Nuts open bridge for squirrels

The latest squirrel news comes from Longview, Washington:

The only thing missing was the marching band.

Speeches, prayer, cheerleaders, a ribbon cutting and a release of doves heralded Monday afternoon's reopening of the Nutty Narrows Bridge for squirrels at its new location above Olympia Way less than a month after the city landmark was taken down for cleaning and repairs.

The Longview Sandbaggers Club, known for elaborate jokes and trademark red-and-white striped jackets and umbrellas, put on the 15-minute tongue-in-cheek ceremony at Olympia Way and 18th Avenue before reconvening at the Monticello Hotel for cake and squirrel-themed cocktails. About 40 people watched as the Longview Parks Department attached the bridge to stout trees on opposite sides of Olympia Way using a cherry picker. "I have been asked to bless a lot of weird things in my life, and this is at the top of my list," said Father Richard Green of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Longview.

Full story here.