Print edition for November 1, 2000

Local firefighters remember fallen comrade at annual games: The 42-year-old division chief of the North Las Vegas Fire Department died of cancer Aug. 13, nearly three months before he could defend the two titles he won at last year's competition.

International flavors featured in 'giant box': Max Jacobson; The giant box, which resembles a huge warehouse, is 70,000 square feet of good eats, and stocks more than 30,000 specialty items in all. In addition to foods, there are nonfood items such as beauty products, appliances, carpets and sundries. It is truly a unique market, located at 5000 S. Decatur Blvd. Store hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Venetian gala benefits Nevada Opera Theatre: Elizabeth Foyt; Exquisite in presentation, notable for the sweetness of music and dance, the recent Nevada Opera Theatre gala -- Vienna in Venice at the Venetian -- was splendid indeed. Laura Shulte, president/CEO of Wells Fargo Bank of Nevada, served as dinner chairman and with NOT president, Denny Weddle, bestowed Lia Roberts with the Ambassador of Opera award.

Colorful tobacconist Cissell dies: Cal Cissell bought an interest in the Tinder Box smoke shop in the Boulevard mall in April 1978, where he became a colorful figure, readily recognizable to the many customers who stopped in daily.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Sum up election in two words: It figures: Less than a week to go before Election Day and it has all come down to numbers. Actually, these contests have always been more about figures than philosophies, but if it makes you feel better to think otherwise, read no further.

Interior secretary signs plan to protect wildlife and development: Lisa Snedeker; "This is the most advanced, complete habitat conservation plan in the West," Babbitt said.

Obituaries for November 1, 2000: Irene Austin, 85, of Parowan, Utah, died Monday in Parowan. She was born Dec. 15, 1914, in Washakie, Utah. A former Las Vegas resident for 50 years, she co-owned Austin Drug Stores and worked for the Clark County Business Licensing Department.

Kristin Gore predicts some Nader backers will switch back to her dad: Scott Sonner; She also predicted Wednesday that some Democratic Party defectors backing Green Party candidate Ralph Nader will return to their base and vote for Gore when they "realize how close this election is and what's at stake.

Seventeen linked to casino cheating scam: Authorities were looking for nine more suspects, including 48-year-old Wai Sang Fung, who is thought to be the ringleader of the scam.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: No need to change Image: When word came that the high-tech Sharper Image stores were in a slump and that they were considering a change from high-end to more affordable merchandise, I wondered why. I'd always enjoyed their stores and mail order catalogs even though I rarely bought anything. Perhaps that was one of the problems. But this innovative company addressed the problems, solved them and is now better than ever.

Governor, Rosemont mayor urge gaming board to decide on casino proposal: Don Babwin; "There's communities waiting for their share of this money (tax revenues)," Ryan said Wednesday, a day after the state Supreme Court ruled the gaming board can decide on Emerald Casino Inc.'s proposal to build the casino. "This thing's been under consideration for more than a year and the gaming board probably ought to move a little faster if they could."

City might get involved in Internet gambling site: Angie Wagner; "It's a moral question," Bill Thompson, a UNLV professor and gambling industry expert, said Tuesday. "I've always had the position that government should be neutral on gambling."

Illinois Supreme Court clears way for gaming board to rule on Emerald Casino license: A rival casino group, Lake County Riverboat L.P., has opposed action on Emerald Casino's proposed casino until a lawsuit challenging the state's gambling law is resolved. The lawsuit, filed in October 1999, claims the state's gambling law was unconstitutional because it granted Chicago-based Emerald Casino the right to renew its gaming license and relocate to Rosemont.

Savvy wine buy: Fattoria Falesco '98: Max Jacobson; Umbria is a region stuck between the provinces Lazio, where Rome is situated, and Tuscany, perhaps Italy's best-known wine region. It produces a wide variety of great country wines, many of which are priced well below comparable ones in the neighboring provinces. Falesco is one of wine guru Robert Parker's favorite winemakers. It produces this rich, almost inky red wine, a nearly symmetrical blend of 33 percent Cabernet, 33 percent Merlot and 34 percent Sangiovese. But the best part is the price -- an astounding bargain for a wine of this quality.

Vermont racetrack, casino get support in campaign: Dwyer also said if a casino or other small gambling operations were needed to support the racetrack, she would consider allowing that if voters decided they wanted it.

Editorial: Inane deal should be scrapped: On Monday the Las Vegas City Council held a hearing to get more input on this proposal, which only recently surfaced. At the last City Council meeting, Goodman set off warning bells when he said the City Council should move with "alacrity" on this plan. The bottom line is that this proposal would put the city at risk -- if not monetarily, its reputation has the potential to be tarnished if there were a scandal. And for all the talk that there would be a foolproof scheme to keep Americans from betting on this site, Councilwoman Lynette Boggs McDonald noted ...

Letter: Marijuana legalization not good move: The suicide note said, "Warn Andy and the girls about this. Love, David."

Editorial: Right step to treat chronic inebriates: The Board of Health's decision, though, only has gotten the ball rolling. Now it's up to local governments and the hospitals to come up with a way to pay for Westcare to provide treatment for those who are chronically inebriated. This situation has been building for years -- further delays aren't acceptable.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Football history says Bush to win: Dean Juipe; The typical football game has its typical implications.

Letter: Dismay over presidential pick: DAN DUNLAP

15 new schools a zoning challenge: Terry Webster; With 15 new schools expected to open in 2001-2002, the Clark County School District's Attendance Zone Advisory Committee is bracing for a busy schedule of planning and public meetings.

Letter: Porter supports new schools: Seems to me that Porter's record on public education should be looked at a little more carefully by his opponent.

Space-age help for vegetable growers: Don Cox; It's been that way since 1979 when Peri planted his first crop in Mason Valley. Since then, Peri & Sons Farms has grown into the do-it-yourself king of the onion world.

South Dakota churches open coffers in video lottery fight: Joe Kafka; Hoping to persuade voters to repeal video lottery on Tuesday, opponents have collected $204,215 so far this year and have spent $175,526. Most of the money has gone for advertising.

Panel works on state's expected revenues: Brendan Riley; Members of the forum, whose estimates on state income must be followed by lawmakers when they adopt a budget next year, also came up with tentative estimates of about $3.73 billion in gambling, sales and other taxes.

About 80 lawyers announce support for repealing video lottery in South Dakota: Steven Barrett; A measure to end the games will be on the ballot Nov. 7.

Jury weighs fate of suspect in slayings: Kim Smith; Piece by piece, Deputy Special Public Defender Bret Whipple put together a case Tuesday to show his client didn't kill four people eight years ago, but a missing drug dealer did.

Three new tech shows coming to Las Vegas next year: IDG World Expo, Framingham, Mass., which produces the three shows, will bring more than 80,000 people to the city for the conferences and exhibitions.

27 percent rate hike sought by LV utility: The 27 percent rate increase proposal, filed Tuesday with the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada, would take effect Dec. 1 if approved by regulators.

Auto racing: Tagliani out of hospital: Auto racing: Tagliani out of hospital

For Reid, securing pork a priority: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Las Vegas businessman Jerome Snyder hit a jackpot when Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., slipped $2 million into a congressional spending bill that will help expand his fledgling company.

UNLV women's soccer team hosts MWC event: The Rebels, seeded fourth in the seven-team event, will meet No. 5 Air Force at 7 p.m. in the last of three first-round games. Third-seeded San Diego State was scheduled to face No. 6 New Mexico and No. 2 Utah was to meet No. 7 Wyoming in other matches today.

Columnist Peter Benton: Lake Las Vegas resort names VP: Peter Benton; Steve Adelson, a longtime executive of Intrawest, the leading developer and operator of village-centered resorts in North America, has been appointed vice president of The Village of MonteLago at Lake Las Vegas, which is slated to be built adjacent to the Reflection Bay golf course.

Community news briefs for November 1, 2000: Children and adults have the opportunity each week to get plenty of exercise as they learn about the environment during programs offered by the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

Allen rarely found good luck performing in LV showrooms: Steve Allen was a giant in many forms of entertainment -- he created the "Tonight Show," was a star on the stage and screen and wrote more than 40 books and 4,000 songs. Performing in Las Vegas was not among his strong suits.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Thursday's races at Santa Anita: 1st Race -- Chin Gone - Draws good post for sprint opener, Solis on Silva trainee, either take it on the Chin or Gone to graduation. Hoolies Best - Nakatani aboard Lukas trainee, draws just inside top pick, connections know how to win. Value Play -- Silver Lime Light

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

Operating losses widen for Vegas communications companies: Cox Communications Inc. of Atlanta, operator of the main cable television system in Las Vegas, today said its third-quarter loss widened as it spent more to upgrade its cable lines for new products such as fast Internet service.

Bistro Garden Souffle available in LV: The Bistro Garden Souffle was introduced to the shopping public at Gelson's and Mayfair markets in August 1999. In addition, the Bistro Garden Souffle may also be ordered nationally, with a four box minimum order. To find out more about the souffles, call (877) 9Soufle or (877) 976-8353.

McClain, Close are waging costliest Assembly battle: The District 15 Assembly contest pitting Democratic incumbent Kathy McClain against former Republican Assemblyman Jack Close has turned into the most expensive Assembly campaign in Southern Nevada.

Slot technology expert dies: Holmes died of a heart attack following surgery, Ameristar said in a statement. Holmes had joined the company in 1999.

Columnist Jeff Haney: Newly renovated book ready for Breeders' Cup: Micah Roberts chose a fine time to get back into the horse racing game.

Construction defects alleged in suits aimed at LV-area developers: Forty homeowners of Canyon Creek North sued Robert Jones Co. and Robert V. Jones Corp., alleging defects in 257 homes at Cimmaron Road and Ann Road in northwest Las Vegas.

Mandalay warnings prompt debate among analysts: David Strow; An earnings warning started a sell-off in shares of Mandalay Resort Group of Las Vegas this morning, though analysts were mixed on whether the bad news was a blip or a symptom of a greater problem.

School district considers project labor agreements: Terry Webster; Clark County School District officials are considering the use of a project labor agreement for contractors working on school projects.

C-M grad Parker bright spot for struggling Utes: Steve Guiremand; To hear Utah head coach Ron McBride tell it, the play of former Cimarron-Memorial High School star Arnold Parker has been one of the few bright spots during an otherwise disappointing 2-6 season for the Utes.

Cheating ring took $2 million from casinos: FBI agents today are searching for the reputed mastermind of an international cheating ring that bilked casinos in Las Vegas and elsewhere out of more than $2 million.

Goodman won't vote on website: Erin Neff; When the Las Vegas City Council reconsidered an Internet casino project this morning, the discussion was missing its biggest proponent.

Unsafe track delays Outlaws: An unsafe racing surface prompted officials from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Pennzoil World of Outlaws to postpone Tuesday's opening night of the Z-Max Silver State Shootout at the half-mile dirt track.

Commissioners lead spending race: Adrienne Packer; Whether they face serious challengers or were essentially uncontested, Clark County commissioners up for re-election led fund-raising campaigns resulting in war chests that hovered around $1 million.

Pay-to-play plan backed by UNLV basketball players, coach: Steve Addy; When the NCAA and CBS signed a $6 billion contract last November for TV rights to the NCAA Tournament through 2013, the same thought occurred to players around the country:

Texas couple killed in I-15 collision: Nevada Highway Patrol troopers say the driver, Raymond Borman, 60, and his wife Marline, 56, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Binion estate filing seeks to bill convicted lovers: The murder convictions established the lovers are liable for the wrongful death of Binion and therefore should pay funeral expenses totaling $10,992, estate attorneys say.

City of Henderson sued over harassment charge: Greg Harman; The city of Henderson has been named in a lawsuit that alleges a communications operator in the Henderson Police Department was punished because she complained to her superiors that she was the victim of sexual harassment.

Desert Inn resident fails to block meeting of Wynn's new homeowner board: Grace Leong; A member of the Desert Inn Estates Homeowners Association failed in her bid to obtain a court order to block a meeting Tuesday of a newly elected association board that she claims was "illegally constituted."

Self-policing called cure for health care: Jeffrey Libby; The cure for health care fraud -- estimated to cost American taxpayers more than $25 billion annually -- may be to allow physicians and pharmaceutical companies to police themselves.

Maxfield slings some mud back at Tarkanian: Adrienne Packer; Changing the tone of a subdued Clark County Commission race, Chip Maxfield plunged into the spirit of Halloween this week by pulling skeletons out of opponent Lois Tarkanian's closet.

Sports book director out: Gordon Absher, spokesman for Mandalay Bay, said Kivi resigned recently to pursue other interests. Replacing Kivi is Nick Bagdonovich, formerly race and sports book director at the Stratosphere.

Regulators monitor cash situation at LV casino: Grace Leong; A hearing on a request to appoint a receiver for the Vacation Village hotel-casino at 6711 Las Vegas Blvd. South -- sued last week for allegedly defaulting on a $19 million loan from a Wells Fargo bank subsidiary -- is scheduled for Nov. 14.

Groups oppose surplus status for river: Greg Harman and Jace Radke; A coalition of regional conservation groups is questioning the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's proposed declaration of a water surplus in the Colorado River basin for 2001.

Continuing growth seen in state economy, but at a slower pace: Conflicting indicators

Judge chastises both sides in Shovel Brigade dispute, urges settlement: Scott Sonner; U.S. District Judge David Hagen said he won't rule on the government's request for a court order blocking vehicles from South Canyon Road in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest near Jarbidge until the Elko County Commission has a chance Nov. 8 to vote on a temporary closure.

Ondruska knocks off No. 1 seed: Victoria Sun; Ensure, hearing aids and walking sticks aren't part of Marcos Ondruska's everyday life.

Justice Court candidate sues newspaper: According to the lawsuit filed Tuesday in District Court, the Review-Journal printed an editorial in November 1998 in which it was mentioned that Schaefer had pepper-sprayed a 5-year-old girl and a man during an earlier altercation.