Print edition for March 26, 1999

New gaming oversight legislation passed: Under the bill, the state Gaming Commission would review leases between charity bingo operators and their landlords.

LV bankruptcies: Emory Hodges, doing business as Guys Will Be Dolls, formerly doing business as Piece O'Pie, 2107 Frontier Ave., filed for Chapter 7 listing assets of $126,088.25, and liabilities of $174,161.30.

Mike Mecca to run Detroit casino: "Detroit is the next great gaming destination, so this is the career opportunity of a lifetime," Mecca said.

Sun Life Datebook: WOMEN'S HISTORY

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Gourmet society dinner at Mandalay's Aureole a triumph: Aureole was up and running for Mandalay Bay's opening just weeks ago and they've never stopped. Whatever refining had to be done was done with such skill and talent, the staff never missed a beat.

Dial File: Movies and TV -- shall we dance?: "With no privacy there is no dignity."

Editorial: Health care reform may wither again: But optimism that once existed for the passage of a patient's bill of rights is dissipating. There have been recent signs that congressional efforts to reform HMOs in 1999 could be a dismal repeat of 1998, when the Republican-dominated leadership in both houses killed meaningful health care reform.

The Movie Guys: 'EDtv' takes on television with laughs and insight: Jeff: I know what your thinking: "EDtv" is "The Truman Show" all over again. I've seen this story. Wait, believe me, that was my thinking when I first saw the ads for "EDtv." Now that I've seen the film, I'm happy to say that director Ron Howard has created an entirely different film.

Sound Check: Lenz ponders the potential of new nightclub Sanctuary: One look at the Huntridge Theatre operator bears out his assertions. He's a classic TV dad type, with an earnest face and easygoing manner. You might tag him a doctor, a councilman (he did run for local office once), even a construction foreman.

$3.4 million in AIDS funds to be distributed: Art Nadler; The money was awarded to agencies in Clark, Nye and Arizona's Mohave County as part of the federal Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act that was enacted by Congress on Aug. 18, 1990.

Civil Service Commission delays reconsideration of officers' firing: City Attorney Patricia Lynch on Thursday argued the commission lacks authority to reject the layoffs. And she said the city would go to court to force the layoffs if the commission didn't reverse its stance.

Valley's Jackson in learning mode: Steve Guiremand; It has been about 16 months since Dion Jackson last put on the gear and got hit on a football field. But the former Sunrise Division MVP from Valley High School doesn't appear to have lost a step.

Controversy arises over bill on employing poor people: Scott Reeder; CARSON CITY -- Nevada legislators are considering whether to give a special tax break to employers who hire poor people.

Small business index increases: The bank index is being affected by low unemployment in Nevada, which makes it difficult for businesses to find qualified workers.

County hammers out new budget: Adrienne Packer; Larry Dau, the Clark County Fire Department's chief logistics officer, said Thursday during a hearing about the county's $631 million operating budget that it takes firefighters four to six minutes to respond to most calls.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Stars: Name your tune, Mr. Brooks: Dean Juipe; Don't bother trying to register your disgust.

Televegas: TV shows hit the Strip: The first sign that something is awry in the Monte Carlo is actually several signs, all carrying the same ominous warning to casino visitors.

Promoter Arum says boxing needs open scoring: Dean Juipe; It was more cocktail party than press conference.

School board briefs: In January a small group of vocal parents and students rushed to the School Board to request that Jauregui remain at Rancho. They said they appreciated Jauregui's concern about Rancho's Hispanic students, who make up roughly 60 percent of the school. Some parents also had complaints about a few of the other administrators at Rancho. At the time, the board agreed to hold off on transferring Jauregui.

NLV cops grilled over union affiliation: Lisa Snedeker; Rather than facing public scrutiny, they landed instead in front of the state Ethics Commission.

Regulators move to limit slot locations in stores: John Wilen; The Nevada Gaming Commission took a stand of sorts on grocery store gambling machine placement Thursday, one day before it was to consider broad new regulations restricting where slots can be placed in stores.

State jobless rate rises in February: Nevada's unemployment rate is still far lower than the 4.4 percent national rate and the 5.6 percent rate in California.

Two dead of gunshot wounds in Winnemucca: The bodies were found by a co-worker who went to check on the residents when one of them failed to show up for work, Police Chief Don Wright said.

Bad Religion's concert plays second-fiddle to headless Lenin: Geoff Carter; I mention it only because seeing that grotesquerie far surpassed any controversy that venerable California punk band Bad Religion might have doled out last night at House of Blues. Despite its storied history and incendiary lyrics -- a catalog of blinding sociopolitical statements that includes the hits "21st Century Digital Boy" and "American Jesus" -- there's no possible way Bad Religion could have topped a headless Lenin, even if they do use $10 words such as "visceral" and "surfeit."

Vote on judges' vacation rejected again: Bill Gang; The district judges concluded the second day of their meeting Thursday by voting on the last of a series of recommendations to the Nevada Supreme Court that will form the basis for formal rules of accountability to be enforced by a "strong chief judge."

NLV Constable's request for hearing denied: Lisa Snedeker; Brown's attorney, however, said the denial will not affect the petition that has been filed in District Court for judicial review of the commission's original decision that left Brown facing a record $10,000 fine.

Saturday at Santa Anita: 1st race 6 fur 4YO &up F&M Clm: 1 Miss Traffic (Alvarado) 118; 2 Grenda (Berrio) 118; 3 Santana Dance (Steiner) 118; 4 Synister Move (Almeida) 118; 5 Pillary (Garcia) 118; 6 Laguna Miss (Espinoza) 116; 7 Maggie N Sandy (Sorenson) 116; 8 Loha (Enriquez) 118.

Sun Correction: The Sun corrects its errors. If you find a mistake, call 385-3111 to report it.

Woman who stabbed police had threatened suicide before: 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 Thursday.

Man guilty of passport fraud faces perjury charge: Kennedy received a one-year prison sentence March 11 after he admitted obtaining a passport in a dead man's name.

Research firm says planning needed to ease traffic: "We don't want to say the only thing to do is build, build, build," said Bill Outlaw, spokesman for the nonprofit The Road Information Program (TRIP).

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Several story lines may pan out in Phoenix: PHOENIX -- There almost is a story line for every lap scheduled to be run (200) in Sunday's Indy Racing League MCI WorldCom 200 at Phoenix International Raceway:

Man sentenced to life gets new trial: The court last year upheld the first-degree murder conviction but in a decision issued Wednesday agreed it had made an error in its first ruling. It overturned the conviction and sent the case back to Clark County District Court.

Kaufman & Broad, Saxton profits up: Reflecting its acquisition of Lewis Homes and the booming housing markets in the West, Kaufman & Broad said it took orders for 5,621 homes in the first quarter -- up from 3,716 in 1998's first quarter.

LV Motor Speedway standings -- March 26, 1999: Late Model Sportsman -- 1. Scott Gafforini 94; 2. Chris Lowden 90; 3. Jerry Spilsbury 88; 4. Chuck Trickle 86; 5. Rich Attisani 74; 6. Joe Kirsch 72; 7. Gerald Lair 66; 8. Richard Bridges 58; 9. Tie between Nick Antrillo, Ken Holt and Ray Hooper Jr., 50 each; 12. Tie between Steve Anderson, Barry Bradshaw and Joe Chapman, 46 each; 15. Tie between Dave Scheidecker, Mike Flake and Jeff Murray, 36 each; 18. Dave Quartero 32; 19. Tie between Donna Gunther and Wayne Jacks, 26 each.

Court rejects mother's appeal to stop son's execution: Brendan Riley; A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Lydia Calambro, who sought to intervene on behalf of her son Alvaro - who opposes any appeals that might stop his execution by injection at Nevada State Prison.

Researchers warn of Tahoe quake potentials: Smith and other researchers briefed Tahoe Regional Planning Agency governors on Wednesday and urged them to support further studies on the danger of quakes at the lake.

Counties object to paying NOMADS penalties: Washoe District Attorney Dick Gammick told a budget subcommittee Thursday that counties are being fined administrative money that supports programs collecting child support money from deadbeat parents.

Neither Duke nor Michigan St. putting much credence in their 6-point game earlier this year: Steve Carp; ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- If Tom Izzo is looking for an edge, he probably won't find it when he pulls out the Dec. 2 tape of the Michigan State-Duke game.

Columnist Steve Carp: St. Pete's no place for a Final Four: Steve Carp; TAMPA, Fla. -- Whoever thought it was a good idea to have the Final Four here shouldn't accept too many pats on the back.

UNLV women lose 10th straight: The fifth-ranked Stanford women's tennis team swept singles play en route to a 7-1 victory over UNLV at the Fertitta Tennis Complex Thursday. The Rebels have now lost 10 straight after a 3-0 start while the Cardinal players, who were making their first-ever appearance in Las Vegas, improved to 15-2. Stanford did not lose a set in taking all six singles points. UNLV got its only score with a win at the second doubles position where Veronica Goude teamed with Marianne Bakken to down Lauren Kalvaria and Sarah Pestieau 8-2. The third doubles match was not played.

Ralph Siraco's Selections for Santa Anita: Saturday's card

Nevada Focus: Elko's two-year college wants to offer four-year degrees: Great Basin College hopes to offer its first four-year program, in elementary education, starting this fall. The launch of the degree program at the two-year college depends on approval from the Nevada Legislature and the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, which accredits colleges in Nevada.

Thursday Prep results: Las Vegas 6, Rancho 5

High court suspends ex-senator: The court Thursday told the Southern Nevada Disciplinary Board to start formal proceedings to decide the punishment for Walker, who served in the Senate in the 1971, 1973 and 1975 sessions.

LV homeowners give Carson City an earful on bill: Chairman Bernie Anderson, D-Sparks, issued the warning during tense testimony. At one time, he warned the Las Vegas audience to refrain from outbursts or they would be removed from the hearing room in the Sawyer State Office Building.

Concealed-weapons bill introduced: Scott Reeder; Legislation to allow this was introduced Thursday in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Williams: Charter school not impressive: Earlier that day, students at the school testified in support of SB258, sponsored by Sen. Maurice Washington, R-Sparks, that would significantly expand the ability of charter schools to organize and operate.

Overturned truck at Railroad pass stalls traffic: Jace Radke; Henry Bruckman, a special education teacher at Elton Garrett Middle School in Boulder City, was on his way to umpire Little League games in Henderson when a Safety Kleen truck carrying cleaning agents rolled and blocked U.S. 95 for about five hours Thursday afternoon.

High-interest lenders target of legislation: Buckley says the interest and late-payment fees are too high and that the collection methods include threatening customers that they will go to prison if they don't meet the payments.

Tiff with cops lands singing star in jail: Karen Zekan; The chain of events began about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Smith's Food and Drug Stores parking lot off Rancho Drive and Charleston Boulevard.

Northern Nevada lands bill proposed: The northern Nevada lands bill would require competitive bidding for public land sales, and a 15 percent payment to local governments based on the value of land exchanges.

Debut of LV airline delayed: A new Federal Aviation Administration certification process will make air travel safer, but it will delay National Airlines' startup date by more than a month.

UNLV business forecast is optimistic: UNLV's Center for Business and Economic Research said increases in gross gaming revenue and passenger activity at McCarran International Airport accounted for the movement of the index.

Seniors may be eligible for rental rebates: The program, available through the Clark County assessor's office, is open to all qualified seniors and includes homeowners, renters or those who live in a mobile home.

Two killed, four injured in separate Nevada traffic fatals: Acevedo collided head on with a four-door Pontiac driven by Juan Garcia, 28, Emmett, Idaho, at about 12:10 a.m. Friday.

Beeper, pager bill rejected: Bache, a middle school teacher in the Clark County School District, said the devices cause disruptions in the classroom and that some penalty was needed to enforce the 1993 law making their possession at school illegal.

Saturday at Bay Meadows: 1st race 1 mi 4YO & up Clm: 1 Prime Tiza (Radke) 111; 2 Just Bo (Castanon) 118; 3 Pagnini (RBaze) 118; 4 Best Anthem (Dieguez) 118; 5 Francis Parker (Lopez) 118; 6 Neighborly (Perez) 118; 7 A Prospect For Nan (Delgadillo) 118.

Video store employees arrested in thefts: Sgt. Gary Smith said the scheme involved employees ordering the discs and electronic equipment and then keeping the merchandise rather than putting it on the shelves of the store located at 2630 Windmill Parkway.

Hispanic leaders see political opportunity: Erin Neff; A question on the June 1 ballot for the municipal elections, however, is creating optimism within the Hispanic community that the political demographics may change.

Lefebvre back in Vegas tonight: Steve Guiremand; It isn't unusual to see Patrice Lefebvre skating around the ice at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Community briefs: births: Lake Mead Hospital

Columnist Joe Delaney: Tracing King's career beyond Beale Street: Joe Delaney; He was born Riley B. King in Itta Bena, Miss., not far from Indianola. ... B.B.'s early vocal influences were Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, "because you could understand every word they sang."

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: President worth the effort: Clearly, for the hundreds of Las Vegans who were part of the planning for his visit here, the cancellation comes as a bit of a disappointment. It would have been far more upsetting, though, had President Clinton followed through with his plans to head out across the country in the midst of airstrikes in Yugoslavia. It was clear when Slobodan Milosevic told the NATO allies to pound salt that the bombs would fall and everything else would be put on hold. It became clear, of course, because for myriad reasons there was no other choice.

Letter: Rich don't need surplus from cut: As a native North Dakotan, I was proud to see that the leading Congressional speakers boosting the Democratic plan were Midwesterners.

Letter: Recent stories on airport contract misrepresent facts: It was never the intent of the county's recently adopted ethics policy to prevent any contact with commissioners concerning matters before them.

Obituaries for March 26, 1999: He is survived by his wife, Valerie; one daughter, Donna Lambert of Las Vegas; one son, Berry Bernier of Centralia, Wash.; and four grandchildren.

Letter: Dismiss bigotry, support AB311: However, all people who can competently perform a job should be treated equally when considered for employment. And that equal treatment should not be affected by someone's sexual orientation.