Print edition for October 17, 2000

Columnist Dean Juipe: Tyson too imposing for Golota: Dean Juipe; Assuming neither one implodes today at the final prefight press conference, Mike Tyson and Andrew Golota will step into the ring Friday night in suburban Detroit and the world will await the inevitable train wreck.

Catholics told to vote their conscience on marriage ban: Cy Ryan and Ed Koch; CARSON CITY -- While the Catholic Church believes marriage is a union between man and woman, the church hierarchy in the state is telling its members to vote their own consciences on the proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriages in Nevada.

Victim's girlfriend arrested in 1995 stabbing: Keith Paul; A Las Vegas woman wanted for questioning in connection with her boyfriend's death was arrested in 1995 for stabbing a former husband with a letter opener.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Wednesday's races at Santa Anita: 1st Race -- Feminine Fury - Draws good post for sprint opener, hustling Espinoza on Dolan trainee, good spot to score. Queen Creek - Draws just outside top pick, bug boy Baze on Gaines trainee, lasix and nasal strip. Value Play -- Frankies Angel

Aztar, Alliance Gaming earnings up: David Strow; Alliance Gaming Corp. and Aztar Corp. kicked off the gaming industry's earnings season today, with both companies reporting big increases in earnings for the quarter ending Sept. 30.

Law's constitutionality focus of Williams case: Kim Smith; District Judge Mark Gibbons is expected to decide Wednesday whether a new law being used in the Jessica Williams case is constitutional.

LV firm settles with lenders: Imperial exchanged its credit to the company of about $10 million for 4,061,122 shares of common stock, On Stage said.

Man says he was wounded by Flying Elvi at casino: The act involves 10 Elvis Presley lookalikes dressed up as Santas, parachuting from a helicopter, said George Maloof, Fiesta's president. In a Clark County District Court lawsuit, Kenneth Gray and his wife Jennifer alleged he was standing in a roped-off spectator area at the hotel-casino on Nov. 27, 1998 when he was knocked down. Gray said he incurred medical expenses of more than $55,937 for his injuries.

Kerkorian selling $50 million in company bonds: The proposed sale was disclosed Monday in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Kerkorian purchased the 9.75 percent senior subordinated notes in May, when they were issued to fund MGM Grand Inc.'s acquisition of Mirage Resorts Inc. The company raised $710 million in that bond offering.

Record turnout expected for LV gaming conference: Pre-registration for the four-day event already tops last year's record pace of 25,000. More than 700 vendors have booked space at the expo's exhibit hall. In addition, more than 70 industry-related seminars are scheduled in fields including gaming and the law, Internet gaming, Indian gaming, jurisdictional updates, human resources, marketing and operations.

Andrews captures individual title as Durango snares state berth: Spencer Patterson; Erin Andrews wasn't even thinking about an individual medal on Monday. She simply wanted to help Durango capture the 4A Sunset Region team title, and earn a trip to this week's state tournament.

Ensign has double the cash for TV ads than Bernstein: Republican John Ensign has more than twice as much cash on hand as Democratic foe Ed Bernstein as they enter the homestretch of their U.S. Senate race.

'Shocking' new ads target teen pregnancy: Jace Radke; Dirty, cheap and useless aren't words that generally inspire, but creators of a new series of hard-hitting public service announcements about the consequences of teen pregnancy hope they will motivate.

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

Prep golf and tennis playoff schedules, results: 4A SUNSET REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS

Nevada utilities seek OK to borrow up to $1.1 billion: The two utilities also have asked the state Public Utilities Commission to approve another round of monthly rate increases to offset some of their costs.

No change urged in unemployment tax: The actual tax rate paid by employers varies from 0.25 percent to 5.4 percent, depending on how frequently their employees get unemployment compensation.

New Orleans casino winnings up slightly: The Shreveport-Bossier City casino market continued to be the leader among all regions of the state, with gamblers losing close to $60 million there. The Horseshoe did the best among the four riverboats there, winning $23.1 million from 328,784 visitors, an improvement from the previous month's winnings of $20.3 million.

On the 'Inside' track: When VegasInsider.com acquired DBC Sports and its assets in April, the deal marked the latest step in the progression of a sports betting-information juggernaut that traces its roots to an oddsmaking company founded in 1982 by a former gambler named Michael Roxborough.

MGM Mirage to host workshop for minority businesses: Thursday's scheduled half-day gathering is an attempt to develop new business relationships for the gaming giant after it acknowledged a lack of spending on black-owned Las Vegas businesses.

Local news briefs for October 17, 2000: A man whose body was found in a desert area Saturday had been shot to death, Metro Police said today.

School district breakup petition to be filed: CARSON CITY -- An initiative petition signed by an estimated 64,000 voters and aimed at breaking up the giant Clark County School District will be filed Thursday in all 17 counties.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Alphabet soup and nuts: As a sports fan and recalling my earlier years being involved in boxing, I've had about enough of the alphabet soup concocted by selfish promoters and businessmen. Not to worry about the welfare of the fighters or the interest of the fans is their attitude. Money is the motivation, and several of them are making tons of it.

Youngsters to punt, pass and kick at Sam Boyd Stadium: Kris Hill; One hundred Las Vegas youth will descend on Sam Boyd Stadium at 7:30 a.m. Saturday ready to punt, pass and kick their way to the American Football Conference championship.

Services set for journalist Ralya: Gerald Ingraham Ralya, who covered District Court for the Sun in the late 1970s -- including the infamous Howard Hughes Mormon Will trial -- died Nov. 5 of a dissected aorta at Desert Springs Hospital. He was 77.

Editorial: Houdini act may not last: Metro Police looked into McDonald's actions regarding an application for a zoning change on a building owned by political consultant Sig Rogich. If the change was approved it could result in the building of a topless club in competition with Crazy Horse Too, a topless club owned by a McDonald friend, Rick Rizzolo.

Las Vegas entertainer has held audiences with four U.S. presidents: Al Gore is a stickler for details, but a fun guy, and if he wins the presidency in November it will be music to David Osborne's ears.

State GOP backs Backus: CARSON CITY -- Nevada's Republican Party, in an unusual move, is pushing for the election of Ely attorney Gary Backus in the nonpartisan Nevada Supreme Court race.

Obituaries for October 17, 2000: William R. Amperse, 72, of Las Vegas died Saturday in a local hospital. He was born Feb. 25, 1928, in Ecorse, Mich. A resident for 12 years, he was a retired automotive manufacturer's representative, an Army veteran and a member of the Elks.

Three open Board of Education seats up for grabs: Terry Webster; Six candidates vying to bring fresh blood to the state Board of Education are running for three Clark County seats being vacated by incumbents.

Community news briefs for October 17, 2000: The Golden Monarch Council will host its first wine tasting 6 p.m Oct. 19 at Southern Nevada Music, 4795 Industrial Road.

Columnist Susan Snyder: No Kidding! eschews parenting: If kids eat free, No Kidding! eats elsewhere.

Letter: CAT's revision of services is worrisome: I have often faced the humiliation of having to ask for a seat or stand after I board the bus with a walker and packages. Some drivers ask that I break down my walker before boarding. Others will not provide a low platform so I won't have to lift my walker up the stairs. Statements on the front of the buses that I have ridden read that "front seats are for elderly and handicapped". But they are printed in English only. Verbal announcements are in English only on the buses that I ride frequently. (Bonanza 215 and Maryland Parkway 109)

14 apply for judgeship: Cy Ryan and Kim Smith; CARSON CITY -- Fourteen lawyers, including Family Court Judge Robert Gaston, have applied to the state Judicial Selection Commission to succeed the late Clark County District Judge Gary Redmon.

Council to vote on Lehman land swap: Erin Neff; Weeks of legal wrangling will end Wednesday when the Las Vegas City Council votes to swap land and cash for what is termed the best piece of downtown real estate nationwide.

Johnson hopes extra efforts will pay off: Steve Addy; Dalron Johnson reached the apex of his freshman learning curve at just the right time last season.

Public hearing planned on senior drug plan: CARSON CITY -- A public hearing is scheduled in Las Vegas to give senior citizens, medical experts and others a chance to testify on Gov. Kenny Guinn's prescription drug program that could cover as many as 10,000 to 12,000 low-income elderly.

In the Rebels' backfield, if the 'Thunder' doesn't get you, then the 'Lightning' will: Steve Guiremand; The New York Giants have given the nickname of "Thunder and Lightning" to their productive running back duo of Ron Dayne and Tiki Barber.

Invasion victims testify against teen: Kim Smith; A string of mostly elderly Las Vegas residents slowly made their way to the witness stand Monday during the preliminary hearing of a teenager accused of a string of home invasions and murder.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Smith, Theron land on Fairway: Kate Maddox; Will Smith and Charlize Theron were just two of the celebrities hitting the links Monday for VH1's annual Fairway to Heaven celebrity golf tournament. Smith and Theron added some star power, but usual Fairway suspects rocker and tourney champ Alice Cooper and actor Joe Pesci were sorely missed, replaced with kinder, gentler types such as Jane Seymour (snore) and Hootie and the Blowfish (double snore).

Appeals panel reverses decision in Elko embezzlement: Greg Tuttle; A panel of three federal appeals judges have reversed a decision to free an Elko woman convicted last year in connection with the embezzlement of federal funds.

Guinn stands by ad attacking Berkley's comments: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn is standing by his television advertisement that blasts Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., for her criticism of the governor's senior citizen low-income prescription drug program.

Court briefs for October 17, 2000: A 23-year-old Nellis Air Force Base airman was sentenced to 25 years in prison Monday for smothering her newborn baby girl to death in December.

No change seen in jobless tax rate for Nevada: RENO -- Nevada's economy is predicted to taper off slightly next year, but businesses apparently won't be paying higher taxes into the trust fund that supports unemployment benefits.

Chrysler, LVMS join forces: DaimlerChrysler, which is getting back into NASCAR racing in 2001 with its Dodge Intrepid R/T, will sponsor next year's Winston Cup race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the Sun has learned.

Rescue Mission's driving force, Compton, to retire next month: The Rev. Ed Compton is retiring.

New Episcopal bishop named: Stacy J. Willis; She's an oceanographer, an airplane pilot, and now -- the bishop-elect of the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada.

Candle leads to home fire: Las Vegas firefighters responded to 2637 Theresa Ave., near Washington and Eastern avenues just before 10:45 p.m. and found heavy smoke coming from the house, fire department spokesman Tim Szymanski said.

City planning to install filter for contamination downtown: Las Vegas officials have until Dec. 29 to install a filter that will remove a solvent discovered in ground water underneath a portion of 61 acres of premier downtown land ripe for development.

Suspect in case of boy abducted in 1978 to be kept in jail: Greg Tuttle; Jerald Howard Burgess, the 63-year-old Las Vegan who remains a suspect in the mysterious disappearance of a young boy 22 years ago, will be kept in custody pending trial on federal weapons charges.

Two Vegas firms decline to bid on Station boats: David Strow; Officials with two Las Vegas companies said today that they aren't bidding for Station Casinos Inc.'s two Missouri riverboat casinos.

Democrats revive 'Yucca Man' to rap GOP: Jeffrey Libby; Two years ago Democrats trundled out anti-nuke waste Yucca Man to make a point in a tight race.

Authorities investigate Hoover Dam death: At least one tourist caught the fall on videotape.

Fish and Wildlife authorizes plan to save threatened plant: Experts say the tiny plant only grows on a narrow strip along the lake's shoreline. Its habitat has dwindled in recent years because of high water levels.

MGM Grand Detroit workers approve deal: Workers at the MotorCity Casino were to vote Tuesday on the deal reached Saturday.

Rebel golfers 12th: Three Rebels were in the top 25 after the first 36 holes, led by sophomore Calvin Kupeyan (69-74-143). He was one over on the par-71 course and tied for 22nd place overall. One stroke behind Kupeyan were freshmen James Oh (72-72--144) and Travis Whisman (73-71--144), tied for 25th place on the leader board.

Utah group bidding for Nevada power plant: Nevada Power officials won't say how many are expected to bid on the Reid Gardner plant, but the company sent information to about 600 prospective bidders.

Attorney fights for drug law to be declared unconstitutional: Angie Wagner; "You can't just automatically presume that someone is impaired," John Watkins, attorney for 21-year-old Jessica Williams, said Monday.

Harrah's edges up in Louisiana: The Shreveport-Bossier City casino market continued to be the leader among all regions of the state, with gamblers losing close to $60 million there. The Horseshoe did the best among the four riverboats there, winning $23.1 million from 328,784 visitors, an improvement from the previous month's winnings of $20.3 million.

Hundreds sign petition seeking to oust adult bookstore from south Reno: Commissioners are scheduled to consider regulations for licensing adult entertainment when they meet next Tuesday.

Guinn to ask for study of high-school grads: The study would look at trends in grading practices, student testing and achievement data and job opportunities for the state's high school graduates.

Company sued over poison pill: The suit was filed in Las Vegas because Herbalife is incorporated in Nevada.

Vegas woman sues apartment owner over rape: In a Clark County District Court suit, the Las Vegas woman, who said she moved into the Sandpiper on Oct. 9, 1998, alleged an unknown assailant had entered her apartment on Oct. 15, 1998, though a window that didn't have secondary locks and raped her at knife-point.

Boxing: Ibeaubuchi ruling on Dec. 18: Doctors have recommended he be placed on medications, but Ibeabuchi has refused to take them. Deputy District Attorney Christopher Lalli said since Ibeabuchi won't take the pills orally, doctors could forcefully inject the medication.

North Las Vegas weighing two more casino proposals: Diana Sahagun; While the North Las Vegas City Council Wednesday is considering an application for a casino near Cheyenne Avenue and Interstate 15, owners of the Craig Ranch Golf Course will be just a few doors down talking about Station Casinos Inc.'s next proposed venture.

Farmers Insurance wants auto rate increase in Nevada: CARSON CITY -- Farmers Insurance Exchange, which writes policies covering more than 182,000 vehicles in Nevada, has applied to state Insurance Commissioner Alice Molasky-Arman to boost rates an average 6.9 percent starting in February to bring in an extra $9.6 million annually.

Vegas Goodyear dealer may expand under new owner: Superior Tire and Auto Service Centers, the largest Goodyear dealer in Las Vegas, is looking to expand under the new ownership of California-based Mountain View Tire Co.

Earnings mixed for big Vegas companies: Big companies operating in Las Vegas today and Monday issued mixed reports on their earnings, as the flood of third quarter profit reports began.