Stories published June 22, 2001Las Vegas Sun

For Vai, practice makes perfect: Kirk Baird; Want to be a "shredder," a guitarist intense of virtuosity and devoid of any melodic or emotional value?

Reid praises Las Vegas FBI office: Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., said this morning he feels badly that the Las Vegas FBI office has been dragged into the national scrutiny of the bureau in Washington.

LV thrift operator said to be in talks: The announcement did not name the suitor, but a source close to the deal said that Washington Mutual Inc., the nation's largest thrift and an operator in Las Vegas, was in talks to acquire Dime. The Wall Street Journal quoted unidentified sources as saying the deal was valued at about $5 billion in stock and cash.

Casinos unite against dump: Industry appears ready to formally enter Yucca political battle: Casino industry leaders, recognizing the huge economic threat Yucca Mountain poses to Southern Nevada's economy, are prepared to use their national political clout to fight the nuclear waste project, a new county report says.

State Supreme Court disbars LV attorney: Las Vegas attorney Michael Schaefer said today he has "no apology" for alleged actions that brought his disbarment Thursday by the Nevada Supreme Court.

Boggs McDonald cleared quickly by ethics panel: Diana Sahagun; Good news came quickly for Las Vegas Councilwoman Lynette Boggs McDonald, who was cleared Thursday by the Nevada State Ethics Commission regarding a complaint that had been filed about a trip she took two years ago to Notre Dame.

USF coach among six finalists for UNLV baseball job: Victoria Sun; Nino Giarratano says he has dreamed of becoming UNLV's baseball coach since he was the head coach at Trinidad State (Colo.) Junior College from 1989-94.

Wife says FBI suspect incapable of charges: The pain on Patty Hill's face was obvious as she described the "nightmare" that she and her husband, James J. Hill, the FBI security analyst charged with selling criminal files, have gone through in the last week.

Stankiewicz gets fresh start with Las Vegas: Steve Guiremand; Knuckleballer Dennis Springer, who improved to 3-3, turned in another strong outing, yielding just five hits and two runs in seven innings to lead Las Vegas to the win.

Where I Stand -- Hank Greenspun: Our society depends wholly on education: The right to disagree!

Lawsuits threatened over new NY casinos, legislators act: Carolyn Thompson; BUFFALO, N.Y. -- A battle over Gov. George Pataki's surprise announcement of an agreement with the Seneca Indian Nation to open casinos in Niagara Falls and Buffalo erupted Thursday with supporters moving to quickly make it a reality and opponents threatening lawsuits.

Preparing to close, Maxim entangled in web of suits: David Strow; Though the Maxim will soon close its doors, a web of complicated lawsuits and accusations surrounding the property's 1999 sale and bankruptcy continues -- and will likely go on for years.

One ethics violation pinned on Barrett: Adrienne Packer; Accusations that a former Clark County facilities chief engaged in political campaigns and bullied his workers into joining him were flushed out Thursday in a five-hour ethics hearing.

Decision time: Las Vegas City Council to choose one of four downtown proposals: Diana Sahagun; All of the sometimes aggravating, sometimes exhilarating redevelopment efforts over the past two years will come to a head for the city of Las Vegas Monday when the City Council meets to decide which of four proposals will be chosen for a prime piece of downtown real estate.

Spartans' momentum halted: Spencer Patterson; Coming off a second-place finish at last week's St. George (Utah) Invitational, Cimarron-Memorial's American Legion baseball team hoped its momentum would carry over to this week's Timet Invitational Tournament.

Yucca plan gains political support: The prospect of Yucca Mountain becoming a repository for the nation's waste gained political support Thursday amid the doubts of independent scientists who questioned the depth of the Department of Energy's study.

City likely to hire 30 officers with extra revenue: Jeffrey Libby; Henderson officials will likely hire new police officers with the $3.6 million annual tax revenue boost approved in the special session of the Legislature, City Manager Phil Speight said Thursday.

News of the Day: 2000: Story: Prosecutors today began laying out their case in court against Ted Binion's accused killers.

1989-90 Rebels earned a spot in history books: Steve Addy; With all due respect, UNLV's 1989-90 NCAA championship basketball team wasn't the most talented in school history.

Metro Police agrees to pay officer $235,000: Keith Paul; Metro Police agreed to give an officer who was charged and later cleared of drug crimes nearly a quarter-million dollars to settle a discrimination complaint.

LV woman recalls battle with disorder: By Emily Richmond; Andrea Dresser of Las Vegas remembers the frightening voices that raced through her head, alongside visions of herself harming her infant son.

Obituaries for June 22, 2001: Catherine "Kay" Asquith, 75, of Las Vegas died Wednesday in a local hospice. She was born July 10, 1925, in Northfield, Minn. A resident for 14 years, she was a retired accountant.

Higher ed touted as fix for Nevada tech woes: Kevin Ferguson; A technology partnership of government, business and education leaders is trying once again to diversify the Nevada economy -- a much-discussed but un-fulfilled goal for years.

Plant's emission request is denied: Mary Manning and Rebecca Malone; LAUGHLIN -- The Nevada Environmental Commission has sided with residents who oppose easing emission standards at the Mohave Generating Station.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Cavagnaro may have been forced out: Dean Juipe; In light of the supposedly mixed review he received from the president of the university when his contract was about to expire this past spring, there seemed to be something fishy about UNLV athletic director Charlie Cavagnaro announcing his retirement -- effective in another year -- as he did Wednesday.

Native Nevadan Bunker dies at 80: When former Sen. Berkeley Bunker, D-Nev., died on his wife Della's 78th birthday and the couple's 10th wedding anniversary two years ago, she stepped up and delivered the speech he had planned for that night at the dedication of the Berkeley Bunker Elementary School.

News briefs for June 22, 2001: Metro Police homicide detectives are investigating the death of a man whose body was found in a desert area near Sam Boyd Stadium Thursday morning.

Joe Delaney remembers 2000: Acosta at Luxor: Joe Delaney remembers 2000: Acosta at Luxor

Soccer: Organizational meet at Sierra Vista High: Soccer: Organizational meet at Sierra Vista High

Former court clerk pleads guilty to pocketing fines: Kim Smith; A former Goodsprings Justice Court clerk pleaded guilty Thursday to stealing almost $40,000 in traffic fines.

Residents' water bills to go up: Water rates in the Las Vegas Valley will go up in the foreseeable future because of increased electricity costs.

Henderson's desert setting attractive to DirecTV: Kevin Ferguson; Henderson's terrain, dry climate and good access to fiber optic cables are reasons the desert city is being studied by DirecTV owner Hughes Electronics as a possible site to launch a major satellite operation, a company official said.

Moore, Elston win golf crowns: Victoria Sun; Pat Moore showed up at the Las Vegas Founders' Legacy Junior tournament feeling unusually relaxed and comfortable.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Sponsorship money may cost Hearn his job: It must seem like deja vu all over again for Richie Hearn.

Iowa regulators OK Harrah's casino deals: The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission approved the purchase of Harveys Casino Resorts and Bluffs Run, contingent on approval by the Federal Trade commission and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

Role of aircraft lessors unclear in National case: A $181.5 million offer to acquire Las Vegas-based National Airlines has been withdrawn by billionaire financier Carl Icahn, Bloomberg News reported Thursday.

Lady Luck owner beats expectations for cash flow: That's down substantially from the net income of $13 million, or 41 cents per share, reported in the year-ago period. Earnings were reduced, however, by $3.2 million after taxes in non-recurring items; excluding these items, Isle of Capri reported earnings of 37 cents per share, topping analyst estimates of 33 cents per share.

Tark, Fresno won't play game at Mandalay Bay: Steve Addy; It seemed like a cool idea at the time, but Jerry Tarkanian won't be bringing his Fresno State team to Las Vegas next season.

Veteran Nevada Highway Patrol trooper Nunn dies at 78: No one is ever happy to get a ticket from a Nevada Highway Patrol trooper, but former NHP Sgt. Marshall Nunn found himself thanked by those motorists during his 28 years on the force.

Castillejo aiming to garner some respect: Dean Juipe; In many respects, he's as unknown as the bulk of the names that dot his ring resume.

American Legion baseball standings: (Through June 18)

CFO of parent company arrested: Salt Lake County Sheriff's investigators, acting on complaints about parties at Gibbons' home, said they found a significant amount of methamphetamine there, the Deseret News newspaper reported.

Fifth horse track proposed for Pennsylvania: In meetings with lawmakers Wednesday, MTR Gaming, which operates Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Center in Chester, W.Va., said it is willing to invest $56 million over several years to build Presque Isle Downs.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Krathwohl spreads wings during gig at Tropicana: Note to self: I will resist the urge to use bird puns for this lounge column. I will not say it is "for the birds" or because it is free it is "cheep" or that the Birdman is "hawking" animal training tapes in order to save the endangered condors!

Pennywise singer gains wisdom with age: Kirk Baird; During a recent performance in Austria while on a brief European tour, Jim Lindberg, frontman for Southern California punk band Pennywise, took a routine stage dive -- something he does at most shows.

Opportunity Village opens furniture store: Rebecca Malone; People usually have two choices when it comes to buying furniture:

Where I Stand--Mike O'Callaghan: A dangerous situation: THE 2001 Nevada Legislature made an attempt to relieve the shortage of nurses in our state. Their efforts can be compared to spitting on a forest fire hoping to put it out. Their good intentions, by providing funds in AB378 and additional dollars for WICHE, should be applauded, but 20 or 30 scholarships won't get the job done. Lately not too many talented young people are eager to enter this honorable profession. Certainly there are fewer entering than the number leaving every year, and as the demand increases even larger numbers from the baby boomer generation of nurses will be ...

Letter: State's strategy on nuke waste is all wrong: But I believe the $4 million Gov. Kenny Guinn is looking at spending to take the state's anti-Yucca Mountain gospel to other states is a waste of our taxpayer dollars and becomes basically a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Violence, child abuse a natural link: Sandy Thompson; A SPECIALIZED unit at Child Protective Services is making headway in changing the way we look at domestic violence with regard to children.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Spiedini a fine answer to an age-old question: "Where should we eat?" It's a question I'm asked every time friends come to town. It's not as easy to answer as it once was. There are so many choices, so many prices, so many friends with different tastes.

Datebook: The West Las Vegas Arts Center Amphitheater, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., presents "Stuart Little" at 8 p.m. today as part of its Neighborhood Family Film Festival. Admission is free. Call 229-4800.

Letter: Bush's rating plunges, with good reason: When you add to that the performance and lack of integrity of key members of his executive staff, one has to wonder if he is more interested in lining the pockets of his cohorts from "Big Business" than he is about the welfare of the nation.

Letter: Nuclear industry steers Congress: The reason for the suit is the EPA had the nerve to set any radiation standard on water. The nuclear power lobby would rather have no standards.

This week's races: NASCAR WINSTON CUP Dodge/Save Mart 350

Editorial: Taking dumping seriously: Sadly, individuals and businesses have found that it's easy to simply dump their garbage on vacant lots, including land that is owned by the federal government. Old washing machines, bed mattresses and other household items are dumped by individuals, but enforcement officers note that most of the problem is from construction and landscaping businesses. Violators rarely get caught, and scofflaws believe it's worth the risk to dump their garbage illegally here in the valley instead of hauling it to the Apex landfill, 15 miles north of Las Vegas, where they have to pay to have it deposited.

Letter: Spies operate at high levels: In an address in Washington, D.C., Shelby quoted a Defense Security Service publication of 1997 that listed more than 120 cases "of espionage-related activities against the United States from 1975 to 1997 -- and those were just the ones that got caught."

LV educational program targets Hispanics parents: By Timothy Pratt; Rosa Alejandre, 28, has gotten a jump-start on her 5-year-old daughter Victoria's education.

Actor brings Noel Coward's life story to stage: Kimberley McGee; "If love were all."

Editorial: Don't end oversight of nuke dump: Throughout its existence the Yucca Mountain Project has received stinging rebukes for not only its slipshod scientific investigation, but also for its sorry management. In 1999 a GAO report noted that $6.5 billion and 15 years later, the Yucca Mountain Project was still 12 years behind schedule. This obviously wouldn't be a ringing endorsement to decrease oversight of that project. Nevadans naturally are frightened about giving a budgetary green light to an agency that has not earned the public's trust.

Library Forces the issue with 'Star Wars' filmfest: Kirk Baird; Luke, Leia, Han, Darth and, oh yeah, Jar-Jar.

Some legislators already are looking at other opportunities: Erin Neff; The 2001 Legislature left a bad taste in the mouths of many lawmakers.

Editorial: The price we have to pay for efficiency?: It's no secret that some casinos have been using slot machines that dispensed a printout receipt for reimbursement instead of coins, but their numbers were relatively small. But "coinless" slot machines took a huge step forward last week when Park Place Entertainment, a gaming industry giant, ordered 15,000 of these machines. Park Place executives tout the convenience to customers of not having to lug around a tub of quarters, but let's not forget these machines save money for the penny-pinching casinos through operational efficiencies. Park Place executives also note that the new machines still will give gamblers the option of ...

Letter: Veterans fed up with runaround: I dare say there are tens of thousands of vets who are angry at the government for the despicable way in which they are treated, and it is not the fault of Veterans Affairs.

Fight to the finish: Special session could haunt legislators in re-election bids: Erin Neff; Midnight's approach often evokes thoughts of new beginnings, religious experiences or a spooky fright at a children's sleepover.

Columnist Mike O'Callaghan: Reilly's qualifications negate need for search for Askew successor: Wisely the Clark County Commission ignored editorials in both Southern Nevada daily newspapers, which called for a search to replace outgoing County Manager Dale Askew. Those editorials were written after some commissioners expressed the desire to appoint Thomas F. Reilly without further searching for a replacement.

Ruling could hinder disabled workers: Fallon resident Robert Robison has a bone to pick with the U.S. Supreme Court.

'La Femme' is hardly bachelor-party fare: Kirk Baird; In an opening film montage for MGM Grand's new topless show, "La Femme," it states in bright bold letters: "Art was woman; woman was art."

Columnist Jon Ralston: James in odd quest for power: THE BEST ASPECT of the pundit business is not what you might expect.

National Hispanic groups taking notice of Nevada: By Timothy Pratt; Claudia Monterrosa spontaneously slipped into Spanish as she remembered what caused her to first take notice of Las Vegas and Nevada.

Columnist Jeff German: Gamers are finally in battle over Yucca: BETTER LATE than never.

Editorial: Water District takes right outreach steps: Newcomers whose principal language is Spanish ultimately will have to learn English, but in the interim it is essential that government communicates with them effectively so that they understand the importance of water conservation. Water can't be squandered in the desert, and all efforts should be taken to save this precious resource, including the distribution of conservation materials in Spanish.

Lawyers will stay on Vigoa robbery case: Kim Smith; A Las Vegas justice of the peace this morning denied defense attorneys' request to be removed from the Jose Vigoa case.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Exercising her right to write: Nothing says "you're morons" like a letter.

Lighting Dy-no-mite: Kimberley McGee; Jimmie "J.J." Walker may be a self-described quiet man, but his voice booms with fervor when he discusses his views on politics, society and race relations.

Cancer-stricken dad needs help to send girl to camp: She went last year and enjoyed being with her friends. Her family expressed their appreciation for that opportunity and hope she can go again this year.

Strutting her stuff: Kirk Baird; Vamping her way through such naughty singles as "Sugar Walls" and "U Got the Look," in the '80s Sheena Easton had the pop singer-as-vixen act down even as Madonna was beginning hers.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Winnemucca decision a winner: Well, it's about time Nevada was first in something good.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Quiet man comes to town: THE LAST DAY OF MAY former Secretary of State Warren Christopher and his wife, Marie, came to Nevada at the request of Ron Boeddeker and Henry Gluck of Lake Las Vegas Resort. In that very special setting Christopher sat down in front of a luncheon gathering to answer the questions of popular television personality and news reporter Gwen Castaldi. The combination of Castaldi, now president of Eyespeakmedia Inc., and Christopher gave the guests a good look at top professionals in their chosen fields.

Math teachers go back to school: Erica Johnson; School is out, but Douglas Slag, a local high school math teacher, was in class Wednesday, learning innovative ways to teach algebra to his own students this fall.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Hollywood Park: 1st Race -- Sharp Looking Dude -- Draws good spot for route opener, Nakatani atop Beltas trainee, adds blinkers for this trip. Golden Bonus -- Draws just outside top pick, Baze takes this Baker trainee, should get good trip here. Value Play -- Smokeville

Neff breezes to title: Steve Addy; Aside from volunteering to pin-spot, Steve Neff couldn't have done any more this week in the PBA Las Vegas Seniors Open at the Orleans.

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

LV's MacCachren maintains his SCORE lead: MacCachren, a second-generation Southern Nevada desert racer, has won Class 1-2/1600 in his VW-powered Fraley race car twice so far, marking his first SCORE races in the 1600cc class since his rookie season in 1983.

PCL box: Salt Lake-Las Vegas: LOB--Salt Lake 4; Las Vegas 9. 2B--Morgan, Prieto, Barry. HR--K. Johnson (5), Pena (4). SB--Aven. CS--Hiatt.

The Strip at LVMS point standings: Import Eliminator: 1. Bill Dudley 637; 2. Lawrence Craig 409; 3. Trevor Colon 398 4. Derek Schimanke 281; 5. Josh Hill 221; 6. John Pili 200; 7. Nick Dressler 168; 8. Santo Phommasak 145; 9. Errol Farmer 106; 10. Joe Mixson 105; 11. Santizay Nhoyboyakong 104; 12. Frank Villa 95; 13. Chris Cook 93; 14. Yash Gokul 92; 15. Marcel Gonzalez 84.

The Bullring at LVMS point standings: 1. Dick Cobb 305; 2. Jason Allen 302; 3. Wayne Jacks 296; 4. Billy Newman 291; 5. Ray Hooper Jr. 288; 6. Steve Anderson 285; 7. Mike Ray 267; 8. Rich Attisani 267; 9. George Antill 254; 10. Steve Rzesnowiecky 178; 11. Dennis Rock 231; 12. Chuck Trickle 227; 13. Darren Michaels 227; 14. Kyle Busch 226; 15. Lance Magin 202.