Print edition for September 8, 1999

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Local fine arts organization gears up for fund-raising event: Elizabeth Foyt; Anew rising star in local fine arts organizations is the Gateway Arts Association, a nonprofit organization committed to culture in Las Vegas.

Columnist Jeff Haney: Week 1 offers hungry NFL bettors a full plate: Football bettors analyzing Week 1 of the NFL season will find a juicy revenge game for the Vikings, a tough test for the highly touted Jaguars and the Lions sans Sanders.

Editorial: Congress is gripped by gridlock: Even on campaign finance reform, an issue with bipartisan support, it appears gamesmanship will be used. Despite a pledge by GOP House Speaker Dennis Hastert to hold a vote, House Majority Whip Tom DeLay is going to undercut this vow, offering a "poison pill" amendment to the legislation in an effort to effectively kill campaign finance reform. One area that would seem to offer promise is in the area of health care. Key Republicans in the House have agreed with a Democratic plan to reform managed care, including giving patients the right to sue their HMOs if they've been harmed. ...

Students given firsthand look at emerging European Union: A political science professor at Community College of Southern Nevada and an entourage of 14 people received quite an education when they toured Europe in July.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Zany Brainy is a kick for kids: Zany Brainy, a multimedia educational superstore for kids, will celebrate the official opening of its first Nevada store Friday-Sunday. Zany Brainy is in the Sahara Pavilion at Sahara and Decatur in the Sahara Pavilion South shopping center.

Letter: Creationism study belongs in Kansas: To equate creationism with the science of the theory of evolution is like equating astrology with astronomy. Didn't Dorothy of the "Wizard of Oz" come from Kansas? How about that for a subject to study.

Arrest made in trailer-home shooting: Investigators said Rivera had been arguing with his sister, who is Marsters' wife, when the shooting occurred.

High court justice wants change in campaign fund-raising rules: CARSON CITY -- Chief Justice Bob Rose is proposing a change in the rules of the Nevada Supreme Court to allow judges to get a bigger head start in financing their re-election campaigns.

Ralph Siraco's notes: For jockey Joe Bravo it was a summer homecoming when he captured his seventh Jersey shore riding championship after a two-year absence at Monmouth Park as he booted home 67 wins. Trainer Juan Serey took down his fifth straight title with 29 winners as the popular seaside track produced a 5 percent increase in handle (monies bet) over the 72-day meeting.

Advisory panel wants more input on police review board: Adrienne Packer; It took several contentious debates before Las Vegas and Clark County officials hammered out guidelines for a new police review board: Leery residents told stories of police brutality, and officers feared for their safety.

Dealers in area east of Strip put on notice: Adrienne Packer; Three years ago Clark County began banishing prostitutes in an older neighborhood in exchange for more lenient penalties.

Program proposed to improve safety of children: Adrienne Packer; Prompted by the horrifying shooting rampage at Columbine High School in Colorado last spring, County Commissioner Erin Kenny is crafting a program she hopes will protect Southern Nevada's children.

Columnist Peter Benton: LV Country Club marks summer's end: Peter Benton; The Las Vegas Country Club's End of Summer 36-hole Member-Member Golf Tournament was a better ball of partners plus alternate nines the first day of play, and combined net along with better ball of partners the second day. The alternate nines segment saw teams choose one player's net score from the front nine and the other player's from the back nine using full handicaps.

Editorial: Ex-surgeon general lets down the troops: The New York Times reported that until last week, Koop's website didn't disclose a business arrangement that allowed him to receive commissions on health products and services sold by businesses on his website (Koop has since stopped receiving a commission). In addition, the story noted the blurring between advertising and unbiased information. For instance, two months ago the website displayed a list of hospitals and medical care centers that were dubbed "the most innovative and advanced health care institutions across the country." The problem, though, was that the listing did not carry a disclaimer to acknowledge it actually was an ...

Pac-10 back may be headed for Rebels: Steve Guiremand; John Robinson's reputation for helping turn USC into Tailback U has evidently followed him to UNLV.

Guinn's staff claims petition is no way to raise taxes: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn doesn't want to see state taxes levied through a ballot question, even for as good a cause as schools.

Blitzstein murder case figure Cino kept from his brother's funeral: Richard Cino Sr., the brother of one of the central figures in the recent Herbie Blitzstein murder trial, died just two days after Stephen Cino was sentenced to 15 years in prison on extortion charges related to the slaying.

Two decades later, ESPN has changed the shape of sports -- and TV: David Bauder; ESPN has long surpassed its humble origins, growing into a corporate power with one radio and four TV networks, a magazine, website and chain of restaurants.

Letter: Let government distribute drugs: Each action requires men and women, equipment, jails, court houses, transportation and ultimately prisons. The really final indignity is most expensive. Everything in use has to be insured. That alone is an exorbitant expense. Four years ago, President Clinton was made aware of this gigantic expense but he deemed it necessary.

New proposal considered in Indian casino negotiations: Brendan Riley; "Whether we can get done between now and the end of Friday remains to be seen," a cautious Davis said a few hours before his negotiators delivered a 35-page document to the tribes on Tuesday.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Punch-taker Norris gets Tyson fight: Dean Juipe; It's a measure of how leery his handlers are concerning his condition and his declining abilities, but first and foremost people should know that Mike Tyson's next opponent was a sparring partner for his previous one.

Community news briefs for September 8, 1999: UNLV football coach John Robinson will attend the event at 6390 W. Sahara Ave. Tickets can be purchased for $75 in advance at all Big Dog's Hospitality Group locations and from the UNLV Football Foundation, 895-3454.

Student arrested on father's tip: The 17-year-old was arrested for bringing a weapon on campus. He was booked into Wittenberg Hall and placed on emergency suspension from school. His name was not released.

Competition for Reno city hall continues: The council will now review financial options, select a site and approve a final developer.

Downstream users fear restrictions on Tahoe water storage: The committee will report to the agency's governing board later this month on whether an in-depth study on the issue is needed.

Letter: Casinos would be lost without slots: The millions of dollars being made each year by the gaming industry would be destroyed if folks walked on by. It is a big addiction like everything else is: drugs, drinking and gambling.

Columnist Maureen Dowd: Globalization comes to Las Vegas: Maureen Dowd; I'M STROLLING down a cobblestone street, beneath a cloud-speckled Paris sky. Past Le Village Buffet, past Napoleon's cigar and cognac lounge, past Parcage.

Letter: Agnostics' doubts debunking Darwin evolution theories: Denton was falsely labeled a "closet creationist" by fuming evolutionists though his writing proves he is not. He and fellow agnostics hope to discover a natural explanation for intelligent design, meanwhile debunking neo-Darwinism.

Women's lobby will honor legislators: Former Sen. Lori Lipman Brown, Assemblywomen Barbara Buckley and Chris Giunchigliani and former Assemblywoman Renee Diamond, all Las Vegas Democrats, are being cited for their work in improving the state of women and children.

Undefeated Cimarron should roll again: Spencer Patterson; THURSDAY'S GAMES

Obituaries for September 8, 1999: Richard W. Aley, 66, of Pahrump died Aug. 16 in Las Vegas. He was born Aug. 30, 1932, in Oklahoma. A resident for many years, he was a real estate agent and an Army veteran.

$3 billion raised for Park Place merger: The deal surpasses the previous record set last December by a $2.1 billion financing arrangement Park Place made with B of A.

Judge consolidates mass of liens facing Venetian: Gary Thompson; District Judge Mark Gibbons agreed to consolidate hundreds of mechanics liens filed against the Venetian and its general contractor into a single case Tuesday and vowed to push for a quick resolution to the problem.

Mirage stock trading is active after departure: Gary Thompson; Institutions wary about the future of Mirage Resorts Inc. after the surprise resignation of Chief Financial Officer Dan Lee were big sellers of the stock today.

New DMV computer causes delays: There was a traffic jam at Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety offices across the Las Vegas Valley Tuesday as the agency started up a new computer system officials hope will make long waits a thing of the past.

Rural Nevadans concerned about radioactive water: Nevada's rural residents are raising new concerns about possible radioactive contamination in their drinking water from the Nevada Test Site, where underground nuclear experiments exploded for 41 years.

Borrowing funds to build schools: Southern Nevada could get nine more new schools years ahead of schedule if the School Board approves a plan by its staff to borrow future income from a $3.5 billion school bond that was approved by voters last year.

Future of bankrupt casino unclear: The newspaper said the dispute leaves future control of the casino uncertain as it tries to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Prison inmates say they are beaten, paraded around nude: Kim Smith; Four federal inmates being held in the state medium-security prison at Indian Springs filed a $500,000 civil rights lawsuit against various prison officials Tuesday claiming, among other things, that prisoners are being paraded around nude and beaten.

New medical school dean hits jackpot: CARSON CITY -- Robert S. Miller, the new dean of the University of Nevada School of Medicine will earn $310,000, one of the highest salaries paid any public official in Nevada.

Waste, water high on agenda: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Nevada lawmakers expect a flurry of activity on issues ranging from nuclear waste storage and Indian gaming to earmarking money for projects at Lake Tahoe and Lake Mead as Congress got back to business today for the final two months of this year's session.

Setting sights on sites: Finding land for schools can be tough: Modern Moves

LV mayor goes live with new city map: Erin Neff; Las Vegas residents will get a chance to see the final proposed map of the new city wards tonight as Mayor Oscar Goodman holds his first live Town Hall forum on cable television.

Executive resigns at Resort at Summerlin: Fonseca's resignation, which took effect Aug. 31, was announced Tuesday to Resort employees through an internal memo from Chief Executive Brian McMullan. McMullan has assumed Fonseca's duties while the property searches for a new COO.

Groesbeck, ex-Henderson mayor, might face charges: Jace Radke and Jerry Fink; A decision is expected to be made today whether to prosecute former Henderson Mayor Bob Groesbeck on charges of open and gross lewdness and battery of a police officer, the district attorney's office said this morning.

Stunned defendant listens in silence at murder trial: Bill Gang; Before opening statements began in his murder trial, Terrell Cochise Young was allowed to return to the courtroom where his outbursts during jury selection last week had resulted in his removal and a jolt from a security stun belt.

Residents have their way with widening: Valerie Miller; Hundreds of residents cheered as the Henderson City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night not to study widening Horizon Ridge Parkway.

Las Vegas-Santa Barbara service planned: An America West spokeswoman said the move is a part of the airline's bid to beef up its commuter presence at its three hubs. In the West, Farmington, N.M.-based Mesa Airlines operates as America West Express and offers service between Las Vegas and Bakersfield, Calif., with seasonal service to Palm Springs, Calif.

All sides appear at odds in talks involving California tribal casinos: Brendan Riley; SACRAMENTO -- All bets were off Tuesday on the final form of Indian gambling legislation as lawmakers touted rival proposals, tribal leaders disagreed on key issues and critics sniped at the entire process.

Police rescuers have busy weekend: Metro Police search and rescue units had a busy Labor Day weekend, searching three area mountain ranges for four missing hikers, two lost dirt bikers and two men whose four-wheel-drive vehicle got stuck in a ravine.

Corn maze opens in Reno: The brothers call it the maize craze. They've planted fields from Tennessee to Minnesota in a business started just three years ago with one field in Lehi, Utah.

Horse-for-hire firms at center of debate: Mention long-range management proposals for Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, and people eventually get around to bickering about horses.

Hot air balloons brighten skies over Reno: Sandra Chereb; About 130 hot air balloons are anticipated for the 18th annual event Friday through Sunday, race spokeswoman Cammy Elquist said.

New Las Vegas website to be launched: Cox, the nation's fifth largest cable television operator, operates the dominant cable TV system in Las Vegas with 319,000 residential customers and 105,000 hotel units.

Harrah's, Rio offer inflight promotions: Harrah's Las Vegas and the Rio hotel-casino are joining the airline in offering prizes in its "Winners on Wings" promotion.

Del Papa withdraws from U.S. Senate race: ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

Preliminary hearing continues for accused horse shooters: ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

NHP goes undercover to combat aggressive driving: Sandra Chereb; RENO, Nev. - The Nevada Highway Patrol is going incognito to combat aggressive driving on Reno roadways in an attempt to stop such aggression before it turns into violent road rage.

Thursday at Bay Meadows: 1st race 5-1/2 fur 2YO Clm: 1 Philip Lacy (Gonzalez) 118; 2 Nickle Oakie (Schvaneveldt) 118; 3 Mr Tizzy (Tohill) 118; 4 R Fallsheba (Castro) 118; 5 How Bout Dana (Perez) 118.

Court upholds telemarketing fraud convictions: SAN FRANCISCO - A federal appeals court on Wednesday upheld the fraud convictions of owners of a Las Vegas telemarketing firm that bilked people out of $13 million in exchange for virtually worthless gifts.

Charities seek help from college payrolls: Regents on Friday are scheduled to discuss a proposed policy on deducting charitable donations from employees' payroll checks, a move that could stop a lawsuit filed last week in District Court.

Suggestions sought for school names: The Clark County School District wants to hear your opinion.

Cancer claims pioneer black educator Bass at 62: In the mid-1970s, longtime Clark County School District teacher John Bass landed his first principal post at Paul E. Culley Elementary School.

In the bigs: Alan Robinson; PITTSBURGH -- Green Valley High graduate Chad Hermansen finally realized he was headed to the big leagues when he glanced at the lineup card before triple-A Nashville's final game.

Clinton picks new head of nuclear-waste office: President Clinton has nominated Ivan Itkin, a former Pennsylvania legislator and nuclear scientist, as chief of the government office responsible for managing nuclear waste and overseeing the repository studies at Yucca Mountain.

Wanted: Municipal Court judges who will stick with it: Erin Neff; The Las Vegas Municipal Court, traditionally filled with long-serving judges, now has its second vacancy on the bench this year.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Knight likes the looks of this year's Rebels: You have to give Dwaine Knight credit for refusing to play the game.

Hotel-casino sales talks reported: The weekly industry newspaper Gaming Today reported Tuesday that New Frontier owner Phil Ruffin is in talks with an unidentified buyer to sell the hotel-casino and 17 acres of land, both located on the Strip.