Print edition for June 9, 2000

Officials investigate suspicious fire: "I can't rule out other possibilities, but there's a 50 percent chance" it was arson, he told the Elko Daily Free Press.

Resort association launches Web site to combat Neal's casino tax: The site (www.nevadaresorts.org) features statements against the ballot initiative petition drive by Neal, D-North Las Vegas, which would raise the gross gaming tax on the state's wealthiest casinos from 6.25 to 11.25 percent to benefit several state programs.

Despite acclaim, Steely Dan shut out of Hall of Fame: Kirk Baird; It would seem the title of Steely Dan's latest album, "Two Against Nature," could have been called "Two Against The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Voting Committee."

Tests planned in effort to link heists with murders: Vigoa, 40, and Cisneros, 23, were booked into the Clark County Detention Center on Wednesday on charges of robbery, kidnapping and attempted murder. The two are being held without bond pending a court appearance Monday.

Johnson found guilty of killing four: Greg Tuttle; A Clark County District Court jury found Donte Johnson guilty of four counts of first-degree murder for the Aug. 14, 1998, killing inside a Las Vegas home. Prosecutors will now seek the death penalty for Johnson at a hearing scheduled to begin Tuesday.

Bryan pushing for SUV fuel efficiency study: Congress in 1975 set the corporate average fuel economy, or CAFE, standard at 27.5 miles per gallon on new passenger cars and 20.7 mpg for light trucks.

Man sentenced to nine months in jail: Morales reported the accident to the Farmers Insurance Group. The company hired the National Insurance crime Bureau to investigate and those inspectors concluded the damage was not consistent with the accident report.

Berkley, Gibbons unite to vote to repeal inheritance taxes: Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., said it would put a stop to taxpayers having to "visit the funeral home and the IRS on the same day."

Starr urges judges to go public; avoid his mistakes: Scott Sonner; "I should have provided the public more, not less information," Starr said Friday in a speech to judges, lawyers and reporters at the National Judicial College.

Vietnamese man who says he didn't know better gets 4 years: John Curran; Tri Cong "Tony" Van, 40, of Egg Harbor Township, paid $4,000 to get a gambler's 1995 Mercedes out of hock and lent her another $4,000 to go back to the tables. She went back to Caesars Atlantic City Hotel Casino and lost that money, too.

Fire 95 percent contained; lightning strike blamed: Robert Macy; A $1 million wildfire was caused by a lightning strike that occurred at least 10 days before the blaze erupted and charred 2,000 acres on Mount Charleston.

Officials checking to see if man can serve time under house arrest: She was ordered to pay White Pine County $107,681 restitution.

Birth announcements for June 9, 2000: May 12: A boy to Jenifer and Jason Symonds. May 30: A girl to Heather Hazelton and Jeffrey Bosley. June 1: A girl to Stephanie Gallien and Richard Strafella; a boy to Kristi Rottmann and Ryan Tewksbury; a boy to Kristina and Gilbert Vasquez; a boy to Adrienne and Duane Hogge; a girl to Christene and John Shepard. May 2: A boy to Renee' and John Harris.

Letter: Corporate greed fuels trucker strike: You yourself may work under some of these rules: Sunday off (or premium pay if required to work); 40-hour week (overtime pay if necessary to work); seniority (length of service respected in determining scheduling requirements); and prevailing wage (used to estimate costs on major projects).

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Joe, a Silver State star: PEOPLE IN GENERAL, and university presidents specifically, don't come much better than retiring UNR President Joe Crowley. Believe it or not, 21 years ago there was some serious doubt that the Board of Regents would favorably consider naming then-acting President Crowley to the president's chair.

Letter: Column fitting tribute to vets: When I was a small boy in the 1960s in Ohio we had Memorial Day parades in our small town where the World War I, World War II, Korean and Vietnam vets would march in four separate formations. I remember vividly the age differences among them and their vastly different uniforms. On our small street lived veterans of all four wars. One would be hard pressed today to find a street with a single war veteran.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Trio trying to pull IROC-IRL double: Jimmy Vasser and Juan Montoya pulled off a tough racing doubleheader two weekends ago, competing in a CART race on Saturday afternoon in Nazareth, Pa., and then running the Indianapolis 500 the following day.

The Movie Guys: Cars are the scene-stealers in '60 Seconds': Synopsis: Automobile aficionado Randall Memphis Raines is a retired car thief of legendary proportions. For years Memphis eluded the law while boosting every make and model imaginable. When the heat became too intense he abandoned his life of crime and left everything and everyone he loved to find a different life. Now, when his kid brother tries to follow in his footsteps, only to become dangerously embroiled in a high stakes caper, Raines is sucked back into his old ways -- in order to save his brother's life.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Romeo disappears from Flamingo: Kate Maddox; Most Strip watchers were surprised to receive an abrupt cancellation notice for singer/magician Darren Romeo from the Flamingo Las Vegas earlier this week. Romeo, whose afternoon show at the hotel was a popular attraction with locals and visitors, was let go with little explanation.

Datebook: Hallelujah's presents Dave Hunt, a Christian author and speaker, at 7 p.m. today and Saturday in the Rancho/Gowan Business Park, 3630 N. Rancho Drive. He will be speaking on the challenge of the cults, prophecy and current events. Call 646-7332.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Gourmets meet, greet and eat in South Africa: The posh Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa, was the setting for the recent MasterCard Cape Gourmet Festival, South Africa's premier food and wine event.

Recipe for murder spices up menu at Egg & I: Kimberley McGee; Gunshots, grub and games. All are available during a night at the mystery dinner-theater show, "Marriage Can Be Murder," which offers up a comedic whodunit for amateur sleuths to dabble in while enjoying a poultry platter.

Sound Check -- Geoff Carter: Brilliance of Buckley's music shouts from beyond: There have been few days since June 4, 1997, that I haven't missed Jeff Buckley. Since that sad day -- when Buckley was discovered accidentally drowned in the Mississippi River -- the world has been without the most promising singer-songwriter to emerge in some years, and I've been without the only rock star I ever really wanted to interview.

Editorial: Nursing homes in a crisis: The reasons for the nursing homes' difficulties depend on your perspective. Nursing home officials contend that low government payments for Medicaid patients and bureaucratic red tape have contributed significantly to their financial woes. Others, though, note that some of the corporations that run these nursing homes have not been managed well, which not only lead to poor care for their patients, but also result in their financial instability. As is the case often with complex public policy questions, there probably is a shred of truth in each perspective.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Hollywood Park: 1st Race -- Sands Aglow -Irish bred training at Anita, draws good post, Enriquez on Pinfield trainee, first-time nasal strip. Mantilla - Another training across town, new bug boy Cedeno tabbed by trainer Palma here, adds blinkers for this. Value Play -- Beautiful City

Editorial: Place air quality on front burner: This proposal hasn't been met with universal acclaim, though, as an air quality consultant for the Nevada Legislature believes there should be at least some state government representation on the board. But the key isn't whether there is, or isn't, state representation. What's essential is finding board members who are committed to finding workable solutions to our poor air quality, a situation that so far hasn't resulted in a comprehensive plan that meets federal standards.

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

Dashing Davis: Michele Davis left the NCAA Women's Outdoor Track and Field Championships with dual All-American honors and mixed emotions.

Dust-control plan nearing completion: Meetings

LVMS 3/8-mile paved oval points standings: Chargers: 1. Al Dejoria 245. 2. Robert Rittgers 240. 3. Len Dejoria 228. 4. Red Turner 223. 5. Tom Youmans 223. 6. Pat Petrie Sr. 222. 7. Keith Danser 217. 8. Reyes Valenzuela 210. 9. Ron Moffatt 191. 10. Ron Barker 185. 11. Dan Schools 171. 12. Dawn Vint 153. 13. Robert Rudd 83. 14. Ben Morris 81. 15. Gary Fuller 59. 16. Joe Madden 57. 17. Mark Sargent 44. 18. Marty Nichols 31. 19. Alice Hartling 30. 20. Wade Poniewaz Sr. 24. 21. Kevin Gardner 5.

Fire illustrates fragility of Spring Mountains: Charred habitat

BLM land auction pulls in almost $16 million: Birusk Tugan; Trying to generate money to buy and improve environmentally sensitive land in Nevada, the federal Bureau of Land Management sold almost $16 million worth of public land in a two-day auction.

Wynn said to be buying estate on Pacific Ocean: The newspaper cited people close to the deal and said Barry Diller, chairman and chief executive of USA Networks Inc., agreed to sell the property but no contract has been signed.

Letter: College game needs exposure: By Ron Kantowski; We have relatives that live in Omaha and we've planned our vacation around College World Series week for the past six years. For the money, it's by far and away the best value in college sports. But with the new qualifying tournaments, it was frustrating to try to get the news on who would go to Omaha.

BLM to step up land sale efforts: Officials say they will probably conduct a publicity campaign before future sales, including sticking dozens of "For Sale" signs on parcels and spending more funds on mass-media advertising and possibly direct mail.

Columnist Victoria Sun: Tennis' Federation Cup coming to Las Vegas: Victoria Sun; There has been no official announcement, but the defending champion U.S. Fed Cup team will defend its title in November at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.

LVMS Drag point standings: Pro E.T. (7.50 to 11.99): 1. Chris Naffzinger 136. 2. Jeff Bansbach 125. 3. Randall Holly 115. 4. Mike Creason 104. 4. Rudy Long 104. 4. Tim Arden 104. 7. Dana Young 93. 7. Paul Bledsoe 93. 9. Doug Schnieder 82. 10. Mark Reil 82. 11. Brandon Potts 74. 12. Chiney Mangru. 12. Ron Landram 71. 12. Kirk Schroeder 71. 12. Kelly Buesig-Wiggins 71. 12. Robert DeFrancesco. 17. Michael Dobrenko 63. 18. Carl Cannavo 60. 18. Monte Chastain 60. 18. Jerry Buesig Jr. 60. 18. Dan Sleep 60. 18. Jerry Mock 60. 18. Joseph Sorrenti 60.

Jury to begin deliberations in robbery slayings: "I'm not going to put halos and wings on him. He's a crack dealer," Deputy Special Public Defender Joseph Sciscento told jurors in closing arguments Thursday. But the attorney said Johnson was no murderer.

Police board finds shooting into clothing a violation: Keith Paul; Metro Police's use-of-force board ruled Thursday night an officer violated department guidelines when he fired two shots into a pile of clothing during a traffic stop in April.

State board to decide tax-free bond issue for monorail project: Adrienne Packer; A collection of influential businessmen representing themselves as philanthropists whose proposed monorail will ease congestion on the Las Vegas Strip were portrayed by their critics Thursday as shameless swindlers.

Letter: Fitting tribute to Petty family: By Ron Kantowski; -- SUE WELPER

Supreme Court approves 'short trials': CARSON CITY -- A procedure for condensing civil trials to one day in cases involving $40,000 or less was approved Thursday by the Nevada Supreme Court.

Defense bill may carry betting ban: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Sam Brownback, R-Kan., have signed up to attach anti-betting amendments to a Department of Defense bill.

PCL Box: Stars 7, Redbirds 3: Time--2:50. Attendance--11,187.

Washington news briefs for June 9, 2000: Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev., is vowing to continue his fight to study fuel-economy standards for gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles. Bryan for years has battled an auto industry that does not want tougher standards. Many members of Congress also have been reluctant to pursue stricter rules on popular SUVs.

Officials: Lightning caused wildfire: PAHRUMP -- Lightning, which left a tree smoldering for over a week, caused the Buck Springs fire that has charred 2,000 acres of public land in the Spring Mountains, investigators said today.

Letter: Remembering Adam Petty: By Ron Kantowski; I only wish the gates of heaven in Mike's cartoon had been wider. That way, he could have put Alan Kulwicki, Davey Allison, Clifford Allison, Neil Bonnett and Tim Richmond -- not to mention the other members of the NASCAR racing "family" who have died before their time -- standing there with Adam and his grandfather.

Widow watches as NTS amendment accepted: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Henderson resident Dorothy Clayton was on Capitol Hill Thursday to watch as the Senate accepted an amendment that would compensate former and current Nevada Test Site laborers made ill by their work.

Political notebook for June 9, 2000: Harrah's Entertainment in Las Vegas will create a political survey operation.

Boulder City council members consider taking big pay increases: Greg Harman; Members of the Boulder City Council are considering a hefty pay hike.

Appeal rejected in case of dad who killed baby: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court Thursday dismissed the appeal of Darwin Robinson, sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for murder in the 1993 death of his 4-month-old son in Las Vegas.

Mojave player going to Coppin: Smith's basketball teammate Reggie Willoughby, a 6-0 shooting guard, has also signed, with Lassen Junior College in California. Willoughby averaged 13.5 points as a senor and was also an honorable mention Sun all-state selection.

Local news briefs for June 9, 2000: Henderson Police needed only a few minutes to catch a bank robbery suspect Wednesday afternoon after a California Federal Bank branch was held up.

Community colleges join battle for bigger share of funding: The war for equity funding of higher education in Nevada apparently has expanded from primarily a north/south -- UNR vs. UNLV -- issue to a slightly grander scale.

Henderson cops compare armored car, casino heists: Keith Paul; Henderson Police are comparing ballistics and blood evidence from the deadly March armored car holdup to see if that crime is connected to two men accused of a string of Strip heists.

Allen leads Stars to win: Las Vegas starter Will Cunnane (3-0) went eight innings, allowing the Redbirds three runs on five hits and a walk. He struck out five. Memphis starter Britt Reames (1-2) took the loss.

Obituaries for June 9, 2000: Norma Barney Anderson, 84, of Las Vegas died Sunday. She was born March 31, 1916, in Annabella, Utah. A resident for 33 years, she was a baker for the Clark County School District and a homemaker.

AC hit with third casino suicide in three months: ATLANTIC CITY -- An unidentified man hanged himself under the Boardwalk on Thursday, the third suicide outside a casino in the last three months, police said.

UNLV, UNR unwittingly schedule competing gaming conferences: David Strow; Nevada's two universities plan major gaming industry conferences in Las Vegas next week -- and have, unwittingly, ended up in a scheduling conflict.

Walters asks for dismissal: Greg Tuttle and Ed Koch; Attorneys for golf course developer and professional gambler Billy Walters are seeking dismissal of a third indictment against him for allegedly operating an unlawful sports betting operation.

Bankruptcies for June 9, 2000: Universal Funeraria Cremation and Burial Society, 2071 Las Vegas Blvd. North, filed for Chapter 11. Assets and liabilities were not listed.

Malec ranked 18th in tennis polls: Malec ranked 18th in tennis polls

UNLV softball player chosen: UNLV softball player chosen

Lehman analyst is optimistic about Harrah's, Park Place: Following meetings with Harrah's senior management, Linde raised his second quarter earnings estimate from 40 cents to 43 cents per share, and his 2000 estimate from $1.62 to $1.65. Linde also raised his 2001 estimate from $2.00 per share to $2.08.

Two companies file lawsuits over picketing: Teamsters Local 631 has been picketing against Nevada Ready Mix and CSR Materials since labor contracts expired at the two concrete companies June 1.

Judge decides suit over 'Villa Pizza' name: Grace Leong; A popular local pizza parlor chain battling a New Jersey newcomer with an identical name has won a court ruling giving it the rights to the "Villa Pizza" name in the Las Vegas area.

LV, Florida bidding for Dodger spring training: Dodgers representatives are in Florida today to negotiate with officials from Indian River County and the city of Vero Beach about a 20-year spring training lease. Face-to-face negotiations are expected to be wrapped up today, but a final proposal isn't expected until next week.

Branson in discussions for new Las Vegas resort: Virgin Atlantic Airways Chairman Richard Branson, in Las Vegas for three days of partying to celebrate the kickoff of his company's nonstop air service to and from London, has meetings planned with local business people to explore building a resort here.

Vegas companies lose out in Detroit casino bidding: DETROIT -- One day after Mayor Dennis Archer threatened to find new bidders for Detroit's third casino, owners of the troubled Greektown Casino said they reached an agreement allowing it to open this summer.

MGM Grand denies exploitation of lions: David Strow; A California-based animal rights organization is taking aim at the MGM Grand hotel-casino's popular Lion Habitat, calling it exploitation of wild animals for entertainment purposes.

Durango regroups in summer ball: Spencer Patterson; The 2000 prep baseball season couldn't have ended in more heartbreaking fashion for the Durango Trailblazers.

Tropicana wants out of Beanie Baby slots lawsuit: Grace Leong; Phoenix-based Aztar Corp., accused of illegally promoting Ty Inc.'s "Beanie Baby" toys in exchange for slot play at its Tropicana hotel-casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, is seeking dismissal of an injunction it claims is moot because it has already stopped the promotion.

PGA hopefuls at Paiute course: The 36-hole championship will be played on the 7,146-yard Snow Mountain course. Players will tee off starting at 8:54 a.m. both days. Admission is free.

LA developer files bankruptcy to block foreclosure: The Las Vegas Resort Club and Doran Auslander, Los Angeles, made the filing last month.

MGM Grand may sell key slot patent: David Strow; A Las Vegas gaming analyst says International Game Technology is in talks to acquire a powerful new "coinless" slot machine technology from an unlikely source -- MGM Grand Inc.

Antique guns offer shots of history: Dr. Henry Wheeler and fellow shopkeepers became heroes on Sept. 7, 1876, when they took up arms and stopped one of the nation's most famous bank robbery attempts.

Business park's third phase set: Dallas-based Developer Jackson-Shaw Co. expects completion of the $19 million project this fall. When fully built, the business park will include six buildings totaling more than 450,000 square feet. The construction cost for Phase Three is estimated to be $10 million.

Jurors weigh fate of suspect in 4 slayings: Greg Tuttle; Clark County District Court jurors in the Donte Johnson quadruple murder trial are deciding today if the Las Vegan is a "cold-blooded" killer who could face the death penalty or a man wrongly accused.

Mom, child join area's measles list: Lee Scrivner; Six cases of measles have now been reported to Southern Nevada health officials in an outbreak of the virus that began six weeks ago.

Locals fare well at SCORE Baja 500: With only 107 of 219 starters finishing the grueling race within the 18-hour time-limit, Troy Herbst won the unlimited Class 1 in a Ford-powered Smithbuilt open-wheel desert race car. He also finished second overall behind the new Chevy Trailblazer Trophy-Truck of Larry Ragland of Phoenix. It was Herbst's second straight win in the SCORE Desert Series

Johnston puts plane crash behind him: Zack Hall; It could have been worse for Scott Johnston.

Jurors say Binion decision not easy: Nine of the 12 jurors gave interviews Thursday with KVBC Channel 3.

Noted author to join hotel college: Noted author to join hotel college

Columnist Dean Juipe: Lewis gets off too easy in Atlanta: Dean Juipe; What a sweet deal for Ray Lewis.

Ethics panel loses 2 members: CARSON CITY -- Two veteran members of the state Ethics Commission are leaving the commission after their terms expire at the end of June.

Correction: The Sun corrects its errors. If you find a mistake, call 385-3111 to report it.

Surgery slowing Rebels' Kelly: Steve Addy; The promotional slogan for Rebels basketball last season was "Rising to the Millenium," but the early leader for the coming season should be "Pins are In."