Print edition for June 8, 2001

City Council to hear pitches on use of railroad property: Diana Sahagun; A Las Vegas panel reviewing proposals for developing 61 acres of prime downtown property will leave the task of ranking the ideas up to the City Council.

Session marked by wide range of bills passed: CARSON CITY -- One could argue that the 2001 Legislature touched the lives of all Nevadans.

Obituaries for June 8, 2001: James I. Adams, 79, of Las Vegas died Tuesday in Las Vegas. He was born Feb. 28, 1922, in Whitefish, Mont. A resident for 40 years, he was a government illustrator and an Air Force and Navy veteran.

Business briefs for June 8, 2001: Pacific Legends East Condominium Association and five homeowners sued Pacific Homes, alleging defects in its 218-unit condominium development at 1405 S. Nellis Blvd.

Online-gaming foe takes case to Ashcroft: David Strow; One of the gaming industry's most outspoken opponents is taking his fight against Nevada's Internet gaming bill to Attorney General John Ashcroft.

News briefs for June 8, 2001: A Las Vegas man has agreed to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter with use of a deadly weapon and serve a six to 15-year prison sentence for the stabbing death of his brother.

CCSN admitted to Scenic West league: It will be the first time CCSN's sports teams (baseball and women's soccer, which debuts in the fall) will compete as a member of a conference.

Banks extend Aladdin deadline: Additionally, the source said, the Aladdin is negotiating with its banks to extend the Aladdin's payment schedule on its debt, and should finalize an agreement within 10 days. The $8.7 million keep-well payment from Aladdin owners Sommer Trust and London Clubs International came due May 31, and would help shore up the property's balance sheet.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Vasser's ride safe, Hamilton's iffy: Rumors were making the rounds during the past week concerning Las Vegas open-wheel drivers Jimmy Vasser and Davey Hamilton being forced to park their cars due to lack of major sponsorship.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway points standings: Late Models: 1. Jason Allen 205; 2. Wayne Jacks 197; 3. Billy Newman 192; 4. Ray Hooper Jr. 189; 5. Dick Cobb 181; 6. George Antill 166; 7. Rich Attisani 161; 8. Chris Clyne 158; 9. Jeff Perkins 157; 10. Steve Anderson 155; 11. Rick Chelberg 150; 11. Dennis Rock 150; 13. Darren Michaels 146; 14. Mike Ray 141; 14. Steve Rzesnoweicky 141.

'Quaint' concerts brainchild of conductor: Kimberley McGee; Just about dusk on the next two Sunday evenings, the strains of "Stars and Stripes, Forever" will be heard across the green lawn of a Las Vegas park.

Suds from around globe to highlight beer festival: Kirk Baird; Legendary rock band Spinal Tap isn't the only tap this weekend.

Letter: 'Notch Babies' not being heard: Sen. Harry Reid and Sun Executive Editor Mike O'Callaghan are among the few who really seem to care. The presidential election is over, so nobody seems to care.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Five long days in Idaho: YOU ARE A TEENAGER living in the backwoods on a small piece of land with five brothers and sisters. During the past few years your father has been ill and unable to operate his small sawmill. Last September some of the family land was auctioned off at a county tax sale and this May your father died. Then a few days ago the sheriff took your mother to jail because welfare people said she was neglecting you and your siblings. Now they are coming to get you and the other children.

Nevada Bell parent pushing for eased oversight: Kalpana Srinivasan; WASHINGTON -- Ed Whitacre may rank as the dean of telephone executives.

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 1 p.m.

Tennessee banker to be nominated as Fed governor: If confirmed by the Senate, Bies would be the only woman on the seven-member Fed board. Bies is executive vice president of First Tennessee National Corp., where she is in charge of risk management.

State threatens legal action against vets home builder: CARSON CITY -- The state Public Works Board Thursday gave the contractor at the troubled Veterans Home in Boulder City until June 30 to complete specified work or face legal action.

Joe Delaney remembers 1998: Steve Lippia at the Rio: Joe Delaney remembers 1998: Steve Lippia at the Rio

Las Vegas woman's memories trace U.S. history: Kimberley McGee; In its heyday in the '30s and '40s Harlem's Savoy Ballroom was the place to be. Jazz and blues legends Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne and Billie Holiday sang there, as did Frank Sinatra and the Andrews Sisters.

Recent Las Vegas-area business-related bankruptcies: Charles Roland doing business as Roland Paints and Drywall, 4541 E. Cleveland Ave., filed for Chapter 7, listing assets of $4,075 and liabilities of $95,660.

New director takes over shelter: Rebecca Malone; The Lied Animal Shelter has a new boss, veterinarian Michael Chumrau, who also joins the board of directors of the Animal Foundation, which has the contract to run the city of Las Vegas' shelter.

Pair die in apparent murder-suicide: Jace Radke; Two people were killed Thursday night when Metro Police say a man shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself after an argument.

Klitschko confident he'll beat Las Vegas' Shufford: Dean Juipe; A look of disbelief overtook Wladimir Klitschko.

Scenes from a restaurant comprise 'Cafe Twilight': In theater and film, there have been restaurant scenes and there have been funny restaurant scenes.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Great game puts Sixers in new light: Dean Juipe; The drawback in not only commentating on past events but predicting the outcome of future ones is that occasionally and inevitably you will be wrong.

Herrera wavers on run for Congress: Adrienne Packer; Once considered a shoo-in for a newly created congressional seat, Dario Herrera said Thursday he is exploring all his options and might even consider running for a second term on the Clark County Commission.

Pick Up Stix sold to owner of T.G.I. Friday's: Carlson operates the T.G.I. Friday's chain.

Where I Stand -- Hank Greenspun: World views terrorists' acts: The world is shocked by the savagery of the Arab terrorists.

Letter: Taxing all is needed for society to survive: I am curious as to whether Root was equally upset while she herself was being educated by a school district supported by tax dollars from the community. Or did she have such distress while her children or grandchildren were going through school at the expense (in part) of the local senior citizens? I certainly doubt it.

Casino operator signs energy deal with Enron: The pact calls for Enron to supply Harrah's with electricity and natural gas at 16 of its properties in Nevada and six other states, said Harrah's spokesman Gary Thompson. Enron will also provide the company with energy conservation services.

51s get whipped by Iowa hurler: Steve Guiremand; What's that old saying about turnabout being fair play?

Ticketmaster to use new technology at company casinos: Ticketmaster said it will offer its "Print My Own" ticketing technology for 13 shows at the Bellagio, Mirage, MGM Grand, Treasure Island, New York-New York and Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Miss. This system allows users to log onto Ticketmaster's web site from home, purchase and print out bar-coded tickets to such shows as "O," Mystere, Siegfried & Roy, Danny Gans and EFX.

KLVX's digital transition on track: Terry Webster; Upgrades to KLVX Channel 10 are on track for completion under a federal deadline requiring television stations to convert from analog to digital transmission.

Flight for life: Mongolian kids journey here for life-saving surgery: By Emily Richmond; It took more than 9,000 miles, 25 hours and three airplane rides to get Usukhbayar Baasandorj, 6, and Naranjargal Oyun-Erdene, 4, to a doctor.

News of the Day: 1998: Story: Facing the public for the first time since beginning an investigation of an alleged presidential affair and cover up, Whitewater prosecutor Kenneth Starr pledged today to move as swiftly as possible and said he was not motivated by politics.

Thorny issues plague plan for AC casinos' self-exclusion list: John Curran; ATLANTIC CITY -- A debate is raging over a new state law letting compulsive gamblers ban themselves from casinos, with officials discussing how to enforce the law without neglecting privacy concerns.

Metro cop fired under new policy of truthfulness: Keith Paul; A Metro Police detective, fired Thursday after officials claim he lied during an internal investigation into a minor off-duty traffic accident, is the first officer to be terminated under the department's enhanced truthfulness policy.

Reilly stands ready to succeed Askew: Adrienne Packer; It took more than a year for a handful of Clark County commissioners to nudge county manager Dale Askew from office. It is expected to take a fraction of that time to replace him.

Parents target of drive to hire teachers: Terry Webster; The effort to raise more "home grown" teachers has inspired a new recruiting tool for the Clark County School District.

Fan challenged: Steve Guiremand; This was supposed to be the year baseball fans flocked back to Cashman Field.

Columnist Ralph Siraco: Time for the rubber match: Ralph Siraco; Saturday's Grade I Belmont Stakes won't have a Triple Crown on the line. For the second time in the past five years, the $5 million Visa Triple Crown bonus has been safely kept in the vault as the Kentucky Derby winner failed to win the Preakness Stakes, thus taking away any third-jewel drama for a potential 12th winner of the sport's most coveted accomplishment.

Crowds by the numbers: Crowds by the numbers

Microsoft, IBM said to be interested in buying IGT: The rumors began last week when Business Week's Gene Marcial, in a column, quoted "insiders" as saying Microsoft Corp. and IBM had expressed interest in acquiring IGT. Marcial quoted an unnamed IGT executive as saying the two technology giants would be attracted to IGT by its diversification into video-based slot machines, and its release of such games as "The Price is Right" and "Austin Powers."

LV, Olympic star Schwikert takes on role with youths: Victoria Sun; Tasha Schwikert is a student and Olympic gymnast.

Rebel baseball position attracts World Series vet: Victoria Sun; He hasn't actually applied for the job, but that doesn't mean former Oklahoma State baseball coach Gary Ward isn't interested in trying to turn UNLV's program around.

Editorial: Boulder City sets pace for preservation: That is why it was refreshing to see the opposite in Boulder City Tuesday with the reopening of the 1930s-era Boulder Dam Hotel. The rebirth of a landmark that was saved from its deathbed lends further proof that Boulder City remains Southern Nevada's model community.

Total sale of National is envisioned, losses continue: National Airlines continues to lose money at the rate of $2 million-plus per month while operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, court records reveal, and airline executives are looking to sell most of its assets.

PCL box: Iowa-Las Vegas: LOB--Iowa 7, Las Vegas 7. 2B--Gload, Machado 3, B. Johnson. HR--B. Johnson (6). SB--Meyers.

EPA rule subject to change: Legal clause allows courts to scrap radiation standards at Yucca: Mary Manning and Benjamin Grove; The Environmental Protection Agency's long-awaited, "finalized" radiation standards for the proposed Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository are not absolutely final.

Dates targeted for special session: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn said Thursday he will convene a special session of the Legislature to approve a reapportionment plan either next Thursday or the following Monday.

Nevada Power parent reassures analysts about its stability: Legislation approved by Nevada lawmakers will stabilize the finances of Sierra Pacific Resources Inc., company executives told the investment community Thursday.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Hollywood Park: 1st Race -- Shesmyhucklebery -- Draws good outside post for sprint opener, Pincay atop Spawr trainee, Spawr also co-owner of maiden here. Hot Kitty -- One of four in the field training at Anita, Gomez on Walsh trainee, adds blinkers for this diploma try. Value Play -- La Latte

Doctors split on suspect's competency: Kim Smith; As his defense attorneys attempt to figure out if murder suspect Vornelius Phillips has any psychiatric problems, more chilling details are emerging about the minutes leading up to the April 21 crash that critically injured a Nevada Highway Patrol trooper.

Lady Rebels add four to recruiting class: Joining the Lady Rebels next season will be junior transfers Julia Gray and Casey Homan and incoming freshmen Sherry McCracklin and Candice Sneed.

Editorial: Address problem gambling: Nothing is gained by denying that we have problem gamblers in this state. One nonprofit Nevada treatment center, Problem Gambling Consultants, has a waiting list of 20 to 30 people at a time. We cannot simply continue to feed off of the gaming trough while sweeping under the rug addictions that have afflicted many of our friends, relatives and neighbors. The Legislature had an opportunity to allocate state funds to fight problem gambling by passing Senate Bill 335.

Letter: U.S. can be proud of role: This is truly a "rags to riches" story of a young indigent boy born into poverty. As a young boy Alejandro shined shoes on the streets of Peru. His father was jailed for attempting to claim squatter's rights over a barren piece of land that he wanted to use to house his family.

Seniors joins forces with AFL-CIO in advocacy group: By Emily Richmond; The AFL-CIO, acknowledging that its membership is aging, has launched a new advocacy group targeting senior voters.

Editorial: Pay raise controversy will not die: So it wasn't too surprising that Boulder City voters responded by overwhelmingly passing a ballot question that stopped the pay increase from going into effect. The controversy didn't end there, though. In last Tuesday's municipal election, voters had two ballot measures dealing with pay and compensation. The first initiative, which was sponsored by the lone councilman to vote against the pay increase, Bill Smith, would dramatically reduce the benefits now provided to council members and the mayor. The initiative also would prevent future city councils from passing salary hikes without first winning re-election. A separate measure, sponsored by City Councilman ...

Columnist Susan Snyder: Students betting on the house: Hendrik Frobel's girlfriend is in a pickle.

Editorial: New definition for term 'sour grapes': The reality is that it was correct to place the question on the June ballot, allowing enough time to learn whether there was a genuine need for a new hospital. And to suggest Williams doesn't care about the welfare of children is absurd: She is well known for her standout work as a public official for bringing about all kinds of improved services for children. Misch's rant misses the mark by a country mile.

Columnist Jeff German: Oh...the R-J owns El Tiempo Libre: NEWSPAPERS are not immune from conflicts of interest.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Blues travelers land at Railhead: Blues are the facts of life set to music, said the late Willie Dixon, a Chicago musician who was called the poet laureate of blues.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Finding food favorites around Philadelphia: Las Vegas is not the only city blooming with new restaurants. A feeding frenzy is taking place in every major city, including Philadelphia where I just spent four days. It's amazing how many meals can be consumed in such a short time; most of them at the Four Seasons Philadelphia where I was staying.

Gagnon's voices hit and miss at Venetian: Was that a great impression of Joe Cocker or was impressionist Andre-Philippe Gagnon in pain when he performed Wednesday at the Venetian Showroom?

Letter: Taxes aren't fun, but are necessary: Obviously, I have taken my point to a ridiculous conclusion. I wanted to show how ill-conceived Root's opinion really is.

Columnist Susan Snyder: School shows its love of the land: While his classmates planted a tree commemorating the end of the first year of the new Alexander Dawson School, fifth-grader Trace Cabot lamented he would miss the very last day of school.

Where I Stand--Brian Greenspun: 'Death tax' redefined: EVEN MY mother was laughing ... only because she was afraid not to.

County dealing with influx of non-English students: Terry Webster; Nevada's most critical education issue is the rapid influx of non-English speaking students, according to the state's top two education officials.

Tapped out: Kirk Baird; In the annals of rock 'n' roll lore few bands have out-rocked and/or rolled Spinal Tap.

Samaritan helps free souls of inmates: Stacy J. Willis; The young woman is crying. Her wrists are handcuffed, bound to her waist with a chain. This is all wrong. This is not where she is supposed to be today. She is supposed to be at work. Turning her life around.

Letter: Area politicians refuse to rein in rapid growth: However, the politicians just keep approving more growth and more expansion. At this rate, we'll never get ahead, we won't even maintain. A perfect example is the widening of U.S. 95 to 10 lanes. Upon completion, it will take the same time to get to work, and we will be back where we started. Does the phrase "slow the growth" mean anything to anyone out there who makes decisions?

Course designed to break language barriers: Terry Webster; On Tracy Rathbun's first day of teaching in the Clark County School District, a situation she never expected was waiting inside her classroom.

Boy hoping to continue the camping experience: She would also like to send her 11-year-old son to camp.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Second chance at drawing maps: GOV. KENNY GUINN smartly is keeping the special session simple. But the politics are extraordinarily complex -- in fact they cut 69 different ways.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Frisky Fox makes call to arms: Kate Maddox; Having issues with your partner? Unsure about your beau's level of commitment? Does your girl's wandering eye give you pause?

Columnist Mike O'Callaghan: Ignoring voters and Constitution: Twice in the last two months the alert citizens of Boulder City have gone to the polls and told the mayor and City Council they can't give themselves pay raises without first facing the voters. In fact, 61 percent of the voters also decided that some of the other goodies the city fathers had voted for themselves should be removed.

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Children in need score twice in Nevada Legislature: Sandy Thompson; WHEN JANE Horner talked, Nevada legislators listened.

Datebook: Best-selling author James Ellroy will read passages and sign copies of his new book "Cold Six Thousand: A Novel" at 7 p.m. today at Barnes & Noble. 567 N. Stephanie St. in Henderson.

Nipton: Prospect town: Jeffrey Libby; NIPTON, CALIF. -- Linda Darrow, up since 4 a.m. reading a Chinese mystery novel, is making her way across a two-lane state road to put out the U.S. flag and open the Nipton Trading Post.

Wax on, Wax off: Kimberley McGee; Kristen Mayberry is surrounded by celebrities every day.

Support group takes away hepatitis' stigma: Kimberley McGee; Information

Columnist Kate Maddox: Gray production in the red: Kate Maddox; There might be a little planetary re-alignment in the works at "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus." The musical, based on the self-help best seller by John Gray, is reportedly on its last legs at the Flamingo Las Vegas and producers are drastically cutting costs.