Print edition for April 6, 2000

Surveillance video helps convict New Jersey casino thief in $5,600 heist: Kareem Lamar, 36, of Atlantic City robbed the cart Nov. 27, 1997, at the Atlantic City Hilton.

Commissioner drops lawsuit in light of grand jury probe: The mailer contains a caricature of Malone, pockets stuffed with cash, and the words "You Just Can't Trust Lance Malone."

Animal rights groups bolstered by AG opinion on pigeon shoots: Sandra Chereb; "This is a landmark victory for those of us working to eliminate cruelty to animals, and for the thousands of pigeons who would have been gunned down at future shoots in California," Sonia Waisman of the Sacramento, Calif.,-based United Animal Nations, said Wednesday.

Tarkanian to challenge Malone for seat: Adrienne Packer; Lois Tarkanian might not have the $600,000 that Clark County Commission incumbent Lance Malone has collected, but the ammunition she holds could be more valuable: name recognition and Malone's controversial casino vote.

Rural county rethinking acceptance of nuke waste: CARSON CITY -- The Lincoln County Commission may be rethinking its 1995 position that invites the federal government to bring nuclear waste to Nevada.

Unions drive up LV casino wages: David Strow; A new UNLV study suggests wages among Las Vegas casino service workers are being driven up by the city's powerful union presence -- even for workers that aren't organized.

Bible: Del Papa fished for spy: Former state Gaming Control Board Chairman Bill Bible accused Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa of trying to recruit a spy within his office in 1996 while the two state officials were at odds, records released this week show.

Sand pit activities described by guard: Kim Smith; Testimony in the Ted Binion murder trial this morning shifted to activities at a Jean sand pit as prosecutors began building a case alleging a Las Vegas businessman was tortured at the hands of defendant Rick Tabish.

Key witness nabbed on battery charge: A key witness in the Ted Binion murder trial was arrested early this morning on a domestic battery charge just two days after his testimony in the high-profile case.

Stupak rips secret probe allegations: By Steve Kanigher; Bob Stupak, the colorful Las Vegas gaming entrepreneur who built the Stratosphere Tower, flatly denied allegations in an attorney general's probe that he bribed regulators, rigged slot machines and fronted for the mob.

Big LV Teamsters local taken over by national union: David Strow; The national Teamsters union placed Las Vegas' largest Teamsters local under emergency trusteeship Wednesday following an internal investigation.

Metro strengthens assault investigation: Keith Paul; Metro Police are stepping up patrols in southwest Las Vegas and two detectives are focusing all of their attention on catching a man suspected in a string of attacks on teenage girls in the area.

Bernstein TV ads targeted: Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Ed Bernstein took his face off of his law firm's TV ads, but that's not good enough, the Nevada Republican Party says.

Obituaries for April 6, 2000: Connie D. Adams, 76, of Las Vegas died March 28 in a local hospice. He was born April 26, 1922, in Logansport, La. A resident for 30 years, he was a retired manager of gospel talent.

Local news briefs for April 6, 2000: A 34-year-old man who rolled his Chevrolet Corvette in October 1998, killing his passenger, pleaded guilty to felony driving under the influence Wednesday.

Date is set for drunken driving trial: Kim Smith; A July trial date has been set for the drunken driver accused of killing a Las Vegas woman and seriously injuring her Megabucks winner sister last month.

Airlines beefing up service at McCarran: Big increase

Icahn gains approval for Arizona Charlie's East: Stratosphere

Grand jury wants to know who paid for fliers: A subpoena delivered to Passkey Systems on Tuesday commands Las Vegas' largest direct mail company to produce its records related to a recent mass mailing containing a caricature of the commissioner, pockets stuffed with cash, and the words, "You Just Can't Trust Lance Malone."

House approves bill restricting casino boat cruises to nowhere: The legislation approved Wednesday is the same as a bill that the House sent to the Senate last year. The Senate stripped the casino boat language, drastically altering the bill last year and used it to rewrite regulations on video gambling.

Governor asks pastors to wage war on gambling: Foster asked pastors at a briefing Tuesday in conjunction with Louisiana Family Day to continue a statewide prayer organization aimed at gambling.

Online gambling bill heads for House: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- The House Judiciary Committee today approved a bill aimed at restricting Internet gambling websites.

MGM Grand chairman Lanni returns to full-time post: David Strow; J. Terrence Lanni is returning as the full-time chairman of MGM Grand Inc., lured back by the company's potential as it prepares to acquire Mirage Resorts Inc. for $6.7 billion.

Company increases credit line by $300 million: The new agreement includes a $375 million, one-year credit facility and a $1.5 billion four-year facility, arranged by 33 banks. Harrah's currently has $1.2 billion in bank loans outstanding, leaving $700 million available.

Reno casino consolidation mimics Vegas: Brendan Riley; "Consolidation creeps north," Gaming Control Board member Dennis Neilander said Wednesday as executives of The Sands Regency in Reno discussed their new ties with the Flamingo Hilton-Reno and the Comstock hotel-casinos in Reno.

Latest Atlantic City casino suicide was a Sands dealer, police say: John Curran; Thanh Nguyen, 50, a craps dealer at the Sands Hotel Casino, was identified Wednesday as the man who killed himself by jumping from a casino parking garage Tuesday.

No. 2 Internet service reports higher profit, audience growth: Yahoo!, the No. 2 Internet service, said it earned $78 million in the first quarter, up from $1.8 million a year earlier.

Lovable loons Tim Conway and Harvey Korman revive classic skits: Steve Bornfeld; Who: Tim Conway and Harvey Korman, with Louise DuArt.

Questions raised about fed role in Malone flier case: Adrienne Packer; On the face of it, the seemingly amateurish flier mailed to Clark County voters last month looks like a sixth grader's stab at the mud-slinging that so often accompanies dirty politics.

Women claim fitness center had holes in shower walls: In a Clark County District Court suit, the Las Vegas Sporting House members alleged holes were drilled during renovation work into the walls of the women's sauna and shower facilities, "offering unobstructed views into the facilities" in October and November.

AG says term limits amendment unconstitutional: CARSON CITY -- Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa said a constitutional amendment on the issue of term limits, passed twice by Nevada voters, violates the U.S. Constitution.

Guinn starts fund-raising campaign: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn is back on the campaign circuit, raising money to pay off past election debts, finance his current travels and maybe to put away some cash for his re-election campaign.

Nevada banks seek attention with new ad campaigns: Phil Levine; Takeover rumors

New Las Vegas bank differs radically from competitors: Free checking, no teller fees. No ATM fees and no minimum balance requirements.

Hot lead in armored car heist turns cold: Keith Paul; Word that a Las Vegas man was bragging he was part of the month-old armored car robbery in Henderson that left two guards dead figured to be the break in the case for detectives.

Political wrangling ends in victory for Republican adviser Sig Rogich: Erin Neff; City spending

Rebels slated for ABC game: Steve Guiremand; It appears UNLV's football team will be making its first appearance on network television in more than a decade this fall.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Big changes on tap in college hoops: One of the talk radio guys went overboard Wednesday when he said all-time low television ratings for Monday's NCAA title game signalled the beginning of the end of "college basketball as we know it."

Force in the series: By Brian Hilderbrand; John Force is professional drag racing's most recognizable figure, one of the true stars in a sport that fails to get the same recognition as NASCAR in the media and in corporate boardrooms.

Columnist Larry Dixon: Off-season plans differ among drivers: Larry Dixon; The NHRA Winston Drag Racing season begins in early February and ends in mid-November, leaving a very small window of time during the off-season.

Citizens board: DOE's testing not enough; new review needed: A citizens oversight board, not satisfied with the Department of Energy's insistence that ground water near the Nevada Test Site is safe despite the discovery of radiation in test wells, wants an independent scientific review.

Deal for recreation center made with architects: Diana Sahagun; The firm that created the Black Mountain Recreation Center in Henderson now has an agreement to design a new recreation center at Allen Lane and Alexander Road in North Las Vegas within the next 18 to 20 months.

Community news briefs for April 6, 2000: The Las Vegas Parkinson's Foundation's "Center of Excellence" will host its first open house 2-6 p.m. Tuesday at Sunrise Health Strategies, a comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility, 3131 La Canada St. The open house coincides with Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month in April. Call 731-8329.

Billboard ordinance put on hold in NLV: Diana Sahagun; The North Las Vegas City Council has again postponed action on a billboard ordinance after hearing concerns by an attorney representing the Nevada Outdoor Media Association.

NLV assistant city manager promoted: Diana Sahagun; Kurt Fritsch, assistant city manager in North Las Vegas for the last four months, has been appointed to fill the position being vacated by City Manager Pat Importuna in July.

Voters to decide on tax increase for fire services: Erin Neff; Las Vegas residents will have to decide this November whether increased fire protection is worth a moderate increase in taxes.

Henderson redevelopment project gets extension for 'fine-tuning': Valerie Miller; The proposed $100 million Fountain Plaza, part of downtown Henderson's redevelopment, has received another extension to facilitate negotiations with the city.

North Las Vegas briefs for April 6, 2000: The North Las Vegas Fire Department will receive 46 self-contained breathing apparatuses used by firefighters when entering structures that are smoke-filled.

Columnist Paula DelGiudice: Application changes help state's hunters: Paula DelGiudice; Just when you finally get used to the system of applying for tags, the system changes. This year it seems the changes will accommodate the whims and desires of hunters more readily. The first thing you'll notice on the application is that most of it is about the same as in the past few years. One side is for mule deer hunts and the other for big game hunts.

Silver Bandits fall to Richmond: It was the second straight home win for Richmond while the Silver Bandits (32-23) dropped their second straight on the road.

Rebels sign All-American golfer: Rebels sign All-American golfer

Stars tickets on sale: Stars tickets on sale

UNLV softball team takes on N.M. State: The Rebels (14-22) aim to snap a two-game losing streak before heading to San Diego State on Saturday and Southern Utah on Tuesday.

Air Force honors elite at Nellis: Dick Benoit; Senior Airman Darryl Balch was named Honor Guard Rookie of the Year, Senior Airman Cecelia Bautista was named Honor Guard Airman of the Year and Senior Airman Michael Brown was named Honor Guard Trainer of the Year. Airman Andrew Crabtree and Master Sgt. Darlene Robertson were recognized as Honor Guard Members of the Year.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: A city safe for writers: About 25 years ago, Richard Wiley and Glenn Schaeffer were fellow graduate students in the prestigious Iowa Writers Workshop. Today, in Las Vegas, UNLV English professor Richard Wiley and Glenn Schaeffer, president of Mandalay Resort Group, have joined in moving this area into a most important cultural role.

Letter: Casinos know gamblers well: They do understand, that's why they are so successful. They know that all gamblers are greedy people trying to get something for nothing.

Letter: High gas prices demand action: What kind of life does this give the working people?

Letter: How much did GOP and Starr damage Clinton?: It will be interesting -- after the sound and fury of the Starr/GOP anti-Clinton smear campaign fades -- to learn Clinton's page in history.

Editorial: Don't throw in the towel: What is particularly frustrating for the public, much of which doesn't have the foggiest notion how deregulation will work, is that the experts directly involved can't agree on how to proceed. Contributing to the failure to reach common ground was the unrealistic expectation that everyone would win and that no one would be harmed under deregulation. After all, free enterprise not only will create economic winners, there also will be losers.

Editorial: Government has no business here: Editorial: Government has no business here

Columnist Joe Delaney: Danny Gans' drawing power continues at Mirage: Joe Delaney; All of the proceeds were earmarked for local children's charities. ... The "official" opening was Tuesday. ... It is reported that the first week is sold out except for a few hundred seats on Sunday. ... Mondays and Fridays are dark nights. ... Show time is 8 p.m., tickets are $67.50 plus tax and there is a Golden Circle area, slightly higher.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Two more local players ink with Div. I schools: Spencer Patterson; This year's stellar local football signing class may have come as a surprise to longtime area prep fans. But the baseball class of 2000 certainly shouldn't.

Gorman beaten by Pa. school: Zack Hall; If it wasn't for the experience of playing in a tournament filled with some of the stiffest competition from around the country, the Bishop Gorman baseball team would have considered the week a total loss.

Local poet expresses 'My Father's Martial Art': Stephen S. N. Liu is a small man who casts a large shadow, one that spans continents, cultures and time.

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: UNLV porn class goes too far: Ruthe Deskin; It wasn't too many years ago when school boards were debating the wisdom of teaching sex education in the country's schools.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Trainer shortage deals a blow to amateurs: Dean Juipe; Nevada's amateur boxing program may have hit rock bottom.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Friday's races at Santa Anita: 1st Race -- Top Of Our Game - Draws good rail post for the mile opener, Blanc scales for trainer Gaines, should get the trip. Lulutorchetti - Should make the running in this, rider and trainer get limited chances to score, Lulu to carry victory torch. Value Play -- Cindra

IBL Box: Las Vegas-Richmond: LAS VEGAS

Wednesday's prep results: Cimarron-Memorial 7, Cheyenne 0, 14 inn.: The Spartans scored seven runs in the 14th inning in the conclusion of a game played last Friday.

Sun Top 10 Softball Poll: Teams ranked jointly by the Las Vegas Sun and the Daily Sparks Tribune

Sun Top 10 Baseball Poll: Teams ranked jointly by the Las Vegas Sun and the Daily Sparks Tribune

Boys volleyball standings: CLASS 4A

Boys golf standings: CLASS 4A

Prep softball standings: CLASS 4A

Prep baseball standings: CLASS 4A

Behind the scenes: Larry McKay and Harry Merrifield: Contribution to prep sports: For the past three years, McKay has been at the helm of Southern Nevada's prep sports scene while serving as the vice president of the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association. His duties include handling all eligibility issues, arranging all travel schedules and hotel accommodations for state tournament trips, working with all officials associations and serving as a liason for the local media. Despite those responsibilities, McKay calls his current position "the most enjoyable job I've ever had." Now in his 27th year with the school district, McKay has served as a coach and athletic administrator at Rancho ...

Sun Athletes of the Week: School: Basic

Catching up with: Matt Smith: High School: Bishop Gorman ('97)

Feds give OK to casino in Monticello: Shannon McCaffrey; The OK from the Bureau of Indian Affairs allows the state to transfer 30 acres of land at the Monticello Raceway harness track to the tribe. The plan must still receive state approval.

Judge will decide in secret whether to throw out testimony: Sandra Chereb; First Judicial District Judge Michael Griffin said Thursday that he would close the proceeding because did not want media coverage of witness testimony to taint the jury pool.

Judge refuses delay for Johnson in Edwards trial: Natalie Gott; But U.S. District Judge Frank Polozola said he'll consider the matter again when defense lawyers can prove that Johnson understands and welcomes the implications of a mistrial.

Whitman orders study of economic inequity, helps defend affirmative action plan: "There is no better opportunity than the one at hand to diversify and intensify economic opportunities and prosperity as an insurance policy against national and regional economic woes," Whitman said in a statement.

New Hampshire Senate passes expanded gambling; House likely won't consider: Gene Johnson; Lawmakers have long been trying to rid the state of its 18 percent inheritance tax, which they have condemned universally as unfair and unconstitutional.

Republicans file protest against Bernstein's ads: Mason cited a 1996 Senate race in Ohio in which attorney Joel Hyatt ran for the Senate and did what Bernstein has done in the past few months: change his law firm ad to remove his face and voice, but promote his campaign message

Tribe to launch initiative campaign; governor touts negotiations: The state contends the electronic pull-tab games are illegal slot machines, but Indian tribes - including the Coeur d'Alene - argue that they are simply an electronic version of state Lottery games.

Former Mafia informant accused in gambling ring: Court documents filed Wednesday accuse Mitola, 52, of running a bookmaking operation out of the espresso stand that was always locked and apparently never sold a latte.

Arms inspector warns against lifting Iraq sanctions: Scott Sonner; "It would be shocking to send a signal to Saddam Hussein that after 10 years of an effort to control his weapons, we now are going to give up on that because of higher gas prices," said Richard Butler, the former Australian ambassador to the United Nations.