November Writing Contest Entry

Battle Mountain Inquirer
Local News
August 26, 2007

Rumors Fly Regarding Military Complex

Concerned citizens of Battle Mountain, Nevada, and the surrounding cities gathered at Battle Mountain City Hall last Wednesday to address concerns regarding the nearby military-run medical complex known as Camp St. Teresa. No officials were present at the meeting to represent the complex, which is now shrouded in secrecy. As a result, many citizens are concerned about what is actually going on behind the concrete walls of the facility. One man, who wished to remain anonymous, commented: “My cousin was admitted into the camp weeks ago as a patient. I haven’t heard a word from him in all that time, which totally isn’t like him. I’ve called the camp dozens of times, only to get some [expletive removed] excuse from the person on the other end. I even drove down there last week, you know, thinking they might actually let me in to see him. They threatened to arrest me if I came back, which didn’t really make sense to me. A week before I went down there they were admitting people left and right.”

Several others we spoke to had similar stories and have demanded answers from military officials, threatening lawsuits. Thus far, camp officials have not released any new information regarding recent goings-on behind the camp walls. Another concerned man had this to say: “I was curious to find out something, anything, from someone who worked there. I’d planned on following one of the doctors home and asking him a few questions of my own, you know? I watched that gate on and off for three days. No one went in or came out while I was watching. Even the guards live in a barracks outside the wall. The place is completely cut off from us.”

Battle Mountain’s mayor, Kevin Regal, had this to say regarding rumors: “Anything you hear that did not come directly from myself can be regarded as false. We have been informed by Camp St. Teresa’s medical team that the complex is conducting routine quarantine procedures and will be releasing patients as soon as they are deemed cured of the Campion virus. We have no further information at this time.”

Citizens remained skeptical, arguing that they had a right to remain in contact with their loved ones and cutting them off was a criminal offense. The mayor has refused to comment or answer any questions at this time, promising to release any new information as soon as it is available.