Print edition for May 23, 2000

Penalty phase begins: Prosecutors began presenting their case in court today to keep Sandy Murphy and Rick Tabish behind bars for life as a result of Ted Binion's slaying.

Man accused of stalking comedian to return to court: Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Deborah Lippis will preside at the preliminary hearing.

Residents square off on casino proposal: Opponents and supporters of the $500 million gambling hall proposal sparred for an hour before about 125 people over the project's potential impact on everything from local taxes to crime and property values.

For high rollers, casino charters have been sure bet: "Walking across the street is a gamble. You can get killed doing that, too," said Rick Perrin, 55, of Toronto, who took a casino charter home Monday after spending the weekend gambling at Tropicana Casino and Resort.

Retailers urged to be branding beacons: Phil Levine; Edward Whitefield says retailers around the world would do well to heed the advice of the late Bing Crosby.

Vote narrows on China trade bill: WASHINGTON -- Both sides stepped up a lobbying blitz on the eve of House debate over whether to liberalize trade ties with China. Supporters cautiously predicted victory, while labor unions and other opponents insisted the battle was not over.

Clark County one of many to fail ozone test: Clark County was one of 333 counties throughout the country that received a failing grade for air quality because of ozone pollution -- better known as smog -- according to a report from the American Lung Association released today.

LV firm sets quarterly earnings record: Shuffle Master revenues increased 38 percent for the quarter, to $9.6 million, another quarterly record for the company. Operating income increased 78 percent to $3.4 million.

Defense asks Dershowitz to join case: Harvard University law professor Alan Dershowitz has been asked to help appeal murder convictions in the death of wealthy gambling figure Ted Binion, a defense lawyer confirmed this morning.

Fewer mine claims mean less abandoned mine funds: The division's funding for the abandoned mines program comes from mining claim fees and mining land-disturbance fees, with the division receiving $1 from each county for every mining claim filed and $20 from mining operators for each acre of public land they disturb.

Obituaries for May 23, 2000: Mary Victoria Allen, 82, of Las Vegas died Friday in a local hospital. She was born Sept. 19, 1917, in Virginia. A resident for 24 years, she was a retired beautician.

Neighbors resist plans for 66-foot Boulder City radio tower: Greg Harman; By most accounts the Golden Age of the amateur radio operator -- or "ham" for short -- has long expired.

Gambling habit leads cops to 72-year-old robbery suspect: Ludwig, of Oneonta, was charged with third-degree robbery, a felony. Police said he robbed the Charter One Bank just before 11 a.m. Monday.

Boxing bill passes Congress, heads to Clinton: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Nevada's delegation is praising a vote in Congress on Monday that approved a boxing bill easing the grip promoters have on fighters. President Clinton is expected to sign the bill into law, Nevada officials say.

Vote sought to bar casinos near Detroit River: Critics say the riverfront should be used for parks, shops, housing and restaurants.

Investigators looking at whether fuel was a factor in plane crash: The two pilots, who also were killed, had reported to air traffic controllers that they lost both engines as they made their second approach to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton airport in the rain.

Box score: Buzz 5, Stars 1: E-Vitiello (3). DP-Salt Lake 1, Las Vegas 2. LOB-Salt Lake 3, Las Vegas 6. 2B-Vitiello (9), Nicholson (12). HR-Allen (7), Allen (2), Valdez (5), Valentin (4). CS-Nicholson (1), Allen (1).

LV shooting victims sue restaurant, radio station: Named in the suit were Caribbean Cabana, its owner, the Kostelecky Investment Group, FM-88.1 KCEP and the Economic Opportunity Board of Clark County.

New Frontier puts redevelopment on hold: David Strow; Copyright 2000 Las Vegas Sun

Germans eye deal on magnetic train technology: A series of meetings this week may jump-start Nevada's chances for building the first link of a magnetic levitation train while keeping a German company developing the technology alive.

108 degrees hottest May 22 in Vegas history: The weather made history in the Las Vegas Valley on Monday as the official high temperature hit 108 degrees.

Woman sought in connection with child pornography: Keith Paul; Metro Police are searching for a woman connected to a 64-year-old Las Vegas man charged with child pornography. Police believe she is in her 20s and may go by the name Blanch.

Henderson Little League's finances probed: Jace Radke; Henderson Police detectives are investigating the finances of the Green Valley Little League after league board members reported that more than $20,000 is missing from the organization's accounts.

Health club sues over adult business ordinance: But the Clark County Commission adopted an ordinance Sept. 22 that would double the distance required between adult businesses by increasing it to 1,000 feet.

Nordstrom deal makes Fashion Show one of the nation's premier malls: Phil Levine; Seattle-based Nordstrom Inc. ended months of speculation Monday with the announcement it would open at the Fashion Show Mall on the Las Vegas Strip.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Track's deal with NASCAR won't collapse: Last year, the folks at Lowe's Motor Speedway had a knee-jerk reaction by ending their relationship with the Indy Racing League, after three spectators were killed when a tire flew off a car and cut a deadly path through the grandstands.

Stars romp in Canada: Despite the rout, Las Vegas used four pitchers. Dave Maurer pitched 1 1/3 innings of hitless relief to gain the victory.

Guinn alters look of administration: CARSON CITY -- Carol Jackson, director of the state Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation and the highest-ranking black female in state government, and state Prison Director Bob Bayer, who was praised last year by Gov. Kenny Guinn, are being bounced in an administration shakeup.

Guinn dumps prison director, jobs-rehab chief, promotes welfare director: Brendan Riley; The GOP governor replaced prisons director Bob Bayer with Jackie Crawford, currently warden at the Lovelock Correctional Center. She becomes the first woman to run Nevada's burgeoning prison system.

Local news briefs for May 23, 2000: A Henderson man Monday died after a 25-foot fall from a cliff at Lake Mead.

Bryan battles with banks, Internet firms over privacy: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev., wanted a straight answer from an Internet executive at a hearing last week.

Man sought in attacks on two women in apartment: Keith Paul; Metro Police continued searching this morning for a man suspected of beating one woman and raping another in their Las Vegas apartment.

Warden Crawford brings 32 years of experience in criminal justice: CARSON CITY -- For the first time, a woman is going to head the state prison system, a job that had traditionally been held by men.

Sporting House sues over county law: Sporting Health Inc., which operates the Sporting House at 3025 Industrial Road, filed the complaint Monday in U.S. District Court asking a federal judge to rule unconstitutional a Clark County ordinance that increases the minimum distance between adult businesses.

Homicide school offers killer course: Jace Radke; Credited with writing the book that has become known as the bible for homicide investigators, former New York City Police Lt. Commander Vernon Geberth says it's the little things that make a good detective.

City basking in better bond rating: Erin Neff; Rising interest rates and tanking markets won't mean as much to the city of Las Vegas when it sells bonds today.

Bus driver is suing school district over signature gathering: Greg Tuttle; A federal lawsuit has been filed against the Clark County School District on behalf of a school bus driver who was told she could not collect signatures on school property for an initiative to increase state education funding.

It was a night for schools to celebrate 'Cram Dynasty': Valerie Miller; School bands played and cheerleaders entertained as hundreds of people showed up to bid a formal farewell to Brian Cram, the Clark County School District superintendent for the past 11 years.

Columnist Susan Snyder: History takes life at Chautauqua: In a town where fun is the hottest commodity, there's growing interest in a form of entertainment that's more than 100 years old.

Open season: Victoria Sun; One round.

Editorial: Don't waste time on illness package: The issue also has produced a split among Nevada's two House members, as Democrat Shelley Berkley criticized a nonbinding resolution passed by the House -- supported by Nevada Republican Jim Gibbons -- that only urged Congress to address the issue. The bottom line is that Congress should pass the compensation program this year; waiting until next year simply is unacceptable. The public -- and especially the nuclear weapons workers who are severely ill and need help -- don't give a whit as to which agency pays, they just want to see it done.

Letter: Listen to many warnings about smoking risks: A heavy smoker for 48 years, I was recently diagnosed with this dreaded disease, which came as no surprise. This after visiting hospital emergency rooms, not being able to breathe. You feel as though you're being suffocated, panic ensues and you're mentally devastated. All of the wonderful activities you once enjoyed you now only dream of doing. The slightest exertion leaves you gasping for air, bodily exhausted and shameful you did this to yourself. And worse, it could have all been avoided. The quality of life this senseless so-called pleasure of smoking tobacco over time is devastating, irreparably damaging to ...

State senator criticizes 'anti-gaming rhetoric' in study: CARSON CITY -- Sen. Mark James, R-Las Vegas, said Monday a report that suggested he had conflicts of interest in voting on gaming issues "is full of distortions" and "more of the anti-gaming rhetoric we heard recently from Washington, D.C."

House of Blues program teaches students about the blues: Finally she could no longer hold back the sorrow that filled her tender young heart and the tears spilled from her eyes and rolled down her freckled cheeks.

Letter: Korean veterans don't get due: As this letter is being written there are some 12,000 men still unaccounted for in Korea, the "Forgotten War."

New drug charge added to list in deaths of six teens: Jessica Williams faces multiple charges in connection with the March 19 crash, including six counts of involuntary manslaughter.

Crews tear down rest of walkway; another race scheduled Wednesday: The state DOT's Bridge Maintenance staff was instructed Tuesday to contact the owners of all privately owned pedestrian bridges over state roads and conduct immediate inspections of those bridges, the department said. There are 10 privately owned bridges over North Carolina roads, including the two at the speedway.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Wednesday's races at Hollywood Park: 1st Race -- Aly Babe - Productive team of bug boy Baze and trainer Sadler, draws good inner post for the route, well placed. Ms Infinity Slew - Draws just inside top pick, Pincay scales, should get good trip here. Value Play -- Hearts Magic

Wednesday's horse racing entries: Post Time 1:10 p.m.

Late deals put drivers in Indy lineup: Steve Herman; Raul Boesel, Lyn St. James and Steve Knapp all showed up without a car for the Indianapolis 500. All of them will be in the lineup on Sunday.

Pair of state track titles fulfills dream at Mojave: Spencer Patterson; Four years ago, coach Sam Germany came to brand new Mojave High School with a simple plan: win boys and girls state track and field championships when his talented freshmen were seniors.

Community news briefs for May 23, 2000: Kari Deike's sixth-grade English class at Greenspun Junior High School has established websites for students' computer research projects.

PCL Box: Stars 16, Cannons 3: E--Ramirez, Raven. DP--Calgary 1. LOB--Las Vegas 8, Calgary 7. 2B--Newhan, Vitiello 2, Serafini, Castro. HR-- Roskos (4), Radmanovich (2), Ramirez (3), Rolison (7). SF--Darr. SB--Newhan, Darr.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Fashion show at Fashion Show a hit: Kate Maddox; Las Vegas' fashionistas turned out Monday night for a private runway show featuring the designs of Las Vegas native Randolph Duke. The party took place under an air-conditioned tent set up adjacent to Desert Inn property.

The Predmores anniversary: Ivan is a retired Recco Engineer. Alberta is a retiree from Torry Pines Convalescent Center.

A month before summer's official start, heat wave hits the West: Jennifer Coleman; SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Record-breaking temperatures in the 90s and 100s across California have melted Sierra ski runs, closed sidewalk cafes and brought pleas for energy conservation.

For some early finishers, the waiting was the hardest part: Victoria Sun; One by one, the final golfers competing in the local qualifier for the U.S. Open trickled into the Legacy clubhouse on Monday at a pace that would drive a tortoise nuts.

Analyst: Chicago-LV flights will fill quickly: An airline analyst says there will be plenty of passengers to fill approximately 1,000 seats a day on anticipated new flights between Las Vegas and Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.

Rookie in name only, Montoya is one of the Indy favorites: Steve Herman; "Every year is different. I came here, just tried doing my best," Montoya said Tuesday. "It's very simple. You push it to the limit and see what you come up with."

UNLV's Malec cruises in NCAA championship play: With heavy fog rolling in off the Pacific Ocean on the seaside campus of Pepperdine University, 29th-ranked Malec needed only 59 minutes to dispatch 49th-ranked Veronika Safarova of USC, 6-0, 6-1.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: A proud day for Nevada: WHAT TOOK PLACE in Indianapolis on May 13 wouldn't have been allowed to happen in Las Vegas. What happened at Caesars Palace more than 21 years ago set a precedent in professional boxing that sent a message to the promoters and sanctioning bodies that should have been heard over the world of boxing.

Music remains priority in county schools: The Clark County School District's elementary music administrative specialist is not surprised by the success of the music education program offered at the House of Blues.

Letter: Lobbyists have too much power: ANN MC FEE

Editorial: Hoping to block coziness: Exacerbating this reliance on contractors is the so-called "revolving door," in which former DOE employees become contractors, making it more likely that they will receive preferential treatment -- whether it's keeping contracts despite poor work or getting bonuses when they're not warranted. So instead of civil service employees having the final say in handing out bonuses, Richardson said that in the future these financial rewards would have to receive the secretary of energy's approval as well. Richardson hopes this will stop the current cozy relationship between lower-level DOE employees and contractors.

Jenkins won't overdramatize IRL vs. CART: Dick Brinster; But he won't.

The Parolinis anniversary: Elmer is a retiree from Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Wash., a professional cartoonist, a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Parish and a member of Italian Catholic Federation, Br. 367.

Fans can still bring beer to Texas Motor Speedway: "It's a runaway and our long-term decision is based on this survey," Gossage said. "Race fans are unique; they like to carry their coolers to the races. Many believe it's almost their constitutional right."

Columnist Dean Juipe: Thousands vie for 80 Open spots: Dean Juipe; It's easy to forget the grass-roots nature of golf's U.S. Open until you see the incredible number of great players participating in the first-round qualifier of the grueling marathon.

Adams, Hamed may fight in LV: Dean Juipe; When Las Vegas resident Clarence "Bones" Adams was presented with a chance of fighting then-World Boxing Association 122-pound champion Nestor Garza on short notice, he jumped at it.