Stories published August 31, 2001Las Vegas Sun

UNLV-Arkansas game analysis: Plenty of errors: the numbers; The man: Troy Mason returned a Richie Butler punt 39 yards to the Arkansas 11-yard line to set up the only score of the quarter, a 27-yard field goal by Dillon Pieffer.

Vegas visitation for Labor Day looks flat: Lisa Snedeker; The number of visitors expected for the Labor Day weekend in Las Vegas remains flat, making experts' predictions of a growth slowdown on the Strip ring true.

Fulton cuts UNLV out of his will: Jennifer Knight; Former Anchor Gaming Chairman Stanley Fulton said this morning he has removed the University of Nevada, Las Vegas from his will and has resigned as a trustee of the foundation.

Investment firm purchased: SIFE, which had 23,400 customer accounts as of July 31, will become the Wells Fargo SIFE Specialized Financial Services Fund, Wells said. Terms weren't disclosed.

Letter: Clearing up gun confusion: While doctors by accident kill many more people than guns do deliberately, it does not mean that guns are a health hazard, as if having a gun makes someone psychotic. Since every life is important, doctors should focus more on saving lives that they may be taking.

Growing pains: Las Vegas shopping center tenants endure stream of construction woes: Grace Leong; The retailers of Westland Fair, a central Las Vegas shopping center now undergoing a major facelift for a new Wal-Mart supercenter and a Home Depot, are for the most part enduring pain now in hopes of profiting later.

Las Vegas fifth in poll of desirable places: By Emily Richmond; Forget the traffic jams, smog and water woes -- Las Vegas ranks fifth in a new Harris poll as the city to which other Americans would like to move.

Letter: Nuke dump too close for comfort: Our population in the Las Vegas Valley has more than quadrupled since the 1987 federal law that singled out Yucca Mountain for investigation, and our visitor population is now 90,000 a day. The Paiute Snow Mountain Reservation, 70 miles from Yucca Mountain, has grown into a tourist destination. Indian Springs, which is closer still, has grown.

Factory orders improve: The 0.1 percent increase followed a revised 2.9 percent drop in June. New orders so far this year are 6.8 percent below the same period last year.

UNLV studies may aid Yucca fight: Transmutation research at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas could remove the need to ship thousands of tons of the nation's nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain, a Department of Energy scientist said Thursday.

Lobbyist: Failure of problem gambling bill is a disgrace: David Strow; The gaming industry's top Washington lobbyist is criticizing the Nevada legislature for failing to pass a groundbreaking problem gambling bill in this year's session.

CCSN official quits after remark: Steve Kanigher and Jeffrey Libby; Community College of Southern Nevada administrator Mike Meyer resigned from his post Thursday after admitting to college officials that he uttered a racial slur that was heard by the wife of Assemblyman Wendell Williams.

Nevada requests delay in hearings on nuclear dump: The Department of Energy announced a new location for a public hearing on Yucca Mountain on Wednesday in Las Vegas. All meetings begin at 5 p.m. with an informal session, followed by testimony from 6 to 9 p.m.

New York Indian casinos in jeopardy: Michael Gormley; ALBANY, N.Y. -- The chance to open casinos in western New York is slipping away because of the state Assembly's failure to act on a gaming agreement Gov. George Pataki reached with Seneca Indians, according to Pataki.

Five apply for top public defender's position: Kim Smith; It has been 29 years since Clark County has had to replace its top public defender, but now that there is a vacancy, county officials apparently won't have a problem filling the position.

Plant's future to be debated: Jeffrey Libby; Henderson resident Alice Purvis could be Poly West's worst nightmare. The 1947 graduate of Basic High School and retired buyer for the nuclear industry dug up newspaper reports of safety and labor violations by the Texas-based trash bag manufacturer while "just trying to find out" about her new neighbor.

Del Webb names new Nevada chief: While executives with Pulte Inc. and what formerly was the Del Webb Corp. map a new but leaner nationwide strategy, change in the Las Vegas operation has been limited to some executive shuffling.

AC casino workers compete in 'olympics': John Curran; ATLANTIC CITY -- In this olympics, there were no time trials, no TV cameras, no color commentators whispering into their microphones.

Letter: Proposal for wilderness deserves support: Off-road vehicle users should have access, and in the Citizens' Wilderness proposal, they do. There are boundary roads around just about every potential wilderness area, and many cherry stems (or roads that penetrate wilderness that have the boundary drawn around them) to provide excellent access to these areas without ruining the habitat.

Anti-Internet gaming thrust predicted: David Strow; A bill aimed at outlawing Internet gambling will likely be introduced in the House of Representatives within two weeks, American Gaming Association Chief Executive Frank Fahrenkopf said.

Gaming giant names chairman: Robinson will take over as chairman Oct. 1, when Jackson retires.

Recent Las Vegas-area business-related bankruptcies: Jimmy Carrol Wallace also known as Jim Wallace doing business as Tecopa Hot Springs Trans. Inc., 1801 Crawford, Pahrump, filed Chapter 7, listing assets of $45 and liabilities of $51,310.

Gaming briefs for August 31, 2001: A Canadian Internet gambling website operator sued a Las Vegas software developer, alleging it failed to have ProPoker's website in operation by the end of May after it was paid more than $300,000.

Small Colorado casinos sold: Bullwhackers assets consist of Bullwhackers Casino, the Bullpen Sports Casino, the Silver Hawk Saloon and Casino and an administration and 475-car parking area.

Time, money cited in work card removal: Keith Paul and Adrienne Packer; Purging work card records of Clark County employees who no longer need the documents would be so time-consuming, it would take 10 full-time employees more than 14 years of work to accomplish the task, Metro officials said.

Rudin gets life with possibility of parole: Kim Smith; Margaret Rudin was sentenced this morning to life in prison with parole possible after 20 years in the December 1994 death of her husband, Ronald Rudin.

Finance brokers suspended: The move comes during a year in which the bank, owner of Citibank, has been under fire for alleged predatory lending practices after it acquired subprime consumer-finance giant Associates Financial last year.

Letter: A day to honor union pioneers: As we celebrate Labor Day, let's not forget that at the beginning of the last century workers worked 6 day weeks, 12 hours a day, for low wages, and no provision for disability, medical care or retirement.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Music still emits from Liberace's home: The guy lowered his video camera and asked quite seriously:

Editorial: Academic freedom in cross hairs: McClure seemed to be a shoo-in for tenure, which offers job security and allows professors more freedom to tackle research or teaching that may be controversial. But her bid for tenure was rejected in 1997, effectively dead-ending her career at UNLV. As the Sun's Jennifer Knight reported last week, that controversial rejection prompted McClure to file a lawsuit, which has now reached the Nevada Supreme Court.

Clergy team up to protect rights of workers: Stacy J. Willis; The stench stayed with him.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Never having to say you're sorry: CONTRITION is found in the political world even less often than fortitude. If only it were in greater supply, taxpayers would save money on predictable ethics hearings, politicians would save money spent on lawyers and avoid damage to their careers, and the media would have much less to talk about.

Stealing part of history: Archaeological theft is a serious, but common, crime: Jace Radke; Movies such as "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Tomb Raider" may portray relic hunting as a glamorous, globe-trotting career, but the National Park Service is trying to send a different message:

Letter: Better options than drilling in Arctic refuge: There is no good reason to drill in the Arctic refuge. It would not save the U.S. money nor would it decrease our dependence for foreign oil, because there is only an estimated six months' worth of economically recoverable oil located there. Not to mention the seven to 10 years it will take to recover it.

Legend of Loretta: In a distinguished 41-year career, Loretta Lynn has risen from a life of poverty to win almost every major award a singer can win.

Prep football schedules: Independent schools: All games at 7 p.m.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Take Note: 'Stevie D' a Blue man: Kate Maddox; Club promoter Steve Davidovici is making a comeback. Davidovici was once famously involved with Club C2K, the venue he helped run before it was shuttered in September only to reopen without him a few months later. After a round of lawsuits and finger pointing, "Stevie D," (as he is often referred to) has been laying low, waiting for people to forget all the bad vibes associated with his departure.

Where I Stand -- D. Taylor: Labor is alive and well: IT'S NO SURPRISE that as corporate America and its political allies continue their nonstop march to relegate the labor movement to obscurity, many Americans have come to think of Labor Day as just another day off.

Medical marijuana clears final state hurdle: Permits

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Schmidt opts for another driver change: The revolving door at Sam Schmidt Motorsports continues to spin.

Rodin exhibit reopens lively authenticity debate: Kimberley McGee; According to the Las Vegas Art Museum, more than 10,000 visitors have paid $5 each to view "Rodin's Obsession: The Gates of Hell, Selections from the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Collection," a collection of glittering bronze statues on display through Sept. 16.

Correction: The Sun corrects its errors. If you find a mistake, call 385-3111 to report it.

Obituaries for August 31, 2001: Dick Lee Dawson, 84, of Las Vegas died Tuesday in Las Vegas. He was born June 3, 1917, in Caliente. A lifelong resident, he was a retired brakeman for the Union Pacific Railroad.

Thursday's prep results: GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Public defender applicants dispute federal study: Kim Smith; The five attorneys applying for the county's top public defender's job disagree on whether the office takes enough cases to trial.

Where I Stand -- Classic Hank: Yucca dump could destroy state tourism: Sun Publisher Hank Greenspun, wo died in 1989, was a prophetic, hard-hitting columnist who butted heads with world giants and demagogues and zealously defended the rights of the little guy.

Datebook: "Jurassic Park" will be presented at Las Vegas' Movie Under the Stars feature from 8-10 p.m. today at Molasky Community School, 7801 W. Gilmore Ave. Admission is free. Call 229-5345.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Music an appetizer at Jazzed Cafe: Jazzed Cafe owner Kirk Offerle says the recipe for a great evening is combining great jazz and great food in a classy atmosphere.

Monster of Rock: Kirk Baird; It's often said the world is divided into two groups: the haves and the have-nots.

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

Clark High student makes difference pennies at a time: Kimberley McGee; For Jolene Chen, donated pennies amounted to a summer rich in lessons and travel.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: It's hail to the chef as Clinton visits NOBHILL: It was pure happenstance that I dined with friends at Michael Mina's NOBHILL at MGM Grand the night our former prez, Bill Clinton, dined there.

Births for August 31, 2001: Aug. 8:

Holiday closings: Holiday closings

Yoakam Cash-ing in on his country idols: Kirk Baird; Johnny Cash began his recording career with Sam Phillips and Sun Records in 1955, even as rock 'n' roll was still in its diaper stage.

Columnist Jeff German: Nevadans dig in for Yucca war: NEVADA LEADERS have been waging a political war in the trenches this past week to put off key hearings on the safety of Yucca Mountain.

PCL box: Las Vegas-Tacoma: E--Alexander (10), Fitzgerald. DP--Las Vegas 1. LOB--Las Vegas 7, Tacoma 6. 2B--Post (13), Alexander (43), Grabowski (31). HR--Mota (8), Alexander (8). SF--Johnson. SB--Akers (6). CS--Stankiewicz (2), Rosario (4), Crosby (1).

Police department accreditation is renewed: The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. examined the department's policies, observed procedures, interviewed officers and sought comments from residents before making a decision.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Enterprising action can halt sprawl: A school. A drugstore. A subdivision.

This week's races: Southern 500

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Hollywood Park: 1st Race -- Kalihi Maggie -- Espinoza atop Mitchell trainee, draws good post for the turf mile opener, should get the trip here. Revillew Slew -- Flores sits Eurton trainee, draws alongside top pick, a factor throughout. Value Play -- Leading Light

County on path to aid bicyclists: If not for the Clark County Government Center gymnasium and its shower facilities, county right-of-way agent Dante Corso would not be commuting 10 miles to work on his bicycle.

Columnist Joe Delaney: The ups and downs of Orlando's singing career: Joe Delaney; Tony Orlando, as an entertainer, is one of the best party hosts in show business when it comes to involving an entire audience ... Party time starts at 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, in the Riviera's Royale Pavilion ... Starting his fifth decade as a performer, Orlando was 16 in 1960 when record producer Don Kirshner teamed him with songwriter-singer Carole King.

Mexican officials seek consulate site in Las Vegas: By Timothy Pratt; Two officials from Mexico President Vicente Fox's administration were in town Wednesday to scout office sites for a consul.

Meadows looking to extend long winning streak: Spencer Patterson; A capsule look at the independent schools:

Harrah's Comedy Cabaret a good fit for King and his magic: Joe Delaney; "The Mac King Comedy Magic Show," an afternoon offering starting its second year at Harrah's Comedy Cabaret, has been extended through 2006. King is genuinely funny, and he is also an excellent magician who interacts with an entire audience throughout, often with hilarious results.

UNLV-Arkansas box score: First Quarter

Local woman there to comfort families of plane crash victims: Angela Soo; A plane carrying American citizens crashes in a foreign land. Hundreds of family members are shocked, confused, searching for answers and anything to grapple with their pain.

National Hispanic Heritage Month observed in Vegas: By Timothy Pratt; For the third year in a row, the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District will be hosting a series of events during September and part of October in observation of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Journal tracks whereabouts, information: Sandy Thompson; WHEN LAVONDA McClain was a teenager, she sometimes left her house without telling any family member where she was going or who she was seeing.

Where I Stand: Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr.: A step up for gaming: ON OCT. 1 the doors of a trade show and conference will open at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Hardly news, you say, to a city that probably hosts more such shows than any other in the world. Well, it actually is news because the opening of Global Gaming Expo (G2E) represents the formal "coming-out" of gaming-entertainment as a mainstream industry in this country. I say formal because for almost a decade now the gaming industry, guided by Nevada companies and leadership, has played a growing role in the national economy.

Rebels somehow lose: Steve Guiremand; LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- A football coaching axiom says that a team improves the most between its first and second games.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Tough loss apt to haunt UNLV: Dean Juipe; The price to be paid for taking part in such a lousy game on national TV will be significant.

Raccoon with plague caught: Human plague is an extremely rare bacterial illness that can transmitted through the bite of infected fleas or contact with an infected animal. An estimated 14 percent of all plague cases in the United States are fatal.

Lawsuit vs. Mack claims unpaid debt: Diana Sahagun; Michael Mack, who is more than $3.3 million in debt, has been sued by a Las Vegas man who says the city councilman owes him more than $33,400 from a $100,000 loan issued in September 1999.

Cheerleaders to join Spoonhour at luncheon: Cheerleaders to join Spoonhour at luncheon

Girl, 14, arrested on prostitution charges: Jace Radke; Metro Police arrested a 14-year-old girl on prostitution charges Wednesday and also arrested the man who detectives say brought her into town on a Greyhound bus.

Reilly's promotion of Lynn abandoned: Adrienne Packer; Clark County manager Thom Reilly said he has abandoned his plan to promote assistant Building Director Ron Lynn to director in light of a 3-year-old controversy recently brought to his attention.

Reloaded and ready: Spencer Patterson; Marcel Demaree can recall, in detail, the way The Meadows Mustangs junior varsity squad lost a heartbreaker to Mojave back in the fall of 1998.

Officer's actions were within use-of-force policy, board rules: Keith Paul; A Metro Police officer's actions when he rammed a stolen sport utility vehicle that had just run over a Nevada Highway Patrol trooper was within the department's deadly force policy, a police oversight board ruled Thursday night.

Voting machine approved: CARSON CITY -- Secretary of State Dean Heller today approved the use of a new voting machine that permits the person to touch the screen to choose candidates and to select the language on the ballot.

Editorial: Labor Day more than a holiday: But we shouldn't forget that the city's success has been due to the working-class people who literally have built this city. The hotel room that was perfect upon a visitor's arrival was due to the hard work of a maid, who made sure that the beds were just right and the bathroom was scrubbed spotless. The bus boys who clear and clean the restaurant tables make sure that the dining experience is enjoyable. And let's not overlook all the workers, especially those in the construction industry, who don't have the luxury of sitting in an air-conditioned office as a retreat ...

Charges in drive-by shooting likely to be dropped: Keith Paul; Charges against two suspects were expected to be dropped today in connection with a drive-by shooting that left a 35-year-old North Las Vegas woman dead as she was attending her sister's wake.

Group: Feds underfund alternative energy: CARSON CITY -- An environmental organization is complaining the federal government spends almost all of its research money for energy on nuclear power rather than alternative sources.

News briefs for August 31, 2001: A 21-year-old man was booked Thursday in connection with the killing of a 39-year-old man caught in the cross fire when gunmen fired at another man.

With nation's eyes on him, Thomas fails Heisman test: Steve Guiremand; LITTLE ROCK -- Of all the times for Jason Thomas to play the worst game of his collegiate career.

Court briefs for August 31, 2001: A Clark County jury Thursday spared the life of a California man convicted last week of killing a Kentucky tourist at the Stratosphere.

Death-row inmate enters plea: Defense attorney Joseph Sciscento said Donte Johnson entered the type of agreement that does not require him to admit guilt but which acknowledges that prosecutors have enough evidence to convict him of battery with a deadly weapon.

Teams set for Vegas King & Queen tourney: The 10th annual Paul Mitchell King & Queen of the Beach, being hosted for the fifth consecutive year by the Hard Rock hotel-casino Sept. 6-9, concludes the eight-stop 2001 Association of Volleyball Professionals Pro Beach Volleyball Tour.

Drop in gas prices fuels travel plans for Southern Nevadans: With cheap gasoline prices, reduced-rate flights and available hotel rooms, tens of thousands of Las Vegans are expected to leave their tourism capital hometown for other destinations this Labor Day weekend.

Editorial: Industrial park is no place for homes: Thirteen years later the industrial park's developers now want the County Commission to allow homes to be built on that land, a change that would undo the industrial park's purpose, which was to isolate potentially hazardous industrial plants from neighborhoods. The developers say their plans for residential development would ensure that the homes would be safely away from the industrial plants, but even if that's the case -- and that's far from certain -- to let Apex get its nose in this tent would be a mistake. Once homes are permitted in that area there will be an inexorable move ...

Hundreds bid farewell at services for Ghanem: It won't be recorded in any medical journals, but Dr. Elias Ghanem, at least in the opinion of gaming giant Steve Wynn, discovered the cure for a broken heart.

Edwards, Kraft top Air Canada tourney: Former UNLV standout Chris Riley and Brent Geiberger opened with 66s, and defending champion Rory Sabbatini, Jesper Parnevik, David Gossett, Scott McCarron, Heath Slocum and Craig Barlow of Henderson were in an 11-man group at 67.

Assemblyman says Guinn is abusing benefits law: CARSON CITY -- The assemblyman who chaired the committee that processed a law allowing certain essential employees to collect both pay and retirement benefits says the law is being abused by the Guinn Administration.

Men identified in casino heist, transcript shows: Jace Radke; Oscar Sanchez Cisneros' brother identified Cisneros and Jose Vigoa as the two men seen in a videotape of a $188,000 casino heist, according to a grand jury transcript released Thursday.

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