oddly enough

oddly enough

Court screeners find pet duck in bag

HONOLULU

Security screeners at a Honolulu courthouse noticed something moving inside a defendant’s bag as it passed through an X-ray machine last week.

After initially refusing to open it, the bag’s owner reluctantly revealed that his pet was inside. When he opened the bag, screeners found a live duck and a bottle of beer, Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Toni Schwartz said.

Deputies told Michael Hubbard that his pet and beverage wouldn’t be allowed inside circuit court, so he left. He returned a short while later and asked that deputies look after his belongings while he went inside for an appointment, Schwartz said, adding that visitors are allowed to leave their things outside at their own risk.

Hubbard went to his appointment, while the duck waited outside. Hawaii News Now reports Hubbard has two felony assault cases pending. He couldn’t be reached to comment.

Schwartz said Hubbard didn’t appear intoxicated. “Everything was peaceful,” she said.

“We recommend people not bring their pets to court,” she said. “Believe it or not, this is not an unusual occurrence. A lot of people try to bring their pets to court.”

But those pets usually are dogs.

“A duck is unusual,” she said. “I don’t think we’ve come across that one before.”

Officials turn to video to solve bad smell

LINWOOD, Mich.

What’s that smell? Well, let’s go to the video.

Officials in Bay County plan to install mobile cameras through sewer lines to determine what’s causing a big stink in Linwood. MLive.com says the county department of water and sewer also is considering a thorough cleansing of a 6-mile-long pipe.

Department director Tom Paige wonders if the stench is related to sewer gas. Mary Jane Williams, owner of the Linwood Party Store, says it’s been a problem for three years, but this year “has been worse than it’s ever been.”

Linwood wants to be known for other things, not bad odor. The community on Saginaw Bay hosts an annual pickle festival and is a popular launching spot for perch and walleye fishermen.

Associated Press