News briefs for Dec. 17, 2003

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003 | 10:53 a.m.

More flu shots will be given

The Clark County Health District began taking additional appointments Tuesday for people at high risk of flu complications to receive the limited doses of flu vaccine currently available to the district.

Appointments are for Thursday and Friday.

People in the high risk category include children 6 to 23 months, adults age 65 or older, pregnant women in their second or third trimester and people age 2 or older with a medical condition that suppresses their immune system, according to the health district.

To check vaccine availability or, when applicable, schedule an appointment, call 383-1351, 383-1352, or 383-1494, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

AeroTech files for bankruptcy

A model rocket company that saw its Las Vegas plant destroyed in an October 2001 chemical fire has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

AeroTech Inc., now operating in Cedar City, Utah, filed for bankruptcy due to the high cost of litigation relating to the fire at its plant on Palm Street near Boulder Highway, a company spokesman said.

Earlier this month a federal judge dismissed AeroTech's lawsuit alleging Fourth Amendment violations by the Clark County Fire Department during an investigation of the plant.

According to a press release AeroTech and its parent company, Industrial Solid Propulsion Inc., "will evaluate at a later point, with creditor input" what, if any, litigation will be pursued.

One worker at the plant was killed in the blaze that caused an estimated $12 million in damage.

Leavitt doing well after transplant

Nevada Supreme Court Justice Myron Leavitt is "doing very well" after kidney transplant surgery a month ago, an office spokeswoman said today.

Linda Mercer, executive secretary to Leavitt, said the justice is "participating fully" in the court's business. He is working from home because doctors' orders prevent him from going into the office, she said.

"He's dressed and bored and ready to come back," Mercer said.

Leavitt intends to sit next month with the Southern Nevada panel at hearings in Las Vegas and will be in Carson City in February for hearings by the full court, she said.

On Nov. 17 Leavitt received a kidney from his son Jim.