Print edition for October 22, 1999

Analysis: Decision on appointments holds key to City Council power struggle: Erin Neff; What seems like two innocuous appointments of freshman members of the Las Vegas City Council is actually one of the most critical votes of the year.

Lawmaker not surprised by low rank in child issues: Child care

Murphy pleads for freedom: Sandy Murphy pleaded in District Court today for her release from the Clark County Detention Center.

Gaming Commission accepts fine: The Rio and the state Gaming Control Board, which filed the complaint, reached a settlement in the case. The board said there was no evidence of skimming or that the violations were intentional by the management.

Virgin Atlantic has eye on open-skies agreement: Although Rep. Bud Shuster has proposed legislation that could complicate Virgin Atlantic Airline's plan for nonstop air service between London and Las Vegas, the airline supports the reason Shuster is sponsoring the bill.

Explosive suicide attempt gets 6 years: Bill Gang And Kim Smith; The man whose apparent suicide attempt blew apart a portion of a Las Vegas apartment complex was sentenced today to six years in prison.

Congress, Clinton continue to wage war on crime bill: Benjamin Grove And Jace Radke; WASHINGTON -- President Clinton and Congress are clashing over a federal program that has hired 34 new Metro Police officers.

First Cal. Indian casino union pact approved: ALPINE, Calif. -- Communication Workers of America members have approved the first union contract for employees at a California Indian casino.

Clark County: Bigger is better: CARSON CITY -- In a few years the sheer numbers of Clark County representatives to the Legislature will add up to the potential for sheer power.

Horseshoe Gaming earnings jump: The company, which isn't affiliated with Binion's Horseshoe in Las Vegas, said nine-months net rose to $23.3 million from $20 million, while revenue increased to $363.7 million from $345.6.

Mirage stock rating cut: Anders said he cut his estimates for 1999 and 2000 per-share net because Mirage's two newest properties -- Bellagio and Beau Rivage -- are posting higher operating expenses and lower cash flows than projected.

Down-and-out get boost at Salvation Army's cafe: Jace Radke; After being open just five days one of Las Vegas' newest cafes is already packing them in.

Price of proposed moon excursions set at $750,000: Grace Leong; The planned price for a ticket to the moon and back on Las Vegas hotel and real estate tycoon Robert Bigelow's 100-passenger luxury tourist cruise ship is now $750,000.

Letter: Thanks for a pro-IRL story: By Ron Kantowski; There has been so much spin and misinformation put out by many members of the media. It's so refreshing to see a member of the media actually addressing the issue without a bias. There are others scattered around the country (but) I feel fortunate that Brian Hilderbrand is here in this market.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Tracing the history of sibling acts: Joe Delaney; Brother and sister acts have almost always been successful in show business, although some so-called familial acts are not family. ... The Smothers Brothers, performing at the Orleans hotel through Sunday, are really brothers. ... For more than three decades, Tom and Dick have excelled in music and comedy, and they have made a fine art of sibling rivalry. ... Like the wines they produce, the Smothers have mellowed and improved with age.

Uranium cleanup up in air: The uranium is seeping into the river, the drinking water source for more than 25 million people downstream, including Southern Nevada.

Kids to carry message to parents: Careful what you pour down drain: Diana Sahagun; A new regional campaign reminds residents to think twice before dumping motor oil and paints down the drain.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Rod Stewart rocks Bellagio for select audience: Kate Maddox; Rock legend Rod Stewart played Las Vegas on Wednesday night but the performance was only available to a select few. Stewart was the special guest star at the Bass Hotels and Resorts Convention held this week at the Bellagio.

Park Place, Caesars merger hits obstacle in New Jersey: The New Jersey Casino Control Commission conducted a hearing on the merger Thursday and said it will announce its decision on whether to approve the deal Nov. 3, the Press of Atlantic City newspaper reported.

Dial File -- Steve Bornfeld: Gag baseball's hyperactive hype-mongers!: "It's the Game of the Century!"

New Harrah's production a 'hilarious hodgepodge': Joe Delaney; "Washington Sex Capades 2000," a very funny, topical revue, co-starring Steve Rossi, Sandy Hackett and the Walkers -- Kathy, Greg and Bill -- is performed at 5 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays, in Harrah's Improv Showroom. The tab is a modest $16.95. The production opened well and continues to build nicely in its third week.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Santa Anita: 1st Race -- Tejan - 1st time starter by Gulch, nice worktab with most recent pair of nice 6-panel drills, Stevens on debuting Thoroughbred Corp. runner. Gaelic Thunder - 1st time starter by Thunder Gulch, another with solid works with nice gate drill on the 13th followed by most recent long 7-panel move, trainer Stute tabs Nakatani for debut. Value Play -- Harmony Bear

FIA holds hearing on Ferrari appeal with Irvine present: Andreas Evagora; PARIS - Ferrari officials met with FIA's International Court of Appeal today in their bid to overturn the team's disqualification from last Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix.

Sound Check -- Geoff Carter: 'Fight Club' stirs memories of MTV's salad days: Funny. After seeing David Fincher's alpha-male epic "Fight Club" the other night I found myself not thinking of the film's underlying themes, but of MTV.

Columnist Steve Guiremand: Successful month has quieted 'Bama critics: Steve Guiremand; "It's amazing what a month can do."

Metro officer injured in collision: Jace Radke; A Metro Police officer following a motorist he thought was driving recklessly Thursday night was injured when his patrol car collided with another car leaving an apartment complex.

College students plead for -- and get -- added fee: The moment was fraught with irony.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Tyson's saga may explain his appeal: Dean Juipe; This particular incarnation of Mike Tyson remains a work in progress.

Trial to begin for three defendants in stock case: Kim Smith; Jury selection begins Monday in the trial of three men accused of making millions of dollars by fraudulently issuing millions of shares of stock in the early 1990s.

Tyson punch line: Expect a knockout: Dean Juipe; Emphatic and succinct, Mike Tyson says he'll make quick work of Orlin Norris when they fight Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden.

Shelf Life -- Scott Dickensheets: A short treatise on short stories in 'Naked Pueblo': Don't quote me on this, but it seems the short story is enjoying a comeback. This observation derives less from research into current book trends and discussions with experts than from a desperate need for a way to frame a discussion of Mark Jude Piorier's collection "Naked Pueblo" (Harmony Books, $21). "Short story revival" is as good a pretext as any.

Nov. 6 schedule changed for volleyball team: The volleyball team will play BYU at 7 p.m. on Nov. 6 at the Lied Gymnasium. The women's basketball team will play NWBL at at 5:35 p.m. on Nov. 6 at the Lied Gymnasium.

Bonanza vs. Mojave means plenty to playoff hopefuls: Spencer Patterson; At first glance, tonight's Bonanza at Mojave prep football game would appear to have no outcome on the upcoming zone playoff picture.

Saturday at Bay Meadows: 1st race 5-1/2 fur 3YO Fil Mdn Clm: 1 Slewvana (Matias) 117; 2 Cajium Jewel (Lopez) 117; 3 Easter Belle (Schvaneveldt) 117; 4 Say Hay Halo (Alvarado) 117; 5 Lady Ambessa (Gonzalez) 117; 6 Tiger Fire (Bisono) 117; 7 Morning Song (Miranda) 110; 8 Miss Tapicera (Castanon) 117.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Lovin' that soul music: MUSIC IS GOOD for the soul. Saving it is good for everybody.

Obituaries for October 22, 1999: Robert Bell, 79, of Las Vegas died Tuesday in a local hospice. He was born Dec. 13, 1919, in New Orleans. A resident for 11 years, he was a retired supervisor for the U.S. Postal Service, a World War II Army veteran, a member of the American Bridge Association, American Contract Bridge League and National Bowling Association.

Births: Sept. 27:

Bankrputcies: Joseph Lizano, formerly doing business as Joe's Top Shop & Upholstery, 4493 N. Chieftain St., filed for Chapter 7. Assets and liabilities were not reported.

Neal cites dearth of blacks in school of medicine: Almost 1,000 medical students have graduated from the University of Nevada School of Medicine since the first four-year class accepted their diplomas in 1980.

BYU QB proving himself on field: Steve Guiremand; While starring at Los Alamitos High School in Southern California, Kevin Feterik dreamed one day of playing for the USC Trojans.

ARTfelt Confessions: After wandering into an A.R.T.S. Anonymous meeting in San Diego nine years ago, Carole A. (last name withheld by request) was so inspired that she quit her job, moved into a pink trailer on an avocado orchard and began selling her handmade children's books door to door.

Columnist Sal DeFilippo: N.Y. fans in need of offense: Sal DeFilippo; This whole thing about having baseball playoffs continue this deep into football season is really annoying to us die-hard football fans.

Saturday at Belmont Park: 1st race 1 mi 3YO & up Turf Alw: 1 a-Knockshrine (Espinoza) 113; 2 Indian Style (Bravo) 117; 3 Gebb's Prince (Davis) 113; 4 Sunny Memories (Teator) 117; 5 Cozzeebaba (Chavez) 117; 6 b-Cosmic Care (Bailey) 113; 7 Overshadowed (Ortiz) 115; 8 Bad Boy Bobby (Bridgmohan) 115; 9 c-College Point (Samyn) 117; 10 b-Great Will (Gryder) 117.

NSAC gets first woman: Ayoub is described by NSAC chairman Dr. Elias Ghanem as "a potential asset to the commission. She's honest and has integrity. I think she'll add a lot" to a panel that also includes Luther Mack, Lorenzo Fertitta and Glenn Carano.

Letter: Unions protect our jobs, dignity: Do you remember when the DMV went to new computer programs and how that affected the people around us and the long lines they had to encounter? Robots are computers and to have computers running computers, well let's just say, it would be a "death wish." If it does come to that, which in my opinion, I don't think it will, it would probably go into the year 3000 and thereafter. In order to get all the so-called "bugs" out and to have it working properly, there would always be some sort of glitch and the person constructing this program ...

Christine Fernandez edges her big sister in golf playoff: Spencer Patterson; With Green Valley's fourth consecutive 4A girls golf title in the bag, day two of this year's state tournament turned into a Fernandez family affair Thursday at Canyon Gate Country Club.

Woman pleads guilty in abuse case: Bill Gang; Twenty-year-old Carol Amber Miller cried in court as she admitted that for months she overlooked glaring signs of abuse on her 3-year-old daughter, including a broken leg.

The Movie Guys: Dissension lives for 'Bringing out the Dead': Grades: Jeff, D; Dave, B+.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: With title in hand, Busch wants truck ride: When Kurt Busch took the checkered flag last Saturday night in the NASCAR Southwest Series race at Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif., the 21-year-old Las Vegan didn't know what to celebrate first.

Volunteers to help plant 200 trees on Adams Blvd.: Shaunta Grimes; Boulder City's Adams Boulevard will be planted with 200 trees and 500 shrubs on Saturday in an event that begins at 7 a.m. and includes a free pancake breakfast for the several hundred Boulder City volunteers who are expected to help with this effort to regreen the town.

Date book: The Las Vegas Balloon Classic will be held today through Sunday beginning at 7 a.m. daily at the Silver Bowl Park, Russell Road at Boulder Highway. Events continue throughout the day and into the evening. Admission is free. Call 455-8206.

Born to be saved: Stacy J. Willis; The story of Christ, outlaw biker version:

Letter: Citizen Thomas was a man loved, revered by many: We gathered at 1 p.m. on Oct. 1 to mourn John Hamilton Thomas: husband, father, defender of his country, Clark County Juvenile probation officer, and friend to the hundreds of people who overflowed the main hall of Temple Beth Am Synagogue. We mourners were a diverse lot, representing the warp and woof of the fabric of American society. We wore our cultural identities on our backs: middle class suits, military uniforms, work clothes, "Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes," police shields, VFW insignia and biker regalia. The mix of the ad hoc congregation surprised no one, for John Thomas never entered a room where ...

Letter: WCHL isn't a goon league: By Ron Kantowski; The WCHL is less penalty-ridden than almost any of the AA or AAA leagues and last year's WCHL Taylor Cup Champion Tacoma Sabercats -- on a penalty minute per game basis -- was among the least penalized of any professional team in North America. You don't have to play goon hockey to play winning hockey, regardless of what hacks like you write.

Plea bargain to be made in shooting death: Alans Hopkins, 18, pleaded guilty Thursday to second-degree murder, knowing that he will have to spend at least 10 years in prison before he will be eligible for parole.

Henderson's Schmidt undergoes second foot surgery: Dr. Kevin Scheid of the IRL's medical staff performed the 2 1/2-half hour surgery Thursday and reported that Schmidt, a Henderson resident, had two screws and multiple pins placed in his left foot to set each of the dislocations and fractures. In addition, the fractures to the toes on his right foot were reassessed.

Las Vegas Chamber switches newsletter distributor: Terms of the new joint venture were not disclosed. The chamber will continue to sell its own advertising in the newsletter. The pre-press work, printing and distribution of the tabloid-format newsletter will be handled by Greenspun, which contracts its tabloid press runs to Southwest Printers.

Saturday at Santa Anita: 1st race 6 fur 2YO Mdn: 1 Private Stock (Antley) 120; 2 Hellespont (Solis) 120; 3 Stormin Bayou (Pedroza) 120; 4 Tejan (Stevens) 120; 5 Gaelic Thunder (Nakatani) 120; 6 Hidefromthebride (Flores) 120; 7 Harmony Bear (Valenzuela) 120.

Police still searching for missing girl: Friday afternoon, police contacted area media in hopes that by spreading the word and publishing the girl's photo, some leads might develop.

Rudd would like victory to close out ownership phase of his career: Mike Harris; ROCKINGHAM, N.C. - The emotions of closing down his own team haven't hit Ricky Rudd, yet.

Ethics board decision may take a while: Erin Neff; Mayor Oscar Goodman got his first feel Thursday for the Las Vegas Ethics Review Board that will rule on his concern about appointing city employees to the City Council.

British promoter wants a piece of Tyson fight: Grace Leong; British boxing promoter Frank Warren is seeking a preliminary injunction against heavyweight boxer Orlin Norris and his manager Scott Woodworth, prohibiting them from reneging on an alleged agreement to pay him a third of Norris' $1 million purse from his bout Saturday in Las Vegas with Mike Tyson.

Gamblers' flights from London jeopardized by bill: A powerful Pennsylvania congressman has introduced legislation pressing Great Britain to renegotiate aviation treaties with the United States.

Missed meeting could lead to Bayno suspension: Victoria Sun; When the UNLV men's basketball team hosts BYU on Jan. 10 in its Mountain West Conference season opener, head coach Bill Bayno might have to watch the game on TV.

Editorial: Delaying final vote was smart: Some grumbled that Goodman simply was just delaying the inevitable, noting that City Attorney Brad Jerbic believed the ordinance didn't apply to the City Hall employees. Yet Goodman's mastery of the law, which allowed him as a defense attorney to gain acquittals of some of society's less than savory characters, shouldn't be underestimated either.

Nothing like a Dixie Cup weekend in 'Dega: TALLADEGA, Ala. -- Let's get one thing straight. It's not Talladega, Alabama. That's way too long. It's Dega, Bama. Everything longer than four letters is abbreviated here.

Getting to bottom of well problem: Robert Tretiak, vice president of the Nevada Well Owners Association, said the current struggle his organization is having with the state is reminiscent of the Old West saying, "Whiskey is for drinking, but water is for fighting."

Letter: Federal Reserve violates principles: This condition is questionable at best within a democratic system. The Fed appears to be unconstrained in dealing with interest rates and Greenspan is unconstrained in his comments. One wonders if he would defend either position in a court of law. A test would no doubt be a positive experience for the taxpayer.

Editorial: Next census to aid our vibrant county: Despite their already small population during the 1990s, Northern Nevadans have been able to maintain key leadership positions in the Legislature. So rather than losing these powerful posts, Northern Nevadans may try to persuade the 2001 Legislature to increase the current total number of 63 legislators to 75, which is the cap set by the Constitution. Although under that scheme Clark County would receive even more representatives, getting four new Senate seats and eight new Assembly seats, no Northern Nevadans would be in danger of having to face each other in an election after redistricting and possibly diminish their influence.

Letter: And another man's view on IRL story: By Ron Kantowski; Did you find it ironic that the reported IRL attendance almost exactly compares to the number of season tickets sold for each of the three years of operations at TMS? There were 50,000 in 1999; 65,000 in 1998; and 80,000 in 1997. I know that I was counted in the '97 IRL attendance report and my unused ticket, still stashed in a drawer somewhere, was not even attractive as a free gift.

Attorney urges lifting limit on lawsuits targeting government: CARSON CITY -- The law limiting an injured citizen to an award of only $50,000 due to the negligence of the state or a local government should be abolished, a Las Vegas attorney says.

Profit falls for SW Gas merger partner: Southwest Gas Corp. suitor ONEOK Inc. of Tulsa, Okla., reported lower earnings per share for the fiscal year, which it blamed on warmer-than-normal conditions in its service territory.

No action on Internet gaming seen until 2000: The bill's lead sponsors were Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-N.J., and Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va.

Governors lobby Congress on Yucca: The National Governors Association told Senate Majority leader Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., not to weaken proposed radiation exposure standards for a high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain.

Profit falls for LV hospital operator: Based in King of Prussia, Pa., Universal said profit from operations fell to $10.8 million or 34 cents a share from $17 million or 51 cents a year earlier. It was expected to earn 31 cents, the average estimate of analysts surveyed by First Call Corp.

Videotape testimony approved: Bill Gang; A videotaped deposition from an elusive witness in a quadruple homicide has been authorized, but it will be days before she has a chance to get out of jail, where she has spent the last month as a material witness.

Oversight of funeral industry lacking: WASHINGTON -- The government lacks adequate oversight of funeral industry practices, according to a congressional report made public Thursday.