Print edition for March 22, 2000

Columnist Jon Ralston: Goodman frustrated in political arena: Who would have the audacity to describe the gaming industry as avaricious, parasitic and selfish? Who would have the temerity to accuse the casinos of not giving enough to the community? Who would dare publicly fume, "They put the money in their pocket and walk away from it."

Letter: Make sure to put America first: Why do we have budget caps on domestic spending and no budget caps on: World Bank funding, IMF, Export-Import Bank, foreign aid, NATO, United Nations, development banks, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, corporate welfare to benefit multinational corporations, etc.?

Census workers are making an unprecedented effort to count migrant farmworkers: Kiley Russell; Several hundred mostly Mixtec Indian farmworkers were gathered to play basketball, mingle with their neighbors and listen to traditional music at a school-yard celebration in honor of Bineto Juarez, a beloved 19th century Mexican president.

Letter: 'Like' is like '50s expression: Both interjected "like" into most of their sentences. My friends and I in the suburbs of Detroit during the '50s and '60s used "like," like, all the time.

Letter: New citizen need not be offended by missing letter: But for anyone to take seriously a complaint of such a perceived slight by any elected official makes absolutely no sense. This doesn't mean, however, that such letters would not indeed be treasured in the event that the writer and the recipient actually knew one another. But their absence should never be subject to legitimate criticism. The most profound reaction should be: Gee whiz.

Editorial: Secrecy finally is coming to an end: This newspaper and KLAS Channel 8 filed a lawsuit against the attorney general's office to get these records released. The Sun believes the public has a right to know whether Del Papa had conducted a secret probe that strayed well beyond any legitimate law enforcement activity. Del Papa's veracity in this matter wasn't helped at all when she acknowledged some intelligence had been gathered -- after denying initially a probe took place.

Editorial: Safety redesign is overdue: So it was encouraging when the New York Times reported Tuesday that automakers are acknowledging for the first time that SUVs can create extraordinary dangers to other motorists and, because of this, many of these makers will start changing the design of their vehicles to make them safer. This is a step that is long overdue. As the Times' story noted, statistics show that SUVs are nearly three times as likely as cars to kill the other driver in a crash.

Illinois regulators OK Harrah's-Players buyout: James Webb; The board on Tuesday also issued a $125,000 fine against the Casino Queen riverboat in East St. Louis, citing repeated incidents in which underage patrons were allowed on board.

Judge revokes house arrest for Murphy: Robert Macy; A judge revoked Sandra Murphy's house arrest, but left open the possibility that she could be free from jail prior to Monday's start of the Ted Binion murder trial.

Famed tenor returning, with friends: Robert Macy; Famed tenor Luciano Pavarotti is paying a return visit here, but admits he's not much of a threat to the city's lifeblood gambling industry.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Get to know Jack at Tower of Jewels: At 6:30 a.m. on a Monday morning Tower of Jewels founder Jack Weinstein was already at his desk. He was not alone. Key members of the TJ staff were at their desks, too. By 7:30 a.m. other staff members were appearing. First order of the day? To refill the showcases with the glittering merchandise that is removed to the massive safes each night; no easy task in a store the size of Tower of Jewels' flagship store on East Sahara.

First proposals expected from panel trying to save taxpayers' money: Brendan Riley; By the time it's done, the Committee to Conduct a Fundamental Review of State Government hopes to have a plan that the 2001 Legislature can use to make some big changes - and not just suggestions for more cooperation between agencies.

Edwards trial delayed again because of sick juror: Natalie Gott; Testimony from DeBartolo is now likely to come next week. Defense attorneys were still questioning FBI agent Geoffrey Santini when court ended early Tuesday. Prosecutors also planned to call two more FBI agents, gaming board chairman Hillary Crain and DeBartolo's business associate, Ed Muransky.

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Event raises money to fight cancer: Elizabeth Foyt; The recent Fashion Targets Breast Cancer shopping weekend was a joint venture developed by Saks Fifth Avenue and the Council of Fashion Designers of America, which counts as its members such luminaries as Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan. The weekend event was the first nationwide charity shopping initiative ever undertaken by Saks and most gratifyingly raised more than $2 million in these few days.

Waste bill passes the House: Nevada's Representatives, Republican Jim Gibbons and Democrat Shelley Berkley, hailed the vote as a victory because President Clinton has threatened to veto it. Bill supporters would have needed 290 votes to over-ride the veto.

Nevada lawmakers declare victory in nuke waste vote: H. Joseph Hebert; WASHINGTON - Although President Clinton already promised a veto, the House passed legislation Wednesday that could open the way for thousands of tons of nuclear waste to be shipped to Nevada as early as 2007.

14-Carrot crazy: Where: MGM Grand's Hollywood Theatre.

Park Service draws line in the water in setting Jet Ski limits: H. Josef Hebert; "Personal motorized watercraft," widely known by the trade name Jet Skis, are said by critics to shatter the tranquility of many parks and pollute the air and water. Enthusiasts say the machines are quieter and cleaner than in the past.

Columnist Victoria Sun: Webb wants recognition for LPGA: Victoria Sun; While Tiger Woods was turning heads by winning six consecutive PGA Tour events (the streak ended when Phil Mickelson won the Buick Invitational in February with Woods five victories short of tying Byron Nelson's record of 11 straight), LPGA Tour player Karrie Webb was quietly rolling on a streak of her own.

Latest subcritical nuclear test set for Wednesday: The tests are called subcritical because no nuclear chain reaction actually occurs.

Columnist Paula DelGiudice: Conservationists honored: Paula DelGiudice; To say that last Saturday evening was interesting would be an understatement. The National Wildlife Federation held its 64th annual Conservation Awards Banquet to cap its annual meeting in Seattle. The award winners seated at the head table were among the most eclectic of the conservation movement. As chair of the National Wildlife Federation, I was honored to host the event and present the awards on behalf of the organization.

Illinois regulators plan hearing on compulsive gambling: James Webb; It will be the first such hearing by the Illinois Gaming Board since the first riverboat casino opened in 1991. The idea was put on the front burner in recent months by relative newcomers to the agency, especially board Chairman Gregory C. Jones, who announced the plans at Tuesday's board meeting.

Francesco Lafranconi: Barman extraordinaire: Max Jacobson; Lafranconi is a suave young fellow who bears more than a passing resemblance to Tom Cruise in the movie "Cocktail," in which the actor played a confidently charming bartender. Two years ago Lafranconi won the Bacardi-Martini Grand Prix, a world championship for barmen between the ages of 18 and 28.

Columnist Peter Benton: Henderson course set to open May 1: Peter Benton; Kurt Greve is the epitome of a kid with a new toy these days.

New Jet Ski rules: Glen Canyon (Arizona-Utah), Lake Mead (Arizona-Nevada), Amistad (Texas), Lake Meredith (Texas), Bighorn Canyon (Montana), Chickasaw (Oklahoma), Curecanti (Colorado), Gateway (New York), Lake Roosevelt (Washington), and Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity (California).

Ralph Siraco's Santa Anita selections: 1st Race -- Sturge Weber - Draws well for the short dash, good baby combo with jockey Antley and trainer Stute, prompt start essential. Bafferta - Training at Pomona, draws wood for this, Atkinson for Quarter Horse trainer Collins here. Value Play -- Golden Ballet (A-entry)

Judge awards property to Kuralt's longtime mistress from Reno: Bob Anez; HELENA, Mont. - A judge Wednesday awarded the Montana fishing retreat of the late CBS correspondent Charles Kuralt to his longtime secret mistress from Nevada.

Tuesday Prep results: Green Valley 10, Rancho 0: Brice Sells threw a perfect game, becoming the second Gator pitcher in as many games to do so, and Garret Guzman went 3-for-4 with five RBIs and a grand slam.

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.

Rebel golfers catch BYU, but lose in Texas playoff: The 10th-ranked UNLV men's golf team shot a field-best six-under-par 282 and tied for the lead before losing a playoff to eighth-ranked BYU at the Cleveland Golf/Morris Williams Intercollegiate Tuesday at Austin, Texas.

Bryan introduces bill to protect Black Rock Desert: Scott Sonner; The retiring Nevada Democrat introduced the bill in the Senate to establish a National Conservation Area where bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope roam the lands that have changed little since pioneers made their way across the Applegate-Lassen Emigrant Trail to the California Gold Rush 150 years ago.

Stars hire new radio voice: Russ Langer, who spent the previous four seasons as the play-by-play announcer for the Albuquerque Dukes and is a 13-year veteran of baseball broadcasting, has been hired to call all of the Stars' 144 PCL games this season on KBAD-AM 920.

Local news briefs for March 22, 2000: A Nevada expert said new samples show water from a Nye County well near the Nevada Test Site is safe and poses no threat to public safety. An earlier sample showed levels of radioactivity 25 times higher federal drinking water standards.

Henderson council OKs land trade to settle suit: Valerie Miller; The Henderson City Council Tuesday approved an agreement to acquire one of the parcels of land it will likely exchange for the site of the proposed Nevada State College at Henderson.

Business leaders embrace economic diversification plan: Phil Levine and Richard N. Velotta; Southern Nevada business leaders embraced a new economic diversification plan -- dubbed "Unlocking Nevada's Future" -- unveiled by state officials this morning.

Third schools chief hopeful drops out: The third and final candidate, who was scheduled to be presented today, apparently would not be able to make it to Clark County for two weeks, School Board President Mary Beth Scow said.

Judge issues gag order in Binion murder case: District Judge Joseph Bonaventure issued a gag order today barring attorneys, witnesses and court employees from talking with the media during the Ted Binion murder trial.

$5 million bond set in crash case: Kim Smith; The woman accused of mowing down a group of teenagers who were picking up trash along Interstate 15 Sunday afternoon was ordered held on $5 million bond this morning during her initial court appearance.

Bandits battle City Council: Tickets for the Silver Bandits home games are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 938-3838.

Candidate for superintendent employs down-to-earth policy: Terry Webster; Superintendent candidate Carlos Arturo Garcia presents himself as a down-to-earth administrator who likes to play schoolyard games with children and chum around with school staff and parents.

Suspect in husband's death in court after three years: Kim Smith; Nearly three years after she was indicted by a Clark County grand jury in the murder of her wealthy husband, Margaret Rudin made her first court appearance before District Judge Joseph Bonaventure this morning.

County OKs study for children's hospital: Adrienne Packer; One physician told of a couple's anguish when their 2-month-old infant, suffering from a respiratory infection, couldn't get a bed for 14 hours at University Medical Center's pediatric ward.

Michigan committee considers moving ATMs outside casinos: Amy Franklin; The legislation would force gamblers to leave casinos, taking them out of the gambling environment so they could better decide if they want to continue betting, GOP Rep. Wayne Kuipers of Holland told the House Gaming and Casino Oversight Committee.

Stock offering scheduled: Krispy Kreme, which was founded in Winston-Salem, N.C., in 1937, plans to issue 3 million shares of common stock priced between $18 and $20 each and has applied for a listing on the Nasdaq under the symbol KREM.

House set to pass nuclear waste bill: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- The House today debated a bill that would launch shipments of nuclear waste to Nevada by 2007 for permanent storage. A vote was likely today and passage was expected.

Former Nevada expert on Indians dead at 100: Much of his work through the early 1970s was done at Idaho State University and then into the 1990s at the University of Nevada Reno.

Breach-of-contract suit filed against Boeing: Timet said it is seeking more than $600 million in damages.

Property going unclaimed in Nevada: Division administrator Steven McDonald says the state began in 1979 to recover unclaimed property such as jewelry, rare coins, stamp collections, cash, stocks, bonds and other items and try to return it to owners.

Summit fails to end dispute over Nevada Power rates: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn is disappointed at the failure of closed-door summit meetings to reach agreement on how much of a rate increase Nevada Power Co. of Las Vegas should receive -- but he urged the parties to return to the bargaining table to negotiate on other issues towards deregulation of the electric industry.

Agreement to end studio project being challenged: Valerie Miller; Just when the Henderson City Council and Studio Enterprises, Ltd., were about to put final signatures Tuesday on an agreement that brings a controversial movie studio project to a close, a third party is trying to stop the deal.

Hearings set on college sports betting: David Strow; The Senate Commerce Committee will conduct hearings on college sports wagering next week -- a move being denounced by a Nevada gaming industry lobbyist as unnecessary and politically motivated.

Transportation study: Nevada 'behind times': A new national study by an environmental group argues that Nevada is "behind the times" in spending available federal funding for mass transit and cleaning up air polluted by cars and trucks.

Edwards trial testimony put off after juror becomes ill: Natalie Gott; If Tarver did not know, he would have said "I don't have a clue what you're talking about," said FBI agent Geoffrey Santini, who will testify for his fifth day in a row if court resumes today.

Sick juror could delay Edwards trial again: Natalie Gott; If Tarver did not know, he would have said "I don't have a clue what you're talking about," said FBI agent Geoffrey Santini, who will testify for his fifth day in a row if court resumes today.

Columnist Jeff Haney: Many bettors ready to burn brackets: It's a different sport, but a fitting comparison.

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 Tuesday against all "local" bills in the Senate. That procedural maneuver blocks a vote on all bills affecting only one city or county, such as raising or lowering a local fee or tax.

Fast facts on the NHRA race: WHAT: Inaugural National Hot Rod Association national event at LVMS, the fourth of 23 NHRA points races this season.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Goofy horse has appeal but no wins: Dean Juipe; The gates open simultaneously with the sound of the bell and the horses explode into the race with remarkable energy.

Drivers, fans gear up for drag racing debut: Las Vegas Motor Speedway already has exceeded any other National Hot Rod Association event in terms of "pre-sale" tickets for the final round of the April 6-9 SummitRacing.com Nationals, but drag racing fans aren't alone in their anticipation of the inaugural event.

Obituaries for March 22, 2000: Louise Cole, 85, of Las Vegas died Sunday in Las Vegas. She was born Sept. 29, 1914, in Indiana. A resident for more than 40 years, she was a retired Hacienda hotel-casino golf shop manager and a member of the Emblem Club.

Judge sets $5 million bail for driver who killed six teens: Robert Macy; Jessica Williams, 20, a dancer at a local striptease club, appeared before Justice Tony Abbatangelo on Wednesday for her initial hearing wearing shackles.

Clark County to receive long-awaited clarity on building code regulations: Clark County staffers are working to clarify and simplify the outdated tangle of rules governing new construction in the unincorporated areas of the Las Vegas Valley that have given suburban homeowners fits when installing backyard spas and thrown a monkey wrench into many of developers' plans.

Families linked by tragedy; day of sentencing is day of pardons: Kim Smith; What happened in District Judge Joseph Bonaventure's courtroom Tuesday morning was heartbreaking. What happened afterward in the hallway was inspiring.

Speedway Casino operator posts quarterly results: MTR recorded net income of $391,000, or 2 cents per share, in the quarter ending Dec. 31, down from net income of $734,000, or 3 cents per share, in the year-ago quarter.

Harrah's helps boost number of visitors to New Orleans: Alan Sayre; NEW ORLEANS -- Harrah's New Orleans Casino won $20.4 million from gamblers in February, while Louisiana's 13 riverboat casinos took in $124.3 million, state police reported Tuesday.

LV operator considers property sell-off: In its annual report, filed Tuesday with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Fitzgeralds said it is discussing a restructuring of the company "that may include the sale of some or all of the company's properties."

Commitment called firm: "Harrah's has been very clear that we have no intention of not meeting the terms of our agreement (with the state of Louisiana)," Jones said Tuesday.

Boy, 16, wounded by cop: Keith Paul; A Metro Police officer shot a 16-year-old boy Tuesday afternoon in northeast Las Vegas after the teen tried to run over the officer with a stolen truck, police said.

Caesars executive sues Starwood for stock options: In a Clark County District Court suit, David J. Totaro, who was hired last May as Caesars' senior vice president of marketing for a two-year term, alleged Starwood had no intention of granting him the stock options and only used the incentive plan to induce high-quality personnel to join so it could sell Caesars Palace at a more attractive price.

Community news briefs for March 22, 2000: The city of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a performance of the Celtic group Colcannon 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Lorna J. Kesterson Valley View Recreation Center, 500 Harris St., Henderson. Advance tickets are $3 for youth and seniors and $6 for adults. Call 565-2367.

Nevada taxable sales up modestly as economy levels: CARSON CITY -- Nevada's taxable sales, one indicator of business activity in the state, opened the new century in January with a gain of 4.9 percent, the second smallest increase in the last 13 months.