Print edition for June 8, 2000

Two charter schools seek board's blessing: Terry Webster; Two new charter-school applications will be reviewed by the Clark County School Board.

Gaming win rises 13.9 % in April: Cy Ryan and David Strow; Nevada casinos won $785.6 million from gamblers in April, a 13.9 percent increase and the third consecutive month the industry posted double digit gains.

Editorial: Prying eyes get their way: The megacorporations got what they wanted, but it appears a division among financial companies is emerging, as smaller institutions acknowledge a need for privacy safeguards. This week the American Bankers Association, the Consumer Bankers Association and the Financial Services Roundtable announced voluntary guidelines to protect customer information, including a prohibition on sharing medical information among affiliated companies. The American Bankers Association also said banks should get the consent of the customer before other information is sent to outside companies for marketing purposes. It's encouraging to see some industry groups promote responsible steps, but they'll be severely limited. First, some of ...

Editorial: No need to believe 'lie-detector tests': What's gotten lost in this public relations spin is that the media keep calling the polygraph a "lie-detector test" when it is nothing of the sort. Polygraph tests are notoriously unreliable and, because of this, most courts refuse to admit them as evidence. This should be viewed as nothing more than a stunt, since polygraphs are about as accurate as an Ouija board when it comes to finding the truth.

Boat back after being dumped by Foyt: Paul Newberry; Billy Boat once drove the fastest car in the Indy Racing League. He's now getting used to life at slower speeds.

Source of Murphy's funding sought: Murphy and Rick Tabish, a Montana contractor, were convicted of first-degree murder in Binion's 1998 death.

Jailed Norwood facing legal woes: Dean Juipe; The legal troubles of World Boxing Association featherweight champion Freddie Norwood have been multiplying on what seems to be a daily basis.

This week races: WINSTON CUP

Gugelmin coping well with disabled child: Mike Harris; Mauricio Gugelmin's twin boys were born 27 minutes and worlds apart.

UNLV ready to file answer to NCAA: Steve Addy; UNLV is prepared to meet Saturday's deadline to respond to NCAA allegations of rules violations in the men's basketball program.

Six local golfers earn spots in U.S. Open: Victoria Sun; When Bob May was a teenager growing up in La Habra, Calif., he played many times on the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links during California amateur championships.

Aladdin holder's earnings improve: On Tuesday, London Clubs International posted revenues of 144.7 million pounds ($220 million), an increase of less than 1 percent over the previous year. However, net income available to shareholders rose nearly 23 percent to 10.23 million pounds ($15.54 million), or 7 pence per share (10.6 cents). London Clubs attributed its increased earnings to strong growth at its London properties, though it said income would have been higher without an increase in uncleared checks.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: A needed rule change: CARPETBAGGING LAWYERS, who are continually practicing in Nevada courts without taking the Silver State's bar exam, may soon be limited by our state's highest court. Because I have found so few times to agree with lawyers it behooves me to comment on this petition submitted by the State Bar of Nevada.

Aladdin eyes luxury hotel, condos: David Strow; The Las Vegas Strip's Aladdin Gaming is in talks to develop a high-rise luxury hotel and condominium on Audrie Street, just behind its $1.4 billion Arabian Nights-themed resort complex.

PCL Box: Redbirds 5, Stars 4: E--Haas, McDonald. DP--Memphis 2. LOB--Las Vegas 5, Memphis 8. 2B--Perez, Garica. HR--Richard (11), Perez (14), Karnuth (1). SB--Newhan, Perez, Whitmore.

Four Southern Nevadans graduate from West Point: Dick Benoit; Four Southern Nevada residents graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in ceremonies last month at the West Point, N.Y., campus.

Fight schedule: At Romorantin, France, Yannick Paget, France, vs. Sedat Puskullu, France, 12, lightweights.

Judge gives teen life sentence in school shooting: Kim Smith; District Judge Joseph Bonaventure sentenced a teenager to life in prison Wednesday under a new law concerning felony crimes committed on school property.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Mayweather in land of TV exile: Dean Juipe; The Floyd Mayweather Jr. saga has taken another twist, and, like many of its predecessors, this one has its negative connotations.

Music professor receives honor: A native of Ukraine, he has received numerous grants, commissions and awards for his compositions and direction.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Silver State full of gold nuggets: For a state that is only slightly more populated than Mr. Hand's sixth-period history class on the last day of school at Ridgemont High, Nevada -- and Las Vegas in particular -- sure is cranking out a lot of big-time prospects these days.

Brown ends 27-year career as Municipal Court judge: Greg Tuttle; A colorful chapter in the judicial history of Las Vegas has come to an end.

Community news briefs for June 8, 2000: The third annual Prime Fabrication and Supply Co. golf tournament, with proceeds benefitting Candlelighters for Childhood Cancer of Southern Nevada, will have a 7:30 a.m. shotgun start Saturday at the Las Vegas National Golf Club.

Zoning changed for development near Sunrise Landfill: Clark County Commissioners on Wednesday approved a zone change for a 157-acre housing development in the Las Vegas Valley's eastside near the Sunrise Landfill and a Las Vegas city sewage treatment plant.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Friday's races at Hollywood Park: 1st Race -- Shimmering Sand - Training at Santa Anita, draws good post for the 7-panel opener, Pincay rides for trainer Stokes. Salty Pearl - Another who trains 'across town', draws just outside top pick, Espinoza aboard. Value Play -- Accell

Inaugural London flight arrives today: Virgin Atlantic Chairman Richard Branson is being joined by 300 invited guests aboard the flight, which is scheduled to arrive at McCarran International Airport at 3:15 p.m.

Friday's horse racing entries: Post Time 7 p.m.

Wynn questioned about tape-recording incident: CARSON CITY -- The FBI and the Nevada Gaming Control Board are examining whether an investigator for casino magnate Steve Wynn violated federal law in taping a conversation to gain evidence in suits pitting Wynn against New Jersey resort owner Donald Trump.

Savarese will look to stun Tyson in Scotland: Dean Juipe; The general assumption is that Mike Tyson wouldn't be fighting Lou Savarese in Glasgow, Scotland, if he didn't think victory was assured.

Hammond has come long way: Gil Kaminer; Crew chief Jeff Hammond sits near a shiny, sleek car almost pining for the old days of dented-up racers on dusty dirt tracks.

Teenager accused of killing dad will wait for new hearing: Conan Pope, whose indictment on a first-degree murder charge was dismissed last month, will have a preliminary hearing June 28 before Justice of the Peace Deborah Lippis.

Vote ends flap over 'big-box' law: Clark County Commissioners followed the expected path Wednesday, ditching a controversial law that restricted Wal-Marts and other "big box," mixed-use retail stores and adopting a much weaker "residential protection" ordinance.

Auto racing schedules, winners and point standings: Feb. 20 - Daytona 500, Daytona Beach, Fla. (Dale Jarrett)

Area Charlie Browns practice patience: Kimberley McGee; For Charles D. Brown it is by now a familiar routine.

Fire 85 percent contained; 12 injuries reported: Robert Macy; LAS VEGAS - A wildfire on the west side of Mount Charleston burned for a sixth day in a rugged canyon, though firefighters nearly have it contained.

General counsel leaves for rival gaming company: Johnson was replaced as secretary of Alliance by Robert Saxton, the company's chief financial officer; a replacement has yet to be named for Johnson's other positions.

Again, Oscar vows he's ready: Dean Juipe; It's a familiar refrain.

LV's Sanchez agrees to take on Hamed: Dean Juipe; In a somewhat stunning turn of events, featherweight boxer Augie Sanchez of Las Vegas has landed a prominent, big-money fight with Prince Naseem Hamed.

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Newspaper rekindles fine era: Ruthe Deskin; An invitation to the 80th birthday party of an old friend brought back memories of Las Vegas as it used to be and amazement at the speed with which the years have gone by.

Safeguards reduce fire risks for residents: First, create a safety zone or fire break by reducing the amount of fuel around the home. The safety zone should be at least 30 feet and can consist of a variety of fire-resistant grasses, plants, flowers and vegetables. If the land is on an incline, the fire break may need to be up to 100 feet because fire can jump down to the property.

Real estate firm building headquarters: Spanning 2.5 acres, the new $5 million building will be at 630 Trade Center Drive near the intersection of Grier Drive and Sunset Road. RMI, along with subsidiaries Oxbow Construction and RMI Management LLC, will occupy the 30,000-square-foot building.

$1 million bail set in Strip death: District Judge Mark Gibbons increased Juanita Kim McDonald's bail from $100,000 to $1 million following a hearing Wednesday. Deputy District Attorney Bruce Nelson had argued for a $1.5 million bail, saying McDonald poses a flight risk. According to police, McDonald, 24, drove onto the sidewalk in front of the Aladdin on April 19 and hit six pedestrians with her car.

Plan would combine downtown agencies: Adrienne Packer; Las Vegas City Council members found a solution to the frequent communication breakdowns hindering renovation in the city's core: Reduce the two government bodies overseeing redevelopment projects to one.

Letter: Handicapped deserve better: Some of the handicapped are being hurt and injured due to too-steep stairs or inability to grasp a handrail. Some of the ramps for wheelchairs are not constructed properly. Bathrooms are not always large enough for the handicapped.

Wynn plans new Strip resort: CARSON CITY -- The days of the themed resort in Las Vegas are over, says casino developer Steve Wynn as he revealed plans for a 3,000-room hotel adjacent to the Desert Inn.

Builders sue Teamsters over work stoppages: Grace Leong; Two Las Vegas contractors for the unfinished Suncoast hotel-casino in Summerlin sued Teamsters Local 631 to recover damages for disruptions in their work schedules when the union used allegedly illegal tactics to stop construction at the site.

Valley View undergoing drain improvements: The first phase in the $500,000 project will close La Pasada Avenue to traffic from Valley View for about one week for water line work. Work will also take place on El Camino Avenue from Plaza del Prado to and through the Valley View intersection and on Valley View between Sahara Avenue and La Pasada.

Vons owner signs online grocery pact: Safeway spokeswoman Debra Lambert said online grocery shopping will be available in 16 markets by the end of 2001. It has not yet been determined whether Las Vegas would be among the initial markets included in the national rollout.

High-level shipments may have controls: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Officials with the Rockville, Md.-based Nuclear Regulatory Commission on Wednesday said that if trucks ever haul high-level nuclear waste cross-country to Yucca Mountain, state authorities would have some control over which routes are taken.

Girl wants to go to camp: She could use a break from her adult responsibilities and would like to spend time with other children. Camp would help enhance her social skills.

Suspects linked to multiple casino holdups: Keith Paul; Police believe they broke up a violent criminal crew linked to five casino holdups when they charged two men this morning in connection with a series of brazen heists dating back to 1998.

Metro officer cleared of bribe charge: Keith Paul; An Idaho judge dismissed a felony bribery charge against a Metro Police lieutenant filed after prosecutors alleged he offered an Idaho state trooper $2,000 to avoid a drunken-driving arrest.

Licensing, zoning provisions adjusted: The amendment is the second attempt in a year to address problems arising from a case at the 9th U.S. District Court of Appeals that has ruled twice against the city.

Letter: Belated thanks for firefighters: Several years ago I looked out my front window and saw flames billowing up in the air as high as my roof.

High winds help snuff out wildfire: Southwest winds gusting to 50 mph Wednesday blew out much of the Buck Springs fire like candles on a birthday cake.

Cox Cable sending out coupons to settle suit: Las Vegas-area cable TV customers will soon receive with their bills coupons that can be used to pay for two free pay-per-view movies.

Local news briefs for June 8, 2000: Sens. Richard Bryan and Harry Reid said they will offer an amendment to the Defense Authorization Act of 2001 to include Nevada Test Site workers injured from dust or radiation in proposed compensation.

Lawsuit against NLV police settled: Diana Sahagun; Three North Las Vegas residents will receive $50,000 to settle a 4-year-old claim that officers used excessive force and falsely arrested them.

Law school closer to accreditation: Aaron Clemens; The UNLV Boyd Law School has advanced another step toward provisional accreditation.

Wells Fargo, First Security prepare to sell branches: Phil Levine; Las Vegas' largest banks

LV will retain lobbyist firms: Adrienne Packer; Despite serious questions related to the effectiveness of two high-priced lobbyist firms that represent Las Vegas in Washington, D.C., the City Council on Wednesday decided to stick with the companies until November.

Union agrees to seven-year contract with company: Jace Radke; Union trash haulers avoided a summer garbage strike Wednesday, approving a seven-year contract with Republic Services of Southern Nevada.

Obituaries for June 8, 2000: Fred A. Babuscio, 85, of Las Vegas died Wednesday in Las Vegas. He was born Sept. 2, 1914, in Chicago. A resident for many years, he was a dealer and a World War II veteran.

North Las Vegas briefs for June 8, 2000: A North Las Vegas Fire Department captain has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the department and the city, claiming he was passed over for promotion because he is Hispanic.

Ex-girlfriend testifies in quadruple slayings: Kim Smith; Yes, she lied to police. Yes, she lied to grand jury members, prosecutors, TV news reporters and her boyfriend. But, Charla Severs insisted Wednesday, she is telling the truth now.

Anti-gay marriage petition nears filing: Stacy J. Willis; An effort to ensure that gay couples cannot legally marry in Nevada moved one step closer toward success Wednesday, organizers said.

Compromise law on billboards approved: Diana Sahagun; North Las Vegas in 10 years will look very different from the city that now has 67 billboards along various streets and highways.

Stars fall at Memphis: In related news, the San Diego Padres placed right-hander Brian Boehringer on the 15-day disabled list. The former UNLV star has tendinitis in his throwing shoulder. The team recalled right-hander Domingo Guzman from the Stars to take Boehringer's place.

Law lets homeowners end deliveries of unwanted materials: Adrienne Packer; With the threat of a lawsuit looming, the Las Vegas City Council approved an ordinance Wednesday that prohibits the distribution of unsolicited publications to homes after the homeowner has requested it to stop.

Letter: Nuclear disaster a likely legacy we will leave: I think it's time we Nevadans wise up to the fact this is a done deal. Yucca Mountain is the nation's nuclear waste repository, once it's finished. Those aren't test tunnels they're digging, it's the finished project they're working on. And, yes, President Clinton vetoed the bill that would have declared it a fact, but it was safe for him to do that at this time, as the repository isn't finished.