Vol. 2, No. 19
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August 1, 2005
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CRIMINAL DEFENSE |
COPYWRITING
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The Buzz Around The Silver State
as compiled by our correspondents
The Capital (The Silver One)
First Human West Nile Virus Victim Found In Lyon County
(Carson City) --- State health officials have reported the first human victim of the West Nile Virus for this year. The report originated in Lyon County and the victim is younger than 50 years of age, which makes him unique to a degree. Most human cases afflict those over 50. The victim's identity has not been released and health officials say he is responding to treatment.
So far this year several birds and one horse have been reported with the disease in Lyon County, and one bird has died from the virus in Elko County. In 2004 there were 44 cases of humans infected with the West Nile Virus in Nevada, 25 of which were in Clark County. No deaths were reported in Nevada last year.
The virus didn't arrive in Nevada until last year, and most health authorities believe it is the second year in which the virus becomes the most prevalent and viral. There have been two deaths reported in California so far this year.
West Nile Virus comes from mosquitoes that have bitten infected birds, and with the long wet winter Nevada experienced, there are ample opportunities for mosquito breeding throughout the state. We have moved through the long dry days of July and what is known as the Monsoonal Flow has begun with wet thunderstorms moving north through the state.
Las Vegas has had several recent drenchings as has Reno and there have been the usual heavy thunderstorms in central Nevada.
The Nevada Division of Health recommends reporting bodies of standing water that could be breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and wearing clothing that protects the skin of arms and legs if there are mosquitoes in the area. Reports of dead birds should also be reported. The best protection against a bite is the use of a repellent that contains DEET.
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The Capital (The Big One)
Grazing Rule Changes Announced: BLM Wants Better Relations With Ranchers
(Washington, D.C.) --- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) officials say new rules will allow the agency to better manage public lands. Nevada's land is primarily owned by various federal agencies. Some say more than 85-percent is under federal control. This includes vast areas of grazing land that is also often used for wildlife habitat, mining, even military maneuvers.
BLM says the rules are designed to help improve relations with ranchers and include conserving rangeland resources, addressing legal issues while enhancing administrative efficiency. To create these better relationships, BLM has instituted what they call a Cooperative Range Improvement Agreement, and have invited those that use open range to join in the program.
Being a federal program, it is very complex and will take more space than we can allow to get the full picture. If you are a rangeland user it would be a good idea to check this new program out.
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White Pine County
Large Oil Field Discovered -- Noah Project Near Ely
(Ely) --- There is more good economic news for White Pine County residents and the tax beleaguered county commissioners. Eden Energy, incorporated in Nevada with home offices in Vancouver, BC, is about to start a large oil recovery program in White Pine and Eureka Counties according to a press release from the company. The company controls 210,000 acres on what it calls the Noah Project. Access their web site at http://www.edenenergycorp.com.
The proposed oil field is near another eastern Nevada oil production area near Rail Road Valley. The Grant Canyon #4 project produced as much as 4,000 barrels of oil daily for 15 years. Eden feels the Noah Project will end up being even more productive. They call it "one of Nevada's most prospective hydrocarbon areas."
In "oil talk," the project is a giant 53-mile long, seven-mile wide linear anticline. No test wells have been drilled as yet.
In near-by Utah, Wolverine Gas & Oil Corp. says they have discovered a spectacular oil deposit near Sigurd. Two wells have been drilled and the company is trucking 1500 barrels a day to Salt Lake City, the nearest refineries. Wolverine says they expect to be able to pump a billion barrels or more over the lifetime of the field.
Although Eden in Ely doesn't say the White Pine County operation would be that extensive, they say they feel their discovery will be one of the most prolific in the country.
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Lincoln County
Southern Nevada Water Buying Office Space In Lincoln
(Pioche) --- Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) will be opening another office outside Clark County soon. They already have an office in Ely in White Pine County and now will have one in Pioche in Lincoln County. SNWA is proposing a scheme to bring water from White Pine County and Lincoln County to Clark County. A pipeline of well over 200 miles is being proposed.
The $2 billion project is years from being in use because of local, state, and federal permits that will be needed besides the fact the state engineer has not signed off on the amount of water that can be pumped from either county.
SNWA plans to spend about $165,000 to purchase a building of about 4,000 square feet in Pioche. The building sits on the main street of the old mining center.
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Douglas County
New Sign Ordinance Coming For Douglas Businesses
(Minden) --- If you want an A-frame signboard on the sidewalk for your business, it looks like you may be able to have one. The new Douglas County sign ordinance is expected to see final passage during the County Commission meeting August 4.
Magnetic signs on a vehicle will be OKd as well along with other business-oriented rules and laws. There will be other changes to how one can conduct business in the Carson Valley, but it has been the sign ordinance that has been of most concern.
If the new law is approved, it will go into effect in September. According to Chamber of Commerce spokesman, the A-frames will still need temporary permits.
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Storey County
Comstock Bank To Remain Following Residents' Outcry
(Virginia City) --- Virginia City went for years without a bank, but some 23 years ago, Bank of America (B of A) opened a branch in the world famous tourist Mecca, home to the fabulously rich Comstock Silver Lode. Recently, B of A officials said they would be closing the branch forcing those in the Storey County seat to go to Dayton, 11-miles away, Carson City, 15 miles distant, or Reno 24-miles north. Businesses, the elderly, and other local residents put up a storm of complaint.
Apparently the B of A powers that be heard the roar. The branch will remain. An official of the giant banking concern said they changed their collective minds because of a new analysis of the operation but those up and down fabled C Street know it was their screaming that caused the business change.
"It makes sense," one local resident said. "We have hundreds of active businesses in town, there are hundreds of seniors that depend on the bank, and don't forget, the train is coming back." He was referring to the rebuilding of the Virginia and Truckee Railway that will connect Nevada's capital of Carson City with the city that made Nevada possible.
Along with the active businesses and the return of the V&T there are also plans on the books for a new hotel casino, and even possibly a second hotel. Virginia City needs its bank.
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