Print edition for April 6, 2001

Columnist Sandra Thompson: Sending their son away was an act of love: Sandra Thompson; MARCH 15 was the worst day of Susan's life. It was the day she sent her 15-year-old son, Michael, away.

Martin's art takes spotlight: Kimberley McGee; The "Private Collection of Steve Martin" will be revealed for the first time Saturday at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art.

Fiesta's historic pipe organ back with piping hot pizza: Organist David Wickerham recently returned to his gig at the Fiesta after a three-month layoff.

Columnist Jon Ralston: A trickle-up system of juice: HOW INEFFECTUAL, phony and pernicious was the perversion of public policy known as the Neighborhood Casino Law of 1997?

The family name remains Prima-nent: Lena Prima joined me recently at the Sahara's Casbar Lounge.

Kids teeter on the edge at Lied museum exhibit: There is an edge to a traveling exhibit that is on display at the Lied Discovery Children's Museum.

Columnist Jeff German: Lawmen continuing to pursue Walters: LAW ENFORCEMENT authorities want to indict politically connected gambler Billy Walters for what may be a record fourth time.

Where I stand--Mike O'Callaghan: Colin Powell's journey: HOW LONG WILL Secretary of State Colin Powell continue to serve in his present position? During the first few months of his tenure he has been turned every way but loose by those surrounding President George W. Bush and the president himself.

Letter: Why no public outcry against the Boy Scouts?: The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the right of the Boy Scouts to practice discrimination because they are a private, rather than a public, organization. Public funds and facilities should not be used to support private, discriminatory organizations. If brochures inviting membership in the Ku Klux Klan were distributed in schools or by the police there would surely be a public outcry. Why is there no such outcry regarding the Scouts? Endorsement of the Boy Scouts by schools, police and other taxpayer-funded entities is a flagrant misuse of public funds.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Heavyweight celebs go Gardening: Kate Maddox; On Thursday night extras filed into the MGM Grand Garden Arena and feigned excitement for the staged "Ocean's 11" heavyweight bout. Big bruiser Lennox Lewis tussled with Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko -- an eleventh-hour fill-in for Mike Tyson.

For Moore, it's never easy: Jennifer Knight; If a warning label adorned the desk of Richard Moore, it would read: Hang on, the ride may get bumpy, but keep up or get left behind.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Still no answers in D'Amato case: It has been almost two years since Theresa D'Amato was killed.

College on fast track: Henderson school is facing hurdles on way to funding: Jennifer Knight; On a Sunday afternoon over cold lemonade and warm hospitality, a small gathering of Henderson's movers and shakers sat inside Selma Bartlett's home and served up the idea of starting a state college.

On tour after hiatus, Furs back to psychedelic selves: Kirk Baird; Much has been written about the '80s band the Psychedelic Furs.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Anderson preparing for East Coast performances: Joe Delaney; Bob Anderson is a world-class singer who also happens to be a master impressionist as well as a saloon singer who ranks right there with the late Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Buddy Greco and Sonny King in this wonderful yet endangered art form ... He will be in residence at the LV Hilton's Nightclub through April 22 before leaving for a month in Atlantic City.

Editorial: Meat-testing snafu acts as wake-up call: Fortunately, by Thursday the Bush administration said the salmonella testing would continue after all. White House spokesman Ari Fleischer blamed the initial decision on lower-level agency employees, adding that Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman was not aware this new policy would be announced. That isn't reassuring, though. It suggests that career employees throughout the federal government are adopting a none-too-subtle message from the White House: What big business wants, it gets.

Letter: All companies should ante up: Gaming critics point out that the tax rates for riverboats and casinos in other states are higher than Nevada's rate. What they don't point out is that most of the casinos in those states are inexpensive riverboats operating under semi-monopolistic conditions as opposed to the intensely competitive Las Vegas market.

Maryland students find ways to gamble: Ban on betting unlikely to affect U.S. campuses: Benjamin Grove; COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Meet two seniors at the University of Maryland: Kristy Ball and Johnny, 22.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Easton to bat for LV Hilton: Kate Maddox; Playing catch-up with some of the entertainment rumors floating around town these days has been tricky business. Here's the rundown:

Toni, Toni, Toni: Her voice; that smile. His trademark hat and keyboard wizardry. The love that kept them together just as their Grammy Award-winning hit song indelibly promised.

Soup labels enhance life for children at St. Jude's Ranch: Kimberley McGee; A hot bowl of soup can offer comfort on a cold day.

Editorial: Don't place the public in jeopardy: It is unconscionable to allow confidentiality agreements that hide public hazards. That is why it is refreshing that state Sen. Mark James, R-Las Vegas, is seeking legislation that would bar judges from sealing settlements that otherwise would let Nevadans know about public hazards, such as defective products. As Kent Lauer, executive director of the Nevada Press Association, told the Senate Judiciary Committee last week, Firestone paid millions of dollars to people injured because of their defective tires. But confidentiality clauses kept this litigation from becoming known sooner. This secrecy resulted in needless deaths and life-threatening injuries to an unwitting public.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Industry faces rise in scrutiny: A nip here.

Miracle Man: "In my neighborhood we idolized the entertainers, the preachers and the pimps," Smokey Robinson wrote in his 1988 autobiography. "They were the ones with the sharp clothes, the Cadillac cars, the fine women.

Gans looks in top form starting second year at Mirage: Joe Delaney; Danny Gans started his second year Wednesday at the Mirage. We reviewed him on opening day last year, and caught him again just before the close of his first year.

Letter: Chip off the 'old' block: I think Max Good did a very credible job in the short time he was in charge, and the administration didn't even talk to him (seriously). What a shame.

Sophomores win top honors at UNLV: Sophomores Tuomas Talvio and Donna Escobar captured the event's top honors as they were named UNLV's Most Oustanding Male and Female Scholar-Athlete, respectively. Talvio is a forward for the men's soccer team and carries a 3.98 cumulative grade point average. His major is undecided.

Letter: Fan: Pick up the pace: I've put up with the promise for 10 years now. I was one of the die-hards during the 10-win season. I am currently a scholarship donor and an alumnus. Why should I give him a chance?

Impact fee meets with newfound approval: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- The Southern Nevada Home Builders Association came to a legislative hearing this morning to testify on another impact fee proposal.

Columnist Larry Dixon: Working with 'Snake' is a driver's dream: Larry Dixon; Before I forget, I need to start today's column by wishing my boss, Don "The Snake" Prudhomme, a happy birthday. I have known Snake for basically half of my life and we have one of the closest relationships a driver can have with an owner.

Taming the tattoo: Stricter county rules target body decoration shops: By Emily Richmond; Rey J. Caigoy paid $81 for a health card so that he can work as a tattoo artist and body piercer in Las Vegas, and he isn't happy about Clark County Health District plans to add what amounts to another $140 for a mandatory disease prevention course and a hepatitis B vaccination.

City pares down parcel proposed for state college: Jeffrey Libby; Of the 85 acres offered two weeks ago as the site for the college, just 22 acres remained Thursday on display maps in the front lobby of the Caesar Caviglia building on the Community College at Henderson campus.

Thursday's Prep results: Cheyenne 8, Cimarron-Memorial 1: Ryan Prince gave up only three hits, struck out nine and walked one, Steve Thurston went 2-for-4, scored two runs and had an RBI, and Derek Baylor scored two runs with one RBI for the Desert Shields.

Legislative briefs for April 6, 2001: County commissioners may soon have the ability to designate a youth shelter for homeless teenagers.

Passover celebrates freedom: Jewish holy day begins tonight: Stacy J. Willis; Laura Sussman remembers playing an April Fool's joke on her mother before Passover years ago.

TWA takeover imminent, union signs off on deal: David Scott; ST. LOUIS -- Just days before its asset sale to AMR Corp.'s American Airlines is expected to close, Trans World Airlines Inc. has reached an agreement on contract waivers with its largest union.

Opponents rally against changing Alabama constitution to help expand gambling: Phillip Rawls; MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Opponents of rewriting Alabama's constitution voiced fears Wednesday that the foundation of state government is about to be broken, with God thrown out and more taxes and gambling brought in.

New bishop for Las Vegas announced: Stacy J. Willis; Pope John Paul II announced a new bishop for the Diocese of Las Vegas today, filling a position that has been vacant for nearly one year.

Parraz's homer ignites Green Valley past Basic: Spencer Patterson; Zeke Parraz had seen enough.

Convention center expansion explored: John Marz, vice president of marketing, said the expansion is being considered because of heavy demand for convention space at Mandalay Bay. Details are still being worked out, he said, though he said the expansion would likely occur on vacant land next to the existing convention center. Such a project would not exclude long-discussed plans to put a mall between Mandalay Bay and the Luxor resort, Marz said.

Where I stand 1989--Hank Greenspun: Evil Gadhafi is hellbent on mass destruction: The United States responded to the downing of two Libyan MiG-23 jets by U.S. Air Force F-14s by claiming the operation had nothing to do with Libya's newly constructed chemical facility.

County panel no-shows kill chances for new libraries: Jace Radke and Adrienne Packer; Political conflicts crept into a Clark County Debt Management Commission meeting Thursday after five board members failed to show up, essentially killing the community's chances to build four new libraries next year.

Company posts loss for 2000: Company revenues increased 89 percent to $835,000 -- however, $307,000 of recognized revenue came from magazine advertising received in exchange for production services and advertising spots provided by Players Network. In 1999, such revenues were $102,000.

51s fans enjoy 'Party Zone': Victoria Sun; The festivities were in full swing Thursday afternoon in the designated "Party Zone" adjacent to left field at Cashman Field when it became evident to Al Meyers what a fantastic seat he had for the 51s season opener against Tacoma.

Joe Delaney remembers--1989: Francis at Aladdin: Joe Delaney remembers--1989: Francis at Aladdin

Letter: Here's how to handle China: Have him request the leftist-leaning former President Bill Clinton to visit his red comrades, to secure the release of plane and crew. No doubt his "friends" spent considerable time gleaning all they could in the super-sensitive equipment.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Sports succeed at bringing people closer: Dean Juipe; Consider the juxtaposition of these two events:

New Southwest Airlines CEO says he expects to make few changes: Renee C. Lee; DALLAS -- Southwest Airlines' new chief executive, Jim Parker, won't be trading in his button-down shirt for a rhinestone-studded suit anytime soon.

Prieto reprises starring role as member of 51s: Steve Guiremand; It was a day of firsts for Chris Prieto on Thursday afternoon at Cashman Field.

Officer cleared on drug charges: Keith Paul; A Metro Police internal investigation reopened after an officer was found not guilty in court of drug charges exonerated him of any wrongdoing, clearing the way for his return to duty.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday at Santa Anita: 1st Race -- Saif - Training at Hollypark, Gomez aboard Shirreffs horsefor owner The Thoroughbred Corporation, tough maiden opener. Baltoro - Draws good inner post for the mile, Stevens on Gonzalez entry for owners McCaffery & Toffan, could get the trip. Value Play -- Self Esteem

Judge rules again in favor of leafleting: Grace Leong; A federal judge, for the second time in three years, has ruled people can distribute leaflets at the Fremont Street Experience and has settled a dispute over whether such activity is a guise for solicitation, which remains banned.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Tracy sees title in Kool Green's future: Paul Tracy went into the 2000 CART FedEx Championship Series season with the belief that he would have his best chance of winning a championship since he drove for Roger Penske in the early '90s.

Lead defense lawyer, judge again at odds in murder case: Kim Smith; Defense attorney Michael Amador's day started off bad, and it didn't get any better.

Columnist Sal DeFilippo: XFL contenders shooting for 'Million Dollar' opportunity: Sal DeFilippo; I'm not surprised that the XFL finally has given its championship game a name, removing the original working title, The Big Game at the End.

Editorial: President shucks bid to conserve: Bush's kinship with oil industries and big energy companies is no secret, but it is surprising that he would so eagerly embark on policies whose only sizable support comes from these special interests. There is a shortage of available fuel to meet the nation's rising demand for energy, but it doesn't automatically mean there is a need to adopt extreme policies that are out of step with public opinion. For instance, when Bush repeated again early in his administration that he wanted to open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska to drilling, opinion polls consistently showed the public ...

Board gives approval to hydroelectric plant: Absent an appeal, plans for a proposed hydroelectric plant in the mountains on the west side of the Las Vegas Valley can proceed.

State construction program comes under fire: CARSON CITY -- Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins said Thursday the governor should have the power to fire the manager of the state's construction program, which has encountered several problems.

LV resort fined for treatment of workers: Grace Leong; The Las Vegas Strip's Excalibur hotel-casino will pay more than $50,000 in civil penalties and backpay to 22 of its hotel and casino workers to settle charges of workplace discrimination, the government said.

Good takes Div. II post: Steve Addy; Dave Rice facts

Las Vegas natives return home to put together children's play: Kimberley McGee; The stage schooled Daniel Kucan and Maite Garcia in more than just their craft as professional actors.

Viacom, CBS pull out of NAB on eve of Vegas convention: Kevin Ferguson; Fifteen days before the National Association of Broadcasters comes to Las Vegas for its annual conference, the trade association suffered the loss of two media giants -- CBS Television and radio sister network Infinity Broadcasting.

Barbara Greenspun remembers 1989: U.S. must always be on guard: While the Chinese incident was purely accidental, it is an example of what can happen as long as nations distrust each other. It behooves us, as a nation, to remain aware of the military capability and intentions of other countries.

Dot-com bomb creates plethora of office space: Joann Loviglio; CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. -- Last May, 4anything Networks had 114 employees, 14,500 square feet of high-tech office space and was dreaming of a growth-filled future. But by January, the suburban Philadelphia online search company was down to only 14 workers and 3,000 square feet of its expansive digs.

Laser vision office closes, parent in bankruptcy: Grace Leong; Canadian laser vision correction specialist Lasik Vision Corp. has ceased operations at its one Las Vegas clinic because of financial difficulties.

Troubled vets home's budget draws criticism: CARSON CITY -- Amid construction problems regarding the state veterans home in Boulder City, legislators are voicing their displeasure with the home's proposed $20.8 million two-year operations budget.

North Las Vegas plant closing: Cox Target Media is owned by media giant Cox Enterprises Inc. of Atlanta. Cox Enterprises also controls Cox Communications, the dominant cable television company in Las Vegas.

Where I stand--Mike O'Callaghan: Blood for more money: THE AMOUNT OF BRAINS you have in your head doesn't always match up with the number of dollars you have in your pockets. The way some people think in our society it would be difficult to get them to believe this conclusion. There are a few people with big bucks in Las Vegas who would reject this kind of thinking because of being blessed with bulging pockets and a cerebral vacuum.

The Prince of ... pacifism?: Dean Juipe; It's a side of him that's rarely seen, and one that requires the spotlight to be off.

Letter: It's getting harder for small firm: SARAH HAMBY

Crime briefs for April 6, 2001: Metro Police arrested a robbery suspect Thursday night after he led authorities on a 45-minute car chase that crisscrossed the Las Vegas Valley.

Owner of dog faces new trouble: By Emily Richmond; A Las Vegas woman, whose dog was killed apparently after her neighbors' pit bulls dug under a fence and entered her home through a dog door, has received some more bad news.

Dream of dot.com incubator downtown may be dying: Diana Sahagun; Time is ticking away for proponents of a dot.com incubator to secure a deal for downtown Las Vegas property, and other companies are said to be swooping in with proposals.

Contractors want chance to fix defects: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- Contractors asked lawmakers Thursday to approve a bill that would allow them to fix construction defects without being forced into expensive litigation.

Restaurant closing at Golden Nugget casino: Alan Feldman, spokesman for Golden Nugget owner MGM MIRAGE, said the restaurant will likely close in June. Less than 50 employees work at the restaurant, and the company will attempt to move all employees to other positions at the Golden Nugget while the restaurant is closed. Restaurant employees work for the hotel-casino under a joint venture agreement.

Ethics panel drops Kincaid's case: Adrienne Packer; The state Ethics Commission's review panel, muscling through a quagmire of intertwining cases against Clark County officials, weeded out two Thursday, leaving three to resolve.

Saturday horse racing entries: Post Time 12 p.m.

Box score: 51s 5, Rainers 4: Note: 2 outs, 3 runners LOB when the game ended. DP - Tacoma 1. LOB - Tacoma 7, Las Vegas 7. 2B - C. Alexander, Betts, Vasquez, Gilbert. HR - Barry (1). S-Gilbert. SF-K. Johnson. SB - Grabowski (2).

NHRA drivers disagree on heat: NHRA Nationals

Obituaries for April 6, 2001: Pauline J. Ayres, 73, of Las Vegas died Wednesday in a local hospital. She was born May 18, 1927, in Kahoka, Mo. A resident for 10 years, she was a retired escrow office for a title company.

Assembly passes voyeur video ban: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- The Assembly passed a measure Thursday that would make it a felony to videotape for purposes of sexual gratificationsomeone who thinks they are not being watched.

Power rate-freeze plan unveiled: CARSON CITY -- The Senate Commerce and Labor Committee today approved a major compromise plan to freeze runaway electric rates for one year, which would eliminate monthly increases imposed by Nevada Power Co. of Las Vegas and Sierra Pacific Power Co. of Reno.

News of the day: 1989: April 20: 47 sailors killed in battleship explosion

Fraud alleged at LV lending company: Grace Leong; The president of a Las Vegas mortgage loan company, who was indicted this week on 29 counts of money laundering and wire fraud, faces prison time if convicted and may be required to forfeit up to $4.353 million to the government.

Cost of state college projected at $1.3 billion: Jeffrey Libby; Henderson city officials estimate the cost of building the proposed Nevada State College in Henderson at as much as $1.3 billion, according to an application filed with the Bureau of Land Management.

Court briefs for April 6, 2001: District Judge Michael Cherry will learn April 19 whether 16-year-old murder suspect Conan Pope will enter into a plea agreement.

Letter: Assemblyman has become an embarrassment: In the article, Williams was quoted as saying, "I'm going to bury him and send him back to Fresno," speaking in reference to Garcia. Williams, a former teacher in the school district, obviously must have forgotten that the chairman of the Education Committee Assembly does not hire or fire the superintendent of schools in the Clark County School District. That privilege and responsibility is given to the elected members of the Board of School Trustees. Given Williams' lack of good judgment and political savvy, the citizens of Clark County and Nevada can thank their lucky stars that Williams generally only ...

Argosy, MGM MIRAGE look at expansion in Chicago area: David Strow; Argosy Gaming Co. is apparently closing in on a pact to buy Jack Binion's riverboat casino in Joliet, Ill., several knowledgeable sources say.

Water damage sparks Yucca worries: Areas inside the exploratory tunnel at Yucca Mountain that were sealed off for six months developed so much moisture that electrical test equipment in the rooms shorted out, losing valuable data, a Nuclear Regulatory Commission report shows.

Second Jarbidge suit resolved: A second lawsuit involving a fight over a dirt road in Elko County that became a national battleground over federal land policies and the protection of the threatened bull trout has been resolved, the U.S. attorney's office said.

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