KDHE to test oily sludge dumped on West Campus

Officials from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment will test a substance left near a creek bed on Kansas University’s West Campus, a KDHE spokesman said.

But the spokesman, Mike Heideman, said the staff members who inspected the site don’t think the oil-based sludge had any ill effect on the environment.

KDHE crews on Thursday, shown in photo above, collected samples of the substance, believed to be sludge cleaned from elevator shafts last summer. It was removed from a drain at KU’s vehicle maintenance garage on Tuesday. Although most of the sludge was placed in a barrel for a contractor to dispose of it, a small amount of it was left about 30 feet from the creek bed.

Heideman said officials decided to test the substance after the Journal-World contacted the KDHE office Wednesday. Results from the test aren’t expected until the middle of next week.

“At this point our staff are confident there hasn’t been any environmental impact,” Heideman said. “The testing being done is part of standard procedure.”

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Environment: Arbor Day foundation names Lawrence a Tree City USA

The National Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Lawrence as a “Tree City USA” for the 24th year.

The city was also recognized for accumulating a total of 56.4 acres of future park and open space through purchases and donations and for the Parks and Recreation landscaping division efforts to rewrite the street tree ordinance to allow the city to oversee planting street trees in new subdivisions.

In recognition of Tree City USA week, April 22 to 26, Parks and Recreation staff will receive an Arbor Day proclamation from the Lawrence City Commission at its April 23 meeting.

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On campus: Haskell Muzik Fest features bands, student talent show

At least five bands are expected to perform this evening at the third annual Muzik Fest at Haskell Indian Nations University. Auditorium doors open at 4:30 p.m.

Bands include Lawrence’s Everlasting Salsa, Montana-based rapper Superman, and from Arizona, Ethnic De Generation, Revolver and Rocking Horse. Several Haskell students will perform during talent-show segments.

The festival is a project of the Dinlub at Haskell. Haskell students will be admitted free; the fee for others is $5.

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Entertainment: Saturday youth lock-in returns to rec center

After a three-week recess, Saturday Nite’s Main Event will return Saturday to the East Lawrence Recreation Center, 1245 E. 15th St.

The theme for the lock-in for area youth in fourth through eighth grades will be “Say What? Karaoke.”

The weekly lock-ins are intended to offer a fun, safe alternative for children from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Scheduled activities for most of the lock-ins include a live DJ playing the latest music, dance contests and basketball tournaments, with door prizes and raffle giveaways at the end of the night.

Food and toy concessions also are available for a fee. A signed consent form is required for each child, who must also be signed out at evening’s end by an adult.

Admission is $6 per person. For more information, call 842-5726.

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Gasoline prices: Pump Patrol seeks best deal

The Journal-World has found a Lawrence-area gasoline price as low as $1.32 at the Citgos at Ninth and Iowa streets and 920 N. Second St.

If you find a lower price, please call us at 832-7154. Be prepared to leave the name and address of the business and the price. Or go to www.ljworld.com/section/gasoline to join our Pump Patrol message board.