Print edition for June 15, 2001

U.S. consumer prices rise, manufacturing slumps: The Labor Department reported today that its Consumer Price Index, the government's most closely watched inflation gauge, climbed by a seasonally adjusted 0.4 percent last month, following a 0.3 percent increase in April.

Hilton, Park Place exec bullish on Las Vegas: David Strow; Hilton Hotels Corp., once one of the biggest players in the Las Vegas casino market, broke ground Thursday on its latest venture in the city -- a 1,500-unit timeshare complex that will rise 33 stories over the north end of the Strip.

LV pet store owner guilty in meth case: Jace Radke; A Las Vegas pet store owner will forfeit more than $1 million and could face prison time after being convicted of selling chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine out of his store.

Woman accused of hitting pedestrians strikes plea deal: Kim Smith; A Las Vegas woman accused of driving onto a Strip sidewalk in April 2000 and hitting four pedestrians -- one later died -- entered a plea agreement Thursday that will require her to spend five to 20 years in prison.

European gambling operator targets U.S. with 'Net casino: Aspinall said his family name brings credibility to the operation.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Warning: Fur flying over Houston: Kate Maddox; Whitney Houston is famous for a few things: her voice, her rock 'n' roll-esque relationship with hubby Bobby Brown, her penchant for wearing fur and her somewhat spotty attendance record at scheduled performances.

Editorial: ACLU presence not appreciated: I get tired of the continual crying about people's rights when we're trying to upgrade areas. The ACLU has proven its interest in protecting rights of minority groups that want to remain with their style of living instead of remaining silent and upholding what's good for our community. Would you stand behind all the issues you've defended if some involved your neighborhood?

Where I Stand -- Hank Greenspun: Chernobyl should teach us a lesson: The devil unleashed.

'With a Friend Like Harry ...' employs classic methods: Max Jacobson; The suspense film owes a huge debt to Alfred Hitchcock, aka the Master of Suspense, but it is French cinema that seems to be really captivated by the genre. The French Hitchcock, up to now, has been Claude Chabrol, for landmark (albeit rarely seen in this country) films such as "The Woman Next Door" and "The Butcher." But young director Dominik Moll appears to be hot on his trail.

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

Bullring at LVMS point standings: The Bullring at LVMS

Joe Delaney remembers 1999: Righteous Brothers at Orleans: Joe Delaney remembers 1999: Righteous Brothers at Orleans

Barber refuses to evaluate Garcia: Terry Webster; When Clark County School District superintendent Carlos Garcia receives his first job performance evaluation Monday, at least one School Board member will not be participating.

Local golfers at U.S. Open: There are five golfers with Las Vegas ties competing in this week's U.S. Open. Here's how they fared in the first round:

No slowing down local music men: Kimberley McGee; They won't stop.

Columnist Susan Snyder: A lesson in Mustang morals: For now, the sunshine plays alone on Joseph M. Neal Elementary School's playground.

Editorial: What's the big hurry, anyway?: It is disturbing that Reilly's supporters on the County Commission are moving at lightning speed to complete his coronation. After all, Askew announced his resignation just last week. But that didn't stop Reilly's supporters from immediately saying he should succeed Askew. It shouldn't be surprising then that there already is an item on Tuesday's County Commission agenda to appoint Reilly, who currently is a UNLV associate professor. Instead of a rush, it would be smart to take some time to see if anyone else is interested in the job. Don't forget, the county manager of Clark County is one of ...

Copenhagen Cup results: BAREBACK RIDING: 1. Kelly Wardell (Bellevue, Idaho), 86 points on Korkow Rodeo's Dirty Girl, $3,917; 2/3/4. (tie) Forest Bramwell (Pagosa Springs, Colo.), Clint Corey (Powell Butte, Ore.), and Lan LaJeunesse (Morgan, Utah), 85 points, $1,958 each.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: On Sunday be sure to make room for Daddy: When it comes to dining out on holidays, did you know that Dad's day is gaining ground? This according to a recent survey on holiday dining by the National Restaurant Association.

70 coaches apply for UNLV baseball post: Victoria Sun; Today is the final day for candidates to apply for the UNLV baseball head coaching position.

Editorial: Groundwater tests must do better job: On Wednesday the Test Site's Community Advisory Board, which has sought better monitoring of the ground-water contamination, made its case before a peer review panel made up of scientists and engineers. The bottom line is that the federal government should take all necessary steps to ensure the public's safety, requiring that its testing is sophisticated and expansive enough so that health officials know exactly where this radioactive-laced water is heading.

Letter: Presidential shortcoming shows in Europe: Maybe those who voted for "the shrub" will now realize that intellectual ability is an important consideration when electing a president.

All the King's stuff headed for auction block: Millions of dollars worth of Elvis Presley memorabilia will go on the auction block Saturday at Bally's, from where the event will be broadcast live over the Internet at eBay.com.

Asian artists find acceptance at local art museum: Kimberley McGee; The art crowding the white walls of the Las Vegas Art Museum portrays Arabic, Buddhist and impressionist influences.

Letter: Fed up with air pollution in Laughlin: There are many important issues regarding this request that should concern us as citizens. I will only mention three:

This week's racing: NASCAR WINSTON CUP

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Hearn tabbed as Hamilton's fill-in: Sam Schmidt didn't have to look too far to find a replacement driver for the injured Davey Hamilton.

Sahara tribute still packs an attitude: These guys are brutal.

Letter: Unhappy fan: So long, 51s!: Ron@lasvegassun.com; We purchased one of the 51s ticket packages and were more than dissatisfied. The lines were long, the food was terrible and unbelievably expensive. Four dollars for a stupid, skinny hotdog? What a total rip-off.

Obituaries for June 15, 2001: Julia Clark Cates, 79, of Pahrump died Thursday in Las Vegas. She was born April 27, 1922, in Walters, Okla. A resident for 30 years, she was a school secretary.

Datebook: A G-rated Disney movie will be shown outside at 6:30 p.m. today at the Cimarron Rose Center, 5591 N. Cimarron Road. A matinee showing will be at 2 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. Call 638-8036.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Hollywood Park: 1st Race -- Bella Faccia -- Hustling Pedroza back on Litt trainee, draws good box for 7-panel opener, keeps knocking on diploma door. Jinistry -- Part of Hat Ranch-owned coupled entry with Jouet, Berrio/Stute here, Almeida/Vargas there, two-for-one deal in mediocre race. Value Play -- Demon In The Rough

News of the Day: 1999: Story: Solemnly opening the first presidential impeachment trial in 130 years, senators raised their hands and swore today to "do impartial justice" in judging whether President Clinton should be removed from office. House prosecutors delivered two articles charging the president with perjury and obstruction of justice.

Columnist Jerry Fink: These days the joke is on Palace Station: No joke. Palace Station has converted its Sound Trax lounge into a comedy club called Laugh Trax.

Letter: Let Russia take nuclear waste: I wonder if the U.S. government should enter the bidding. It might be a good way to get rid of our spent fuel, put some money in the till, and end the Yucca Mountain controversy.

Letter: Bush energy plan is not enough: Concomitantly, the Bush administration is providing false hope that something will be done about this mass-imposed hardship. What is the reality?

Pool owner protections await OK: Some victims say bill doesn't go far enough: Homeowners such as Christina Schofield can take some credit that Gov. Kenny Guinn has awaiting his signature a bill designed to protect Nevadans from shady swimming pool contractors.

Boggs McDonald, Montandon ethics witnesses: Diana Sahagun; Two high-ranking officials who claim they were the target of political harassment before the primary election will have the chance next week to make their case before the Nevada Ethics Commission.

Nevada schools eye OK of Bush program: WASHINGTON -- The Senate on Thursday passed President Bush's education overhaul bill that could translate to changes for the Clark County School District, including new testing requirements and more federal money for poor students.

Internet gaming, medical marijuana bills signed: Erin Neff; Gov. Kenny Guinn on Thursday signed two of the most-publicized bills from the 2001 Legislature into law, clearing the way for a medical marijuana system and Internet gaming.

Summer camp just what youngster needs: He has never been to camp before, and his mother says she thinks he would benefit from spending time with children his own age.

Report: Abduction likely done by stranger: Keith Paul; Seven-year-old Karla Rodriguez was kidnapped in 1999 near her Las Vegas home probably by a stranger, and her disappearance was not likely linked to a debt her parents owed to a former family member, a team of retired investigators has concluded.

Sun to expand its racing coverage to 5 days a week: In addition to Friday's weekly motorsports page and Monday's Las Vegas Speed Chart, veteran Sun auto racing writer Brian Hilderbrand will compile specialty notebooks focusing on America's most popular racing series.

Sub-stantial need: School district desperate for substitute teachers: Terry Webster; Classroom opportunity

Las Vegas drinking water meets fed standards: By Emily Richmond; The drinking water in Las Vegas meets or surpasses federal standards set by the Safe Water Drinking Act, according to a report to be released today by the Las Vegas Valley Water District.

Budget forces college cutbacks: Jennifer Knight; RENO -- Some of the state's colleges and univerities are instituting hiring freezes and reducing class offerings in order to cope with a $38 million budget cut to the university system imposed by the 2001 Legislature.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Let the majority rule: WHAT'S THE difference between a majority and a minority?

Bail revocation sought for attorney accused in shooting of former wife: Kim Smith; Prosecutors are seeking to revoke the bail of a Las Vegas attorney accused of shooting his former wife to death just days after their divorce.

Winner of $46 million jackpot comes forward: Wayne Parry; NEWARK, N.J. -- A Passaic man who waited nearly a year to claim his $46 million Big Game lottery jackpot came forward Friday to receive his prize from Acting New Jersey Gov. Donald T. DiFrancesco.

Bus passengers sought over possible TB exposure: By Emily Richmond; Clark County health officials are looking for passengers of a Greyhound bus from Los Angeles to Las Vegas who may have been exposed to an extremely contagious form of tuberculosis.

LV asked to join drug fight: Rebecca Malone; An organization that works to inform young people of the dangers associated with substance abuse was honored Thursday by the nation's drug czar.

Vegas resort settles with subcontractor: Terms of the settlement, which is subject to bankruptcy court approval, weren't disclosed because of a confidentiality provision.

Gambling tycoon faces end to monopoly that made his fortune: Elaine Kurtenbach; MACAU -- It's sundown on a Friday evening and the crowds around the baccarat tables at the Lisboa Casino are getting down to the serious business of gambling.

Leaving a Staind: Kirk Baird; So much for the sophomore slump.

Ride of his life: Spencer Patterson; To most observers, the death-defying aspect of bareback riding begins the moment horse and rider come flying out of the chute, as the horse begins bucking and the rider hangs on for dear life.

Recent Las Vegas-area business-related bankruptcies: Ettore Mascitelli doing business as Design Enterprise, 9070 Fisher, filed Chapter 7, listing assets of $68,166 and liabilities of $267,234.

Man serving life sentence says attorney misled him: Kim Smith; A Las Vegas man facing a life sentence for drugging and sexually assaulting three women on videotape wants to back out of his plea agreement, alleging his attorney told him he would be released in 10 years.

Columnist Steve Guiremand: Dodgers, 51s are both weak links: Steve Guiremand; They're baaack!

LV company says it didn't protest Tahoe deal: "Park Place did not file a complaint with the FTC objecting to Harrah's purchase of Harveys Casino Resorts," said Park Place spokeswoman Debbie Munch.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Ousted Gorman coach puzzled by move: Spencer Patterson; One week after being forced out as boys basketball coach at Bishop Gorman High School, Bob Hubbard says he was blindsided by the move.

News briefs for June 15, 2001: Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman has lost his second aide in less than one month.

New CEO named: Gamache, who previously served as president and chief operating officer of WMS, will retain the president's role; WMS said it will not fill the COO's position at this time. Gamache will also join the WMS board. Nicastro, who has served as CEO for all but three years since 1968, will continue to serve as non-executive chairman of WMS.

LV man pleads guilty in brother-in-law's death: As a result of a plea agreement, Jason Webber will be sentenced to 20 years to life in prison by District Judge Joseph Bonaventure on July 25.

The Strip at LVMS point standings: The Strip at LVMS

Quaid leads shark attack: Kirk Baird; Dennis Quaid has a new girlfriend in his life.

Henderson news briefs for June 15, 2001: Developer Rich MacDonald has about 30 days to complete a traffic study and draft more detailed plans of apartment housing before the Henderson Planning Commission will consider less stringent zoning for his 632-acre master-planned community in the foothills of the McCullough Range.

Where I Stand--Brian Greenspun: Fathers can only hope: I choose to write about children. They are the small humans that many of us have and all of us once were, even though at certain advancing ages it is becoming increasingly more difficult to remember those days.

Editorial: Making downtown more inviting again: There is a school of thought that not only do nonviolent crimes breed more violent criminal activity over time, but that they also have led to an exodus from big cities. So during the '90s some major cities got tough on street crimes. New York attributed much of its revitalization to these stepped-up efforts, but local officials should take care to avoid New York's excesses, which included police brutality allegations.

To Be Frank: Steve Lippia is a close-your-eyes sort of singer.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Vegas a 'Chicago' kind of town: Kate Maddox; "I don't know what (the Nederlanders) want," Iwamoto said. "But they haven't talked to me or Richard (Heftel, Iwamoto's Showroom partner) about (a buyout)."

Fed role in school funding debated: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Congress approved a massive education bill this week that would launch a variety of new programs, including testing and reading initiatives.

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Teen beats overwhelming odds to succeed: Sandy Thompson; IN HIS 17-YEAR life, Stephen and his family moved 85 times. When they got behind on the rent, they went from apartments to campsites, from weekly hotels to the streets.

Townhomes grace once-blighted area: Stacy J. Willis; Poverty and politics collided at this corner in West Las Vegas.

Editorial: This one got away from them: Against this backdrop, the Legislature did pass a reapportionment plan during the special session on Thursday. But Senate Democrats and Assembly Republicans -- both minorities in their respective houses -- said the plan unfairly cemented the majority parties' status for the next decade. Assembly Republicans took their anger one step further and petulantly blocked legislation that required a two-thirds majority for it to be effective. Two bills requiring a super-majority weren't lightweight measures, either -- one was a $23 million rental car tax necessary to balance state government's budget and the other was an energy bill, which set aside $10 ...

Columnist Susan Snyder: A Las Vegas lesson in generosity: More than a dozen offered to open their homes to Burcu Uezel, a 20-year-old German woman who has an internship at the Fremont Hotel but had nowhere to live.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Plot seals the silliest of sessions: CARSON CITY -- During a year in which expanding the Legislature was the central political issue, the Gang of 63 put an exclamation point last week on their effort to make the case for shrinking the number of lawmakers in the state capital.

Unintended scholars: Prisoners who qualified for Guinn program may soon lose benefit: Jennifer Knight; Randy Rogers is an oversight.

Columnist Jeff German: Anzalone gets day in court: HIS WRONGFUL termination lawsuit against Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa has languished in the court system for more than three years.

Schwartz knows importance of children's issues: "Kids' issues are so important, particularly the underprivileged," the chairman and chief executive of Perma-Bilt Homes said.

Summertime at range is a walk on wild side: Soaring summer temperatures aren't enough to keep locals from fueling up their SUVs and heading to the Desert National Wildlife Range in search of wildlife.

Redistricting plan finalized: CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn said this morning he was pleased that lawmakers approved a reapportionment plan and passed most of the bills he sent over to a special session in less than 14 hours.