Print edition for November 24, 1999

Jarrett didn't overwhelm anybody: Mike Harris; By the time Dale Jarrett took the final victory lap of the NASCAR season, there was little excitement over his first championship.

Two agree to plea bargain in Las Vegas motel death: Ted Rustin and Thompson Yazzie were charged with voluntary manslaughter in the July 1997 death of Gerald Brown in a Las Vegas Strip motel room.

Ford not excited about CART teams at Indy: Mike Harris; The excitement created by the expected return of at least some CART teams to the Indianapolis 500 does not extend to the Ford camp.

Top rookie sets tough standard for future: Mike Harris; Tony Stewart's rookie performance in the Winston Cup series certainly got the attention of Dale Earnhardt Jr.

New hearing set for Margaret Rudin in Massachusetts court: Rudin did not appear Wednesday at a pretrial hearing in Middlesex Court in Massachusetts. Another status check was set for Dec. 13.

Reno couple's apparent traffic deaths takes a strange turn: The car smashed through a guard rail in the center divider, sped across the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 and rammed into some trees late Friday afternoon.

Comedian to play sixth decade in adopted hometown: Lewis, 73, first appeared with his late partner Dean Martin at the Flamingo Hotel in 1949. He has performed in many of the city's resorts in the years that followed, eventually adopting Las Vegas as his home.

Owner says she begged man to kill her, spare her dog: The Henderson Police Department is asking the Clark County District Attorney to file gross misdemeanor charges against John Stroz for maiming an animal and discharging a weapon.

Legal struggle heats up over Equinox Int'l advertising: David Strow; Equinox International Corp. of Las Vegas is denying government allegations that it is violating a federal judge's restrictions on advertising, saying it is vigilantly monitoring its representatives' activities to make sure they're in compliance.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Title hopes end early for some teams: There are a lot of good reasons for having a playoff system in college football, not the least of which is the plight of this year's Marshall team. Or Tulane last year.

Thursday at Hollywood Park: 1st race 6 fur 2YO Mdn Clm: 1 Captain Ben (Pincay) 120; 2 Papa Luke (Ramsammy) 120; 3 Let's Bail (Espinoza) 120; 4 Yerevan Express (Silva) 118; 5 Stormin Bayou (Pedroza) 120; 6 Dyouknowwhatimean (Valenzuela) 120; 7 Zee Chalupa (Enriquez) 120.

Letter: Judge's reason for ruling questioned: I thought about standing from the second row and yelling, "Judge, it's not about you, it's about the drunk driver that killed a member of our community and nearly destroyed his family," but I feared the banging of the gavel, and hearing the words, "bailiff, remove that man from my court!" After hearing the sentence, I regret my silence. I apologize to Craig's family.

U.S. Attorney, Forest Service regional boss pledge to probe complaints: Scott Sonner; The U.S. attorney for Nevada and the Forest Service's regional boss in Utah issued joint statements on Tuesday pledging "vigorous investigation and enforcement of claims of threats and harassment" of Forest Service employees.

Congressman defends slot industry: In a letter to the chairmen of the House and Senate committees on commerce, Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., argued that Nevada was already making sufficient efforts to prevent underage gambling.

Letter: Chemical testing tortures animals, wastes tax dollars: CINDY MINGHELLI

Community news briefs for November 24, 1999: Fifteen Nevada college students who are enrolled in food service and hospitality programs recently received $1,000 academic scholarships from the Nevada Restaurant Association.

News briefs: The district attorney will decide if a Clark County Detention Center corrections officer will face charges for shooting a dog while off duty at his Henderson home.

Stray bullet grazes too close for comfort: Keith Paul; Metro Police will meet with the president of a shooting range near Red Rock Canyon's campground today to discuss a large-caliber bullet that hit a camper's rental car.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Surviving post-Turkey Day crunch: Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is the busiest shopping day of the year. Don't ask me why, but it's so. If you're planning to join the multitudes who will be shopping on Friday you'd better have a plan (mine is to stay home).

Columnist Victoria Sun: Rebels' March tournament has a home at D.I., but no sponsor: Victoria Sun; For now, the name doesn't matter.

Homeless get a chance to phone home: Some homeless families will have the opportunity this Thanksgiving to call relatives and loved ones living out-of-state.

Rebels look to stay unbeaten, set for UNR: Victoria Sun; First-year Nevada-Reno coach Trent Johnson isn't the only one who wanted his team to get off to a 2-0 start this season.

Big League Weekend saved: David Strow; Las Vegas' annual fling with Major League Baseball was saved Wednesday by a $500,000 sponsorship by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority after a debate among civic and business leaders.

Rio exec moving to Harrah's Shreveport: Roberts was the vice president of development and leasing at the Rio Suites Hotel & Casino, which was acquired by Harrah's in January.

UNLV's Kirk 7th in tourney: UNLV's Kirk 7th in tourney

MWC honors Rebels' Sylvas: MWC honors Rebels' Sylvas

Casino executive to resign: Baxter, president of the 4-month-old MGM Grand Detroit casino, says he's resigning to return to Las Vegas but declined extensive elaboration, the Detroit News reported.

Settlement talks heat up for big Las Vegas hospital operator: Today's Wall Street Journal reported that Nashville, Tenn.-based Columbia is expected to reach a settlement on at least some issues within a few weeks, resulting in an initial payment by Columbia of several hundred million dollars. The settlement is eventually expected to cost Columbia in excess of $1 billion.

Bowl picture clouded as BYU loses two straight: Steve Guiremand; What looked like a potential Top 10 season came apart at the seams for BYU coach LaVell Edwards with season-ending back-to-back losses to Wyoming and Utah.

Plans put on hold until next year for NLV arena: Diana Sahagun; Residents won't hear any new plans for the future Millennium Arena in North Las Vegas until after the new year.

Developers try sinking rivals' competing Titanic resort plans: Grace Leong; Stratosphere hotel-casino developer Bob Stupak and his company Titanic Corp. of Nevada Inc. are denying allegations by Allen Rubin, CEO of Los Angeles-based Titanic Resort, that they infringed his trademark rights.

Crossing guard remains in serious condition: The crossing guard was working at the intersection of Wigwam Avenue and Valle Verde Boulevard at about 3:45 p.m., when she was hit by a 16-year-old girl driving her 1999 Ford Mustang, Henderson Police spokesman Officer Charlie Johnson said.

Casino sues defecting slot host: In a Clark County District Court suit, MGM Grand said Christopher Goodloe, who resigned on Aug. 19, allegedly breached his employment agreement by becoming employed as a player development executive by a rival gaming company.

Guinn signs warrant in hope of extraditing murder defendant: A Nevada governor's warrant to return fugitive Margaret Rudin to Las Vegas is on its way to Middlesex County, Mass., via the U.S. mail, a spokesman for Gov. Kenny Guinn said today.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Thursday's races at Hollywood Park: 1st Race -- Captain Ben - 1st time starter by Alydar offspring, solid works that inclued most recent gate drill on the 14th on the tab, draws rail post and gets Pincay for debut. Stormin Bayou - No rally at higher level in last, showed speed and 5th at straight maiden ranks before that, hustling Pedroza stays, could be foward factor. Value Play -- Let's Bail

Police seek suspect in fatal shooting: Police said the victim argued with the man at an apartment in the 700 block of East Flamingo Road and was shot as he got into a friend's car at about 6:20 p.m., police said. The victim's name has not been released.

Nuclear scientist to head up study on Yucca Mountain: Itkin, 63, replaces acting Director Lake Barrett as head of the Department of Energy's Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management. Itkin has not been sworn into office.

Editorial: Cartoons, slots and Congress: One concern has been that just as was the case with the tobacco industry, which used cartoon characters in ads to make smoking more appealing to teenagers, the gaming industry also could be accused of attempting to hook children at an early age, creating potential gamblers. Even though Nevada's state Gaming Control Board has launched its review, the Sun's David Strow reported Tuesday that gambling opponents -- including some former members of a national gambling commission -- are calling on Congress to conduct its own investigation as well. The request for a probe by Congress, ironically, was prompted by the ...

Thursday at Golden Gate: 1st race 6 fur 3YO Fil Clm: 1 Madam Cupcake (Alferez) 116; 2 Himalayan Highness (Arriaga) 116; 3 Bella Villa (Mercado) 116; 4 Tropical Trick (Gonzalez) 116; 5 Just Dazzle (Delgadillo) 116; 6 Miss Drum Rolls (Perez) 116; 7 Mah Ritaz (Bisono) 116.

LVCVA bond price tag jumps $10.1 million: David Strow; After more than six months of efforts the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has finally sold $150 million in bonds to finance the expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center -- but delays have added more than $10.1 million to the final price tag.

Columnist Jeff Haney: New rules put some bounce into NBA totals: By the time the NBA finals creaked to a halt this past summer, the lockout that devoured a large chunk of the regular season was but a memory.

Coach pleased with UNLV's volleyball tournament draw: Believe it or not, UNLV volleyball coach Deitre Collins actually was relieved when she learned that the Rebels had drawn 11th-ranked Colorado State in today's opening round of the Mountain West Conference Tournament in Provo, Utah.

Western High School senior Dionna Simpson, left, waits her turn as fellow Western senior Jessica Sen

School violence weighs heavily on students: Shaunta Grimes; Her first three years of high school, Dionna Simpson waited in line every morning to come on campus through a metal detector.

Coin holdup may be related to others: A Jackpot Coin truck was robbed Tuesday at gunpoint as the driver left a convenience store at Meadows Lane and Decatur Boulevard at about 7:15 p.m., police said.

Two carriers raise fares: Blaming higher jet fuel prices, American, the nation's No. 2 carrier, raised its fares 3 percent across the board late Monday. Delta, the No. 3 carrier, quickly followed, but industry leader United Air Lines, along with Northwest and Continental, did not immediately match the fare hike.

Homeowners sue attorneys over settlement of case over construction defects: Grace Leong; Desert Shores Racquet Club Homeowners Association sued several California and Las Vegas law firms and attorneys, alleging they fraudulently altered the settlement terms of a $4 million construction defect suit and misrepresented its value to the plaintiffs.

Summerlin murder trial delayed: Bill Gang; Next week's trial for three men charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old man in the Summerlin area has been delayed until March 27 because of District Judge John McGroarty's crowded court calendar.

Web casinos brace for credit card problems: David Strow; The Internet gambling industry is abuzz over media reports that credit card debts incurred at online casinos may be uncollectible -- and is moving quickly to ensure it will survive that threat.

School won't be placed near casinos: TUNICA, Miss. -- A Mississippi school district and the U.S. Justice Department have agreed to place Tunica County's newest elementary school near a predominantly black community, rather than close to the region's casinos.

Arena plans alive, well: Erin Neff; Despite recent setbacks for both a performing arts center and arena downtown, the committee studying the feasibility of such facilities learned Tuesday that both plans are apparently more alive than ever.

UNLV'S Kirk finishes eighth: Kirk and fellow senior Jeremy Anderson were the only Rebels competing. Anderson tied for 17th.

Obituaries for November 24, 1999: John William Ackloff, 81, of Las Vegas died Nov. 11 in Las Vegas. A laborer in the dairy industry, he was born Oct. 2, 1918, in California.

Station carrying Art Bell sold, taking Spanish format next week: KVBC FM-105.1, which broadcasts as Hot Talk 105.1, was sold to Excel Communications, San Jose, Calif. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. As part of the deal, the radio station will sever its ties with KVBC Channel 3, Las Vegas' NBC television network affiliate.

Locals mourn Texas tragedy: Jace Radke; The 12th man has always been ready to go into the game for Texas A&M, and after 12 students were killed in the collapse of the university's annual bonfire, he is finally on the field.

Women: UNLV-Southern Utah box score: Johnson 5-6 4-5 14, Gressman 2-7 2-3 6, Pratt 6-11 4-5 17, Hines 4-8 0-0 8, Lofthouse 5-12 5-5 16, Shaheen 2-4 0-0 4, Hille 0-2 1-2 1, Westwood 1-1 0-0 2, Bellamy 0-0 0-0 0, Langman 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 25-52 16-20 68.

Hearing-impaired adults spread Thanksgiving cheer to hearing-impaired children: Members of Silver Belles of Las Vegas are deaf, or hearing impaired.

Holiday closings: Here's what's open and closed on Thursday and Friday (note that some businesses may be closing early on Wednesday as well):

Vigilantes face criminal charges in deadly beating of abusive husband: Bill Gang; Compassion for a woman who had been severely beaten by her husband in 1997 prompted a retaliatory beating of the man by two patrons at a nearby bar.

Editorial: Antitrust trial aided by mediation efforts: Jackson's choice of a mediator also was interesting: Richard Posner, the chief judge for the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago. Although Jackson issued a harsh ruling against Microsoft, legal analysts noted that the mediator Jackson selected is conservative and a jurist reluctant to split up companies in antitrust cases.

1999 final auto racing schedules, standings: Feb. 14 - Daytona 500, Daytona Beach, Fla. (Jeff Gordon)

10,000 cans of food go to Shade Tree: "This is by far the biggest donation te Shade Tree has ever seen," Deborah De Souza, director for community resources at the shelter, said.

Police investigate officer who shot dog: One witness said the officer told Rosie's owner that he would shoot the dog if it came onto his property.

Thursday at Aqueduct: 1st race 6 fur 2YO Mdn: 1 To Fly Again (Beasley) 114; 2 Ursula's Revenge (Teator) 119; 3 Smooth Talc (Bridgmohan) 119; 4 Mr. Missionary (Davis) 119; 5 Rorke's Drift (Diego) 114; 6 Belong To The Wind (Smith) 119; 7 Corpsman (Pezua) 119; 8 Lake Marion (Vergara) 119; 9 Power Illusion (Blake) 112; 10 Pete's Brewski (Beckner) 119; 11 On The Fan (Prado) 119; 12 Saratoga Nights (Gryder) 119.

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Stately 'Camelot' ushers in local holiday season: Elizabeth Foyt; "Camelot," an evening of enchantment at the Magical Forest, heralded the beginning of the holiday season in Southern Nevada. The gala evening chaired by past honoree Billy Vassiliadis prefaced the opening of Opportunity Village's Magical Forest, a wonderland of holiday displays, spirited song and enchantingly decorated trees open for tour and enjoyment of citizens of all ages.

Jam sessions: The worst

Letter: City Council's action deplorable: I deplored the recent decision of the Las Vegas Ethics Review Board when it decided that two city employees were eligible to be appointed to the Las Vegas City Council. (Ultimately the City Council appointed one of the city employees -- not both -- to the two new council seats.) While the Ethics Review Board's decision may smack of legality, it certainly had the appearance of a low level of public morality.

Rodeo Money Leaders: ALL-AROUND COWBOY

Woman pleads guilty in carjacking case: Bill Gang; A 19-year-old woman quietly admitted in court that she had driven two shotgun-toting friends to a sedate Summerlin neighborhood where she knew they were going to commit a carjacking and robbery.

Cancer survivor speaks out for 'alternative' medicine: "Doctors, the Federal Drug Administration and those who favor natural cures have to work together for the common good," Sir Jason Winters, who has received a knighthood from the Knights of Malta for his work, said during a recent visit to Southern Nevada.

Lady Rebels cruise despite suspensions: What could have been a huge distraction instead served as a source of motivation for the UNLV women's basketball team.

Nevada juniors bomb on high school math test: Terry Webster; Fifty-one percent of all high school juniors statewide failed the math portion of the High School Proficiency Exam given in October, the Nevada Department of Education announced today. About 27 percent failed the reading portion.

FBI searches official's home in Southwest Gas merger probe: David Strow; The FBI on Tuesday searched the home of a key figure in the regulatory scandal that is stalling the proposed merger of Las Vegas-based Southwest Gas Corp. and Oklahoma natural gas company ONEOK Inc.

North Las Vegas: Pigs on long list of 11th-hour ordinance proposals: Diana Sahagun; You may want to put that pot-bellied pig on your Christmas list, after all.

Feds vow to probe threats to workers: U.S. Attorney Kathryn Landreth and U.S. Forest Service Regional Forester Jack Blackwell pledged Tuesday to investigate any threats to federal employees in the wake of Forest Service Supervisor Gloria Flora's resignation in protest of "anti-federal fervor" in Nevada.

More river water sought for Mexico: A coalition of conservation groups representing the United States and Mexico have asked their governments to amend a 1944 Colorado River treaty -- to send more water for wildlife across the Mexican border.

Some tips on holiday traveling: In the popular Thanksgiving ditty, a family travels "over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house we go, the horse knows the way to carry the sleigh through the white and drifting snow."