Print edition for May 5, 1999

Columnist Dean Juipe: Pro bowling knows its limitations: Dean Juipe; There's a reason they don't charge admission to professional bowling events.

Election '99: Survivors vow to wipe slate clean: Erin Neff; Goodman nearly pulled out the necessary 50 percent plus one vote needed to win the election outright last night, falling just 277 votes shy of the amount needed in order for his coronation to begin.

May to focus on safety: Adrienne Packer; But the 23-year-old mother said the more important challenge she faces is keeping memories of her husband, Christopher, fresh in her mind so she can relay his personality and character to her son when he is old enough to understand.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Classic draws a strong field: He's got most of the top players and the courses are in excellent condition. Now all Charlie Baron needs is for Mother Nature to comply.

Ten indicted in alleged Ponzi scheme: Prosecutors on Tuesday said Michael and Denyse Anderson and eight others were formally charged with conspiracy, money laundering, mail fraud and securities fraud in a 119-count indictment that culminated a year-long federal and state investigation.

Letter: Children's safety not just matter for school officials: I have seen parents speed into the parking lots because they were late and block traffic just because it is an inconvenience to them to have to get out of their car.

UNLV rodeo teams host regional: The Grand Canyon Region, comprised of schools from Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico, will hold the finals in Las Vegas at the Rocking K Arena located a mile east of Tenaya and Rome. The tournament starts Friday at 7 p.m. and concludes Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. Tickets, priced at $5 for general admission and $10 for VIP seating, are available at the Thomas & Mack Center or at the door.

Letter: Don't tinker with Talmud's writings: Moreover he is caught up in a blatant self-contradiction: On the one hand he claims the members of his "conservative movement" believe that Jewish law binds them. In the same breath he dismisses Jewish law, which is based on the Talmud, because it is outdated, relating to life as it was 1,500 years ago and therefore in need of reinterpretation.

Editorial: Mortgage reform is imperiled: The first piece of legislation, Assembly Bill 64, establishes minimum licensing requirements for mortgage companies and their agents. Under the legislation, authored by Assemblyman David Goldwater, D-Las Vegas, companies also must meet minimum net worth requirements. In addition, the legislation gives added powers to the attorney general, allowing that office primary jurisdiction in prosecuting criminal and civil suits against mortgage companies. This is excellent legislation that received the blessing of the Ways and Means Committee and was approved by the Assembly on Friday.

Las Vegas news briefs: City Attorney Richard Maurer said City Manager Pat Importuna's investigation into the allegations is ongoing.

Prosecutor: Columbia/HCA execs exploited mistakes of auditors: Paul Heldman and Beth Francis; Government auditors "made a series of mistakes, the defendants found them, recognized them and enriched their company and careers to the tune of $3 million belonging to the United States of America," prosecutor Bob Mosakowski said in an opening statement to jurors in the U.S. District Court criminal fraud trial.

Prep coaching icon Fairless quits CCSN job: Fairless cited health reasons -- he had back surgery last June -- as his reason for stepping down even before CCSN could hold its first practice.

New resort reports 200,000 job inquiries: The $760 million hotel-casino plans to hire 4,200 people.

Texas firm accused of 'slamming': Slamming refers to the practice of switching consumers' long-distance telephone companies without their permission.

Election '99: Four to face off for two seats; one race too close to call: With all of the city's precincts counted, Marcia Blake collected 1,137 votes to Ron Long's 1,135 -- a difference of two votes.

UNLV inks junior college recruit: Steve Carp; It was win one, lose one Tuesday for Bill Bayno. Fresno City College guard Mike Garrett will join the Rebel basketball program and freshman Matt Siebrandt is packing his bags and heading for junior college.

District Court plans to go online: The new court websites will allow Internet surfers to search court databases, getting access to case histories, document filings and other court records. Eventually the system should provide access to marriage records and business license records.

Cimarron's Esposito tabbed Player of Year: Spencer Patterson; Cimarron-Memorial senior Mike Esposito has captured the area's most prestigious honor, but he won't be able to enjoy it unless he takes care of business on Friday.

Columnist Tim Graham: New conference network prompts changes at UNLV: Tim Graham; The Mountain West Conference regional television deal still hasn't been finalized, but that hasn't stopped UNLV from preparing for the network to come together.

Firm's sales up, profit declines: Jackpot's net income declined from $1.9 million in the year-ago quarter to $1.8 million this year. Per-share profits were flat at 21 cents. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA or cash flow) also fell, from $3.9 million in the year-ago quarter to $3.8 million.

Application for gravel operation withdrawn: Adrienne Packer; Clark County Commissioner Dario Herrera convinced Three Kids Enterprises to drop its application, saying he and at least five of his colleagues were opposed to the gravel business to be operated by Hollywood Gravel Co. of Las Vegas.

Rebels' Malec on All-WAC tennis team: The native of Warsaw, Poland, transferred to UNLV this season after a stellar career at College of the Desert. This spring, she finished with an overall record of 7-5. Malec won five of her last six matches as 75th-ranked UNLV won the consolation-draw championship at last week's WAC tournament.

Inspections continue at the Venetian: John Wilen; The casino and portions of the resort opened to the public for the first time Tuesday, but construction delays prevented opening of the entire hotel tower at that time.

UNLV golf team remains in second place: Brigham Young (285-290-575) shot a second-round two-over-par 290, which was the lowest round of the day, to remain in first place at one under for the tournament. UNLV (292-301-593) is 18 shots back and in second place at 17 over.

Columnist Peter Benton: Anthem unveils gem of a course: Peter Benton; Well, gang, there's a new kid on the block, going by the name of The Revere at Anthem. And believe me, it is something rather special.

Obituaries for May 5, 1999: She is survived by one son, Robert L. Ayers, and one daughter, Martha H. Ayers, both of Las Vegas; two brothers, Sam Williams of Eaton, Ga., and Wallace Williams of Davenport, Fla.; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Pay hike pushed: CARSON CITY -- Legislators deserve a pay raise and should vote themselves one, a parade of lobbyists said Tuesday.

Fishing report -- May 5, 1999: Areas of the lake that are strewn with rocks, such as along rock slides, are where crayfish are typically found. So anglers have been enjoying success in these areas.

Letter: Assisted suicide, murder not same: All of the people who disagree need to picture themselves or a loved one going through the pain of Lou Gehrig's disease and ask themselves if they would want to live or end the suffering.

Card printing company accused of fraud: If the same scheme was used nationwide, as officials suspect, it would have cost industry about $8.3 million a year, said Ernie Joubert, CEO of Global Resorts. Global Resorts and the Caesars World unit of Starwood Resorts owns the casino. Park Place Entertainment of Las Vegas is buying Caesars World.

County gives nod to new handbill ordinace: Adrienne Packer; But it wasn't only the commissioners' decision that baffled civil rights experts who guaranteed the new ordinance would be struck down in District Court.

Letter: Discipline a must in raising children: I met her at the door and pushed her out of it. She went to the police, I went to jail. I have never been arrested before, I've not even had a speeding ticket in 20 years. I obey the laws. I don't drink or do drugs. I coach my kid's sports. I am a single mother. Yet I went to jail.

Penske to LVMS: CART race could bring in big money: FONTANA, Calif. -- If Las Vegas Motor Speedway officials are concerned whether a Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) race can be a profitable venture, perhaps they should consider conferring with Greg Penske.

DOE: No plans to ship Ohio waste through LV area: Although the DOE has no control over what routes nuclear waste shipments take, the five proposals so far bypass major urban areas in Southern Nevada, including Las Vegas, Henderson and Boulder City, DOE spokesman Darwin Morgan said Tuesday.

Compromise reached on wine-importing bill: He said if he brought that wine back from California he would be guilty of a felony in violating an old law that prohibits importing more than one gallon a month into Nevada.

Horseshoe Gaming debt is rated: Horseshoe, which operates casinos in Bossier City, La., and Tunica, Miss., is preparing to sell 10-year senior subordinated notes that can be called after five years. The notes are expected to yield between 8 1/2 and 8 3/4 percent, said people familiar with the sale.

Election '99: After a near-win in primary, more support may come for mayoral bid: Mark Fine, who finished third with 16 percent of the vote and failed to make the cut for next month's general election, said this morning he's leaning toward throwing his support to Goodman, the criminal defense attorney who's threatening to shake up the establishment.

Editorial: Oversight panel gets new direction: So it is encouraging to see that the Clark County School Board on Monday approved the oversight committee's self-improvement recommendations, which will streamline the panel and provide it with a mission. The committee has been pared from 19 to 15 members. Along with trimming the size, those 15 members will be divided into five working groups that will examine specific issues: school design, construction, site selection, financing and community relations.

Columnist Paula DelGiudice: Wildlife board to decide on quotas: Paula DelGiudice; The Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners will meet in Reno on Saturday to establish quotas for the 1999 season's big game hunts. The commission will meet the previous day to hear reports and discuss routine items of business.

Tuesday's prep results -- May 5, 1999: Green Valley 1, Basic 0 Basic 000 000 00 -- 0 0 1 Green Valley 000 000 01 -- 1 6 3

Election '99: McDonald wins easily; Reese faces Stupak's son: Erin Neff; Michael McDonald cruised to easy re-election in Ward 1 despite a vocal campaign from nearest opponent Steve Miller, while in Ward 3, incumbent Gary Reese was forced into the general election by political upstart Nevada Stupak, who didn't so much as hang a campaign sign.

Auditors give state qualified rating: That account dropped from a $25 million surplus just two years ago to a negative following the collapse of L&H Administrators, the third-party administrator hired to pay bills generated by the employee health benefits plan.

Governor and Raggio meet to discuss budget augmentations: The lawmakers' concern is that the governor wasn't leaving any money for unfunded social, educational and other priorities the Legislature has been developing since February.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Thursday's races at Hollywood Park: 1ST RACE:

Sun writer receives Knight science fellowship to MIT: Schorr said she will use the fellowship to develop an expertise in women's health.

New facility fills Rebels' bill: Steve Carp; It started out as a simple endeavor -- a place for Bill Bayno's UNLV basketball team to practice when the Thomas & Mack Center was occupied.

Nevada educators honored: Basic High School Principal Horace Smith was named Nevada secondary principal of the year 1999-2000.

Southwest Gas Corp. sued over merger: But Austin, Texas-based Southern Union said it joined a shareholder lawsuit in a San Diego Court in hopes of forcing Southwest Gas to accept its higher offer or to let shareholders decide the issue themselves.

Muffins, quick breads made easy by Pillsbury: There are recipes galore for muffins, scones, quick breads and other quick-baked goods in a terrific new baking book from Pillsbury.

UMC workers' union takes contract petition to commissioners: Art Nadler; The County Commission acts as the public hospital's board of trustees.

Washoe commission concludes budget workshops: A final public hearing on the budget proposal is scheduled for May 17, at which time the board is expected to vote to adopt it.

Thursday at Hollywood Park: 1st race 1-1/16 mi 3YO Fil Clm: 1 Rich Trick (Valdivia) 118; 2 Capeche (Garcia) 118; 3 Grand Glorya (Flores) 118; 4 Cee Dreams (Valdez) 118; 5 Curious Marlene Antley) 118; 6 Homemade Video (Rodriguez) 118.

Armstrong, O'Neill, advance to general election in Sparks mayor's race: State law provides that in cities with populations of 5,000 or more, a candidate who receives more than 50 percent of the vote in a primary is the only one to advance to the general election.

Peppermill unveils plans for additional expansion: The first phase of the estimated $300 million project is already under way with the renovation of the Century Theatres complex next door. That phase is expected to be completed in November and will include a 1,560-seat showroom, meeting and special event space and restaurants with elaborate special-effects.

Montoya shies away from being called 'Renaissance man': But not in the eyes of a few short-sighted superiors.

Election 99: Ferraro will face runoff: Jace Radke; Four-term Boulder City Mayor Bob Ferraro was close to securing a fifth term Tuesday night, but Councilmen Robert Kenneston and Bill Smith took just enough of the vote to force a June 8 runoff.

2 Stars learn relatives unharmed by tornadoes: Stars reliever Matt Whiteside and first baseman/outfielder Dusty Allen both spent much of Monday night and early Tuesday morning worrying about their relatives in Oklahoma after a series of killer tornadoes swept through that state on Monday night.

Woman suffers loss of friend killed by officer: John Perrin had been putting the swing set together for several weeks, working when he had the time. Before he could complete his act of kindness, Perrin was shot and killed by a Metro Police officer, who told investigators he thought the 32-year-old Las Vegan was going for a gun after being stopped for acting suspiciously.

District starts over with name game: Benjamin Grove; "We'll get a deluge of applications," School Board member Larry Mason, who is a member of the district's school naming committee, said.

Community news briefs: A community forum, Stopping Violence Among Children, will be held 7:45-9 p.m. Thursday at the Las Vegas Convention Center Ballroom.

Reno Air to drop Las Vegas flight: The company announced one additional nonstop flight each between San Francisco and Orange County, Calif.; Los Angeles and San Jose, Calif.; and Seattle and Anchorage, Alaska.

Family name drove murder plot, jurors told: Bill Gang; During opening statements Tuesday in the murder trial of Joseph Balignasa, Deputy District Attorney Bill Koot said a few thousand dollars changed hands for what was apparently supposed to be a hired killing far from the du Pont family's East Coast stronghold.

Cox Pavilion at a glace: Cost: $8.5 million

Box score: Stars 11, Trappers 6: Las Vegas

New group president to head Nev. operation: Shoffner, who is based in San Francisco, most recently worked on Citibanking North America's national sales team, working on developing bank products, resolving compensation issues and recruiting.

Thursday at Golden Gate: 1st race 6 fur 4YO & up F&M Mdn Clm: 1 Windy Intention (Gonzalez) 118; 2 Harsh Reality (Castro) 118; 3 Janelle My Dear (Tohill) 118; 4 Remember Anver (Dieguez) 118; 5 Generally (Schvaneveldt) 118; 6 Orlando Solar (RBaze) 118.

Aerosmith still giving fans bang for their buck: Geoff Carter; Well, I can't do that. Oh, Lord knows I could do an entire piece on Liv Tyler -- I am a man, after all, and Liv has those family trait full lips -- but I won't, for two reasons. One: I haven't seen "Cookie's Fortune" yet. Two: Even before the first chord of "Toys in the Attic" had a chance to bounce off the capacity crowd, it was obvious that Aerosmith was going to take up the entire review. They're just too interesting and, ultimately, too good.

Teens accused in kidnapping arrested at school campus: Four others in the vehicle were not arrested.

Election '99: Brown, Walsh make court finals: Bill Gang; Del Vecchio has been a judicial candidate nine times in the last decade.

Election '99 almost error-free; voter turnout light: As a result, the ballot box at Wasden Elementary School, 2831 Palomino Lane, remained in limbo for about two hours Tuesday night.

Southern 4A All-Conference Baseball Team: All-Conference

Thursday at Aqueduct: 1st race 1 mi & 1 fur 4YO & up F&M Clm: 1 April's Benefit (Smith) 108; 2 Holy Bolla (Chavez) 113; 3 Maid Of Silver (Castillo) 117; 4 Bycarby (Lovato) 117; 5 Arctic Gold (Bridgmohan) 113; 6 Timeisoftheessence (Lopez) 117; 7 Siskel (Diaz) 115; 8 Mining Calskey (Espinoza) 113.

Plea bargain reached in baby's death: Bill Gang; Brenda Broughton, 38, pleaded guilty Tuesday to voluntary manslaughter and felony child abuse and neglect but did so under a legal provision that lets her accept the deal rather than face the potential life prison sentence if convicted of first-degree murder.

Election '99: Provost keeps his Municipal Court post: Provost, 38, received 6,868 votes of the 11,332 cast.

Hospital profits decline in Nevada, Clark County: The state Division of Health Care Financing and Policy reported today hospital profits fell to $49.9 million statewide, down 7 percent. That's the lowest total profit figure for Nevada hospitals since 1994, when they dipped to $39.8 million.

LV insurer sees profit decline in quarter: Analysts had predicted a profit in the range of 31 cents per share. Sierra stock declined 12 cents this morning to $12.63.

Regents ponder how to resolve funding inequities: The Board of Regents was to begin a special meeting today at UNLV to discuss what many perceive to be a funding crisis, at least for UNLV and the Community College of Southern Nevada.

Election '99: Incumbents win Henderson council seats: Lisa Snedeker; Councilwoman Amanda Cyphers received an overwhelming stamp of approval, garnering a little more than 73 percent of the vote to retain her Ward 1 seat for a second, four-year term. That's the highest percentage of votes that any candidate received in Tuesday's municipal races throughout Clark County, according to unofficial vote totals.

Room tax bill splits Reno, Sparks: That way, they said, Sparks wouldn't dilute the money and decision-making authority of the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority, which collects room taxes, markets the region and runs the convention center.

Opinion sought in Ely primary outcome: State law allows that in cities of 5,000 people or more, a candidate who wins more than 50 percent of the vote in a primary is the only one to advance to the general election.

Columnist Susan Foyt: National Italian American gala honors Raggio, students: Susan Foyt; Opening with a lavish hosted reception, the evening was festive as guests including Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, Gary Gray, Bruce and Marlene Francis, Chancellor and Mrs. Richard Jarvis, Mikey and Jim Bilbray, Cara Kelley, Bob Faiss, Jim Marsh with Roz Santangelo, Paula and Sue Lowden, Assistant District Attorney Charles Thompson, Milton Schwartz and Bob and Patricia Campbell, enjoyed the buffet of Italian appetizers and delectables while meeting and mingling with friends and associates. Moving in to dinner from this congenial hour were NIAF members and celebrity presenters, among them Ruth Buzzi, Dick Van Patten, Lou Ferringo, Robert Davi and Dennis Farina.

WAC golf tournament scores, day two: Team scores Brigham Young 285-290--575 UNLV 292-301--593 New Mexico 299-296--595 San Diego State 295-305--599 Colorado State 309-301--610 Utah 310-304--614 Texas Christian 300-315--615 Fresno State 304-312--616 San Jose State 302-319--621 Southern Methodist 313-309--622 Hawaii 302-321--623 Wyoming 309-317--626 Air Force 313-314--627 Texas El-Paso 318-315--633 Rice 328-309--637 Tulsa 321-321--642