Reno Gazette-Journal from Reno, Nevada • Page 30

Thursday, March 7, 1985 Senate panel backs key parts of grand jury reform package By Brendan RileyAP CARSON CITY Key parts of a grand jury reform package were endorsed Wednesday by the Senate Judiciary Committee during a work session in which one senator stalked from the hearing room after complaining about bickering over one bill. Sen. Jim Bilbray, D-Las Vegas, walked out during discussion of SB107, which bars a district attorney from making any statement to a grand jury that couldn't be made to a trial jury. Bilbray complained about "constant" arguing over the measure. But Judiciary Chairman Thomas "Spike" Wilson, D-Reno, declined to cut off debate.

Sen. Sue Wagner, R-Reno, chief sponsor of the grand jury measures, said Bilbray must have failed "to get enough sleep last night." SB107 was finally sent to the Senate floor with an amendment that a prosecutor, with permission of a person who was subjected to a grand jury probe, could make public the fact no indictment was returned. The person investigated could do the same. Also approved with amendments was SB108, which requires grand jury witnesses to be notified in advance of the general subject of inquiry. Wagner said that notice could be as late as the point at which the witness walks into the grand jury room.

The committee also recommended SJR10, which urges Congress to enact the American Bar Association's proposals to reform federal grand juries. Bilbray said he was aware of one Las Vegas case where a federal prosecutor "totally lied" to jurors. Also being reviewed Wednesday by the Judiciary Committee was SB106, which permits a grand jury to be empaneled for a limited review. The panel couldn't inquire into other matters and would be discharged after one year. The bill also mandates a grand jury file reports on activities and expenses at least every three months to the judge who formed the panel.

Other measures still under consideration by the committee include SB103, which permits anyone facing possible indictment to bring a lawyer into grand jury sessions; SB104, which specifies a grand jury report can't abuse or accuse someone unless an indictment is included; and SB105, which provides a gross misdemeanor penalty for anyone responsible for leaks to the press or others about secret grand jury activity. The committee heard testimony Tuesday from two former officials from Washoe County that grand juries ruined their reputations even though they were never indicted. Former Sparks City Councilman Bernie Gulla and former Reno City Councilman Clyde Biglieri said they lost substantial income and faced abuse from the public because of grand jury probes. Testimony on the measures also had come from Nevada judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, legislators and former lawmakers. 2C Reno Gazette-Journal The legislative wrapup for Wednesday, March 6 Juvenile delinquents tied to devil-worshipping cults another post while in office.

To Senate 32-10. Assembly introductions Lobbyists AB310, Judiciary. Requires more detailed reporting of lobbyists' spending on legislators. lies has had the most significant impact on juvenile delinquency. "We've seen a major change in the makeup of the American family," Ranney said, adding "95 to 98 percent of those youngsters we deal with have a very serious family problem." Nadine Bleeker, a family counselor who deals with adolescent sexual abuse cases, said almost every type of teen-aged sexual offender she has dealt with is "involved in some form of devil worship." She said five years ago she didn't ask victims of sexual abuse whether devil worship was involved.

"Now I know to ask, and in almost every case there is some form of devil worship involved." Lt. Frank Barker, head of the Metro Police juvenile section, said police have noticed an increase in devil worship involvement among runaways. referres to speed up disposition of divorce cases. To Assembly 21-0. Assembly measures OK'd Election reform AB58, Elections.

Would bar a state or local elected official from seeking name showed up in the R.L. Polk business directory after he told a company representative he didn't want to be listed. Polk representative Renny Ashle-man said the DMV information Polk acquired was used in automobile recalls and wasn't used in compiling the directory that is sold to the public. Ashleman also said the company is "mildly opposed" to the bill, adding that existing restrictions are acceptable but the Polk Co. fears a counter-reaction could be generated if the restrictions are dropped.

Joe Midmore, representing the Direct Mail Advertising Association, spoke in favor of Nevin's bill. And state DMV Director Wayne Teglia said the file information is basically public record and many public ana private agencies use them for various purposes. Referees in divorce cases CARSON CITY (AP) A bill allowing judges to appoint referees in pend LAS VEGAS (AP) Juvenile delinquents are turning to devil-worshipping cults and street gangs that encourage violent criminal behavior, juvenile justice authorities say. "Cult or devil worship is probably the most frightening thing we nave to deal with," said Robert Ranney, director of Clark County Juvenile Court Services. "It's a very common occurrence at this time and I think it's going to become a more and more serious one." Ranney told a forum on the juvenile justice system that the cult-crime link may only be a current trend, and may be replacing the drug-crime link associated with juvenile problems in previous years.

"Ten years from now it might be something else entirely," Ranney said Tuesday. Ranney linked delinquency to everything from music videos to rock music, but agreed with other panelists that a decline in the structure of American fami Mixed reviews for on search for new By Tom GardnerAP CARSON CITY The state Board of Education was alternately praised and damned in the Assembly Ways and Means' Committee Wednesday for its method of see ring a new superintendent of public 'education. The comments were aimed at Acting Superintendent Myrna Matranga, who went before the committee urging approval of SB112, which would authorize $12,000 to pay expenses for the search and to bring finalists to the state. Assemblyman Bob Thomas, R-Carson City, was particularly critical of the choice of Sue Strand as the lone teachers' representative on the 11-member search committee. Strand is president of the Nevada State Teachers Association.

Assemblyman Dave Humpke, R-Reno, questioned the choice of a "union leader" to represent -teachers' interests. Assemblyman Bob Coffin, D-Las Vegas, challenged the size of the search committee, predicting a "circus in which every interest group is involved." "I've never seen an approach this wild," Assemblyman John DuBois. R-Las Vegas, agreed. "Such a divergent group will end up with the lowest common denominator, trying to keep everybody happy." Jilted Moapa Paiutes eye high-stakes bingo operation Senate measures OK'd Naturopathy SB27, Naturopathy. Would require all naturopaths in Nevada to be re-licensed.

To Assembly 20-1. Divorce SB87, divorce. Would allow district judges to appoint Legislative briefs Proposed opening of DMV files heard CARSON CITY (AP) A bill opening files of the state Motor Vehicles Department for commercial use drew mixed comments Wednesday, in an Assembly Transportation Committee. Assemblyman Len Nevin, D-Sparks, said, he proposed AB204 because the DMV information already is being used for commercial purposes by some companl'es. He said there should be "equal access" or the files should be restricted.

Other committee members said they were surprised by the widespread use of the DMV file information already. There was testimony that many law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, the R.L. Polk the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, the American Cancer Society and others get the data. Assemblyman Jim Stone, R-Sparks, questioned whether "any purpose" outside law enforcement use was justified. Stone also questioned why his Fire codes close hotel showroom LAS VEGAS (UPI) The Dunes Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip agreed Wednesday to close its main showroom and several other areas of the resort in exchange for an extension of a deadline to meet fire retrofitting regulations.

Dunes officials appeared before the Clark County Safety Standards Mediation Board and said it would cost the resort $13.5 million to bring the entire resort up to standards. The Dunes, which previously was granted an extension of time to complete certain safety work, was ordered by the board to return next month with detailed financial information on plans to finance the retrofitting project. Clark County Inspections Administrator Brad Remp said the board continued the item for one month because the Dunes agreed to close its main showroom, convention facilities in the hotel's north tower and one floor of a three-story guest wing. Victim apparently caused fatal accident Steven Gillings, 24, who was overcome and died of fumes from a faulty furnace vent in his Sparks home Monday night, apparently accidentally caused the malfunction himself, police said Wednesday. Detective Teresa Lightfoot said Sierra Pacific and Fire Department investigators believe Gillings accidentally bumped the vent loose in its small utility closet.

The vent remained on the furnace, but loosely, allowing fumes to fill the little house into which he moved Monday. The house, at 1733 Hymer was a rental. It's owned by the estate of the late Robert Hoes, she said. dismissed or dropped, mostly because there was no water available for the lands applied for. There are 250 applications still pending.

And rather than free land, Wilcox said it will cost a modern-day homesteader at least $100,000 to gain a patent to the acreage. Once a person gains entry to the land, he or she must drill for water and they are required to either build a home or move a mobile home on the property and fence it. Then they must cultivate the land. "Some areas don't even have roads to them," Wilcox said. been associated with outbreaks of disease in the past." He urged owners of residential hot tubs and public spas to check chlorine levels regularly and change the water and scrub the walls occasionally.

With such steps, the recommended acid and chlorine or bromine levels should be adequate to prevent any risk, he said. Of the 50 spas, the officials found 30 failed to meet California standards for acid and chlorine levels and total bacteria in the water, county health lab microbiologist Charles Gonaver said. "With the 60 percent failure rate, we concluded spas in the City of San Diego LAS VEGAS (AP) Leaders of the small band of Moapa Paiutes, having failed in an effort to put a brothel on tribal land, are now planning to start a high-stakes bingo operation. But state gaming officials say they will "take a look" at the tribe's plans because the Paiutes have not sought permission from gaming regulators to run the bingo operation. State Gaming Control Board Chairman Bart Jacka said previous boards have taken the position that gaming on Indian reservations within Nevada falls within the state's jurisdiction.

"Gaming in Nevada is different than in Space found for LAS VEGAS (AP) Southern Nevada Memorial Hospital has dropped plans to transport mental patients to Sparks because the state has agreed to accept them at its Las Vegas facility. Hospital officials said Tuesday the state has been accepting patients committed by the courts at its Las Vegas facility, possibly ending a battle between the hospital and Nevada mental health officials. But representatives of the Nevada Alliance for the Mentally 111 say they will not be satisfied until the state expands its mental health facilities in Las Vegas. Hospital officials proposed last month Clark teachers oppose bond issue education board superintendent However, Assemblyman Marvin Sed-way, D-Las Vegas, called it an "enlightened approach" and Assemblyman Virgil Getto, R-Fallon, said he thought the board was acting wisely and not evading responsibility. Matranga said the committee was needed to pore over the expected 200 applications for the job and whittle the field down to 20 or so semifinalists who would then undergo extensive screening.

The state board would choose five finalists from that list, she said. The money sought in SB112 would hire a consultant to assist in the recruitment and review of applicants, bring the finalists to Nevada and, if any is left, help pay the moving expenses of the successful -candidate. "Money for the search has to come from somewhere," Assemblyman Jack Jeffrey, D-Henderson, said. Assemblyman Erik Beyer, R-Reno, agreed, noting the method of seeking a new superintendent "is the school board's prerogative," but the search process still needed funding. The state is advertising for a superintendent to succeed Ted Sanders, who left last year to take over the Illinois school system.

Matranga has said she is Jiot seeking the post. tiations are totally separate," Wentz said. School officials plan a May bond vote that would call for construction of 19 elementary schools, portable classrooms, building additions, remodeling and technological programs through 1989. Voters would be asked to pay 19 cents more per $100 assessed valuation for the first four years and 25 cents more in the final year of construction. Joe LaMarca, association executive director, said the union's decision not to back the building plan was a break from tradition.

He called it "a signal to the administration." Giunchigliani outlined the three issues the association wanted to discuss before the contract talks began. They included getting the same amount of class preparation time secondary teachers receive, having teacher transfers based on seniority and receiving pay increases over and above state guidelines. People sent in applications for land on the Nevada Test Site where nuclear weapons are exploded; on mountain tops and on lake beds. And as with any land rush, there were abuses. Wilcox said there were land filing services created that took money from persons to claim the land.

Instead, those services kept the money and never filed the claims. Now, eight years later, only two applications have been conditionally approved, both in the Ruby Mountains, near Elko. Of the applications, 1,623 were either ing divorce cases won unanimous state Senate approval Wednesday. SB87, now moving to the Assembly, was proposed by the Senate Judiciary Committee at the request of Clark County District Judge Charles Thompson. The bill is similar to legislation proposed in earlier sessions that was opposed by critics who said such referees should be elected rather than appointed by a judge.

The measure, aimed at reducing crowded court calendars, provides that the referee's report could be reviewed by the couple getting a divorce or annulment and if there's no objection the judge would adopt the report. Family life classes urged CARSON CITY (AP) High school students should take classes on how to maintain a household and have good family relationships, home economists told state lawmakers Wednesday. The testimony came before the Senate Committee on Human Resources and Facilities. other states," Jacka said. "We have the integrity of gaming to protect." Jim Toner, business manager for the 318 Indians on the reservation, said it was his understanding from the Bureau of Indian Affairs that the Indians do not have to have the permission of gaming regulators to start their bingo project.

The Moapa Paiutes two years ago passed an ordinance allowing prostitution on the reservation, located 45 miles east of Las Vegas, but the BIA objected to the ordinance and a federal suit filed by the tribe was rejected last year by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. mental patients transporting mental patients to the Sparks facility in an effort to secure reimbursement from the state for temporarily housing them and other psychiatric patients committed by the court. The proposal was an effort to force the state to react to the hospital's contention that it should not be expected to pick up the tab for patients the state said it had no room for. Nevada officials claimed the state did not have to pay for the hospital bills until all its facilities within the state system are full, even if they are in northern Nevada. Minneapolis and Pittsburg, Del Campo said.

Since his escape from Las Vegas, Orr has been suspected of robbing four banks in Florida, 12 in Los Angeles and at least one each in Atlanta, New Orleans, Cincinnati and Charleston, S.C., he said. An arrest warrant was issued on Feb. 19 in Fort Lauderdale charging Orr with the robbery of the Financial Federal Savings and Loan in Fort Lauderdale Oct. 4, Del Campo said. He also was suspected in the robbery of the Peninsula Federal Savings and Loan in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea on Feb.

19 and the Royal Palm Savings and Loan in Boynton Beach on March 4, he said. In a Wednesday hearing in Fort Lauderdale, U.S. Magistrate Patricia Kyle ordered Orr held without bond. He was turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshal's Service.

rine or bromine disinfectant levels drop too low. There has been at least one report in the United States of a person getting pneumonia from a hot tub, Gonaver said, adding he is aware of another man who had an amoeba-caused eye infection, and officials "suspected he got it from his hot tub." "It's very difficult to assess the potential (disease) risk even if you find these organisms in hot tubs," he said, noting that it would be improper to expose people intentionally to germ-infested hot tubs to conduct a controlled study of how often the microbes cause disease. LAS VEGAS (AP) The Clark County Classroom Teachers Association says it will not support a proposed $112.9 million "pay-as-you-go" building plan because of its differences with school administrators. "We held this bond issue hostage," union President Chris Giunchigliani said Tuesday night. "We wanted to see if they would deal with us up front as professionals.

But, no, they turned us down." She said school officials refused to talk about three issues the union hoped might be partly resolved before contract talks began Wednesday. "It's disappointing," said Superintendent Bob Wentz when reached following a union news conference. "But we'll go right ahead (with the project) and I think we'll be successful. I think the plan is what the community wants and needs." Wentz said he would not approach the contract talks with any bitterness. "The bond issue and the contract nego Vegas fugitive nabbed in Florida Dust settles on land rush FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.

(AP) A fugitive suspected of robbing more than 30 banks across the country 20 within the year was arrested by the FBI and ordered held without bond Wednesday by a federal magistrate. William James Orr, 37, also known as Morris Pooley, was arrested without incident late Tuesday in his room at the Outrigger Motel in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, said FBI spokesman Joe Del Campo. He was armed with a automatic at the time, Del Campo said. Orr had escaped from custody in Las Vegas on March 10, 1984, while standing trial for nine bank robberies in that city, the FBI said. He subsequently was convicted in absentia in seven of those robberies, Del Campo said.

Orr also was a suspect in bank robberies in Memphis, Milwaukee, were not being monitored and maintained at an adequate level," he said. "We do run a potential risk of harboring organisms that have a potential for causing certain disease syndromes." The researchers found 18 of the 30 spas that failed to meet standards harbored bacteria in a thin scum on the walls and bottom. So did 11 of the 20 that met the standards, even though they had acceptably low microbe levels in the water that was treated with amounts of chlorine recommended by manufacturers, Gonaver said. Peter said the scum provides a source for recontaminating the water when chlo can cause variety of infections, Vegas gathering told By Cy RyanuPi CARSON CITY The 1977 Nevada Legislature started a modern-day land rush by reviving a little-used federal homestead law, but now that the dust has settled, the state's vast deserts are still vacant. "There were high hopes," says state Lands Administrator Pamela Wilcox.

"A lot of people wanted free land." In the first year, 1,873 applications were filed by persons, many of them city slickers, hoping to find some property in the wide-open spaces on which to retire. Hot tub germs By Lee SiegelMp LAS VEGAS Germs that can cause a variety of infections, including a mild form of Legionnaires' disease, can lurk on spa and hot tub walls even if the water is disinfected, say health officials who found that most spas in one study failed to meet state standards. A study of 50 public spas in San Diego found that use of recommended amounts of chlorine or bromine in the water "does not mean vou can be assured of having a spa free of microorganisms," Christopher Peter, assistant chief of the San Diego County Public Health Laboratory, said ear in Tuesday. County and San Diego State University researchers found many of the spas contained bacteria and fungi that cause skin, and urinary tract infections; a mild form of Legionnaires' disease that results an upper respiratory infection called Pontiac fever; and an amoeba that sometimes infects ears or other parts of the body. "We see no need for alarm since the organisms we found are in our environment every day," Peter said at the American Society for Microbiology's annual meeting.

"And we should remember that hot tubs and spas have not often.