Print edition for April 26, 2001

Judge rips defense lawyer during closing arguments: Kim Smith; The straw finally broke Wednesday.

Betting on God: Baptist minister serves Las Vegas casino workers: Stacy J. Willis; Don't stand on the slot machines and scream about Jesus.

Board: Officer didn't violate use-of-force rules: Keith Paul; A SWAT officer acted within department policy when he returned fire at a man during a standoff in February, the Metro Police use-of-force board ruled Wednesday night.

Former Nevada Power executive McGarry dies: Jace Radke; William McGarry's Las Vegas was a small, close-knit town when he served as an executive with Nevada Power in the early 1970s.

Casino operator fined over beer fees: Separately, the Star reported the Missouri Gaming Commission on Wednesday fined the owners of the former Flamingo Hilton Casino $100,000 over several disciplinary cases from 1999 and 2000 alleging various violations involving surveillance, purchasing and accounting procedures and the state's $500 loss limit.

South Dakota gambling town dreams about overtaking the Las Vegas Strip: Joe Kafka; DEADWOOD, S.D. -- This historic Black Hills gambling town could one day have a six-mile extension of its casinos to Interstate 90, or a new stretch longer than the 3.5-mile Las Vegas Strip.

Fire chief is retiring after about 3 decades: Hill, 56, joined the fire department as a firefighter in 1974 and rose through the ranks, serving as engineer, captain, battalion chief and assistant chief before being named fire chief in 1996.

Poll lists LV among top spring destinations: A survey of the Spring 2001 Hot Spots by the American Society of Travel Agents and Fodor's, a travel publication company, indicates that Las Vegas, which received 16.9 percent of the bookings, only trailed Orlando, Fla., 23 percent, among the nation's most popular destinations.

Stratosphere sued by Harrah's: The suit seeks an injunction against the Stratosphere for the alleged violation of a patent for the "Bet Guarantee System," invented by Thomas Cook and James LoCicero and filed in 1996.

In Mideast, plan to reopen casino sparks new feud: Greg Myre; JERICHO, West Bank -- With its chained gates, empty parking lot and missing plate glass windows shot out months ago, the ornate Oasis Casino represents an early casualty of the current Mideast conflict.

Slot makers in cashless deal: Alliance expects to receive modest royalty revenues.

Slot makers announce joint ventures: IGT and Anchor said they will co-develop seven new wheel games based on famous themes and extend the licensing agreement covering the Wheel of Fortune slots for an additional year through 2006.

NAACP suspension is against bylaws, local leader charges: Adrienne Packer; Leaders of the Las Vegas chapter of the NAACP claim the national organization's president violated bylaws when he decided last weekend to suspend the local branch and officers for a year.

IRL ace hopes for quick turnaround: Keith Parsons; ATLANTA - Greg Ray seems to have it all, from the square-jawed, dark-haired good looks of a Hollywood heartthrob to what easily has been the fastest car in the past three Indy Racing League seasons.

Robinson ready to break new ground: Mike Harris; FONTANA, Calif. - Shawna Robinson thinks she can make history without being considered a NASCAR sideshow.

Fernandez adjusting to owner-driver role: Stephen Hawkins; FORT WORTH, Texas - The reality of being CART's only owner-driver caught up with Adrian Fernandez on a hairpin turn in Long Beach, Calif.

Support seen for 'green' energy sources: By Timothy Pratt; A bill that could help define Nevada's energy future is scheduled for a vote by Friday.

Italian race driver killed in test car accident in Germany: Stephen Graham; BERLIN - Michele Alboreto, a one-time Formula One star, was killed when the Audi he was test driving crashed in eastern Germany, the carmaker said Wednesday.

Following dad's footsteps to victory: Mike Harris; Not many of Kenny Bernstein's 54 career victories in more than two decades of drag racing thrilled him more than watching his son win for the first time.

Mobile home rent board supported: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- Mobile home park owners would have to propose rent increases to a five-person justification board under a measure approved Wednesday by the Assembly.

Jury gets murder case: Kim Smith; After hearing nearly 12 hours of closing arguments in a trial that lasted nine weeks, jurors in the Margaret Rudin case were to begin deliberating her fate this afternoon.

Airline opposes tax on pipeline: CARSON CITY -- A proposed tax on fuel flowing through the pipeline from California could hurt some industries, an airlines lobbyist said Wednesday.

Legislative briefs for April 26, 2001: The Clark County School District would have to establish a committee to look at the possibility of building smaller schools, under a bill approved by the Senate 21-0 Wednesday.

Formula for fed funds helps private hospitals: CARSON CITY -- Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center and Lake Mead Hospital Medical Center are the big winners with a bill that would distribute an additional $2 million a year in federal funds to pay for the treatment of indigent patients.

College betting-ban debate begins: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., on a mission to outlaw college sports betting in Nevada, today faced a panel of opponents to the plan, including venerable coach Pete Newell, a national sports analyst and a Harvard University addictions researcher.

Business briefs for April 26, 2001: The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has approved a new contract with its food and concessions provider that will increase the agency's share of revenues generated by sales.

Internet gambling bill still up in air: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- The Assembly may experience deja vu this morning as it reconsiders two critical votes on Internet gaming.

'Mayhem' at PurchasePro pushes stock even lower: Kevin Ferguson; In what an analyst called "mayhem," the Las Vegas technology company PurchasePro finally announced its quarterly financial performance this morning after two events disturbing to investors Wednesday.

Nevada regulators OK repairs of defective slots: David Strow; WMS Industries Inc. is moving quickly to fix slot machines at casinos across the nation, following the discovery of a "security anomaly" that could allow players to cheat some WMS-made machines.

Magazine earns top award: "This prestigious award recognizes the accomplishments of our entire staff and further emphasizes the growing acceptance of Las Vegas Life as the city magazine of Las Vegas. ... Our staff is experienced and willing to take chances and cover topics with confidence without compromising editorial or production quality," said Publisher Sharon Bates.

Boyd to buy horse track: Firm may pay $100 million: David Strow; Boyd Gaming Corp. of Las Vegas is on the verge of acquiring what would be its second Louisiana property, the Las Vegas Sun has learned.

ACLU threatens suit over changes in work card law: Adrienne Packer; Civil rights leaders who say they have been locked out of Clark County's process to rework an ordinance that determines which employees need work cards vowed to sue if the final draft is unconstitutional.

Hannibal contributes to MGM studio profit: The studio is controlled by billionaire Kirk Kerkorian, who also controls Las Vegas-based casino giant MGM MIRAGE.

Hit-and-run suspect arrested at hotel: Jace Radke; A hit-and-run suspect who refused to surrender to police was in the Clark County jail this morning after he was found in bed with his girlfriend Wednesday night in a luxury hotel.

Senate OKs bill to sell tobacco settlement: CARSON CITY -- A bill that would allow the state to sell off its $1.2 billion tobacco settlement and avoid the risk of cigarette companies deciding not to make future payments was approved Wednesday by the Senate.

Obituaries for April 26, 2001: Benjamin Barton, 8, and Holly Barton, 33, mother and son, both of Las Vegas died Sunday. Benjamin was born Feb. 21, 1993, and Holly was born Aug. 21, 1967, both in Las Vegas. Holly was a teacher at Chaparral High School and a Western High School graduate.

Keller issues tattoo taboo for police officers: Keith Paul; Tattoos and body piercings have moved from the fringe of counterculture into pop culture, with people from athletes and movie stars to students sporting the body art.

Boys volleyball standings: CLASS 4A

Editorial: Don't shortchange renewable energy: Under Assembly Bill 418, by the end of 2002 the total amount of renewable energy used would have to be 5 percent, which then would increase 2 percent every two years until 2013, when these clean fuels would account for 15 percent. These goals are ambitious, so any legislation should ensure that utilities don't have to buy alternative fuels if it isn't prudent. But the amount currently devoted to renewable energy is miserly, which means the Legislature should boost significantly the electric utilities' use of these clean energy sources.

Letter: Very few places for off-road vehicle recreation: It is true that some areas need to be set aside as wilderness, but more than 97 percent of all wilderness areas in the West were not roadless, and every one in Southern Nevada has a road running through it. As a lifetime Las Vegas resident, I have seen thousands of miles of land locked up.

Sierra Pacific-Enron deal off: In brief statements issued by the utility companies Thursday afternoon, Sierra Pacific confirmed what had been speculated for weeks -- that its deal with Houston-based Enron Corp. to acquire the Oregon utility with 700,000 customers would not be consummated.

Prep softball standings: CLASS 4A

Review: Andrew Dice Clay salvages 'One Night at McCool's': Geoff Carter; Grade: Two-and-a-half stars

Boyd buying Louisiana track, will add casino & slots: David Strow; Boyd said it will acquire Delta Downs near Vinton, La., in the southwestern portion of the state. The horse racetrack is about 100 miles east of Houston near Interstate 10.

Sun Top 10 Baseball Poll: Records through Tuesday

Where I stand--Mike O'Callaghan: Pain from Carson City: A FEW WEEKS from now the Nevada Legislature will adjourn and the people of Clark County had better hope that they don't leave Assembly Bill 457 behind as law. The results would take $65 million out of the pockets of local governments during the coming two years.

Mandalay building massive convention center at Strip resort: The cost of the convention center, to be built just south of Mandalay Bay on 16.5 acres of land, was not disclosed. Construction will begin in June, with the center's first shows coming next summer.

Sun Top 10 Softball Poll: Records through Tuesday

News briefs for April 26, 2001: A fire Wednesday at the Metro Police shooting range caused an estimated $25,000 in damage to a two-story building used for SWAT training.

Letter: Gamers could afford tax hike: As Garcia noted, the school district has already cut its current budget by several million dollars, and is now at a "bare-bones status." Without major increased funding by this Legislature, next year the school district will have to start cutting athletic, music and fine arts programs, and possibly even transportation.

By the book: High school yearbooks face challenging times: Kimberley McGee; A positive gesture.

Letter: View of judges is without merit: Where is his proof? Is he saying the folks on the bench now are a bunch of incompetents? Is there a massive wave of judicial resignations taking place? Of course not.

Guard thanks Nevada Power volunteers for help in training: Dick Benoit; The Nevada Army National Guard's 440th Signal Company (Cable and Wire) received safety training recently from Nevada Power Co.

Prep boys golf standings: CLASS 4A

Columnist Joe Delaney: Stars aplenty scheduled for weekend benefits: Joe Delaney; April is going out in style with a number of special events, led by the Tiger Woods Foundation's "Tiger Jam IV" benefit Saturday at 8:30 p.m. in the Mandalay Bay Events Center ... Multiplatinum record-selling artists John Mellencamp and Third Eye Blind are scheduled to perform ... The Tiger Woods Foundation has reached more than 70,000 youngsters nationwide, providing role models and instructions on healthy lifestyles.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: Different cars, same old story: During a promotion for the new auto racing movie "Driven," the great Mario Andretti said he would take a wait-and-see approach before commenting on this latest effort to capture the essence of his sport.

Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Don't make kids pay for activities: Ruthe Deskin; "For Satan finds some mischief still for idle hands to do" -- Isaac Watts.

New-look pitching staff keeps Skyhawks atop Sunrise Region: Spencer Patterson; They say a high school softball team is only as good as its pitching staff, so it's little wonder the Silverado Skyhawks entered the 2001 season as something of a question mark.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Friday's races at Hollywood Park: 1st Race -- Authentic - Draws good box for long sprint opener, Baze aboard one of two Dollace-trained 'hidden entries' here, diploma try might be Authentic. Courageous Brandon - Flores on Lewis trainee, draws good post as well, a factor for graduation throughout. Value Play -- Winston Chi

Editorial: No retreat on smaller class sizes: If this bill were to become law, it would represent a significant shift in the state's education policy. During the 1990s policymakers placed a premium on class-size reduction in the early grades, noting that it was essential during these critical years for children to get more individualized instruction. In 1999 the Legislature did grant Elko County the authority to initiate a pilot project to let the rural county use a 22:1 student-teacher ratio, but so far no one has effectively demonstrated why this pilot project should be expanded elsewhere.

Prep baseball standings: CLASS 4A

Community briefs for April 26, 2001: The Reynaldo L. Martinez Institute for Leadership and Research will hold its third annual Dia de Los Ninos, Children's Day Family Festival, noon-4 p.m. Sunday at the County Government Center Amphitheater, 500 Grand Central Parkway.

Denver to replace LV as basketball tourney site: Athletic directors and other conference officials meeting in San Diego this week voted 7-1 to hold the tournaments in the Pepsi Center. The 2002 and 2003 tournaments will be played at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Expanded format may benefit baseball teams: Spencer Patterson; When Nevada unveiled its new 4A state baseball tournament format last year, the plan was met with its share of criticism.

Wednesday's prep results: BASEBALL

Auto racing schedule, winners and point standings: Feb. 18 - Daytona 500, Daytona Beach, Fla. (Michael Waltrip)

Columnist Dean Juipe: 'Heads' up! Lewis is 'a rising star': Dean Juipe; Top Rank has the promotional rights to new World Boxing Association welterweight champ Andrew "Six Heads" Lewis and promoter Bob Arum has already declared his intentions.

Experts downplay results of nuclear power poll: Polling experts say Americans are showing lukewarm interest in nuclear power, at best, despite a recent poll that shows support is improving.

Basic yearbook wins two national honors: Kimberley McGee; It was a simple plan -- include as many students in the yearbook as space would allow.

Passage of tax bill could bring Force's teams to Las Vegas: John Force knows a good deal when he sees one.

Sun Athletes of the Week: Terrence Ruffen and Angelina Colavito: School: Chaparral

City Council mulls life with fewer revenues: Diana Sahagun; It was early into Wednesday's five-hour budget workshop that Las Vegas City Council members reluctantly agreed that this fiscal year the city will have to do more with less.

Catching up with: David DiMartino: High School: Bishop Gorman ('99)

Poll suggests doubt about support for superintendent: Terry Webster; A survey by the Clark County Association of School Administrators shows skepticism of Superintendent Carlos Garcia's education plans for the district, including Edison Schools.

UNLV notebook: Tennis teams begin play in MWC tourneys: The third-seeded men's team, which had been hampered by injuries for the past month, will face sixth-seeded Air Force in the first round. The men's tournament is being held in Salt Lake City.

Golf: Californian captures Ladies Challenge event: Musser, a 4-foot-11 phenomenon from Valencia, Calif., carded eight birdies, five on the back nine, to beat her closest competitor, Nicolle Flood, by eight shots with a two-day total of 139.

UNLV inks coveted big man: Steve Addy; With the stroke of a pen, Jamal Holden became the Rebels' starting center.

Veterinarian tries to clear his name in death of dog: At one time, Fred and Hope Selensky said, they believed the only issues in their case were their dead dog, Gardner, and the veterinarian whom the state found incompetent and grossly negligent in the animal's demise.