Print edition for June 30, 2000

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: LVMS could nab 2nd NHRA points event: Officials of the National Hot Rod Association barely had a day to revel in the announcement of their new long-term television contract with ESPN and ESPN2 when they were dealt a blow by one of their member tracks.

Developer to help build NLV fire station: Diana Sahagun; A much-needed fire station could be built within two years in the northwest part of North Las Vegas as the result of a zoning change approved Wednesday by the North Las Vegas Planning Commission.

Grand Am may be key to shooting: Residents from a home in the 2800 block of Searles Avenue, near Eastern Avenue, found the victim at about 12:10 a.m., police said.

Man faces weapons charges: Greg Tuttle; A Boulder City man suspected in the mysterious disappearance of his wife last year was arraigned today in federal court on weapons and other charges.

American Legion baseball standings: (Through June 28)

PCL Box: Dukes 10, Stars 8: E--Metcalfe, Davis. DP--Albuquerque 2, Las Vegas 1. LOB--Albuquerque 9, Las Vegas 9. 2B--Prieto 2, Branson, LaRocca. 3B--Bocachica, LaRocca. HR--Donnels (20), Riggs (5), Tebbs (1), Vitiello (9). SB--Metcalfe, Tebbs, Darr, Curl.

Obituaries for June 30, 2000: Cresenciano Ong Aranas Sr., 91, of Las Vegas died Saturday in the Philippines. He was born Dec. 11, 1908, in the Philippines. A resident for 20 years, he was a retired mayor.

Cimarron Legion takes care of unfinished business: Spencer Patterson; Two years ago, the Cimarron-Memorial baseball team was the talk of the town, posting Southern Nevada's top conference record, winning the Southern Zone title and advancing to the 4A State Tournament.

Bernstein dumps $100,000 in cash in front of Reno drug company: Martin Griffith; RENO, Nev. - U.S. Senate hopeful Ed Bernstein dumped $100,000 in cash in front of a Reno drug distribution center to dramatize his opponent's ties to the pharmaceutical industry.

North Carolina moves to ban video poker: Scott Mooneyham; RALEIGH, N.C. -- A Harrah's Enertainment Inc.-operated casino owned by the Eastern Band of the Cherokees would be exempt from a ban on video poker machines approved by the state Senate on Thursday.

Bryan, Reid on alert for bill: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Nevada senators are again playing defense on a bill that would ban betting on college sports in state casinos.

Australia slot maker entering California, Nevada markets: Aristocrat said it's also on target to receive a license to sell slot machines in Nevada, the largest U.S. gaming market, by August.

$375 million in bonds sold: Proceeds from the bond sale will be used to repay outstanding debt on Station's revolving credit facilities. The facilities will then be used to help finance Station's pending $205 million purchase of the Santa Fe hotel-casino, expected to close in the fourth quarter.

LV utility rated: PaineWebber utilities analyst Ronald Barone said the company should continue to see customer growth rates in the neighborhood of 5 percent a year, "(making) Southwest an attractive acquisition candidate." Southwest officials have stated they are willing to entertain takeover offers.

With pride in past and faith in future, Sun turns 50: The rest is history.

Veteran journalist Macy retires from AP: "Other opportunities came along," Macy, 63, said, noting that he will be writing a book featuring interviews with some of the more than 250 Las Vegas entertainers he has interviewed since coming here in 1981. Macy also plans to pen a nationally syndicated column about Las Vegas.

Guinn's drug plan for seniors suffers a setback: CARSON CITY -- In a setback for Gov. Kenny Guinn, a task force refused Thursday to release more than $4.6 million for his program to subsidize senior citizens in the purchase of insurance policies to cover the rising cost of prescription drugs.

Local news briefs for June 30, 2000: A man facing a life sentence for allegedly stalking comedian Jerry Lewis will have his preliminary hearing in three weeks.

Buyout divides neighborhood: Adrienne Packer; Gilbert Barbieri's hand glided along the arching oak doors that open up to his dream home: a European-style mansion showcasing unique architectural design and imported furnishings.

Prospective judges introduced: Dan Polsenberg, president-elect of the state bar of Nevada, set the tone for the luncheon -- giving each attorney just one minute to introduce themselves and explain why they want to be a family court or justice court judge.

Henderson planners: Neighbors need to see light: Greg Harman; When the Clark County School District turned on its stadium lights at Foothill High School -- which were recently recorded at seven times their allowed level, there was only one invited resident ready to view them.

Foreclosure suit filed against downtown attraction: The defendants are the project's general contractor, Martin-Harris Construction; Fremont Street Experience Parking Corp., which is Race Rock's landlord; Pioneer Citizens Bank of Nevada and American Casualty Co. of Reading, Pa.

Sun photographer places in contest with Comdex shot: Morris' photo of two Cisco employees resting after a long day at the Comdex '99 trade show stood out among the 161 entries. The photo shows a male worker lying on the floor in the background while a female worker rubs her feet in the foreground.

Las Vegas moves ahead with plans for widespread recreation facilities: Erin Neff; Parks used to be something everyone wanted, with wish lists including ball fields, walking trails, tennis courts, skateboard parks and bocci courts.

Visitors trek to Vegas for Fourth of July holiday: David Strow; Observers expect Las Vegas to enjoy a strong holiday weekend this year, despite escalating gasoline prices.

$3 billion S.C. video gambling industry shuts down Saturday: Dan Lewerenz; SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- In dark, smoky rooms around the state, video gambling players cashed out for the last time today as South Carolina prepared for life without the popular machines.

Corrections officer probed in death of former inmate: Keith Paul; A Southern Desert Correctional Center officer was put on administrative leave as Metro Police detectives continue to investigate if the officer was involved the slaying of a former inmate over the weekend.

Jury will hear Floyd statements to police: Kim Smith; Two statements made by a Las Vegas man to police moments after he allegedly opened fire inside a grocery store and killed four people will be heard by jurors during his trial, which begins July 11.

Forest roads spark statewide debate: More than half the residents who showed up Thursday night to tell U.S. Forest Service officials what they think of the agency's proposed roadless policy called for a halt to construction of new roads in the nation's forests.

LV company enters China lottery industry: The system started selling and cashing tickets Monday at about 600 locations throughout Shanghai. The system will expand in coming weeks to 1,500 terminals.

DI closure leaves conferences with no venue: David Strow; Business Week magazine hopes to hold its first annual Small Business Summit in Las Vegas in September -- but is searching for a new venue after the announcement that its venue, the Desert Inn, will be closed by then.

Ruiz wants to make name for himself: Dean Juipe; John Ruiz may not have a widespread reputation, yet his claim to fame as a body puncher was more than enough reason to keep Evander Holyfield from fighting him at anything less than 100 percent.

'Mixed-use' developer growing in Las Vegas: A tightly held Las Vegas-based real estate developer is taking the unorthodox approach of building mixed-use centers instead of focusing on one market segment.

Residents quiz officials at first NLV town hall meeting: Diana Sahagun; What started as a discussion on downtown revitalization and a future satellite library soon turned to a contentious debate about a lack of police officers.

Charges fly in Carpenters organizing drive: Grace Leong; Concrete products maker Jensen Precast says its workers should decide whether to join the Carpenters Union and the company should not be forced by the government to recognize the union.

Closing arguments delivered in casino bankruptcy case: J.J. Johnson; CAMDEN, N.J. -- Attorneys for Park Place Entertainment Corp. of Las Vegas and billionaire financier Carl Icahn delivered their closing arguments Thursday in the Sands Casino Hotel bankruptcy case, wrapping up several days of hearings over who should rescue the ailing casino.

Columnist Victoria Sun: Tarango's antics fall flat: Victoria Sun; A toast to Paul Goldstein for beating Jeff Tarango at his own bloody mind games at Wimbledon on Wednesday.

S. Carolina machines not coming to Nevada: David Strow; An estimated 22,000 video poker machines will be up for sale tonight as South Carolina pulls the plug on the state's once-booming video poker industry.

Raise starts for state's employees: CARSON CITY -- State government opens a new fiscal year Saturday by giving a 2 percent cost-of-living raise to its more than 15,500 employees.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Hollywood Park: 1st Race -- Hit The Big Time - Draws good post for route opener, top jock Espinoza on Baffert trainee, hits the big time with a win here. First Journey - Pincay scales Truman trainee, outside post a concern, first turn position tells the tale here. Value Play -- Badgets Ruler

Trip to majors builds confidence for Kolb: Steve Guiremand; The Stars got their star closer back on Thursday night. And thanks to three weeks in the major leagues, Brandon Kolb returns a smarter and more confident pitcher.

Residents warned about dangers of fireworks: Aaron Clemens; With wildfires already a problem in Nevada, Clark County firefighters are taking extra precautions against illegal fireworks over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Problems feared as thousands descend on tiny Nevada town: Greg Tuttle; As thousands of people from around the country prepare to descend on a tiny river canyon in remote northeast Nevada to take part in an Independence Day protest against the federal government, Elko County Undersheriff Steve Bishop can only hold his breath.

Krynzel all smiles after chance to see his son make pro debut: Spencer Patterson; Relaxing at home on June 16, the last thing on Dan Krynzel's mind was another long trip.

LV seeks leader in developing new downtown parcel: Erin Neff; Now that the city of Las Vegas has a huge chunk of prime real estate ready for development downtown it is looking for a qualified person to lead the charge.

LV restaurant shooting suspect captured in N.M.: Keith Paul; A man wanted in connection with a 1996 shooting death outside of a Las Vegas restaurant was apprehended Thursday in Albuquerque, N.M.

Datebook: Las Vegas Civic Ballet Association and the city of Las Vegas Leisure Services offer afternoon ballet, tap and jazz summer classes at the Reed Whipple Cultural Center, 821 Las Vegas Blvd. North. Pointers for intermediate and advanced students, beginning and intermediate ballet, beginning tap, and beginning and intermediate jazz are provided. Classes are $25 a month. Call 229-2321.

Shelf Life -- Scott Dickensheets: Take a relaxing drive with Einstein's brain: For a journalist, Michael Paterniti is having an MVP season. In May his article from the September 1999 Esquire, "The House That Thurman Munson Built," was a finalist for a National Magazine Award as best feature story of last year. His article in the current Esquire, "The Long Fall of One-Eleven Heavy," an intense, moving piece of journalism about the crash of Swissair Flight 111, is certain to be a candidate next May. And his first book, "Driving Mr. Albert: A Trip Across America With Albert Einstein's Brain" (The Dial Press, $18.95), based on an essay in Harper's Magazine that ...

Parish to celebrate its 25th anniversary: McFarland founded several parishes, including Holy Family, while he served in Nevada. Holy Family began with services in a country western saloon on Boulder Highway.

Letter: Ban all games between colleges: I believe the students who are playing will still have wagers as to the outcome of the game.

Birth announcements for June 30, 2000: June 20: A boy to Stephanie and Larry Judd; a boy to Clara Engimann and Michael Longoria. June 21: A boy to Martha and Roberto Beriztain. June 22: David Handelman. June 26: A girl to Kelly Grant and Sean Grant; a boy to Desiree Shaw and Michael Maguire; a girl to Kathleen and Timothy Theel.

UNLV student-athlete list: MEN'S BASKETBALL (1) (Name, Year, GPA, Major) -- Chris Popoola, Junior, 3.15, criminal justice

The Movie Guys: As promised, 'Perfect Storm' makes waves: Synopsis: Based on a true story, "The Perfect Storm" tells of the courageous men and women who risk their lives every day pitting their fishing boats and rescue vessels against the capricious forces of nature. Their worst fears are realized at sea on Halloween of 1991, when they are confronted by three raging weather fronts, which unexpectedly collide to produce the greatest storm in modern history -- the perfect storm.

Guinn, Gibbons urge Shovel Brigade to show restraint: Martin Griffith; RENO, Nev. - Nevada's top two Republican elected officials have urged restraint at next week's citizens' rally aimed at reclaiming a remote dirt road in Elko County.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Scintillating events highlight Venetian's anniversary party: It will be happy times at the Venetian this weekend when the grand Italian resort celebrates its first anniversary.

Editorial: Hypocrisy charge causes rethinking: So earlier this week Gov. Kenny Guinn held a strategy session to see what other steps the state could take next year to head off such a ban, which could hurt Nevada's gaming industry. One of the weak links in Nevada's opposition to the legislation is the fact that there is a state regulation that prohibits betting on Nevada college teams. Supporters of a ban say that if this state is so worried that its own college teams are susceptible to corruption, it is hypocritical for Nevadans to oppose a prohibition on wagering on the rest of the university teams ...

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Going strong at 50: SO, WHAT'S IT LIKE to be 50 years old?

Columnist Joe Delaney: Goulet makes triumphant return to Orleans: Joe Delaney; Robert Goulet, a survivor through the years, is making his Orleans Showroom debut, a four-day stand through Sunday ... Without smoke, lasers, special lighting effects, dancers and backup singers, Goulet, Joseph D. Galante and an 18-piece hand-picked orchestra featuring Santo Savino on drums, plus a special appearance by his son, Michael Goulet, will offer audiences a very special entertainment experience.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Rio says good Knight to band: Kate Maddox; Funk band Boogie Knights is parting company with the Rio. The band, which has been a regular Wednesday night staple at Club Rio for four years -- that's a lifetime on the club scene -- will perform its last gig there Wednesday.

Sound Check -- Geoff Carter: Examining 'Movement in Still Life': "Movement in Still Life," the exceptional new record by BT (nee Brian Transeau), was released overseas well in advance of its stateside debut. On that side of the Atlantic, the cover depicted an infant silhouette, floating in negative space. When the record came out over here, the infant was gone -- replaced by BT's inoffensively handsome, Rob Lowe-ish face.

Letter: Bureaucracy is keeping us from nature: This time it's state employees wanting MORE money, but it could have been the Bureau of Land Management or any other public land management entity pleading for more money and/or land.

SCORE standings: TROPHY-TRUCK (Unlimited Production Trucks) -- 1. Tim and Ed Herbst, Las Vegas, Ford F-150, 149. 2. (Tie) Mark Post, Laguna Hills, Calif., Ford F 150 and Dan Smith/Dave Ashley, Riverside, Calif., Ford F-150, 77. 4. Larry Ragland, Phoenix, Chevy Trailblazer, 62. 5. Doug Fortin, El Cajon, Calif., Chevrolet K1500, 61. ALSO: 7. Brian Collins, Las Vegas, Chevrolet C-1500, 46.

Editorial: Lands bill deserves a vote: With that thought in mind, there is legislation pending in Congress that would send billions of dollars to the states to build more parks, recreation areas and wildlife refuges. The bill, which passed the House in May by a whopping 315-102 margin, also would allocate funds to restore environmentally damaged coastal areas. Here in Nevada, it's estimated that if the bill were to become law, this state would receive $50.6 million annually for 15 years to buy land for parks and other recreational uses.

That's Life -- Steve Bornfeld: Just can't flee from the DMV: A-109. That's my number among the waiting, restless herd ...

Celebrate our independence in grand American style: fireworks, music and Sophia Loren: When the Grucci and Zambelli families come to Las Vegas, you can bet there will be fireworks.

Rudner hits the mark at MGM Grand's Cabaret Theatre: Joe Delaney; Rita Rudner is in residence in the MGM Grand Cabaret Theatre, a 399-seat room ideally suited for comedy, especially the quiet, subtle, clever, often hilarious discussions that Rudner keys to various members of the audience. The room was packed the night we were there. We understand this is the norm, which should continue through July 28. She deserves full houses.

Firefighters gain upper hand on largest Reno-area wildfires: Martin Griffith; RENO, Nev. - Firefighters have gained the upper hand on the largest of a series of lightning-caused wildland fires in the Reno area.

Judge denies injunction against shovel brigade: Sandra Chereb; ELKO, Nev. - A federal judge rejected a Justice Department request to stop a citizens' revolt aimed at reclaiming a remote dirt road in Elko County that has come to symbolize western tensions over federal control of public land.

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

Firefighters try to gain upper hand on stubborn Reno wildfires: Martin Griffith; RENO, Nev. - Firefighters have reported progress in their battle against a rash of lightning-caused wildfires that have blackened more than 12,000 acres in the Reno area.

Fireworks banned on fed land: "Fireworks pose a serious danger under current fire conditions," acting Interagency Fire Management Officer Tony DeFalco said. "The recent Buck Springs wildland fire outside of Pahrump underscores the extremely dry conditions that exist throughout the area."

DNA testing leads to conviction in wild horse thefts: Martin Griffith; RENO, Nev. - DNA testing helped prosecutors convict a Pershing County rancher for stealing three wild horses off the range in the first such case of its kind in Nevada.