Print edition for July 5, 2000

Fire crews about done with state's largest blaze: Tom Gardner; "The weather continued to cooperate through the night," fire spokeswoman Cathleen Thompson said on Tuesday. "It looks like we'll probably start demobilizing personnel."

Feds assessing if Shovel Brigade broke the law: Scott Sonner; RENO, Nev. - Federal law officers accompanied government biologists to northeast Nevada on Wednesday to assess whether a citizen revolt on a dirt road in a national forest harmed a threatened fish in violation of the Endangered Species Act.

Local service provides someone to get behind the wheel when you can't: Kimberley McGee; Since launching his business, Desginated Drivers, in 1997 with a few friends as contracted drivers, Smith has picked up inebriated or, simply, drivers who can't drive and driven them home, with their own car, from local clubs and doctors' offices so that they aren't on the road endangering anyone else.

Army veteran receives Purple Heart 48 years late: The Las Vegas resident was presented Monday with the military's medal for those wounded in action.

Hundreds of protesters lay claim to road with muscle power: Sandra Chereb; The scene resembled July 4th picnics around the nation, as hundreds joined a "tug-of-war" line tied to a boulder the protesters dubbed the "Liberty Rock" that blocked access to a stretch of dirt road leading to an outhouse, some campgrounds and a wilderness area.

Jasper County video gambling operator continues fight against statewide ban: Ingram has until Wednesday morning to ask the justices to lift their order and allow him to reopen his businesses and take his lawsuit back to the Circuit Court.

Narragansett tribe's right to land upheld: Trust status means state and local laws do not apply to the land, although most federal laws do, The Providence Journal reported.

Man gets prison time in child sex case: In March, Russell D. Cohen, 41, pleaded guilty to one count each of sexual assault with a minor under 14, sexual assault with a minor under 16, and use of a minor in producing pornography. Incidents involving about 10 victims were combined into the three charges.

Las Vegas lands new D.C. flights: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- The Department of Transportation today approved two new round-trip airline routes between Las Vegas and the nation's capital, further tapping a market of affluent East Coast visitors.

FTC backing ban on lawsuits against Equinox: And Howard Hughes Corp., which sought on June 16 to recover $525,519 in past-due rents and other charges on two properties it leased to Equinox, has withdrawn a motion opposing receiver Robb Evans' request for a shield against suits after the parties reached an agreement.

Binion defense divided over mob movie deal: A rift within the defense team of convicted killers Sandy Murphy and Rick Tabish has spilled over into the public.

Covert mission targets city's customer service: Erin Neff; Attention City Hall shoppers: That person next to you in line for a building permit might be a spy.

National, America West airlines to fly nonstop Washington, D.C.: It was not immediately known when the Las Vegas-based National Airlines or America West would begin nonstop service from McCarran to the nation's capitol.

Las Vegas homicide rate holds steady: Keith Paul; Unlike many other major cities that are experiencing a marked increase in the number of homicides so far this year, Las Vegas' number is holding relatively steady.

Nevada gets money for environment: Standing at the edge of the Las Vegas Wash, Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt today announced the first $28 million available for buying environmentally sensitive private property from willing sellers.

Spirits rise as parishioners at aging St. James raise funds for new facility: Stacy J. Willis; The Rev. Michael Blackburn takes a tube of Chapstick from his pocket, lays it on the sanctuary floor, and watches it roll toward the wall.

LV lands flights from Guadalajara: The flights operate on Sundays and Thursdays using Boeing 727-200 aircraft with a capacity of 150 passengers.

Nonprofit group advocates proper landuse: Known as Outside Las Vegas, the group plans to protect and restore natural, historical and archaeological sites. It also intends to create trails and support educational and volunteer programs.

U.S. economy headed for soft landing: Growth will probably average a 3.7 percent annual rate in the final six months of the year, according to the median forecast of the 33 economists. That's down from a 5.5 percent first-quarter growth pace, and close to the consensus forecast of a 3.5 percent rate for the second quarter that ended Friday.

Nevada-based firms, casinos missing from best companies for minorities list: Companies operating in Nevada on the list include No. 1 Advantica (Denny's restaurants), No. 2 Levi Strauss & Co., Avis Rent-A-Car, U.S. Postal Service, SBC Communications (Nevada Bell), Xerox, Hyatt and McDonald's.

Authorities note expanded use of illegal fireworks on Fourth: Keith Paul and Aaron Clemens; The Las Vegas Valley's Fourth of July celebration remained mostly quiet, with the greatest excitement coming from the various organized fireworks displays and the countless other unorganized -- and illegal -- fireworks shows.

Gallery missing work by Picasso: Keith Paul; Although it was not quite the same as shoplifting a pair of jeans from the Gap, the same principle was at work when someone walked off with a $3,000 work by Pablo Picasso from a Las Vegas art gallery.

LV company melds 'Net, phone features: Kirk Arbogast knew long ago that it was only a matter of time before telephones and the Internet could somehow be integrated.

Columnist Paula DelGiudice: Cool off with a river run: Paula DelGiudice; The stretch of the Colorado River from Hoover Dam down to Willow Beach isn't like it was 20 years ago when on a Sunday afternoon you could drift for hours without seeing another human.

Contractor's Board revokes 10 licenses: The 10 contractors whose licenses were revoked are Commercial Concrete, Fabel Concrete Placement, Concrete Systems LLC, Rainbow Custom Pools, Palmer & Sons Inc., Ace Signs Inc., Robert V. Jones Corp., the Robert V. Jones Co., Sun Valley Plumbing and Mechanical and RVJC Electrical.

Lawmakers look to bring home pork: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Millions of dollars hang in the balance for Nevada as Congress dives into its annual spending spree.

Las Vegas area fishing report: LAKE MEAD: Fishing continues to be very good for striped bass and channel catfish while the action for largemouth bass has slowed as the fish have taken to deep water, according to the Nevada Division of Wildlife.

Columnist Victoria Sun: UNLV to compete in match play: Victoria Sun; There will be little time for incoming freshmen Brandon Askew, James Oh and Travis Whisman to ease into college competition, because the newest additions to the UNLV golf team will be relied upon to help the team immediately.

Savvy wine buy: Sanford '98 Barrel Select Chardonnay: Max Jacobson; This isn't a wine for those who are queasy about Chardonnay -- or oak -- but for those who like the style, it is a fine example of the genre. The wine is extremely ripe and intensely flavored, a powerfully concentrated wine done in a moderately complex style. It's a light golden color, and there are mild aromas of tropical fruits and vanilla in the nose, typically the result of new oak-barrel aging. Simply put, this is a great summer cooler, and the long finish makes it a good food wine as well.

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Party goes swimmingly at new Shark Reef: Elizabeth Foyt; Shark Reef, the new adventure into the deep at Mandalay Bay, celebrated its opening with a well-orchestrated party enjoyed by guests of all ages. Resort executives were plentiful with Glen Schaeffer, president, and Bill Richardson, executive vice president, both of Mandalay Bay Group, seen greeting invited guests Dee and Don Snyder, University Regent Mark Alden, Breck Wall, Peggy and Wayne Bernath, Debbie Gold and Rob Powers. Arriving at Shark Reef by way of the hotel's spacious windowed walkways, attendees were first treated to tantilizing vistas of the wave pool, shimmering lagoons and tropical gardens that form the inner core of ...

Ralph Siraco's selections for Thursday's races at Hollywood Park: 1st Race -- Inside Story - Hustling bug boy Baze aboard Stute trainee, draws good post for route opener, well placed. Penny Video - Draws just outside top pick, Garcia scales for trainer Abrams here, owned by Guys 'n Dolls stable, enough said? Value Play -- Classic Collection

Casino employee charged in $100,000 theft: A father and son have been arrested in separate incidents in Norwich, Conn., within days of each other and a large amount of money is a factor in both investigations.

Casino workers must re-apply with Station: In an information page for Santa Fe employees posted to Station's website, Station said that "no job applicant is ever guaranteed employment with Station Casinos," but added that it hopes all current employees will re-apply. Prior service at Santa Fe "will not alone qualify or disqualify" job candidates, the company said.

Letter: First Amendment is total package: ED TOMCHIN Pahrump

Thursday's Hollywood Park entries: 1st race 1-1/16 mi 3YO Fil Clm: 1 Singing Lite (Espinoza) 116; 2 Classic Collection (Martinez) 114; 3 Lady Di Huntley (Desormeaux) 116; 4 Inside Story (Baze) 111; 5 Penny Video (Garcia) 114; 6 Asking Bid (Baird) 116.

Korean War vet gets Purple Heart: "Joaquin Johnson is a person I've known a long time," Bryan said. "He was superintendent of schools of Nye County for 17 years. When we found out that he was eligible for a Purple Heart but had not received it, we determined to get it for him."

Valley's DeWitt gets long-awaited 'Call': Victoria Sun; Once "The Call" is made, everything changes.

Lawsuit over restaurant slot contracts settled: Green Valley Gaming Inc. of Las Vegas had sought $500,000 in restitution from Dine West Inc., parent company of Sahara Diner Inc., Pebble Diner Management Co. LLC, Flamingo Diner LLC and Stephanie St. Diner Inc.

Arson suspect's confession doesn't solve all: He is being held on a first-degree arson charge in a June 6 fire outside a recycling warehouse and a garbage bin fire about a week later.

Letter: Rush's vicious nature displayed in many ways: 1) The president of the United States and the first lady.

Editorial: Dust abatement rules are necessary: As reported by the Sun's Launce Rake, the Health Effects Institute in Boston, a research organization supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, identified "particulate matter" under 10 microns in diameter as the cause for higher mortality rates. The institute found that the death rate increases by 1 percent for every 20 micrograms of dust per cubic meter over a 24-hour period.

State helping DI workers who will lose jobs: The rapid response team of the state Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation will offer re-employment assistance to ease the transition for those workers being laid off. It will provide no-fee career transition and placement assistance for the employees.

Busch shows he's Milwaukee's best: Kurt Busch had never turned a lap on the legendary Milwaukee Mile prior to last weekend's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series DieHard 200.

Developer wants fire system waived: Diana Sahagun; The North Vegas City Council tonight will decide whether to waive fire sprinkler requirements for up to 900 Avante homes to be built in the northwest and accept the home builder's proposal to purchase a fire rescue vehicle instead.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Wolves are ready to fill XFL's needs: Dean Juipe; When Las Vegas acquires its franchise in the Xtreme Football League, which apparently will happen this month, a number of questions will arise. But chief among them is this simple thought: Where will the players come from?

Get a tasty bite of Bay Area Biscotti: Max Jacobson; For those of us who do not frequent espresso bars or Italian bakeries, biscotti are hard, usually long and narrow Italian cookies most often eaten while drinking coffee or espresso.

DUI suspect dies in prison: Deputies checked on him every half hour. At 5 a.m. Monday, he was sleeping. At 5:30, he was not breathing.

Editorial: Youth work programs have value: It is wrong, however, to suggest that work programs for juvenile offenders are all bad and must be discontinued altogether. But that is essentially what a state legislative subcommittee studying the Nevada juvenile justice system was told by a paid consultant. The consultant, North Carolina criminologist James "Buddy" Howell, cited studies that suggest there is little value to work programs where juvenile offenders can pay off their fines for misdemeanors. The state should demand a refund from its consultant.

Adult store makes federal appeal again: Erin Neff; An attorney for an adult video store ordered closed Monday by a local judge is asking a federal appeals court today to overturn the decision.

Former Star Melo boosts Grizzlies: If he had, Melo probably would still be considered a top prospect in the San Diego Padres organization.

Columnist Peter Benton: South Shore pro takes top honors: Peter Benton; South Shore head professional Dale Akridge fired a 68-68 --136 at the par-72, 6,909-yard Rhodes Ranch Country Club to win last week's PGA Southwest Section, Las Vegas Chapter $10,000 added Smith's Championship.

MWC honors five Rebel track team members: Claiming kudos for the Rebels were seniors Kathryn Goetz, Paula Lechner and Heather Steadham, junior Katie Barto and sophomore Charlotte McGee.

Community news briefs for July 5, 2000: Metro Police are holding a Neighborhood Watch information meeting 7 p.m. Thursday at Sunrise Library, 5400 Harris St.

Douglas County still searching for jurors: Chief Deputy Court Clerk Helen Chappell said 200 to 250 forms were sent out before the 1993-94 grand jury was impaneled.

Supreme Court suspends Edwardses' law licenses: The Louisiana Supreme Court took the action under state bar rules requiring the suspension of a law license for anyone convicted of a felony. Edwards and his son, Stephen Edwards, said they voluntarily signed suspension agreements after they were convicted in federal court in May.

PCL Box: Grizzlies 8, Stars 4: E--Glendenning. DP--Fresno 2, Las Vegas 1. LOB--Fresno 5, Las Vegas 5. 2B--Davis, LaRocca, Byas, Lowery, Melo 2, Castro. HR--Davis (6), Melo (9), Glendenning (2). S--Jensen. SB--Castro.

Lady Rebel hoops tickets discounted: The discount reduces the price of the season tickets to $30 for 15 regular season home games and two exhibition matchups. The offer is good only on new season ticket orders and lasts until Aug. 19. For more information, call 895-UNLV.

Obituaries for July 5, 2000: Rose Arrechea, 80, of Las Vegas died Sunday in Las Vegas. She was born Sept. 10, 1919, in Pineland, Texas. A resident for 10 years, she was a homemaker.

Awareness called key message in battling drownings: Lee Scrivner; Clark County firefighters, health district officials and parents braved the afternoon heat Friday to deliver a message to Las Vegans who might seek refuge from the soaring temperatures in swimming pools.

Proposed land deal could delay new Station casino: David Strow; A land deal being engineered in North Las Vegas could result in a delay in the development of a controversial North Las Vegas hotel-casino by Station Casinos Inc.