Area briefs

Leticia Bravo has been named ombudsman of consumer affairs for minorities.

Her appointment was announced Thursday by Gov. Jim Gibbons and Director of the Department of Business and Industry Mendy Elliott.

Bravo will also serve as Executive Secretary to the Nevada Commission on Minority Affairs.

Elliott said the primary duties of the ombudsman are the design and implementation of outreach education activities in minority community locations.

The ombudsman also works to increase awareness of deceptive trade practices throughout the business community and helps the Consumer Affairs Division with its programs.

She has been working as Environmental Health Program Manager with the Area Health Education Center of Southern Nevada.

V&T locomotive running this weekend

The historic V&T Railroad locomotive, the Inyo will steam up this weekend at the Railroad Museum in south Carson City.

Normally, the Inyo runs only over the July 4 weekend, according to museum curator Frank Ackerman. But museum officials decided to run the Inyo on Sunday because of the ongoing Nevada Railroad History Symposium.

The locomotive is 130 years old and has been working in Nevada since April 1875. Historic railroad fans especially love the extensive polished brass work on the locomotive.

Also during the Inyo's career, the locomotive was used in several Westerns including Disney's Great Locomotive Chase. The locomotive was also featured in the TV series "Wild Wild West."

She was purchased by the state of Nevada and turned over to the museum for restoration, making her debut in May 1983, museum officials said.

Though you can see the Inyo in action, rides will be offered, using Nevada State Railroad Museum locomotive No. 8. Tickets for those wishing to ride on the train are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for children. Those under age 5 are free.