American Scene

Last inmates leave aging state prison

CARSON CITY — The last inmates packed up their duffel bags Monday and were transferred from Nevada State Prison in Carson City, a 150-year-old penitentiary that houses Nevada’s execution chamber and license-plate factory and once boasted its own gambling joint.

Most of the inmates who once numbered about 800 already had been moved to other prisons. A handful of minimum-security prisoners were the last ones to leave Monday, when they were shuttled into a van at a back door, then driven to the main gates where their belongings, packed in a few boxes and duffel bags, awaited them.

Once those were loaded, they were taken next door to Warm Springs Correctional Center.

Minimum-security inmates were housed in a dormitory-type setting, though more serious offenders were in cells.

The prison predates Nevada’s statehood, having been established in 1862 when territorial officials purchased the Warm Springs Hotel and 20 acres on the east side of town.

NEW YORK

Groups: Barricades illegal at one-time Occupy camp

NEW YORK — Civil rights groups say barricades surrounding a New York City park that was a base for the Occupy Wall Street movement violate zoning law by restricting public access.

The New York Civil Liberties Union and the National Lawyers Guild filed a complaint Monday with the city’s buildings department.

The complaint says the metal barricades that have surrounded Manhattan’s Zuccotti Park since Nov. 15 interfere with the public’s use of it. Zuccotti Park is a privately owned public plaza and is required to be open 24 hours a day, barring a safety issue.

City zoning law states the layout and design of such parks must promote public use and “free and easy pedestrian circulation.”

The city hasn’t responded to a request for comment.

The Occupy protesters complained about economic inequality before being booted from the park.

TEXAS

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