Missing paintings found undamaged in Hays

Police discovered 12 watercolors by internationally known artist John Cody undamaged Monday afternoon at a residence in Hays.

The watercolors, insured for $240,000, were stored in a car reported taken last week.

Two men are in custody but have not been formally charged in the case, said Bill Lovewell, an investigator with the Hays Police Department.

Lawrence government: Commissioners work out city manager’s pay raise

Lawrence City Manager Mike Wildgen will be making nearly $2,800 more a year with the 2.5 percent increase in pay granted him after a mid-year job performance review last week.

Lawrence city commissioners worked out details of the increase in an executive session during Tuesday’s city commission meeting. Wildgen will receive the 2.5 percent increase in both salary and deferred compensation, retroactive to July 1.

His annual salary will increase from $111,405 to $114,190. City contributions to his deferred compensation package increase from $8,250 to $8,456.

In January, Wildgen received a 3 percent increase in salary and deferred compensation, as well as $5,000 for a car allowance. The city pays for additional life insurance for the city manager; the remainder of his benefits package will remain similar to those received by other city staff.

Looking back: Public response to 9-11 sought for anniversary

We want you, our readers, to be a part of our coverage of the anniversary of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.

It was a day that will forever be etched on our memories. Some say it changed our nation forever. We’d like to know what you think. By letter or e-mail, tell us how Sept. 11, 2001, changed your life.

As part of our coverage commemorating Sept. 11, we hope to share some of your responses in our news and editorial pages. Please send your letters by Aug. 26 either by e-mail to 9-11@ljworld.com or by mail to The News Center, 645 N.H., Lawrence 66044. Mark your envelope or message as “Sept. 11” and include your name and, for office use only, your address and telephone number.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Entertainment: Leavenworth Fair begins

Tonganoxie The Leavenworth County Fair kicks off today with the annual fair parade at 6:30 p.m. The fair continues through Saturday.

Tonight’s parade will head west on Fourth Street in Tonganoxie, then north on Church Street and west on Third Street.

The fair carnival opens Thursday and will be in operation from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Saturday.

Also Thursday, the fair rodeo will begin at 8 p.m., as will the fair’s music series. The rodeo will continue Friday, and the demolition derby is set for Saturday.

For more on the fair, see Thursday’s Journal-World.