Print edition for May 2, 2001

Court briefs for May 2, 2001: A Las Vegas man was sentenced to four to 10 years in prison Tuesday in connection with a June 1995 stabbing death.

Jury hears first barrage in Miller-Jones lawsuit: Attorneys for former Las Vegas Mayor Jan Laverty Jones and former Las Vegas Councilman Steve Miller have set the stage for what could be a nasty two-week battle treading on the reputations of both high-profile individuals.

DMV report: Drivers' lack of attention key cause of fatalities: Jace Radke; A Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety report on traffic fatalities points to drivers failing to keep to their lanes, speeding and losing concentration as the biggest factors in the 307 fatal accidents statewide in 1999.

Lake Tahoe activists lobby for federal funds: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Like alpine wildflowers blooming in spring, Lake Tahoe activists have popped up again in the nation's capital to lobby for federal money for restoration efforts at the famed lake.

Class-size changes offered as answer to school budget woes: CARSON CITY -- In this tight upcoming budget, the state might be able to save $20 million by putting more students in each classroom in the primary grades, a legislative leader said Tuesday.

Vegas flight count ebbed in April: Growth study

Wet, cool April doesn't ease drought: Sandra Chereb; RENO -- A wet, cool April across the northern two-thirds of Nevada did little to ease the drought-like conditions that exist around much of the state, weather experts said Tuesday.

Death penalty measure criticized: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- Sen. Mark James has argued passionately for a moratorium on the death penalty while a study of Nevada's capital punishment system is conducted.

Local news briefs for May 2, 2001: Metro Police have arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with what police say was a gang-related fatal shooting on March 21.

Black-owned banks merge: LOS ANGELES -- Backed by majority shareholders Ervin "Magic" Johnson and Janet Jackson, Founders National Bank of Los Angeles, Boston Bank of Commerce and Miami's Peoples Bank of Commerce have agreed to merge, combining assets of $270 million.

Columnist Victoria Sun: Reece makes move from playing in sand to trying to avoid it: Victoria Sun; Gabrielle Reece was polite, but cautious when discussing her aspirations to play on the LPGA Tour.

Two area judges among nominees for federal posts: Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., chose the four Republicans, from which President George W. Bush will select two.

Stock decline cuts value of Pulte, Del Webb deal: Pulte Homes' stock fell 9.15 percent Tuesday to $42.50, its biggest one-day drop since August 1998, as investors digested its deal to acquire home-building giant Del Webb Corp.

DOE's chief pushes Yucca: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- As Vice President Dick Cheney continues to hint that his much-awaited national energy strategy would include increasing nuclear power output, Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham stressed that developing a high-level nuclear waste dump in Nevada is among his department's highest priorities.

Suspect in slaying, police assault displays odd behavior at hearing: Kim Smith; The man accused of strangling a prostitute and running over a police officer was led from the courtroom this morning after he displayed unusual behavior.

NLV operator's results increase: MTR reported net income of $4.3 million, or 17 cents per diluted share, compared to $3.4 million, or 13 cents per share, in the year-ago quarter. Revenues increased 35 percent to $48.6 million, while cash flow rose 28 percent to $9.7 million.

Bush administration asked to help lure foreign tourists to United States: WASHINGTON -- Concerned that the United States has fallen behind in international tourism, travel executives and politicians lobbied for a federal advisory committee to promote the U.S. travel industry at a meeting with White House officials.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Jury awards ref's family $55 million: Dean Juipe; As a good man who routinely works with underprivileged kids and gives freely of his time to a number of worthy causes, Joe Cortez has an influence that far exceeds his role as boxing's finest referee.

Officer's falsified report revealed: Keith Paul; A Metro Police sergeant filed false reports during an internal investigation he conducted that cleared an officer of a misconduct complaint filed by a citizen, police officials told the Sun Tuesday.

Commission approves DA's adviser on building delays: Adrienne Packer; Shortly after Clark County commissioners hired a consultant to help move along the county's largest capital project in its history, county administrators downplayed disputes that have contributed to a series of delays.

Study cites state's ongoing education failures: Jennifer Knight; Although Nevada has made significant progress in higher education and political leadership compared with other states, it falls behind in K-12 education, Medicaid and services for the disabled and elderly, a new study says.

Columnist Paula DelGiudice: Spawning peaks for largemouths: Paula DelGiudice; Fishing season is here and it's time to start planning some junkets to take advantage of some of the best fishing of the year. As outgoing chair of the board of the National Wildlife Federation, I was given a beautiful new fly rod, reel and fly tying vise and I hope to make good use of them soon.

School district braces for 'tough two years': Terry Webster and Diana Sahagun; State budget developments have left Clark County School Superintendent Carlos Garcia with one comment: "It's going to be a tough two years."

LVCVA closes on purchase: The previous owner was Amerco Enterpreneurial Institute Inc., founded by the late Leonard Shoen, founder of U-Haul International Inc. Luke Puschnig, attorney for the LVCVA, said the 314-room hotel was closed shortly before the LVCVA took possession of the East Desert Inn Road property.

Bankers' help likely needed to keep Aladdin from bankruptcy: David Strow; The Las Vegas Strip's $1.2 billion Aladdin hotel-casino passed a potentially dangerous date Tuesday with no difficulties, but will likely need assistance from its bankers later this summer to avoid bankruptcy, Wall Street analysts say.

Columnist Peter Benton: South African course impresses Nicklaus: Peter Benton; "This is one of the most beautiful courses I have ever seen," said Jack Nicklaus last week of the Links Course at the Fancourt Hotel and Country Club Estate in George, South Africa.

Jury dispute halts trial temporarily: Kim Smith; As jurors headed into the fifth day of deliberations this morning it appears as though Margaret Rudin's fate rests in the hands of one juror -- Juror 11.

Rudin found guilty of murdering millionaire husband: Rudin showed no emotion as the verdict was read.

County might be alone in loss of DMV tax: Adrienne Packer; Clark County may soon be the only entity in the state required to forfeit its motor vehicle privilege tax to help fund a statewide teachers' raise, a notion that infuriated county commissioners Tuesday.

Spoonhour signs JC guard Bigby, adding backcourt depth: Steve Addy; UNLV's signing of junior college guard Lamar Bigby on Tuesday was out of necessity as much as desire.

Inquest called in '96 shooting: Keith Paul; The death of a man who was in a coma for more than five years after he was shot by Metro Police has led to a call for a coroner's inquest.

Winds cause health warning: Winds gusting between 50 and 60 miles per hour are expected through tonight as cold air from Alaska pushes through Nevada today, National Weather Service officials said.

Mesquite property adding timeshares: The Casablanca will have 27 timeshare units when complete. Jerry Ransdell, the project's broker, estimated the three-story project will cost $1.5 million.

Councilman asks Mission Hills residents to accept campus site: Jeffrey Libby; Henderson Councilman Jack Clark asked about 180 Mission Hills residents gathered at City Hall Tuesday to remember the neighborhoods they had grown up in and put aside the negativism he says is controlling discussion of a proposed state college site just south of their rural homes.

Downtown redevelopment agency cites funds shortage: Diana Sahagun; At a time when Las Vegas officials are moving full-speed ahead with plans to revitalize downtown with new housing, commercial and retail projects, the city's chief redevelopment agency is running out of money.

CCSN official Ruter dies: Ruter was at the college for four years, where he was in charge of budgets, construction and maintenance. Ruter was known by colleagues as someone who cared deeply about the college and his family.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Thursday's races at Hollywood Park: 1st Race -- Shesontheroadagain - Draws good middle spot for 7-panel opener, Julio aboard Perdomo trainee, adds blinkers for this. Hot And Spicy - Baze on Baffert trainee, should be in the front flight from inner post here, winners circle could get Hot And Spicy for opener. Value Play -- Lugu Lake

Columnist Ron Kantowski: It's time for CART to leave ovals: Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) has been criticized by fans and media for calling off Sunday's Firestone Firehawk 600 at Texas Motor Speedway when doctors and even a NASA expert confirmed that 235-mph speeds in concert with a 24-degree high-banked track would result in excessive G loads that could cause drivers to black out.

Verdict reached in Rudin trial: Kim Smith; A verdict was reached this morning in the murder trial of Margaret Rudin.

Nevada budget in $121 million hole: CARSON CITY -- Pay raises for state workers and a bonus for schoolteachers apparently are safe from the chopping block, despite the state's expected $121.5 million shortfall in tax revenues over the next two years.

State board investigates Murphy team: The stepped-up activities of Sandy Murphy's defense team have come under the scrutiny of the Nevada Private Investigators Licensing Board.

Coyotes hungry to even the score in tournament: Victoria Sun; CCSN baseball coach Tim Chambers remembers the sting he felt after his team was ousted from the double-elimination National Junior College Athletic Association Region I baseball tournament last year.

Strike averted, talks to continue: LOS ANGELES -- Negotiations between Hollywood screenwriters and producers and studio heads ended this morning without a new deal but with promises to resume talks, temporarily averting a strike that would halt TV and movie production.

Columnist Jeff Haney: Root states Nevada's case on Fox News show: On Capitol Hill this week, the white hats from Nevada were overcome by a familiar frustration as they heard the same old, astonishingly naive rhetoric spouted by proponents of a ban on college sports betting.

Vegas led nation in job growth in '99: There's plenty of work to be found in Las Vegas.

Rebels slip to seventh at MWC tournament: SUNRIVER, Ore. -- Still playing in poor weather conditions, the UNLV men's golf team shot a 19-over par 307 and slipped to seventh place after the second round of the eight-team Mountain West Conference Championships at the Crosswater Course at Sunriver Resort on Tuesday.

Thursday's horse racing entries: Post Time 1:10 p.m.

Letter: Capitol hearings on gas prices were for show: As an example, Chevron purchased the Gulf Refinery at Port Arthur, Texas, a few years back. This refinery was a large refinery, which had an estimated capacity of refining 100,000 barrels of crude per day. It employed approximately 1,700 workers. Shortly after Chevron purchased this refinery they closed it down, dismantled the refinery and sold the equipment to foreign countries.

Editorial: Compassion warrants immigrant extension: White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said the president was concerned about what would happen to the immigrant families, who in some cases would be forced to separate, if a deadline extension isn't granted. "The president stands on the side of these immigrants and their families." We couldn't agree more with the president's sentiments.

Washington news briefs for May 2, 2001: Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., is moving quickly to pass a bill that would ban betting on college sports in Nevada casinos. McCain, chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, held a lively hearing on the bill last week and will attempt to call a committee vote on the bill Thursday. Committee member Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., is expected to attempt to slow the bill.

Savvy wine buy: '99 B & G Cabernet Sauvignon: Available at Smith's, $5.99, or $4.99 with a Fresh Values Card.

Portraits at UNLV honor LV women: The portraits were a project of UNLV student LeeAnn Marston, a senior in the Women's Studies Program. She drew portraits of each woman and displayed them with short biographies of their activities.

Letter: A new college would be mistake: Anyone with any vision can see we need to fix these problems rather than spread resources even thinner. Education should not be a joke, but building another university right now would be a mockery.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Plenty of gift ideas for Mom: Show Mom how special you think she is with a sweet gift on Mother's Day, which is May 13.

Columnist Jon Ralston: A sound tax policy would be capital idea: SO THE BUDGET gap is only $121.5 million?

Classroom on Wheels vies for award: The learning program places education, health and computer services in renovated buses that drive into low-income neighborhoods.

Community news briefs for May 2, 2001: The Las Vegas Israel Independence Day Festival will observe Israel's 53rd birthday in a celebration 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at the Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza in Lorenzi Park.

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Desert Passage serves as fine fashion backdrop: Elizabeth Foyt; Fun, innovative and distinctively different in approach, the Desert Passage Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show was a magical journey through the spacious mall on behalf of KidCharities.org, Safe House and Candlelighters for Childhood Cancer.

Editorial: Destructive strategy on energy use: In an attempt to answer his critics, who have said that the administration has given short shrift to conservation, Cheney responded: "To speak exclusively of conservation is to duck the tough issues. Conservation may be a sign of personal virtue, but it is not a sufficient basis for a sound, comprehensive energy policy." Cheney is missing the point, though. Any time there is a shortage, whether it's money or any commodity, people first explore ways to reasonably cut back on consumption in order to dig themselves out of the hole they're in. Conservation, just like the development of more energy ...

Magically delicious: Kirk Baird; Bowled over

Letter: Balkan coverage is misleading: Although Marshall's forgery is exceptionally audacious, her premeditated misrepresentation is entirely typical of the Establishment media's coverage of the Balkans. Marshall's hoax was resurrected during CNN's recent coverage of Milosevic's arrest.

Sierra Club votes down proposal on population control: Members of the national Sierra Club have voted down a proposal that would have urged the United States to control population growth.

PCL Box: Las Vegas-Calgary: E--Durrington, Gilbert, Waszgis, K. Johnson. DP--Las Vegas 3. LOB--Las Vegas 6, Calgary 11. 2B--Aven 2, Mottola, Waszgis, Mota. HR--Martin (1), Thompson 2 (3, 4). SB--Durrington, Becker. SF--Becker.

Review: Arise, Ray Harryhousen, 'The Mummy Returns': Geoff Carter; Grade: THREE STARS

Obituaries for May 2, 2001: Virginia J. Bramante, 87, of Las Vegas died Monday in a local hospice. She was born June 25, 1913, in Little Prairie, Ark. A resident for more than 24 years, she was a retired hotel waitress.

Tuesday's prep results: BASEBALL

Drivers respond to critics of CART: There was little Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) could have done to foresee the problems that led to the indefinite postponement of Sunday's race at Texas Motor Speedway, according to driver Bryan Herta.

Census undercount slashed in Clark County: WASHINGTON -- In the last decade the state of Nevada lost hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding because the 1990 Census undercounted the growing population.

Slumping 51s routed 13-3 by the Cannons: A few hours later, it started raining ... hits, that is, by the host Cannons.

Inner-City Games safe, free recreation for youths: Angela Soo; Students enrolled in the Greater Las Vegas Inner-City Games never have to pay for playing sports.