Print edition for April 26, 2000

As passions flare over gun control, the Great Western Show relocates to Las Vegas: Where: Las Vegas Convention Center.

Mikohn prepares to drop 'Gaming' from name: David Strow; If a board proposal is approved, "Gaming" may soon be on the way out of the name of Mikohn Gaming Corp. -- but not necessarily out of its business.

110 journeymen graduate: The Nevada Carpenters Union attributed the increase to growth in Southern Nevada, a higher market share for union labor and recognition of the value of apprenticeship training.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Yucca doing wonders for Nevada pols: Transmutation, n.: the conversion of atoms of a given element into atoms of a different isotope or of a different element, as in radioactive disintegration or by nuclear bombardment.

Hotel-casino designer bids for D.I.; Wynn still in picture: David Strow; If Steve Wynn wants the Desert Inn, he's going to have to overcome a prominent new competitor -- casino designer and developer Mark Advent.

Police union chief vows to fight move to oust him: Keith Paul; Amid audits ordered for the police union's books and insurance plan and a vote last week to remove him as president, Andy Anderson said he plans to address the union board in June in a bid to keep his job.

Nevadans applaud Clinton for nuke bill veto: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- President Clinton on Tuesday vetoed a bill that would have shipped nuclear waste to Nevada by 2007, effectively killing the legislation for the year. The Senate is likely to vote to sustain the veto as early as Thursday.

Two firms lose licenses: The board revoked the license of Las Vegas-based glass and glazing firm IXL Marketing & Distribution Inc. In revoking the license, the board alleged failure to pay, failure to establish financial responsibility and failure to cooperate with an investigation.

Las Vegas' new budget favors taxpayers: Erin Neff; Las Vegas residents should get two wishes out of the next city budget -- no new taxes and a plan to make growth -- not them -- pay for growth.

Prisoners get appeal boost from high court: WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Supreme Court today ruled on a case rooted in a North Las Vegas killing, making it easier for state prisoners nationwide to appeal to federal court.

Coroner's inquest sought in deaths of six teenagers: Kim Smith; The defense attorney representing the young woman accused of driving into and killing six teenagers as they worked along Interstate 15 last month has asked a judge to schedule a coroner's inquest.

Proposal on animal measures rejected: Greg Harman; A Boulder City resident hoping to toughen the city's animal control measures to prevent neglect and abuse was opposed by more than 30 members of the Boulder City Horse Corrals, who suggested the proposed changes were unreasonable and unnecessary.

Expert: Murphy, Tabish prints found on coin list: A Metro Police fingerprint expert today testified that he found the fingerprints of Sandy Murphy and Rick Tabish on a handwritten list of coins prosecutors believe were stolen from Ted Binion's safe after his death.

Timeshare operator's results continue improving: Mego's revenues increased 32 percent to $21 million. Mego attributed stronger earnings and revenues to a 28 percent jump in timeshare and land sales by subsidiary Preferred Equities Corp.

Local news briefs for April 26, 2000: A man was found dead of an apparent gunshot wound in Las Vegas Tuesday night.

Bellagio tax break plan moves forward: CARSON CITY -- A proposed state regulation allowing tax breaks to the Bellagio hotel-casino in Las Vegas for displaying a fine arts collection is moving forward, but there is still a $5.5 million unanswered question.

Savvy wine buy: Sauvignon Blanc '97: Max Jacobson; New Zealand has been wowing wine enthusiasts for more than a decade with its own brand of Sauvignon Blanc. Cloudy Bay is a popular example. But Allan Scott, a small specialty producer who puts out less than 10,000 cases per year, is giving his competitors a good run with this steely, austere wine. It's less grassy than a California Sauvignon Blanc, and it has a graciously herbal character. And because it is so well balanced, it is a friendlier food wine than your typical oak-heavy Chardonnay.

Child welfare changes called a start: Sandy Thompson; A proposed model system that would transfer the bulk of child welfare services from the state to Clark and Washoe counties is only a starting point, not the "end-all."

Billionaire offers to buy out minority Stratosphere holders: In a letter sent to Stratosphere's board of directors, Icahn offered $44.35 per share for the 211,400 shares he does not own -- a 92 percent premium over Monday's closing price of $23 per share. If successful, Icahn would become the sole shareholder of Stratosphere, removing the company from the public markets.

Nevada Power parent pulls out of Guinn's summit: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn's task force on deregulating the electric industry plans another session for Friday but Sierra Pacific Resources Inc., one of the key players, won't be there.

Albertson's including gas stations at new Las Vegas markets: Phil Levine; Southern Nevada's gas retailers will have a new, unusual competitor next September when the Albertson's supermarket chain unveils its first local Express Fuel Center.

Racism alleged in credit dispute: In a Clark County District Court suit, Leroy Moore Sr., who said he was a patron at Paris on Sept. 1, alleged his driver's license, which he had presented in his application for a line of credit, was confiscated and that he was unlawfully detained and publicly humiliated.

State gaming board probes Malone flier: David Strow; The state Gaming Control Board is probing two local casino operators in the production of an anonymous political flier attacking Clark County Commissioner Lance Malone.

Venetian contractor sued over benefits to trust funds: Trustees of the Southern Nevada Laborers Local 872 training trust alleged in a U.S. District Court lawsuit the contractor failed to submit monthly remittance reports and to make timely trust fund contributions. The suit didn't say if the the workers were involved in Bovis' best-known Las Vegas project, the Venetian hotel-casino.

Singer wins order in LV against Web operators: The singer in February sued Jeff Burgar and Justin Lumsden, who allegedly operate and manage General Webgroup and Internet North, an Alberta-based Internet service provider doing business as Mariah Carey Club and Celebrity Club.

PDS terminates deal to buy casino: The Las Vegas financial company that last month offered to buy the Four Queens hotel-casino has terminated the deal.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Ego fuels need for an entourage: Dean Juipe; There was a time when boxers were the only athletes that merited the status symbol of an entourage.

Construction wages under review by commissioner: CARSON CITY -- For the first time in nearly 20 years, state regulations governing the wages paid in the construction of government projects are being updated.

UNLV closes home schedule: The doubleheader will be the last games played at the Rebel Diamond.

UNLV baseball team defeats intrastate rivals: UNLV baseball team defeats intrastate rivals

Columnist Victoria Sun: Sale could jeopardize D.I. course: Victoria Sun; Baseball legend Joe DiMaggio once played there.

Shades of Honus Wagner: CCSN's Joe hits 4 homers: Wagner, who now has 11 home runs on the season, broke a couple of school records, including most home runs by one player in a game and most RBIs by one player in a game. CCSN broke a school record with six homers.

No link seen between agent, UNLV: But that seems to be the only connection between Cebrun and the UNLV program.

Las Vegas company files lawsuit over work on '70s television show: In a Clark County District Court suit, Tigerfilm Inc., which said it was to be paid $325,500 in four installments to update 151 half-hour episodes of the show for content and to a format suitable for present-day airing, alleged it lost about $60,000 in profits it said it would have received had it been able to complete the contract.

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Desert Inn has a blast celebrating No. 50: Elizabeth Foyt; Fifty never looked better as a sleekly luxurious Desert Inn Resort celebrated its golden anniversary. A true oasis that combines the nuances of gaming with world-class golf, tennis and spas in the grandest manner, the much-revered resort opened April 24, 1950, as the fifth property on the Las Vegas Strip.

Tuesday's prep results: Bonanza 2, Western 1: Danny Adelman hit a solo home run in the second inning, Kris Bonneville also singled in the second and Dustin Molisee went 2-for-3 with a double. Chris Huseman threw seven innings, striking out eight while walking one in his six-hitter.

Water rights may be useless to buyer: Some water rights at the posh Las Vegas Country Club may go on the auction block Saturday as planned, but buyers may not be able to use them, according to State Engineer Michael Turnipseed.

Sierra Club to spend $8 million on 17 congressional races: Laura Meckler; The ads, mostly praising Democrats, will be combined with other activities, including voter guides and fliers at community events, as the group attempts to elect a more pro-environment Congress.

Three Rebels tennis players All-MWC: * The UNLV women's tennis team, playing its first match in three weeks, did not lose a singles point en route to a 7-2 victory over Wyoming Tuesday on Senior Day at the Fertitta Tennis Complex The Lady Rebels improved to 12-9 overall, 9-4 at home and 2-3 in the MWC. The Cowgirls fell to 8-11.

Three troubled schools on road to recovery: Valerie Miller; Board meeting

Clinton taps LV Judge Riegle for U.S. District Court job: She was the fourth Nevada judge recommended in recent months by Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., for a federal judgeship. The Senate must confirm the nominees.

Revving up taste buds with a hot-rod chef: Max Jacobson; The event: NHRA Pro Stock Drag Racing.

Nellis air show will include Thunderbirds: The Thunderbirds - the Air Force precision flight team - are stationed at Nellis.

Letter: Insurance needed on gun sales: Drivers are also required by law to insure their automobiles with liability insurance in order to pay for damages caused by their automobile, which as we all know too well can be deadly.

Bail set at $40,000 for driver in Strip accident: Chief Deputy District Attorney Gary Booker asked for the higher bail for Juanita Kim McDonald, a 25-year-old exotic dancer. She is charged with five felony counts of driving under the influence of a controlled substance in an April 19 accident that injured five tourists, one critically.

Las Vegas' Park picks Air Force: Spencer Patterson; The Pac-10 and Big Ten came calling, but when it came time for Las Vegas High's Anthony Park to make his college selection, the two-sport star decided to Aim High.

Nevada officials praise Clinton for vetoing nuke waste bill: Angie Wagner; "The president's veto has always been the lynchpin of our strategy in the Senate," said Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev.

On the agenda: Refine refereeing: Dean Juipe; The very nature of professional boxing is such that fights are won and lost not only because of the actions of the participants, but as a result of decisions made by the officials assigned to the bout.

Prostitute's probation revoked: District Judge Joseph Bonaventure sentenced Reginald Fox to 2 1/2 years in prison Monday after Fox admitted he possessed drug paraphernalia.

Clinton nominates Riegle for federal judge post: Clinton's nomination of Riegle was hailed by Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., who recommended her to the post.

'60-Minute Gourmet' out in paperback edition: Pierre Franey, the late French chef, was a charming but no nonsense man. We met at a food conference and became instant friends when we learned we both believed that anyone could learn to cook.

IBL standouts enjoy bonus paydays: Victoria Sun; Las Vegas Silver Bandits forward Rocky Walls is the best rebounder in the International Basketball League -- and is quickly becoming a math major.

Gaughan files suit over flier: Kim Smith; The controversy over the anonymous flier criticizing Clark County Commissioner Lance Malone grew more heated Tuesday when Coast Resorts Chairman Michael Gaughan filed a lawsuit against those reportedly responsible for the flier.

Community news briefs for April 26, 2000: The 11th annual Doctors vs. Lawyers charity softball game to benefit University Medical Center's Children's Miracle Network will be held 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Cashman Field. The gates open at 3 p.m.

Guinn: Nevada lacks funding for major pollution, conservation efforts: Brendan Riley; The governor commented after speaking at a "pollution solution" exhibit, sponsored by the National Environmental Trust, that stopped at the Nevada Capitol while on a nationwide tour.

Officer shoots two dogs in LV home: Jace Radke; A Metro Police officer shot two dogs, one fatally, Tuesday afternoon as the patrolman chased a Las Vegas man, who tried to flee from authorities by running into his house.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: An essential visit to Essentials: Canyon Ranch Living Essentials Boutique at the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian is the coolest shop. The pleasure begins at the door with a view of the waterfall cascading down the back wall. In front of the waterfall sits a crystal vase filled with fresh flowers. This beguiling vignette is but a hint of the treasures and pleasures to be found here.

Ralph Siraco's notes: Racing will be conducted on a Wednesday-Sunday format with special holiday programs scheduled for Mondays on May 29, July 3 and closing day. There will be a special Tuesday racing card on July 4 while there will be two dark Wednesdays on June 28 and July 5.

Letter: Reno earns praise for Elian case: SUSAN FONG BRATTAIN

Columnist Jeff Haney: Banker leaning toward Lewis in title bout: Boxing bettors who put money on Lennox Lewis in his last several fights not only cashed most of their tickets (the one exception was a disputed draw), but also found Lewis to be a relative bargain for a heavyweight champion.

Thursday's horse racing entries at Aqueduct: 1st race 1 mi 3YO & up F & M Mdn Clm: 1 Reflexion (Velasquez) 116; 2 Earl's Girls (Gryder) 116; 3 May Wedding (Bridgmohan) 116; 4 Lisa's Time (Arroyo) 111; 5 Sandy Girl (Rossario) 116; 6 Brightest (Luzzi) 116; 7 Mill Power (Velazquez) 116.

Wynn might get $5.5 million tax deduction for art: In speaking out against Wynn's art tax break bill last year, Neal, D-North Las Vegas, said the legislation would let the Bellagio deduct costs of renting Wynn's personal collection and reduce money that otherwise would go to charities.

Coast Coliseum put on notice for possible lawsuit by casino: The claim alleges Black Springbreak, held April 6-9, caused the casino damages, but it does not list a dollar amount.

License scandal go-between caught at Illinois casino gets 14 months: Mike Robinson; "I'm 76 years old!" a seemingly stunned Carmen Fajdich blurted as U.S. District Judge Suzanne Conlon imposed the 14-month prison sentence.

Taxpayers association assails teachers' revenue plan: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Taxpayers Association says the business tax proposed by a schoolteachers' union could result in the levying of a second tax on top of the first.

California developer buys closed casino in downtown Reno: The company bought the hotel-casino for $3.2 million on April 7 and paid another $500,000 in delinquent property taxes.

Illinois regulators say compulsive gambling funding denied: James Webb; The Illinois Gaming Board's request for $2 million to research and treat compulsive gambling was axed in the final days of the state Legislature's spring session, Chairman Gregory C. Jones announced at the board's meeting Tuesday.

No dictionaries allowed in Edwards trial: Natalie Gott; Edwards and his six co-defendants are accused of taking part in or aiding a series of extortion plots involving the licensing of riverboat casinos.

Editorial: Clinton rebukes nuke bill: House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., whose home state has plenty of nuclear waste, has even resorted to distortion in trying to persuade people that Yucca Mountain is ready to accept nuclear waste. "The Yucca Mountain storage facility has passed and surpassed every safety standard. It should be put to use," Hastert said on April 11. But that statement is false. While a draft environmental impact statement by the Department of Energy didn't include any potential "showstoppers," the fact is that the federal investigation is still under way and no final decision has been made by any government agency yet. Indeed, ...

Shreveport denies request for truck stop casino: "I'm so happy. My loved ones are going to be safe," said area resident Jane Harwell.

Obituaries for April 26, 2000: Josie Anderson, 55, of Las Vegas died Friday in Las Vegas. She was born March 17, 1945, in Birmingham, England. A resident for 55 years, she was a retired hotel food server.

Letter: Medical research gets boost from Nevada senators: In public opinion polls commissioned by Research America, respondents around the country have endorsed doubling taxpayer-supported medical research over five years by a margin of 2-1. The current budget increase marks the third consecutive year of progress toward that goal.

Las Vegas could become first city to end euthanasia: Angie Wagner; But in Las Vegas, the fate of homeless pets is better than in most cities. The city is trying to become the first in the nation to stop killing healthy, abandoned pets.

Last tribes stop payments to New Mexico: Deborah Baker; The stream of revenue from tribal casinos apparently dried up with the announcement by Santa Ana, San Felipe and Sandia Pueblos - the only tribes that were paying in full - that they have ended quarterly payments.

Jury in Edwards trial: "At what point do we give up and go to another charge?": Natalie Gott; "We are not able to reach an agreement on any of what we are working on. At what point do we give up and go to another charge?" their note said. Page 94 of the jury instructions said they needed to reach an agreement, it noted.

Editorial: Customer service gets more priority: Now the agency is taking other steps that have the potential to make it easier to conduct business with the DMV. The department announced earlier this week that a test pilot project, which allows people to renew their vehicle registrations at the same time they get their smog check (instead of having to mail in the renewal request after passing the test), has been well received so far. This one-stop shopping also will be enhanced by the DMV's decision to allow renewals of driver's licenses and car registration over the Internet and telephone. The DMV still has more work to ...

Father of prominent LV attorney Gentile dies at 86: During much of the 1990s, Charles Gentile was a popular man about town, hanging out at Las Vegas eateries where he told fascinating stories and sitting in courtrooms, proudly watching his son, noted attorney Dominic Gentile, ply his trade.

Evans' memorial service planned in May: Evans had asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Student Library at University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Savitt Building, Mail Stop 356, Reno 89557.

Indiana residents keep up opposition to proposed Indian casino: Residents fear the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Indians are behind the attempted land rush of some 1,300 acres along U.S. 31, north of LaPaz, near the Marshall-St. Joseph County line.

Gaming Commission approves Isle of Capri for Boonville casino: Joe Stange; The Missouri Gaming Commission today approved Isle of Capri casinos for a site on the Missouri River.

Greenville casino, bank swap lawsuits over loan: George Bozier, a general manager with Jubilee, said Tuesday there is no truth to the rumors.

Political notebook for April 26, 2000: SUN STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

Prosecutors try to reinstate charges in wild horse shootings: Scott Sonner; But a lawyer for one of the defendants said there's new reason to believe the final gross misdemeanor charge might be dropped because the district attorney's office mistakenly cited a felony violation.

Card rooms challenge Indian gaming measure: Michelle DeArmond; Four Northern California clubs and two charitable groups recently sent a letter to Babbitt making the request, arguing the agreement violated both the U.S. Constitution and the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act by giving the tribes preferential treatment. The move is seen as a possible precursor to a lawsuit challenging Proposition 1A.

State official challenges country club on sale of water rights: The Las Vegas Country Club plans to sell the water at auction Saturday in a sale that could generate about $2.5 million.

Illinois alone in lack of funding for compulsive gambling: James Webb; CHICAGO - Illinois is alone among the Midwest's riverboat casino states in not providing state funding for compulsive gambling programs - a fact that is coming into sharp focus as state regulators prepare for a special meeting on the addiction issue.