Stories published August 17, 2001Las Vegas Sun

Woman settles lawsuit against doctor: Kim Smith; Attorneys for both sides declined to comment on the specifics of the settlement, but said the agreement also takes care of a lawsuit filed by a daughter born as a result of the procedure and a potential lawsuit by a son.

Where I Stand -- Classic Hank: Civil-rights advances mark NAACP's 50th anniversary: Every week the SUN will run one of Hank's Where I Stand columns, recalling his finer moments as a chronicler of the late 20th century. We call this feature "Classic Hank."

Investigators finish with on-site probe into helicopter crash: Keith Paul; National Transportation Safety Board investigators will continue looking to the crash but a cause is not expected for up to a year, NTSB officials said Friday.

Youngsters benefit in many ways from camp experience: "He has not provided either of my sons with a positive influence and they both hurt in different ways due to that," the mother says.

Teen learns about political process firsthand: Kimberley McGee; Valley High School senior Craig Huntington's summer vacation was similar to most boys his age.

UNLV's Frohlich stars on foreign court: Frohlich, a native of Oldendorf, Germany, spent three seasons with SC Rist Wedel before enrolling at UNLV in 1997.

Malone's career taking some turns: Adrienne Packer; During his four-year term, former Clark County Commissioner Lance Malone was lauded for formulating more stringent laws regulating adult businesses and criticized because of ethical lapses.

Henderson planners approve limits on rural development: Jeffrey Libby; About 2,980 acres of so-called rural neighborhoods may be put out of reach of developers.

Brown cleared of ethical wrongdoing: Diana Sahagun; The city of Las Vegas Ethics Review Board Thursday cleared Councilman Larry Brown of an allegation that he tried to broker a deal between two rival car dealers but more hearings may await Councilman Michael Mack.

Elvis collection believed to be destroyed: An irreplaceable collection of jewelry and other memorabilia from late rock 'n' roll king Elvis Presley was believed to have been destroyed in the fire Thursday that destroyed 17 homes in the Spring Valley area of Las Vegas.

Prosecutors respond to Rudin motion for retrial: Kim Smith; District Judge Joseph Bonaventure did everything he could to provide Margaret Rudin a fair trial, and the convicted murderer should not be granted a new trial, state prosecutors say.

Regents OK Robinson, fund college: RENO -- UNLV football coach John Robinson, given the additional job of athletic director, promised Thursday to raise $10 million for the men and women's sports programs and vowed to keep UNLV out of the NCAA's doghouse.

Ex-court clerk gets probation for embezzling: District Judge Mark Gibbons could have given Alice Kukec as much as five years in prison for stealing almost $40,000 in traffic fines during a three-year period.

Clues sought amid aftermath of blaze: Jace Radke; Arson-detection dogs today are going through the charred remnants of nine homes that were under construction to determine the cause of a blaze that destroyed or damaged a total of 17 houses Thursday night.

Water authority gets OK for power plant talks: The Southern Nevada Water Authority board gave the go-ahead Thursday for talks that could lead to the authority's purchase of a planned power plant in the Apex Industrial Park.

Henderson school to benefit from loan: Jennifer Knight; RENO -- The Nevada State College at Henderson will get its start with the help of a $700,000 loan from the estate tax fund, and the school also may have to rely on the continued generosity of another institution to remain viable.

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Gambling impact on families explored: Sandy Thompson; FAMILY COURT Judge Cheryl Moss is taking a closer look at problems families face in divorce and custody cases.

Editorial: Debit cards, slots should never mix: As the Sun's David Strow noted in a story last week, the Las Vegas company plans to seek approval next year from state gaming regulators to license its invention to slot machine makers. Company officials say they have taken steps to answer objections about gamblers having too-quick access to their bank accounts: Before the player begins to gamble he would be required to set a self-imposed limit, and the card could no longer be used after the threshold was reached. But gamblers could sidestep this curb by setting high limits for themselves at the outset.

Editorial: Environmental rules are in jeopardy again: A familiar pattern already has emerged in the Bush presidency. If there is a choice between the environment or energy production, the industry's concerns will win out, as they did with the president's national energy plan. Bush already has delayed the implementation of rules that would limit arsenic in drinking water, and he scuttled a regulation that would curb carbon dioxide emissions. It's a shame that all the gains made during the Clinton administration to protect the air, water and land are now being trashed by the new administration.

States grapple with nuke train trek: Benjamin Grove and Mary Manning; Politicians and protesters who oppose a federal plan to bury nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain conjure up frightening images of rumbling trucks and trains hauling thousands of tons of waste to Nevada.

Where I Stand -- Mark Ruelle: Keeping the lights on: IS THE ENERGY crisis over? Watching or reading the news, it would be easy to get that idea. And some industry critics would like to convince you that there was never a real crisis to begin with.

Columnist Jeff German: We've not heard last of Levin: THE SAGA of jailed Las Vegas private detective Mike Levin, it seems, is far from over.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Money matters sunk club GM: Kate Maddox; The departure of Club C2K General Manager Tye Smith earlier this month had nothing to do with Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears.

Seeing the Light: Kirk Baird; In the late '60s and early '70s, few folk singers/songwriters experienced the success of Gordon Lightfoot.

Letter: Gaming's plan is self-serving: I personally attended the panel discussion at Sam's Town hotel-casino sponsored in conjunction with the American Gaming Association's Responsible Gaming Education Week. The crux of this presentation was teaching students how to figure out the actual odds associated with gambling.

Wheeling and dealing: Strip land owner seeks to swap parcels with county: Adrienne Packer; Larry Kifer wants to trade his motel across the street from the huge pink tent at Circus-Circus for prime acreage tucked alongside the Las Vegas Strip's more glamorous resorts -- the Aladdin and Bellagio.

McCarran plans for final stage of growth: Not so long ago the Las Vegas airport was a dusty strip of dirt surrounded by empty desert.

Letter: Bush acts to save political career in stem cell decision: Yet somehow, because "their" president is in office, they have managed to give him a pass on something they supposedly passionately believe in. They are conveniently ignoring the fact that these stem-cells exist because a living human embryo no longer does.

Brandon's back after MVP year: Steve Guiremand; Quick, name the defensive MVP on UNLV's football team last year.

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 2 p.m.

Lewis-Rahman II set for Nov. 17 at Mandalay Bay: "Obviously, we're very excited about Lewis coming back here," Mandalay Bay vice president of marketing Scott Voeller said Thursday. "He's here to take his belt back and Rahman feels he's not going to give it up.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: He won't get Tua many chances: David Tua wore Marine combat fatigues to Thursday's press conference hyping his heavyweight fight against Chris Byrd at UNLV's Cox Pavilion Saturday night.

Ex-Outlaw 'He Hate Me' signs with Edmonton: Ex-Outlaw 'He Hate Me' signs with Edmonton

Robinson as A.D. draws raves: Steve Guiremand; Just hours after being given the additional job of athletic director Thursday, UNLV head football coach John Robinson was asked what would be his first order of business.

Former Rebel Campbell leads Texas tourney: Another former Rebel, Charley Hoffman, and Bonanza High School graduate Scott Piercy had one-under 71s. Piercy is making his professional debut.

Judge's fine-collection idea called bounty hunting: Mathis Winkler; North Las Vegas Municipal Judge Warren VanLandschoot wants to collect almost $7.8 million in fines and penalties owed to the city and says hiring retired police officers to act as "ambassadors" for the court is the way to go.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Del Mar: 1st Race -- Thirteen Black -- Baze takes Belvoir trainee, draws good inner post for the mile opener, should get the trip for Northern California-based conditioner. Truly A Judge -- Hustling Pedroza on Carava trainee, needs crafty ride from outer post, trainer's go--to rider. Value Play -- Fueguero

Durango rallies to win opener: The Trailblazers (53-20) trailed 4-2 after West Jordan scored a pair of runs in the top of the eighth on a two-run double by Paul Pyle. But Durango cut the deficit to one on Paul Kelser's sacrifice fly in the bottom of the eighth, then completed the comeback when Kelly doubled off the wall with one out in the ninth, scoring Adam Quinlan and Joe Campo.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Safety device tests well at Speedway: Having completed three days of closed testing this week at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Paul Lew is confident his new energy-absorbing "Humpy Bumper" will be affixed to the front ends of NASCAR Winston Cup cars by next month.

This week's races: NASCAR

Las Vegas investments set: UrbanAmerica of New York has acquired the Nucleus Plaza shopping center and is partnering with Las Vegas-based Nucleus Investments and New Orleans-based KSJ Development Corp. in developing two office buildings and two other retail centers in West Las Vegas.

Mall tenant challenges eviction: Caffe Ferraro, a coffee and gelato shop, which said it agreed last August to lease a space at the Desert Passage at a monthly rent of $27,300, has challenged an Aug. 9 eviction notice from the mall, which is part of the Aladdin megaresort complex on the Las Vegas Strip.

Airport racism charges leveled again: Adrienne Packer; Accusations of racial and religious discrimination at McCarran International Airport were publicized because of a recent lawsuit but, according a 1996 employees survey, the claims are hardly new.

LV nursing home to stay open: Tutera was appointed as the Manor's receiver at the request of Key Corporate Capital Inc., which said it provided more than $16 million in financing for the construction and operation of the 225-bed nursing home. Key Corporate opposed a plan to close the financially struggling Manor, saying its closure would reduce its value in a sale.

State claims AC Caesars workers were illegally fired: Throughout 2000 and part of this year, men in the casino's surveillance department used the cameras, which are intended to prevent cheating, to zoom in on women's breasts and other parts of their bodies as they walked the casino floor, sat or worked at gambling tables or rode escalators, the division's director, O. Lisa Dabreu, said in an interview.

Another delay expected in shipments of flu vaccine: By Emily Richmond; Clark County health officials are bracing for the coming flu season and an expected delay in the shipments of vaccines.

Short on help: District needs 95 food service workers: Terry Webster; While stockpiling its wares and cleaning equipment for the upcoming school year, the Clark County School District food service department realized it is lacking a key ingredient.

Recent Las Vegas-area business-related bankruptcies: Randy Werner formerly doing business as R.W. Electronics, 1271 E. Manse Road, Pahrump, filed Chapter 7, listing assets of $109,187 and liabilities of $153,000.

Ethics panel vote clears Hawkes: Jeffrey Libby; The state Ethics Commission dismissed allegations Thursday that a retired Clark County administrator had ordered county workers on county time to install a county-owned air-conditioning compressor in his home.

Gambling tribe denies racism charges in membership policy: Brett Martel; NEW ORLEANS -- That old story about the person who goes from rags to riches and suddenly is besieged by relatives he didn't know he had resonates deeply with the chief of the Tunica-Biloxi Indians.

News briefs for August 17, 2001: Two California teens died Thursday when their vehicle crashed into another car while trying to pass a tractor-trailer on U.S. 95 in Boulder City.

Las Vegas Lady Luck loses money in quarter: Flooding in the Midwest, a tropical storm in South, continued losses in Las Vegas and a slowing economy all contributed to a 45 percent dip in first-quarter earnings at Isle of Capri Casinos Inc.

Former juvenile probation officer gets probation for sex offense: Rebecca Malone; A former Clark County juvenile probation officer who pleaded guilty to having sexual relations with one of his probationers has been placed on five years probation.

Driver takes plea deal in death of bicyclist: Kim Smith; A 25-year-old man arrested last week in connection with a road-rage incident that took the life of a bicyclist has agreed to spend at least four years in prison.

Planners OK trash-bag plant: Jeffrey Libby; A Texas-based trash bag manufacturer received approval Thursday to build a 380,000-square-foot plant in southeast Henderson that could eventually bring 500 jobs to the city. It would be the largest manufacturing plant built in the Las Vegas Valley in the past decade.

Obituaries for August 17, 2001: Robert Lynn Anderson, 65, of Henderson died Wednesday in Las Vegas. He was born May 22, 1936, in Rock Island, Ill. A resident for five years, he was a manufacturing engineer for Rockwell International and received the Snoopy Award for service excellence in building space shuttle main engines.

LV company joins Hispanic organization: The Las Vegas-based casino operator is the first company from the hotel, entertainment and gaming sector to join the organization as a corporate member, HACR said.

The Bullring at LVMS point standings: Late Models: 1. Jason Allen 523; 2. Ray Hooper Jr. 506; 3. Steve Anderson 500; 4. Bill Newman 485; 5. Kyle Busch 471; 6. Wayne Jacks 464; 7. Chuck Trickle 438; 8. George Antill 416; 9. Dennis Rock Jr. 398; 10. Ken Holt 395; 11. Mike Ray 394; 12. Rich Attisani 393; 13. Lance Magin 381; 14. Steve Rzesnowiecky 380; 15. Jerry Spilsbury 379.

Solution to McCarran taxi shortage creates new woes: On a hot August weekend night, there may be 500 people waiting in line for a taxi to take them to their Las Vegas hotels from McCarran International Airport.

Flight attendants struggle to pass safety message on: Deb Riechmann; If the airlines' preflight safety spiel were a Broadway show, it would have closed long ago.

Retired engineer Juipe dies: A Las Vegas resident for 16 years, he had been the general superintendent and vice president of a construction company. He was employed by the deKoning Construction of Ann Arbor, Mich., for 37 years prior to retiring in 1984.

Foothill tabbed as favorite as official practice begins: Spencer Patterson; Just two years after winning only one game in their inaugural season, the Foothill Falcons have good reason to believe they might be able to win it all in 2001.

Clinton to visit LV to speak at vitamin convention: By Timothy Pratt; Former President Bill Clinton will be in Las Vegas next week to address a convention of 8,000 women sales representatives from a Japanese company that manufactures vitamins and a supplement made from prune extract.

State has highest rate of asthma in country: By Emily Richmond; For Bernadine Lewandowski of Las Vegas, it starts with the tightness in her chest, followed quickly by shortness of breath and wheezing. On good days, she's able to curtail the asthma attack with an inhaler. On bad days, she winds up in the emergency room.

Letter: Interest groups win; nation loses: Charles Lewis tells how in "The Buying of the President 2000." "Increasingly," he writes, "the only way to reach the electorate is via paid media or television commercials. Why? Because national news services provide less and less coverage of political campaigns and issues every year."

Letter: Truth is out on marijuana myths: The reefer-madness myths have long been discredited, forcing the drug war gravy train to spend millions of tax dollars on politicized research, trying to find harm in a relatively harmless plant. Meanwhile, research that might demonstrate the medical efficacy of marijuana is consistently blocked.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Sunday's races at Del Mar: 2nd Race -- Roam Free - Draws good outside post for sprint outing, Delahoussaye atop Frankel trainee for owner Juddmonte Farms, solid connections. Miss American Mink - Hustling Espinoza sits Baffert trainee, draws good box, barn always dangerous in maiden races. Value Play -- Maud

Letter: Faith-based idea only a gimmick: I say gimmick because as I see it, that is exactly what it is, and I am surprised that not even progressives are able to see this. The way I see it, this harmless-appearing proposal is really intended to eventually replace government safety net programs. For instance, the five-year limit for welfare beneficiaries is just around the corner and, in fact, this faith-based garbage was probably conceived along with welfare reform because its supporters (welfare reform) knew all along there would be a serious problem arising from it.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Consultant learned from the streets: Michael Ronkin took a good look at Las Vegas last weekend.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Irish band survives changing Las Vegas: Bill Fuller.

Bulldogs youth team finishes seventh: Bulldogs youth team finishes seventh

Letter: Democrats will fight for patients' bill of rights: A five-year David and Goliath battle has pitted wealthy insurance companies against vulnerable American consumers, but we now have a chance to finally pass a real patients' bill of rights.

Community briefs for August 17, 2001: The Notary Division of the secretary of state's office will hold a free notary training class 8:30 a.m.-noon Wednesday at North Las Vegas City Hall for current and aspiring notary publics.

'Doo Wop' cast offers solid performance at Westward Ho: Joe Delaney; "The Doo Wop '50s," features Shout, a young, talented, enthusiastic 13-member ensemble, in a fast-paced 60-minute production. Fran Dimmick serves as producer-director and musical director, conducting from the keyboards, as well as writing the musical arrangements, singing backup vocals and designing the costumes.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Romano's comedy career began in grade school: Joe Delaney; Ray Romano, creator and star of the hit CBS sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond," performs in the Mirage's Danny Gans Theatre tonight through Sunday at 8 p.m. ... In the sitcom, Romano portrays Ray Barone, a successful sportswriter with a family of eccentrics that mirrored his real-life situation before he relocated his family to the West Coast.

Letter: Those in power can evade justice: Condit may be innocent, but to say he is not a suspect is to say O.J. Simpson is as pure as the driven snow. There are numerous examples of influential and wealthy persons circumventing the law.

Lied to fund new Salvation Army center: Rebecca Malone; The Salvation Army has received funding from the Lied Foundation to build a new facility for the homeless of Southern Nevada.

Editorial: Robinson's elevation was a wise decision: If there is anyone who can do both jobs, it certainly would be Robinson, who has had extraordinary success at both the college and professional levels of football. The university was fortunate when it was able to hire Robinson in 1998, and in just two short years he has turned that moribund program around. Now his deft touch can be lent to the rest of UNLV's athletics.

Las Vegas hotels asked to help solve problems for the homeless: Angela Soo; Homeless advocates have turned to Las Vegas hotels to provide some immediate assistance to the homeless.

Letter: Plant pays more than teaching: Keith Schwer, director of the UNLV Center for Business and Economic Research, remarked that the $31,100 average annual wage for an employee at the proposed plant wouldn't be a significant improvement in income levels here. "These are jobs I suspect graduates of the Henderson State College won't be taking. And needless to say, this is not a group to be buying homes up in Anthem. They're probably going to have to live in an apartment," Schwer said.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Venetian has hip club selection: Kate Maddox; In coming months one resort will have cornered the market on late-night hipster hangouts. The Venetian, which is already planning an early 2002 opening for the Vegas extension of New York's fabled Lotus nightclub, is about to welcome Venus to the scene.

UNLV's Banks scores team-high 25 points: UNLV's Banks scores team-high 25 points

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Stirling Club promises community involvement: The Stirling Club at Turnberry Place won't open until October, but I never can resist an invitation to learn about new restaurants and to meet with the chefs. The Stirling Club is a private, limited-membership club that will, similar to most private clubs, offer wedding and special party event opportunities to some nonmembers, charity fund-raisers included.

Performing Arts for Aug. 17, 2001: Show, recital

Editorial: Sellout isn't that surprising: The industry can do what it wants with its money, but this looks like a lousy investment. Residents of this state won't jump out of their seats at the news -- they'll react instead to List's defection with a collective yawn. After all, since his re-election loss in 1982 to Democrat Richard Bryan, List, who has been a hired gun for his law firm's clients, has been virtually invisible to the public.

'Vertical Ray' a study in 'domestic emotion': A.0. Scott; Vertical Ray of Light

Young at Art: Magician, juggler among youngest players on the Strip: By Jerry Fink; What: "Illusions and Beyond."

Columnist Susan Snyder: Frobel, Fritz and Uezel settle in: German citizens Hendrik Frobel and his two friends haven't even been in Las Vegas a month, yet they've already been immersed in the great American experience that is Sin City.

Datebook for Aug. 17, 2001: Youths ages 8-16 are invited to express themselves through poetry from noon-1 p.m. Saturday at the West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd. Call 229-4800.

Green Valley team to be honored at LVMS: Chris Powell, executive vice president and general manager at LVMS, will recognize the Gators and their coaches at the start/finish line after the Bandolero cars main event at approximately 7:30 p.m. Racing starts at 6:30 p.m. General admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $3 for children 6-12.

On Display for Aug. 17, 2001: Children's classic

'American Outlaws': Westward No!: Geoff Carter; American Outlaws

Where I Stand -- Manuel J. Cortez: The lure of Las Vegas: EVERYONE KNOWS that Las Vegas sells itself. So why spend money marketing the destination? After all, who hasn't heard of the "Entertainment Capital of the World"? Who isn't familiar with the Strip, with the Fremont Street Experience, with the kaleidoscope of colorful images that the words "Las Vegas" conjure up?