Former guard pleads guilty in marijuana case

A former guard at the U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth pleaded guilty Monday to one count of using the U.S. mail with intent to distribute marijuana.

Raul Barriga, 32, Leavenworth admitted to U.S. District Judge Kathryn Vratil that the U.S. Postal Service made a controlled delivery of a package and that the package had the odor of marijuana coming from it, to Barriga’s residence.

Barriga also admitted law enforcement officers conducted a search of his residence and recovered the package, which contained a toy rabbit stuffed with 11 plastic sandwich bags containing 12 ounces of marijuana.

Barriga faces a maximum of four years in federal prison without parole, U.S. Atty. Eric Melgren said. Barriga’s sentencing was scheduled for 9:30 a.m. June 24.

Two arrested in motel theft

Charges are pending against two Lawrence men arrested early Sunday for allegedly stealing items from a man staying in a motel room.

Police were called about 5:30 a.m. to the Travelodge Motel, 801 Iowa. A 36-year-old Aurora, Colo., man reported that video games and a pistol had been taken from his room.

Police launched an investigation that led them to two men living in the 800 block of Michigan Street. The missing items were recovered and the men, ages 23 and 26, were arrested. Police said they also found quantities of marijuana.

The suspects were released Monday, and charges have yet to be filed.

Former mayor honored with service award

A Lawrence businesswoman who has been active in the employment industry since 1976 was named Tuesday as the 2002 recipient of the Lawrence Sertoma Club’s Service to Mankind Award.

The award honors an individual with a long record of service to the community and mankind.

Shirley Martin-Smith, Lawrence mayor in 1990, pioneered temporary staffing in Lawrence, Manhattan and Emporia before opening her own career placement business in 1987. She was United Way campaign chairwoman in 1987 and was on the founding board of Leadership Lawrence.

After graduating from Leadership Kansas in 1984, Martin-Smith served as program chairwoman from 1986-1987 and chairwoman in 1989. She was chosen as Leadership Alumnus of the Year in 1996.

Martin-Smith is the 40th person to receive the club’s service award.

Driver injured in I-70 accident

A Topeka woman was injured Monday night when her car was struck from behind, causing her to lose control of the vehicle, the Kansas Turnpike Patrol said.

Michelle Hughlock, 48, was taken to Stormont-Vail HealthCare Center, Topeka, by Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical ambulance. She was treated and released, a hospital spokesman said.

Shortly before 11 p.m., Hughlock was driving a 1994 Chevrolet station wagon westbound on Interstate 70 about 10 miles west of Lawrence, the patrol said. The car was struck from behind by a westbound 1997 Ford pickup truck driven by Bryan Bergeson, 41, Mora, Mo., the patrol said.

The station wagon went into the ditch and overturned.

Fashion show canceled

The St. James A.M.E. Church Fashion Show scheduled for Saturday at West Junior High School has been canceled.

The show will be rescheduled.

Credit card payments accepted for permit fees

The Lawrence Neighborhood Resources Department is now accepting credit card payments for permit and inspection fees.

The city department collects fees on demolition permits, building inspections, rental licensing, sign variance, sign permits and trade licensing.

Individuals conducting business with the department may make payment with cash, check or credit card.