News briefs for March 10, 2003

Monday, March 10, 2003 | 9:20 a.m.

Max says spring must be here

Spring has arrived, according to one area desert tortoise.

Mojave Max, Red Rock Canyon's resident celebrity tortoise, emerged from his winter burrow Friday morning with tidings of spring.

The tortoise's emergence was his earliest ever at the national conservation area and coincides with a warm turn in the weather.

Education coordinator and Park Ranger Kathy August said other wildlife at the park is also showing signs of spring and that the Joshua trees are beginning to bloom for the first time in three years.

Local schoolchildren estimated in a contest when Max would emerge from his burrow. The winners will be announced next week.

For more information, visit www.mojavemax.com.

Body found is red-haired woman

The remains of a human body found by two motorcyclists driving on State Route 159 near the town of Blue Diamond on Thursday have been identified as a white woman between 18 and 40 years of age with red hair, Metro Police said.

Metro Police homicide detectives were investigating the case, but the cause of death had not been determined, Lt. Tom Monahan said.

The cause of death will be determined by the coroner after an autopsy, Monahan said.

Anyone with information is urged to call CrimeStoppers at 385-5555 or the Homicide Section at 229-3521.