Print edition for March 23, 2000

Senate bill would protect northern Nevada's Black Rock Desert: Scott Sonner; "With Nevada's population booming and increasing numbers of visitors to the area, it is clear that we have to come up with a plan to properly protect this area for future generations," Bryan said Wednesday.

Game maker sues Henderson man, says website linked to adult content: Grace Leong; Tokyo-based video game giant Konami Co. Ltd. and its Las Vegas subsidiary, Konami Gaming Inc., went to court to stop a Henderson man from misappropriating their federally registered KONAMI trademark and domain name to promote his dating services website.

Nevada lawmakers declare victory in nuke waste vote: H. Josef Hebert; Nevertheless, Nevada lawmakers said the vote margin - not enough to override a veto - amounted to a victory Wednesday in their determined effort to keep the high-level radioactive waste out of the state.

Las Vegas firm's stock slumps on decline in order: AP stock was down $1.03 to $7.13 on the news.

Police search for predator of girls: Keith Paul; A grandfatherly man has been prowling Las Vegas neighborhoods, snatching five young girls in the past year with the last reported incident on Sunday, Metro Police said.

North Las Vegas news briefs for March 23, 2000: Michele Richardson, assistant to the North Las Vegas city manager, has been promoted to assistant city manager of administration.

Strip concerns deprive Henderson of extra cabs: The reason: The agency would have been obligated to offer additional cabs to competitive companies serving the same area and commissioners feared they would either oversaturate the market or see the additional cabs shifted to more lucrative runs on the Strip.

Regulators confiscate counterfeit taxi, search for illegal operators: The Nevada Taxicab Authority confiscated a van painted as a Yellow-Checker-Star taxi Wednesday and is searching for a ring of drivers that may have collected thousands of dollars of fares from Las Vegas tourists.

Former plastic surgeon placed on probation: Kim Smith; A former Beverly Hills, Calif., plastic surgeon was placed on probation Wednesday for trying to hire a hitman to kill his wife last year.

LV firm's stock rises on optimistic sales report: The business-to-business Internet commerce company is expected to lose 28 cents a share, the average estimate of six analysts polled by First Call/Thomson Financial.

LV builder to post loss, looks at asset sales: The company said its final earnings tally for 1999 will be complete before April 14, 2000.

Doubt increases over First Security-Zions merger: Phil Levine; First Security Corp. shareholders voted Wednesday to proceed with a scheduled merger with crosstown Salt Lake City rival Zions Bancorporation, parent of Nevada State Bank.

Garcia favorite for schools chief: Terry Webster; A rising star from California has appeared on the horizon of the Clark County School District's superintendent search, according to the Superintendent Selection Process Committee.

Doctor plans state's first pharmacy school in downtown development: Valerie Miller; A Southern Nevada doctor plans to open the state's first pharmacy school next year in a retail and office development that is considered a key to redevelopment in downtown Henderson.

Woman who killed husband gets life: Kim Smith; A 36-year-old woman who chased down her estranged husband and then shot him within sight of a Nevada Highway Patrol trooper was deemed competent Monday and sentenced Wednesday.

Home invasion: Diana Sahagun; Most people aren't bothered by the thought of mold until they discover it's living and breeding inside their home.

Nellis mom charged in death of newborn: Keith Paul; A Nellis Air Force Base airman was charged this morning with murder more than three months after her newborn girl was found dead in a plastic bag in a closet of her North Las Vegas apartment.

LV judge vows to fight ethics complaint: CARSON CITY -- District Judge Donald Mosley of Las Vegas says he will fight a complaint by the state Judicial Discipline Commission that alleges he misused his office by giving a criminal defendant favored treatment in return for his help in a child custody case.

Amendment to move lottery dollars to school aid passes Michigan House: Amy Franklin; The amendment to the 2000-01 general government budget, which passed 72-34, drops the lottery's advertising budget to $8 million. The annual state budget takes effect Oct. 1.

Animal-rights group sues to block Wyoming horse roundup: Matt Kelley; "Forcing wild horses ... to run up to 10 miles over snow-covered and broken terrain is inhumane," the Animal Legal Defense Fund said in a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court here. "This is especially true for late-term pregnant mares."

Authorities raid illegal gambling operations in Georgia and Tennessee: Authorities said 117 illegal machines were seized in Hamilton County in Tennessee, and Catoosa and Walker counties in Georgia.

Leasing company reports improved results: Much of the growth in revenues occurred in the company's reconditioned slot division, PDS Slot Source. Revenues from sales and leases in the division rose 111 percent, to $4 million.

Top execs awarded huge option blocks: The option grants were disclosed in MGM Grand's annual report filed Wednesday with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Talks fail between casino, disabled rights group: After an unsuccessful settlement conference March 2, DRAC made its application on Tuesday in U.S. District Court for a temporary restraining order and an injunction that would limit the Rio to using only wheelchair-accessible buses on its shuttle services.

Gamers hope dispute between GOP senators will derail NCAA bill: David Strow; John McCain

Station wins right to develop casino at controversial site: Diana Sahagun; Memories of a past struggle weighed heavily on the decision to allow a neighborhood casino into North Las Vegas near residential areas.

Behind the Scenes: B.J. Burris: Contribution to prep sports: Burris, a member of the Southern Nevada Officials Association for the past 10 years, officiates softball, volleyball and basketball games at the high school level, along with NCAA volleyball and softball and various community and youth sports. "I started officiating when I stopped playing sports," Burris said. "Ever since then, I've really enjoyed it. I love seeing the kids come in as freshmen and finish their careers four years later. I enjoy watching the kids grow up. That's a real rewarding aspect of officiating." As for her philosophy on officiating, Burris said she has a simple ...

Behind the Scenes: James Soto: Contribution to prep sports: Soto, a 36-year resident of Southern Nevada, is in his first year driving for the school district. He transports students to a variety of field trips, including sporting events ranging from basketball to softball. When he gets a chance, he likes to catch some of the local prep action. "It's impressive to see what these kids can do," Soto said. "It's the first time I've really watched the high school sports here, and these kids are awesome." Mostly, Soto drives kids to and from afternoon or evening events, although occasionally he draws a weekend assignment. Earlier ...

Tahoe murder victim's throat slashed: Thomas Robert Soria Jr., 19, a part-time worker for a children's club at the apartment complex, already faces charges of kidnapping and murder. Additional charges could be filed if the autopsy shows the victim was sexually assaulted.

SunRay wins its license, commission considers Hobbs application: Michelle Koidin; In a 3-2 vote Wednesday, commissioners approved a 41-day race meet to start in September, on the condition that the track provides monthly financial statements to the commission.

Arkansas judge says machines are illegal: "These machines are for amusement only, something to pass the time," Eakin testified. He also claimed that "it is possible" that skill plays a part in winning.

Judicial panel chief retiring: CARSON CITY -- Leonard Gang, executive director of the state Commission on Judicial Discipline for six years, is retiring Sept. 30.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Why spring into action for baseball?: It must be hard to get a tee time in Las Vegas this time of the year. That would explain why no time and no place has been set for a meeting between the Los Angeles Dodgers (and other Major League Baseball franchises trying to extort more money from their current spring training hosts) and local tourism officials to discuss establishing spring training's equivalent of a Wal-Mart Superstore right here in Las Vegas.

Bennett finally getting his due: Steve Addy; ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Dick Bennett was Old School long before it was cool. It just took time for everyone else to catch up with Wisconsin's coach.

West Region notebook: LSU, Purdue make cut despite NCAA woes: Steve Addy; ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- If there are NCAA sanctions in UNLV's future, the Rebels need not let them cripple their program.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Friday's races at Santa Anita: 1st Race -- Wrekin Pilot - British bred has some good efforts down this hillside, draws inner post, hustling Espinoza now, fits here. Ingenious - Irish bred should like the layout, Antley scales O'Neill trainee, should make late impact. Value Play -- Carlacho

Wednesday's prep results: Bonanza 11, Valley 0: Justin Clift tossed a three-hit shutout and went 2-for-3 with two doubles and three RBIs to lead the Bengals. Austin Hales finished 3-for-3 with three runs and three RBIs in the win.

Youthful Bonanza spikes Cimarron in five sets: Zack Hall; Because they have an inexperienced team, it would be an easy mistake to assume the Bonanza boys volleyball team could not compete with the rest of the teams in Las Vegas.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: UNLV, UNR miss out on local stars: Spencer Patterson; There's no doubt that the last two months have been one of the most remarkable football signing periods in Southern Nevada history.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Quartey: Power, experience will add up to win vs. Vargas: Dean Juipe; In recent years Ike Quartey has only occasionally resurfaced, showing up once a year for a major fight and then returning to the shadows.

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

Catching up with: Eugene Harris: High School: Cimarron-Memorial ('97)

Community news briefs for March 23, 2000: A group of women veterans have formed a committee to recognize their own -- other women who have or are now serving in the armed forces.

Sun Athletes of the Week: Male Athlete of the Week

Correction: Correction

Sun Top 10 Softball Poll: Teams ranked jointly by the Las Vegas Sun and the Daily Sparks Tribune

ROTC returns to UNLV: Dick Benoit; After a seven-year hiatus, Army ROTC is back on the UNLV campus -- 15 cadets are currently attending military science classes.

Five local heroes to be named: The event is one of the largest fund-raisers for the nonprofit organization, formerly called the National Conference of Christians and Jews. The group's mission is to increase tolerance for diverse communities.

Sun Top 10 Baseball Poll: Teams ranked jointly by the Las Vegas Sun and the Daily Sparks Tribune

Washoe County health officer fired: Afterwards, the board issued a statement, saying Carmichael's management style, lack of leadership and program changes resulted in low morale and a lack of confidence among staffers.

Illinois casino will not appeal Board-imposed fine: The casino admitted to problems and said it will attempt to prevent future underage gambling.

Most New Mexicans oppose revenue-share reduction: A majority of New Mexicans also opposed expanding non-Indian gambling in the state. It has been proposed to expand the off-reservation gambling if some tribes refuse to pay the required percentage of their slot machine revenue.

Harrah's completes buyout of Players International: Alan Sayre; A day after the Illinois Gaming Board removed the last hurdle by approving the deal, Las Vegas-based Harrah's said Wednesday that it would move ahead and pay $8.50 in cash for each share of Players' stock, along with assuming $150 million in Players' debt.

Tahoe panel imposes $160,000 fine for illegal logging: Waldie, who held an evidentiary hearing in late January, suggested a $2,000 fine for each of 80 alleged violations during a logging project last spring. The former congressman said the loss of the old-growth trees created "a great sense of deprivation."

Prep boys volleyball standings: CLASS 4A

Prep boys golf standings: SUNRISE REGION

Prep baseball standings: SUNRISE REGION

Wildlife division seeking volunteers to help with sage grouse surveys: Sandra Chereb; That's the call being put out by the Nevada Division of Wildlife, which is seeking volunteers to help survey sage grouse strutting grounds around northern Nevada.

Prep softball standings: SUNRISE REGION

Student's lawyers say school should have stopped affair with teacher: Washoe County School District officials denied the allegation.

Fight schedule: Friday

Sagapolu to miss spring practice: Steve Guiremand; When UNLV begins spring football practice on Saturday morning at Rebel Park, defensive tackle Kawika Sagapolu will be missing.

UNLV notebook: Diaconescu excels at NCAAs: UNLV sophomore Lorena Diaconescu earned a fifth-place finish in the finals of the 200 meter free at the NCAA Championships last weekend in Minneapolis.

Co-defendant will have bypass surgery; trial continues: Natalie Gott; Tests Wednesday showed that 54-year-old Bobby Johnson needs an immediate quadruple byass, attorney Patrick Fanning told U.S. District Judge Frank Polozola.

Court remains out of session because of defendant's health: Natalie Gott; The lawyers and U.S. District Judge Frank Polozola went into chambers to talk about the case of Baton Rouge contractor Bobby Johnson, who was told by a doctor Wednesday that he should have a quadruple heart bypass in the next few days.

Obituaries for March 23, 2000: Robert Jordan Basford, 85, of Las Vegas died Tuesday in a local care center. He was born March 2, 1915, in California. A resident for 15 years, he was a plumber and a disabled veteran.

San Diego St.-UNLV game summary: UNLV-Rudolph 2 run (O'Reilly kick), 3:57.

Kansas Senate committee reviews proposal for expanded gambling: Smoot estimated the machines would generate 260 (m) million annually in revenues.

First proposals from panel trying to save taxpayers' money: Brendan Riley; The voting on the DMV plan marked the start of numerous votes expected by the Committee to Conduct a Fundamental Review of State Government.

Contaminated ground water is discovered near Test Site: The Department of Energy has discovered radiation in ground water about a mile outside the Nevada Test Site, officials said.

Nevada dodges a nuclear bullet: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Although there are future bills lurking in Congress that would ship the nation's nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain, Nevada appears to have dodged a current effort to create a high-level radioactive dump in the state.

Bonaventure to decide bail issue for Murphy: District Judge Joseph Bonaventure plans to disclose Friday morning whether Sandy Murphy will be allowed to post bail and regain her freedom in time for her murder trial next week.

Nevada PUC enters power line rate case: Sierra Pacific and Portland General filed a proposed tariff plan with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on March 3 that would set rates and rules for use of high-voltage transmission lines by Nevada Power Co. of Las Vegas, Sierra Pacific Power Co. of Reno and Portland General Electric.

Illinois regulators plan hearing on compulsive gambling: James Webb; The May 3 hearing - the first such effort by the Illinois Gaming Board since riverboat gambling began in 1991 - will address everything from the scope of the problem to what state government should do about it.

Nevada's latest economic strategy outlined: Terry Whistler of Trahan, Burden and Charles, the advertising agency that developed the marketing strategy, said it features information that looks like magazine articles, with catchy headlines.

Woman accused of husband's murder appears in court: The dyed-blonde Rudin, 56, quietly answered all of District Judge Joseph Bonaventure's questions, pausing and smiling slightly when asked her age.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: A lesson from OPEC: Here we go again. The environmentalists are still talking about alternative energy sources such as solar and wind. So what's new? The political leaders appear to be listening again as they have during past Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries-created oil crises. Of course, the politicians will cease listening the minute the $30 a barrel of crude oil drops back to $25 or less.

Conference features latest pizza trends: Angie Wagner; The pizza business is going, or trying to go, more high tech.

Billy Preston joins the British Rock Symphony for a 'symphonic rock world tour' at UNLV: Kirk Baird; There are many who would argue that Billy Preston's name belongs in that group. After all, Preston's keyboard work on such Beatle albums as the "White Album," "Let It Be" and "Abbey Road" went beyond simple session performances and created an indelible presence all its own. (Can you imagine the songs "Get Back" and "Don't Let Me Down" without his energetic R&B/rock stylings?)

Local news briefs for March 23, 2000: The Clark County Commission approved an ordinance Wednesday that limits the amount of turf allowed on golf courses to 100 acres.

Bank robbery suspect indicted: Jace Radke; A Las Vegas man arrested on a parole violation has been indicted on a bank robbery charge that the FBI believes may be the first of many charges.

Editorial: Luckily, Guinn fails in this effort: Luckily for Nevada Power's customers, though, it was announced Tuesday that all those involved in the discussions -- the governor's office, Nevada Power, the PUC's staff, the consumer advocate, gaming and mining industries -- were too far apart to reach an agreement to raise rates. Guinn's chief of staff, Scott Scherer, said the governor was "disappointed" a deal wasn't struck during these talks, which got intertwined in the unresolved, nuts-and-bolts issues involved in initiating electric deregulation.

Editorial: Disgusting display of raw power: The bill would allow nuclear waste to be sent to Nevada by 2007 -- even though this is years before a repository possibly could be built. Meanwhile, the bill would result in much weaker safety standards having to be met before a repository is built -- despite scientific evidence showing how dangerous it would be to bury waste in Nevada.

Letter: God gives us wisdom to vote: Many hold public office for whom we did not vote, even though we prayed for wisdom before we voted. We are still required to pray for those elected to public office, even though we did not vote for them.

Letter: 'Dual-language' schools latest fad for left: The biggest challenge comes from California, where almost two years of data are being collected following the overwhelming passage of Proposition 227, which limits bilingual education to one school year. One full academic year after passage, those elementary schools which are compliant showed English-as-a-second-language second and third graders reading at the 35th percentile, compared to the 19th percentile in schools which are still bilingual.

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Book corrects story of Vegas & Bugsy: Ruthe Deskin; "The Man Who Invented Las Vegas."

Columnist Joe Delaney: Mirage, MGM share entertainment commitment: Joe Delaney; MGM Grand's acquisition of Mirage Resorts, if it does go through, has a positive aspect as far as entertainment is concerned. ... Kirk Kerkorian and Steve Wynn have in common an appreciation of entertainment as part of Las Vegas' continuing success. ... Entertainment once again ranks No. 1 as the reason people visit Las Vegas in the most recent surveys compiled by UNLV for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

DeBartolo reported payment to IRS: Natalie Gott; Dan Small, Edwards' attorney, showed jurors in Edwards' racketeering trial Thursday that DeBartolo had filed the 1099 form to report the payment for tax purposes.

New officials named at Louisiana Indian casino: Within the last two weeks, First Nation Gaming, a partner with the tribe in Grand Casino Avoyelles, appointed Dennis O'Brien as chief operating officer and Greg Strategier as chief financial officer.

Opponents call 10-year deadline on wilderness studies attack on preservation: Matt Kelley; The proposal from Rep. Jim Hansen, R-Utah, would allow areas set aside for possible wilderness designation to lose that protection if Congress does not make a formal wilderness designation within a decade.

Former doctor gets probation for trying to have his wife killed: Defense attorney David Chesnoff said Wednesday his client, Ian Steven Brown, was under the influence and suffering from some mental problems when he asked a man at the Rio Suite Hotel and Casino to kill his wife.

Sault Tribe drops legal fight over rival casino: John Flesher; The Sault tribe has fought since last summer to prevent the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians from operating its Victories Casino near Petoskey.

Show of dissension could hurt proposal to expand gambling in Kansas: John Hanna; The Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee had a hearing on a bill that contains the proposal for expanded gambling from the owners of The Woodlands, in Kansas City, Kan.; Wichita Greyhound Park; and Camptown Greyhound Park, north of Pittsburg.

Louisiana casino executive stops just short of calling governor a hypocrite: Guy Coates; The bill is meant to be symbolic, to say gambling is evil but the message comes from a governor who supported slots at the horse race tracks and pushed the new contract reopening the New Orleans casino, Paul Alanis, president of Pinnacle Entertainment, told the House Criminal Justice Committee Thursday.

Grand jury may get DUI case: Kim Smith; The case against a repeat drunken driver accused of causing a chain-reaction pileup that injured a Megabucks winner and killed her sister will likely be presented to a grand jury next week.

Sun honored for coverage of shooting: Coverage of the early morning shooting rampage at an Albertson's store last year has earned the Sun a third place in the 66th annual National Headliner Awards.

Balignasa receives 25 years in DuPont murder case: Kim Smith; The last of the four people charged in the DuPont murder case was sentenced to 25 years in prison Wednesday.

County Commission briefs for March 23, 2000: The Clark County Commission approved an ordinance Wednesday that limits the amount of turf allowed on golf courses to 100 acres.