Stories published April 27, 2001Las Vegas Sun

PurchasePro hit by suit: Kevin Ferguson; PurchasePro, a Las Vegas-based Internet company, was hit with a lawsuit Thursday by a disgruntled shareholder alleging fraud. And in a high-profile snub, an analyst with the investment firm that helped the company go public issued a rare "sell" rating on the stock.

Woman sentenced for killing man who infected her: District Judge Joseph Bonaventure sentenced Evangelina Toledo under the terms reached in a plea agreement between the state and her defense attorney, the late John Fadgen.

Convicted killer's sentence: four consecutive life terms: Kim Smith; A Las Vegas man convicted last month in the shooting deaths of two men was given four consecutive life terms Thursday.

Beech-Nut purchase blocked: The Federal Trade Commission argued that the transaction would leave just two U.S. makers of jarred baby food. The FTC had rejected Heinz's claim that acquiring Beech-Nut would allow it to better compete with Novartis AG's Gerber Products Co., which controls almost 70 percent of the U.S. market.

Horse reward rises: The offer joins a $2,000 reward from the Nevada Bureau of Land Management and $1,000 rewards by each of four organizations.

Court briefs for April 27, 2001: A two-count federal indictment was handed down this week that charges three men with violating the Clean Air Act in connection with the asbestos abatement at the Sierra Arms Apartments in July 1998.

Class action denied in LV medical waste suit: Senior U.S. District Judge Justin Quackenbush denied attorney Frank Cremen's petition to expand the lawsuit from the two existing plaintiffs to a class of up to 2,500 medical operations.

Sadly, nonprofit group sees greater need for services: Kimberley McGee; When abuse enters a home, hope sometimes leaves.

Building a new downtown: Mayor's longtime vision starting to become reality: Diana Sahagun; Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman talks of ancient Greek agoras -- places where philosophers such as Plato and Socrates offered their ideas while merchants offered their wares -- when describing his vision of downtown.

Editorial: Time for price caps on energy: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission did place a limited cap on the wholesale price of electricity in California, but it doesn't even qualify as a half-hearted effort. The rate caps can only go into effect when the state's energy supplies get so low that it is in danger of experiencing blackouts. The commission tacitly is saying that it's OK for energy companies to manipulate the market, and make obscene profits, as long as California isn't on the verge of going dark. How ludicrous.

Hispanic newspapers keep readers aware of deadline: By Timothy Pratt; If law offices, paralegals, pastors and the Immigration and Naturalization Service have been kept busy by the law known as "245-I," Las Vegas' Hispanic media haven't been far behind.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Raiding local government coffers: CARSON CITY -- Legislators here love to point out how local governments are, in the vernacular, "creatures of the state." Counties and cites are created by state law and regulated by state law. And they can be maimed or destroyed by state law.

Columnist Susan Snyder: CC&Rs are not music to our ears: Stan Bernstein and his wife live in New Jersey, but like droves of other retirees-to-be they're planning to move here in a few years.

Tom & Jerry: Could it be? Butterflies in my stomach while waiting by the phone for an interview, something I have done thousands of times over the past 27 years?

Obituaries for April 27, 2001: Benjamin Barton, 8, and Holly Barton, 33, son and mother, 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.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Easton, Hilton make a date: Kate Maddox; It's official. Sheena Easton opens at the Las Vegas Hilton's NightClub on June 5.

Letter: Nevada could take the lead on renewable energy: The Sierra Club has long been in favor of updating old, inefficient generating plants with cleaner ones that produce more power from less natural gas. The less dependent we are on limited resources, such as natural gas, petroleum, and coal, the more stable our energy future is and our pocketbooks.

Historic Railroad Trail will be extended near Lake Mead: Angela Soo; The Historic Railroad Trail at Lake Mead National Recreation Area will begin construction Monday to open and stabilize Tunnel Five, which would add an additional mile to the trail.

Columnist Jeff German: Ensign leads charge in betting ban skirmish: TEAM NEVADA is waving the thumbs-up sign in the wake of last week's sports betting hearing before the Senate Commerce Committee.

Letter: Police 'stings' make roads safer: Storm states that the new operation of police posing as homeless people is a "waste of precious resources." The waste of precious resources in Clark County are the number of people who are killed every year by reckless, inconsiderate, speeding drivers.

Immigrants rush to beat law's deadline: Stacy J. Willis; Just married, Graciela Sevilla is wearing jeans and a UNLV T-shirt and standing in a line of Latinos that stretches halfway around the INS building.

Where I stand--Mike O'Callaghan: All-out war or peace: I WAS IN ISRAEL when the intifada started and bus bombings and armed attacks against the Jews became the news of the day. The Palestinians, represented by the PLO, wanted to control the West Bank of the Jordan River.

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Sounding the alarm on school budget cuts: Sandy Thompson; A LOT OF SOUR NOTES are being sounded about the dire financial condition of the Clark County School District.

Where I Stand -- Hank Greenspun: Dependence on oil is hurting U.S. interests: The nation's dependence upon oil, which was consumed in enormous quantities in the U.S. en route to becoming the most heavily industrialized nation on Earth, has become a mote in the nation's eye.

Legislative briefs for April 27, 2001: The Senate voted without comment Thursday for a gutted election-reform bill, following a failed effort by Senate Democrats to revive Electoral College changes rejected by Republicans.

NDOT strips rumble from Red Rock: Nevada Department of Transportation officials said Thursday they will not place rumble strips on the road that winds through Red Rock Canyon.

News briefs for April 27, 2001: A Nevada Highway Patrol trooper remains in critical condition today in the University Medical Center Trauma Intensive Care Unit, hospital spokesman Rick Plummer said.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Haifa eatery is loaded with attractive options: The recent opening of Haifa, a glat kosher restaurant on Twain at Swenson, gave observant Jews, and those who like ethnic cuisines, some delicious new options. What's more, Haifa is a fresh attractive place, with white tile floors and walls, pretty upholstered chairs and good-sized tables.

'Sunshine in litigation' bill loses: CARSON CITY -- The so-called "sunshine in litigation" bill, which was vigorously opposed by big business, died Thursday night when supporters could muster only a few votes.

Homeless man describes beating: Keith Paul; Eric Resner stood in the Clark County jail Thursday, looking at a group of teens and trying to determine whether he recognized the faces before him as those who brutally beat him.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Laughter abounds in showrooms around town: Joe Delaney; Comedy is king -- and queen -- in Las Vegas this last weekend in April ... David Brenner and his "real life comedy" has an energized show going in the Casino Center area at the Golden Nugget ... Brenner's act is that evening's funny side of the news, told with humor, wit and irreverence ... No two performances are the same, although Brenner has a proven act and occasionally will reprise a special segment ... He has been extended there through Oct. 31.

PCL Box: Edmonton-Las Vegas: E--Huff, Simontacchi, Gilbert. DP--Edmont 2, Las Vegas 1. LOB--Edmonton 9, Las Vegas 4. 2B--Ryan, Ardoin, Gilbert. 3B--Ryan. HR--Ryan (4), LeCroy (5), B. Johnson (3), K. Johnson (2). S--McCracken, Prieto 2. SF--Huff.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Female driver close to attaining goal: FONTANA, Calif. -- Shawna Robinson hopes to become the first female driver in nearly 12 years to compete in a NASCAR Winston Cup Series race this weekend at California Speedway.

Hepatitis A hits classroom; teacher, kids immunized: By Emily Richmond; Three children from the same Clark County elementary school classroom have tested positive for hepatitis A, and nearly all of the students in that classroom as well as the teacher have been immunized, health officials confirmed Thursday.

Hindus welcome first LV temple: Stacy J. Willis; The first Hindu temple in Las Vegas will open this weekend in Summerlin.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Hollywood Park: 1st Race -- Comedy Class - Espinoza on Cerin trainee for owner Golden Eagle Farm, draws good box for California Gold Rush II opener, Class to win---ha, ha, ha. Bafferta - Draws just inside top pick, Pincay aboard Spawr trainee, a factor throughout with dangerous connections. Value Play -- Warren's Whistle

Morris delivers for GV: Spencer Patterson; Mention Green Valley's baseball team, and most people think of Gator all-stars such as sweet-swinging outfielder Garrett Guzman, ace fireballer Jake Dittler or slick-fielding shortstop Zeke Parraz.

Bodies found in three homicides: Skeletal remains were discovered about 9 a.m. at the site of the under-construction Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy near J Street and West Lake Mead Boulevard.

Vikings give Wofford shot at NFL: Steve Guiremand; James Wofford said all he wanted was a chance to play in the NFL. Thursday morning, he got it.

Couple charged in killing of girl: Keith Paul; A California couple were charged Thursday with the torture and slaying of a 16-year-old Las Vegas girl, a crime that prosecutors called "eligible for the death penalty."

Judge warns parties on high-profile libel trial: By Ed Koch

Outlaws top XFL with seven players on all-league 1st team: Victoria Sun; The Las Vegas Outlaws may have tied the New York/New Jersey hitmen for the second-worst record during the inaugural season of the XFL, but based on the number of Outlaws who made the all-league first team, the team is capable of more.

'Scintas' bring new dimension to Rio: Joe Delaney; "The Scintas" (pronounced Shin-tahs) made it official this week. The Rio Copacabana showroom should be their domain for the foreseeable future. The multitalented Americans of Sicilian descent, Joe Scinta and his younger brother, Frank, had to settle for a tie for second place to sister Chrissi, who all but stole the show we attended.

News of the Day: 1992: Story: Boxer Mike Tyson returned to the courthouse in Indianapolis today a convicted rapist, awaiting a routine probation meeting after being found guilty of attacking a Miss Black America contestant he lured to his hotel room.

Researchers feel squeeze: Funding for higher education in jeopardy: Jennifer Knight; Lambus Papelis, sitting in his Las Vegas laboratory, searches for clues that will tell him more about how water and different elements interact with environmental contaminants.

Tennis: UNLV blanks Air Force in conference tourney: On Thursday, a rested and healthy Rebel squad got revenge by shutting out the Falcons 4-0 in the first round of the Mountain West Conference championships in Salt Lake City.

GOP loses fight to limit renewable-energy measure: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- Assembly Republicans lost a battle Thursday over a proposed amendment to a bill requiring 15 percent of the state's electricity to be supplied by renewable sources by 2013.

Tougher regulations for taxi drivers defeated in Senate: CARSON CITY -- A bill that would impose tougher regulations on the taxicab and limousine industries in Clark County was defeated in the Senate Thursday night.

Drawing the line: Proposal upsets rural residents: Adrienne Packer; Oscar Fick is relatively new to Clark County, and he readily admits he doesn't "have a grasp on the powers that be" when it comes to Southern Nevada politics.

'Tiger Jam' benefits area charities, organizations: The benefit, hosted by golf great Tiger Woods, will feature performances by pop group Third Eye Blind and rocker John Mellencamp.

Nevadans lobby for support to quash NCAA bill: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Forget those dull civics lessons on how a bill becomes law.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Woods caught in date jam: Kate Maddox; Since Miss Universe is unavailable, Tiger Woods is stuck looking for a last-minute escort to take to Saturday night's "Tiger Jam IV" at Mandalay Bay Events Center. (Hmm, a date with a multi-multimillionaire golf wunderkind to a celebrity concert event ... any takers?)

Valley, Rancho stars choose their colleges: Jackson, a 6-3 basketball shooting guard, selected the University of Idaho of the Big West Conference. A member of the Sun's all-state first team, Jackson averaged 24 points, 7.6 rebounds and four steals for the Vikings last season.

Tyler remains tight-lipped about his comedic act: Kimberley Mcgee; Willie Tyler has worked with dummies his entire life.

Letter: Communism is far from dead: Republicans were ecstatic when the Soviet Union imploded from within, said communism was dead and credited Reagan with its demise. Pure bunk! Communism is alive and well in China, and Bush will not do anything that will jeopardize the profits of his friends in corporate America, who are using that cheap labor and depriving union Americans of their jobs.

Editorial: Prudent decision on rumble strips: At first glance, it might have seemed sensible for the Nevada Department of Transportation to consider rumble strips on the shoulders of state routes in outlying areas that are near the Red Rock National Conservation Area. But an unintended consequence would have endangered cyclists if rumble strips were installed.

Gans stars at Claire concert: Danny Gans will lead a star-studded fund-raising event Saturday at the Mirage to benefit the Lili Claire Foundation, a nonprofit organization for people born with Williams syndrome and other birth defects, such as Down syndrome and autism.

Benefit concert lands new home: The annual Joe Williams Memorial Scholarship Fundraising Concert has graduated from its junior college venue and moved to the Blue Note Las Vegas, where it will be held Sunday.

Nevada Power owner abandons utility purchase: Sierra Pacific Resources, as expected, Thursday canceled plans to buy the largest electric utility in Oregon from Houston-based Enron Corp., citing the need to protect shareholders in a sour Western energy market.

From the Heartland: Lisa Ferguson; "Yeah, I can be myself here in this small town/And people let me be just what I want to be ..." -- "Small Town"

Editorial: Cheney's secrecy is bad policy: There already have been ominous signs in light of the fact that influential energy companies have met secretly with Cheney while environmentalists and public interest groups have been kept away. It is clear -- as word has leaked out about some of the emerging policies -- that a lopsided energy strategy will be the result, one that will be tilted in favor of energy companies at the expense of the environment. Of particular interest to Nevada is that Cheney and the task force are smitten with the idea of developing more nuclear power. That obviously jolts Nevadans since this state ...

Letter: Assembly bill was mislabeled as 'gay rights': I urged the passing of AB496, which died in the Assembly. I am a heterosexual woman living in a loving relationship with a heterosexual man. This bill would have helped people like us, who cannot afford to get married. My significant other's debt load, due to medical expenses, keeps us from getting married. However, AB496 would have allowed us to make legal commitments and decisions with and for each other in regards to hospital visitation, beneficiary issues, memorial services, etc.

Bankruptcies: Arthur Kowaleski, doing business as Arthur Kowaleski Carpet, 1153 Sierra Vista No. 4, filed for Chapter 7, listing assets of $5,417 and liabilities of $29,508.

New deal for college land called 'a pretty good price': Jeffrey Libby; The Henderson City Council on Tuesday plans to set aside 73 acres to sell to the state university system for the site of the proposed state college.

DJs Johnson and Tofte return to a.m. on AM: They're back.

Commission slapped with meeting-law violation: CARSON CITY -- The state attorney general's office has filed a lawsuit charging that the Storey County Commission held secret meetings, one of them outside the county, to discuss contracting to replace the Mustang Bridge.

Senate approves plan to split DMV: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn's plan to split the mammoth state Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety cleared the Senate Thursday by a vote of 21-0.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Swede sounds emanate from Smallest Jazz Band: The World's Smallest Jazz Band performs every Sunday on one of the world's smallest stages at Swede's Corner, one of the city's smaller saloons.

County expected to hire courthouse consultant: Ed Koch and Adrienne Packer; The Clark County Commission, attempting to overcome delays to the largest building project in its history, is expected Tuesday to hire an independent consultant "with the experience and expertise" to move things along.

High five: Woodwind Quintet has uplifting sound: Kimberley McGee; The high note of the flute leads the Las Vegas Woodwind Quintet into the lilting sounds of its opening number, the classic composer Anton Reicha's "Opus 100."

Columnist Susan Snyder: 'Survivor' coach gets our vote: J.R. Russell says he knows what it takes to be a survivor -- the kind that will win $1 million from a television show.

Study sought on Yucca Mountain itself: Independent scientists overseeing a study on Yucca Mountain are not convinced the mountain itself is a sufficient barricade in regard to reducing radiation levels emitted from nuclear waste.

Where I stand--Mike O'Callaghan: Dying but not quitting: NEVADANS BORN BETWEEN 1917 and 1926 feel the pain of receiving less in Social Security payments than some other qualified Americans. That pain wasn't relieved when Nevada Sens. Harry Reid and John Ensign, along with Rep. Shelley Berkley, discussed the problems and further dimmed their hopes to eventually receive justice. Time and again Reid has created bills that would give them justice, but his success in the Senate has died in the House. Berkley has also co-sponsored similar bills which are going nowhere because of little support.

Bail set at $2.2 million in fatal crash: Kim Smith; A Las Vegas man accused in a hit-and-run accident that killed three people Sunday night will remain jailed on $2.2 million bail.

MWC hoops tourneys headed to Denver: Steve Addy; When the Mountain West basketball tournament moves to Denver in 2004 and 2005, its absence from Las Vegas will be temporary.

Thursday's prep results: BASEBALL

Schools suffering with soaring electric bills: Terry Webster; The utility bill for the Clark County School District has soared 82 percent since August, and projections show the district spending $49 million in the 2001-2002 school year.

Jurors, judge weigh decisions: Kim Smith; As jurors in the Margaret Rudin trial try to answer one question -- whether Rudin is guilty or not guilty -- District Judge Joseph Bonaventure is working to answer another.

Joe Delaney remembers 1992: Melinda is magic at Lady Luck: Joe Delaney remembers 1992: Melinda is magic at Lady Luck

Columnist Dean Juipe: Casinos should rescue Senior Classic: Dean Juipe; It is barely visible from the road, tucked into the River Mountains above Boulder City and near the exit from I-93 to Searchlight.

Letter: Sun columns are too conservative: We subscribed to the Sun because we thought it had a different view than the Review-Journal, but more and more it seems like we were mistaken.

Orosco's visit to LV is all business: Steve Guiremand; Forty-four-year-old left-handed reliever Jesse Orosco was in the Las Vegas 51s' locker room before Thursday night's game against Edmonton.

Southwest Gas wins regulatory ruling, posts higher profit: Southwest, which has 1.4 million customers in Nevada, Arizona and California, reported net income of $33.8 million, $1.06 per share, on revenues of $487.5 million for the quarter. That compares with income of $25.2 million, 81 cents a share, on revenues of $296.8 million for the comparable quarter a year ago.

New airline targets Vegas: Ray Mathis, senior director of product development for Apple Vacations, said the company would begin operating USA 3000 to serve Apple's charter needs.

Roski levels new charges in Park Place lawsuit, claims Hilton bid for hotel: Grace Leong; Los Angeles developer Ed Roski Jr., who sued Park Place Entertainment Corp. in January over the failed $345 million sale of the Las Vegas Hilton hotel-casino, has leveled new charges against Park Place, saying the sale couldn't be completed in time because it allegedly failed to provide a $30 million loan.

Bellagio is shattering industry profit records: David Strow; A resort built at a cost of $1.6 billion has a very high bar to surpass before it can live up to its potential.

Salon appeals decision in favor of Caesars Palace: The salon, which is required by an April 4 court order to destroy all labels, signs and advertisements bearing the mark 'Scissors Palace' by May 5, has appealed to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Lawmakers OK Internet gaming bill: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- Two days of political maneuvering ended this morning with the passage of a compromise Internet gaming bill that allows casinos in rural counties to launch into cyberspace.

Comdex cements ties with MGM: Producers of the largest convention to visit Las Vegas annually said Thursday they signed a three-year deal with MGM MIRAGE to stage seminars at the MGM Grand Conference Center.

Vegas getting first air service from Montreal: The airline, which earlier this month announced four new Las Vegas flights -- two each to and from Calgary and Vancouver -- already operates nine flights a week to and from Toronto.

Yucca could receive added waste: If nuclear power use expands, a proposed repository at Yucca Mountain could end up with five to 10 times the amount of radioactive waste that has been set by law, an Energy Department official said.

AG appoints new gaming chief: Kizer has been with the Nevada Attorney General's office for more than three years, recently serving as a senior deputy of in the gaming division in Las Vegas.

Contractor sues insurer: Hansen Mechanical Contractors Inc. sued American Insurance in Clark County District Court to recover the payment from an $11 million surety bond issued to Hansen's contractor, Korte-Bellew & Associates, after it allegedly failed to pay Hansen for the work.

LV firm confirms Louisiana deal: Boyd will pay between $115 million and $125 million for the southwest Louisiana racetrack, "subject to certain conditions." Boyd said it also plans to spend $30 million on equipment purchases, refurbishment and completion of casino construction. Delta Downs is owned by Las Vegas businessman Shawn Scott and Jimho Cho of Hawaii.

Mandalay Bay plans mammoth center: David Strow; Mandalay Resort Group moved to become a force in the huge Las Vegas convention industry Thursday, unveiling plans to build a 1.8 million square-foot convention center at its flagship property on the Strip.

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