Print edition for May 25, 2001

Prison psychiatrist focus of investigation: Keith Paul; Clark County officials investigated allegations involving a Las Vegas psychiatrist who treats inmates and determined that the claims -- and the fact that he has been barred from practicing medicine in two other states -- did not affect his status in Nevada.

UNLV's Katie Barto gets NCAA invitation: A native of Henderson and a graduate of Green Valley High School, Barto ranks 18th in the 21-partici- pant field by time. She clocked a personal best 4:22.19 in the event two weeks ago at the Oxy Invitational.

Holiday racing starts tonight at Speedway: The National Mustang Racing Association, Super Comps and Super Eliminators will share The Strip with the National Performance Center E.T. Bracket Racing Series points race number seven on Saturday.

Charter school OK'd: Terry Webster; The Clark County School board has unanimously -- and reluctantly -- granted conditional approval for a new charter school to open this fall.

Teamsters leaders named in Las Vegas scandal: Sun Staff and Wire Reports; A prominent Teamsters official in Chicago tried to steer Las Vegas convention jobs away from the union and to his brother's temporary labor firm, which used non-union workers, a union oversight panel charged.

Southwest Gas trial set for November: The Arizona Republic reported that U.S. District Judge Roslyn Silver dismissed charges filed under the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act in the case, filed by Houston-based Southern Union Co. in 1999 against Southwest Gas Corp., Las Vegas, ONEOK Inc., Tulsa, Okla., and Arizona Corporation Commissioner James Irvin.

Scientists monitor lake algae: Algae facts According to the National Park Service:

PurchasePro founder's $1.2 billion fortune wiped out: Kevin Ferguson; PurchasePro founder Charles "Junior" Johnson was worth $1.26 billion at the height of his Las Vegas company's meteoric rise in stock value in late 1999.

Mother holds hope for daughter in coma: Renee Williams feels blessed to have a daughter and four grandchildren.

Higher education gets boost from subcommittee: CARSON CITY -- A state building program that includes more than $290 million, with 60 percent going to the University and Community College System of Nevada, has been adopted by a Senate-Assembly budget subcommittee.

Sibley leads Sunset seniors to victory: Sibley and Green Valley's Chris McGovern, who homered for the Sunrise, were named the players of the game. Durango's Brandon Campo added a solo homer for the Sunset, which pounded out 15 hits in the nine-inning contest, and Bonanza's Kyle Tabeek picked up the victory in relief.

Dentist shortage weighed against necessity of exam: By Emily Richmond; The long wait for a dental appointment has been a rallying cry for supporters of Senate Bill 133, which would make it easier for dentists to move to Nevada by eliminating a clinical exam under certain circumstances.

News briefs for May 25, 2001: The latest case of childhood leukemia under investigation by the Nevada State Health Division will not be included in the Fallon cluster, state epidemiologist Dr. Randall Todd said Thursday.

Guinn getting bill on boxing licenses: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada State Athletic Commission will receive the authority to license some of the biggest power brokers in boxing under a bill approved by the Senate Thursday.

Biodiesel boom: By Timothy Pratt; It's a long way from the Florida Keys to Las Vegas, and a big career move from publishing to fuel manufacturing. But Russ Teal, originally trained as a lawyer, then a publisher, is a curious guy.

Store owners to receive warning on sale of drug-use items: Diana Sahagun; Convenience store owners in the Las Vegas Valley will soon receive from the city a letter warning them to remove certain items or face the possible revocation of their licenses.

District awaits outcome of bill on teachers' raises: Terry Webster; Clark County School District officials are eagerly awaiting the outcome of a bill that would provide funding for teacher raises and bonuses.

City rejects plan to help fund furniture mart: Diana Sahagun; The city of Las Vegas won't provide financial support to the World Market Center, a downtown furniture mart expected to cost more than $700 million to build.

Legislative briefs for May 25, 2001: Homeowners would have a bit more protection for their assets under a measure approved unanimously by the Assembly.

Utility president to retire: Steve Rigazio, who was diagnosed two years ago with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, will leave the company June 1 and will remain as an adviser to Nevada Power's parent company, Sierra Pacific Resources Inc.

Endangered fish making comeback at lake: The endangered razorback sucker fish is making a comeback in at least three bays along the northern edge of Lake Mead, a scientist reported Thursday.

Columnist Sam Schmidt: The first 150 laps are crucial: Sam Schmidt; Where we're starting on race day, we just have to wing it.

Where I Stand--Brian Greenspun: Keeping Bush honest: ACTING ON principle is a rare occurrence in political Washington. It is commonplace and refreshing in the rest of the country.

Heat record broken for May 24: The thermometer at McCarran International Airport hit 104 about 5 p.m., Weather Service meteorologist Ernie Cobb said. The old record for May 24 was 102 degrees, set in 1943.

America West drops flights: The Phoenix-based airline now offers jet flights three times daily from Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport to Phoenix but said this week that increased costs make ending them necessary.

State sues mortgage broker: Deputy Attorney General Joseph Long, on behalf of the state Financial Institutions Division, sued Richard Palevac, a former owner of AAA Consulting, in Clark County District Court, alleging he failed to apply for a mortgage broker license even after being served a cease and desist order on June 18, 1998, to stop illegally operating a mortgage brokerage at 2601 McLeod Drive.

Mother to be questioned in death of boy left in car: Jace Radke; North Las Vegas Police early next week expect to complete an investigation into the death of a 9-month-old boy who was left in a parked sport utility vehicle Tuesday.

O'Donnell hospitalized: Longtime LV representative complained of chest pains: CARSON CITY -- Sen. Bill O'Donnell, R-Las Vegas, was rushed to the Carson-Tahoe Hospital today after complaining of chest pains.

Education boards' changes delayed: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- An Assembly committee recessed Thursday evening without taking a vote on a plan to redistrict the Board of Regents and state Board of Education.

Casinos' 'Save the Whales' campaign is succeeding: Angie Wagner; A "Save the Whales" campaign of a different sort is going on in Las Vegas -- only this one has nothing to do with the ocean and everything to do with gambling.

'Sanford and Son' star Mayo dies: When Whitman Mayo would walk on stage at the old Hacienda Hotel and "surprise" Redd Foxx during his show, no one was more proud of the familiar character actor than the Strip resort's security sergeant Nichelle De La Hoya.

Audit pans collections of unemployment overpayments: CARSON CITY -- The state Division of Employment does a poor job recovering overpayments it makes to jobless workers and could annually collect an additional $800,000 if it improved its system, a legislative audit says.

Reid sees a new era in D.C.: Nevada Sen. Harry Reid said this morning the power shift in the Senate will bring a new cooperative era to Washington.

Seniors gear up for finale: Spencer Patterson; Every year, the Lions Club senior all-star football game marks a changing of the guard. In tonight's 30th annual installment, that will apply not only to the players, but also to the coaches on both sidelines.

Children may not get nuke benefits: WASHINGTON -- Children of nuclear weapons workers are disqualified from $150,000 in compensation if they turned 18 before the parent died of exposure to radiation and other dangerous materials they worked with in the Cold War era.

New fraud charges leveled at LV phone company: The Business Journal of Milwaukee reported that NOS, based at 4380 Boulder Highway, and its subsidiaries, Affinity Networks Inc. of Los Angeles and NOSVA L.P. of Las Vegas, are accused of billing customers on the basis of a measurement the companies called the "total call unit" rather than charging for long-distance service by the minute.

Report says new deal possible for Desert Inn: Wynn's partner Aruze Corp., a Japanese slot maker, is bogged down in legal trouble in Japan over allegations it concealed taxable income there.

Police hunt sixth suspect in slayings: Jace Radke; North Las Vegas Police continue to search for a sixth suspect in connection with a March 3 gang slaying.

Gas prices apparently not hurting LV casinos: Statistically, car visits to Las Vegas from Southern California have been down in the first four months of 2001, but advanced bookings indicate resorts in downtown and along the Strip are at or near capacity for Memorial Day and into the summer.

Taxicab firms may tack on fee over fuel prices: The Nevada Taxicab Authority next month will consider allowing cab companies to add a fuel surcharge to their rates.

Driver killed as trucks collide: Rebecca Malone; One man was killed in an accident Thursday afternoon two miles south of Searchlight on U.S. 95.

Obituaries for May 25, 2001: Ruth Abbott, 78, of Las Vegas died Wednesday in Las Vegas. A homemaker, she was born Aug. 25, 1922, in Stockton, Calif.

Gunfire rings out in hotel garage as fugitive found: Jace Radke; A Metro Police SWAT officer fired two shots in the Texas Station parking garage Thursday night at a man wanted by California authorities in connection with a fatal shooting.

Boom Box bill is a bust: CARSON CITY -- In his first veto in 2001, Gov. Kenny Guinn killed the so-called Boom Box bill, saying it would be difficult for police to enforce, and the law would prompt numerous court challenges.

Driven to conserve: City, county fuel budgets are burned: Las Vegas city work crews that regularly travel to job sites in separate vehicles are relying more on car pools.

Revenue plan expected to move quickly: CARSON CITY -- The new revenue plan to raise an estimated $35 million a year to provide pay raises for school teachers received mixed reviews after it was unveiled by Gov. Kenny Guinn and Sen. Mark James Thursday.

Attorney general wants Anzalone trial moved: Senior Deputy Attorney General Patrick King said in the papers that the July 10 trial should be moved outside of Las Vegas in part because of articles in the Las Vegas Sun that he contended maligned his office.

Industry affirms stance against Internet gambling: Frank Fahrenkopf, president and chief executive officer of the association, issued a statement following a Tuesday meeting at which board members discussed the merits of pressing ahead on Internet gambling in the wake of new efforts to legislate its legalization in Nevada and New Jersey.

Local author searches out what teens want: Kimberley McGee; Fast Facts

News of the Day: 1996: Story: Russian helicopter gunships today circled menacingly over a convoy of Chechen rebels holding more than 100 hostages, and a top Russian commander said the guerrillas must be annihilated.

Letter: California power 'crisis' engineered: Dix appears to be another conservative who doesn't allow facts to get in the way of his opinions.

The real Doobies doing that thing they do: Kirk Baird; What: Doobie Brothers.

Joe Delaney remembers 1996: Vikki Carr on the Strip at Tropicana: Joe Delaney remembers 1996: Vikki Carr on the Strip at Tropicana

Tapping into America's love affair with dance: Tap Facts

'Pearl': Staid romance detracts from vivid battle: Geoff Carter; Pearl Harbor

Boy, 14, takes deal in school incident: Angela Soo; A 14-year-old boy accused of planning an armed attack at Woodbury Middle School accepted a plea agreement Wednesday.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Hollywood Park: 1st Race -- Dargonegood -- Draws good post for sprint opener, Solis scales Dutton trainee, Dargone diploma for good here. Alpine Lake -- Nakatani aboard Chapman trainee, should be with early fight adding blinkers for this, graduation factor. Value Play -- Magnetic Glo

PCL Box: Tucson-Las Vegas: E--Cintron, Huckaby, Bogar. DP--Las Vegas 3. LOB--Tucson 7, Las Vegas 8. 2B--Moeller, Cust, Bogar. 3B--Wilson, Ryan, Berry. HR--Ryan (9). CS--Wilson, Spivey.

Eliason misses Rhodes debate: Diana Sahagun; The only thing missing during Thursday's debate that was scheduled to involve two candidates for North Las Vegas City Council was one of the candidates.

Performing Arts for May 25, 2001: Play presented

51s lose game marred by fight: Steve Addy; Maybe the 51s have stumbled on to a marketing niche -- $1 beers and bench-clearing brawls.

Columnist Dean Juipe: King's shady but he gets what he wants: Dean Juipe; Beyond his sycophants, there isn't anyone out there who really likes Don King.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: All-star chef lineup 'simply sensational': Simply sensational was the way foodies described Bon Appetit's Wine & Spirits Focus at Bellagio last weekend. Opening the tasty event last Friday evening was the Grand Tasting on the spacious patio and the deck of the pool area. On every level stellar chefs were cooking and chatting with guests.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Take a trip down Lois Lane: You want to go where everybody knows your name?

On Display for May 25, 2001: Watercolor works by Boulder City artist Georgine Morelli are on display through Thursday at the Lost City Museum in Overton. Admission is $2. Call (702) 397-2193.

Split personality: Dave Matthews defends his music's new direction: Kirk Baird; What: Dave Matthews Band with Widespread Panic, Macy Gray, Angelique Kidjo.

Letter: What happened to reform of Family Court?: So why do we continue to hear stories of people going bankrupt, orders that don't match the videos of hearings, children with no voice or representation, and numerous double standards? I pose this question to the legislators who sat on that committee, and also to the administrators of District and Family Court.

Las Vegas area fishing report: LAKE MEAD: Anglers are reporting to the Nevada Division of Wildlife that the Overton Arm has been producing some of the finest action for striped bass that has been found in that part of the lake in a number of years.

Columnist Paula DelGiudice: Visitors to flood recreational area: Paula DelGiudice; Memorial Day weekend is a great time to focus on outdoor activities. Because it usually signals the beginning of the summer, agencies and outdoors people gear up for this transition in seasons.

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

Columnist Kate Maddox: For Escobar, luck stops here: Kate Maddox; On Tuesday I reported a new Fox show was being cast to shoot here and be produced here, and the show would chronicle the lifestyles of Vegas' junior elite. The source, Robert Escobar, claimed to be co-executive producer of "The Desert Club" with Randy Spelling, Aaron Spelling's son.

Date book for May 25, 2001: The International Las Vegas Coin and Stamp, Antique Watch, Jewlery & Collectibles Expo will be from 1-7 p.m. today and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Tropicana. Tickets are $2; $1 for seniors and children under 12. Call 739-2222.

A happy Gill breaks in new venue: Kirk Baird; Fast Facts

Editorial: Departure of seismic magnitude: Importantly for Nevadans, Jeffords' bolt from the GOP ranks also will mean Sen. Harry Reid will become assistant majority leader, giving him clout that no other U.S. senator from Nevada ever has had. Indeed, Reid spent several weeks consulting with Jeffords before he announced his decision Thursday. The Nevada Democrat was instrumental in getting Jeffords to leave his party, which was an agonizing decision. Reid made a significant concession to Jeffords, agreeing to forgo the chairmanship of the Environment and Public Works Committee so that Jeffords could have that key post instead. Reid's actions will earn him even more respect ...

Where I Stand -- Hank Greenspun: A look at Reagan's 'royal tax cut': "This is a big day for the aristocracy of the world."

Columnist Jerry Fink: Hunt down many lounge celebs at Bootlegger: Only in Las Vegas.

Letter: No barriers exist at states' border: DON EGGLESTON

'Fosse' a fine fit at Aladdin Theatre: Joe Delaney; "Fosse" is the third -- and the best so far -- in a series of four Broadway musicals being presented this year in the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts by the SFX Group.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Off-the-wall Holly has long performance history: Joe Delaney; The "Michael Holly Off-The-Wall Comedy Hour," performed at 1 and 3 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, in the Sahara Congo Room, is the newest entry in the afternoon entertainment competition ... Holly is primarily a juggler, but he can also walk a tightwire and perform unusual stunts while garnering his full share of laughs.