[Updated: March 8, 2:20 p.m.]
KMTV (Cox Channel 5) investigative reporter Joe Jordan was first to reveal Wednesday that Douglas County Emergency Services Director Mark Conrey and his department deliberately tried to keep word of Tuesday's powder scare at the Douglas Courthouse a secret from the press.
In his stories at 5, 6 and 10 p.m., Jordan got Conrey to admit that mistakes were made during the emergency response and investigation, including sending the wrong hazardous material truck to the scene.
KETV (Cox Channel 9) also reported on the story, beginning with its 6 p.m. newscast.
Conrey told both stations that law enforcement took extraordinary measures to keep details of the incident quiet, including the use of cellular telephones, instead of standard two-way radio equipment, to communicate with 911 dispatch. Most emergency radio frequencies can be monitored through the use of scanners by local media outlets and the public.
