Stories published October 21, 1999Las Vegas Sun

Volleyball hits the road: The UNLV volleyball team, fresh off its upset of then-No. 14 Colorado State at home last Saturday, will attempt to carry that momentum into a pair of Mountain West Conference road matches this weekend.

Cimarron-Memorial gets nod to beat Western, stay undefeated: Spencer Patterson; FRIDAY'S GAMES

Columnist Ron Kantowski: UNLV doing well in spite of itself: The UNLV athletic department must be living right. It continues to make dubious decisions in regard to the marketing of its football program, yet so far has come up smelling like a rose.

Sun City Summerlin gets interchange delay: Adrienne Packer; Sun City Summerlin residents trying desperately to protect their retirement community from the hustle and bustle of a big city received good news Wednesday from their chief negotiator, Clark County Commissioner Lance Malone.

Internet firm in deal with retailing giant: PurchasePro.com will be the recommended Web based business-to-business e-commerce solution to be mass marketed to the millions of Office Depot customers and clients. Office Depot will be featured as the exclusive preferred provider in the PurchasePro.com e-marketplace.

Congressman wants emergency hearing in dispute over threatened bull trout: Scott Sonner; "There is a climate of distrust between the U.S. government and the citizens of Elko County that has a potential to further escalate," Gibbons, R-Nev., said Thursday in a letter to Rep. Helen Chenoweth-Hage, R-Idaho.

Hotel-casino sued in advertising dispute: Restaurant Row has a three-sided billboard at the southwest corner of Lake Mead and Rainbow boulevards in Las Vegas.

Murphy jailed for violating house arrest: By Jeff German; Sandy Murphy, charged with killing Ted Binion, was arrested today and booked into the Clark County Detention Center for violating the terms of her house arrest.

Nevada panel OKs Park Place-Caesars deal: Brendan Riley; The Nevada panel's review coincided with a similar hearing before casino regulators in New Jersey, but there was no immediate decision from the New Jersey Casino Control Commission.

EPA accused of manipulating Yucca rules: A Nevada official accused the federal Environmental Protection Agency of setting a radiation exposure limit that will allow the construction of an unsafe, high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain.

LV gambling supplier's profit, revenue rise: The company reported a quarterly profit of $1.81 million, or 10 cents a share, up from a year-ago profit of $48,000, or zero cents per share. Revenues for the quarter rose 33 percent, to $20 million. The largest revenue increase was recorded by Casino Data Systems' games division, which saw sales increase 80 percent to $8.8 million.

Nine indicted by fed grand jury: Those indicted for unlawful reentry of a deported alien were Angel Cortes-Silva, Guadalupe Deniz-Lopez, Leobardo Loreto-Ramos, Miguel Camarillo-Vasquez, Miguel Ramirez-Vargas, Ramiro Meza-Casillas, Roberto Rodriguez-Sanchez and Jorge Mendoza-Rodriguez.

Calico Basin road decision on hold: Land owners Robert and Karen Sidell, citing chronic problems with people littering and disturbing the neighborhood tucked into the conservation area, were seeking to stop the public right-of-way. Robert Sidell said Wednesday that he asked the application before the commissioner's Zoning Board be held to provide more time to talk to interested parties.

Arbitration expected over school contract: Terry Webster; Contract negotiations for the Education Support Employees Association of the Clark County School District are at an impasse, the union's president said Wednesday.

Iowa men sentenced in kidnapping of Wyoming man: Morgan, of Davenport, was convicted by a jury earlier this year of the December, 1998 carjacking and beating of 21-year-old Franklin Klein.

Profits increase for banks operating within Nevada: Phil Levine; Continued economic strength translated into strong third quarter earnings growth for several banks operating in Nevada.

LV manufacturer posts a profit: The company reported net income of $394,000, or 4 cents per share, for the quarter ending Sept. 30. One year ago, the company lost $846,000, or 10 cents per share.

Volunteers sought for cleanup: More than 30 starting sites at selected 7-Eleven stores and Arco AM/PM Mini Marts throughout the valley will provide volunteers with trash bags, gloves and refreshments. To volunteer, call Steve at 656-3955.

Boyd Gaming earnings jump: Boyd posted net income of $10.3 million, or 17 cents a share, on revenue of $239.5 million in the three months ended Sept. 30. In the year-earlier quarter, Boyd had net of $5.9 million, or 10 cents a share, on revenue of $234.7 million.

LV cost of living increases again: First Security, which tracks local prices, said Las Vegas prices increased 2 percent in September. This follows increases of 0.5 percent in August and 0.4 percent in July.

UNLV students issue demands concerning campus cops: UNLV students protesting what they call campus police misconduct say they will present a list of demands to President Carol Harter when she attends the university Board of Regents meeting today at 1 p.m. at the Moyer Student Union.

Disbarred attorney gets probation in theft case: Wednesday's sentencing on two felony counts of theft added a public reprimand from District Judge John McGroarty before Maglaras received probation rather than a prison term.

Nevada federal judges may get a break: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Nevada's six federal judges, who are "among the most overworked in the nation," may get some relief soon.

Southern Nevada winner in 2000 Census: CARSON CITY -- Clark County will have firmer control of the Legislature after the 2000 Census and it will likely gain another representative in Congress to be shared with some rural counties.

Guinn names panel to examine health insurance policies: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn Wednesday named nine people to a task force to determine what basic benefits should be included in every health insurance policy sold in Nevada.

LV economic forecasting gauge increases: The university's Center for Business and Economic Research said the increase indicates no clear trend.

Students discuss violence in D.C.: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- As politicians clamored for media attention at their youth violence conference held here Tuesday and Wednesday, about 350 teens from around the nation took an honest look at how they might fix the problems plaguing their schools and neighborhoods.

Approval of Strip monorail project delayed: Commissioners will use the extra time to allow area residents and business owners to address issues such as noise and aesthetics.

One-man gang: Terry Webster; Trouble is standing on the doorstep of Clark High School just days after two students were injured in a gang-related shooting outside the school.

Students stage rally against campus police: Hundreds of students attended a rally Wednesday, at which organizers produced a letter to university President Carol Harter containing five demands. Harter did not attend the rally.

Hispanic issues target of summit: Hispanic Leadership Summit

Motel handyman charged in Yosemite sightseers case: Christine Hanley; The complaint, filed Wednesday by Mariposa County District Attorney Christine Johnson, accuses Stayner of three counts of murder along with special circumstances that could bring the death penalty.

Reno's vulnerability to Station casino in California debated: David Strow; Station Casinos Inc. of Las Vegas won't open a casino in Northern California until at least 2002, but it's already causing some jitters in Reno.

Norris: Tyson no easy task: Dean Juipe; There's no agitating Orlin Norris, or provoking him.

Clash of legends: Steve Guiremand; John Robinson has stood across the field from some of the biggest names in football coaching history during his career.

Resignation from State Bar accepted: By resigning, Eck can't practice law again in Nevada unless he demonstrates he is of good moral character, possesses high ethical standards and passes the bar examination.

Green Valley, Gorman ready to defend titles: Spencer Patterson; Drama will likely be at a minimum during this week's 4A State Tennis Team Tournament, but don't tell it to Green Valley's Luther Bohanan or Bishop Gorman's Cindy Bennett.

Two Clark County teachers honored with Milken awards: Don Curry, a science teacher at Silverado High School, and Diane Koutsulis, a music teacher at Green Valley High School, were the recipients.

Man indicted in slashing of two boys: Bill Gang; A twice-convicted felon from Washington, who came to Las Vegas to live with his cousin, is accused of slashing the throats of two boys living in the house.

Letter: New millennium, Y2K not related: Jan. 1, 2001 is the first day of the 21st century, hence the first day of the third millennium A.D.

Fight gets tougher for Strip monorail opponents: Adrienne Packer; Frustrated homeowners fighting a two-year battle against a politically influential group backing a Strip monorail encountered another powerful opponent Wednesday -- former Gov. Bob Miller.

Man charged in plot to kill prosecutor, victim: Larry Dewayne Brooks, a native of Portland, Ore., has been charged with two counts of solicitation to commit murder.

Tight schedule for reapportionment in 2001 session: Brendan Riley; Sen. Ann O'Connell, R-Las Vegas, chairwoman of a panel studying reapportionment, said Wednesday that legislators won't have final U.S. Census figures until March 2001. They must have their reapportionment work done by session's end on June 4 of that year.

North Las Vegas briefs: The North Las Vegas City Council has granted a special events beer permit for the Western Heritage Festival and Cowboy Poetry Gathering next month.

Obituaries for October 21, 1999: Thomas McPhee Allison, 18, of Las Vegas died Oct. 13 in Las Vegas. He was born July 29, 1981, in Las Vegas. A lifetime resident, he was disabled.

Community news briefs for October 21, 1999: The Henderson Civic Symphony will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Valley View Recreation Center, 500 Harris St., Henderson.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Contenders are singing same old song to Byrd: Dean Juipe; Chris Byrd has grown tired of hearing his fellow up-and-coming heavyweights say they'll fight anybody, anytime, as if they're fearless and ready for any challenge.

Henderson: Legal battle may follow denial of development: Valerie Miller; Now that a proposal for low-income senior apartments mixed with commercial development near Horizon Ridge Parkway has been denied by the Henderson City Council, the matter may go to court.

Garcia foe fails to show, but Mayweather makes appearance: Dean Juipe; Who was in attendance, as well as who wasn't, caught Robert Garcia's eye.

Indictment says defendant sought hitman to kill victim, prosecutor: Bill Gang; A teenager facing a December trial in the robbery and sexual assault of an 86-year-old woman has been accused of trying to hire a hitman to kill the woman as well as a deputy district attorney.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Local football moving up in class: Spencer Patterson; When it comes to prep football, the Las Vegas area has never been confused with Texas, Florida or Southern California.

Henderson clears way for local power services: Shaunta Grimes; The Henderson City Council passed an ordinance Tuesday night that opens the way for the city to provide electrical services to its residents once the utility industry is deregulated.

Letter: Walton heirs will never have enough: Letter: Walton heirs will never have enough

Krispy Kreme to sell doughnuts at Raley's: Phil Levine; One of Elvis' favorite snacks is coming soon to a supermarket near you.

Fires prompt Nevada facelift: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Elko County rancher Patsy Tomera scrawled an eerie prediction in her journal Aug. 5.

Kambala set to come back from injury: Victoria Sun; If talk is cheap, then Kaspars Kambala is very expensive.

With Dole out, Gibbons weighs GOP presidential hopefuls: Scott Sonner; He said he's still deciding between the Texas governor, Sens. John McCain of Arizona and Orin Hatch of Utah as his top pick for the job.

Letter: Hoover Dam turned out to be bad trip for kids: Aside from the fact that the dam pays for itself, it should be available to educational tours without such arrogance. Sure, being on time is extremely important. Were the teachers informed in advance that they had to be there exactly on the dot of 10 or lose their tour? No. Can the traffic be predicted to the minute? No. No one involved in getting this trip on the road was remiss in keeping things moving.

Environmental issue delays action on cargo-airport bill: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- The proposal to build a cargo airport 30 miles south of Las Vegas is in a holding pattern.

509452856.html: I used to think that the Sagebrush rebellion folks were a little off base but I now suspect they are right. Some recent events in Nevada involving the feds have set me to wondering. I believe we have a federal bureaucracy run amok.

FBI Statement on Yosemite sightseers' murder: "A no bail arrest warrant has been issued for Stayner's arrest. The Declaration in Support of the Arrest Warrant and Complaint was ordered sealed at the request of the Prosecution due to the continuing investigation. Stayner remains in federal custody in Fresno, California. The Mariposa County Sheriff's Department has requested a hold on Stayner. An arraignment date on the Mariposa County complaint is not known at this time."

Computer disk adds to Binion murder mystery: It's one of the many mysteries surrounding the investigation into Ted Binion's murder.

Blackburn accomplice pleads guilty in heist: Kim Smith; A Las Vegas man who robbed an ATM bank repository with the late Timothy Blackburn last winter could get anywhere from 22 to 28 years in prison after pleading guilty Wednesday.

Chronology of Yosemite slayings case: Feb. 14 - Carole Sund, Juli Sund and Silvina Pelosso drive rental car to El Portal, Calif., and check into Cedar Lodge.

Trio in Super Pawn hostage standoff receive leniency: Bill Gang; The three convicted would-be robbers in the Super Pawn hostage standoff knew the lightest sentence would require they spend at least 10 years in prison.

Las Vegas man pleads guilty in $1.1 million theft: Robert Bates, 26, was charged with armed bank robbery, carjacking and unlawful use of a firearm.

Bull trout hearing postponed until at least Nov. 29: Scott Sonner; A hearing scheduled for Friday has been postponed at least until Nov. 29. At the hearing, a judge will decide whether to extend a temporary restraining order and issue a permanent injunction prohibiting rebuilding of the road in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

Letter: County's action on Wal-Mart correct: Do I choose to save 50 cents on a product if I know that that 50 cents is coming out of the pocket of a worker who is not being paid a living wage and offered no health benefits? No! There are also allegations that Wal-Mart practices predatory pricing that should be investigated by the FTC.

Court rejects mother's appeal in daughter's death: The judges denied Tammy Stelton's petition to form a grand jury, concluding the petition was flawed and that convening a grand jury would be too expensive.

UNLV player's streak halted: Malec was defeated by 66th-ranked Sarah Walker of UCLA, 6-2, 6-4, in the third and final round of qualifying. Malec, a senior who was unranked in the preseason poll, fell to 12-2 on the year. The former junior college star is expected to earn her first top-50 ranking at the Division I level when the next polls are released in December.

High court dismisses appeal by Venetian ex-worker: Cy Ryan and Gary Thompson; CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal of John Prendeville, who sought to force the Clark County Building Department to re-inspect the 3,000-room Venetian hotel-casino on grounds it didn't meet fire-safety standards.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Friday's races at Santa Anita: 1st Race -- Sizzling Summer - Speed and second best at over three times this level in last, won prior three outings at higher levels as well, now takes a significant drop in class, but, trainer Mitchell keeps Solis aboard, fire sale win here. Bold 'n Brawny - Part of solid entry with Pembina, made 3-wide bid and gamely won last, in the quinella half of 8 Anita starts with 2 of 3 career victories, hustling Pedroza takes over on Spawr trainee as Solis stays with top pick. Value Play -- Khal Me Chewy

Extra taxicabs to hit streets for annual Comdex crush: More than 500 additional taxicabs will be on Las Vegas streets at the height of Comdex next month.

Weddell files federal suit against Carson City officials: The filing is the latest in a string of court filings by both Weddell and Carson City since Weddell was arrested in October 1997 for firing a gun at one of the brothers while trying to place him under citizen's arrest.

Goodman's delay on LV City Council seats met with mixed reviews: Erin Neff; Mayor Oscar Goodman's decision Wednesday to delay two City Council appointments is being viewed by some as postponing the inevitable and by others as a brilliant stall to clog the wheels of a fast-moving political train he hopes to derail.

Casino vet's license bid questioned, withdrawn: Brendan Riley; The Nevada Gaming Commission authorized the withdrawal of Howard's application to be licensed as chief operating officer and general manager of the River Palms in Laughlin.

Community awards given by Chamber of Commerce: Several hundred individuals were nominated by their peers. The 18 honorees, two individuals each in nine categories, were selected out of 54 finalists.

North Las Vegas: City Council decides to keep city attorney on the staff: Diana Sahagun; After weeks of discussion the North Las Vegas City Council has decided against hiring an outside lawyer to serve as city attorney.

New fed judges in Nevada for year 2000 appointment: "Nevada has not received a new District Court judgeship since 1984," said Reid. "This is unacceptable considering that the caseload for the District of Nevada is already considerably higher than the national average. These two new judgeships will help to alleviate that backlog and ensure that Nevadans receive timely access to the federal courts."

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Workers beat the odds: TONIGHT A LARGE number of very special people will gather at the New Frontier hotel-casino. Some of the people in attendance are special because of the handicaps they have overcome and others are special because they help others succeed at getting and keeping jobs. The Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities is holding its 22nd annual Governor's Awards Banquet. Suzanne Thomas will be there to make certain the spotlight shines on the people being honored. As always, Thomas will be in the background.

Columnist Joe Delaney: A note from friends doing good work in Peace Corps: Joe Delaney; Some time ago comedian Cork Proctor and his wife, Carolyn, asked me to write a letter on their behalf as they were applying to serve two years in the Peace Corps. ... Cork was then at the Orleans hotel as lounge entertainment director. ... I wrote the letter but doubted that Cork, age 60, would follow through. ... The Proctors left for duty in Surinam, South America, just after Labor Day this year. ... Their postcard arrived Monday.

Editorial: Privacy shouldn't be left out: Unfortunately initial indications are that the negotiations between the Clinton administration and the congressional leadership will not include in the legislation provisions that adequately preserve privacy rights. Details of the emerging final package still are sketchy, but on Tuesday White House spokesman Joe Lockhart signaled that the administration could live with the privacy provisions in the House bill. The House's privacy protections are weak, though, and wouldn't stop the sharing of customer information among banks, securities firms and insurance companies that are affiliated.

This week's races: Pop Secret 400

Editorial: McConnell's attacks take toll on reform: Then last week McConnell took to the floor of the Senate and unleashed a personal broadside against Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. McConnell attacked the co-sponsor of the reform legislation for suggesting that money has had a corrupting influence in politics. Most people -- even those who oppose limits on campaign fund-raising based on constitutional concerns -- acknowledge that big contributions have had a corrosive effect on politics, encouraging the cynical belief that politicians ignore those who don't make large contributions. McConnell insults the intelligence of the American people when he insists that the existing torrent of donations hasn't been damaging.

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Jones right to retreat from NRP: Ruthe Deskin; Ex-mayor Jan Jones is making a smart move by backing off of the Nevada Resort Partners job and taking an executive position with Harrah's Entertainment Inc. Some people believe the NRP job was created specifically for her and has been a controversial topic from the start. The position would pay $250,000 a year -- not a bad entry level job -- but critics complained it was a waste of money and a duplication of services.

Fight schedule: At Detroit, (HBO), Naseem Hamed, England, vs. Cesar Soto, Mexico, 12, for Soto's WBC featherweight title; Wayne McCullough, Las Vegas, vs. Erik Morales, Mexico, 12, for Morales' WBC super bantamweight title; Chris Byrd, Flint, vs. Val Smith, Detroit, 10, heavyweights; Tarick Salmaci, Detroit, vs. Kippy Warren, Toledo, 10, super middleweights.

Friday at Bay Meadows: 1st race 1 mi 2YO Mdn Clm: 1 Completeabstinence (Carr) 118; 2 Marryin' Samira (Miranda) 111; 3 Last Titan (Castro) 118; 4 Semi Annual (Chaves) 118; 5 Misty Rapids (Goodgame) 111; 6 Toss The Ski (Baze) 118.

Friday at Santa Anita: 1st race 6 fur 3YO Clm: 1 Aloha Louie (Espinoza) 117; 2 Hyper Sweep (Almeida) 117; 3 Anniversary Year (Valenzuela) 117; 4 Khal Me Chewy (Black) 119; 5 March On Selma (Jaime) 107; 6 Norm's Boy (Garcia) 115; 7 Missed (Gutierrez) 108; 8 a-Bold 'n Brawny (Pedroza) 117; 9 Sizzling Summer (Solis) 119; 10 a-Pembina (Berrio) 117.

Friday at Belmont Park: 1st race 1-1/16 mi 3YO & up Mdn: 1 Decor (Santos) 117; 2 Ruby Secret (Smith) 117; 3 Take The Gamble (Chavez) 117; 4 Storm Touch (Luzzi) 117; 5 Full Bore (Riquelme) 117; 6 Touch Silver (Prado) 117; 7 French Envoy (Gryder) 117.

Fall prep standings: CLASS 4A

Auto racing schedules, driver standings: Feb. 14 - Daytona 500, Daytona Beach, Fla. (Jeff Gordon)

Sun Prep Football Top 10 poll: Oct. 21, 1999

Evernham begins new career with clean sheet: Mike Harris; The return of Dodge to NASCAR's top series is being billed as "Something Different."

Bad breaks have Burton focusing on next year: Jenna Halvatgis; Excuse Jeff Burton if he seems a little grumpy. He hasn't been sleeping so well lately.

Ray's title continues Texas tradition: Jaime Aron; FORT WORTH, Texas - By winning his first Indy Racing League title, Greg Ray joined a Texas tradition of open-wheel champions that includes childhood heroes Johnny Rutherford and A.J. Foyt.

Penske has had tumultuous season: Dennis Passa; Roger Penske sits in a crowded team trailer looking as good as a man can amid the most tumultuous and tragic season in his 30 years of racing.

City briefs: Here is how the Las Vegas City Council voted Wednesday to spend taxpayer money:

Twin Otter International brings aviation's past back to vibrant life: Maybe not. But Shina is part of an equally impressive project, helping to rebuild a two-seat biplane that first took off just 14 years after the Wright Brothers made the first successful flight at Kitty Hawk, N.C.

Las Vegas Sun

Print edition for October 21, 1999

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