Print edition for July 21, 2000

EPA recommends denial of President Casino expansion: The EPA can veto the project, on which the corps has prepared a draft of an environmental impact statement. The corps is expected to decide this fall whether it will allow the development.

Letter: Rhubarb was no big deal: Ron@lasvegassun.com; Warning: This may happen again. Ron should buy the HBO tape of "When It Was a Game" so he will be ready.

NHP enlists aid to investigate sex claims: Kieth Paul; The head of the Nevada Highway Patrol has requested an outside agency investigate claims of sexual discrimination and harassment in the Las Vegas office after lawsuits were filed by six women, including five troopers, the Sun has learned.

Bulls will no longer run in Mesquite: Lisa Snedeker; The promoter of the Mesquite bull run - the first ever held in the United States - said Friday he's taking his bulls and running somewhere else.

Not-guilty plea made in robbery of motel guests: Kim Smith; A Las Vegas couple accused of robbing and killing a tourist at the Stratosphere hotel-casino over the Memorial Day weekend was arraigned Thursday on charges in another downtown motel robbery.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: 'Trans-ethnic' cuisine translates into yummy results: Traditionally, Japanese cuisine is one of the most refined in the world. But times are changing and brilliant young chefs such as Bellagio's Sean O'Connell, executive chef at Shintaro, are performing magic by blending traditional Japanese into a new mix. O'Connell calls it "trans-ethnic." No matter what it's called the results are smashing.

Letter: Coach had an out: Ron@lasvegassun.com; I agree college athletes should be granted some impunity on inter-institutional transfer. (There is, however, to be considered the threat of players transferring willy-nilly.) But using fabrications about Matt Doherty is not fair to him or the two universities involved, nor does it help convince readers that the system indeed has problems.

The Sun remembers 1952: Where I Stand -- Hank Greenspun: 'There can be no compromises with the underworld': Chicago is now beginning to pay for its many years of winking its eye at proper law enforcement and condoning the tie between the underworld and politics. The biggest reform wave in 35 years is threatening to rock the city and country administrations right out of office.

Supreme Court to decide constitutionality of three judge-panel: Although Sobel said he is opposed to the three-judge panel system, he also said he will abide by it as long as it's the law in Nevada.

Venerable Pogo's Tavern gets better with age: -- refrain from "Cheers" theme (NBC, 1982-93)

Joe Delaney remembers 1952: Parks, Garrett and Grey at El Rancho Vegas: Joe Delaney remembers 1952: Parks, Garrett and Grey at El Rancho Vegas

Niggli out as chairman, CEO of Sierra Pacific Resources: Sierra Pacific is the parent company of Nevada Power Co. in Las Vegas and Sierra Pacific Power Co. of Reno, the state's main electric utilities.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Hollywood Park: 1st Race -- Proper Motion - One of two Sise-trained 'hidden entry' starters, top jock Espinoza takes this one, adds blinkers as well. Teenager Andre - Solis on young trainer Canani trainee, draws two slots outside top pick for the dash opener, well spotted here. Value Play -- Tony's Royalty

Gorman folds team, citing lack of players: Spencer Patterson; For the past five years, the American Legion baseball playoffs have been Bishop Gorman's personal playground, with many of the program's highlights coming in July and August.

Soria Jr. sentencing Monday in Tahoe child's death: Soria's father, Thomas Soria Sr., remains charged with kidnapping, rape and murder, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in his case.

Datebook: The Ubuntu Video Club, a project of the California Newsreel's Library of African Cinema, will feature a Saturday film series from 10 a.m.-noon beginning Saturday with "Pieces d' Identites," an award-winning, light-hearted modern fairy tale. The films are written, directed and produced by Africans. Admission is free. Ages 18 and older only. Call 229-4800.

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

That's Life -- Steve Bornfeld: The doctors will see you now: Hiya, Dr. Moe. Everything check out OK?

Minorities in state government lag overall work force: But even with that increase, overall state employment of minorities falls behind the percentage of minorities in the total Nevada work force.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Theater of the absurd: IN SOME matters, it is very difficult to separate church and state. Or, should I say, city.

Ricky Martin, Kronos Quartet in big weekend at Reno's arts festival: Scott Sonner; RENO, Nev. - Opera, blues, jazz and a world famous string quartet will help set the mood for the barbecue ribs and Basque omelets at Reno's fifth annual arts festival this weekend.

Dog wins clemency in goat murder case: Bruin had been seen with the Queensland heeler who was put down earlier this week for its part in the attacks. Bruin fit the description given by witnesses of the black dog that helped the Queensland in the attack.

Shelf Life -- Scott Dickensheets: Going in pursuit of 'The Secret Parts of Fortune': Sucker's big. Hefty! Seven-hundred-plus pages of reprinted magazine articles entombed between hard covers, which you might think is a stretch to ask people to spend their Harry Potter money on. But most of the pieces collected in Ron Rosenbaum's "The Secret Parts of Fortune: Three Decades of Intense Investigations and Edgy Enthusiasms" (Random House, $29.99) deserve the preservation they're getting. Individually, they ask a lot of deep, important, entertaining questions about the perception of reality, the accuracy of history, the nature of belief. And collectively they pose this very pointed one: What is the shape of a writer's career?

Columnist Kate Maddox: Copperfield reappears at MGM: Kate Maddox; Like most of the Circus Maximus regulars, magician David Copperfield has had to look elsewhere in Las Vegas for a home for his disappearing act. Copperfield, who for years worked the stage at the soon-to-be-defunct Caesars showroom, would have been out of luck come September when the old stage closes its doors to make room for high-roller villas. But Copperfield isn't going to give up on Vegas, he's just going to move his gig to the MGM.

Louisiana regulators working with Illinois on Binion license: The Illinois Gaming Board has declared Horseshoe chairman Jack Binion unfit to hold a license in the state. The board detailed its reasons this week for denying Horseshoe a renewal of its license for the Empress Casino in Joliet, Ill.

Silverton's Struthers-Ricca combination always a good show: Joe Delaney; Sally Struthers and Rachel Ricca in "Always ... Patsy Cline" make the country superstar come alive in a warm, moving, occasionally very funny depiction of an actual series of events in a brilliant production at the Silverton hotel-casino, formerly Boomtown.

Tickets still available for Ricky Martin show in Reno: Lawlor Events Center Director Bob Stewart said thousands of seats remain unsold, including ones in the choicer locations.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Risk-taking rewards a bevy of comics in LV: Joe Delaney; Howie Mandel, in residence at Caesars Palace in the Circus Maximus through Sunday, was working as a salesman in Canada when he and some friends, on a business trip in Los Angeles, decided to catch the action in Mitzi Shore's Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip ... It happened to be "Open Mike Night," and his friends dared Mandel to get up and perform.

Jurors in Zane Floyd trial ask residents to pray for victims: Kim Smith; Juror Tim LeMaster, in a statement prepared by all of the jurors, noted that District Attorney Stewart Bell said in his closing arguments that he hoped today's papers would read "Justice has been served."

Letter: Doherty left Irish in lurch: Ron@lasvegassun.com; I do not think people would have had as big a problem with Matt leaving Notre Dame, had he been there for more than one year and had he not just convinced his star lottery pick (Troy Murphy) to stay in school, where both could have elevated the Notre Dame program back to where it once was.

Tension rings true in 'What Lies Beneath': Grades:

The Sun Remembers 1952: News of the Day: Story: Sen. Pat McCarran, in an apparent slap at Gov. Adlai E. Stevenson of Illinois, said tonight Communism's greatest threat to this country "is from within our own borders." The Nevada Democrat, who heads the senate internal security subcommittee, said "we cannot escape the realization that our first and greatest concern must be the elimination of subversive elements from our very midst." Stevenson said in a speech Monday that Republican leaders are trying to tell the country the primary danger from Communism lay from within. He asked why "politicians who scream loudest about Communists in America have fought hardest against ...

Second brother in court over 1996 killing: Kim Smith; The second suspect in a 3-year-old murder case appeared in District Court Thursday, two weeks after his brother was convicted in the killing.

LV man pleads guilty in child-sex, pornography case: Kim Smith; A Las Vegas man accused of paying a local couple $1,500 a month for six years so he could have sex with their three daughters has entered a guilty plea as part of a deal with prosecutors.

Birth announcements for July 21, 2000: June 26: Brandon to Maribel De La Cruz and Jorge Lopez. June 27: Arianna to Belinda Felix and Gerardo Gonzalez Jr. June 28: Alliyah to Brandie Blalock and William Tracy Jr. June 30: Ivan to Isela Contreras and Hugo Rivera. July 1: Emily to Amber and Eli Orr; Leyla to Ivette Castellanos and Mauricio Escalante. July 2: Eric to Elba Vega and Martin Curiel. July 3: Vanessa to Angela Martinez and Jason Wildenstein.

Nero to play for Rebels: Nero had 10 catches for 137 yards and one touchdown as a redshirt freshman for the Ducks in 1998. But he struggled academically the following semester and enrolled at Chaffey Junior College last fall where he did not play while earning his associate's degree.

Jury sentences Zane Floyd to death: Kim Smith; After more than 14 hours of jury deliberations over three days, the jury announced at 10:30 a.m. that it had reached a verdict.

Letter: In U.S., voting is forgotten right: They should read the Declaration of Independence and see what our founders thought about the power of an average citizen and their right and duty in political activism.

Las Vegas man who murdered his ex-wife receives death penalty: Aaron Clemens; Fernando Hernandez, 36, begged state troopers to take his life when he was caught drunk and speeding down U.S. 95 toward his native Mexico with his daughter.

Jury delivers death penalty verdict in Floyd case: Kim Smith; A jury has sentenced Zane Floyd to death for the killing of four Alberston's employees in June 1999 while stalking the aisles with a 12-gauge shotgun.

Construction on vets home six months behind schedule: Cy Ryan and Greg Harman; Construction on the state's first veterans nursing home has slipped six months behind schedule, and the $20 million project also faces a swirl of safety concerns and rumors of litigation.

State joins probe on school cheating: Terry Webster; The Nevada Department of Education and the state attorney general's office are joining the Clark County School District's investigation of test cheating allegations at Robert E. Lake Elementary School.

Senate confirms Rawlinson for appeals court: The U.S. Senate today confirmed Johnnie Rawlinson of Las Vegas to become the first black woman to serve on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals -- the busiest appellate court in the nation.

Appeal filed in bottlecap case: Sindy Allen issued a news release that she was "taking all necessary procedures" to address Wednesday's decision that was in favor of her former co-worker, Judy Richardson Yeats.

Two Las Vegans among wildlife board appointees: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn has named two men from Las Vegas and one from Reno to the nine-member state Wildlife Commission that oversees hunting and fishing policies in Nevada.

Mayor, city manager to meet with developers over downtown parcel: Diana Sahagun; Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and City Manager Virginia Valentine will fly to the East Coast this weekend to meet with developers who are eyeing a 61-acre parcel as the next big thing for downtown.

High court asked to halt penalty hearing in murders: Kim Smith; Defense attorneys for convicted quadruple murderer Donte Johnson have asked the Nevada Supreme Court to stop next week's penalty hearing, and the American Civil Liberties Union is gearing up to join the fight.

Mexican mom regains custody of her child after alleged kidnapping: Sandy Thompson; Copyright 2000 Las Vegas Sun

Unemployment rate inches up: The state Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation reported Thursday the rate was one-tenth of 1 percentage point higher than in May but it was still a 1.2 percentage point drop compared to the same month in 1999.

AOL profit more than doubles: Signaling that the problems of many Internet start-ups are not hurting their larger cousins, America Online on Thursday reported fiscal fourth-quarter earnings of $338 million, up 115 percent from a year earlier.

U.S. Bank owner meets profit forecast: MINNEAPOLIS -- U.S. Bancorp said profits rose 5 percent to $393.1 million, or 52 cents a share, in the second quarter from $374.3 million, or 51 cents a share, a year earlier.

Panel blasts Las Vegas councilman in ruling: Erin Neff; Nevada ethics commissioners struggled Thursday to find applicable state law to render a ruling on Las Vegas City Councilman Michael McDonald.

Church's illegal paperwork discovered: Erin Neff; A controversial church whose location prevented the owners of a planned strip club from getting a permit filed its formation certificate in an apparent violation of state law.

Growth, higher profits reported: Nevada First Bank said it earned $592,000 in the 2000 quarter, up from $219,000 in the year-ago quarter as assets increased 72.4 percent to $116.6 million.

Irish-American chain entering LV with five restaurants: "Opportunity abounds in Las Vegas; it's one of the fastest growing markets in the country, and the Bennigan's brand will do very well there," said Doug Snyder, who stepped down as the company's franchising vice president and moved to Las Vegas to start Jacado LLC, which will be a Bennigan's franchisee.

Letter: Cigar ads should be banned, too: The ads depicted several people smoking on television, without any warning messages about the negative effects of smoking. I am shocked that after 20-plus years that cigarette advertising has been banned from television, cigars are exhibited with such glamour.

Golden State Bancorp posts higher profit: SAN FRANCISCO -- Golden State Bancorp Inc., parent of Nevada bank operator California Federal Bank, Thursday reported a second quarter profit of $87.7 million or 61 cents per share, up from $83.6 million or 59 cents in the year-ago quarter.

Local news briefs for July 21, 2000: Mohave County (Ariz.) Sheriff's detectives have identified the man who jumped off Hoover Dam Monday night in an apparent suicide as 34-year-old Michael John Keahey of Las Vegas.

Jury reaches verdict in penalty phase: Kim Smith; A verdict was reached this morning on the fate of Zane Floyd, who killed four Alberston's employees in June 1999 while stalking the aisles with a 12-gauge shotgun.

Deal boosting Nevada electricity rates approved: Cy Ryan and Richard N. Velotta; The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada approved a series of compromises that would end three lawsuits from the state's electrical utilities and pave the way for deregulation of the industry.

Grand jury to decide armored car case: Keith Paul; A Clark County grand jury will decide if suspects in a string of brazen casino robberies should also be charged with murder in the gunning down of two armored car guards, Henderson Police told the Sun Thursday.

Obituaries for July 21, 2000: Audrey Adler, 90, of Portland, Ore., died Thursday in Portland. She was born July 20, 1910, in Snow, Idaho. A former resident of Las Vegas and Henderson, she was a homemaker.

Editorial: Natural resource plan is worthy: There is a definite need for public education when one considers the magnitude of man-made and natural threats to the desert. Anyone who takes the time to explore our surroundings is bound to stumble upon evidence of illegal garbage dumping, destructive off-road vehicle activity and graffiti-laced Native American petroglyphs. Those perpetrators undoubtedly could have used a lesson in environmental protection.

Office products company opening LV distribution center: Fellowes Manufacturing Co., an 83-year-old office products and business supply manufacturer, is building a distribution center and light-manufacturing plant in Las Vegas.

Laughlin casino owner dies at 78: Allen E. Paulson, the founder of Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., a casino owner and a horse breeder of some 80 stakes winners, died Wednesday night in San Diego at the age of 78.

Letter: People watch as injustice against residents unfolds: If you allow these people to be taken, I pray your home is taken when you are over 60 years old and not in the mood to make a change because you thought in America we were allowed to make these choices ourselves!

Editorial: Congress' mission is 'plane': We are partly to blame. We have a Federal Aviation Administration that often seems far more protective of the industry than of the consumers who pay the freight. That alone should be cause for a massive letter-writing campaign to members of Congress, who oversee that agency.

Outlook improves for Venetian: Moody's cited the "Venetian's significant improvement in operating results, the company's better financial flexibility resulting from its stronger operating results and from amending its credit facility thereby deferring amortization and based on our expectations that the company is taking measures that will limit its exposure to outstanding litigation."

Analysts divided on Station's deals in Missouri, Vegas: David Strow; As heavy selling hit the stock of Station Casinos Inc. Thursday, analysts were mixed on whether investor concerns over Missouri investigations are justified.

Senate committee approves Rawlinson: Committee Republicans used the nomination meeting to blast back at President Clinton and the Congressional Black Caucus, who allege Senate leaders are acting with prejudice in approving federal judges.

Children sue over worker's death: In a Clark County District Court suit, Monica Abernethy and her sister Felicia Serrato alleged their father's death was caused by the defendants' negligence and failure to take adequate safety measures to protect its workers.

Casino operator fined $50,000: JACKSON, Miss. -- Mississippi gambling regulators fined a Las Vegas casino company $50,000 for its part in financing an environmental group opposed to the expansion of a nearby competitor.

Rebels hope fans surf way to merchandise purchases: Steve Addy; Preaching to the choir is well and good, but getting them to buy licensed apparel and game tickets is much more lucrative.

Teen may be charged in death of her newborn: The Clark County coroner's office determined the baby drowned, but details were unclear.

Nevada regulators to examine Illinois charges against Jack Binion: The board identified 19 examples of improper conduct by Binion, which it used as the basis for its June 30 rejection of Binion's application to operate the Empress riverboat casino in Joliet, Ill.

Tabish's wife granted divorce: In the divorce petition, Mary Jo Tabish said her marriage was broken and has no chance for reconciliation.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Old Course isn't always a pushover: Dean Juipe; Waist-high rough.

Mississippi casino revenues climb 3 percent in second quarter: The figures represent a significant drop-off from the 21 percent rise in second-quarter numbers from 1998 to 1999, said Tom Graves, gaming analyst with S&P Equity Group in New York.

Nevada river guide "Survivor" is wanted by police: Police said Wiglesworth and Steven Patrick Winther, 26, went on a spending spree with a credit card belonging to Norma Jane Foster.

Gaughan gets shot at mountain high with Busch ride: The aspiring Las Vegas professional stock car racer will compete in his third NASCAR touring series of the season when he makes his Busch Grand National debut this weekend at the NAPA AutoCare 250 at Pikes Peak International Raceway near Colorado Springs.

PCL Box: River Cats 19, Stars 10: E--Newhan, Milliard. LOB--Sacramento 9, Las Vegas 11. 2B--Hinch, Darr, Roskos 2, Alvarez, Curl 3. HR--Bellhorn 2 (13, 14), Vaz (8), Ortiz (15), Byrnes (6), Radmanovich 2 (6, 7), Williams 2 (6, 7). SB--Ortiz, Milliard.

Columnist Victoria Sun: Testud survives rough trip to LV charity event: Victoria Sun; What should have been a routine trip from Milan to Las Vegas turned out to be a harrowing experience for the 11th-ranked player on the Sanex WTA Tour.

Stars jolted by lopsided defeat to Sacramento: Steve Guiremand; If there was any doubt which team is the class of the Pacific Coast League Southern Division this year, the Sacramento River Cats may have put an end to that debate this week at Cashman Field.

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