Print edition for June 22, 2000

Senator blasts lack of Los Alamos security: Bryan, who is vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, expressed concern over the lack of security that led to the disappearance of two computer disk drives containing sensitive nuclear weapons material.

Turnipseed replaces Morros as Conservation and Natural Resources chief: Turnipseed, 56, has been with Water Resources since 1990, following 13 years with the Utah Division off Water Rights. He's following a well-worn track: Morros was state engineer before he became director of Conservation and Natural Resources - and his predecessor, Roland Westergard, did the same.

Dayton woman dies in fire: Fire investigator Mary Ellen Holley said an exact cause of death will likely be revealed by an autopsy, but authorities believe it was related to the fire.

Gambling treatment officials meet, search for solutions: "It really isn't known what the state of gambling treatment throughout the country is. Nobody can tell you what it looks like, tastes like, smells like, feels like," said Kathleen Scanlan, executive director of the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling.

Editorial: Better meat safety program is needed: While there have been improvements, the USDA inspector general released a report Wednesday that found the department needs to be tougher in its inspections and require verification that the tests are in fact being completed. One of the concerns expressed by the inspector general was that USDA inspectors allowed some meat and poultry plants to limit inspectors' presence to certain areas, which in effect curtailed the government's ability to ensure the products were meeting government standards.

Letter: Bush, Ensign trying to cut seniors' benefits: Taking even 15 percent out of the revenue needed to pay current and future benefits can't help but eventually cause current benefits to be cut. And Bush has not said how he would prevent these cuts, deferring his explanation until "after the election."

Community news briefs for June 22, 2000: In conjunction with the Metro Police Art Exhibit, Metro Day will be held 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd.

Mayor apologizes for arrest of rabbi: Orthodox Jewish Rabbi Moshe Omer refused to sign the citation because his religious beliefs prevent him from a great many activities from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday, such as performing manual labor, talking on the phone or even putting his signature on a piece of paper.

Robinson proves she can take pain: Dick Brinster; Shawna Robinson has proved she can drive a race car as well as many of the men she's trying to beat.

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

Asian art exhibit makes a statement at the Las Vegas Art Museum: Kimberley McGee; Where: Las Vegas Art Museum.

Planners approve bail business: Greg Harman; Bail Bonds Inc. finally cracked the resistant Boulder City market, gaining approval Wednesday from the Boulder City Planning Commission for an office downtown.

Letter: Blame American oil companies: Letter: Blame American oil companies

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Swallowing prescription drug plans: Ruthe Deskin; What is one of the hottest issues in this year's election campaign? If you answered that it's the high cost of prescription drugs, you would be mighty close.

Third DUI earnes Carson City offender 2-6 years: Schmidt's guilty plea was his third felony DUI.

TV journalism conference emphasizes better training: Kirk Baird; Instead, he said journalists use the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of the press, as an excuse not to be licensed. Consequently, journalists are free to say what they want, without fear of having either a state or government license revoked.

Commission gives ham operator static: Greg Harman; After being shuffled back and forth between the Planning Commission and City Council, the Boulder City resident's request to erect a 66-foot antenna in his back yard was denied by the Planning Commission for a second time.

This week's races: NASCAR

Two die in rollover near Ely: Both Gutowski and his 18-year-old passenger, Brian Wills, were ejected. Gutowski was pronounced dead at the scene and Wills died en route to a hospital.

Editorial: Drug plan leads to a squabble: Berkley and the Democrats claimed in their letter that Nevada's implementation was "rumored to be scrapped for good" because only one of 800 insurance companies contacted sought to provide the coverage -- and even that lone insurer later was found to be ineligible. Guinn responded by accusing Berkley of spreading "false and misleading information" about his program, stressing that he was still pushing ahead. And while even Guinn's modest program faces obstacles, at least he is trying -- Congress' partisan gridlock over the past few years has blocked drug benefits from becoming a reality.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Wandering columnist returns with tales to tell: Joe Delaney; Year 34. ... This column starts our 34th year covering the entertainment scene in Las Vegas for the Sun. ... We're just back from our annual four-week vacation with the first three weeks spent teaching audio-visual techniques and the creation of a magazine program at the International Academy of Broadcasting in Montreux, Switzerland.

Wild horses must be thinned: The study, conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resource Conservation Service, calls for the removal of 225 feral horses a year for the next three years to preserve the herds as well as the habitat and to stabilize the horse population at about 550.

Castroneves loved racing from the start: Harry Atkins; When he was 5, Helio Castroneves would go to the race track hidden in the trunk of his father's car.

Agreement detailed on disputed Jarbidge road: Tom Gardner; RENO, Nev. - A tentative agreement in the dispute over the South Canyon Road would allow reopening of the dirt trail that leads to the Jarbidge wilderness, but under federal supervision rather than county.

British GP told to shape up: Race organizers were in Poland for a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council to explain the chaos at the race two months ago in Silverstone.

Letter: Gore retirement proposal better: Gore has stated time and again that he wants to continue to pay down the Reagan-Bush national debt, while Bush is pushing to use up the surpluses for his vote-buying tax cuts. If I understand Bush's proposed investment scheme, a taxpayer could have $75,000 saved over 30 years, but with reduced Social Security benefits.

Richard Petty talks about grandson's death during appearance for STP: Anne M. Peterson; SAN FRANCISCO - Right after Adam Petty's fatal accident, stock car legend Richard Petty questioned whether he should have encouraged his grandson's racing in the family's tradition.

Indy F1's best chance at U.S. success: Mike Harris; Formula One has prospered without burning rubber on American asphalt for nine years. The globe-trotting circuit hopes for even more success by returning to the United States.

Jobless rate lowest in six years: Tom Gardner; CARSON CITY, Nev. - Nevada's unemployment rate fell to 3.4 percent in May, a drop of 0.4 percent from April and the state's lowest jobless figure since 1994.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Changing diet signals: Every other week Americans are given new information about how to eat better and live longer. Some people have come to believe that a bland diet doesn't help a person live longer, it only seems longer.

Goodman offers rabbi city's apology: Stacy J. Willis; Mayor Oscar Goodman apologized on behalf of Las Vegas Wednesday to a rabbi who was arrested last week.

He represents the Lollipop League -- and the city: Diana Sahagun; North Las Vegas Mayor Michael Montandon was a little late for Wednesday's council meeting as he took on the role of mayor for a much smaller city -- Munchkin Land.

Friendlier, bigger City Hall planned: Erin Neff; Las Vegas City Hall has been derisively called many things, including a toilet bowl. It's been criticized as a callous tower with its back to downtown's other businesses and civic buildings.

Columnist Peter Benton: LVCC wins challenge: Peter Benton; The third Interclub Challenge of the season, this one hosted by Las Vegas Country Club, saw the host course team win with a combined score of 260.

After decade, murder rates rising in U.S. cities: NEW ORLEANS -- After nearly a decade of decline in the murder rate, the numbers are up significantly this year over last year in several major cities.

Bowling with a byte: Steve Addy; There were plenty of sports pundit chuckles in March when three former Microsoft honchos bought the Professional Bowlers Association, but few outside the tour knew how dire the situation really was.

Microsoft transforming services through Internet: REDMOND, Wash. -- Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates unveiled a sweeping new initiative today aimed at transforming the company's operating systems and software products into services for people to access through the Internet.

Regents to confer over college-building program: CARSON CITY -- A $302.8 million construction program for the University and Community College System of Nevada, including two buildings at the proposed state college in Henderson, will be considered Friday by the Board of Regents at its meeting in Elko.

Money magazine showcases city as retirees' haven: Greg Harman; That's right. Henderson has made the Big Time.

Fight schedule: Tonight

Wendy's, Marriott operator eyes LV casino: David Strow; A New Jersey restaurant and hotel operator is eyeing a vacant off-Strip parcel for its first Las Vegas hotel-casino.

Casino lacking hotel is at issue: Diana Sahagun; The Fort Las Vegas Casino in North Las Vegas will be open another 60 days -- but just how much longer it remains so or in what capacity is unclear.

'Broadband' competition heats up between Sprint, Cox in Las Vegas: David Strow; Competition between Sprint and Cox Communications is heating up in Las Vegas, as both companies aggressively market their high-speed data services to local residents and businesses.

Greektown partners give documents to state regulators: Problems discovered during background checks forced the two couples to put their stake in what would be Detroit's third temporary casino up for sale in January.

Council OKs Wal-Mart plans: Erin Neff; On some days, it is possible to drive across the 53-acre Westland Fair Shopping Center lot at noon without touching the brakes to yield to other motorists.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Tyson carries baggage into Savarese fight: Dean Juipe; He's responsible for more postponements than any lingering rainstorm, nine since 1988 to be exact.

Former Caesars exec hired as VP of taxes: In her new position, Wilson will be responsible for all tax planning and reporting within MGM Grand.

Local news briefs for June 22, 2000: A failure to yield right of way appears to be the cause in a fatal accident Tuesday involving an elderly Las Vegas man and a Clark County School District Police officer, Metro Police investigators said.

Silverado's Rojas headed to CCSN: The 6-1, 195-pound Rojas batted .438 for the 4A state champion Skyhawks this spring. He hit three home runs, contributed 42 RBIs and scored 24 runs.

Deaths of teens linked to gambling: MILWAUKEE -- Two teenagers shot during a dice game after one apparently became angry over losing have died, according to a medical examiners report.

New St. Rose Dominican branch strives for greater level of comfort: Greg Harman; Broken rock and plastic pipe are splayed around an unfinished fountain at the entryway to the $85 million Siena Campus of St. Rose Dominican Hospital in Henderson.

Rhode Island casino backers hold onto dream despite Statehouse vote: Michael Mello; Whether a casino would help the town, the Indian tribe proposing it or the state are open questions that may not be answered anytime soon. A House panel voted Tuesday against putting the plan before voters on the November ballot, meaning the proposal is likely dead for this year.

Family sues trash company: Kim Smith; The mother and guardians of a 6-year-old boy killed by a Republic Silver State recycling truck in April have filed a negligence suit against the waste disposal company.

Life returns to scorched forest: The Buck Springs fire blazed through Trough Springs canyon two weeks ago, but creatures by wing and by claw have returned to create islands of life amid the ashes.

Wynn says DI to close: CARSON CITY -- Casino owner Steve Wynn disclosed today he will close his newly acquired Desert Inn on Sept. 30 and will build two new 3,000-room hotel structures on the site.

School approved despite protests: The Clark County Commissioners voted Wednesday to approve a controversial school site in the northwest Las Vegas Valley, but not before nearby residents strongly protested the move.

Prominent gaming analyst announces he is gay: In the e-mail, Coccimiglio said he was inspired to make the announcement after hearing Allan Gilmour, a Prudential board member and former vice chairman of Ford Motor Co., speak at a gay pride rally. The Coccimiglio e-mail was later reported in the New York Times.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Friday's races at Hollywood Park: 1st Race -- I Be Casual - Top jock Espinoza scales, draws good inner post for the sprint opener, should get good trip here. Brassiness - Draws just outside top pick, hustling Pedroza on May trainee, a factor throughout. Value Play -- Hot Wire

ABC to televise Air Force game: Steve Guiremand; Lights, camera, action.

In 'Oz,' a dream really comes true: Most everyone has heard a young Judy Garland sing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" with its hopeful lyrics that "dreams really do come true." But one Las Vegas girl is a living testament to the words.

Obituaries for June 22, 2000: John F. Bagot, 63, of Las Vegas died Monday in Las Vegas. He was born Aug. 6, 1936, in Palisade Park, N.J. A resident for 13 years, he was an Army veteran.

Mob gambling ring broken up: MIAMI -- Eighteen people were charged with running the Colombo crime family's South Florida gambling, extortion and money laundering operations.

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

Ex-student leader claims kidnapping in UNLV lawsuit: Lee Scrivner; An impeached UNLV student body president accuses the school's administration of crimes ranging from stalking and kidnapping to racketeering and extortion in a lawsuit filed Wednesday.

Sierra Club wants health risk added to U.S. 95 study: The Sierra Club asked the Federal Highway Administration today to supplement environmental impacts from expanding U.S. 95 because new studies link high traffic counts with childhood cancers and leukemia.

Flood channel still a thorn in Rhodes Ranch expansion: Representatives for Rhodes Ranch won a qualified go-ahead for further development of their master-planned community in the southern Las Vegas Valley from Clark County commissioners at Wednesday's zoning board meeting.

CART chief Rahal wants unification with rival IRL: Bobby Rahal has been the interim president and CEO of Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) for less than a week. But the former Indianapolis 500 winner already has a vision of the series' future.

Suspect indicted in series of bank robberies: Kim Smith; A man indicted in March in connection with one bank robbery has been indicted by a federal grand jury on another 21 counts.

Agreement reached in volatile Elko feud: Elko County and U.S. Forest Service officials have reached a tentative agreement they hope will settle a long-standing and volatile feud over a tiny dirt road and an endangered fish in northeast Nevada.

Profit rises for owner of Smith's, PriceRite: The nation's largest grocery chain said it earned $276.5 million, or 33 cents per share, before charges in the quarter that ended May 20 compared with $231 million, or 27 cents a share, a year ago.

Milwaukee teens dead from shootings during dice game: Harris apparently became angry over losing the game and shot Curry, the report said. Harris then shot himself in the head. Alcohol may have been a factor in the shootings, police said.

Dating bubbles in Yucca Mountain key to nuke debate: Scientists studying microscopic bubbles of water and gas trapped in minerals inside Yucca Mountain have not found evidence of deposits younger than 2 million years old.

NLV council approves flagpole, drug abatement measures: Diana Sahagun; Tempers and emotions ran high in North Las Vegas City Hall Wednesday night, as ordinances requiring flagpoles in parks and prohibiting drug users from certain neighborhoods were debated and eventually approved.

Indiana: Angry casino patron who stole shuttle bus given year's probation: In addition to probation, he was ordered to complete 100 hours of community service and to attend alcohol and gambling counseling.

FAA changes would affect Henderson: Benjamin Grove and Greg Harman; WASHINGTON -- The Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday proposed changes that would make small airports, including Henderson Executive Airport, subject to the same safety rules as larger ones.

Ex-coach to plead guilty in sex case: Chief Deputy District Attorney Doug Herndon said Lora Rodriguez, 34, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of sexual conduct between a teacher and student, a felony, and one count of child abuse or neglect, a gross misdemeanor.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Denver a good fit for MWC: Regardless of how many powerhouse programs the Utah men's basketball team knocks off, no matter how many times the Brigham Young football team appears on network television, the Mountain West Conference continues to have a credibility problem that won't go away.

Panel OKs formula for college funding: CARSON CITY -- A new formula to end two years of complaints that UNLV and the Community College of Southern Nevada have been shortchanged in the distribution of state funds, has been approved by a legislative committee.

Lott assures betting bill is on agenda: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott has signaled he intends to clear a path for a Senate vote on a bill that would ban betting on college sports.

Father's criminal past allowed as evidence: Kim Smith; Defense attorneys for a 15-year-old boy accused of killing his father in January will be allowed to present evidence about the father's criminal history and character at the boy's preliminary hearing.