Print edition for November 3, 1999

Inside "The Insider": Mark Jurkowitz; Lowell Bergman isn't exactly a movie buff. He doesn't go to many films, and he walks out on a high percentage of those he does catch. But he gives a hearty thumbs-up to "The Insider," Disney's much-hyped tale of tobacco-industry whistleblower Jeffrey Wigand and the tortuous battle to get "60 Minutes" to air the interview that cost him his family, his bank account, and nearly his sanity.

Hope lives for Mapes Hotel: "If it doesn't save the Mapes, it may save the next building that is endangered," said Nana Rassau, Truckee Meadows Heritage Trust organizer.

Charges will be filed against ex-prosecutor accused of scuffle: The Nevada Highway Patrol sought the charges after Stanton was stopped for speeding on his motorcycle in Carson City. The patrol said Stanton was doing 67 mph in a 25 mph zone and that he scuffled with a patrolman after he was stopped.

Letter: In Bush family, it's truly 'like father, like son': A few days later a reputable, well-established publisher recalled all copies of a book on the subject, "Fortunate Son." The author alleged that former President George Bush approached a judge and asked that George Jr.'s record be expunged. The request was accommodated, according to the author.

Prayer service replaces usual celebrations: FONTANA, Calif. -- The tragic death of Player's/Forsythe Racing driver Greg Moore during Sunday's Marlboro 500 at California Speedway moved CART chairman and CEO Andrew Craig to cancel both Adrian Fernandez's victory-lane celebration and Juan Montoya's series championship festivities.

The husband of a du Pont family heiress admits role in slaying: Christopher Moseley, 59, of Centerville, Del., and two other people were indicted by a federal grand jury in Las Vegas in September 1998 in connection with the contract killing of Patricia Margello, 45.

Hearing set on allegations of pilfered panties: Robert Macy; A judge set a Nov. 15 hearing, incensing the prosecutor in her murder case.

Letter: People's ethnicity shouldn't matter: In the interest of harmony and fairness I ask you to consider two ideas. Print only the ethnicity of peole in stories when it really matters, and if you are going to print them, be consistent and give all cultures and backgrounds equal billing.

Donations stolen from Halloween fund-raiser: On Tuesday, Carson City lawyer Bob Crowell wrote a check to cover the museum's loss. But museum officials are still angry at the intrusion.

Evans bows out with LVMS win: Evans took the CORR/Exxon Superflo Series title by one point over Scott Douglas, who had suspension problems early in the race and finished ninth.

Preacher gets court sermon about towing, selling stolen cars: Bill Gang; A North Las Vegas preacher probably knew the Ten Commandments prohibit stealing, but a careful reading apparently didn't say anything about towing away stolen vehicles and selling them for a little extra cash.

Public administrator, wife accused of stealing from dead: Angie Wagner; "Things were being taken from the estates not being accounted for," Nye County Sheriff Wade Lieseke said Tuesday. "Vehicles and trailers were being sold and the money kept."

Noted LV gambling writer dies: Las Vegas gambling author Marty Mendelsohn drew from the best of two worlds -- the great wisdom of veteran gamblers and the vast technological gaming frontier of today.

Three-day event focuses on Tahoe's future: The majority of the three-day event is dedicated to Lake Tahoe, a natural wonder facing serious threats due to the impact of man.

Editorial: Nevadans: Stand and be counted: That assumes we take a few minutes out of our busy schedules to fill out U.S. Census forms. But a funny thing happened to Nevada on the way to the federal trough 10 years ago. We blew it.

Bryan organizes forums to help communities cope with mining layoffs: Battle Mountain and Winnemucca are feeling the effects of layoffs in the gold mining industry.

Utopia put on probation for allowing racy party: Adrienne Packer; Club Utopia was slapped with probation Tuesday, nine months after Clark County inspectors raided its "Nymphomaniacs Ball" to discover women dancing naked in cages and performing sex acts.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Shopping for pampered pooches: It's the doggonedest thing what pet owners will do for their dogs, or the dogs of their friends. Once when I was in Europe I spent time looking for doggie gifts for a friend's new pooch. I couldn't find what I wanted here, so I looked for pet shops in every place I visited. Europeans are even crazier than Americans about their pets, but I still couldn't find the right gift.

Letter: Deskin column appreciated: Yes, there have been a lot of changes, not all for the better. Thanks for your views, Ruthe.

Residents to get say in how city will look: Valerie Miller; Henderson residents will now have a say in how the place they call home should look.

Editorial: Bennett's gift great benefit to university: Bennett is no stranger to charitable giving on campus. Last year he donated $2.7 million for the William G. Bennett Professional Development Building, which is under construction adjacent to Paradise Elementary School. As Harter noted, the new buildings will give the university an early childhood education program that "we believe will become a national model." UNLV's current preschool serves about 200 children, but the new facilities are expected to double that enrollment.

Kiel Ranch supporters: Return with us to Old West: Diana Sahagun; The nonprofit group Friends of Kiel Ranch is hosting a weekend of cowboy festivities designed to educate the public about the historic ranch in North Las Vegas.

Wildlife board considers tougher rules for catching lizards: State wildlife staff is recommending a halt to lizard collecting until studies are completed.

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Stars shined at gala, golf tourney for St. Jude Hospital: Elizabeth Foyt; The Resort at Summerlin came to full bloom last weekend as it hosted the first St. Jude Las Vegas Gala and Celebrity Golf Tournament to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's research and treatment of catastrophic childhood diseases. St. Jude's, founded in 1952 by the late Danny Thomas, remains the world's premier biomedical research center dedicated to finding cures for catastrophic childhood diseases such as cancer and pediatric AIDS. Patients are treated regardless of their ability to pay, with the hospital's fund-raising arm covering all costs beyond those covered by insurers. Brian McMullan, president and CEO of the Resort at ...

Letter: Raley's clerks have much to learn: BEVERLY POHGEN

Columnist Dean Juipe: Holyfield: Blame both sides in debacle: Dean Juipe; From Evander Holyfield's perspective, there is plenty of blame to go around from the abbreviated Mike Tyson vs. Orlin Norris fight last Saturday.

Community news briefs for November 3, 1999: Admission is $3 per participant/dog and $1 or a bag or can of pet food per spectator. For more information, call 455-8206.

Obituaries for November 3, 1999: Michael G. Andress, 34, of Las Vegas died Sunday in Las Vegas. He was born Dec. 3, 1964, in Las Vegas. A lifelong resident, he was the vice president of an asphalt company, a motorcycle and automobile enthusiast, a member of the Associated Building Contractors, the Southern Home Builders Association, and was a participant in the Best in the Desert motor sports events.

Breakup fee boosts Jackpot net slot machine operations struggle: Revenue rose to $22.8 million in the three months ended Sept. 30 from $22.2 million in the year-ago quarter.

Judge: AG tapes may be viewed: District Judge James Mahan said today he likely will allow a former state investigator a chance to view secret videotapes that may show the attorney general's office conducted an intelligence probe of top gaming regulators.

State takes over troubled mortgage firm: CARSON CITY -- The state Financial Institutions Division announced today it has taken possession of Interstate Mortgage Group Inc. in Las Vegas because of unsafe conditions growing out of the company's loss of collateral securing loans of $5.7 million.

Germans soar at Nellis: Diana Sahagun; German fighter pilots showcased their aerial acrobatics Tuesday at Nellis Air Force Base, just days before they take off for home in their MiG-29 Fulcrums.

Henderson manufacturer halts dividends: The suspension affects only common shares. Payments on TIMET's preferred securities will continue, but the company said it will re-evaluate preferred dividend payments on a quarter-by-quarter basis.

LV company signs e-commerce deal: PurchasePro will provide the electronic commerce software in its deal with VerticalNet Inc., Horsham, Pa.

Las Vegas area fishing reports: Nevada Division of Wildlife game warden Dennis Roden spent two days drifting anchovies in the Virgin Bowl late last week. He and his two companions caught and released more than 100 stripers. He said the fish that were 12-14 inches were healthy, but fish that ranged from 17-20 inches were skinny due to a lack of forage.

Thursday's Santa Anita entries: 1st race 1-1/16 mi 3YO Clm: 1 Air Force Wins (Delahoussaye) 117; 2 Sweet for a Moment (Antley) 117; 3 Halo Romeo (Valenzuela) 117; 4 Cunning Fellow (Martinez) 117; 5 The Wicked Path (Pincay) 117; 6 Ragin Reggie (Berrio) 117; 7 Mr Bulldog (Pedroza) 117.

NRC accused of loosening Yucca rules: Critics of a plan to regulate a high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain attacked the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Tuesday for a rule that appears to help the U.S. Department of Energy build the proposed dump 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

Vegas unions ponder effort to organize dealers, cashiers: David Strow; For decades in Las Vegas there has been an unwritten, ironclad directive from the casinos -- dealers and cage cashiers will not be represented by unions.

IRL expects an influx of CART teams at Indy: Leo Mehl, executive director of the Pep Boys Indy Racing League, said Tuesday he expects "10 to 12" teams from the rival CART FedEx Championship Series to participate in next year's Indianapolis 500.

Henderson: Company probed in death gets contract: Jace Radke; An ongoing OSHA investigation into the September trench collapse that killed a worker at the Henderson water treatment plant project didn't stop the City Council from awarding another construction bid to the same general contractor.

Weekly business publication under study: Del Rusher and Bruce Spotleson, executives with the group, said the company would determine in the next few weeks whether and how to develop such a business publication.

Columnist Victoria Sun: Angel Park school helps players get a grip on the game's nuances: Victoria Sun; Whether your goal is to become a professional on the PGA Tour or you are a novice and want to learn how to play golf, there's something for everyone at the Resort Golf Academy location at Angel Park Golf Club.

NCAA fight to ban betting more clouded: The casino industry's fight against the campaign to ban betting on college sports is intensifying on Capitol Hill.

Scrap tires create host of environmental hazards: RENO, Nev. - A fire at a former Mound House landfill raised serious questions about potential health and environmental dangers created by burning tires.

Wisdom of Lucky name change questioned: Phil Levine; The focus groups have spoken and the writing is -- literally -- on the wall: Albertson's is back in town.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Holyfield, Lewis could salvage '99: Dean Juipe; Barely a year has gone by in this century without the sport of boxing appearing as if it's on its last legs and that it couldn't get any worse.

Green Valley, Gorman win in soccer: Bishop Gorman continued its march through the 4A Sunset Region Tournament Tuesday, blasting Bonanza 7-0 to reach the championship. Gorman will await the winner of today's Durango vs. Clark game, with the final schedule for Saturday at 11 a.m. at Durango High.

CDS executive exercises options: From Aug. 23 to Aug. 31, Lee Lemas exercised options to purchase 4,000 shares of stock at $3 per share on three separate occasions. These shares were immediately resold at prices ranging from $6 to $6.25 per share. Lemas also sold 2,154 shares held in an employee stock purchase plan Aug. 23, raising an additional $13,200.

Thursday's Aqueduct entries: 1st race 1 mi 3YO Clm: 1 Spurred Demons (Velazquez) 116; 2 Urmine (Bridgmohan) 116; 3 Mini Scent (LaBoccetta) 112; 4 Love Line (Diego) 111; 5 Always Red (DeCarlo) 112; 6 Endless Sweep (Luzzi) 112; 7 Imacheatalittlebit (Prado) 112; 8 Renee's Bubbles (Chavez) 118; 9 Dittany (Gryder) 116.

Work to begin in June on Maloof's Flamingo Road casino: "We have a pretty good idea of what we're going to do," said Fiesta President George Maloof. "That property has to have its own identity and uniqueness. It won't be another cookie cutter Fiesta."

School, park future tied to council vote, widening of freeway: Jace Radke; The fate of a freeway, park and school was expected to be partially decided today by the Las Vegas City Council.

Stock delisted, moved to bulletin board: NASDAQ requires all listed companies to maintain a share price above $1. On Stage's shares fell below the $1 level in June, and haven't returned to that price since. The company is now trading at 16 cents per share.

Blackburn's brother pleads guilty in escape plan: Kim Smith; Timothy Blackburn's brother could get up to five years in prison after pleading guilty Tuesday to aiding his brother's ill-fated bid for freedom.

Columnist Jeff Haney: Welcome, race fans: Books gear up for Breeders' Cup: "Horses is smarter than people. You don't see no horses standing in line to bet on no peoples."

Gators' Fernandez picks Tulane: "She's definitely ready," Green Valley coach Ron Moracco said. "She's a hard-working girl. She'll be a great asset."

Ralph Siraco's selections for Thursday's races at Santa Anita: 1st Race -- Halo Romeo - Set pace and game for 2nd at a mile from outside post with P. Val. aboard in last, drops a level now and rider returns, another like last effort good enough to take this. Sweet for a Moment - 4th to top pick while claimed in last, won prior pair of outings at Del Mar while tagged in both, new trainer Spawr tabs new rider in Antley for this. Value Play -- Air Force Wins

Texas Station to expand again: David Strow; Less than a year after completing a $55 million expansion, Texas Station is proposing yet another expansion.

Columnist Paula DelGuidice: Program teaches firearm safety: Paula DelGuidice; The National Shooting Sports Foundation recently launched Project HomeSafe in five pilot cities throughout the United States.

Rebels opt for change at QB: Steve Guiremand; Looking to help energize an offense that has produced just six points in its last 11 quarters, and perhaps with an eye toward the future, UNLV coach John Robinson has decided to change quarterbacks for next week's game at Air Force.

NLV man shot after witnessing homicide: A North Las Vegas man is fighting for his life today following a bizarre series of events this week that included him witnessing a homicide, snubbing police investigators and later being shot and dumped on the side of a highway.

Nye County official expected to surrender: Shaunta Grimes; Nye County's public administrator and his wife were expected to turn themselves in today for allegedly stealing from residents who died without wills.

Homeless turn out for Stand Down: Shaunta Grimes; Maria Alday's optimism seemed evident as she walked the aisles of the Seventh Annual Stand Down for the Homeless at Cashman Center Tuesday. She called out Spanish pet names to acquaintances, gave hugs freely and stopped several strangers to ask if they liked her new haircut.

Riviera Holdings posts loss: For 1999's first nine months, the company posted a net loss of $2.8 million, compared with a $4.1 million loss in the 1998 period. Revenue slipped to $119.9 million from $120.8 million.

LV Wolves host Bay City: LV Wolves host Bay City

Compton named NHRA president: Simultaneously, it was announced that longtime NHRA president Dallas Gardner will become chairman of the NHRA Board of Directors. Parks, who founded the NHRA in the early '50s to preserve the right to race, will maintain his role on the board of directors while becoming chairman of the NHRA Motorsports Museum located at the Pomona Fairplex in Pomona, Calif.

Swindell brings home win in Outlaws feature: Sammy Swindell managed to avoid a multi-car crash at the start of Tuesday night's main event and led wire-to-wire to record his 245th career in the Pennzoil World of Outlaws "A" feature at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway 1/2-mile dirt oval.

Le Mans Series visits LVMS this weekend: Legendary sports car ace Elliott Forbes-Robinson will be looking to secure the first American Le Mans Series title in the Prototype Division. Forbes-Robinson has a narrow three-point lead over David Brabham and Eric Bernard.

Richardson wows 'em at Fan Jam: Victoria Sun; As soon as Chris Richardson reached for the chair, the Rebel faithful gathered at the Thomas & Mack Center on Tuesday night suddenly got louder.

Fiesta readies to open doors on expansion: David Strow; Since the Fiesta hotel-casino opened its doors in December 1994, it has been known primarily as a place for locals to gamble -- not as an entertainment haven of North Las Vegas.

Hearing set over panties: A prosecutor says Sandy Murphy's lawyer is wasting valuable court time searching for her missing black panties.

Thursday's Bay Meadows entries: 1st race 1 mi 2YO Mdn Clm: 1 Charmed Im Sure (Alvarado) 117; 2 Born Snotty (Miranda) 110; 3 Pleasantly Made (Tohill) 117; 4 Myriad Way (Castanon) 117; 5 Time On Target (Mercado) 117; 6 I'm a Frijole Baby (Castro) 117.

Hard Rock chief raises investment: Morton's latest purchase of preferred stock completed the total of $28 million the company previously announced he would buy.

Park Place-Caesars merger OK'd without conditions: David Strow; The New Jersey Casino Control Commission voted unanimously today to approve Park Place Entertainment Corp.'s $3 billion acquisition of Caesars World Inc., rejecting calls to place restrictions on Park Place expansion in Atlantic City.

Cops, arts group vie for site: Adrienne Packer; Presentations by two organizations seeking Clark County's support to build performing arts centers were cut short Tuesday when commissioners conceded the need for more culture might be upstaged by Metro Police.

Today's frontpage

< Previous | Next >

Most Read
Discussed
Most E-mailed

Complete Listing

Blogs

Elsewhere

Marquardt v. Sonnen scheduled for UFC 109

2 hours, 11 minutes ago

Bloggity, Bloggity, Bloggity

Will a fourth consecutive title by Jimmie Johnson be good or bad for NASCAR?

3 hours, 8 minutes ago

Top Chef: Las Vegas

The Jet Stream: And then there were four

3 hours, 12 minutes ago

Top Chef Episode 12: On keeping it simple

3 hours, 22 minutes ago

Miech Again

Chilly start for Chace, but Stanback says he'll warm up (1 Comment)

4 hours, 49 minutes ago

Elsewhere

Harvard Poker Pro: Texas Hold 'Em skills can help traders

7 hours, 4 minutes ago

Oscar De La Hoya wants to see Pacquiao/Mayweather

7 hours, 22 minutes ago

More blogs »

Live chat: Tuesday, noon PST; Chat with Krista Creelman; Problem Gambling Center executive director Krista Creelman will answer questions about gambling addiction from Las Vegas Sun readers from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. ... Submit question