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(702) 333-7777 WWW.CLAGGETTLAW.COM SEPTEMBER 2022
LAKE MEAD’S DARK SECRETS REVEALED
Visitors to Lake Mead keep finding human remains, and it happened again just last month. Human skeletal remains were discovered on Aug. 6. If you’re keeping track, that is the fourth time a body has been discovered at Lake Mead in the last few months. Due to current drought in the Southwestern U.S., water levels have plummeted so much that, in addition to several bodies, a sunken WW II-era vessel has also been exposed by the receding waters. The water levels are falling at Lake Mead at such a rate that the federal government recently imposed water restrictions on many of the states that draw water from the Colorado River, the source of Lake Mead. The region is currently in a decadeslong drought that has resulted in Lake Mead losing 73% of its water and dropping a whopping 185 feet. The last time Lake Mead was “full” was in 2000. That is to say, the loss of water has exposed a lot of ground that has been underwater since 1937, when the lake was last at its current level. So, a lot of things that used to be underwater — including human bodies — have become exposed for unfortunate people to make these grisly discoveries.
Mafia would dispose of all kinds of evidence there. In fact, some of the victims do appear to be the result of criminal activity. For example, the body that was found in a barrel had suffered a gunshot wound. One investigator told CNN, “Anytime you have a body in a barrel, clearly there was somebody else involved.” But Lake Mead is also a popular recreation spot. This means that there have been numerous opportunities for boaters and swimmers to be involved in accidents that have resulted in death. Some of these bodies have never been recovered, and recent discoveries of human remains have been linked to several of these accidents. What’s next for Lake Mead? The federal government has mandated cuts on water deliveries to several Western states in order to protect and preserve the overall system. Although Lake Mead is revealing secrets of the area’s dark past, what we all need to be concerned about is Lake Mead’s future. The good news is that Nevada is well ahead of its other neighbors in terms of water conservation. We can only hope our neighboring states will also make the necessary changes in their water usage to help save Lake Mead.
Rumors have spread that these are Mafia murder victims who were dumped in the lake, since many believe the
–Tom Askeroth
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ENJOYING ART, LEARNING, AND MUSIC IN LAS VEGAS LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL
A highlight of each year for my daughters and I, is attending Life Is Beautiful. This year, the festival will be held in September, instead of October (so hopefully, the temps are not too hot), but we’re looking forward to it all the same. Life Is Beautiful was founded in 2013 and is held annually in Las Vegas. In addition to music, this event brings together local and international artists and some exhibits from Burning Man. Comedy acts also perform during the festival, and industry leaders give TED-like talks. The food is also incredible. In fact, famous chefs from around the country come to the festival, and the food-truck and street-food game is on point. Employees work hard before the event to roll out hundreds of acres of grass sod to provide areas to relax and cool down during the hot autumn nights since the festival takes place over 18 blocks of downtown Las Vegas. The biggest draw is the music, of course. This year’s lineup includes Arctic Monkeys, Calvin Harris, Gorillaz, and Cage the Elephant.
LIFE CAN BE UNPREDICTABLE Preserving the Balance of Work and Family Life
When can I use FMLA leave? An eligible employee can be granted up to 12 workweeks of unpaid, job- protected leave in a 12-month period for the following reason(s):
Workers shouldn’t have to choose between the job they need and the family members they love. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was created to allow employees to take reasonable unpaid leave for a particular family or medical reason so they can maintain a work/life balance. What does it provide? The FMLA provides eligible employees up to 12 workweeks of unpaid leave a year with the requirement of group health benefits to be maintained during the leave as if employees were continuing to work. They are also entitled to resume their same or equivalent job at the end of their FMLA leave. Who is eligible for FMLA? FMLA applies to all public agencies, all public and private elementary and secondary schools, and companies with 50 or more employees. Employees can be eligible for FMLA if they have worked for their employer for at least 12 months, worked at least 1,250 hours over the past 12 months, and work at a location that employs 50 or more employees within 75 miles.
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Birth of and/or bonding with a newborn child
• The placement of a child for adoption or foster care with the employee • To care for an immediate family member with a serious condition (child, spouse, or parent, but does not include parent in-laws) • To take medical leave when the employee is unable to work due to a serious health condition • For qualifying exigencies arising out of the fact that the employee’s spouse, child, or parent is on covered active duty or call to covered active-duty status as a member of the National Guard, Reserves, or Regular Armed Forces
The FMLA exists so employees can tend to their families without worrying about their job, allowing them to provide the best care for their loved ones. For more information regarding whether or not your company is eligible for FMLA, check out your local government agency for more details. 2 725-867-8495 | WWW.CLAGGETTLAW.COM | WORKERS’ COMPENSATION AND PERSONAL INJURY
BRAIN WORK
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CORNER
Does your workplace have a COVID-19 prevention plan in place?
FROZEN MOCHA TORTE
Although Nevada has seen a reduction in COVID cases recently, employers are still required to have a COVID-19 prevention plan. This must be included in the written safety program (WSP) that is required by Nevada’s revised statute 618.383 and Nevada’s administrative code 618.538. This applies for all businesses that have more than 10 employees. According to the Division of Industrial Relations, the plan should contain the following key elements: • A hazard assessment • Identification of a combination of measures that limit the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace (such as sanitation and respiratory protection) • Adoption of measures to ensure that workers who are infected, or potentially infected, are separated and sent home from the workplace • Implementation of protections from retaliation for workers who raise COVID-related concerns
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Ingredients
• 1 cup chocolate wafer crumbs • 1/4 cup sugar • 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 8-oz package cream cheese, softened • 1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk • 2/3 cup chocolate syrup • 2 tbsp instant coffee granules • 1 tbsp hot water • 1 cup heavy cream, whipped • Chocolate-covered coffee beans (optional)
This plan must be in writing and available to employees upon request.
Directions
1. In a small bowl, combine the wafer crumbs, sugar, and butter. 2. In a greased 9-inch pan, add the wafer mixture and press to the bottom. 3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and chocolate syrup until smooth. 4. In a separate dish or cup, dissolve coffee granules in hot water. Once combined, add to the cream cheese mixture and fold in whipped cream. 5. Pour mixture evenly over the crust. Cover and freeze for 8 hours or overnight. 6. Remove from the freezer 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chocolate-covered coffee beans if desired.
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4101 Meadows Lane, Ste. 100 Las Vegas, NV 89107
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE
1 Lake Mead’s Dark Secrets Revealed 2 Life Is Beautiful 3 Workers’ Comp Corner Frozen Mocha Torte 4 The Harmful Effects of DEET
Your Guide to Family and Medical Leave
DITCH THE ITCH SAFELY
Exploring the Harmful Effects of DEET
When it comes to enjoying the great outdoors, itchy insect bites can really put a damper on the experience. Not only are bug bites itchy and annoying, but they can also potentially cause some serious illnesses such as Zika, Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and Keystone virus. When choosing a bug spray, it’s important to choose one that does not contain DEET. Here’s why: DEET can cause skin irritations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), DEET, when applied to the skin for an extended period of time, can cause skin irritations and allergic reactions, such as hives, itching, redness, and swelling in some people. Other people who were exposed to high concentrations of bug sprays containing DEET have even experienced skin and mucous membrane infections, skin rashes, and blisters. DEET has been linked to seizures and brain malfunctions. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), high concentrations or ingestion of DEET can cause nervous system impairment, which leads to seizures, slurred speech, and tremors. In a case study conducted by Human and Experimental Toxicology, even children who were briefly exposed to DEET experienced seizures because of the product.
DEET may be linked to Gulf War syndrome. Gulf War syndrome is a multisymptom illness experienced by many who served in the war. The symptoms include headaches, fatigue, skin conditions, and respiratory disorders. Although these concerns initially involved those who served in the Gulf War, this syndrome is now potentially linked to a combination of pesticides, including DEET. What can you use instead? The next time you reach for bug spray, consider one of the many DEET-free products available on the market to help you enjoy nature without the bugs. There are various options, but one of the most well-known DEET-free bug sprays is Picaridin. It’s a synthetic compound found in black pepper that is proven to be very effective and is definitely worth checking out. Fleas, mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks, be gone — safely!
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