Print edition for December 1, 2000

Columnist Steve Addy: Cyp happy on the other side: Steve Addy; There was no mistaking the happiness in the voice on the other end of the phone.

Birth announcements for December 1, 2000: Nov. 13: A girl to Cynthia Claus and Eric Gibbs; a girl to Krishelle and Jason Leavitt. Nov. 16: A boy to Rosa and Victor Lucero. Nov. 17: A boy to Irrian Black and Reginald Brimmer. Nov. 18: A boy to Leticia and Luis Bravo. Nov. 19: A boy to Angelita and Roger Johnson. Nov. 20: A girl to Anastasia and Jason Laboy. Nov. 21: A girl to Laura and Cary Goffredo; a boy to Cynthia Mac e and Jeffrey Cortes'. Nov. 22: A boy to Rebecca Canada and Scott Niva; a boy to Emily and Glenn Smith.

Herbst family tentatively ready to open new casino: David Strow; Pending final approvals by Clark County officials, the Herbst family hopes to open its $65 million Terrible's hotel-casino near the Strip on Wednesday evening.

North Las Vegas Council approves Fiesta buyout: Diana Sahagun; With all the fervor of a Sunday morning church service, Gene Collins shook the rafters of North Las Vegas City Hall Thursday, damning Station Casinos Inc. for laying off at least 1,000 workers during the holiday season.

Curtain to go down on "At the Copa" at Rio in January: Cassidy, who co-starred in the production with Sheena Easton, will play off the second year of his contract with Harrah's Entertainment Inc. performing concerts at other Harrah's properties.

More scaling back of downtown parking meters urged: Erin Neff; The city of Las Vegas tried drawing more people downtown by making parking at meters free in the evenings.

Dignitaries help open new stretch of beltway: Political leaders, government officials, real estate developers and construction contractors gathered Thursday to open the newest stretch of the Las Vegas Beltway.

Business tax is argued in court: CARSON CITY -- The teachers' union says chambers of commerce have "simply failed" to present evidence to have an initiative petition for a business profits tax to be declared unconstitutional.

Court briefs for December 1, 2000: The trial of three men accused of committing a series of home invasions was postponed indefinitely after one of them insisted on firing his court-appointed attorney Thursday.

Officials disappointed in marketing of Texas boat: Some members of the Rockport-Fulton Area Chamber of Commerce are unhappy with the lack of aggressive marketing by Las Vegas-based Viva Gaming and Resorts, owner of the Texas Treasure, which began cruising into the Gulf in September.

Local news briefs for December 1, 2000: A 30-year-old Las Vegas man who crashed his van into several parked cars in an apartment complex parking lot was found slumped over the wheel shot to death Thursday night.

Electronic plan proposed to process titles with DMV: Jace Radke; A local executive wants to bring the Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety to the cutting edge of technology when it comes to the tedious process of processing automobile titles.

Hanlon killer's sentence piles up: Kim Smith; Scott Bedard sat expressionless and moot Thursday as a judge tacked an additional 60 to 150 years onto his two life sentences in the August 1997 death of Bill Hanlon, a janitorial service owner.

Levi Strauss signs union deal: The new contract includes a 3 percent wage increase for each year of the agreement and health benefits including medical insurance, new vision benefits and increased pension benefits.

High court upholds judge's firing: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court Thursday found that former Family Court Judge Fran Fine of Las Vegas was guilty of "willful misconduct" for holding improper meetings on court cases and engaging in nepotism.

Evidence won't deter use of patch in drug testing: Greg Tuttle; A new drug testing method used by federal probation officials will continue to be used in Southern Nevada despite evidence the test may be flawed.

Audit reveals big shortage of staff at juvenile center: Adrienne Packer; Staffing at the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center, which will more than double in size by early next year, has been woefully short of the nation's standard staff-to-youth ratio, an internal audit says.

Part-time instructors protest pay: Jeffrey Libby; Part-time instructors at UNLV say they have not seen a pay raise or a cost-of-living adjustment since 1991.

Obituaries for December 1, 2000: Consuelo H. Alamo, 88, of Las Vegas died Wednesday in Las Vegas. She was born Feb. 27, 1912, in Cuba. A resident for 25 years, she was a homemaker and a member of Caridad Del Cobre Catholic Association.

Lawsuit filed over alleged embezzlement: In a Clark County District Court suit, United National Group alleged Orr, who was authorized to order money from the pub to fill ATM machines, admitted to "regularly ordering ATM money three times a week and pocketing one order weekly for two years."

LV ranks No. 1 as entrepreneurial hotspot: Inc. cited Las Vegas' low-tax environment and tourism market of more than 33 million a year as the city's advantage. The Inc. list ranked Reno No. 4, citing the city's low tax structure, "outdoors lifestyle" and ease of transportation.

Columnist Sal DeFilippo: More and more NFL backups starting to become key players: Sal DeFilippo; A few decades ago, it was the greatest job in sports.

Ameristar suitability only hurdle remaining in Station Missouri deal: David Strow; Station Casinos Inc. has cleared one big hurdle in its plans to exit the Missouri market, after company officials signed off on a settlement that will end disciplinary action against Station in exchange for a $1 million fine, one of the highest in the history of the gaming industry.

Consultant: High tech needed: Jeffrey Libby; Gray-haired Lou Tornatzky called himself the kid who dropped out of the sky from Orange County. His message Thursday for the Board of Regents: prevent "brain drain" through high-tech economic diversification.

Bankruptcies for December 1, 2000: Michael Eric Morrisett, doing business as M&M Services, doing business as Bingo Mania, 4490 Wilder Place, filed for Chapter 13, listing assets of $141,582 and liabilities of $186,935.

Many state workers want out of health plan: Laurie England, chairwoman of the benefits board, said at a panel meeting Wednesday that the insurance plan is "not going to make everyone happy."

Design contest may be held for college: Jeffrey Libby; The look of the proposed Nevada State College at Henderson may be decided through a national design contest.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Gaughan aims to be force again in Winston West: Things went so well this year for Brendan Gaughan that the Las Vegas native found it difficult to get too upset when he received a bit of bad news.

Guinn's $100 million surplus falls short: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn will have slightly more than $100 million in extra money during the next two years to make improvements in state government.

Former Hollywood starlet's book studies fashion: What: "The Way We Wore: Styles of the '30s and '40s and Our Would Since" booksigning by author Marsha Hunt

Columnist Susan Snyder: Recycling: Bin there, done that: Spent last weekend somewhere else, like half the population -- the half that wasn't sitting in the bumper-to-bumper traffic filing into Las Vegas from Southern California.

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 10 a.m.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Hollywood Park: 1st Race -- Circle Latour - Espinoza on Hess trainee, needs sharp start and clean trip from rail post at sprint distance opener, good spot. Girl Talk - Draws outside post, Solis aboard Jory horse, should get clear running from outside box to survey competition. Value Play -- Wind Flower

Letter: Control of drug in wrong hands: Not only should medical marijuana be made available to patients in need, but adult recreational use should be regulated as well.

Joe Delaney remembers 1971: Clark, Everly Brothers at the Landmark: Joe Delaney remembers 1971: Clark, Everly Brothers at the Landmark

Perchlorate tests delayed: Federal efforts to set safety limits for perchlorate content in drinking water are being delayed because two of eight studies necessary to make the determination are not yet finished, an Environmental Protection Agency official said today.

Columnist Steve Guiremand: Aloha means hello to a new era for UNLV: Steve Guiremand; HONOLULU -- Make no mistake, Saturday night's game against Hawaii here at Aloha Stadium is a critical one in the John Robinson blueprint for success.

Datebook for December 1, 2000: Monty Roberts, author of "The Man Who Listens to Horses" and "Shy Boy," will appear from 12:30-2:30 p.m. today through Thursday at the Excalibur to offer demonstrations of his nonviolent "Join-Up" horse-training technique. Tickets are $25. Call 597-7777.

OSU stiff test for the Rebels: Steve Addy; OKLAHOMA CITY -- Forget that nonsense about the third time being a charm.

One-Man Show: Brenner hopes to reintroduce traditional stage act to Las Vegas: "Somewhere a decision was made to bring in production shows and to (downplay stars)," Brenner said. "I have no idea why it went that way.

News of the Day: 1971: Story: The casino credit records of the Stardust Hotel, dozens of file boxes of them, were seized at 4 p.m. yesterday by the Internal Revenue Service.

Arrest report: Officer's alcohol level twice limit: Keith Paul; A high-ranking Metro Police officer's blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit when he was arrested after crashing his sport-utility vehicle, according to a police arrest report released Thursday.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Yes, Yan can cook -- and he can entertain, too: It had been a long time since I'd heard from my friend Martin Yan, so I was delighted when he called to say that he would be doing cooking demonstrations at Harrah's the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Martin's successful "Yan Can Cook" PBS series has encouraged millions of viewers to cook Chinese food at home.

Schwikert meets President: Victoria Sun; As a member of this year's U.S. gymnastics team that competed at the Olympics in Sydney, 16-year-old Tasha Schwikert has gotten to do a lot of things she wouldn't ordinarily have done.

Report: Criminals not buying guns they use: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Early indications from a fledgling federal gun tracing program show that Las Vegas mirrors a national trend: Criminals caught with guns didn't legally buy the weapons themselves.

'Hamlet' marks debut of Conservatory Theatre: Kimberley McGee; What: University Theatre's presents William Shakespeare's "Hamlet"

Competitors close gap on Southwest Airlines: On time to Las Vegas

Editorial: This crew just can't get it right: As the Associated Press reported earlier this week, a truck hauling radioactive waste to a federal dump near Carlsbad, N.M., missed a turn in Santa Fe and illegally headed on Interstate 25 toward heavily-populated Albuquerque before state police eventually turned it around and sent the driver in the right direction. The Department of Energy says it is investigating how the Tri-State Motor Transit truck missed its turnoff last week. The DOE also is looking into why a satellite tracking monitor system didn't notice the errant truck bound for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. So much for fail-safe protections.

Conditions slapped on cabaret after sex/drug parties busted: Adrienne Packer; When the topless dancers stopped performing in the wee morning hours, patrons at the Spearmint Rhino Lounge turned to their own source of entertainment: sex and drugs, a Metro Police report says.

Vargas learned from Oscar's mistakes: Dean Juipe; Oscar De La Hoya's name surfaced and Fernando Vargas was predictably dismissive.

Gaining altitude: In terms of pure historical significance, this year's $4.5 million National Finals Rodeo will have to go a long way to match last year's event, in which Fred Whitfield became the first black world champion All-Around Cowboy in professional rodeo history.

Editorial: Legislature needs testimonial limits: The resolutions have especially become troublesome since a constitutional amendment passed in 1998 requires that legislative sessions be limited to 120 days, which has trimmed nearly two months off the lawmakers' calendar. A number of resolutions honor national organizations, but as the Sun's Cy Ryan reported Wednesday, those taking the most time are testimonials honoring prominent Nevadans. This, in turn, prompts many legislators to speak about the citizen's contributions, which often includes the presentation of a memorial to family members if the honoree is deceased.

Gov's office investigating Parole Board flap, demotion possible: Brendan Riley; The board chairman, Richard Wyett, announced Nov. 16 that he was resigning. Jack Finn, Gov. Kenny Guinn's press secretary, has confirmed that the review now focuses on board member Tami Bass, a September 1999 Guinn appointee.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Anka's shows are 'emotional entertainment': Joe Delaney; Paul Anka is performing in concert Thursday through Jan. 4 in the Mirage's Siegfried & Roy Theatre ... Anka, who will be 60 on July 30, is in his fifth decade as a successful performer, headliner, actor, singer, musician, arranger, author and composer ... Born in Ottawa, barely in his teens, he earned $5 a night singing in local clubs, often sharing the bill with fellow Ottawan Rich Little.

Letter: Gore should end this fiasco: If these votes are allowed, then the will of the people can be determined in Florida only if this type of additional vote is counted in all Florida counties, most of which went for Texas Gov. George W. Bush.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Cassidy 'At the Copa' no more: Kate Maddox; Johnny Flamingo has left the building. David Cassidy, who has starred in the Rio's "At the Copa" production with Sheena Easton for a little more than a year, is closing up shop. The singer/actor announced at a Thursday news conference that he would no longer do his show and will instead work with Harrah's in a strictly concert-performance capacity.

Acosta brings cast of characters to Flamingo: Joe Delaney; Impressionist Bill Acosta has moved his "Lasting Impressions" show from the Luxor's Pharaoh's Theatre to the more-than-twice-the-capacity Flamingo Las Vegas showroom.

State Supreme Court to hear casino boat case Jan. 23: The state's high court can sometimes take up to six months to rule, meaning the two gambling boats operating out of Little River most likely can operate into next year's heavy tourist season.

DOE wants Yucca: Jeff German and Mary Manning; Copyright 2000 Las Vegas Sun

Showrooms still in state of change: Those signs are gone now, replaced by electronic reader boards that many believe symbolize the diminished importance of performers in the eyes of executives who run the city's hotels and casinos.

College grades low for Nevada: The report graded states in their preparation of young adults to go to college, participation of residents ages 18 to 44 in higher education, affordability of college, the number of students who complete college and the benefits the state gains from its residents' level of education.

Sound Check -- Geoff Carter: Ballots cast for year's best albums: Go figure. America can't pick one president from a field of two, yet every year America's music critics pick the 10 best albums from a field of thousands. Here's my contribution to democracy:

Where I Stand 1971-- Hank Greenspun: Union Plaza adds more than just a new address: Agood name is better than riches. A good address is almost as good.

Study panel: Cut Harrah's New Orleans tax by 40 percent: Alan Sayre; Meanwhile, despite a legislative warning that a bailout deal for the trouble casino will die without concessions from the city, Mayor Marc Morial said the city would not be "bullied" into taking cuts in its share of the deal.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Risks aside, take Vargas in upset win: Dean Juipe; It's always risky picking an underdog to win a big fight.

Las Vegas woman wins diner in essay contest: "I've always, always wanted to have a job where I could work in my pajamas," Buchheister said. She said she would wear them every day.

Classical trio attracts attention for looks and music: Kirk Baird; What: "Rising Stars of Classical Music," featuring the Eroica Trio, Jubliant Sykes and John Bayless.

Police seize millions from home as part of Ohio gambling investigation: Authorities found the money when they raided the home of James H. Jackson, co-founder of Child Care Foundation, Inc. The Akron-based nonprofit organization and other businesses are being investigated for alleged illegal gambling and other criminal activities.

Barbara Greenspun remembers 1971: Demolition of railroad station leaves lasting, but mixed, memories: I have mixed emotions about my memories of the old Union Pacific depot. As a young mother I had traveled by train from New York to join my husband and make a future in Las Vegas.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Down this road again: While the country waits for a president-elect, how about a few issues closer to home.

Thursday's prep results: GIRLS BASKETBALL

Troy Herbst to be honored by SCORE: A principal along with his older brothers Ed and Tim in the Herbst Oil Company and a primary driver for his family's Terrible Herbst Motorsports team, Troy will be picking up the top SCORE awards for the second time in three years and the fourth straight time in the unlimited Class 1.

This year's Rebels trying to match last year's Warriors: Steve Guiremand; HONOLULU -- Two years ago, it was hard to pick whether UNLV or Hawaii was the bigger laughingstock in college football.

Letter: Paranoid vote will not make gays disappear: Well, I'm not going away, and neither are my gay brothers and sisters. We will continue to love and have families as we have always done. But one thought, and be fair. What if your spouse of 20 years was dying and the medical staff informed you that by law you could not hold their hand as they took their last dying breath?

United Way study rates Nevada 44th in health, welfare: Minnesota ranked as the top, with Massachusetts and Connecticut rounding out the top three. The three worst states were Louisiana, 48th, Mississippi, 49th, and New Mexico at 50th.

Former lawmaker Pozzi dies at 81: CARSON CITY -- Archie Pozzi Jr., who served in the Legislature for 20 years and was a champion for state workers, died Wednesday at age 81.

Court upholds state's halting of Spring Valley casino plan: Kim Smith; The state's decision to stop the development of a Spring Valley casino did not violate Nevada's constitution.