7-Eleven death may be linked to methamphetamine

Don’t be surprised if methamphetamine is part of the developing story surrounding the July 17 shooting death of 23-year-old Krystal Starr McAdow outside a West Sahara Avenue convenience store, an informed source says.

At least one of the key players in the case, I’m told, is known on the street as a meth dealer.

As the Review-Journal reported, shooting suspect Sam McFarland, 32, was arrested Wednesday night in Modesto, Calif., in connection with the case.

McAdow suffered a gunshot wound to the chest. She later died at University Medical Center.

JUDICIAL DISCIPLINE: News that the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline spent $183,300 to investigate suspended Family Court Judge Steven Jones and nearly busted its budget shouldn’t surprise anyone.

The commission has run on a shoestring — $240,269 in fiscal year 2013 — since its inception. One way to ensure complaints about judges die of old age is to create a discipline commission and then simply decline to fund it at an appropriate level.

NOT GIFTED: In an attempted dig at his opponent for state attorney general, Democrat Ross Miller, Republican Adam Laxalt this week pledged not to accept political gifts.

My, he is new to the game.

Generally speaking, when a politician says he won’t accept freebies it means he doesn’t anticipate receiving any.

CASINO JO: Once in a while an accidental casino insider departs the Boulevard without a proper send-off. It was that way when longtime Dunes employee Jo Melland died June 27.

Melland’s 34-year tenure at the wild and mobbed-up casino (’59-’93) included years as a trusted administrative assistant to Major Riddle. While other Dunes executives might have had trouble passing official muster, Melland garnered a key employee license without difficulty.

Following her interview with state regulators, Melland was approached by Riddle, who wanted to know what had held their interest.

Melland told Riddle that she was asked if she knew anyone who might disqualify her. There was one.

“Only you, Mr. Riddle,” she told the boss.

Melland survived the Riddle and Morris Shenker eras at the Dunes with her reputation intact — no mean feat.

BLIND CONFERENCE: The American Council of the Blind just concluded its national conference at the Riviera, a 10-day run that covered a variety of topics important to the sight impaired.

I was fortunate enough to be invited to speak to one lively group and was impressed by its members’ questions. I also met some great people. Among many: Chaparral High graduate and former Las Vegas resident Leslie (Stone) Spoone and her husband Dan Spoone, and Adam and Carla Ruschival of Louisville, Ky.

GOOD SPORTS: Fresh from a successful fundraiser at Joe’s Seafood for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Charli and Dave Carter of Carter Power Sports are gearing up for the 10th annual Las Vegas Ride for Kids on Sept. 28. To participate in the motorcycle ride for charity, go to lvrideforkids.org.

ON THE BOULEVARD: Longtime Las Vegas boxing judge Art Lurie, who died recently at age 96, was as tough as any fighter who came before him. … UNLV history professor Michael Green was all over PBS on Tuesday night, giving his well-researched views in documentary programs on Al Capone and Jimmy Hoffa. … Speak of mob-related things, a recent column on Jack Tocco has legendary local sports bettor Lem Banker laughing about his many conversations with one-time Aladdin manager (and connected guy) Jimmy Tamer. Anyone else remember Tamer, who had the power at the casino until interrupted by the state Gaming Control Board? … In addition to the Binions, expect Nevada’s Foley family to be more than irritated when Doug J. Swanson’s “Blood Aces” hits bookstore shelves next month.

Have an item for the Bard of the Boulevard? Email comments and contributions to Smith@reviewjournal.com or call 702-383-0295. Follow him on Twitter @jlnevadasmith.