Stories published February 24, 2000Las Vegas Sun

Mirage executive scrutinized over taxes: ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- He wrote off $8,965 for a "phantom" personal computer, reported his gambling losses as a business expense and told the IRS he drove 180,000 miles on a car found to have traveled only 69,000 total miles.

Utility regulators looking at mobile home park owners: Mobile home parks shouldn't be allowed to sell electricity at prices higher than what they pay, even in a deregulated marketplace, a state lawmaker told utility regulators Wednesday.

Nevada retail sales rose 5.3 percent in December: CARSON CITY -- Strong sales of cars and brisk business in restaurants and bars helped push Nevada's taxable sales during the December shopping season to $2.8 billion, up 5.3 percent from a year earlier.

Mandalay Resort Group posts a quarterly loss: Mandalay Resort Group, as expected, posted a decline in fourth-quarter earnings Wednesday because of soft business for the New Year's millennium celebration.

Settlement talks proposed in builder-homeowner's suits: Diana Sahagun; North Las Vegas homeowner Russ Lewis will go to the bargaining table with Falcon Homes to try to settle charges of faulty construction.

Mirage Resorts shareholders sue to gain highest price for shares: Grace Leong; Less than four hours after MGM Grand Inc. announced its $5.4 billion offer to buy Mirage Resorts Inc. on Wednesday, five Mirage shareholders filed class action lawsuits in an effort to get the highest possible price for their stock.

Nevada regulators won't intervene in Oregon merger: The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada declared Wednesday it doesn't have jurisdiction in Sierra Pacific Resources' bid to buy an Oregon utility.

Reid hopes to weather the storm: Dean Juipe; David Reid was only 16 years old at the time, but he remembers seeing the fight.

News briefs: Three masked gunmen stormed into the Santa Fe hotel-casino early this morning and robbed the casino cashier's cage of an undisclosed amount of cash.

Casino plan includes cabaret, dance club: NEW ORLEANS -- Harrah's New Orleans Casino has an initial plan to use the vacant second story of the French Quarter-area building, but officials say it is contingent on finding investors.

Mirage and Trump are tight-lipped on settlement of suits: However, neither company is saying why -- or what concessions may have been given by either company.

Ex-Good players probed by NCAA: Steve Addy; It hasn't been a good year for some of UNLV assistant coach Max Good's former players at Maine Central Institute.

Blues in the Night: By John Katsilometes; What: "Blue Man Group: Live at Luxor."

Family friend delivers damaging testimony against former La. governor: Natalie Gott; Ricky Shetler's testimony was backed by Shetler's own ledgers and conversations secretly recorded by the FBI. It was the most damaging to date in the six-week-old trial, and, perhaps, in the 40-year public life of the often scandal-plagued four-term governor who was acquitted of federal racketeering charges in 1986.

4A box scores: BISHOP GORMAN 49, GALENA 40

Witness in Edwards trial says he was held in Russia for eight days: Natalie Gott; Brotherton, a former Players casino executive who testified under a promise of immunity, said he became a manager of actor Chuck Norris' Beverly Hills Casino in Moscow after leaving Players' Lake Charles casino in 1997.

Fresno State routs Rebels women's tennis team: Fresno State swept singles play, including the top spot where 26th-ranked Katarina Malec had her six-match winning streak snapped, 7-6, 6-4, to Kim Niggemeyer. The upset loss was Malec's first of the spring and dropped the senior's overall season record to 19-4.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: NHL needs to consider fighting ban: Hockey did the right thing in handing down an unprecedented 23-game suspension and banning Marty McSorley from the playoffs (that his team, the Boston Bruins, has virtually no chance of making) after McSorley tried to turn the coconut of Vancouver's Donald Brashear into a pina colada with his hockey swizzle stick Monday night.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Numerous acts promise afternoons of Vegas delights: Joe Delaney; Afternoon action is beginning to heat up with the addition of "Wheel Of Fortune," the live version of the TV game show in what was once the MGM Grand home of "Catch a Rising Star." It's at 3 and 7:30 p.m., Sundays through Wednesdays, plus 7:30 and 10 p.m. shows on Friday, and 4, 7:30 and 10 p.m. shows on Saturdays. ... The room is dark on Thursdays.

Editorial: Court likely will bypass right to sue: The court's reluctance means that the Republican-led Congress should stop its stalling and pass a patient's bill of rights, which will give people the right to sue an HMO if a health plan's decision results in them being harmed. It is unconscionable that HMOs have a legal shield to protect them from legitimate lawsuits -- a protection, by the way, that isn't accorded any other business. If a health plan severely cuts costs -- and with it patient care -- then it should be prepared to pay the consequences if this results in harm.

Atlantic City tunnel still ruffling feathers in casino industry: John Curran; Park Place Entertainment Corp. CEO Arthur Goldberg and Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts CEO Nicholas Ribis reiterated their opposition Thursday to state incentives for Mirage Resorts Inc. and its planned $1 billion resort in the marina district.

Standoff ends on South Dakota reservation: John MacDonald; Protesters began filing out the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribal headquarters shortly after 3 p.m. on Wednesday. One unidentified man shook his fist and yelled: "Power to the people." Others honked their horns as they drove away flashing thumbs-up signs.

Shetler: $24,000 car was payoff for letter: Natalie Gott; Ricky Shetler, who is testifying under a plea agreement, said he bought the $24,000 vehicle on Nov. 15, 1994, and it was taken to Edwards' condominium in Vail, Colo.

Double jeopardy finding in high court ruling on Nevada's drug tax: Brendan Riley; The U.S. Supreme Court had told the Nevada justices to take a second look at their earlier decision to overturn a drug-trafficking conviction in Reno against Corky Desimone that had followed his $166,000 assessment in drug taxes and penalties.

Lake Mead: More popular than ever: In 1998 the National Park Service recorded an eight-year low of just over 9.1 million visitors. The 1999 total of 9,351,237 is below the all-time high of 10,195,546 reached in 1995.

Edwards trial elicits more tales of suspected payoffs: Natalie Gott; Ricky Shetler testified Wednesday at Edwards' federal racketeering trial that he gave Stephen Edwards half of the money Shelter received for doing consultant work for Players Lake Charles casino.

Multimillionaire's bride: It was a mistake: David Bauder; Darva Conger of Thousand Oaks, Calif., described her odyssey on "Who Wants to Marry a Multimillionaire" as a vacation spun out of control. Now she wants her life back.

Harrah's a bystander in MGM Grand offer to buy Mirage Resorts: "We said on several occasion that we believe the industry needs to consolidate," a statement from Harrah's spokesman Gary Thompson said Wednesday. "We have been a leader in industry consolidation and continue to be interested in strategic consolidations that add value for our stockholders."

Housing division OK'd to sell $75 million in bonds: CARSON CITY -- The state Housing Division has received approval to sell up to $75 million in bonds in the next six months to help finance 640 homes for low- and moderate-income families.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Tax problem on the way: Another study has flashed warning lights to states like Nevada that rely on a sales tax to provide education and other services. While some members of Congress plan to extend the sales-tax-free status of Internet sales, others are pushing for a permanent ban on any such taxes. Among the leaders for the permanent ban is Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, where there is no state sales tax.

Carelli got his wish - survival: "Maybe tomorrow wasn't going to come," he thought as he lay in a Memphis hospital last May 8.

Southern Nevada schools sent packing in girls tourney: Spencer Patterson; RENO -- A near-perfect season had a very imperfect ending for the Centennial girls basketball team in the first round of the 4A State Basketball Tournament on Wednesday.

Community news briefs for February 24, 2000: A monthlong lecture series to mark National Women's History Month will begin 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road, with Phoebe Eng, author of "Warrior Lessons" and founding member of the Asian Pacific American Women's Leadership institute.

MWC considers schedule change to Sat.-Mon.: Steve Addy; The Rebels' most recent memory of a Big Monday game was a nightmare. They got pounded this week at Utah by 44 points, their worst loss of the season.

America West attempts to appease angered customers: Alisa Blackwood; "We have three words to say to our loyal customers: We're very sorry," says a full-page newspaper ad published in Phoenix, Las Vegas and Columbus, Ohio. "Although we cannot change past events, we are doing everything possible to ensure it doesn't happen again."

New Forest Service boss in Nevada won't rule out road: Scott Sonner; "I'd like to make sure that everything is on the table," said Robert Vaught, supervisor of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

UNLV hires North Texas aide: UNLV hires North Texas aide

Rain delays county soccer title game: Rain delays county soccer title game

Inmate involved in FBI killing skips parole hearing: CARSON CITY -- Carlos A. Gurry, the driver of a getaway car in a bank robbery in Las Vegas in which an FBI agent was shot to death, declined Wednesday to appear before the state Parole Board.

Nevada stores have big December, sales tax yield good for state: Brendan Riley; The state Taxation Department said Wednesday that sales in December totaled nearly $2.9 billion, bringing Nevada sales to $14.9 billion midway through the fiscal year.

Sioux tribal members end takeover of council chambers in South Dakota: John MacDonald; The demonstrators had barricaded themselves in the council chambers Tuesday afternoon, demanding an investigation of alleged tribal corruption.

Male Athlete of the Week: Martrel Johnson: High School: Durango

Reno police investigate road rage incident: The teens admitted they exchanged obscene gestures with the other driver and his passenger.

Mirage, Trump agree to dismissal of lawsuits: Angie Wagner; While Mirage spokesman Alan Feldman wouldn't provide details, the agreement apparently resolves lawsuits filed by Mirage Resorts against Trump in 1997 in New York and last year in Las Vegas.

New Mexico Racing Commission grills track officials; postpones licensing decision: Pete Herrera; Despite assurances from investors and a new management team that the track will be able to pay its bills and attract more gamblers, the commission decided to hold off on granting the track racing dates for next fall.

Behind the scenes: Dan Sahagun: Scoreboard operator / scorer

Legislature again asked to waive Idaho's sovereign immunity: Mark Warbis; But the outcome of such a ruling could mean the end of the lucrative casino-style electronic gambling operations being run by three northern Idaho tribes.

Highlights from Wednesday's testimony in Edwards trial: SUMMARY: A longtime friend of former Gov. Edwin Edwards' son, Stephen, said every time he received a payment for his consultant work at Players Lake Charles Casino, he would split the check with Stephen Edwards.

Blue Man basics: It takes more than the willingness to dip your noggin in blue paint and move around in eerie robotic movements to be a Blue Man. Following is the Blue Man Group's criteria for anyone wishing to audition for the show:

Athletes of the Week: Nikki Richards: High School: Cimarron-Memorial

Lifting limit on claims proposed: CARSON CITY -- An assemblyman has proposed lifting the 23-year-old limit of $50,000 that citizens can collect in damages when they have been wronged by the state or local government.

Letter: Have pity on rape victim, child: Now if I've got this right, District Attorney Stewart Bell tossed this violated young girl in jail because her relating this horrible story of rape and torture to the jury at Floyd's trial will be the "crowning touch" in his request of the death sentence for Floyd.

Editorial: Patient safety is paramount: The Institute of Medicine recommended that Congress establish a federal center for patient safety that would create national safety goals and track the progress in achieving them. Also, the institute believes that hospitals and other health care groups should report serious mistakes to state licensing boards so they can track problems and take disciplinary action if needed. But doctors and hospitals worry that if they're named specifically, they could be held liable for millions of dollars in damages if a patient subsequently brings a lawsuit against them.

Notre Dame coaches, administrators pledge support to anti-gambling bill: J.R. Ross; "I think we all realize there are issues out there that cause us great concern because they make us put our athletes in a vulnerable situation," football coach Bob Davie said. "As coaches, there's no situation that causes us greater concern than gambling. I think this legislation not only protects the integrity of the game, but more importantly, protects our athletes."

Obituaries for February 24, 2000: June Bailey, 76, of Las Vegas died Tuesday in a local hospital. She was born June 2, 1923, in Oklahoma. A resident for 15 years, she was a secretary.

School Board charged with zoning new campuses: Attendance zones for eight new elementary schools and two new middle schools along with changes to relieve overcrowding in other schools will be established by the School Board.

Mayor keeps open door policy: Goodman holds the sessions to allow residents to voice their concerns about city government.

Letter: People should not be judged by others' labels: And should the category of race even be used in the census? I know the intentions are good, but the outcomes are not. Whenever ancestry (race) is used to describe a personal situation or tragedy we only lower the value of the individual.

Tribal members take over council chambers in South Dakota: John MacDonald; Andrew Grey Sr., tribal chairman, reportedly was at the council headquarters to try to talk with the protesters, who barricaded themselves inside the building late Tuesday afternoon.

LV contractor sues union over strike: Frehner Construction Co. filed a federal lawsuit against the Teamsters, alleging they incited the contractor's workers to picket Feb. 8-10 because Frehner refused to stop doing business with one of its subcontractors, Casino Ready Mix, with whom the union has a dispute.

South boys struggle in opening round: Spencer Patterson; RENO -- It was bound to happen sometime.

British firm borrows from flashy slot machines to update table games: Brendan Riley; The state Gaming Commission granted the slot distributors' license to John Huxley Casino Equipment Ltd., which has made gambling tables for years - and watched slot revenues steadily surpass the house winnings at casino table games.

Retailer to close 45 stores, restructure: But the company hasn't decided whether any of its three Las Vegas stores, which employ a total of 750 people, will be closed.

Mirage investors are advised to hold on: David Strow; Following MGM Grand Inc.'s unsolicited takeover offer for Mirage Resorts Inc., Wall Street analysts are urging investors to hang onto their Mirage Resorts stock -- even if they're uncertain whether the deal will go through.

Avalanche warning issued for areas of Mount Charleston: The avalanche hazard is considered to be extreme, meaning widespread areas of unstable snow exist outside the developed Lee Canyon ski area.

'Smooth' sailing for guitar great Santana at Grammys: LOS ANGELES -- The comeback of Carlos Santana is triumphantly complete.

Business owners root for downtown campus: Valerie Miller; Henderson business owners are ready for the struggling downtown area to become a college town.

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Examining Reid and that PAC: Ruthe Deskin; Legal and aboveboard but, nevertheless, a bit sneaky and underhanded.

Trial in supermarket slayings delayed until July: Meanwhile, outcall entertainer Traci Carter, a key witness in the case, will be getting out of the Clark County Detention Center, where she has spent the last few weeks as a material witness.

Silver State maintains lock on sludge contract: Erin Neff; Garage sale fans often proclaim that one man's trash is another's treasure.

Henderson college soon may have home: City officials on Wednesday announced their top pick among seven sites considered for the campus of Nevada State College at Henderson. They favor entering a partnership with the LandWell Co., the development arm of the Basic Management Inc. industrial park.

Krispy Kreme in Las Vegas: Krispy Kreme has stores near the intersection of Rainbow Boulevard and Spring Mountain Road and at the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Silverado Ranch Boulevard. It plans stores at Martin Luther King Boulevard and Craig Road and at Sahara Avenue and Nellis Boulevard.

Carpenters Union says Las Vegas contractor required kickbacks from Hispanic workers: Phil Levine; The Nevada Carpenters Union is accusing a Las Vegas subcontractor of requiring several Hispanic workers to pay kickbacks from their paychecks to company officials.

Floyd murder trial delayed until July; witness to be freed: Bill Gang; The murder trial of Zane Floyd over the shotgun rampage at an Albertson's market that left four people dead was postponed today until July 10 because of a series of unresolved legal issues.

Local judge willing to perform 'Millionaire' ceremony again: Kim Smith; The Clark County district judge who performed the wedding the nation is talking about would do it again, with one caveat.

Little progress is reached in Mattsen deal: The lawyer for David Mattsen said this morning the district attorney's office is "dragging its heels" in negotiations for his client to testify against Ted Binion's accused killers.

Critics say monorail backers misjudged ad revenue: The report, by California-based consultants Jon Twichell and Thomas Rubin, said debt service on the bonds that would finance the project could be $200 million higher than monorail proponents have estimated. The cost of the four-mile project had been estimated around $650 million, with construction costing about $400 million and the rest going for debt service.

Tabish friend admits payoff for alibi: Jason Lee Frazier has admitted paying the mystery man "Ishma" $2,000 upfront to find witnesses to provide Rick Tabish with an alibi in Ted Binion's slaying.

New dust rules may pass soon: New rules designed to combat dust pollution from construction sites, roads and vacant lots could be passed by the Clark County Health District board by late April, the director of the county's Air Pollution Control office said Wednesday.

Quake watch: Many residents move to Las Vegas from California thinking they've left the danger of earthquakes behind. After all, scientists say there hasn't been an earthquake in the Las Vegas Valley for at least 100,000 years, while they are common in California.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Coley promises he'll 'take it to' De La Hoya: Dean Juipe; Like many people exposed to Oscar De La Hoya, Derrell Coley has come to learn the Golden Boy doesn't always live up to his promises. While De La Hoya is forever insisting he's "new and improved," come fight time he hauls out the usual artillery.

Friday at Aqueduct: 1st race 6 fur 3YO Fil Mdn Clm: 1 Wee Little Lass (Rocco) 114; 2 Tina Toga (Mojica) 119; 3 Miss Hotsy Totsy (Hole) 119; 4 Ria's Charm (Montalvo) 114; 5 Purely Excessive (Velasquez) 119; 6 Home On the Hill (Luzzi) 119; 7a Subtlety (Vergara) 119; 8 That's Julia (Keaveney) 109; 9 Yeah Baby Yeah (Arroyo) 114; 10 Northern Notebook (Lopez) 119; 11 Pleading Wish (Castillo) 119; 12 Alice Nevada (Panas) 119.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Friday's races at Santa Anita: 1st Race -- Betsy Hoss - Draws inside for the mile run, hustling Pedroza on Abarns trainee, well spotted to graduate. She's Distinctive - Ramsammy aboard Carno runner, must overcome outside post, trip important to diploma attempt. Value Play -- Fog City Baby

LVMS unveils improved traffic plan for NASCAR weekend: "We said following last year's event that we were going to make traffic flow our No. 1 priority," said Chris Powell, executive vice president and general manager at LVMS. "Thanks to the cooperation of representatives from many different organizations, we have implemented a comprehensive traffic plan that will ensure safety and minimize delays for fans traveling to and from Las Vegas Motor Speedway during the NASCAR weekend."

509895580.html: Little Unit, big promise

Oregon hunter bags record bull elk in Nevada: Sandra Chereb; The antlered trophy McKoen claimed last fall earned a spot in the record books and epitomizes what other hunters are coming to realize: For really big elk, there's no place like Nevada.

Catching Up With: Thomas McTyer: High School: Durango ('97)

Friday at Bay Meadows: 1st race 6 fur 4YO & up F & M Mdn Clm: 1 April Planting (Radke) 112; 2 Bobbie Jane (Baze) 117; 3 Big Hoedown (Lopez) 117; 4 Ballet Lesson (May) 117; 5 Flow Terces (Delgadillo) 117; 6 Cal Sweet (Warren) 117.

Behind the scenes: Katie Balmer: School: Durango

Friday at Santa Anita: 1st race 1 mi 4YO & up F & M Mdn Clm: 1 Valerian (Diaz) 113; 2 Betsy Hoss (Pedroza) 120; 3 Toss Me a Freebe (Garcia) 120; 4 Fog City Baby (Hunter) 119; 5 Lady Dehere (Puglisi) 121; 6 Rainbow Palace (Pincay) 121; 7 She's Distinctive (Ramsammy) 121.