Print edition for March 21, 2000

Nevadans join crowd of plaintiffs suing Microsoft over antitrust issues: Grace Leong; Three Las Vegas residents have joined a nationwide class action effort against Microsoft Corp., accusing the software giant of overcharging customers for its Windows 98 software program.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Rockwell proposal refused at Harrah's: Kate Maddox; Rick Rockwell won't be coming to Vegas on his current "Annulment Tour": He was denied access at Harrah's. Rockwell, the publicity hound/ex-groom of Fox's "Who Wants to Marry a Multimillionaire," is touring the country making stops at Improv comedy clubs. Although Rockwell and his agent were very interested in playing the Strip, which Rockwell did before he gained fame as the biggest loser in the country, they couldn't make room at the Improv at Harrah's.

LV businessman honored: The award is given from the Emeritus Association of the Brigham Young University Alumni Association.

Timing of dockside gambling legislature in Mississippi: Sources: The Sun Herald archives and state legislative records.

Poll: Alabama voters oppose video gambling: The survey was conducted March 13-14 by Marketing Research Institute. It had a margin of error of 4.1 percentage points.

Ashton, former Sun district manager in circulation, dies: Longtime Las Vegas Sun newspaper distributor Bob Ashton and 19th century author Horatio Alger lived remarkably similar lives.

Ralph Siraco's Santa Anita selections: 1st Race -- Delight Of Summer - Draws outside post, newcomer Bravo gets call for trainer West on Golden Eagle Farm runner, factor here. Gator In Excess - Flores aboard Baffert trainee, should be a forward factor in this, Gator gone? Value Play -- Wolf Bay

Tahoe kids' club worker arraigned in knifing death of girl: The child's nude body was found Monday down a highway embankment.

Edwards trial resumes after four-day weekend; DeBartolo loses team: Natalie Gott; The former governor, his son, Stephen; state Sen. Greg Tarver and four others have been on trial since Jan. 10, accused of carrying out a series of schemes to manipulate the way the state awards riverboat gaming licenses.

Tougher neighborhood casino zoning proposed: Adrienne Packer; Spring Valley homeowners might be relieved that a state law restricting neighborhood casinos spared them from an eight-story hotel, but at least two Clark County commissioners are not quite satisfied.

Rideless in CART, Hearn mulls jump to NASCAR: Richie Hearn had planned on competing in Sunday's CART season opener, the Grand Prix of Miami at the Homestead-Miami Speedway in South Florida.

Body of missing Lake Tahoe girl found: Brendan Riley; Authorities arrested Thomas Robert Soria Jr., 19, just a few hours after the girl's nude body was found Monday morning, down a highway embankment about 25 miles from the complex.

Editorial: Mangling notion of democracy: So Nevadans naturally were curious to hear what House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., who was in Las Vegas on Sunday, had to say about the issue. At a news conference following a fund-raiser for state Sen. Jon Porter, a Republican candidate for the House, Hastert told reporters that he believed it was necessary to hold a vote because there are so many members of Congress who represent states with nuclear power. "I have an obligation to 31 states to bring the bill up and have a discussion. That's how democracy works," Hastert said.

Park Service sued over 'inequitable' Grand Canyon rafting plan: The lawsuit claims the National Park Service favors commercial outfitters over private boaters when allocating river permits, a point long under contention.

Las Vegas casino employee says she illegally notarized documents for Kimes: Samuel Maull; Nanette Wetkowski, a reservations supervisor at Circus worked part time as a bookkeeper for the Kimeses for almost five years.

Alabama groups turn up pressure over video gambling: Phillip Rawls; Sen. Charles Steele, who is sponsoring a video gambling bill for the Greene County dog track, filed a contest against all "local" bills in the Senate. That procedural move blocks a vote on all bills affecting only one city or county, such as raising or lowering a local fee or tax.

Obituaries for March 21, 2000: Alan H. Benbow, 73, of North Las Vegas died Sunday in a local hospital. He was born March 20, 1926, in Wyandotte, Mich. A resident for 18 years, he was a retired salesman in advertising and a World War II Navy veteran.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Sad fate of two ladies: During the late 1980s, this column expressed concern about the large manufacturing facilities in Central America making expensive clothes and shoes for U.S. markets. One day when shopping in a small store for an orphanage in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, I asked to see where the goods were made. A curtain was pulled back, and the entrance to a large warehouse-style building exposed dozens of sewing machines manned by old women and teenagers. None of them were making as much as 50 cents an hour.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Neglected rims, nets inexcusable: Dean Juipe; As a taxpayer, it's an offensive sight.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Home court has been a blessing for Bayno: Here's something to consider: As pointed out by a colleague in the local media (who shall remain anonymous), were it not for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, UNLV might be looking for a new basketball coach today.

Girl gets to keep money found in December: When nobody claimed it after 90 days, police said the money was hers to keep. On Monday, she received a check for the undisclosed amount.

New York comptroller says scholarship program needs lawmakers' OK: Joel Stashenko; H. Carl McCall said Gov. George Pataki's "Leaders of Tomorrow" scholarship plan needs legislative approval just like any other proposal involving the appropriation of state funds.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Having a Grand laugh over canyon: A moment of silence, please, for Arizona tourism officials.

Community news briefs for March 21, 2000: Kaufman & Broad Homes is collecting clothing 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday for The Shade Tree of Southern Nevada and other nonprofit organizations in six states. The clothing drive is part of Kaufman &Broad's first companywide Spring Cleaning event at Kaufman & Broad and Lewis Homes' new home community, the Monaco. Call (800) 344-6637 or visit the company's website at www.kbhomes.com.

Tahoe official recommends hefty fine for illegal logging: The former congressman presided over a hearing on the alleged violations in late January and concluded a $160,000 fine is justified.

Nevada sales up nearly 5 percent in January: Brendan Riley; The state Taxation Department said Tuesday the January figure brings Nevada sales to $17.12 billion so far this fiscal year.

Death penalty may be sought in Tahoe murder: Brendan Riley; Thomas Robert Soria Jr., 19, was arrested a few hours after the nude body of Krystal Steadman was found Monday, down a highway embankment.

Tribes, state vow to join forces in regulating booming Indian casino industry: Michelle DeArmond; Their appearance at the California Indian Gaming Summit marked the first time state and tribal officials have spoken publicly together since California voters legalized Indian gambling March 7.

Chronic window smasher arrested again: After the damage was done, police said Stolz walked in, put his hands behind his back and said, "I did it."

Clark, other counties, put cleanup crews on hold: Sandra Chereb; "The work program has been put on hold. We're forming a task force to make sure safety measures are in place," Doug Bradford, Clark County spokesman, said Tuesday.

Management buyout at Trump dismissed: ATLANTIC CITY -- A bond analyst says Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts Inc. isn't likely to attempt going private, despite a report that insiders at the company are considering that course.

No doubting Thomas: Steve Guiremand; UNLV begins spring practice 11 a.m. Saturday at Rebel Park. No one is more anxious to get going than sophomore quarterback Jason Thomas.

Letter: George W. hardly his 'own man': Next came the Wiley brothers and another slanderous, dirty-trick campaign in New York. Now it is the National Rifle Association. He has yet to disavow any of this, but tries to stand aloof from it and says he has had no part in it.

Memorial fund names officer: The memorial fund is a nonprofit organization that was authorized by Congress to build and maintain a memorial to the more than 15,000 officers who have died in the line of duty since 1974. It also recognizes officers for exemplary work every month.

Cleansing the Soul: Lisa Ferguson; The next time you're scrubbing soap scum from the bathroom tiles or capturing dust bunnies from beneath the living room sofa, ponder the writings of author Cheryl Mendelson:

Defunct LV firm targeted in Philippine sex tour probe: David Strow; A Filipino government official is targeting a defunct Las Vegas tour company as part of an investigation of the Philippines' underground sex tour industry.

UNLV golf team 6th in Texas tournament: The 10th-ranked UNLV men's golf team shot 23-over-par in two rounds played Monday and was in sixth place at the Cleveland Golf/Morris Williams Intercollegiate at Austin, Texas.

Environmentalists criticize federal land wish list in state: The federal government on Tuesday released its "wish list" of environmentally sensitive lands to acquire in Nevada.

Wednesday's entries: 1st race 6 fur 3YO Clm: 1 Bully's South (Pincay) 118; 2 Wolf Bay (Espinoza) 118; 3 Plane O Trick (Desormeaux) 118; 4 Gator in Excess (Flores) 118; 5 Badgets Ruler (Blanc) 118; 6 Delight of Summer (Bravo) 116.

FBI didn't trail Fields after seeing cash handoff: Natalie Gott; No agents were trailed Fields or searched his house after the alleged 1997 exchange because the FBI had too few people in the Baton Rouge area at the time, agent Geoffrey Santini told defense lawyers.

First tribe to sign labor deal hopes union will be good national ally: Michelle DeArmond; The unique arrangement between the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians and the Communication Workers of America led to a worker-approved contract that went into effect in October. The deal followed a hostile battle between tribes and another labor union bent on organizing workers on the sovereign reservations.

Oscar says his dancing days are finished: Ken Peters; LOS ANGELES -- Oscar De La Hoya plans to work on his New Year's resolution when he fights unbeaten Shane Mosley.

Analyst says New Orleans pullout is a possibility: In a 20-page report, SG Cowen Securities analyst John Maxwell Jr. said he expected the company to pull out in April 2001 unless revenues at the property improve significantly. He said the casino's costs remain too high and don't justify the future financial benefits of the property.

Report: Two outside firms likely to buy Greektown shares: The report written by two analysts with Lehman Brothers highlights the speculation about the future course for Detroit's last casino license.

Letter: We'll never be safe from OPEC: BILL MORRISEX

Dry Lake land swap faces congressional hurdle: Patrick Graham; "Everything is in place now," said Geoffrey S. Barnard, president of the Grand Canyon Trust. The Flagstaff-based conservation group is leading the effort to purchase 247 acres of alpine desert landscape, which it then plans to turn over to the federal government.

Letter: Politicians, rich profit from oil while people pay: Kuwait owes us an explanation. Is it they who cut oil production because the good ol' boys billionaire club OPEC decided to gouge and jack up the price per barrel of oil? Cut oil production and get richer! Higher oil prices are our reward for saving Kuwait.

Editorial: Tragedy demands a thorough review: The county says it will temporarily postpone this program to see if there are additional safety precautions that can be taken. The trash-collection program should be suspended until an exhaustive reassessment is done. The county should determine whether allowing teenagers to collect garbage along an interstate highway where cars legally are allowed to drive 75 mph -- and too many drive much faster than the posted speed limit -- is safe enough to continue at all.

Iridium skeptical of LV firm's bid for satellite system: Michael John, chairman and chief executive officer of Merit Studios Inc., said in a news release that he has transmitted e-mail to attorneys involved in the Iridium bankruptcy case to open talks on developing a new company to use the satellite system to transmit data packages.

Relatives of Binion, defendants may testify at trial: Sandy Murphy and Rick Tabish plan to make the Ted Binion murder trial a family affair.

Big LV homebuilder beats earnings estimates: Profit from continuing operations for the quarter ending Feb. 29 rose to $24.6 million or 56 cents a share compared with net income of $16.2 million or 35 cents in the year-ago quarter.

First of new schools chief hopefuls interviewed: Terry Webster; Change and controversy go together, says Timothy R. Jenney, a candidate for the job of Clark County School District superintendent.

Nevada Power threatens suit over state's rate-cut ruling: Stock falls

Fed poised to boost rates again: WASHINGTON -- The Federal Reserve is prepared to keep boosting interest rates until the speeding economy slows to a more sustainable pace that's not likely to spark inflation, private economists believe.

Father sentenced to 25 years for son's death: Kim Smith; A Las Vegas man accused of killing his infant son was sentenced to 25 years in prison Monday, one day before his 22nd birthday.

Families grieving; program on hold: Keith Paul; They weren't bad kids. They were just teenagers who got in a little trouble.

Local news briefs for March 21, 2000: A former Valley Hospital and Medical Center patient has filed a lawsuit in District Court against the hospital stating that because of its negligence she was sexually assaulted in January 1998.

Man gets 60 years for killing: Kim Smith; A Las Vegas man was sentenced Monday to 60 years in prison for slashing one man to death and a knife attack on another.

Poor roads wearing down the cars of Nevada drivers: Because nearly two-thirds of Las Vegas' metropolitan area roads are in fair to poor condition, each motorist spends $111 more a year on vehicle operation costs than they would if the streets were in good shape, a new report says.

Opening of single units seen as start for many: Erin Neff; The blasting wind clanged cymbals, tossed sheet music and blew the giant red ribbon stretched across Campaige Place's front entrance Monday.

Hotel adds kosher kitchen: Over its first nine months of operation, the hotel hosted more than 20 events for the Jewish community. As of Feb. 15, the hotel had another 14 kosher events booked.

Jackpot winner switching hospitals: When Cynthia Jay-Brennan hit the world-record $35 million Megabucks slot jackpot in January, the 37-year-old cocktail waitress could afford all of the best things in life.

Innovative thrift hopes to score in LV with free checking: Phil Levine; Innovative and unique are not terms usually associated with banks and thrifts.

Drug raid prompts questions about UNLV police: Jace Radke; Who runs UNLV's police force?

Del Papa documents ordered unsealed: District Judge James Mahan today ordered the unsealing of documents and videotapes that reportedly show that the state attorney general's office conducted a secret intelligence probe of top gaming regulators.

Rhodes may dig deep into wallet for ditch: Adrienne Packer; A Las Vegas developer hoping to move a planned drainage ditch from his property to boost his land value might pay a hefty price for the relocation if the Clark County Commission approves his proposal Wednesday.

Prep sports schedule for March 21 - 25: Baseball

Driver may be hit with new law: Kim Smith; A young woman accused of mowing down a group of Las Vegas teens, killing six, could face charges under a new law that makes it easier to tie drug use to motor vehicle accidents.

Second superintendent candidate named: He is currently superintendent of the Fresno Unified School District in California, which has 78,000 students. He has been there since 1997.