(AP)
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Authorities are flummoxed as to the source of mysterious booms that reverberated again through the eastern Wisconsin city of Clintonville early today. No one has come up with a feasible explanation for the loud disturbances that shook people awake on Sunday and Monday nights, and rattled sleepers again as the sun rose this morning. "It startled everyone. They thought something had hit their house or a tree fell on their roof," explains a city administrator.
Possible explanations for the ruckus have been nearly exhausted, she said. Residents have said they believe the booms come from underground. City officials have checked and rechecked methane levels at the local landfill, monitored water, sewer, and gas lines, contacted the military about any exercises in the area, reviewed mining explosive permits, and inspected the Pigeon River dam next to city hall. A seismic station near Clintonville has recorded unusual ground shaking since Sunday night. Such activity can be caused by quarrying, mining, and heavy truck traffic, but the city ruled out those sources, as there are no mines or major construction in the area. City officials have scheduled a public meeting for tonight.
