Print edition for August 31, 2000

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Local 2A teams topple bigger foes: Spencer Patterson; Exactly how much does school size matter on the football field? Apparently not very much, if last Friday's two local results are any indication.

Marijuana issue to remain on Nevada ballot: Reis added Wednesday that the court may have to decide which laws take precedence: state laws allowing medical marijuana or federal laws prohibiting any use of marijuana.

Incumbent Becker debates challengers: Jeffrey Libby; In the race for a seat on the Nevada Supreme Court, the incumbent agrees with her two challengers: the court system needs some help. But incumbent Nancy Becker and her two challengers, lawyers Gary Backus of Ely and Day Williams of Carson City, don't agree on either the problems faced by the court or proposed solutions.

Most Indians haven't benefited from 1990s casino boom: analysis shows: David Pace; But seven years after the casino opened - and four years after the debut of a glittering new complex - many Apache families still crowd in small apartments or mobile homes.

Teachers willing to bargain on tax plan: RENO -- The Nevada teachers union has filed its 4 percent business profits tax plan with more than 85,000 signatures -- enough to qualify the initiative petition.

Drought-weary animals rounded up: Horse, burro adoptions

Judge adds life terms to Floyd penalty: Greg Tuttle; Zane Floyd will die in prison, either by lethal injection or old age.

Testimony hurts Station Casinos: David Strow; KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A disgraced St. Louis gaming attorney found an ally today in his efforts to convince Missouri regulators that Station Casinos Inc. of Las Vegas and the former chairman of the Missouri Gaming Commission engaged in a long-running pattern of regulatory violations in that state.

Commissioners' cell phone bills exceed $12,000: Adrienne Packer; Clark County commissioners flooded the cellular airwaves over a yearlong period racking up more than $12,000 in bills on county-issued phones.

Agassi dealing with family's health woes: Victoria Sun; Andre Agassi's mother, Elizabeth, was released from a local hospital Wednesday after being treated for a blood clot related to breast cancer.

Lobos defense looks for life A.B. -- After Brian: Steve Guiremand; Facts and figures on the New Mexico Lobos:

Lottery decision under review involving Richard Branson and Las Vegas firm: LONDON -- Camelot Group Plc has won a High Court review of whether the National Lottery Commission acted unfairly in rejecting its bid for the U.K. lottery and talking exclusively to its rival.

Return to more hot, dry valley weather expected: Pundits say if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes and it will change.

Talented Wofford playing 'jack of all trades': Steve Guiremand; Two years ago James Wofford was "The Man" on UNLV's offense.

Police capture casino robbery suspects: Zafiria Vrochopoulou, 50, of Athens, was using a pay telephone at Resorts Atlantic City about 12:15 p.m. when she was confronted by the two, who threatened her with a gun, police Sgt. Michael Tullio said.

Entertainer sues Tropicana, NAACP over hall of fame: Grace Leong; A Las Vegas entertainer claiming to have pioneered the concept of a Las Vegas entertainers Hall of Fame sued the Tropicana hotel-casino, five officers, an entertainment law attorney and the NAACP, alleging they conspired to steal his plans and ideas or failed to represent his interests.

LV gaming giant buys stake in iwin.com: The millions of people who regularly enter Los Angeles-based iwin.com's prize drawings typically enjoy sweepstakes, beer and bass fishing -- making them ideal casino gambling recruits, the Journal said.

Picks: Palo Verde, Durango figure to score first-week victories: Spencer Patterson; Here we go again. Time for the weekly picks local prep fans have grown to love and area coaches have come to hate. Call them bulletin board fodder if you want, but after last year's 82-21 record (.796 winning percentage) we all know I'll be right a lot more often than I'll be wrong. And remember, these are for entertainment purposes only.

North Vegas man files claims against assemblyman: Arberry said the claims are bogus and typical election-year politics.

Charity basketball event tips off: Kid's Jam 2000 is a weekend of sports and entertainment to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Big Brothers and Big Sisters and area Boys and Girls Clubs.

Fight schedule: Tonight

Two Reno brother arrested in attempted armed robbery; one hurt: The younger Taylor fell and was injured during the chase. He was transported to the Washoe Medical Center where he is being treated Wednesday for a collapsed lung and a broken left hand.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Friday's races at Del Mar: 1st Race -- Kris Kross - Hustling bug boy Baze aboard Baffert trainee, must overcome outside post, been knocking on diploma door. Jag G - Berrio on Frankel maiden, draws good post, blinker change for this, someday..... Value Play -- Lycka

PCL Box: Stars 8, Grizzlies 1: E--Zerbe, LaRocca. LOB--Fresno 8, Las Vegas 7. 2B--Leach, Radmanovich 3, Alvarez, Strittmatter. 3B--Chiaramonte. HR--LaRocca (9), Roskos (17). SB--Milliard (18). CS--Castro.

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: President set quite an example: Ruthe Deskin; The tendency by the electorate to overlook small transgressions of public officials is disturbing.

This week's races: WINSTON CUP

Hudson wants more study of casino's possible impact: A partnership involving the Red Cliff, Sokaogon and Lac Courte Oreilles Chippewa bands wants to develop a casino at the St. Croix Meadows Greyhound Racing Park near Hudson, which is just minutes from the lucrative Twin Cities area gambling market.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Local man has busy slate with Olympic team: Dean Juipe; The U.S. Olympic team leaves today for Sydney and its team administrator, Wendell Allen of Las Vegas, said everyone involved is sharing high expectations.

Editorial: Political spat over minimum wage hike: After all, businesses and their executives have done exceptionally well since 1996 -- the last time the minimum wage was increased. Low-income wage earners should be allowed to share in this prosperity, too. Congress should increase the minimum wage by $1, guaranteeing that workers will earn at least $6.15 an hour. Even this modest amount is almost impossible to get by on, but an increase is long overdue.

Southwest Division packed with power: Spencer Patterson; They may not have to contend with two-time state champion Cimarron-Memorial during the league season anymore, but you won't find the five teams in the Southwest Division celebrating anytime soon.

Three experienced judges running unopposed: Kim Smith; Heavy workloads and short terms are just two of the reasons judicial pundits believe three of this year's judicial races didn't draw any competitors.

Perkins: Gorman's 'Mr. Everything': Spencer Patterson; A look at Dyante Perkins:

CART's German venue drawing raves: Roy Kammerer; SENFTENBERG, Germany - When Bryan Herta took a spin around the new EuroSpeedway oval, he was accompanied by the nonstop roar of 80,000 spectators.

Lawrence making pitch for majors: Steve Addy; Brian Lawrence arrived too late to prevent the Stars' fade from playoff contention, but just in time to validate the Padres' giddiness over his future in the big leagues.

Allies of Greenbrier launch campaign to win Nov. 7 referendum on casino: Kathleen Conforti-Caldwell, co-chairwoman of the Greenbrier County Citizens Alliance, said the Monte Carlo-type casino would spur local economic development.

Where I Stand -- Lloyd D. George: A powerful symbol: The completion of the new U.S. Courthouse has once more caused me to reflect on our federal Constitution, and particularly the tenets of competition and cooperation embodied therein. More than 213 years ago on May 25, 1787, with a quorum of seven states present, the Constitutional Convention formally opened at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Finally on Sept. 17, 1787, after working through the summer, 39 of the delegates signed the Constitution. The birth of the Constitution and the celebration of its creation is important. However, perhaps what we should celebrate as well, is the life of the oldest surviving constitution ...

Darlington race is half-century old: Pete Iacobelli; DARLINGTON, S.C. - Dirt track ace Cotton Owens didn't know what to expect in the first Southern 500.

Sparks youth injured in dangerous sport: Police Sgt. Mike Cardella said the truck was doing 15 to 20 miles an hour and Donaldson was road surfing.

Celebrities bid a fond farewell to legendary showroom: Kimberley McGee; What: Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme.

Regent candidates support audit of schools: CARSON CITY -- Regent Mark Alden and two of his challengers in Clark County support the call for a legislative audit of the University and Community College System of Nevada to examine whether the schools are toeing the line.

Johnston will be on his guard: Dean Juipe; When Stevie Johnston's title reign was interrupted in 1998 he quickly redeemed himself, defeating the man -- Cesar Bazan -- who earlier had taken the World Boxing Council lightweight championship from him.

Lazier on verge of first IRL championship: Steve Bailey; SPARTA, Ky. - Buddy Lazier remembers the pain.

Letter: Parents who are divorcing must face reality: The other parent is then ordered to be a "visitor." Although Nevada has a law that mandates shared parenting, it is rarely implemented properly.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Fond memories of the greats at Circus Maximus: Joe Delaney; Caesars Palace closes its Circus Maximus to the public Sunday with Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme's final performance, but will remain open for a private gathering on Monday ... As soon as that is over, the wrecking crew will move in, and another important vestige of Las Vegas' glory days will disappear ... We've been told there will be a new and even better showroom/theater somewhere on the property ... Time will tell.

The curtain also falls on DI's Crystal Showroom: Kirk Baird; Fifty years can produce a lot of memories.

Station Casinos execs refuse to appear, licenses could be in jeopardy: Kelly Wiese; The commission had issued subpoenas for the executives and other employees to attend Wednesday's hearing and when they refused to do so it announced it would begin the license revocation process.

Wednesday's prep results: Green Valley def. Palo Verde, 15-8, 15-6, 15-13: Emily Macy had 10 kills and Katie Swart and Camille Roney finished with eight kills apiece for the Gators.

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

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

Plan for Masonic Temple block coalesces: Larry Leasure, who oversaw a similar transformation in the downtown of his home town of Boise, Idaho, plans to build shops, restaurants and a nightclub on block.

Burning Man draws 28,000 free spirits to Nevada desert: Martin Griffith; BLACK ROCK DESERT, Nev. - Wearing nothing but a hat and a few body rings as he takes his bike out for a spin, Steve Hosking is enjoying his annual pilgrimage to northern Nevada's high desert.

Letter: Tragedy hits close to home: Preventing such tragedies is the purpose of our justice system. I am not sure it is a perfect system, but I think a person who kills another deserves to die themselves, unless it is in self-defense.

Editorial: New rule will help patients: The regulation contains safeguards, requiring physicians who use nontraditional methods to follow set guidelines. For instance, patients must consent to the alternative treatment and physicians must maintain detailed records of when the treatments were used and their results.

Dentists sign up as 'Flying Samaritans': Carol Vogel; CARSON CITY, Nev. - Of all the places to find a calling, Chimborozo in Ecuador was it for Dr. Vinny D'Ascoli. It was in 1992 that this orthodontist busy with three offices thought he could get away from it all by climbing a mountain in the Andes.

Weather salves Nevada's fires: It's officially only 25 percent contained, but heavy rain on Wednesday was helping the crew that's mopping up hot spots.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Eighty-five man rosters are a joke: If I'm some hotshot high school wrestler reading Tuesday's Pigskin Preview 2000 special section in the Sun -- specifically, an enlightening feature story on Page 11E -- I'm looking for somebody to body slam.

Local news briefs for August 31, 2000: A 15-year-old Henderson girl was booked into the Clark County jail Tuesday on murder in connection with the April death of her newborn boy.

Obituaries for August 31, 2000: Edward Joseph Albini, 76, of Las Vegas died Sunday in Las Vegas. He was born Nov. 21, 1923, in Bridgeport, Conn. A resident for many years, he was a law firm consultant and an Army veteran.

Officer wounded, suspect killed in NLV shootout: Jace Radke and Keith Paul; A North Las Vegas Police officer was wounded and a suspect was killed Wednesday night in a gunfight after officers kicked in an apartment door during a drug raid.

Rhodes expected to plead not guilty: Diana Sahagun; North Las Vegas City Councilman John Rhodes is expected to plead innocent Friday morning to a second set of felony charges alleging he tried to defraud his insurance company after a 1997 burglary.

Ex-Las Vegan surviving fame: Kimberley McGee; By Kimberley McGee

Attorney for UNLV student asks judge for documents: The attorney for a 19-year-old UNLV student who was arrested in a high-profile school police raid that netted just a handful of drugs asked a judge today for key investigation papers that the school has staunchly refused to make public.

Air Combat Command trophy goes to Nellis master sergeant: Dick Benoit; "Sortie generation operations" may seem like techno-talk, but the phrase sums up the heart and soul of the mission of the air Force.

FTC gets LV MAGIC complaint: MAGIC is hosting a show through today at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) and the Sands Expo and Convention Center.

Feds, state settle with Vegas telemarketers: Grace Leong; The Federal Trade Commission and the Nevada attorney general reached a settlement Wednesday with four Las Vegas telemarketing companies accused of bilking consumers of more than $12 million in membership fees since 1996 through alleged bogus credit offers.

Union, Vegas workers at odds on overtime: Union officials say a job action has not been authorized and a Southwest spokesman said reports of a planned employee "sick-out" are "as bogus as bogus can be."

Kincaid's campaign arsenal depleted: Adrienne Packer; Clark County Commissioner Mary Kincaid raised nearly $1 million in her effort to maintain her District B seat, but the incumbent has spent the bulk of it defending herself from a barrage of assaults launched by her opponent.

Community news briefs for August 31, 2000: KMZQ 100.5-FM and Nissan West will celebrate Labor Day Weekend with Sparks in the Park at 3 p.m. Saturday in Desert Breeze Park at Spring Mountain Road and Durango Drive.

Motorist kills self in Strip traffic: Keith Paul; A motorist shot and killed himself in his car on Las Vegas Boulevard late Wednesday just moments after he fired at another driver, police said.