Print edition for March 30, 2001

Casino agrees to slots at track: Currently, three of the state's tracks are eligible to have slots, but the Fair Grounds is excluded because of Harrah's monopoly in New Orleans. If that monopoly is breached, the casino does not have to pay the state any taxes.

Pioneer radio, TV traffic reporter '007' Emery dies at 68: On Nov. 21, 1980, while many Las Vegas news reporters were being dispatched to the MGM Grand blaze, radio traffic reporter Chuck "007" Emery already was there filing some of the first accounts of the worst tragedy in Southern Nevada history.

Pollution endangers fish reproduction: By Mary Manning; Three types of male fish in Lake Mead show evidence of reproductive problems, scientists reported Thursday.

Bill allowing high-end areas rolling through the Senate: CARSON CITY -- A bill to attract mega high-rollers who can afford to lose big sums like $20 million at Las Vegas casinos appears to have clear sailing in the Senate.

Trial in Strip fatal delayed: Juanita Kim McDonald, 25, had been scheduled to go to trial April 2, but District Judge Mark Gibbons agreed to delay the trial at the request of the attorneys, one of whom is involved in another trial.

Judge OKs World Trade Center sale: Grace Leong; A probate court judge on Thursday approved the $14.1 million sale of the 310-room World Trade Center to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, rejecting efforts by the widow of late hotel owner Leonard Shoen to block the deal.

Obituaries for March 30, 2001: Donald Bartels, 64, of Las Vegas died March 14 in Las Vegas. He was born Jan. 29, 1937, in Illinois. A resident for 24 years, he was a retired maintenance man.

Williams sentencing brings out emotions: Kim Smith; Tears, sobs, angry words and gasps of indignation filled the courtroom this morning as the sentencing hearing of Jessica Williams began.

Mayor, council members cleared: Erin Neff and Diana Sahagun; A two-member panel of the state Ethics Commission on Thursday dismissed a complaint against Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and three other City Council members related to a vote on a tavern license for political consultant Sig Rogich.

Recent Las Vegas-area business-related bankruptcies: Robert Durr Hill, formerly doing business as Worldwide Water Distributing Inc., 2243 Cassatt Drive, filed for Chapter 7. Assets and liabilities were not reported.

Federal suit claims bias in airport hiring: Adrienne Packer; Michael Jordan was once a loyal McCarran International Airport employee who until a decade ago gradually rose through the ranks in a department where he has worked half his life.

Carpenters' union cuts ties with AFL-CIO over direction: In Las Vegas The Carpenters union has emerged as a high-profile force in the labor movement and politics in fast-growing Las Vegas and Nevada, where construction continues to be a booming industry. Carpenters union members typically work on high-profile jobs like hotel-casinos, Southern Nevada Water Authority projects and the expansion of the LasVegas Convention Center.

New roadblocks to casinos urged: CARSON CITY -- City council members and county commissioners would have greater power to thwart neighborhood casinos under a bill being heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Vending machines going high tech: Angie Wagner; The days of fumbling for enough change to buy that chocolate bar from the vending machine are over. Whip out your cell phone, call a number and charge the candy to your bill.

Nevada aims to be first in Web gaming: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- Nevada has the ability to be the first state to enter the multi-billion dollar Internet gaming market, witnesses testified this morning.

Health insurance plan criticized: CARSON CITY -- The managers of the program for health insurance for state workers this morning were sharply criticized by legislators who projected that the proposed rate structure would lead to a $5 million shortfall.

Mayor could face city ethics charges: Jeffrey Libby; Before the din has quieted on the unprecedented mid-term raises the Boulder City Council voted itself last June, Mayor Robert Ferraro could face another charge of ethics violations.

Joe Delaney remembers 1988: Anderson at Dunes: The Top of the Dunes was noted for hosting top jazz names as well, including the Four Freshmen, Anita O'Day and the late Joe Williams. By day it was a gourmet-brunch favorite. During April Anderson will perform at the Las Vegas Hilton's Nightclub, then head to Atlantic City for the summer.

Appeals court rejects gay man's sexual harassment claim: CARSON CITY -- In a 2-1 decision, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has rejected the petition of a gay employee of the MGM Grand hotel-casino who said he was repeatedly subjected to sexual harassment by his co-workers.

Noted Italian chef Secci dies: Enzo Secci, an Italian-born and trained chef whose earthy Tuscany-style dishes have been a culinary treasure at the Bellagio's Circo restaurant, died Monday of a heart attack while bicycling. He was 36.

Gaming group says poll is proof that colleges profit from illegal gambling: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Newspapers at all 65 universities taking part in the NCAA basketball tournament would accept advertising for Internet gambling sites, a recent poll by the gaming industry's leading lobby group says.

Scientists see greater quake danger: More studies on LV faults find new dangers: New evidence shows the Las Vegas Valley is prone to larger and more frequent earthquakes than previously believed, scientists attending a conference at UNLV were told today.

Contractor seeks to foreclose on Strip property: In a Clark County District Court lawsuit, Fluor Enterprises Inc. seeks to foreclose on the property on the Las Vegas Strip.

Energy woes may not hurt casinos much: David Anders, a gaming and lodging research analyst for New York-based Merrill Lynch, said not every consumer would be paying the highest rates.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Bernsteins bringing father-son show to town: Kenny Bernstein is hoping to turn next weekend's SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals into a family affair.

'Virtual high school' students lose in court: Stacy J. Willis; Nevada high school students who want the state to pay for them to attend "virtual high school" lost a battle Thursday in Washoe County District Court.

Loyalty to UNLV didn't pay off for Good: Steve Addy; When Max Good's cell phone rang Wednesday night, it was UNLV athletic director Charlie Cavagnaro, calling to say that Charlie Spoonhour had been hired to replace him as the Rebels' basketball coach.

'The Show' earns high rating from Dallimore: Steve Guiremand; Most of his Arizona Diamondbacks teammates were already in the showers by time Brian Dallimore signed his final autograph and trotted off the field Thursday night at Cashman Field.

Tax proposal draws fire in Assembly: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- A Las Vegas lobbyist asked an Assembly committee Thursday why state lawmakers want to take local government money and then tell cities and counties to raise taxes to make up for the loss.

End of line for routes?: Routes at stake

IBP merger off, stock slumps: Thursday's decision came nine days after IBP said an investigation into its appetizer unit, DFG Foods, uncovered potential manipulation of financial records and product theft, and mismanagement by former unit managers.

Where I stand 1988--Hank Greenspun: PEPCON fire an example of corporate greed: There must be a higher authority than a greedy, soulless, out-of-state corporate structure that insists on placing Nevada citizens in peril of their lives.

News of the day 1988: The body of an unidentified male was found near the plant at 8 p.m., several hours after the jarring blasts ripped through the Pacific Engineering Co.

Lake level threatens docks: A bad snow season in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana could spell trouble on Lake Mead this summer.

Task force studies bloom of algae: Nevada environmental officials on Thursday formed a task force to study a large, green algae bloom blanketing Las Vegas Bay.

Internet bulletin board full of mixed views: -- Compiled by Steve Addy

Assembly resolution backs annual sessions: CARSON CITY -- The Assembly narrowly approved a resolution Thursday calling for annual legislative sessions.

Special Olympics Nevada showcases Las Vegas woman's artistic abilities: Twenty-five years ago Alisa Goldstein, who her mother described as a sharp, good-humored child, was struck by a car in front of her Las Vegas home and thrown 120 feet.

Blood evidence debated: Kim Smith; A forensics expert with Metro Police retook the stand this morning as prosecutors continued their quest to prove Margaret Rudin shot her husband to death six years ago.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Tracing songstress Morgan's career path: Joe Delaney; Lorrie Morgan, performing at the Orleans through Sunday, is an example of the new breed of female country music singers such as Faith Hill ... Morgan's diverse career includes recorded duets with Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis and Andy Williams ... She was the featured distaff artist on the Eagles' tribute album, "Common Thread" ... She has also been featured on radio, television and print advertising for Dr. Pepper and Wrangler Jeans.

Editorial: Tougher regulation at home ...: Legislation started getting traction that would bar Sierra Pacific, the parent company of Nevada Power, from selling its power plants. When California initiated its electric deregulation, it forced its utilities to sell its power plants, which led to their purchase by out-of-state companies. These companies showed their neighborliness by engaging in price gouging, which has devastated customers in the Golden State. Not wanting to witness a repeat here, Nevada lawmakers are set to forestall sales of power plants for some time, which is a wise move.

Where I stand--Brian Greenspun: Let lawyers do their jobs: I HATE BEING put into this position, but every once in a while I have to speak out for the lawyers.

Editorial: Sun offers its choices in Tuesday's primary: After battling a lengthy illness, Las Vegas Municipal Court Judge Seymore Brown retired in June 2000. A short time after his death, the Las Vegas City Council appointed Betsy Kolkoski to fill that vacancy. Kolkoski, who is seeking election, has strived to reduce the traditionally long waiting times for people to pay their moving violation fines. Kolkoski has touted the change that she has initiated, which allows people to pay their fines at a front counter instead of having to wait to appear before a judge. The Sun endorses Betsy Kolkoski for her judicial soundness and willingness to improve the ...

Mills angry with portrayal in book: Lamond Mills isn't pleased with the way the authors of a new book on Las Vegas portray his tenure as Nevada's U.S. attorney in the early 1980s.

Still Smokin': By Kirk Baird; Want to quit smoking? Tommy Chong's got the answer and, not surprisingly, the Bush administration isn't going to be pleased.

Funny folks compete for 'Fool'-ish title: Information

Columnist Jerry Fink: Lounges remain part of fabric of Las Vegas: Unless a lounge entertainer dies, it's hard for him or her to get any press these days. The spotlight is on massive showrooms, while lounges have been relegated to the wings.

Letter: Saying thanks for a column of remembrances: Mr. Greenspun's description of Las Vegas in the early '50s was a walk down memory lane for me. I remember those segregated sections in the movie theaters, the one night each week that was set aside for blacks at the skating rink, and the underpass between Main and "D" Street on Bonanza, which was known as the "Iron Curtain." I had a rude awakening as a young child who recently moved from Los Angeles to the racist and segregated small town of Las Vegas -- which was also known as the "Mississippi of the West." A rude awakening is putting ...

Authors 'dead wrong' about media coverage: Sally Denton and Roger Morris are "dead wrong" in their assertion that the Las Vegas media sugarcoated its coverage of MGM Grand Inc.'s takeover of Mirage Resorts Inc.

LVMS points standings: Late Models: 1. Wayne Jacks 49, 2. Barry Bradshaw 48, 3. Ray Hooper, Jr., 4. Rich Attisani 46, 5. Jim Wulfenstein 44, 6. Chris Clyne 42, 7. Jeff Perkins 41, 8. Dick Cobb 40, 9. Dennis Rock 40, 10. Jason Allen 40, 11. Steve Rzesnoweicky 36, 12. Mike Ray 34, 13. George Antill 34, 14. Jeff Coleman 32, 15. Richard Bridges 32

Columnist Jeff German: Rudin case brings out law's best: THERE'S something about a high-profile murder case that pares down our justice system to the bone.

Did a little too much celebrating? Instead of turning on ignition, turn on to Designated Drivers: Angela Soo; A company that ensures that both drinkers and their cars get home safely made it difficult to come up with a believable excuse for driving under the influence.

Anti-Yucca forces distorting facts: The distortion of facts by the anti-Yucca Mountain people makes federal government-sponsored Yucca Mountain information a necessity, if the truth is to get out. These "nonlobbyists," who are opposed to Yucca Mountain, use our public funds and forums to disperse their ill-informed, nonprofessional views. I would rather hear from professionals who know the facts than a bunch of neophytes without credentials in nuclear geology.

Holmes starts year 2 at Harrah's on high note: Joe Delaney; Clint Holmes has just started his second year headlining at Harrah's. Judging by the capacity crowd and its enthusiastic response recently throughout his 90-minute, mostly-new show, Harrah's main showroom could be his entertainment "home sweet home" for many years to come.

Columnist Sal DeFilippo: McMahon should try hostile takeover of NFL: Sal DeFilippo; The biggest news in the XFL right now has nothing to do with football. Or TV ratings. Or cheerleaders.

Editorial: Patience is the key to success: For that matter, the city should listen to the suggestions made by the Urban Land Institute, which successfully has helped other big cities, such as San Diego, develop their downtowns. "This needs to stand on its own as a world-class project," said James Goodell, chairman of the Urban Land Institute. "It needs to give Las Vegas a civic statement that is befitting of a major world-class city." For starters, Goodell said gaming shouldn't be considered, which is a smart recommendation. Some of the ideas under consideration that have real potential include an academic medical center, performing arts center and high-density ...

Columnist Susan Snyder: Book filled with outside information: Ah, spring.

Williams heats up Garcia attacks: CARSON CITY -- Assemblyman Wendell Williams stepped up his criticism of Carlos Garcia Thursday, theatening to "bury" the Clark County school superintendent.

Jessica Williams' statement: I am accountable for having driven the vehicle that struck them. I am accountable for using marijuana, a prohibited substance. But while I was wrong to have used marijuana or experimented with ecstasy, I would never have driven in an impaired state of mind. I will never again engage in actions such as that, outside the bounds of the law, for my regard for the law has become clear and important to me.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Spoonhour has chance to be ideal: Dean Juipe; You can see that he'll be good on the rubber-chicken circuit.

New book misses mark on Vegas' past: A new insider's book on Las Vegas is causing well-known Nevadans to recall painful memories of a stormy political time two decades ago in this colorful city.

On the Bill: Kimberley McGee; Bill Engvall is the funniest comedian you may never have heard of.

Centennial license plate supported: The group, Volunteers for a Centennial Celebration, came up with the idea of a special license place after attending a leadership class offered through the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce.

2001 NCAA Final Four schedule: THE FINAL FOUR

UNLV law school seeks clinic location downtown: Diana Sahagun; The dean of the UNLV law school is in preliminary discussions with Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman to bring a law clinic to downtown.

With new coach in place, recruits weighing options: Steve Addy; Rebels recruit Marcus Banks can write his own ticket after starring for Dixie College in the national JC tournament.

'Moodies' not blue over snubbing: By Kirk Baird; The title of the Moody Blues' latest album, "Hall of Fame," is a bit misleading.

Bayno: Spoon will need more than luck to build a winner: Steve Addy; Bill Bayno wishes Charlie Spoonhour "all the luck in the world."

Coach's day in court causes more pain for his victims: Stacy J. Willis and Kim Smith; He is waiting in the courthouse hall, wearing his adolescence in the awkward way that boys do -- he's taller than he acts and still too skinny to fill out his crisp shirt and pleated pants.

UNLV basketball coach hiring time line: Dec. 12 -- Coach Bill Bayno fired in aftermath of NCAA sanctions; assistant Max Good takes over as head coach without interim title.

Strait tour hits town: Jim Patterson; NASHVILLE, Tenn. George Strait's latest tour of stadiums is the hottest ticket of the year for country music fans. Performers, too.

Letter: Nuke industry dropped ball on waste foresight: I realize this is way after the fact, but why weren't nuclear generating stations constructed to include facilities from the get-go for 100 percent self-containment, thereby eliminating the need for dangerous movement of their hazardous nuclear waste?

UNLV's man of the Spoonhour: Victoria Sun; UNLV's newest men's basketball coach isn't the once sought after Rick Pitino, who ultimately decided to coach at Louisville.

Baseball: Brigham Young hammers Rebels: UNLV's David Trujillo extended his hitting streak to seven games with a 1-for-3 effort. He drove in two runs and scored once. Garett Shitanishi and Joe Jacobitz each finished with two hits, while Brent Johnson finished 1-for-3 with one RBI. UNLV and BYU play game two of the three-game set tonight at 7.

39th Ebony Fashion Show will be a dream come true: Kimberley McGee; Information

Letter: Utilities have friend in Guinn: The governor told the Nevada Legislature that he wants the state's electric utilities to recover full costs when buying high-priced fuel. What's with this guy! Rather than abiding by the current agreement, which provides for partial recovery, our leader in Carson City wants them to get it all. Wish I owned an electric utility in Nevada and had a pal like Guinn. Whose interests is the governor taking care of: his pals or Nevada citizens?

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Santa Anita: 1st Race -- Vodka Talking - Gomez scales Gaines trainee for owner Harris Farms, Inc., draws good outside post for sprint opener, Talking like winner? Raise The Tempo - Training at Hollypark, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post, Puglisi/Aguirre combo dangerous. Value Play -- Dancing March

Columnist Jon Ralston: Peculiar times in Nevada politics: AMAZING HOW every year, right around this time, the political notebook overflows with unbelievable developments. I wonder why. Please, read to the end, lest you miss one of these valuable nuggets:

Thursday's prep results: BASEBALL

Columnist Susan Snyder: At what cost to save a life: Your kid won't die without a personal computer.

Where I stand--Brian Greenspun: Don't tread on us: "WE HAVE a political problem with the state of Nevada that is serious with reference to the state's fighting the federal government."

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Now's the time to do the right thing: Sandy Thompson; AFTER TALKING to William Epstein, you don't know whether to cry, punch a hole in the wall, march on Washington or go home and crawl under the bed covers.