Print edition for August 17, 2000

Computer maker sued for snooping, sparking allegations of child pornography in 1998: Technicians allegedly discovered several photos depicting child pornography on the hard drive. That led to Margulis' arrest, jailing and indictment for possessing child pornography in August 1998. About a month later, the government dropped the charges.

Community news briefs for August 17, 2000: The Las Vegas Chapter of Service Corps of Retired Executives will present its next "How to Really Start Your Own Business" workshop at 8:30 a.m. Monday at the Foley Federal Building, 300 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Suite 1100.

Lack of CPR training heart of civil trial: Kimberly Curtis died in 1995 from an undiagnosed heart defect at White Middle School in Henderson after collapsing during a gym class. Her parents say none of the teachers present knew how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Executive hired to run Greenspun Media Group: Saunders has more than 20 years of sales, advertising and publishing experience and most recently was regional vice president/general manager at Advo Inc., the nation's largest direct mail marketing services company.

Opening of Aladdin delayed, Desert Passage greets visitors: Lisa Snedecker; Fire inspectors were still running tests that hotel officials blamed for the delay in their scheduled opening of the hotel and casino. Desert Passage, a 130-store retail mall adjacent to the new Aladdin, opened on schedule at 7 p.m.

SCRABBLE slot machine planned: CHICAGO -- WMS Industries Inc. said today it entered into a licensing agreement with Hasbro Inc. allowing WMS to make slot machines themed on the famous board game SCRABBLE.

Enemies of nuke dump take to podium: Benjamin Grove; LOS ANGELES -- Nevada Democrats are using a brief moment in the spotlight at the Democratic National Convention to deliver a pointed message to delegates from other states: We don't want your nuclear waste dumped at Yucca Mountain -- and Al Gore represents our best chance of keeping it out.

Sand pit dispute continues in court: Kim Smith; One of the men accused in a torture-extortion plot along with Rick Tabish is taking his battle with the alleged victim to court.

Officers face inquest in shooting death: Keith Paul; When 19-year-old Frakelin Marice Hardy brought home his new 13-year-old girlfriend, his mother was apparently so appalled by the girl's young age, she ordered Hardy out of her Bakersfield, Calif., home.

Local news briefs for August 17, 2000: A 17-year-old Las Vegas boy has been charged as an adult in a string of sexual assaults and other crimes, in part because he was convicted of a previous felony in Chicago.

Aladdin fire alarm tests delayed: David Strow; The hotel-casino, themed after 1,001 Arabian Nights, was still scheduled to open its doors to the public at 7 p.m. tonight. Opening simultaneously will be Desert Passage, a 500,000-square-foot themed shopping complex designed to invoke images of street scenes from cities and towns along the North African coast. Metro police expect a crowd of 20,000 to be on hand when the resort opens its doors.

Teen charged as an adult in sexual assaults: Porter has been charged as an adult in 29 felonies. He also is being investigated by Metro Police in the June 10 shooting death of 31-year-old former monk Gyaltso Lungtok.

Hearing stirs up discussion of mob role in Binion death: A three-day hearing into whether Ted Binion's convicted killers deserve another trial has stirred new interest in what role the mob may have played in the wealthy gambling figure's death.

Summerlin operator late again with financial report: In a notification of late filing issued Tuesday, the company said it would be unable to file its report for the quarter ending June 30 because of unspecified negotiations.

City to participate in alternative fuels plan: The agreement, approved Wednesday by the City Council, will allow the city to demonstrate the effectiveness of six alternative fuel buses in an effort to improve air quality.

Complaint to be lodged against teachers union: CARSON CITY -- The schoolteachers union will likely face a complaint from the state's association of county clerks concerning absentee ballot request forms it sent to its members.

Voluntary participation tops threshold to start electronic monitoring in Montana: Mazurek said Wednesday the state has commitments from operators of 6,426 machines, about 100 more than 70 percent of the eligible machines in the state - those that can be retrofitted to hook up to the electronic system. About 5,000 cannot.

NLV police await funds for drug armor: Diana Sahagun; Drug lab busts are on the rise nationally, and in North Las Vegas, officers are often faced with a dire situation when they storm an area where they believe methamphetamines are being produced.

LV council briefs for August 17, 2000: The city of Las Vegas' massive Public Works Department got a little less unwieldy Wednesday.

Anthrax disease kills cattle in Gerlac: Officials believe the outbreak orginated during a recent ditch clearning effort that released the soil-borne spores onto pasture grasses.

Bernstein takes Clinton advice in Senate race: Benjamin Grove; LOS ANGELES -- President Clinton gave Senate candidate Ed Bernstein a quick piece of advice two weeks ago at a national gathering of lawyers in Chicago.

Funds coming for nuke preparedness: Clark, Nye, Lincoln, Esmeralda, White Pine and Elko counties are eligible to share the funds over three years. The first year's share is $340,000, said Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev.

North Las Vegas briefs for August 17, 2000: North Las Vegas city staff will negotiate for six parcels totaling 13.8 acres for a future park at the corner of Craig Road and Coleman Street.

Judge orders state to allow inmates to get newspaper: Greg Tuttle; Nevada prison inmates can receive a monthly publication written by other inmates and attorneys that officials stopped distributing last year, a federal judge has ruled.

Woman pleads guilty to child abuse charges: She faces up to 20 years on the child abuse charge and one to four years for drug possession.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Arum not what's wrong with boxing: Bob Arum is no angel.

Talk of the town: Steve Guiremand; It would appear the worst-kept secret around the UNLV football program these days is who will be the starting quarterback for the Rebels' 2000 season opener at Iowa State on Sept. 9.

Patient Oliver working way back to majors: Spencer Patterson; Darren Oliver may be the only player in all of triple-A in no rush to get to the majors.

Editorial: Divergence over Yucca is obvious: "I would like to repeat my opposition to this legislation and to promise you that as president I would veto such legislation if it were sent to me," Gore wrote. In contrast, all Nevadans have received from the Republican presidential nominee, George W. Bush, is a mealy-mouthed statement that blandly says he supports science, not politics, in determining the fate of Yucca Mountain. Since even the nuclear power industry disingenuously employs the "science, not politics" line, Bush's statement isn't worth much. Bush refuses to say if he would have vetoed the legislation.

Letter: Test Site threat is understated: Also, the DOE doesn't know nor seem to care where they are now. The DOE's $176 million efforts for the last 10 years to protect the public from contaminated ground water have resulted in two major products, both found unacceptable by peer reviews. Its punishment is a $40 million gift from Secretary Bill Richardson at Gov. Kenny Guinn's request.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Friday's races at Del Mar: 1st Race -- Denamax - Nakatani scales Cerin trainee, draws good post for sprint opener, nasal strip again. Rhythm 'n Blues - Draws just outside top pick, Pincay on Mullins trainee, fits this heat well. Value Play -- Handy Ambition

Columnist Dean Juipe: LV's Sanchez believes he can handle Hamed: Dean Juipe; Augie Sanchez knows he's the underdog yet there's no disputing his confidence.

Guinn seeks protection of Yucca funds: Gov. Kenny Guinn has asked Energy Secretary Bill Richardson to protect the state's oversight funds for Yucca Mountain, the proposed site of a high-level nuclear waste repository, after a federal official threatened to cut the money.

Editorial: Nevadans should have dumped party: The DOE hasn't selected the contractor yet -- the federal agency has not determined whether Yucca Mountain is suitable to host a repository -- but Bechtel is among several firms that have submitted bids to do so. Bechtel has been a good corporate citizen in this state -- it helped build the Hoover Dam, for instance -- but now the company wants to build a project that has been deemed the No. 1 threat to Nevada.

Letter: Nevada can avoid power problems of California: Natural gas is the fuel used by generating plants built to meet peaking electricity demand and has become increasingly popular for small generating plants built to meet base electricity load.

Gore sends e-mail note reiterating Yucca stance: Benjamin Grove; LOS ANGELES -- Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., said presidential hopeful and friend Al Gore has released new evidence for Nevada voters to cast a vote for the Democrat in November.

Las Vegas sports wagering suppliers in litigation: Grace Leong; Sports betting giant Autotote Systems Inc. of Newark, Del., filed a lawsuit accusing Las Vegas Dissemination Co. of infringing its copyrights for pari-mutuel gambling software.

Aladdin scrambles to meet tonight's opening deadline: David Strow; Aladdin officials and construction workers raced against the clock this morning, trying to get the $1.4 billion hotel-casino ready for the public by today's scheduled 7 p.m. grand opening.

Teen mom faces murder charge in baby's death: Keith Paul; A 15-year-old Henderson girl who tried to conceal her pregnancy from her parents will be charged this week with murder in connection with the drowning death of her newborn son in a toilet, a prosecutor told the Sun.

North Las Vegas still fighting casino over hotel room requirement: Diana Sahagun; With different interpretations of a city ordinance and a number of options on the table, the North Las Vegas City Council decided Wednesday to allow Fort Las Vegas Casino to operate for at least one more month.

Lawmaker, gaming exec spar over proposed casino tax hike: Jace Radke; Voters' guide

Nichols faces tough questions in interview for chancellor job: Jeffrey Libby; Interim Chancellor Jane Nichols faced down difficult questions as the first semi-finalist to interview Wednesday for the permanent post as chancellor of the University and Community College System of Nevada.

Interim CCSN chief in race for post: Jeffrey Libby; Robert Silverman, interim president of the Community College of Southern Nevada, may get a chance after all to interview to keep his job permanently.

Observers see little political movement: While some incumbent Nevada politicians face stormy primaries, observers doubt the upcoming election will produce any major seat changes.

Four men indicted in Summerlin home burglaries: Jeffrey Libby; A grand jury has indicted four men on charges stemming from a series of home burglaries in and around Summerlin between September and December.

Parts of valley hit by rain, power outages: A storm system caused power outages and blowing dust on Wednesday but produced little rain in the Las Vegas Valley, the National Weather Service reported.

Seattle thrift enters LV market: The branch at 9430 Sun City Blvd. is the first of five or six branches of the thrift that may open over the next few years in the Las Vegas area.

Vegas gets new trade show: The event is targeting as exhibitors companies that provide on-line entertainment content.

County concerned about behavior at clubs: Clark County Business License Director Ardel Jorgenson said her division has concerns about the manner in which Club C2K is handling drug use and drunken customers.

Vegas apparel convention owner sold: Advanstar is a trade-show and publishing company. Its MAGIC apparel show in Las Vegas draws 90,000 people twice a year.

Sportspark battle rages at City Hall: Erin Neff; Spending

Las Vegas company claims device defeats card counters: David Strow; Las Vegas casinos have for decades waged war with the one group that can overcome the house advantage that built the city -- the so-called "card counter."

Obituaries for August 17, 2000: Marjorie M. Arnold, 62, of Las Vegas died Saturday in a local care center. She was born Nov. 3, 1937, in Medhow, Wash. A resident for two years, she was a retired hairdresser.

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

Arum insists sanctions are only 'symbolic': Dean Juipe; A fight that was held five years ago and netted a $500,000 profit cost promoter Bob Arum $125,000 Wednesday.

More litigation in Arizona casino stock fight: Since then, the casino group, known as Natural State Resorts Inc., has sued the department.

County board moves to oppose Hudson casino: The county board voted 25-4 Tuesday to invalidate a 1994 services agreement the board made with casino sponsors in return for annual payments if the facility opens.

Dad and daughter embark on a back-to-school shopping adventure: We need to say right up front: It is important that children stay in school, because without an education how are they going to be able to figure out the Clark County School District's complex year-round system and know when it's time, years from now, for their own children to go back to school?

Tickets for Fed Cup ready for purchase: Only series tickets, good for all four days, will be sold in advance. Prices are $300, $200, $220, $140 and $60. Limited VIP box seating also is available.

Rahal team adjusting to owner's dual role: Tim Puet; Bobby Rahal doesn't like running the show if he can't find the time to run his team.

This week's races: NASCAR

Nadeau becoming productive teammate: Dick Brinster; The decision by powerful Hendrick Motorsports to put unproven Jerry Nadeau in one of its cars was a major surprise.

Rebels picked sixth in poll: UNLV will open the season Aug. 25 at Cal State Fullerton.

Civic leader Wandesforde dies: Lee Scrivner; Ann Wandesforde lived on the Sahara Nevada Golf Course and was fond of throwing lavish parties when famous golfers were in town, but she will be remembered as more than just a socialite.

Fight schedule: Friday

Vons hosts WIC clinic on Owens Avenue: The clinic, a partnership of Vons and the Clark County Health District, is paired with a Smart$hop Program, which targets pregnant women and first-time food stamp recipients in areas where low-birth-weight rates are among the highest. Smart$hop personnel provide hands-on life skill training to help prevent families from running out of food by the end of the month.

Arsonist ordered to pay $1.4 million restitution: But the judge warned Sandoval that he could face more than seven years in prison if terms of his probation are not met, including making set, monthly payments on restitution.

Nellis sergeant honored for work on Green Flag exercises: Dick Benoit; Senior Master Sgt. Larry Gaer of Nellis Air Force Base was recently named Airspace and Range Professional of the Year by Air Combat Command headquarters in Langley, Va.

PCL Box: Stars 9, RedHawks 4: E -- Alvarez. DP -- Oklahoma 1. LOB -- Oklahoma 7, Las Vegas 9. 2B -- Knorr, Garcia, Faggett, Pelaez. 3B -- Curl. HR -- Radmanovich. HBP -- Alvarez. SF -- Voigt, Demetral, Pelaez. SB -- Garcia. CS -- Faggett.

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Youth Camp remains invaluable: Ruthe Deskin; One of the disadvantages of getting older, and the aches that go with the process, is the inability to take part in activities that once were a walk in the park.

Where I Stand -- Kathryn E. Landreth: Striving for justice: Before I was sworn in as U.S. attorney, my impression of federal prosecution in Nevada was formed largely by press accounts. Criminal cases seemed largely confined to illicit drug trafficking, with a few organized crime prosecutions thrown in for good measure. I imagined an office occupied by lawyers who stayed just long enough to add a line to their resumes; other cases were handled by outsiders from Washington who jetted in and jetted out -- sometimes before a verdict was rendered.

Nevada grads surpass national average on ACTs: CARSON CITY -- Nevada high school seniors have posted slightly higher scores than the national average on the ACT college entrance examination given this year.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Old favorites make return to entertainment scene: Joe Delaney; Welcome back, Aladdin hotel, almost all brand new, bigger and better than ever, not quite ready but with the future assured ... The initial opening is at 7 this evening, with the grand opening in a month or so ... Partial openings were quite costly to both the Stratosphere and Venetian, with both struggling before achieving hoped-for potential.

Supreme Court justices hear arguments in gaming machine seizures: Matt Moore; The decision could have far reaching consequences on the spread of such devices.

Friday's horse racing entries: Post Time 2 p.m.

Singer Lou Rawls laments old Vegas' passing while prepping for shows at new jazz club: When: 10:30 tonight; 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Three Earnhardts set for Michigan: Dick Brinster; Big E, Little E, and now, Middle E.

Mississippi Supreme Court justices hear arguments in gaming machine seizures: Matt Moore; The decision could have far reaching consequences on the spread of such devices.

Opening of Vegas Strip's newest megaresort delayed but the party goes on anyway: Lisa Snedeker; Aladdin officials were still scrambling late Thursday night to put the final touches on their $1.4 billion megaresort, leaving more than 600 invited guests and a crowd of at least 20,000 waiting to see if it measures up as the latest Strip fantasy.

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