Print edition for September 11, 2000

Obituaries for September 11, 2000: C.E. Baggerman, 72, of Las Vegas died Saturday in a local hospital. He was born July 6, 1928, in Pampa, Texas. A resident for 40 years, he was a retired heavy equipment operator and a member of the Operating Engineers Union.

Safety tests passed: David Ross, general manager of the Suncoast, said the final tests were completed by city of Las Vegas inspectors at 11:30 p.m. Sunday. Following the inspection of the Suncoast parking garage and the completion of necessary paperwork, Ross said he expects a temporary certificate of occupancy to be issued sometime today.

Nevada securities violations alleged: Bryan Egan, president of BryCar Financial Corp., is alleged to have violated the Nevada Securities Act when he allegedly misrepresented to the company's investors that they could not lose money because the company offered a money back guarantee and secured its investments with bonds.

Actress joins board of Kerkorian's movie company: "Priscilla's professional achievements in both the business and entertainment sectors make her a superb addition to the MGM Board," said Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. Chairman and Chief Executive Alex Yemenidjian.

Regents make Nichols' job permanent as chancellor: Jeffrey Libby; Jane Adam Lamb Nichols became the first female chancellor in the history of Nevada higher education, receiving the official nod from the full Board of Regents.

Sprint Corp. names chief for wireless unit: Dan Margolies; KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Sprint Corp. on Friday named Charles Levine as chief operating officer of Sprint PCS, its fast-growing wireless unit.

Seniors offered tips on supplemental Medicare insurance: CARSON CITY -- Senior citizens can save hundreds of dollars by shopping around before they buy Medicare supplemental insurance policies, the state Insurance Division says.

Fortune: Goldberg to step down by end of 2001: Steve Green and David Strow; Arthur Goldberg, chief executive of casino giant Park Place Entertainment Corp. of Las Vegas, plans to step down as CEO by the end of 2001, Fortune Magazine reports in its Sept. 18 issue.

Florida tribe snubs state, feds by making own slot machines: Jeff Testerman; TAMPA, Fla. -- In a federal suit filed against the Seminole Tribe of Florida three years ago, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Tampa claimed the tribe's electronic slot machines were illegal and asked a judge to order them removed. Today, that lawsuit is stalled and the tribe is making more money than ever on the machines.

Jury considers life or death in Hanlon case: Kim Smith; Prosecutors who were successful in getting Scott Bedard convicted of first-degree murder last week were to turn their attention this morning to persuading the jury to sentence him to death.

TV sports/Radio for Sept. 11-16: TV sports/Radio for Sept. 11-16

Gaming revenues for July jump 12.8 percent: CARSON CITY -- A strong July 4th weekend helped boost winnings by Nevada casinos to $827.6 million, a 12.8 percent increase in July over the same month of a year ago, the state Gaming Control Board reported today.

High school jam: Terry Webster; Durango High School students Leonard Allen and Stephanie Elkins turned their backs on teacher Mark Azevedo in his U.S. Government class.

Woman found stabbed to death: Karen A. Alderti of Henderson was found dead at 12650 S. Maryland Parkway by officers called to the apartment over a reported argument in the parking lot, Capt. Richard Perkins said.

Man charged in beating: According to the indictment unsealed Friday, Roderick Galloway battered his girlfriend on Feb. 28, then kidnapped, beat and held her hostage in her apartment on June 19.

Henderson firm helped feds build nuke arsenal: Titanium Metals Corp. of Henderson was hired in 1959 by a government contractor to test a process for extracting uranium for use in nuclear weapons.

Local news briefs for September 11, 2000: The Las Vegas Ethics Review Board will hold an evidentiary meeting Sept. 21 to determine whether enough evidence exists to proceed with a full-fledged hearing into purported conflicts of interest by Las Vegas City Councilman Michael McDonald.

Fed money coming for wildfires: WASHINGTON -- Federal money for wildfires that ravaged Nevada and other Western states could be on its way soon.

LV tech firm in bankruptcy: David Strow; A Las Vegas technology company with dreams of huge growth in the Valley has declared bankruptcy and laid off most of its workforce.

Official pursues penalty in flier case: CARSON CITY -- Secretary of State Dean Heller moved today to discipline a Station Casinos executive and a political consultant for allegedly distributing an illegal anonymous political campaign flier.

Stiffer punishment sought for Murphy, Tabish: Prosecutors plan to ask District Judge Joseph Bonaventure this week to give Ted Binion's convicted killers more prison time.

Racial bias cited in reversal of drug convictions: Greg Tuttle; The drug convictions of two Las Vegas men have been tossed out by a panel of federal judges who said the testimony of a police detective showed a racial bias toward Cubans.

Soil contamination perils LV commercial site: Erin Neff; For years residents in the neighborhood of Decatur Boulevard and Vegas Drive have complained about a centrally located eyesore that doesn't just look horrible, but also hampers other redevelopment efforts.

Highlights of July win report on Nevada casinos: Highlights of July win report on Nevada casinos

Candidates mostly agree at political forum: Jace Radke; Sun reporter Ed Koch contributed to this report.

Lake Tahoe preservation measures advance: The Senate bill, by Democrat Sens. Harry Reid and Richard Bryan of Nevada and Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer of California and the nearly identical House version by Republican Reps. Jim Gibbons of Nevada and John Doolittle of California now await action in both chambers before Congress adjourns next month.

Five in LV charged in smuggling of women: Jace Radke; Five Las Vegans were to appear before a federal judge today in connection with an alleged nationwide prostitution smuggling operation that has been under investigation for more than two years.

Nevada casinos win $827.6 million in July: Brendan Riley; The state Gaming Control Board said Monday the money represents the amount kept by resorts after gamblers bet $12.3 billion.

Human-caused blaze breaks out northwest of Winnemucca: It's burning in grass, sage, aspen and mahogany about 75 miles northwest of Winnemucca. It's about 50 percent contained, but is only burning within its fire lines. Full containment is expected on Tuesday.

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: Trends, September 11, 2000: Lisa Ferguson; Totally tacky

Four California youths arrested in carjacking: The youths, whose names weren't released, were found in a stolen car parked in an industrial area here.

Federal funds to help secure flight path: The ranch, which dates back to the 1800s, consists of a house and 10 other structures on 62 acres. The authority plans to acquire the land and buildings at an estimated cost of $9.6 million.

Letter: Satire on Bush hits the mark: Let us have more from Bob Herbert.

Tahoe housing costs blamed for student enrollment dip: Monty Folsom, district director of business services, attributed the decline to soaring housing prices in the Sierra resort area.

Referendum has far-reaching implications for gaming in Wisconsin city: Opponents petitioned the city council for a vote after learning in July the city was in talks with the Lac du Flambeau tribe of Chippewa Indians to develop a casino complex at the former Fox Valley Greyhound Park. The tribe's proposal includes a $20 million casino, $30 million hotel (slash) convention center and $5 million indoor water park at the dogtrack.

Nichols gets unanimous support for chancellor job: Jane Nichols received unanimous backing on Friday from the 11 members of the Board of Regents, who voted her in with a three-year contract. Nichols, who served as academic vice chancellor for three years, has been acting chancellor for two months.

Editorial: Gore, Bush spar over drug plan: Bush places his faith in the market, relying on insurance companies to provide this benefit. Unfortunately the problem is that many of these insurance companies that already offer supplemental Medicare coverage have been pulling out of some cities and states because they're having financial difficulties. What's to make us believe that adding a costly prescription drug benefit will make them rush back to the markets they abandoned? Both plans would allow people to voluntarily use private insurance plans, but Bush's proposal would prod more beneficiaries to use HMOs instead of the traditional fee-for-service program run by Medicare.

Columnist Ralph Siraco: Road to Kentucky Derby could pass through Del Mar Futurity -- again: Ralph Siraco; Before I take my first vacation since starting with the Sun on July 11, 1994, I would like to pass on some notes scribbled across my Daily Racing Form. ...

California woman hits $7.5 million jackpot: "I don't even like the game," she said. "But then the bell began to ring and I looked at the machine and said, 'Oh my God, Oh my God, I have done it, I've hit the big one."'

Tourist's family had concerns about Vegas trip: On Friday morning, Vitarelli, a college student from Napa, Calif., who grew up in Maui, was shot and killed by a stray bullet while standing near the casino cage at Harrah's on the Las Vegas Strip.

Two-car accident leaves youth dead and senior hurt: Deputies said a preliminary investigation reveals that excessive speed may have caused the victim's car to skid into the path of an oncoming flatbed truck driven by Robert Jennings of Reno.

Letter: Mirage animals handled with care: If PETA is truly concerned and dedicated to the welfare, safety and happiness of animals, they should direct their efforts elsewhere. But then, why should they? They stand to make much more money this way.

Cobb wins, wraps up title: What seemed like an impossible task two weeks ago has apparently become reality for Dick Cobb. Cobb passed Steve Anderson with two laps remaining to post his third straight win in the NASCAR Late Model Division at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Saturday night. The win, which came on the final NASCAR points night, makes Cobb the odds-on favorite to claim the NASCAR Sunbelt Region Championship when the points are released later today.

Coalition says 'protection of marriage' ballot question discriminatory: Lisa Snedeker; Members of Equal Rights Nevada - including about two dozen ministers of various denominations - gathered Monday in Las Vegas and Reno to protest the "protection of marriage" initiative on the November ballot.

Some surprises join the ranks of unbeaten teams: Spencer Patterson; Prep football Week 2 results

Schumer tries to stop Trump casino plans for Manhattan: Trump said in Tuesday's New York Post that if state and federal officials approve a proposed Indian casino in Monticello, he will push for one on 100 acres (40 hectares) of undeveloped land he owns near the Hudson River.

Small plane makes emergency landing: The four-seat plane was several miles from its North Las Vegas Airport destination when the pilot noticed the pressure loss, said Tim Szymanski, spokesman for the Las Vegas Fire Department.

Hispanic of the Year: Other awards given: Carmen Suarez of Tetra Tech, consultant engineers/government contractor award; Nancy M. Alamo- Borboa of the Clark County School Districts English language learner, educational award; Frank and Isabel Quiroga of the Perfect Body, the entrepreneur award; Brian Ayala of Ayalas Inc., public service; Sheldon Adelson of the Venetian, tourism; Eloiza Martinez of Wells Fargo Bank, professional award; KISF and KLSQ, award for distinction in media; Ixela Gutierrez of Mexico Vivo, award of distinction in culture; and Nevada Power Co., award of distinction-corporate.

Gibbons wants dropout study: "Most recent data shows that Nevada's dropout rate continues to hover around 10 percent" Gibbons said. "Nationally, the statistics on high school dropout rates are just as alarming.

Six Alaska nonprofits face ban on gaming profits: The Last Chance Co-op provided its member nonprofits with $70,000 each in 1999. The nonprofit members will have to find other sources of funds in 2001 if an Aug. 31 decision by Tax Division Chief of Appeals Carl Meyer stands.

Debut leaves Thomas battered but resolute: Steve Guiremand; For the first time in almost three years, Jason Thomas was sore and bruised when he woke up Sunday morning.

Columnist John Katsilometes: This club is not a drag: It's inevitable. Whenever prepubescent boys are allowed to organize and mobilize, funny diversions can transpire.

Canadian prime minister speaks at UNR: Mulroney, who was in town to deliver the keynote address at the 19th annual UNR Foundation banquet, predicted China would have the world's strongest economy in less than a quarter of a century.

Soccer: UNLV loses again in OT: Grand Canyon (3-1-1) scored the first goal of the match six minutes into the game on a rebound off Rebels defender Matt Thompson. Rebels forward Jason Melendez then scored back-to-back goals, the first one coming at the 14:37 mark on a setup shot by Alejandro Hernandez, and the second on a pass from Tuomas Talvio.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Is Agassi near end of the line?: Dean Juipe; He authored one of the greatest comebacks in sports history, returning to the No. 1 ranking in men's professional tennis last year after slipping to No. 141.

Community news briefs for September 11, 2000: MountainView Hospital

Letter: New properties appear exempt from conserving: I wish someone had a good explanation for this.

Alzheimer's patients sought for drug study: The drugs, naproxen sodium, which is the active ingredient in the pain reliever Aleve, and rofecoxib, which is the active ingredient in the prescription pain reliever Vioxx, will be investigated.

Newest Las Vegas resort set to open: The $200 million Coast Resorts property near Summerlin finished its fire and life safety tests over the weekend, Mikovits said.

LV's Carpentier OK after crash: Las Vegas resident Patrick Carpentier shook off the effects of a near-catastrophic accident two days earlier and posted a ninth-place finish Sunday in the CART Honda Grand Prix of Monterey at Laguna Seca Raceway.

Guinn holds high school class reunion at governor's mansion: Guinn is a native of Exeter, Calif., a town of about 5,000 nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada midway between Fresno and Bakersfield. He's a 1955 graduate of Exeter High School.