Print edition for May 7, 2000

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Threatened tax dollars: Nevada Gov. Kenny Guinn can see the end of prosperity as we have come to know it during the past several years. At the very least, there is good reason to believe that the flow of tax dollars will hit a plateau if it doesn't slide downward. In the face of this probability, the governor has said he will not consider any tax increase without a financial crisis facing the Silver State.

Earnhardt Jr. establishing own identity in a hurry: Hank Kurz Jr.; "Little E" also is the most celebrated rookie in NASCAR history. Now, just 16 races into his Winston Cup career, the 25-year-old driver is living up to the hype.

Juror had doubts about Edwards case, newspapers say: Polozola dismissed the juror Thursday, saying he refused to follow instructions. Defense attorneys were furious with the ruling and immediately asked for a mistrial - a motion that was denied.

Martin drives with heavy heart in Pontiac 400: Hank Kurz Jr.; The Winston Cup star was working with a heavy heart.

The politics of health care: Martin Kuz; Anna Gonzales found out she might have Hodgkin's disease during an emergency room visit in December. She began chemotherapy exactly five weeks later under a plan of care dictated by her health maintenance organization.

Filmmakers, casinos work to bridge gap between two cultures: Phil Levine; Just 275 miles separate Los Angeles and the Las Vegas Strip.

Editorial: Budget cuts are merciless: Particularly hard hit have been the health providers that offer care in an individual's home. The Congressional Budget Office reported in March that payments to home health care operators fell 15 percent in fiscal year 1998 and even more dramatically in fiscal year 1999, dropping 35 percent. Current figures aren't available on how many people nationally are receiving home health care, but one year after the cuts were passed in 1997, the numbers declined an alarming amount, from 3.6 million to 3 million.

Earnhardt Jr. becomes first repeat winner: Hank Kurz Jr.; Earnhardt Jr., making his 16th start in stock car racing's premier circuit, passed his father with 31 laps to go in the Pontiac Excitement 400 on Saturday night and held on to become the first repeat winner on the series this season.

Grand jury will examine local government: Possible jurors will be pulled from the county's 2000 jury pool, which includes registered voters and licensed drivers.

McClenathan leads Top Fuel qualifying: Dean Skuza, Warren Johnson, Angelle Seeling and Bob Panella also led their divisions in the $1.7 million competition, the seventh of 23 events in the NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series.

Michigan lottery head struggles with impact of Indian gaming on state program: A longtime Augusta resident who still maintains his home in the area, Gilmer served in the state House for 22 years before he was forced out in 1998 by term limits.

Report: Tribe still plans casino in Wetumpka: "He said it (construction) probably would not start this summer, but he said it is a plan that the tribe is going to go forward on," Warner told the Montgomery Advertiser in a story published Sunday.

Force gets 84th NHRA victory: Gary Scelzi, Jeg Coughlin, Angelle Seeling and Randy Daniels also were also in their divisions at the $1.7 million event, the seventh of 23 this season.

Letter: Exiles negatively influence policy: Fidel is going to die someday, and it is only logical that we are much better off having trade and open relations with Cuba when his death occurs. Our best interests dictate that we be involved in Cuba now so that we can influence the chances of a fair and democratic government in Cuba when Fidel finally passes from the scene.

New conditions weren't enough with same Senate for gambling bill: John Hanna; The state was short of money. Supporters thought they had honed their arguments. Outside groups were helping. The tracks offered what they thought was a better bill.

Veterans health care employees in Reno join AMGE union: "We are pleased to bring the Reno VAMC employees into the AFGE family and applaud them for the constant care they give to our nation's veterans," said union national President Bobby L. Harnage, a veteran himself.

Letter: Nevada forced to count on Clinton: Nevada is a weak state politically and really has no leverage other than President Clinton to prevent it. All of you rich casino owners who keep giving them money, they are laughing at you. Remember they want to ban college and pro sports gaming also. Don't be fools.

Editorial: Require fairness in merger's costs: Company officials have assured Oregon utility regulators that Portland General Electric customers will not see rate increases due to merger costs. But the Nevada Public Utilities Commission is worried that since similar assurances haven't been made here, Nevada's retail ratepayers may be left -- in the commission's words -- "holding the bag." So it is encouraging that Nevada regulators are asking the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which has final approval on the merger, to investigate this matter. Nevada's ratepayers shouldn't have to shoulder the costs of a huge acquisition premium.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Commission contest holds allure: This Clark County commission race could have all the intrigue fit to print. An incumbent at odds with labor. Gamers in a pickle. A possible primary. A commissioner being sneaky.

Pontiac 400 Results: 2. (30) Terry Labonte, Chevrolet, 400, $85,925.

Columnist Jeff German: Binion decision at hand: At long last, the biggest murder trial in Las Vegas history is coming to an end.

Hakkinen wins Spanish Grand Prix: Stephen Wade; David Coulthard was second, completing the third straight 1-2 finish by McLaren Mercedes in the race.

Letter: Democrats use Yucca issue to their advantage: When it comes to partisan politics, why was Republican Congressman Jim Gibbons (also an opponent to this bill) not invited to the Oval Office for the photo-op of Clinton's veto along with his Democratic colleagues? I think you know the answer. This is an election year and other than making the Democrats to appear to be heroes, this veto and feel-good photo-op will do nothing to stop nuclear waste from reaching our borders by 2010.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Moapa Band takes on Nevada Power: Residents say it's an ill wind that blows across the Moapa River Indian Reservation.

Search-and-rescue volunteers fueled by thrill of adventure: Jace Radke; Flames from a fatal airplane crash illuminated the night sky as Eric Nebiker gingerly picked his way down from the summit of Gass Peak Mountain.

Q&A: Let 'er Rip: The limelight is Rip Taylor's sunshine.

Ram Tough 200 results: 2. (18) Jimmy Hensley, Chevrolet, 160, $36,555.

Pairings for NHRA Southern Nationals: 1. Cory McClenathan, 4.577 seconds, 312.35 mph vs. 16. Robert Reehl, 4.919, 296.24; 2. Kenny Bernstein, 4.601, 312.06 vs. 15. Paul Romine, 4.889, 306.74; 3. Joe Amato, 4.614, 318.24 vs. 14. Jim Bailey, 4.847, 296.50; 4. Tony Schumacher, 4.636, 316.97 vs. 13. Terry Mullins, 4.841, 266.21; 5. Doug Kalitta, 4.637, 310.34 vs. 12. Don Lampus, 4.788, 304.32; 6. David Grubnic, 4.663, 301.13 vs. 11. Rhonda Hartman-Smith, 4.757, 304.53; 7. Gary Scelzi, 4.664, 304.60 vs. 10. Doug Herbert, 4.726, 304.67; 8. Bob Vandergriff, 4.671, 304.53 vs. 9. Larry Dixon, 4.672, 316.08.

Ram Tough 200 Lineup: 2. (24) Jack Sprague, Chevrolet, 131.922.

Spanish Grand Prix Results: 2. (4) David Coulthard, Scotland, McLaren Mercedes, 65.

Columnist Sandra Thompson: Check prospective lawyer thoroughly: Sandra Thompson; A Las Vegas marriage and family therapist, who for years counseled people on how to deal with divorce and stress issues, got a different perspective when her daughter went through the Family Court process.

Some Rhode Islanders say casino is only way to help old mill town: Gillian Flynn; They just want lower taxes, more jobs and a downtown filled with stores.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Stars rekindle friendship in LV: Kate Maddox; Two stars of a popular '70s and '80s sitcom recently met up again at the Bellagio Salon. Unbeknownst to Valerie Bertinelli, who played the "good daughter" to Mackenzie Phillips' wild-child on "One Day at a Time," her former co-star was just a couple of chairs away getting a manicure at the tony salon last weekend. Phillips, who left the show and dropped out of the scene when her rampant drug use consumed her in the '80s, was in town and apparently had no idea that her old friend is a frequent guest at the Bellagio. Bertinelli, husband Eddie Van Halen ...

Jack Mazzan released on bail - after 20 years on Nevada's death row: Brendan Riley; "I am overwhelmed. I gotta go," Mazzan, his voice cracking, whispered as reporters met him at the Washoe County Jail, where he has been held since the high court's Jan. 27 decision.

Governor to convene wildland fire summit: Guinn, who will be the event's keynote speaker, said its aim is to develop an action plan to lessen the effects of future fires.