Stories published February 3, 2000Las Vegas Sun

Council switches off debate over work card problems: Erin Neff; Spending

Rural residents oppose school: County commissioners approved zoning for a new middle school Wednesday evening -- but did so over the vehement objections and threats of a lawsuit from nearby residents in a Rural Neighborhood Preservation Area.

City Council briefs: The city of Las Vegas may not have legal authority to stop transportation of high-level nuclear waste through the Spaghetti Bowl, but the City Council, by a 6-1 margin, agreed it would rather try the city's luck in court than face even the potential for a nuclear accident.

Emergency call: Erin Neff; Southwest Ambulance cleared another hurdle in the path of its proposed medical transport business Wednesday, but the company didn't exactly win the race for the financial gold it's seeking.

California firm investing in LV: The real estate investment company currently owns and operates 33 similar properties with a combined total of 8,646 apartment units in California, Texas and Arizona.

Contractor sued by four unions: The plaintiffs include the trustees of the Carpenters Health and Welfare Trust for Southern Nevada, the trustees of the Construction Industry and Carpenters Joint Pension Trust for Southern Nevada, the trustees of the Southern Nevada Carpenters and Millwrights Apprenticeship Training Committee and trustees of the Southern California-Nevada Regional Council of Carpenters Vacation Trust for Southern Nevada.

Harrah's reiterates commitment to deal: ATLANTIC CITY -- Players International Inc., in the midst of merger talks with Las Vegas-based Harrah's Entertainment Inc., said both parties agreed not to exercise their right to terminate their merger.

Trade Commission vetoes merger of oil giants BP Amoco, Arco: T.A. Badger; In Las Vegas

Zoning briefs: Cellular-phone users in the Las Vegas Valley can rest easy: the beeping of their electronic communicators will continue, despite the best efforts of some valley residents who wanted two 100-foot-tall relay towers out of their neighborhoods.

North Las Vegas briefs: The city of North Las Vegas has entered into a 99-year interlocal agreement with Clark County for the lease of county property for a new recreation center and swimming pool on Allen Lane and Alexander Road in North Las Vegas.

Montevista Hospital hoping to fill gap when Charter closes: Valerie Miller; Montevista Hospital, one of two private mental health hospitals in the Las Vegas Valley, plans to increase its capacity by 20 percent in the wake of Charter Behavioral Systems of Nevada's announcement that it will close its doors.

Credit ratings cut by S&P: NEW YORK -- Standard & Poor's lowered its credit ratings on Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts.

Cheap Hoover Dam power at issue in talks: A 30-year agreement Nevada Power Co. signed with the Colorado River Commission in 1987 promised to pass the benefits of cheap hydroelectric power from Hoover Dam to Southern Nevada consumers.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Marathon man goes the distance: There was an old Saturday Night Live bit in which Billy Crystal and Christopher Guest -- in the guise of custodians or night watchmen or some other working stiffs -- would reminisce about household tasks that had gone awry.

Lady Rebels battle CSU: The Lady Rebels (10-8 overall, 2-3 in the MWC) rebounded from a pair of losses to open the conference by beating Air Force and New Mexico on the road before dropping a 54-54 decision at San Diego State last Saturday night.

Political notebook: RENO -- Rep. Jim Gibbons, a conservative Nevada Republican who was wavering between John McCain and George W. Bush, will endorse Bush today for the GOP presidential nomination.

McGroarty home from hospital: McGroarty, who is the second most senior judge on the District Court bench and has spent nearly 30 years in public service, fell ill because of "a diabetic reaction to low blood sugar" Monday morning, according to a county news release.

Aladdin to open Aug. 17: Aladdin Gaming is building the resort's 2,600-room hotel, 100,000-square-foot casino and 7,000-seat Theater for the Performing Arts, while TrizecHahn is developing the 500,000-square-foot Desert Passage shopping and dining area.

Disabled student policy debated: CARSON CITY -- A decision by the state Board of Education to reduce the size of classes for about 60 percent of the disabled students in Nevada is drawing fire from Clark and Washoe county school districts.

Law enforcers seek to keep pace with high-tech crimes: Kim Smith; MESQUITE -- The GIFs were found on the slack of the FAT table.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Friday's races at Santa Anita: 1st Race -- Neki - Paulson entry draws rail post for the turf route here, Espinoza getting live mounts from stable, has made the most of the chance. G Five - McCarron lands on West trainee here, needs a trip from post, should be a diploma factor here. Value Play -- Bienquisto

Commission approves Timet environmental cleanup plan: Titanium Metals Corp. received the green light Wednesday from the County Commission to go ahead with an ambitious cleanup plan for its polluted land on the east side of Boulder Highway in Henderson.

Perchlorate in LV Wash cut in half by treatment: The amount of the rocket fuel booster perchlorate that has fouled Southern Nevada's waters for decades has dropped dramatically under a cooperative cleanup project by government and corporate efforts, the state was to announce today.

Station Casinos grant aids in opening problem gambling clinic: David Strow; Armed with a $50,000 start-up grant from Station Casinos Inc., a group of Las Vegas psychologists and counselors plans to open a low-cost treatment center for problem gamblers next week.

Lawsuits filed against two Southern Nevada builders: Scottsdale Points Homeowners Association sued SP Associates, Ken Templeton Realty and Investments Inc. and its directors Ken Templeton and William Quinn, alleging construction defects at its 182-condominium unit complex in Las Vegas.

Rebels' Malec named MWC tennis player of week: Rebels' Malec named MWC tennis player of week

Emergency loan may ease nasty lines at DMV: CARSON CITY -- An emergency loan was received by the state Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety Wednesday but only after the agency promised that the public would not have to wait longer than one hour for service after April 1.

Fading trend, competition may be behind closure of Hamilton's cigar lounge: Phil Levine; Stogies and slot machines proved an unlucky combination for Hamilton's Lounge in the New York-New York hotel-casino.

Golf greenery triggers turf war: A new ordinance prompted a turf war during a zoning board meeting of the Clark County Commission Wednesday.

Lanni named director of intranet firm: Gary Thompson; The stock of Youbet.com Inc. jumped nearly 13 percent this morning on today's announcement that MGM Grand Inc. Chairman Terry Lanni was named a director of the intranet horse-betting company.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Local soccer benefits from World Cup win: Spencer Patterson; It has been more than six months since the United States got swept up in Women's World Cup fever.

Sports books enjoy super profit margin from game: CARSON CITY -- The amount of money bet on the St. Louis-Tennessee Super Bowl was down this year, but Nevada casinos realized a better profit margin than in the last three years.

Court puts cap on DUI defense: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court Wednesday shut down a maneuver by at least one Las Vegas attorney that allowed his clients who were charged with drunken driving and other misdemeanor offenses to plead to lesser charges and escape with lighter punishments.

UNLV now at top of McGruder's short list: Steve Guiremand; UNLV coach John Robinson was discussing his 23-man recruiting class Tuesday afternoon in his Lied Athletic Complex office when he was asked his biggest disappointment about it.

Ellis hits for 26 points off the bench to lead Silver Bandits: Victoria Sun; The Las Vegas Silver Bandits were trying for their third consecutive victory on Thursday night without Isaac Burton, the team's second-leading scorer and top assist man.

State politicos see Bush-Gore race: Arizona Sen. John McCain, who will return here Feb. 28 to raise more money for his White House bid, surprised some pundits with his 18-point margin over Texas Gov. George W. Bush in Tuesday's primary.

Washoe County school enrollment still soaring: In fact, all 13 Washoe County high schools combined are expected to be at 99 percent of capacity.

Deaths, injuries steer Gordon away from Indy: Robby Gordon spent much of last season debating whether to continue his career in Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) or move back to the more popular NASCAR Winston Cup Series.

State engineer praised for rejection of DOE water request: Nevada officials and environmentalists praised state Engineer Mike Turnipseed's decision to reject a Department of Energy request for water to build and operate a high-level nuclear waste repository 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

Gibbons roots for Reagan award: It would be the second time that a presidential couple had received the Congressional Gold Medal. Gerald and Betty Ford received it in 1998.

Mister misser: Steve Addy; Shooting slump? What shooting slump?

IBL box: Baltimore-Las Vegas: BALTIMORE (9-17)

Friday at Aqueduct: 1st race 6 fur 4YO & up F & M Mdn Clm: 1 Perfectlydelicious (Gryder) 120; 2 Madison's Dream (Teator) 120; 3 Lottsa Talk (Luzzi) 120; 4 Dynamic Pic (Castillo) 120; 5 Beaux Belle (Perez) 113; 6 Clara M. D. (Castillo) 115; 7 Deputy Blues (Chavez) 120; 8a Kipperella (Arroyo) 115; 9 Diablos Lyric Lady (Gutierrez) 113; 10 Margin for Error (Rocco) 115; 11 Rainbows and Roses (Beitia) 120; 12 Mountain Hideaway (Castillo) 120.

Revised Yucca bill nearly complete: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- The Senate sponsor of a bill that could bring 77,000 tons of high-level nuclear waste to Nevada is scrambling today to finalize key amendments, aides said.

Friday at Bay Meadows: 1st race 6 fur 4YO & up Alw: 1 Be the Bunny (Radke) 113; 2 Answered Prayer (Gonzalez) 118; 3 Caisson (Perez) 118; 4 Wild Concept (Baze) 118; 5 Joey's Haji (Bisono) 118; 6 Hajjiisaalerteagle (Carr) 118.

Friday at Santa Anita: 1st race 1-1/8 mi 4YO & up Mdn: 1 Neki (Espinoza) 120; 2 Act Now (Black) 122; 3 Visual Energy (Delahoussaye) 122; 4 Breko (Nakatani) 120; 5 Bienquisto (Flores) 120; 6 Cognoscente (Desormeaux) 120; 7 G Five (McCarron) 120; 8 Kazan( (Valenzuela) 120.

Las Vegas woman was among crew members: Kristin Mills was among the 88 people who perished when the MD-83 aircraft plunged into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California on Monday afternoon.

Sun Girls Basketball Poll: Sun Girls Basketball Poll

Lawmakers refuse school districts' money request: State board member Bill Hanlon asked lawmakers to find funding for special-education needs, which for years have drained money from programs for other students.

Girls basketball standings: SUNRISE REGION

Miles says Kentucky shows lottery is bad policy: Leigh Strope; "I simply want to warn you and all South Carolinians to watch out for flying numbers because as the effort to implement a lottery goes south, we'll see a lot of creative statistics flying around," Miles said Thursday.

Letter: Improve wages to attract nurses: This reply shows an abject and probably deliberate ignorance of American capitalistic principles. Their implication that if they advertise for vacant positions they have fulfilled their responsibility is simplistic and shortsighted. The basic economic principle of supply and demand is being totally ignored.

Girls Soccer standings: SUNRISE REGION

Editorial: No need for silence on Area 51 safety: The federal government shouldn't be forced to jeopardize national security, but at the same time it is shameful that it resists acknowledging whether it placed workers in harm's way. The sad irony is that Clinton's directive was handed down at about the same time the federal government did the right thing last week in acknowledging -- after decades of denials -- that workers who were exposed to nuclear weapons production may in fact have contracted cancer and other illnesses.

Sun Boys Basketball Poll: Sun Boys Basketball Poll

'Magicians of the Century' celebrate anniversary: Joe Delaney; We were there when Siegfried & Roy made their debut as a featured act in a production show almost three decades ago and have followed their progress from the first MGM Grand to the Stardust and "Beyond Belief" for years at the Frontier. The art of illusion was taken to a new, much higher plateau when their current production opened at the Mirage.

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Void felt by loss of friend: Ruthe Deskin; "We will have to meet for lunch sometime soon."

Wednesday's prep results: Rancho 58, Valley 57: With two seconds left, DeShawn Campbell hit a layup to give the Rams an upset road win. Rancho's Rod Lukes led all scorers with 28.

Report: Rosemont mayor got $96,000 from gambling interests: According to a report in today's Daily Herald newspaper, the biggest contributions to Stephens' political fund included $42,000 from Emerald Casino Inc., which is currently building a gambling barge in Rosemont.

Hatchery destroys diseased Lahontan cutthroats: Sandra Chereb; GARDNERVILLE, Nev. - Hundreds of thousands of Lahontan cutthroat trout were destroyed at a federal fish hatchery Thursday in an attempt to rid the facility of a disease that destroys the endangered game fish's organs.

Letter: Decreased demand would lower our gas prices: CAROLYN L. SHANNON

Editorial: Mayor's agenda is ambitious: The focus of Goodman's remarks, though, was on finding ways that government can spark a revitalization of the city's urban core. For the most part Las Vegas is thriving, especially in the growing northwest, but at the same time much of downtown Las Vegas is decaying. In response, Goodman outlined several worthy initiatives to make downtown a place that not only will bring businesses back, but also will create a community where residents want to live. For instance, Goodman wants to establish a $10 million revolving fund to use for land acquisition and clearance of some urban residential areas. He ...

Key witness in Floyd case wants out of jail: She is being held in the Clark County Detention Center as a material witness until Floyd's March trial in the June rampage at an Albertson's supermarket that left four people dead and a fifth seriously wounded.

Oak Park police officer mourned: "I was honored to be asked to speak here today," said Lt. Richard Cain of the Oak Park Department of Public Safety. "He gave 110 percent of himself every day. He took pride in his accomplishments and had every right to be proud."

Brothel owner wins Nevada Supreme Court case: The court also decided that the Storey County Commission didn't give Burgess proper notice of a hearing two years ago when he answered questions about his involvement with Hell's Angels.

Boy critical after crash that killed grandparents: Police said the family was in a Volkswagen Jetta traveling southbound on a city street when a northbound Jeep Wrangler being driven by Cy Van Norman collided head-on with their vehicle Wednesday night.

New Aladdin set for August opening: The 2,600-room resort features a 100,000-square-foot casino, a completely remodeled performing arts theater, a luxury casino and the Desert Passage shopping mall.

New Mexico lottery sales better than expected this year: Sixty percent of lottery profits goes to school construction, and 40 percent to college scholarships.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Holmes' decision to expand repertoire a wise one: Joe Delaney; Second thoughts: It's good to know that Clint Holmes may be revising his program in Harrah's main showroom. ... This critic had no quarrel with his performance opening night. ... It was his song selection, aimed almost entirely at the under-45 age group. ... If Holmes is going to do local business, a necessity, the over-45s, locals and visitors, could be the difference between a good house and a capacity crowd.

Letter: Prostitution foe not thinking right: We could get rid of the street-hooker problems and reduce the county vice budget by millions a year if we would ignore, rather than publicize the efforts of fundamentalist Christians to further their theocratic agenda to eliminate all adult sex businesses. Prostitution will never go away, but the smart people would tax it, license it and control it with mandatory checks by doctors, as is now practiced in several Nevada counties.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: A partisan union state: Why didn't they stand up and cheer?

New Reno court building in the works: Officials argue that combining all the courts into one complex would save everyone time and money.

Bodies found in car near Boca Reservoir: The body of a woman dressed in pajamas was found underneath some bedding in the back seat. The woman had no obvious signs of trauma and an autopsy was pending, Jacobson said.

Columnist Dean Juipe: LV's Crayton goes on road for pivotal match vs. Diaz: Dean Juipe; For all of the close calls and good fights he has put up in losing causes, James Crayton is still looking for that big, career-boosting victory.

Council approves ordinance despite legality questions: The ordinance is being pushed by Mayor Oscar Goodman, who has vowed to try and block shipment of the waste through the city.

Tribal leaders unsure of Idaho governor's stance on gaming: Uncertainty about the future of gaming operations weighs heavily on the minds of tribal leaders because they have plans for the future, he said.

Boys basketball standings: SUNRISE REGION

State goes after Volusia County gambling boat, hoping to end casino cruises: In a complaint filed in Volusia Circuit Court this week, Butterworth asked Judge Joseph Will to force SunCruz to get rid of the slot machines, blackjack and roulette tables on the 150-foot boat, which docks in Ponce Inlet.

Obituaries for February 3, 2000: Benjamin Burke, 62, of Las Vegas died Sunday in a local hospital. He was born July 5, 1937, in Honolulu. A resident for seven years, he was a pharmacy systems coordinator and a Marine Corps veteran.

Guidry says Stephen Edwards did legal work for him through 1997: The four-term former governor is on trial with his son, attorney Stephen Edwards, his former aide Andrew Martin and four others, accused of bribery and extortion in a case involving riverboat casinos.

Centennial girls stay unbeaten: Spencer Patterson; Just how good is Centennial's girls basketball team?

Third ambulance service allowed in Las Vegas: The council voted Wednesday to allow Southwest Ambulance to compete for non-emergency calls only.

Boys bowling standings: SUNRISE REGION

Prep wrestling standings: SUNRISE REGION

Council to continue televising work card appeals: The issue surfaced when councilman Lawrence Weekly complained about the process used in denying the work card permits, which are needed for a wide array of jobs in Southern Nevada. Under the system, the city council decides the appeals at a public meeting shown on the city's TV station.

Nine sentenced in Wiregrass gambling case: The case began in 1996 when an informant offered to help Dothan police gather information about the gambling ring, which was run out of a mobile home in Rehobeth.

Legislation would ban Olympic gambling: "We do not need a scandal having to do with gamblers seeking to influence the outcome of Olympic events. If we act soon, we have the opportunity to put this into place before the next Olympic Games."

Girls bowling standings: SUNRISE REGION

Underwater robot to be used in advance of deep Tahoe dive: Equipped with a video camera, the miniature unmanned submarine will travel to the sunken steamer, which lies at an angle on the lake bottom roughly 325 feet deep at the bow and 425 deep in the stern. The remote-operated vehicle, or ROV, will record the precise depth and location of the SS Tahoe and provide critical details the diving team will need to make their venture as safe as possible.

Senate panel OK's scholarship fix: Deborah Baker; The legislation increases from 40 percent to 50 percent the share of lottery profits that is used to pay college tuitions.

Teens gets six life terms for elderly attack: Prosecutors said that shortly after being released from jail on a minor charge, 19-year-old Larry Dewayne Brooks walked around a Las Vegas neighborhood knocking on doors until the victim opened hers.

Washoe County loses biggest meth dealer: The case involved nearly 10 pounds of methamphetamine valued in excess of $200,000, Deputy District Attorney Kelli Anne Bell said.

Hamilton's closed to smoking: The lounge closed earlier this week without notice to its 25 employees and the public. The lounge is owned in part by actor George Hamilton.

Sellout means scalping for Bayno: Steve Addy; Rebels coach Bill Bayno can rest easy.

Skin City: Kirk Baird; Welcome to Las Vegas, I thought. Welcome to Las Vegas.

German, mother of Sun columnist, dies: It is tough to find kids born in the 1950s who can honestly admit they grew up in families like those portrayed in that era's syrupy sitcoms such as "Leave it to Beaver" and "Ozzie and Harriet."

Stockup.com sues defecting sales agents: In a Clark County District Court suit, Stockup.com Inc. said its business has declined since the departure of agents Michael Bump and Gloria Stonecipher and alleged PurchasePro.com had contacted Stockup.com's employees and spread negative information about Stockup.com.

Wisconsin sells stake in LV operator: The State of Wisconsin Investment Board reported no holdings of Lady Luck stock in a form filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. One year ago, it filed documents with the SEC indicating it held 417,500 shares of Lady Luck stock, an 8.6 percent stake.

Legroom increased on jets: WASHINGTON -- American Airlines announced today it will spend $70 million to give every passenger flying in coach class more legroom.

Automaker offering $5 per month computers to its workers: DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co. is offering Hewlett-Packard personal computers to its 350,000 employees worldwide for their home use.

Seven builders lose licenses: Officials for the companies losing licenses could not be reached for comment.

Wal-Mart could file suit if it wants another store: Federal Judge Philip Pro last December issued an injunction prohibiting Clark County from enforcing a new ordinance that limits grocery sales and ordered the county to issue building permits for two Wal-Mart stores. On Wednesday he ruled he will not consider the constitutionality of the ordinance.

Las Vegas bank profit increases: The company reported 1999 fourth quarter earnings of $499,000 or 38 cents per share, up from $424,000 or 33 cents a share one year earlier. The bank reported year-end net income of $1.3 million or $1.06 per share, up from year-end 1998 net income of $1 million or $1.02 per share.

Ousted Smart Start food program for kids sues education agency: Bill Gang; A District Court lawsuit has been filed by the nonprofit corporation that for six years ran a federally funded program to feed needy children before its ouster last year amid reports of financial irregularities.

NLV Police Department to receive federal funds: Diana Sahagun; The North Las Vegas City Council on Wednesday voted to spend $44,000 on the police department to get $400,000 from the federal government.

Mortgagors pitch in for Christmas in April: Organizations participating in the Millennium Holiday Extravanza included the Association for Professional Mortgage Women, the Appraisal Institute, Nevada Association of Mortgage Brokers, Southern Nevada Mortgage Bankers Association, private mortgage insurance companies and the title insurance companies.

Community news briefs February 3, 2000: Las Vegas cosmetic surgeon Dr. Stephen W. Weiland, of the Weiland Group, will present free seminars on facial rejuvenation at 1 and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, 653 Town Center Drive, Suite 108.

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