Print edition for August 23, 2000

Thousands of fish die at Nevada reservoir known for trophy bounty: Sandra Chereb; RENO, Nev. - Warm water and low oxygen levels killed thousands of fish at a northern Nevada reservoir renown in the West for its trophy-size trout.

Final report in Wisconsin casino case: D. Ian Hopper; The investigation stemmed from allegations that Babbitt rejected a proposed Indian casino in Wisconsin because of campaign contributions and then lied to Congress about it.

Gilcrease offers full cornucopia: Max Jacobson; When: Open 7 a.m.-noon daily

AG warns against budget cuts at workers' expense: But Del Papa warned Monday that the state is already losing experienced employees because of relatively low pay and benefits. Sometimes the employees are leaving for the private sector, but often they are simply going to other government agencies at the county or city level, she said.

Nevada sales hit nearly $30 billion in fiscal 1999-2000: Brendan Riley; The $29.82 billion in sales generated $598.5 million in sales taxes for state coffers, up 5.7 percent for the fiscal year ending June 30. That's close to what lawmakers had estimated last year in passing a state budget.

Age-old sport of archery is growing in popularity: Archery has changed dramatically since prehistoric man crafted his first arrow, strung his first bow and killed a mastadon 17,000 years ago.

State Sens. Schimek, Janssen attend first hearing on Indian gambling: Margery Beck; She reiterated that intention Tuesday after visiting northeast Nebraska's Santee Reservation for the first of several public hearings to be held this month on state reservations as part of an Indian gambling study.

Megabucks pays $8.7 million at Las Vegas Hilton: The man who wished to remain anonymous walked away with a check for a quarter (m) million dollars, the first of 25 annual installments, said Connie Fox, spokeswoman for IGT MegaJackpots.

Vegas man wins right to operate limos in conjunction with wedding operation: Like the storybook weddings, Dan Ryan wants his business to be a part of, the tale of Ilene's Bridal Gowns and Tuxedos and its SuperStretch limousines has a happy ending.

Mother: Contestant a true 'survivor': Kimberley McGee; It's down to four.

Bone-dry Spring Mountains face serious fire risk: Fire restrictions

Prosecutor stands by jurors in Binion case: A prosecutor today filed court papers defending the jury that convicted Sandy Murphy and Rick Tabish of killing gambling figure Ted Binion.

LV attorney asks that insurer indemnify him against malpractice claim: In a Clark County District Court lawsuit, Ian Christopherson sued Zurich, Switzerland-based Zurich American Insurance Group and one of its Las Vegas agents, Patricia Wyatt of Wyatt Insurance Agency Inc., alleging he had spent more than 500 hours to date at $250 an hour defending a lawsuit because Zurich refused to indemnify him.

Two trials ordered in wounding of cop: Kim Smith; Two men accused of participating in a robbery that resulted in the loss of a Metro Police officer's eye will be tried separately.

LV firm sued over Chinese language films: In a U.S. District Court lawsuit, BNE (USA) Inc. sued Everybody's Video and its owner Mariko Nagashima, alleging they made and sold unauthorized copies of two television series entitled "Hwa Mulan" and "The Pearl Princess, Part II," which are allegedly protected under the copyright laws of Taiwan and the United States.

LV contractor sued by Teamsters: In a U.S. District Court lawsuit, Teamsters Local 631 sued the contractor, alleging it violated the arbitration board's June 21 decision when it refused to reinstate Terry Stewart with full back pay less any unemployment benefits he received and Jacy L. Comstock, whom the board found were improperly discharged.

Lawmakers' OK to speed absentee ballot counts: Lomax and Secretary of State Dean Heller asked the Legislative Committee to Review Regulations on Tuesday to let counties open and prepare absentee ballots for counting beginning four days before the Sept. 5 primary and Nov. 7 general elections.

Homeopath proposal rejected by Nevada lawmakers' panel: The meeting before the Legislative Committee to Review Regulations demonstrated the wide rift between the medical board, which regulates the state's medical doctors, and the Board of Homeopathic Medical Examiners, which regulates homeopaths.

Vegas home builder sues firms over gas lamps: In a Clark County District Court lawsuit, Developers of Nevada LLC, which has 11 sales and construction offices in Las Vegas, said the homeowners associations for Developers' Aviana and Solitude residential developments alleged the gas lamps there have continually failed to function properly and haven't been replaced despite repeated demands.

LV firm in trademark dispute: In a U.S. District Court lawsuit, Junum.Com Inc., which began offering in March credit profile maintenance services through its website "www.junum.com," said it took legal action against Unum Life Insurance Co. of America and its parent company, UnumProvident Corp. in response to their alleged demands to stop using the Junum trademark and domain names junum.com, junum.net and junum.org.

Legalized Internet gaming chances improve: David Strow; MGM MIRAGE today took what could be the first step toward offering an Internet casino, in a move that could have huge ramifications for the fledgling online gaming industry.

Speedway sued over sale of LV industrial park to CEO: Speedway Motorsports Inc., one of the top U.S. racetrack operators, was sued by a shareholder who contends the company wasted money by selling a valuable Nevada property to its chief executive at a cut-rate price.

Nebraska senator promotes Indian casinos: OMAHA, Neb. -- State Sen. DiAnna Schimek intends to reintroduce a constitutional amendment in the upcoming legislative session that would allow casino-style gambling on Indian land in Nebraska.

Taxable sales growth slows: The 5.7 percent increase for the last fiscal year was down compared to 1999, when sales tax collections grew by 10.4 percent. This was because of a decline in construction of big resorts in Clark County.

Tourist wins $8.7 million jackpot at LV Hilton: The man, who wished to remain anonymous, walked away with a check for a quarter-million dollars, the first of 25 annual installments, said Connie Fox, spokeswoman for International Game Technology's IGT MegaJackpots.

Biloxi's Isle of Capri boosts first quarter per share earnings by 27 percent: Matt Moore; Isle of Capri earned $10.5 million, or 33 cents per share, compared with $6.5 million, or 26 cents per share, in the same period a year ago. The results beat analysts' estimates of 30 cents per share, according to First Call/Thompson Financial.

Columnist Victoria Sun: LPGA tourney parts ways with D.I.: Victoria Sun; Endings happen every day.

Las Vegas' Schwikert makes team as alternate: Spencer Patterson; Her name was not among the seven chosen for this year's U.S. Olympic Women's Gymnastics team on Sunday, but Las Vegan Tasha Schwikert never gave up hope.

Black to be back soon after surgery: Steve Guiremand; Turns out UNLV starting strong safety Randy Black is going to need surgery to help repair his broken left middle finger after all.

PCL Box: Game 2 - Trappers 3, Stars 1: DP-- Edmonton 1. LOB-- Las Vegas 3, Edmonton 4. 2B--Radmanovich, Burke. 3B-- Hatcher. HR-- Eckstein, Stovall.

Calamity's comeback: Greg Harman; With electric red hair, charcoal eyes and a felony conviction, Calamity Jayne strode into the Boulder City Council meeting Tuesday night intent on securing a liquor license.

Reno's Pioneer closed, contents to be sold: The contents of the building, including gambling, restaurant and office equipment, will sold at auction scheduled Friday through Sunday.

House fire kills four pets: The fire was started by a child playing with matches or a lighter, said Clark County Fire Department spokesman Steve La-Sky.

Columnist Jeff Haney: Avoid the late rush for football contests: To avoid lines stretching from here to Tonopah, local residents should sign up now for the always-popular football contests offered by Las Vegas sports books.

Pair left scene of homicides: Keith Paul; Henderson Police this morning are trying to identify a man and a woman seen leaving the scene of a double homicide in an apartment Tuesday.

Competitor to Beau Rivage allowed to erect sign: BILOXI, Miss. -- The city council has overruled its planning commission and approved Grand Casino's proposal to erect a video sign across U.S. 90 from its competitor, Beau Rivage.

Meeting for monorail funds set: CARSON CITY -- The state Board of Finance today set Tuesday for its meeting to consider approving $650 million in revenue bonds to finance construction of a monorail on and near the Las Vegas Strip.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Real flip-flop: Malone comes out ahead: The first thing you notice about the Gaming Control Board's complaint against Station Casinos is the detail. It is the Russian novel of legal documents, complete with blow-by-blow narration of meetings, invoices and correspondence.

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Nidetch Center honors those behind the scenes: Elizabeth Foyt; Each August, in recognition of the founders, members and supporters of the Jean Nidetch Women's Center at UNLV, a heartfelt luncheon of thanks and appreciation is held at UNLV's Alumni Center. This is a gathering which draws together the diverse elements responsible for much of the center's efforts on behalf of both men and women on campus. Noteworthy for their efforts with older or re-entry students, the Jean Nidetch Center also works to provide freshmen and continuing students scholarships, community job fairs, workshops on leadership and personal safety and other far-reaching services to name just a few of their programs.

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

Columnist Dean Juipe: Pollsters, UNLV fans don't agree: Dean Juipe; For a program that has won only nine games (and lost 47) in the past five years and hasn't won a home game since 1997, big things are expected this season from the UNLV football team.

School district, 3 teachers cleared in teen's death: Kim Smith; The Clark County School District and three teachers are not responsible for the death of a teenager who collapsed at a Henderson middle school five years ago.

Reno mall gets permits for expansion: Reno mall gets permits for expansion

Lawmakers reject new regulations for homeopaths: CARSON CITY -- A legislative committee, in a 3-2 vote, refused Tuesday to approve new regulations by the state Board of Homeopathic Medical Examiners in the latest chapter of the battle between alternative and traditional medicine.

Editorial: City can do more to ID cell users: The case before the Supreme Court came about after the Clark County Commission two years ago refused a request by the Review-Journal to completely release the cellular phone records of county employees. The county blacked out the last four digits of the telephone numbers called, making it impossible to know who was contacted. Without this information, no one could tell if an employee was using the government-owned phone for personal use or for work.

Trapped firefighter rescued: The fire broke out in the back closet of an electrical room at 8:25 a.m., filling the 4065 Flamingo Road building with smoke.

PCL Box: Game 1 - Stars 7, Trappers 2: E-- t'Hoen. LOB--Edmonton 3, Las Vegas 9. 2B--Johnson, Radmanovich, Soliz. HR-- Johnson. SF-- Radmanovich.

Las Vegas area fishing report: Over the weekend Nevada Division of Wildlife creel clerks who were working at Government Wash checked numerous catfish, bluegill, largemouth bass and tilapia. Tilapia, an exotic fish native to Africa that has been illegally introduced into the lake, are being caught with frozen peas and small worms. They are similar in appearance to crappie and are good to eat.

Reno-Tahoe Airport traffic falls: Airport spokesman Adam Mayberry said the airport is slowly regaining some of that lost territory.

Supermarket shares slump on Albertson's profit warning: Shares of Albertson's Inc., the country's second largest supermarket chain, slumped 17 percent Tuesday and fell another 14 percent this morning after announcing that its second quarter earnings would fall short of Wall Street estimates because of higher-than-expected costs and lower-than-expected sales.

Columnist Paula DelGiudice: Forecast mixed for bird hunters: Paula DelGiudice; It may not feel like it, but fall is just around the corner. There are a couple of signs that are so subtle they may seem imperceptible.

Rape suspect hit with murder charge: Kim Smith; A 17-year-old former Las Vegas resident who has been linked to a series of sexual assaults is now facing a murder charge in connection with the June slaying of a former monk.

Two Nevadans receive national awards: John G. Watson, an air quality scientist with Desert Research Institute, received the Frank A. Chambers Award from the Air & Waste Management Association for his outstanding achievement in air pollution control.

Robles Extra Cream Sherry: Max Jacobson; Sherry is a fortified, nonvintage wine with a rich, nutty flavor and is popular as an aperitif. The Spanish drink it obsessively with tapas, olives, nuts and cheese. This sherry, which is ready to drink now, is only a few dollars more than the popular Harvey's Bristol Cream, but is ever so much more complex and satisfying. It's smooth, rich and tinged with mild heat. It's fine on the rocks with a twist, but serious sherry drinkers are more likely to have it neat, which is how this sherry tastes best.

Bernstein focuses on nuke waste issues, health care: Jeffrey Libby; When the Teleprompter temporarily went blank at the start of U.S. Senate candidate Ed Bernstein's speech at the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles last week, he focused on the home delegation and kept faith.

Time share set for Paradise/Tropicana: ILX Resorts Inc., Phoenix, which operates five time share resorts in Arizona and Colorado, another in San Carlos, Mexico, and two specialized resorts near college campuses in Arizona and Indiana, plans to develop 62 suites on property currently operated as the Las Vegas International Golf Center.

Grand Casino wins battle over sign on Mississippi coast: The Grand purchased the downtown property last year for a welcome center.

Politics could derail Las Vegas-Primm train: The main obstacle to winning nearly $1 billion in federal money for a super-speed train from Las Vegas to Primm could be politics, an advocate for the service said Tuesday.

Columnist Peter Benton: Child Seekers event again a success: Peter Benton; Jason Gard, Paul Carroll, Lee Turner and Lali Publow were the victorious team in the recent 10th annual Nevada Child Seekers-Bob Dickinson Memorial Golf Tournament.

Sides line up at Wisconsin casino hearing: The U.S. Interior Department is gathering opinions about the impact of the project as it moves toward making a decision later this year whether to support it.

LaRocca's glad he stuck with baseball: Victoria Sun; The subject brought Greg LaRocca to tears.

Malone: Station sought 'to destroy me' in flier: CARSON CITY -- Clark County Commissioner Lance Malone says the complaint filed by the state Gaming Control Board against Station Casinos shows how far the gaming company went in an effort to ruin his political career.

Murder trial called case of jealousy, greed: Kim Smith; The trial of a Las Vegas man who is accused of arranging a hit that went awry and cost an innocent man his life began Tuesday.

Letter: Democrats bow to mushy voters of the middle: Republicans have always done that. Remember war hero "Ike," who had never even voted before he voted for himself in the 1952 election, and the great "Gipper," who made religious nuts misty-eyed but hardly ever attended church himself. I won't use the word phony, but if the shoe fits ...

Ralph Siraco's selections for Thursday's races at Del Mar: 1st Race -- Millbrae - Draws good rail post for mile turf opener, Desormeaux back on Robbins trainee, should get the garden trip. Tart - British-bred runner likes the seaside sod, Pincay now for trainer Silva, will make late impact here. Value Play -- Gamblingisavirtue

Letter: It's looking like politics as usual: They also talked about more reform to health programs, but this will happen when corporation-owned casinos give gamblers a fair chance at winning.

Mother a step closer to finding kids: Adrienne Packer; If Edith Douraid's husband does not bring her two children home from Morocco, she intends to fly to the African country and search for them herself.

LV resident calls for ethics probe on McDonald: Erin Neff; Retired Las Vegas resident Bob Rose has asked both the state and local ethics commissions to look into City Councilman Michael McDonald's involvement with the Las Vegas Sportspark.

Races take to the air, despite legal struggle: Qualifying runs for the annual event at Stead Airport begin Sept. 9. Races take place Sept. 14-17.

UNLV's research gets high ranking: CARSON CITY -- UNLV has placed in the second-highest category of research universities in rankings released by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

State to start computer upgrades: CARSON CITY -- Two overloaded state computer systems should get relief starting this weekend.

Letter: Limbaugh laughs at military service: I, as a veteran, along with all veterans, don't appreciate being laughed at or ridiculed by the likes of Rush Limbaugh for serving in the military to preserve the lifestyle that our country provides us.

Metro probes shooting incident: Keith Paul; Detective Don Evans was identified Tuesday by Metro Police as the officer who fired two shots at the driver of a sport utility vehicle on Saturday.

Union-sponsored rally questioned: Adrienne Packer; A union-sponsored rally offering supporters of Clark County Commission candidate Stephanie Smith a chance to win $3,000 has her opponent questioning whether the event violates federal election laws.

Community news briefs for August 23, 2000: The Economic Opportunity Board of Clark County will hold a recruitment carnival for low-income pregnant women and those with children up to 5 years old 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at Vons Grocery, 1061 W. Owens Ave.

Trust fund created to clean up mining sites: Mining companies are putting up the $1 million in the fund, which will be used to hire personnel and pay other expenses to keep leach ponds from overflowing.

Editorial: Straight talk needs accompanying action: Guinn's candor is refreshing since officials usually don't acknowledge weak areas. Still, the governor has to do more as well. While Guinn's Millennium Scholarship program will allow more students to attend Nevada colleges, he must deliver a long-term strategy that ensures this state's public schools are getting the resources they need so they can provide a decent education.

Board rules against officer in shooting: Keith Paul; Copyright 2000 Las Vegas Sun

Las Vegas courting MLS team: Erin Neff; Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman has talked with NBA owners, sat ringside with hockey executives and tossed baseballs with Philadelphia Phillies.

Obituaries for August 23, 2000: Ofelia Abril, 82, of Las Vegas died Monday in a local hospice. She was born Dec. 25, 1917, in Colombia. A resident for 28 years, she was a retired seamstress.

Protection sought for river delta: An environmentalist testified Tuesday that Colorado River water not needed in Las Vegas, Phoenix or Los Angeles should be allowed to flow across the Mexican border to restore wetlands in the Colorado River Delta.