News briefs for Nov. 13, 2003

Thursday, Nov. 13, 2003 | 10:12 a.m.

Anti-casino site due to be opened

Residents, environmentalists and union members opposed to the proposed Red Rock Station were expected to activate a website today: www.saveredrock.org.

The residents have formed a group to oppose of the project and have said they are concerned about the proposed 300-foot tower at the hotel-casino blocking views of natural areas.

Leavitt takes leave from high court

Justice Myron Leavitt has stepped down from hearings by the Nevada Supreme Court this week because of illness.

Chief Justice Deborah Agosti said Leavitt, 73, will undergo a kidney transplant this month. One of his sons will be the donor, she said.

She said Leavitt could be out anywhere from six weeks to several months.

This week district judges have been named to replace him. On Friday his daughter, District Judge Michelle Leavitt, will sit in his chair on a case.

Fox had rabies at Grand Canyon

Federal officials are seeking anyone who might have had contact with a rabid fox at the Grand Canyon.

The incident comes to light after four gray foxes in the Mount Charleston area tested positive for plague.

The fox, at the Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon, was killed last Friday after it tried to attack a National Park ranger. The fox tested positive for rabies.

Officials are concerned that tourists visiting the area between Oct. 24 and Nov. 7 may have had contact with the fox, which showed no fear of people.

Anyone who had any contact with a fox in the Phantom Ranch area should contact the Coconino County Health Department at (928) 226-2741, the Arizona Department of Health Services at (602) 364-4562 or Grand Canyon National Park at (928) 638-7858.

New Nevada Guard unit activated

A Northern Nevada Army National Guard unit has been called to active duty for the next 18 months and will eventually be deployed to Southwest Asia.

The 321st Signal Co. includes about 100 soldiers and is based in Stead, north of Reno. The unit, which installs, operates and maintains digital communication equipment, is scheduled to leave Nevada in the second week of December for Fort Lewis, Wash.

The company could be in Washington anywhere from a few days to a few months before being shipped overseas.

The 321st will be the fourth Army National Guard unit activated in Nevada. The 221st Cavalry is performing security operations within the state, while the 777th Engineer Team Utilities Co. and the 72nd Military Police Co. are in Iraq.

The Nevada Air National Guard also has about 125 airmen deployed in Southwest Asia.