Print edition for July 7, 2000

Rocker sues men in rent dispute: In a Clark County District Court suit, Jayne sued Peter Cross and Randall Kohl, owners of Club Frixion, alleging they failed to pay monthly rents of $1,800 since December 1999 for her house at 7223 Linden Ave.

Parents stand by son accused in grocery store shooting: LAS VEGAS - Two days after Zane Floyd surrendered to police outside a local supermarket where four employees were shot to death, his parents visited him at the Clark County Detention Center.

Changing the face of gaming industry: David Strow; State Assemblyman Wendell Williams said Thursday night he's considering introducing legislation that would mandate minority business ties by Nevada casino operators, a requirement in many states that have recently introduced legalized gaming.

Brokerage looking at cutting 2,000 jobs: NEW YORK -- Shares of Merrill Lynch & Co., the world's largest securities firm, fell today following a published report that the company is considering cutting as many as 2,000 jobs, or about 2.9 percent of its worldwide work force.

LV mortgage bankers criticize state: Many Nevada home buyers haven't been able to close real estate deals this week because state regulators delayed issuing license renewals for the state's 500 mortgage lenders.

'Cow counties' feeling left out in Legislature change: CARSON CITY -- Battle lines are already being drawn between north and south over reapportionment of the Nevada Legislature where Clark County could attain a "super majority" in the next decade.

Digital signature technology newest high-stakes race: Michael White; Signing on in Nevada

Missing Binion coins part of probe: Rare Carson City-minted silver dollars worth millions may have been stolen from Ted Binion following his September 1998 slaying, a prosecutor said Thursday.

Attorney seeks evidence of conflict of interest: Lisa Snedeker; LAS VEGAS - Former defense attorneys in the Ted Binion murder trial were ordered to turn over financial records Friday in a bid to determine whether convicted killers Sandy Murphy and Rick Tabish received an adequate defense or deserve a new trial.

PCL Box: Stars 16, Grizzlies 14: E--Melo, Castro. DP--Fresno 1. LOB--Fresno 7, Las Vegas 8. 2B--Darr, LaRocca, Curl, Feliz, Minor. 3B--LaRocca. HR--Vitiello 2 (10, 11), Davis (7), Peliz 2 (14, 15), Glendenning (3). S--Peleaz. SF--Peliz, Chiaramonte. SB--Lowery. CS--Byas.

That's Life -- Steve Bornfeld: Wherefore art thou, Matthau?: "I can't stand little notes on my pillow. 'We are all out of Corn Flakes -- F.U.' It took me three hours to figure out that 'F.U.' was Felix Unger."

Columnist Kate Maddox: Peck, Muniz highlight VSDA confab: Kate Maddox; The Video Software Dealers Association (VSDA) will hold its annual convention here this weekend, and among the scheduled events will be a lifetime achievement award presentation to Hollywood legend Gregory Peck. On the other end of the age spectrum, Frankie Muniz, the 14-year-old star of Fox's "Malcolm in the Middle," will receive the VSDA Rising Star of the Year award. Muniz, who has just snagged a role in a Martin Scorsese-produced pic starring Matt Dillon, Debbie Harry and Stephen Dorff, is the nerdy-looking acting prodigy who also made a name for himself in the family flick, "My Dog Skip."

Columnist Joe Delaney: Rickles performs 'greatest hits' at Desert Inn: Joe Delaney; Don Rickles, appearing in the Desert Inn's Crystal Room through Sunday, has two very different personas, really three at this point, in his long successful career as a comedian and as an actor ... Rickles, off stage, is a quiet homebody, a family man who would never hurt anyone's feelings intentionally ... This is the opposite of the onstage Rickles who was once referred to as "Mr. Warmth" and "The Merchant of Venom."

Anderson finds a comfortable new home at Stardust: Joe Delaney; Bob Anderson belongs right there with the late Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and all of the great saloon singers of the past. Anderson is also a singing impressionist with very few peers.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Morin: A man of honor: JIM MORIN developed a bond with the men he led into combat 35 years ago that has never weakened or been doubted by his fellow pilots. A good example of this strong bond was on display six weeks ago at the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Fla.

Obituaries for July 7, 2000: Ralph Ahlberg, 79, of Las Vegas died Friday in Las Vegas. He was born Sept. 6, 1920, in Las Vegas. A resident for one year, he was a railroad conductor and a veteran.

Tribe pins dreams on casino: Judy Lin; JAMUL, Calif. -- They may have just 56 members and 6 acres of land, but the small band of Jamul Indians has dreams for the future that only money can bring.

The Sun Remembers 1950: Recalling Tony Martin at the Flamingo: Joe Delaney; Tony Martin, now in his late 80s, was a true night club troubadour and a star of films, recordings, radio and television from the 1930s well into the 1990s, last headlining here several times in the 1990s at Bob Stupak's Vegas World, now the Stratosphere.

Editorial: Verdicts of guilt merit an outrage: To get an understanding of how repressive the Islamic regime continues to be, some diplomats told the Washington Post that it could have been worse, noting the defendants could have received the death penalty. But recent pronouncements that Iran was ready to make the transition to a more tolerant nation certainly seemed to be off the mark, considering that the trial was a joke, bereft of any notion of due process -- in Iran, judges also serve as prosecutors. In addition, the evidence against the defendants was kept secret and the trial was closed.

Judicial panel looks for ways to keep minor offenders out of jail: Aaron Clemens; Last month 362 of the 1,793 people screened at the Clark County Detention Center were there because of traffic tickets.

Lieutenant could be dismissed by Metro: Keith Paul; A Metro Police lieutenant who had bribery charges against him in Idaho dismissed last month now faces a department hearing that could lead to him being fired, Metro officials told the Sun.

The Sun remembers 1950: Where I Stand: Hank Greenspun: If this column should be missing from this spot for the next few weeks, I want you good people to know that the fault will not be mine. It seems that I have to go to Los Angeles to keep an appointment with the Federal Government.

Datebook: Borders Book Shop & Cafe, 2323 S. Decatur Blvd., will stay open later than usual today as it welcomes the arrival of the new Harry Potter book. Fans can be the first to purchase Harry Potter IV, which releases at 12:01 a.m. A celebration will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Call 258-0999.

The Sun remembers 1950: Ad of the Week: Play sandals: White in several styles, all leather. These are one thing the ladies don't want to be without. Come in and see these wonderful shoes. $2.98 to $4.98.

Letter: Tyson is a monster: Ron@lasvegassun.com; He has now gotten on television and threatened other boxers and their families. What can we do to make sure he no longer can fight?

Las Vegas Club offers wagering on home run derby: A home run derby has been part of baseball's All-Star game festivities since 1985.

Letter: Stop kissing up to Mike: Ron@lasvegassun.com; When Mike Tyson says he is ruthless and brutal, I have to agree. But as a boxer, he ain't (nothing). (The Associated Press) needs to figure that out and stop kissing up to a maniac.

Guard to return to work after questioning in shooting: Keith Paul; A Southern Desert Correctional Center officer put on administrative leave after Metro Police questioned him in connection with the slaying of a former prison inmate will be back on the job Monday.

De La Hoya vs. Mosley II likely to get January date: Originally, a rematch with Shane Mosley, who beat De La Hoya on June 17, was being penciled in for October, but that is now unlikely, Arum said Thursday.

Rebels lose 4 players: Steve Guiremand; UNLV football coach John Robinson left for a vacation in Hawaii on Thursday.

Coaches to spend 24 days scouting prospects: Steve Addy; Though most of the Rebels' new basketball recruits have yet to arrive in Las Vegas, the push is already beginning in earnest for UNLV's next class.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Hollywood Park: 1st Race -- Mountain Jamboree - Draws good post for dash opener, Nakatani rides Proctor trainee, should be part of the mix throughout. Swift Terms - Draws inner post, top jock Espinoza teams with trainer Dominguez again, clean trip needed. Value Play -- Way To The Top

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 1 p.m.

Letter: He's sold on Mr. Haney: Ron@lasvegassun.com; I wish Haney would write a column every day. He always writes interesting stuff that's up to date. He writes it like it is.

Nader to be on presidential ballot: CARSON CITY -- Consumer advocate Ralph Nader is apparently going to be on the presidential ballot in Nevada this November.

Columnist Dean Juipe: WTA smart in banning youngsters: Dean Juipe; When Lindsay Davenport won the women's championship at Wimbledon last year, her mother was playing a league tennis match back in California. It took Lindsay several phone calls to reach her and relay the good news.

Las Vegas community sports briefs: The Las Vegas Sportspark in Summerlin will host a Children's Skate Day on July 15 from noon-4 p.m. Children with life-threatening illnesses will be receive free ice and roller skating, skating instruction from qualified trainers, food and a skating show with amateur and professional skaters from the Las Vegas community. General admission will be $5. The Sportspark is located at 1400 N. Rampart Blvd. Call 233-3600 for more information.

Vitiello's two homers spark Stars to 16-14 win: Joe Vitiello hit two home runs, including a two-run shot in the ninth inning that proved to be the game-winner, as the Stars (47-38) overcame an early 6-0 deficit to pull out a 16-14 victory over the Fresno Grizzlies (32-56) on Thursday night at Beiden Field.

Family problems called big reason for high dropout rate: Terry Webster; Family problems are a key cause of the Clark County School District's dropout rate, according to a survey of the district's educators.

Cocktail waitresses settle suit against hotel-casino: Greg Tuttle; Three Las Vegas cocktail waitresses suing the Imperial Palace hotel-casino for discriminating against them when they became pregnant agreed to a settlement on the second day of trial in federal court.

The Movie Guys: 'Scary Movie' is hysterical take on the genre: Grade: Jeff B, Dave B-.

Editorial: Pensions should be protected: Certainly, all things being equal, it makes sense to invest in a Nevada company over an out-of-state firm. The concern, however, is that telling the retirement fund's investment firm, Pathway Capital Management Co. of Irvine, Calif., to actively consider Nevada companies could create undue pressure to select Nevada firms over out-of-state companies, even if in its professional judgment a Nevada company may not offer the same return.

Letter: Cut Bayno some slack: Ron@lasvegassun.com; Sometimes people change their minds for honest reasons. There is no reason to think some bigtime booster with casino connections put the arm on him, and comparing Bayno to a lying boxing promoter (Bob Arum) seems harsher than necessary.

Sale of lighting division off, Aladdin order received: Mikohn will manufacture and install more than 300 interior visual displays for the casino and various sections of the 2,500-room hotel complex. Mikohn will also install three outdoor LED signs promoting the resort's "1001 Arabian Nights" theme.

The Sun remembers 1950: News of the Day: Story: President Truman today ordered American combat troops thrown into the Korean war. He also directed the Air force to bomb military targets in enemy territory and ordered the Navy to blockade the entire Korean coast -- a maneuver that will smash any amphibious operation from Russian-controlled North Korea.

Death sentence won't be sought in woman's fiery death: Kim Smith; A former Nevada Highway Patrol trooper accused of setting his wife ablaze 11 years ago is no longer facing the death penalty.

Thieves pull half a million dollars in jeans off trucks: Keith Paul; Well-organized thieves have stolen more than $500,000 worth of Levi blue jeans in recent weeks by hauling away truck-loads of the clothing.

Letter: Stories of abuse of circus animals are all too true: We used to go to the circus, and although we were vaguely aware of the stories of animal abuse, we put it aside and went anyway.

Attorney: Task force didn't act improperly in refusing drug funds: CARSON CITY -- An attorney for the Nevada Legislature says a state task force did not engage in "evil, wrongful and unlawful" conduct when it refused to release $5 million sought by Gov. Kenny Guinn for his prescription drug subsidy program for senior citizens.

Court briefs for July 7, 2000: Donte Johnson, convicted in the killing of four young men, wants a new trial, claiming two of the jurors who convicted him last month acted inappropriately during the trial.

Paradise Road casino OK'd: Clark County Commissioners gave the green light Thursday to a proposed casino on Paradise Road across from the Hard Rock resort.

Kincaid goes on political offensive: Adrienne Packer; Still rankled by a political mailer that doubted her commitment to children's health, Clark County Commissioner Mary Kincaid kicked into full politician mode Thursday, snagging a line from an old pro.

Letter: Tyson view is right on: Ron@lasvegassun.com; He is still a good fighter -- most still forget that in the mess he creates around himself. In his present rage, he could defeat Lewis, Golota and even a Holyfield. Most punchers mellow as they age but Tyson really is cut from the Dempsey and Liston cloth. He'll go home when he is no longer the tough guy at the nightclub.

Petition to ban gay marriage hits ballot: CARSON CITY -- A proposed constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriages in Nevada has qualified for the ballot in November, the secretary of state's office said today.

Johnson, Hollins head Silver Bandits finalists: Victoria Sun; Dennis Johnson, Lionel Hollins and Barry Hecker have been identified as the three finalists for the Las Vegas Silver Bandits' head coaching job.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Force's victory wasn't so funny to Top Fuel drivers: John Force's victory in last year's Winston Showdown, which pits the NHRA's Funny Cars against the Top Fuel Dragsters, didn't sit too well with the Top Fuel brethren.

Letter: Uncaring driver left dog to die: Unfortunately, the dogs ran out onto Lone Mountain, and one was hit by a driver headed west. The driver didn't stop, he didn't even slow down.

Letter: Sad to see Wynn destroying DI: I have been coming to Las Vegas for years and I am unhappy with Wynn's proposal to gut the DI. If he needs more rooms, build another tower. More casino floor space? Expand the casino. Before long, Las Vegas Boulevard will be renamed Wynn Street and will be lined with what he thinks is classy architecture.

Company named best IT workplace: The top five ranking was the second in a row for Harrah's, which was the only gaming company to make the top 100 in the past two years. The annual survey focuses on companies which excel in finding and retaining top IT talent.

Letter: Rebels must 'Net Bayno: Ron@lasvegassun.com; Do you think you could (plug) my website: www.FireBayno.com?

Guns bite the dust in crusher: Keith Paul; North Las Vegas Police officers on Wednesday loaded about 2,700 pounds of guns into wrecked cars that were then fed into a crusher to ensure the guns never find their way back to the street.

Local news briefs for July 7, 2000: A public hearing for those residents potentially affected by Henderson's pending annexation of nearly 5,500 acres of unicorporated Clark County and federal lands in the southwest Las Vegas Valley has been set for Tuesday evening.

Burning Man counterculture festival moving deeper into the desert: Scott Sonner; RENO, Nev. - The Burning Man arts festival is moving farther into the Black Rock Desert and ending ticket sales the last four days of the weeklong event to make the counterculture celebration safer.