News briefs for July 30, 2003

Wednesday, July 30, 2003 | 11:11 a.m.

Air Guard unit leaves for Qatar

About 75 Nevada Air Guard High Rollers were scheduled to leave today for Qatar to support the military effort in the Middle East. Six of those guardsmen are from Southern Nevada, officials said. The group is to join about 40 others who flew out earlier this week from Reno for Qatar, which is along the west coast of the Arabian Gulf.

The mission involves airlift and air drop flights or sorties by the unit in the 152nd Airlift Wing.

Type O blood donors needed

As Nevada's demand for blood continues to increase, United Blood Services has issued a statewide appeal for Type O blood donors.

With less than a three-day supply of the most common blood type, United Blood Services officials in Las Vegas and Reno are urging Nevada residents to donate blood, especially if they're Type O.

A normal blood supply is five to seven days.

This is the first official shortage of the year, UBS Associate Executive Director Steve Chitren said.

Residents can call 233-9620 to inquire about extended hours for donating and locations.

Teen recognizes tattoo on TV

A teenager watching television news recognized a picture of a tattoo on the arm of an unidentified victim found by hikers early Sunday morning in northwestern Las Vegas, Metro Police said.

Autopsy results show that Elijah Ansah, 19, no address given, was bludgeoned to death, the Clark County coroner's office said.

Ansah was found by hikers west of Lone Mountain Road.

Anash's guardian, Louis Ferraro, identified the body.

Homicide detectives are investigating the homicide. Anyone with information about Ansah's death can call the homicide section at 229-3521 or Crime Stoppers at 385-5555.

States to cut tobacco sales

Five western states reach deal to cut tobacco sales to minors at Arco gas stations

Five Western states announced a deal Tuesday with oil giant BP West Coast Products to crack down on cigarette sales to minors at its Arco gas stations.

The company will remove all self-service tobacco displays and vending machines, California Attorney General Bill Lockyer said of the agreement. The deal also covers Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

Previous signers of the agreement were Walgreens stores and Exxon, Mobil and Amoco gas stations, according to Lockyer's office.

A spokeswoman for BP West Coast Products did not return calls seeking comment Tuesday.

The announcement came as California unveiled two television spots that slam the tobacco industry's alleged attempts to push smoking on poor, minority communities.

The Department of Health Services released the ads less than a week after a federal court ruled the state can continue running such ads despite complaints from tobacco companies.

The new ads show two fictional tobacco executives conspiring to find new smokers in minority neighborhoods.