Print edition for January 5, 2001

Analyst: Resort financing will challenge developers: David Strow; New World LLC now owns 77 acres of land on the southernmost tip of the Strip, with frontage spreading for a half-mile across the street from Mandalay Bay.

New Orleans casino owner files for reorganization: Kevin McGill; The next steps will be much more difficult: persuading the Legislature to meet in special session and grant a cut in its huge annual tax.

Northern campuses see growth in state college enrollment: Ken Ritter; The Community College of Southern Nevada is attributing a 5.4 percent decrease in fall 2000 student enrollment to a $1 million cut in funding free classes for first-time students and to a statistical hiccup.

Local news briefs for January 5, 2001: The Clark County Health District will begin offering flu shots to the general public on Monday.

Harrah's casino in bankruptcy: NEW ORLEANS -- JCC Holding Co., the owner of the money-losing Harrah's New Orleans casino, has taken Step 1 in its effort to transform itself into a profitable business: It went to bankruptcy court, as expected, to reorganize its huge debt.

Bayno's dismissal won't help Rebels' appeal to NCAA: Steve Addy; When UNLV formally appeals the NCAA's postseason ban against the basketball program, the removal of coach Bill Bayno will not figure into the university's plea for mercy.

Guinn to meet with Bush: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn flies to Texas today to join other governors who will meet with President-elect George W. Bush about education.

Barbara Greenpun remembers 1976: Mother taught importance of family relationship: Hank's column from 1977 was a tribute to my mother, who taught me from childhood the importance of a close family relationship. To my mother, her children and husband were her entire world.

Last plea entered in mob case in Massachusetts: The nine defendants include Anthony Delevo, 60, the alleged local boss, and Albert Scibelli, 80, the brother of the late Francesco Scibelli, whom authorities had identified as Delevo's predecessor.

Panel urges state to stay electric deregulation course: A bipartisan citizens panel has recommended that Nevada continue its course toward deregulating the electrical industry, even as Californians ponder bailing out of their two-year-old program.

Datebook for January 5, 2001: The Off-Broadway Theater, 900 E. Karen Ave., presents "The Mind With the Dirty Man" at 8 p.m. today and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $16; $14 for seniors, students and the matinee performance. Call 737-0611.

CES brings traffic, $165 million payday: A second wave of technologists invades Las Vegas this weekend with an estimated 130,000 people arriving for the 2001 International Consumer Electronics Show.

School district's lawsuit immunity claim challenged: Jace Radke; The Interfaith Council on Worker Justice has filed a brief in U.S. District Court challenging the Clark County School District's claim of immunity from federal lawsuits.

Computer system may get clearance: CARSON CITY -- After years of delays and cost overruns, the $125 million computer system of the state Welfare Division may be on the verge of passing federal muster.

Lobbyists to keep track of legislation: Diana Sahagun; North Las Vegas won't be storming the 2001 Nevada Legislature with bill requests, but a lobbyist team will still be out in force to monitor bills that could affect the city.

Author with Las Vegas ties found dead in L.A.: At age 12, Susan Berman attended what was in its time one of the largest funerals in Las Vegas history -- that of her father, mobster and Riviera and Flamingo co-owner Davie Berman.

CAT buses proposed for school students: Terry Webster; Possible cuts in student transportation services is one area the Clark County School District is considering in its efforts to balance the 2000-2001 budget.

Worker, son killed in accident: BOSSIER CITY, La. -- The bodies of a 25-year-old Casino Magic employee and her 5-year-old son were in a car recovered from the bottom of the Red River.

Witness tampering probe linked to Edwards trial: "We believe that there is an open investigation now concerning obstruction of justice and witness tampering, and we plan on pursuing this strenuously," said assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Magner.

Flood of delays to dry out underpass: Erin Neff; Four days of hell for motorists will eventually result in heaven for them during future rains.

Life sentence given in hospital assaults: Kim Smith; A mentally ill man who attacked two elderly women at Summerlin Medical Center in May 1999 was sentenced to life in prison Thursday.

Park Place insists it's on track: David Strow; Today's trading

Nevada AG complains about new airline ticket system: In a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater, they said this could pose antitrust problems.

Nevada battles claims against tobacco fund: CARSON CITY -- Nevada has joined 27 other states in filing a legal brief to block an appeal by a group of Vermont recipients of Medicaid who claim they are entitled to part of the settlement from the tobacco funds. A similar suit has been filed in Nevada but no decision has been made.

Panel votes on Nevada deregulation guidelines: Brendan Riley; The 17-member energy policy committee formed by Gov. Kenny Guinn was divided on specifics - but overwhelmingly backed the concept of no deregulation until there's a "beneficial environment" for consumers.

Design contest for new college launched: Jeffrey Libby; In its first meeting Thursday, a 23-member architectural committee for the proposed Henderson State College hatched an international design contest with a $100,000 budget to reward four finalists.

Stock falls on rumors of losses: Bank of America, the No. 2 bank in Nevada, fell as much as $4 to $47.50 this morning after CNBC reported rumors that the largest U.S. bank may have had problems with its derivatives trading in Europe and Asia. It was down $3.38 to $48.13 in midmorning trade after the company refuted the report.

Snag in land deal delays high-tech proposal: Erin Neff; Proponents of a high-tech business incubator in downtown Las Vegas have their plans, financing and leasing possibilities ready to go.

Joe Delaney remembers 1976: Redd Foxx at the Thunderbird: Joe Delaney remembers 1976: Redd Foxx at the Thunderbird

Grilling Bacon: The Bacon Brothers undergo the sixth degree: Steve Bornfeld; Another actor who thinks he's a singer.

Bell to resume radio talk show career: On Feb. 5 Bell is scheduled to take over as host of what was the most listened to live overnight radio program, Coast to Coast AM.

Reid warns Whitman of tough questions: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, anticipating Senate confirmation hearings on her appointment to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, met with Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., today.

One year after a crash in his Indy car left him paralyzed, Henderson racer Sam Schmidt is ...: By Brian Hilderbrand; The impressive bronze trophy signifying the only pole position Sam Schmidt won in his three-year Indy Racing League career is the first item visitors notice when they walk into the foyer of his upscale Green Valley home.

Betting ban debate could come during March Madness: Casino and congressional officials said President-elect George W. Bush's inauguration, cabinet confirmation hearings and a weeklong congressional recess in February probably will come first.

Some Olds dealers in a bind, no complaints though in LV: As General Motors begins the messy process of closing the door on the landmark Oldsmobile brand, some dealers are waiting anxiously to find out just how much value their franchises have lost.

Hearing set in slaying: Alfred "Chip" Centofanti III pleaded not guilty to murdering Virginia Centofanti during his initial arraignment in Justice Court Thursday. His bail was set at $250,000.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Both Chiefs and Vermeil seem crazy: Dean Juipe; Retirement strikes different people different ways.

International tourism fuels expansion at airport: Adrienne Packer; Harry Kassap spends 110 nights a year traveling the globe to tout Las Vegas to overseas government agencies and airline carriers.

Half of penalties for late filing waived: CARSON CITY -- The secretary of state's office has waived fines against more than 50 percent of the political candidates who failed to file their first campaign expenses and contributions report on time.

Exec enters Yucca battle: Copyright 2001 Las Vegas Sun

Columnist Kate Maddox: A Brown out at Blue Note: Kate Maddox; People are still calling, demanding refunds for James Brown's shoddy New Year's Eve concert at the Blue Note Las Vegas.

Editorial: Bush's stimulus is the wrong way: The Clinton administration's insistence on paying down the national debt as much as possible, and the Federal Reserve's tight monetary policies, have aided the economy's unparalleled growth. It's also important to note that the impact of tax cuts won't be felt for at least a year, if not later, making it questionable that they could somehow quickly ignite the economy. A cut in the interest rates, meanwhile, can have a significant impact. Responsible tax cuts that eliminate inequities in the tax code are welcome, but a massive giveaway proposed by Bush could imperil the economic gains made.

Letter: UNLV has a Good coach: Ron@lasvegassun.com; In listening to the press conference announcing the firing of Bill Bayno and the promotion of Max Good, (UNLV athletic director) Charlie Cavagnaro made it abundantly clear (at least to some of us) that there wasn't an "interim" preceding Good's title of head coach.

Judge wants another opinion on Ibeabuchi: Differing opinions as to the competency of a boxer accused of rape has led to the scheduling of a full-blown competency hearing in Reno.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Santa Anita: 1st Race -- French Minister - Training at Hollypark, Stevens aboard Drysdale trainee, draws good post and good spot to break maiden in opener. Cyber Patrol - Draws just inside top pick, Nakatani on Canani runner for owners Wygod, respect connections. Value Play -- Kudos

Editorial: Civility on board a tall order: Unfortunately Herrera's optimism has yet to infect some commissioners. Sun reporter Adrienne Packer's story on Tuesday's inaugural commission meeting of 2000 demonstrated that the tension hasn't disappeared -- including that between Commissioners Myrna Williams and Erin Kenny, who sit next to each other. For instance, when Williams had the floor and was talking, Kenny at the same time was speaking under her breath, apparently in disagreement. Williams then gave Kenny an icy glance. While the spat seems unabated between Kenny and two fellow commissioners, Williams and Yvonne Atkinson Gates, ironically the rift between Kenny and Mary Kincaid has been smoothed ...

Letter: President's song needs new title: An Associated Press survey of all 50 states' final election numbers showed that Democrat Gore led President-elect George W. Bush by 539,947 votes.

Culinary wins right to card count at Rio: David Strow; The Culinary wants to represent about 2,400 employees at the Rio, a property owned by Harrah's Entertainment Inc. Though the Culinary had been recognized for some time at Harrah's Las Vegas on the Strip, Rio officials had refused to allow a card check at the property.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Prep band tuning up for D.C.: When you're a drummer for the high-school band in a tiny northwest Nevada town, Washington, D.C., might as well be Mars.

Mentally ill plea made in killing in casino: Kim Smith; A 38-year-old man has pleaded guilty but mentally ill in the November 1999 shooting death of his former girlfriend inside the Golden Gate casino.

Letter: 51(s) reasons to boycott: Ron@lasvegassun.com; My Dodger loyalty goes back to when I was 6 years old in 1939 and my father took me to Ebbets Field to see "The Bums" play. In fact, I would rather have the Las Vegas Bums than the 51s. I will never again go to Cashman Field to see a baseball game unless the name of the team is changed. Please pass this on to the management over there. Hopefully they'll listen.

Letter: It's not just 'Loyola': Ron@lasvegassun.com; -- CHRIS TURKMANY Loyola Marymount class of '87

Obituaries for January 5, 2001: Lloyd Albert Alsgaard, 63, of Las Vegas died Sunday in a local hospital. He was born June 15, 1937, in Canada. A resident for 45 years, he was a merchant seaman and an Army veteran.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Penn & Teller lead a magical roundup of stars: Joe Delaney; Penn & Teller, the tall talker and the silent little feller, start a 13-day stand tonight in the Rio's Samba Theatre ... Mavericks of magic with mirth an equal component of each performance, the doughty duo could find that this is their new home in Las Vegas ... Just as Siegfried & Roy and Lance Burton have permanent homes at the Mirage and Monte Carlo, respectively, Penn & Teller are capable of longer runs in the right showroom.

Letter: Deregulation of energy will cost us dearly: The best ideas I have heard as of late are wind, solar and nuclear energy. These may not be immediate solutions to power shortages but they will pay off for the little people in time.

Letter: Corporate interests rule: So much for Dubya's post-election reconciliation rhetoric. It's back to government of corporate interests, by corporate interests and for corporate interests.

Sanchez eager to return to the ring: Dean Juipe; Boxing extracts a physical toll on its participants, and many a good fighter has come out of a tough fight and never been the same.

Where I Stand 1976 -- Hank Greenspun: Mother-in-law remembered for engaging countenance: Jessie Georgina Ritchie, daughter of John and Rosena Willerton of Boston, Lincolnshire, England, died in Las Vegas Friday morning.

Jury hears 'catastrophic' effect of skinhead's early years: Kim Smith; The circumstances in which John Edward Butler was raised, combined with his drug usage, had a "catastrophic cumulative" effect on him, jurors were told Thursday.

Test your 'Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon' skills: Steve Bornfeld; Can you bring home the Bacon to Las Vegas?

Opening day at Topaz brings schools of anglers: Sandra Chereb; TOPAZ Lake, Nev. - A smattering of campfires glowed around the shoreline while a steady stream of headlights snaked toward boat ramps in the pre-dawn darkness.

Conference play should answer some questions: Spencer Patterson; Bishop Gorman's boys basketball team can hang with powerful Oak Hill Academy (Va.), but can the Gaels capture their own division?

Letter: Not ready for big-time: Ron@lasvegassun.com; First, Las Vegas has a way to go before it can even claim to be much of a sports town. When a city of a million people is incapable of selling out its own bowl game featuring its (hometown) team in little (Sam Boyd Stadium) it's downright pathetic.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Richard is coming home: At the time of the phone call there was no way to predict that Bryan's decision would result in a 50-50 tie in the U.S. Senate rather than a 51-49 Democrat majority. What I did know was that the senator was sincere about returning to the Silver State and wouldn't be hanging around Washington, D.C., as a special interest lobbyist like so many others still on the banks of the Potomac.

Las Vegas Hilton sale might be in jeopardy: Lisa Snedeker; Gaming analysts saw the news as evidence of a downturn in the Las Vegas economy.

Columnist Sal DeFilippo: 'Home, sweet, home' theme applies to this year's playoffs: Sal DeFilippo; If only I had watched "The Wizard of Oz" before watching last weekend's wild-card round of the NFL playoffs. If I only had a brain.

Sound Check -- Geoff Carter: The time has arrived for columnist to flip the record: "This one's your last chance/to make this last one really the last." -- The Replacements, "The Last"

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Pruett washes out with Wells' team: After a shaky rookie season, second-year team owner Cal Wells said he is in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series for the long haul.

Dooley pays homage to the master magician at the Plaza: Joe Delaney; Dixie Dooley's "Houdini Lives Again," afternoons at the Plaza, is a magic show that replicates some of the great Houdini's most famous escapes, in addition to giving the audience excellent examples of various forms of magic and the illusionary arts.

Columnist Steve Guiremand: Garrett, USC missed out on landing Stoops: Steve Guiremand; Cleaning out the notebook one last time while counting down the days to spring practice: