Mortar found along highway in Silver Springs

An unexploded mortar round was found just after 10 a.m. Friday by a crew from the Department of Transportation conducting controlled burns along Highway 50, according to the Lyon County Sheriff's Department.

Acting Lt. Abel Ortiz said the device was found a quarter-mile from the Highway 95 Alternate intersection.

The highway was closed for approximately 90 minutes from the intersection of Highway 95 Alternate to the Ramsey/Weeks Cutoff. 

An Explosive Ordinance and Disposal Unit arrived from Fallon Naval Air Station and disposed of the device.

Abel said the device was an 8-inch mortar round used for training by the military.

Anyone with information on how the mortar got there is asked to call Ortiz or Deputy Marty Dues at 775- 577-5020.