oddly enough

oddly enough

Front-runners, total dark horses to run in New Hampshire

CONCORD, N.H.

The near-record field for the upcoming New Hampshire primary includes favored front-runners and a dark horse touting a pony-heavy platform.

The filing period for the 2016 primary ended Friday with 30 Republicans and 28 Democrats signing paperwork and paying the $1,000 filing fee to get on the ballot.

This year’s crop includes familiar faces such as Edward O’Donnell. The Pennsylvania Democrat is making his seventh run.

Perennial candidate and performance artist Vermin Supreme also signed up at the secretary of state’s office, wearing his signature rubber boot on his head. He’s touting a plan to provide every American with a pony.

The 2016 field is up from 2012, when 44 White House hopefuls signed up. The all-time high is 61 in 1992.

Castleton University’s mascot has been missing for a month

CASTLETON, Vt.

Castleton University’s green-caped Spartan mascot hasn’t been seen in a month, and school officials say they want him back.

The costume known as Sparty disappeared from the Student Government Association offices sometime between late September and the middle of October.

Student activities director Matthew Patry says Sparty usually is kept in a storage locker but had been put in a bag under a desk in the offices after the closet shelves collapsed.

He said he expected the costume to show up on Halloween, but it didn’t.

The Student Government Association bought the mascot for $1,700 last year to replace one that was showing its wear. The school is using the old mascot for now.

The Rutland Herald reports that university officials have said that if the mascot is returned in good condition, they’ll consider the matter settled.

Condo board wants pet DNA to track down poopers

DESTIN, Fla.

Some Florida condo owners are steaming after their homeowners association asked them to submit their dogs’ DNA in order to fine owners who don’t pick up after their pets.

Harbor Landing residents said they received a letter last week, and some feel it’s an invasion of privacy. The letter asked residents to register their dogs and cats with the association through a DNA test, citing a significant increase in the amount of animal feces found throughout the property recently, including inside the elevators.

The News Herald reports pet owners would have to pay for the DNA test, registration fee and any potential cleanup fees.

Condo officials say it’s a voluntary process and that the measure is only meant to help keep the property clean.

Associated Press