Wednesday there is sufficient evidence to hold the remaining three men for trial in District Court in the Feb. 20 shooting deaths of 17-year-old Eloy Numez and Carlos Lopez.

Prep: Boys Golf standings -- March 25, 1999: SUNRISE DIVISION

Industry gears up for diesel fuel: Scott Reeder; Legislation to require this was introduced Wednesday into the Senate Natural Resources Committee.

Las Vegas Sun

Print edition for March 25, 1999

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