Suspicious car spurs West Wing evacuation 6

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--> --> Suspicious car spurs West Wing evacuation WASHINGTON (AP) - The West Wing of the White House was partially evacuated for about an hour today after a car parked on the driveway nearby raised suspicions. Authorities checked for explosives and found none, and the building was reopened. "It's all clear," said Secret Service spokesman Tony Ball. "It was a false alarm." President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney remained at work inside throughout the check. While security precautions are always high at the White House, it was perhaps the first time that a portion of the building was evacuated. The car was parked on the driveway during a Rose Garden ceremony at which Bush discussed Medicare proposals. People were asked to leave the press office and briefing room of the West Wing, the closest offices to the driveway. Offices also were evacuated in the Old Executive Office Building, which faces the driveway. Press Secretary Ari Fleischer said offices on the north side of the White House, the side closest to the vehicle, were evacuated. The Oval Office faces south; Cheney's office is in the middle of the West Wing. Vehicles on the White House grounds are routinely checked by dogs trained to smell materials used in explosives. Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing