Print edition for April 5, 2000

Senator seeks end to federal smoke shop grants: Libby Quaid; Missouri Sen. Christopher Bond on Tuesday said the government is urging people to stop smoking even as HUD has subsidized cheaper cigarettes that anti-smoking advocates say encourage more minors to smoke.

Letter: Miami is still a part of the United States: Are these Cuban-Americans in Miami hoping we go to war with Cuba over a youngster just to get rid of Castro? I'm very familiar with those people, and when Castro relinquishes power, Miami will empty out like a ballpark. Not too many years ago these were the same people who came here to become citizens and took a pledge to the United States to uphold the laws of the land. Now they and the mayor of Miami want to defy the immigration law and fight the government.

Former friend claims Tabish sought help in killing gambler: Robert Macy; Kurt Gratzer, a childhood friend of Tabish, said he has "received many death threats" from residents of their hometown of Missoula since making the accusation.

2000 NFL weekly schedules: Open Date: Cincinnati

All Iowa casinos reported in good financial shape: "I think this shows there is a need for this type of adult entertainment," said Verne Welch of Council Bluffs, president of the Iowa Gaming Association, a casino trade group. "People enjoy this, and for the most part, they are very rational about controlling the dollars they spend. I have heard many customers say, 'We really don't know what we did before."'

Editorial: Evidence mounts of deadly danger: Editorial: Evidence mounts of deadly danger

Editorial: Revealing Del Papa's deception: Two weeks ago District Court Judge James Mahan ordered Del Papa to release the records. Rather than appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court and risk further humiliation, Del Papa released the records Tuesday. She said in a statement that her office performed its statutory responsibility to investigate allegations of criminal conduct by state officials during the course of their duty. But her continued insistence that she did nothing wrong confirms this was more than a temporary lapse in judgment. Del Papa's contention that she was required to investigate criminal allegations omits an important qualifier: whether the accusations were credible. Some ...

Ventnor man dies after apparent jump from casino garage: Tullio said the man had been a dealer at the Sands Hotel Casino for about 10 years. Police were withholding the man's identity for the time being, he said.

Gelato elevates ice cream to a new level: Max Jacobson; Three people stand in front of a futuristic display of Italian ice creams at Cocolini in the Venetian, giggling with anticipation.

Gambling opponents shout down Ford outside Statehouse: Bill Poovey; The chanting started after more than 100 sign-waving gambling opponents surrounded a sponsor of the Macon County video poker bill, Rep. Johnny Ford, D-Tuskegee, as he spoke to reporters.

Columnist Jeff Haney: Dime line being dealt -- for now: It wasn't so long ago that Las Vegas baseball bettors had their choice of a couple of nickel lines to hammer away at in local sports books.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Thursday's races at Santa Anita: 1st Race -- School Meeting - Bred to be quick, gets good post, Nakatani scales for trainer Baffert here. War Money - Pedroza aboard Mayberry youngster, draws good post, connections are good with these. Value Play -- Meteor Game

Tuesday's prep results: Basic 23, Foothill 6: Matt Elliott went 2-for-3 and belted a grand slam in a 14-run Wolves' sixth inning to propel the visitors to victory.

Las Vegan receives probation for killing burglar: Judge Mark Gibbons sentenced Thomas Gaule to an indeterminate period of probation, not to exceed three years. Chief Deputy District Attorney Bill Koot said he opposed sending Gaule, 43, to prison.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Politics proves to be a game of inches: Man owns building. Man moves business out of building. Man watches area around building deteriorate. Man tries to sell building to maximize profit. A happy ending.

Libertarians plan state convention: State Libertarian Party Director Chris Azzaro believes the convention will break previous attendence records.

Henderson residents learn of plan to clean up pond soils: For 10 years Susan Roe's son, Christopher, biked and played in the dirt on the edge of old chemical waste pits a stone's throw from his Henderson home.

Rule changes add excitement: Fans of drag racing who have yet to see an NHRA national event in person this season will be in for a pleasant surprise at this weekend's SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Columnist Victoria Sun: Joy of golf doesn't come cheap: Victoria Sun; I was thumbing through the part of the Sunday paper where the comics, coupons and television guide form a jumbled mess when five words on the cover of the USA Weekend pullout magazine caught my eye.

McCarran replaces ground operations contractors: McCarran International Airport is switching ground operations handlers at its international and charter terminal despite pleas from employees of one of the existing contractors.

Developers still competing to build casinos: Davis Gaming, which had planned a casino project here, later sold its rights to Mississippi-based Isle of Capri Casinos Inc., which has casinos in its home state as well as Louisiana and Colorado.

LV airline may be hit with sexual harassment damages: A Norfolk, Va., federal court jury has awarded $1.43 million in damages to a flight attendant in a sexual harassment lawsuit against a company that was based in Las Vegas, but it's unclear if or how the woman will collect the money.

CAT to provide transit to rodeo: Valley residents planning to attend the Clark County Fair and Rodeo in Logandale can catch a ride via the Regional Transportation Commission.

DUI suspect indicted: Kim Smith; A 34-year-old Las Vegas man has been indicted on eight charges in connection with a February accident that took the lives of an elderly couple and seriously injured their 7-year-old grandson.

Columnist Larry Dixon: New drag strip has us hyped: Larry Dixon; I would like to begin my first guest column here in the Sun by telling local race fans just how excited all of the NHRA drivers are to finally roll the dice at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend for the inaugural SummitRacing.com Nationals.

Man who killed two home intruders gets probation: Kim Smith; A Las Vegas man convicted of voluntary manslaughter after chasing down a home invader and shooting him to death was placed on probation Tuesday.

Sands dealer leaps to death from casino garage: Sgt. Michael Tullio said the man went to the Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino parking garage on Mississippi Avenue, went up to the ninth floor "and apparently committed suicide by leaping to his death."

Capital project is dealt serious blow: Adrienne Packer; Clark County's capital project transfer funds took a greater hit than anticipated from the expansion of the Clark County Detention Center expected to open next spring.

Court briefs for April 5, 2000: A man who has already pleaded guilty in a 1998 killing testified Tuesday that a second defendant, Charles Damion Vonlewis, who is facing murder, burglary and attempted robbery charges in connection with the Sept. 29, 1998, shooting death of Ronald Pradon Jr., was not involved.

State attorney general says regents broke open meeting law: CARSON CITY -- The state attorney general's office said the Board of Regents broke the open-meeting law when it held a closed-door session with Richard Moore, the founding president of the proposed state college in Henderson.

Community news briefs for April 5, 2000: The Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park will hold its grand opening at 11 a.m. Saturday to mark the completion of reconstruction of the fort.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Logan's sincerity legitimate: Dean Juipe; Slowed by the hectic pace of recent weeks, Don Logan lowers himself into his office chair as if his 41 years on the planet has suddenly doubled. It's clear he could use a couple of days off.

Witness: Binion's death predicted: Jeff German and Kim Smith; Sandy Murphy's manicurist testified today that the murder defendant predicted the death of Ted Binion a week before he died in September 1998.

Investors still face volatility: In midday trading on Wall Street, the Dow Jones industrial average was down 137.44 at 11,027.40, having given up an early gain. American Express, down 2 3/4 to 144 1/4, and J.P. Morgan, down 3 to 133 1/16, led the decline.

April 13 vote set on NCAA betting ban: McCain, chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, has scheduled a hearing and likely vote April 13 on a version of his Amateur Sports Integrity Act, a committee spokeswoman said today. If approved the bill would go to the full Senate for debate.

FLOCK's efforts fails to declaw its neighbors: After allowing a Sloan cat sanctuary to remain open, Clark County planning commissioners asked its owners to smooth relations with neighbors.

Bribery of top officials alleged: A just-released confidential intelligence report by the attorney general's office suggests top Nevada officials could be bribed to influence gaming license applications.

Maxim to be auctioned, re-opening is possible: David Strow; Copyright 2000 Las Vegas Sun

Redevelopment area in downtown Henderson could triple: Valerie Miller; The city of Henderson is launching a study of plans that could more than triple the size of its downtown redevelopment area.

Columnist Peter Benton: Cadillac owners could drive for free: Peter Benton; Local Cadillac buyers will have added incentive to cheer for hometown favorite and two-time Senior PGA Tour Player of the Year Jim Colbert when he steps up to the par-3 17th hole at the TPC at Summerlin on the Saturday of this month's Las Vegas Senior Classic.

Wells Fargo CEO is exploiting benefits of merger with Norwest: Phil Levine; Can a bank with 6,000 U.S. offices, 90,000 employees and $217 billion in assets achieve success touting the benefits of financial individualism?

Local news briefs for April 5, 2000: Laboratory tests of flooring taken from the apartment where three children died in a March fire were inconclusive so another lab is trying to determine if any evidence of arson can be detected, Clark County Fire Department officials said this morning.

Gators stay on pace: Spencer Patterson; Already the biggest game on their schedule, Tuesday's clash with rival Silverado took on extra significance for the Green Valley Gators last Friday.

McCarran's consolidated rental car center questioned: Adrienne Packer; As McCarran International Airport moved forward with its year-old plans to build a consolidated car rental center Tuesday, one Clark County commissioner began questioning whether the project is a good idea.

Silver Bandits hammered: Seven different players scored in double figures for St. Louis (40-14) as the Swarm continued to put a stranglehold on first place in the IBL West.

Iowa holds national conference on medical use of marijuana: Greg Smith; Marijuana cigarettes.

Espy looks to mold his Stars: Steve Guiremand; Manager: Duane Espy (first year) 1999 record: 67-75 (3rd, PCL South Division) Home stadium: Cashman Field (9,334) Affiliation: San Diego Padres (triple-A) 2000 opener: Thursday night at Calgary, 6:05 p.m. Top prospects: Catcher Ben Davis, outfielder; Mike Darr, pitcher; Buddy Carlyle, pitcher; Junior Herndon, pitcher; Brandon Kolb.

Judge grants annulment of TV marriage: Angie Wagner; "He was not honest and did not represent those restraining orders," Conger, 34, told Family Court Judge Steven E. Jones.

Ron Harris tapes reveal abuses: Videotaped interrogations of Ron Harris show the Nevada attorney general's office sought information about gaming regulators and the industry far beyond the area of expertise of the former state Gaming Control Board employee.

Mail firm weighs options: The attorney for Las Vegas' largest direct mailing company says he does not yet know how his client will respond to a federal grand jury subpoena stemming from an unflattering depiction of County Commissioner Lance Malone in a flier.

Ritz-Carlton, Mountain Spa cancel hotel deal: David Strow; After three years of talks, one of the world's best-known luxury hotel chains has called off plans to develop a resort in northwest Las Vegas.

Ex-brothel madam turned county commissioner sentenced to prison: Scott Sonner; U.S. District Judge Howard McKibben said he took into consideration Shirley Colletti's public service to Storey County in imposing the 46-month sentence, instead of the maximum 57 months.

Bank to raise $6 million for expansion: The offering is expected to raise $6 million in capital on the sale of 400,000 shares. Nevada Community Bancorp President Tom Mangione said the company is in the process of finding a location for its fourth bank.

Obituaries for April 5, 2000: Thomas Albert Aldridge, 83, of Las Vegas died Sunday in a local care center. He was born March 2, 1917, in Texas. A resident for 40 years, he was an executive chef in the hotel industry and a member of the Culinary Union.

Letter: Get tougher with litterbugs: I'm assuming that some of the litter is being blown off of trucks without tarps. My thought of stopping littering: State legislators should act and pass legislation with a fine of $250 for anyone caught in the act of littering.

Report cites rift between UNLV police, campus: Jace Radke; A new report on the troubled UNLV Police Department says some members of the 22-member force are arrogant, prone to intimidation and don't understand their role on a university campus.

Walgreen breaks into health care business: The centers are available at the following Walgreen's locations: 6101 W. Lake Mead Blvd.; 2995 E. Flamingo Road; 7599 W. Lake Mead Blvd.; 3480 S. Jones Blvd.; 2882 S. Maryland Pkwy.; 8633 W. Charleston Blvd.; 6865 W. Tropicana Ave.; 8500 W. Cheyenne Ave.; 6001 W. Cheyenne Ave.; and 2400 E. Tropicana Ave.

Thursday's horse racing entries: Post Time 1 p.m.

Hoffa places LV Teamsters local under trusteeship: David Strow; Teamsters Local 631, which represents nearly 5,000 workers in Las Vegas, was placed under the trusteeship of Jim Wilkerson Wednesday morning. Wilkerson is the former president of Las Vegas-based Teamsters Local 14. He retired in 1995.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Easter basket shopping? Hop to it: At Cost Plus they have an amazing array of baskets, candies, cookies and all sorts of foodstuffs and gift items geared to the holiday. Shop slowly here. It's so easy to miss the little things that make an Easter basket special.

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Stylish party marks Longfellow's 45th birthday: Elizabeth Foyt; Gary, a travel agent by trade, recently found himself in the spotlight when friends gathered for his 45th birthday. Arranged at Arizona Charlie's by Isabel Pfiefer, Jeri Packe, Lulu Babion, Sandy Peltyn and the very energetic Mariah, party DJ, the gathering was held in the ballroom. Using a fanciful martini theme with clever cut-away invitations, drink selections and the martini-patterned silk shirt of the honoree, the dinner dance was a high-spirited occasion.

Savvy wine buy: La Grola '94 Valpolicella: Available at Las Vegas Wine Co., $12.99, and Spirits Plus, $15.99.

A Peace of the Action: Kimberley McGee; What: Falun Gong sessions.

IBL box: Las Vegas-St-Louis: LAS VEGAS

NASCAR rookie Pruett riding up-and-down: Stephen Hawkins; NASCAR newcomer Scott Pruett jokes about selling tickets to his own roller-coaster ride.

Tracy ready to become serious title contender: Mike Harris; Paul Tracy isn't just a fast kid any longer.

Boonville council accepts Isle of Capri plan, gets check from Davis: But meanwhile, Bill Grace, who has casinos elsewhere in Missouri, is pushing his rival plan for a casino on farmland in Howard County, across the Missouri River from Boonville.

Auto racing schedules, winners and point standings: Feb. 20 - Daytona 500, Daytona Beach, Fla. (Dale Jarrett)

Earnhardt Jr. overcomes confidence crisis with win: Mike Harris; Eleven races into his Winston Cup career, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was having a crisis of confidence.

Animal rights groups bolstered by AG opinion on pigeon shoots: Sandra Chereb; RENO, Nev. - Animal rights groups on Wednesday said a recent opinion from the California Attorney General's Office gives them added ammunition for abolishing live pigeon shoots in California.