Suspicious package empties Elko post office

ELKO, Nev. (AP) - A suspicious looking package forced the evacuation of a post office facility here on Tuesday but turned out to be harmless - if disgusting.

The package apparently was sent from Washington and was addressed to the Battle Mountain Bugle, but turned up in the Elko annex post office.

Elko police were called in because of incoherent messages written on the outside making references to Pearl Harbor and the Vietnam war, according to Chief Clair Morris.

The contents were X-rayed before the package was opened. They turned out to be garbage, cigarette butts and a beer bottle.

About 15 postal workers were evacuated but were allowed to return after the police and fire department gave the all-clear.