Print edition for February 1, 2000

Robert Guidry and the tales of the tapes: Natalie Gott; "I'm worried about him every month, taking that out of some bank. If he ever gets checked, he's going to have a hard time explaining," Edwards said on Feb. 27, 1997, unaware that his office was bugged and his words were being recorded.

State files suit against Publisher's Clearing House: The suit says the entry method into the company's sweepstakes for consumers who don't place orders isn't clearly stated and is significantly more cumbersome than the entry methods for consumers who do order.

Controversial former Forest Service official gets national award: Scott Sonner; "No one has put themselves on the line for public land more than Ms. Flora," said Bill Meadows, president of the national, non-profit conservation group founded in 1935.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Caring for our children: Watching local and state services for children has long been of great importance to me. After serving as Clark County's first director of juvenile court services and Nevada's first director of the state department now known as human resources, this is to be expected.

Convicted daughter-killer gets second trial: But the Nevada Supreme Court ordered a new trial because of jury misconduct.

Wednesday at Bay Meadows: 1st race 6 fur 3YO Mdn Clm: 1 Elite Zags (Baze) 118; 2 Dig It Up (Radke) 113; 3 Oxford Circus (Miranda) 111; 4 Prince of Persia (Arriaga) 118; 5 Naughty Pine (Baze) 118; 6 Misty Rapids (Gonzalez) 118; 7 Fast Buck Eddie (Linares) 118.

Gambling industry to go far and wide to beat tax increase effort: The proposal by Neal, D-North Las Vegas, would increase the tax on gross revenues of casinos that take in more than $1 million a month from 6.25 percent to 11.25 percent.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: McCleary injury sparks memory for Malarchuk: By Monday afternoon he had heard from five daily newspapers, but nobody was calling Clint Malarchuk to inquire about how his Idaho Steelheads (he's coach and GM) are faring in the West Coast Hockey League these days.

Lifting cruising requirement now unlikely this year: None of the bills to lift the requirement that floating casinos must be under way for gambling to occur had received committee hearings by Thursday's deadline - virtually ending their chances to pass.

Letter: What could be more violent than abortion?: Straight writes about responsible choices, but it's really about avoiding one's responsibilities. It would be responsible to make a decision and live with the consequences.

Indian leaders cite problems,urge cooperation: Deborah Baker; Sara Misquez, president of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, asked state lawmakers to "set aside old stereotypes and begin a new chapter in our governmental relations."

Prosecutors say they dismantled Boston gambling ring: "With continued cooperation between police and prosecutors, we will make sure that organized crime does not regain a foothold in Suffolk County," Martin said Monday.

Senators launch fight against college sports betting: by Laurence Arnold; "Without Nevada, without the option of betting money in Nevada, the Northwestern basketball point-shaving scandal would not have occurred," Pendergast said.

Community Conscience: Social activist/local radio host Pat Cunningham remembers when her life took its most dramatic turn.

Monday's prep result: Mojave 56, Centennial 43: The Rattlers picked up a conference victory on the road to move into second place in the Northwest Division.

Editorial: Explore merging of area courts: On Wednesday the Las Vegas City Council is expected to address whether or not it will continue to explore the possibility of consolidation in another area -- merging the Las Vegas Municipal Court and Clark County Justice Court systems. In addition to efficiency and lower costs, advocates of court consolidation believe it could result in more consistent decisions. But as the Sun's Bill Gang reported Friday, despite judicial support for consolidation, the city no longer seems receptive to consolidation. In fact, Gang reports, the Las Vegas City Council is on the verge of rejecting a proposal for a one-year review ...

Obituaries for February 1, 2000: Nicholas Abraham, 85, of Las Vegas died Sunday in Las Vegas. He was born Oct. 20, 1914, in Oxnard, Calif. A resident for 16 years, he was a display artist for Disneyland retail shops and was a World War II Navy veteran.

Lawyers against sending injury claims to tribes: The current compacts, signed by the tribes and Gov. Gary Johnson in 1997, allow claims to be filed in either court. Tribes argue the provision is illegal under federal law.

Hall escapes with minor injuries after LVMS crash: In a testament to the safety of NASCAR stock cars, Shane Hall was able to walk -- albeit gingerly -- out of University Medical Center Monday afternoon after he rolled his Busch Series car at least five times down the Las Vegas Motor Speedway backstretch.

Anderson fans 11 to lead Rebels: Zack Hall; After taking two thumpings at the hands of St. Mary's of California, the UNLV baseball team was in need of a strong pitching performance if it wanted to salvage one game of a season-opening three-game series.

City of LV, Albertson's contribute to valley wellness: The city of Las Vegas is making grant money of up to $15,000 available to licensed child care facilities looking to improve or expand their centers.

Letter: Alvarez's criticism of Herrera unfair: Mr. Herrera's effectiveness as a county commissioner who happens to be Hispanic should not be judged on whether he attended a board meeting of a non-profit Hispanic organization but rather on what good things he does for the Hispanic community.

Tule River Indians ordered to stop casino-style gambling: "The issue for me is that the tribe is operating an illegal gambling operation," Ishii said before issuing his decision. The judge was ruling on a motion for summary judgment brought by the government.

Company reports strong quarterly, annual earnings: Robert Macy; The company reported net revenues of $850 million for the quarter ending Dec. 31, up from $712 million in 1998. Net revenues for the year were $3.18 billion in 1999 compared to $2.9 billion the previous year.

Money fights to mark 2000 Alabama Legislature: Phillip Rawls; In one battle, public schools will face off against universities for control of education dollars that could be used for raises.

Wednesday at Aqueduct: 1st race 6 fur 3YO Mdn Clm: 1 Biker Jerry (Lovato) 120; 2 Conte Di Italia (Castillo) 113; 3 This Mud's for You (Arroyo ) 115; 4 Talk to Me Please (Henry) 120; 5 Jason Beaver (Bridgmohan) 120; 6 Gold Needles (Teator) 120; 7 Knight Rounds (Persaud) 120; 8 Here's to Wendy (Panas) 120; 9 Brian Strikes Back (Hole) 120.

Editorial: Health risk denials are reversed -- finally: The Nevada Test Site is not included in the draft report but, as the Sun's Mary Manning reported Monday, the facility could be included by the time the final study is issued. Critics will point out -- correctly -- that it is a disgrace the federal government took so long to acknowledge what should have been done so many years ago. Still, it is a testament to this administration -- and Energy Secretary Bill Richardson -- that such an admission is forthcoming at all. Now it is up to the federal government to move quickly and ensure that these workers ...

Ralph Siraco's selections for Wednesday's races at Santa Anita: 1st Race -- Got The Memo - Draws inside post, Garcia stays on Stute trainee, been knocking on graduation door. Slew City Liz - The 'other' Stute-trained hidden entry, draws outside post, P. Val. here. Value Play -- Impact Now

Highlights from Guidry's testimony: COOL CASH: A man who made millions in the tugboat business and millions more as a riverboat casino owner, Guidry liked to keep some of his cash at home. He testified that he would store as much as $1.5 million at his house, some under a hot tub, some in a safe and some wrapped in cellophane and aluminum foil and stowed away in a large freezer. "I stuffed it under the ducks and deer," he said.

Guidry to continue testimony: Natalie Gott; Former Treasure Chest Casino owner Robert Guidry on Friday admitted to meeting Edwards in a Baton Rouge hotel conference room in 1994 to secure a deal that would force Guidry to pay $100,000 a month to Edwards for the former governor's help in securing a riverboat license.

Community news briefs for February 1, 2000: The Jewish Family Service Agency is looking for volunteers who are interested in visiting with the valley's senior citizens.

Investigation into mercury spill continues: The storm drain outlet is a few hundred yards away from a building rented by Aetron Corp. Last week, health department officials cleaned up several gallons of visible elemental mercury from Aetron's parking lot, from around its loading dock, its landscaped areas and two nearby storm drain inlets, Sack said.

Pioneer DJ Gibson, who helped many to stardom, dies: Early in the civil rights movement, a young preacher came to speak on the steps of WERD in Atlanta, the nation's first black-owned radio station, where disc jockey Jack "The Rapper" Gibson decided to give the minister a larger audience.

Wednesday at Santa Anita: 1st race 6 fur 4YO & up F & M Mdn Clm: 1 Potranca Muy Fria (Pincay) 119; 2 Got the Memo (Garcia) 121; 3 Alessandria (Delahoussaye) 121; 4 Melo Note (Gomez) 121; 5 Impact Now (Puglisi) 121; 6 Slew City Liz (Valenzuela) 119; 7 San Franciscat (Flores) 122.

Columnist Kate Maddox: It's the end for 'Chicago' at Mandalay Bay: Kate Maddox; It'll be curtains for the hit musical "Chicago" at the end of the month.

Reno police seek to slow pedestrian deaths: Lt. Hal Wood said the three-year state grant would help pay for public service announcements and pedestrian enforcement operations.

Plenty to do during Black History Month: Organizations across the Las Vegas Valley will celebrate the accomplishments of black people throughout February as the nation observes Black History Month.

St. Mary's-UNLV box score: Rust, Bowden (7), Shaffer (8), Bye (8) and Vesce; Anderson, McCulloch (8) and Betts. W--Anderson (1-0). L--Rust (0-2). Save--McCulloch (1). 2B--Graziani (St. Mary's), Betts (UNLV). DP--St. Mary's 2. LOB--St. Mary's 6, UNLV 6. T--2:22. A--203.

Columnist Dean Juipe: CCSN, UNLV try working together: Dean Juipe; They could be rivals, fighting each other for players, money and attention.

Riverside repairs stop for asbestos: City spokesman Chris Good on Monday said dealing with asbestos is common when renovating old buildings.

Columnist Susan Snyder: New museum recalls life in Boulder City: Ila Clements Davey says she was betrayed by a hollyhock bush.

Reid, Bryan appeal to colleagues in bid to defeat Yucca Mountain bill: Robert Macy; Sens. Harry Reid and Richard Bryan sent letters to fellow senators seeking support in efforts to derail a bill designating Yucca Mountain as the nation's nuclear waste dump.

Man gets prison time in baby's death: Lawrence Motti said in court Monday that he doesn't know what happened the day his daughter suffered a fractured skull.

Lawmakers question casino employment, tactics: Gina Holland; For years legislators have been at odds over allowing community colleges and universities to train managers for the casinos.

Injury nearly sidelined top vote-getter: Steve Guiremand; He is arguably the top prep football prospect in the Class of 2000, topping this year's Las Vegas Sun Super 11 squad. But for a few anxious moments, Concord (Calif.) De La Salle linebacker D.J. Williams wondered if he would even play high school football.

Arrests may have ended coin truck robberies: Keith Paul; The steady stream of coin truck robberies in the Las Vegas Valley in recent months likely ended when three men were arrested during an attempted heist last week, Metro Police robbery officials said Monday.

Yahtzee slot sees success during roll-out: The slot was introduced late last year. To date, more than 300 Yahtzee machines are now installed, and the company has regulatory approval for the game in Nevada, Arizona, Connecticut, New Mexico and North Dakota. Indian casinos in Louisiana and Michigan are also authorized to use the game.

Union continues recruiting drive: BILOXI, Miss. -- More than 100 people signed cards calling for a union vote at the Beau Rivage hotel-casino last week, and organizers say they plan to continue their efforts.

Riverboat operator posts record earnings: ALTON, Ill. -- Argosy Gaming Co. today announced record fourth-quarter earnings, driven by strengthening cash flow at its properties in Kansas, Illinois and Louisiana.

Arraignment is set for man charged in investment scam: CARSON CITY -- A Justice Court arraignment has been set for Feb. 29 for Todd A. Surgeon, 29, arrested Saturday on charges he bilked six people out of $425,000 in an investment scheme in Las Vegas.

Winston County man sentenced to prison for video gambling machines: U.S. District Judge Sharon Blackburn told Aderholt he was getting a break.

Ensign, Bernstein call fund raising a grass-roots effort: U.S. Senate candidates John Ensign and Ed Bernstein say their most recent campaign finance reports show they are getting a lot of support from new and small contributors.

College betting seen as amenity rather than a profit center: David Strow; No one can say exactly how much casino bottom lines would be affected if betting on college events is banned by Congress.

Reins to tighten in schools search: Terry Webster; Sticking closer to the script will be one of the goals of the Superintendent Search Selection Process Committee while interviewing candidates to head the Clark County School District.

Senior haven: Diana Sahagun; Senior citizens could one day be playing cards, getting medical treatment and enjoying other services at what is now a Mormon chapel near Lake Mead and Las Vegas boulevards.

Leniency plea made in baby's death: Bill Gang; Three years ago Lawrence Motti was a hero, but his life took an ugly and violent downward turn.

ALLTEL trades LV operation to consortium: Antitrust concerns prompted Bell Atlantic, GTE and Little Rock, Ark.-based ALLTEL to exchange wireless operations in 13 states, clearing the way for Bell Atlantic's merger with Great Britain's Vodafone AirTouch.

Spending plan for land-sale funds to face scrutiny: Comments

Boxer sent back to jail: Bill Gang; Heavyweight boxer Ikemufula "Ike" Ibeabuchi's career is back on hold because he is back in jail.

Park Place eyes big new tower at Caesars overlooking resorts: Gary Thompson; Caesars Palace may build a new 1,500-room hotel tower overlooking Bellagio and Paris Las Vegas at the corner of Flamingo Avenue and the Strip, Arthur Goldberg said today.

Strip restaurant loses judgment: The owners of the Rosewood Grill sought the ruling on a petition for judicial review of the commission action as the latest round in its David and Goliath battle to retain a grip on the Strip site it has occupied for 40 years.

Southwest Gas customers to see slight rate increase: The 0.01-point increase will result in an increase of a penny or less per month on the average residential customer's bill.

Senator triggers nuke waste debate in Congress: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., on Monday fired the opening salvo in the debate over shipping nuclear waste to Nevada for permanent storage.

Action urged on performing arts center: Woodbury was joined Monday by supporters of two proposed performing arts centers on "Point of View Vegas," the Las Vegas Sun's news discussion show on Las Vegas 1, cable channels 1 and 39.

Cowboys ambush Rebels: Steve Addy; LARAMIE, Wyo. -- When Utah visits the Thomas & Mack Center on Saturday night, UNLV will not be fighting for a share of first place after all.

The Las Vegas Sun Super 11: Casey Clauson, QB, 6-4, 210, Mission Hills (Calif.), Alemany, 39; Willie Dixon, WR/CB, 5-10, 180, Stockton (Calif.), Brookside Christian, 39; Matt Cassel, QB, 6-4, 210, Chatsworth (Calif.), 33; Teyo Johnson, QB, 6-7, 215, San Diego (Calif.), Mira Mesa, 32; Sammy Moore, WR, 6-0, 180, Mesa (Ariz.) Westwood, 31; Terrell Suggs, RB/DE, 6-4, 235, Chandler (Ariz.), Hamilton, 26; Albert Hollis, RB, 6-0, 190, Sacramento (Calif.), Christian Brothers, 25; Chris Howard, RB, 5-10, 175, Wilmington (Calif.), Banning, 24; Brandon Chillar, LB, 6-3, 230, Carlsbad (Calif.), 23; Keary Colbert, WR, 6-0, 175, Oxnard (Calif.), Hueneme, 18; Dan Dicks, OL, 6-5, 285, Bellevue (Wash.), ...

Stage set for battle on college betting: Benjamin Grove and Jeff German; The stage was set today in Washington for debate on a college sports betting bill that takes dead aim at Nevada, the state's members of Congress said.

Roundup brings in hundreds of wild horses: Brendan Riley; Bureau of Land Management spokesman Mark Struble said today the 233 horses were among 475 caught in an effort to reduce herd sizes and help the area recover from fire damage.

Sprint earnings beat estimates: Sprint cited the success of its Sprint Nickel Nights calling plan, new business phone service contracts and strong demand for data services.

Lawyers getting personal in bid for retrial: Bill Gang; The legal dispute over Jeremy Strohmeyer's bid to set aside his guilty plea in the killing of 7-year-old Sherrice Iverson has degenerated into a series of personal attacks by the lawyers.

Las Vegas Sun Super 11 Bios: Went 36-0 in three years as a varsity starter in helping De La Salle extend its national-record winning streak to 100 games. Named Parade Magazine's national player of the year and USA Today's defensive player of the year after registering 37 tackles for losses and forcing five fumbles. Also starred at running back on offense, gaining 4,276 yards on 346 carries, catching 38 passes for 930 yards and scoring 81 career touchdowns. Some scouts believe he's the nation's No. 1 prep prospect. College: Florida State, Miami, Cal, Michigan or Texas.

Escape to notoriety: Steve Guiremand; Hunkie Cooper was talking about his hometown of Palestine, Texas, a small city of about 18,000 located about 100 miles southeast of Dallas.

Business briefs: ONEOK Inc. announced today plans to acquire a portfolio of midwestern natural gas assets for $308 million, less than two weeks after it broke off a deal to acquire Las Vegas-based Southwest Gas Corp.

Jackpot profit falls 37%: Jackpot reported net income of $900,000 for the quarter ending Dec. 31, down from $1.4 million in the year-ago quarter. Earnings per share fell from 16 cents to 10 cents, while revenues fell 5 percent to $22.44 million.

Mental health care burden worsens: Valerie Miller; The closure of Charter Behavior Systems of Nevada hospital this month will cut by almost one-third the total number of beds available to Southern Nevadans who need inpatient mental health care.

California linebacker still considering UNLV: Steve Guiremand; Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.) linebacker Traison Lewis, who was an honorable mention choice on the Sun's Super 11 squad, said he will decide tonight whether he will sign a national letter of intent with UNLV on Wednesday.

Sweepstakes suits joined by Nevada: CARSON CITY -- The state attorney general's office filed suit in District Court in Las Vegas Monday against the giant Publishers Clearing House, accusing it of enticing consumers to buy magazine subscriptions with the false promise they may have won big sweepstakes prizes.

Prudential raises stake in LV firm: The insurance giant reported holdings of 1.55 million shares of Sierra stock, a 5.77 percent stake. That's up about 75,000 shares since Prudential's last report in February. Prudential's purchases increased its stake by about 5 percent.

LV Internet business sold to travel firm for $95 mil. in stock: Las Vegas-based Travelscape.com Inc. is being acquired in a $95 million stock deal.

UNLV-Wyoming box: UNLV (13-5)

Last year's Super 11: Where are they know?: * Transferred to Tulane last fall

Tiremaker accused of misstating mileage on pickup sold in Nevada: Grace Leong; An Arizona man sued Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. of Nashville, Tenn., and five other parties, alleging they tried to defraud him when they tampered with the odometer readings of a truck he bought in Laughlin.

Would a betting ban hurt TV ratings?: Steve Guiremand; If you subscribe to the theory that many people watch college sporting events only because they have a wager on the outcome, it would not seem to be in the best interests of the major networks that have spent billions of dollars on rights fees to have college sports betting outlawed in Nevada.

New Nevada program helps firms comply with health, safety rules: Phil Levine; Safety seminars

AAA ranks Las Vegas No. 1 in Four Diamond hotel rooms: Robert Macy; "The things that would have drawn a 'wow' here 15 or 20 years ago can't get a yawn today," Wynn said Tuesday.

FTC examines claims of gas pricing disparities in Oregon: John Hughes; The FTC also confirmed that agency officials are continuing their investigation of gas prices in Arizona, California, Nevada and Washington state, in cooperation with their attorneys general.

Officials try to decide how to spend land sale money: The draft, dated Dec. 21, is up for public scrutiny through Feb. 25. Residents can give their comments at meetings in Las Vegas on Wednesday and Reno on Feb. 10.

Nevada officials go on attack against NCAA-sponsored bill to eliminate college betting: Tim Dahlberg; Casino mogul Steve Wynn predicted the effort to ban betting on college sports would fail because "ideas that have no truth die."

Bill would ban ATMs in casinos: "If there is a way to curtail the funds of those people who suffer from gambling addiction, that's what we want to do," he said.

Survey finds increase in teen sex: - 16 had used alcohol in the past 30 days.

January warm across state; wet in the north after slow start: Sandra Chereb; Temperatures for the month averaged from 4 degrees to 7 degrees above normal statewide, and several locations checked in with near-record warmth.

One current, one former casino employee charged in football betting ring: Each was charged with promoting gambling, possession of gambling records and conspiracy. In addition, state investigators plan to ask the state Casino Control Commission to suspend their licenses to work in casinos.