Print edition for September 17, 1999

Keep the pennies coming: The "Pennies by the Inch" campaign began Wednesday and will continue through Oct. 15.

Ruling allows Venetian to explore LVCVA's convention center plans: Bill abandoned

Venice, Italy, deputy mayor to protest at Venetian: David Strow; The Culinary Union will turn up the political heat considerably on the Venetian hotel-casino when the deputy mayor of the resort's namesake city plans to protest at the resort next Friday.

Two teens killed on street where doom was predicted: Residents of a quiet, tree-lined eastern Las Vegas Valley neighborhood predicted after a street paving project 18 months ago that a tragedy was going to happen.

3 hospitals' financial results disappointing: The King of Prussia, Pa., company operates the Valley Health System in Las Vegas. The system includes Valley, Summerlin and Desert Springs hospitals.

New company brings 80 jobs to Las Vegas: The Omaha, Neb.-based company's operating center is expected to process more than 18 million letters per month by year's end. Chief Executive Robert Krohn said the center at 6283 S. Valley View Blvd. will have a maximum processing capacity of 30 million letter a month.

LV station names news director: Effective Sept. 27, Ross will replace news director Emily Neilson, who is moving to the position of programming director at the station.

LV visitor volume jumped 13.1 percent in July: The increase represents an increase of 334,000 visitors for the month of July. Through July, the city's visitor volume is 1.8 million ahead of last year's total, putting Las Vegas on track to reach 33 million visitors in 1999, according to the LVCVA. The area's 1998 visitor total was 30.6 million.

Victims' families offer emotional testimony: Kim Smith; Tears streaming down many of their faces, jurors in the murder trial of Terrell Young sat through 90 minutes of heart-wrenching testimony from his victims' families Thursday.

Reid explains Yucca problems to Energy chief: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., met privately with U.S. Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson on Thursday to discuss a nuclear waste storage bill pending in Congress.

New police unit assists Las Vegas' homeless: Jace Radke; A Metro Police officer has admitted to a string of robberies in downtown Las Vegas.

Goodman: Arena depends on NBA chief: Erin Neff; Before Las Vegas can even get to the over-used line from "Field of Dreams" regarding its possible downtown sports arena, Mayor Oscar Goodman wants one man's OK.

Jews prepare for holiest day of year: Stacy J. Willis; Jacqueline Fleekop's grandfather sat her on his knee and taught her about the Jewish high holy days when she was a child.

Editorial: Security must have limits, too: Some advocates of the new agency believe any outside oversight would be damaging, but others contend that the environment, health and worker safety could be imperiled under the plan.

Commission agrees to negotiate with feds - sort of: Despite agreeing to negotiate, the county is directly challenging the threatened federal lawsuit over the county's work to repair the flood-damaged road.

Lawsuit brought by two city workers is settled: Diana Sahagun; Taxpayers from the city of North Las Vegas may not know it, but they just agreed to pay a $99,000 bill to settle a lawsuit against the city by two city workers.

Enrollment increase hailed: Crowley also said in Thursday's annual state of the university address that the number of transfer students and doctoral candidates also is up, although the number of master's degree candidates has slipped.

Obituaries for September 17, 1999: Mary Altenburger, 86, of Las Vegas died Wednesday in a local care center. She was born Jan. 2, 1913, in Lawton, Okla. A resident for 55 years, she was a retired trailer park owner and a member of the Sunrise Hospital Auxiliary.

Desert-inspired poet, artist Hawkins dies: Ed Koch and Mary Manning; Artist and poet Dorothy Hawkins loved the Southern Nevada desert -- the freedom and wide expanse of which were an inspiration to her paintings and poetry.

Saturday at Belmont Park: 1st race 6 fur 3YO Clm: 1 a-Alexthethird (Diego) 112; 2 b-Blue Stardust (Bravo) 117; 3 c-P. I. On the Rize (Toscano) 117; 4 d-Flo's Double (Chavez) 117; 5 Bensonhurst Bull (Luzzi) 117; 6 c-Peak's Sweep (Nelson) 117; 7 Muchtael (Lovato) 117; 8 Diggy (Gryder) 117; 9 d-Seven Roentgens (Beasley) 112; 10 Big Steel (Bridgmohan) 117; 11 a-Timely Turquoise (Espinoza) 117; 12 b-Go Go Sweep (Bravo) 119.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway points leaders: NASCAR LATE MODEL: 1. Chris Lowden 866; 2. Scott Gafforini 858; 3. Chuck Trickle 738; 4. Jerry Spilsbury 714; 5. Joe Kirsch 670; 6. Ken Holt 620; 7. Dave Quartaro 568; 8. George Antill 552; 9. Steve Anderson 516; 10. Rich Attasani 514.

Mining study to be released in late September or early October: The original deadline for the study was July 31. The release of the report is tied to completing the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's revised surface mining regulations.

Man pleads guilty to mailing pipe bombs: Kim Smith; Although Frank Alexander, 53, was offered a plea agreement in which he could have received 40 years in prison, he turned it down, preferring a life sentence.

Letter: Bush, GOP would destroy economy: Do you actually think that "Dubya" Bush would continue this process when the likelihood is that he would take us back to the almost 8 percent unemployment rate and generally lackluster economy of his pop?

No charges to be filed against Douglas County public works director: Doyle said there was no special treatment and before making the decision he researched how his office had treated similar situations.

High court raises questions about withheld documents in Mazzan case: Brendan Riley; Justices repeatedly asked a prosecutor about Jack Mazzan's contention that his trial lawyer was denied information that might have helped to clear him in the stabbing death of Richard Minor Jr.

Letter: Brotherly love for coach: My brother is an incredible person -- kind and compassionate and dedicated to the youth of Las Vegas. He, along with many other teachers and coaches, are our unsung heroes.

Letter: Sands Expo Center can't compete with LVCVA: 1. Sands Expo charges 50 percent to 75 percent more per square foot than the Las Vegas Convention Center.

911 cell phone calls can now be tracked: Some worry about the potential for abuse by law enforcement agencies, but the FCC said the rule will save lives by locating those who don't know their precise location.

Ralph Siraco's notes: Gulfstream Park, host of this year's Breeders' Cup Championship on Nov. 6, also escaped Floyd's wrath. The popular South Florida track will conduct a three-day mini-Breeders' Cup festival-type meet that will run from Nov. 5-7.

Jarrett: Steady, but not slow: When you are as consistent as Dale Jarrett has been in his drive toward the Winston Cup championship, you can afford to have a hiccup or two along the way. But the mark of a true champion - and a true championship team - is the unflinching ability to withstand adversity and gain strength from it.

Saturday at Bay Meadows: 1st race 1-1/16 mi 3YO & up Clm: 1 Victory Chant (Schvaneveldt) 117; 2 Backstageactor (Miranda) 110; 3 Gingerboy (Arriaga) 117; 4 Cold Chisel (Carr) 117; 5 Gift Box of Jewels (Dieguez) 117; 6 Gojra (Warren) 117.

Rookie driving sensation lifts spirits in native Colombia: Jared Kotler; CAJICA, Colombia - Every kid had the same goal at a beginner's racing class at the go-cart speedway, even though some of them could barely reach the pedals.

Ormsby House sale could face legal battle: "There's some wild stuff going on," said Malfitano, a cosmetic dentist and owner of Skyline Crest Co., which was jockeying to buy the troubled casino.

Nurses reject union representation: In August, skilled maintenance workers at Washoe Medical Center also voted against unionizing while a vote to organize service employees there was suspended after a majority cast ballots against joining a union.

Guinn issues HUD remedy: "This is an interim measure that will solve the conflict between federal and state regulations and avoid a scenario in which thousands of people have their loan process delayed," Guinn said.

Letter: Las Vegas did part for MDA Telethon: By taking part in local MDA events, by calling in pledges to the telethon broadcast on KLAS-TV, Channel 8, by helping "my kids" in other ways, Las Vegas Sun readers have made a huge difference for families throughout Nevada and across the nation.

The Main Course -- Muriel Stevens: Star deli and bakery is a hot spot to nosh: The closing of Freddie G's deli restaurant was sad news for noshers and fressers who loved the clubby atmosphere and the good food. It will be hard to replace.

State to Hold Public Workshops on DOE's Yucca Mountain Environmental Impact Statement: CARSON CITY, Nev.--The state of Nevada Agency for Nuclear Projects is sponsoring a series of public workshops designed to encourage public participation and comment on the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Yucca Mountain draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Las Vegas-based hydroplane set to make another run at Mission Bay: This race holds a special place in the hearts of the U-10 team; it was here one year ago that team owners Kim and Debbie Gregory debuted their Unlimited Hydro after purchasing the racing equipment in August 1998.

Chief justice seeks change in campaign contributions: CARSON CITY -- A judicial rule prohibiting judges from using leftover campaign funds in future campaigns is under fire from Nevada Supreme Court Chief Justice Bob Rose.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Has Oscar finally met his match?: Dean Juipe; After seeing Oscar De La Hoya up close countless times right from the outset of his professional boxing career, an attachment of sorts develops. He is a genuinely nice guy, especially given the demands on his time and the pressures he is under.

Two surveys show moderate interest in sports arena: Erin Neff; Committee members studying the feasibility of a sports arena and performing arts center for downtown Las Vegas were bolstered with more good news Thursday but said they will likely need a consultant to sort through the available research.

Bankruptcies: Affordable Elegance Door Inc., 3297 Las Vegas Blvd. North No. 25, filed for Chapter 7, listing assets of $18,841 and liabilities of $112,678.

Planners OK protested shopping center: Valerie Miller; Black Mountain residents are close to losing their four-year battle to stop a commercial development after the Henderson Planning Commission Thursday approved plans for a shopping center.

Dial File -- Steve Bornfeld: Left wing, right wing, 'West Wing': "You know when that shark bites; with his teeth, babe; scarlet billows start to spread."

State GOP chief ripped by Guinn aide: CARSON CITY -- Outgoing state Republican Chairman John Mason was praised publicly for his work by Gov. Kenny Guinn but the governor's right-hand man wrote Mason a blistering letter a week before the chairman's resignation.

Guinn smooths way for home appraisals: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn Thursday signed an executive order to clear away a roadblock experienced by Nevadans applying for Federal Housing Administration loans.

Columnist Sal DeFilippo: Chargers find secret to success -- just take a week off and watch: Sal DeFilippo; Print the banners. Start selling the T-shirts.

Louie Louie you're gonna fly: It was a missive best understood by those in the hyper-passionate world populated by dedicated musicians.

Court to decide whether to relax judicial ethics: Opponents included Washoe District Judge Brent Adams, who said the change would let judges solicit donations from lawyers appearing before them for charities.

The Movie Guys -- Jeff Howard and Dave Neil: Costner finds the plate in 'For Love of the Game': Grades: Jeff, B; Dave, A-.

Charisma the key to Thomas' magic: Joe Delaney; "The Illusionary Magic of Rick Thomas," playing Saturdays through Thursdays at 2 and 4 p.m. in the Tropicana's Tiffany Theatre, is a quality offering at bargain prices, $15.95 and $20.95.

Formula 1 upset highlights first day of races: Sharp has won eight Reno Gold titles in a row and Cote has won 12.

Herbst brothers' efforts highlight SCORE event: Herbst, whose older brothers Ed and Tim Herbst finished third overall and finished second in the featured Trophy-Truck division, powered his hybrid Smithbuilt desert race car over the rugged 72.3-mile course to his second straight overall and unlimited Class 1 victory.

Three die in three wrecks: A fiery four-vehicle wreck near Spooner Summit killed the truck driver and injured four others. It shut down U.S. 50 for five hours, backing up evening rush hour traffic in Carson City.

Security guard shot dead in daylight jewelry heist: Jace Radke; A security guard was shot to death Thursday at a Las Vegas shopping center as two armed men pulled off a daylight jewelry heist, police said.

Raring to go: Dean Juipe; With movie-star looks, multiple endorsement deals and a position of prominence in boxing as its most marketable star, outwardly Oscar De La Hoya has everything.

Letter: CART steals IRL thunder: MIKE LENGEL

Births: Sept. 1:

One dead, three hurt in crash blocking Highway 50: The truck missed a runaway truck ramp and crashed, going over a median barrier and hitting an oncoming pickup truck and two motorcycles. The truck's load of grapes and blueberries was dumped on the road. The truck burst into flames, killing the man driving it.

Arum finds dealing with King to be a royal pain: Steve Carp; Having Don King on board for Saturday's welterweight world championship fight between Oscar De La Hoya and Felix Trinidad wasn't Bob Arum's idea.

Letter: Don't keep a good kid down: Why was it necessary to include the names of Jason White and Ramin White in this article?

Man dies in cave-in of trench: Jace Radke; After nearly seven hours of digging and searching, Clark County and Henderson firefighters unearthed the body of a construction worker buried during a cave-in Thursday.

LV Wet 'n Wild to be sold again: Jonathan Make; NEW YORK -- Ogden Corp., which had planned to split in two, scrapped those plans and said it will sell its aviation and entertainment units including the Las Vegas Wet 'n Wild waterpark.

Restaurant cashier spots fugitive wanted for murder in Canada: Jace Radke; An article in the October issue of Reader's Digest helped lead Las Vegas authorities to a fugitive wanted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in connection with a 1994 murder.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Around the Silver State: LAS VEGAS -- Is Wal-Mart's supermarket center fight at the Clark County Commission strictly a matter of union pressure? This is what some letter writers believe, but I'm not sure this is the whole picture.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Upcoming boxing matches will provide plenty of drama: Joe Delaney; De La Hoya vs. Trinidad, Saturday in the Mandalay Bay Events Center, is a joint effort by two of the Strip's new megaresorts, Paris Las Vegas and Mandalay Bay. ... Promotion of the long-awaited welterweight championship bout is also a joint effort by Bob Arum (Top Rank) and Don King Productions. ... Top Rank represents De La Hoya and Don King's company represents Trinidad, making this a contest between Arum and King as well.

Maxfield named chairman of advisory council: Maxfield, a partner and executive vice president of Southwest Engineering, is a registered civil engineer with more than 19 years of experience.

Rebels look to shine in new home: Steve Guiremand; Following practice early Wednesday evening, John Robinson decided to take wife Linda on a short detour on their way to dinner.

Regulators bid to preserve LV dairy industry: The Nevada Dairy Commission is bailing out of a federal milk-pricing system commissioners said could have destroyed Southern Nevada's tiny dairy industry.

Western facing must-win contest: Spencer Patterson; When the 1999 prep football season opened last month, tonight's week four matchup between Cheyenne and Western loomed as a potential battle for Sunset Division superiority.

FBI arrests suspect in two holdups: Jace Radke; Following the signal of a tracking device, FBI agents made an arrest in a downtown casino in connection with a Thursday morning bank robbery.

Sound Check -- Geoff Carter: Enjoying a tasty helping from local band Home Cookin': "Pink in the Middle," the sophomore record from local band Home Cookin', drops in late October. At least, that's the plan.

Las Vegas man finalist for Ethics Commission job: CARSON CITY -- Ronald Shutt of Las Vegas is one of five finalists to become the first executive director of the Nevada Ethics Commission.

Columnist Steve Guiremand: Baylor's bonehead move earned spot in history: Steve Guiremand; Just when you thought you'd seen everything.

Strip timeshare adding third tower: Located on the east side of the existing twin Polo Towers on Las Vegas Boulevard between Harmon Avenue and Tropicana Avenue, the 21-story Villas at Polo Towers will feature 190 one- and two-bedroom timeshare units.

Casino ads to show gambling: The Federal Communications Commission has previously banned television ads depicting gambling, causing casinos to run ads promoting themselves without showing gambling. But the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June that the government ban violated the right to free speech guaranteed under the Constitution.

Groesbeck pleads guilty to two misdemeanor counts: Bill Gang; District Attorney Stewart Bell's saber-rattling at Robert Groesbeck resulted today in the former Henderson mayor accepting a plea bargain that he had earlier rejected.

State limits subsidy for new low-wage Las Vegas call center: David Strow; The Nevada Commission on Economic Development denied a tax abatement for a new Las Vegas call center Thursday, saying the wages offered at the center were well below the average state wage.

Wynn says Kerkorian's purchase not unfriendly: Christina Binkley; Kirk Kerkorian has bought a stake in Mirage Resorts Inc., Mirage Chairman Steve Wynn confirmed.

MGM, Justice Dept. reach ADA deal: David Strow; The MGM Grand announced a pact with the U.S. Justice Department on Thursday guaranteeing full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Thursday, the first such agreement ever signed by a Las Vegas hotel-casino.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Biffle taking it to his foes in truck series: It should come as no surprise to anyone who has followed the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series that Greg Biffle is dominating the series with eight wins after 21 races.