OLYMPIA – Balloon bouquets for Valentine’s Day are just too hot for the state Capitol.
Officials warned Friday that stray helium balloons could trigger the newly renovated Capitol’s laser fire alarm.
As part of an $118 million renovation, the building that houses the House, Senate and governor’s office got a new fire-detection system. Invisible laser beams create a smoke detection net in the upper reaches of the Capitol.
“I know, it sounds like something out of ‘Ghostbusters,’” House Chief Clerk Rich Nafziger said. A wayward heart-shaped helium balloon could trip the alarm on the way up or down, forcing an evacuation.
Nafziger said Capitol officials haven’t tested the system with a balloon, but decided to play it safe. Balloons delivered on Valentine’s Day will be quarantined in an office rather than delivered to legislators at their desks. After that, balloons likely will be banned.
Associated Press
Wenatchee: Rabbit roundup begins
The Chelan County Public Utility District has begun rounding up rabbits in an effort to curb the exploding bunny population near Rocky Reach Dam. The roundup Friday proved to be a test of human patience, as workers battled wits with the quick rabbits. Up to 400 feral rabbits at the dam inhabit a sprawling juniper patch. Many were dumped in the area when their owners discovered how much upkeep the animals required. The utility feared the rapidly proliferating rabbits presented a danger from disease and predators. The rabbits captured Friday were taken to the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society for a health exam, a shot to kill parasites, spaying and neutering. They will be transferred to the Rabbit Meadows Sanctuary in Redmond, Wenatchee Valley Humane Society director Scott Wallace said.
Associated Press
Enumclaw: Woman dies in fall from cliff
A woman out walking her dog died in a 400-foot fall from a cliff near Enumclaw on Friday, Seattle’s KOMO-TV reported. The woman was walking her dog near Mud Mountain Dam when the animal slipped and fell down the cliff. She fell when she tried to rescue the dog, police said. Medics from Enumclaw Rescue One were able to reach the woman, but it was too late.
Associated Press
Oregon: Web records sought in suicide pact
Investigators are subpoenaing Internet chat room records to try to contact more than two dozen women, including a mother with two children, who were contacted by a Klamath Falls man organizing a mass Valentine’s Day suicide, authorities said Friday. “Our primary goal is to try to locate where these endangered children might be,” Klamath County Sheriff Tim Evinger said. “What we are banking on in this investigation is any electronic data that is under subpoena that we may be able to track back.” Privacy protections for chat-room participants were making the job of identifying others difficult. Officers had the names of only three of 31 women believed to have taken part in the conversations with Gerald Krein, 26, of Klamath Falls, sheriff’s Capt. Chris Montenaro said. authorities said.
Associated Press
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