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News of the Weird

Staff
Friday May 17, 2002

Couple scales Everest 

 

SEATTLE — Phil and Susan Ershler have scaled Mount Everest, becoming the first couple to climb the highest peaks on each of the world’s seven continents together, a spokesman said. 

The Ershlers spent a few minutes taking photographs after reaching the 29,028-foot summit Thursday before beginning the four- or five-hour descent to their highest camp, said publicist Dan McConnell. 

Phil Ershler, 51, a professional guide who in 1984 became the first American to climb Everest via the North Wall through China, and Sue Ershler, 46, a former telecommunications executive, left Seattle in March. 

 

Burglar returns for underwear  

 

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Gunfire was not enough to deter a suspected burglar from allegedly returning to the scene of a break-in to steal women’s underwear, police said. 

David Diaz Jr., 32, of North Platte, was charged with burglary and possession of cocaine Monday after his Saturday arrest. Bond was set at $15,000. 

Police said Diaz broke into the mobile home of a 49-year-old woman who woke up when she heard someone entering a window. 

The woman told police she grabbed a pistol, confronted the suspect and fired a shot in his direction when he stepped toward her. He was not injured. 

The man fled out a back door as the woman ran out the front to a friend’s home to call police, investigators said. 

Officers later caught the suspect leaving the trailer. Police said he apparently had gone back inside and had stuffed his pockets full of ladies undergarments.