Events commemorate anniversary of raid

One hundred thirty-nine years ago today, those who had survived William Quantrill’s bloody raid on Lawrence were reeling in its aftermath.

The supporter of slavery and his raiders killed more than 150 unarmed men and boys and burned all of Lawrence’s business district on Aug. 21, 1863.

On Wednesday, Lawrence remembered that fateful day through activities associated with Civil War on the Western Frontier.

Steve Jansen, historian at Watkins Community Museum of History, led walking tours of Quantrill’s fiery path through downtown and later described the events during a presentation at the museum.

A candlelight vigil took place after dark at historic Pioneer Cemetery on Kansas University’s West Campus. The names of all known raid victims were read, and a candle was lit in memory of each of those killed.

Protest

NAACP rally to counter ‘White Unity’ event

The Kansas Conference of Branches of the NAACP will stage a rally from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday outside the Curtis Building, 10th and Jackson streets, Topeka.

The rally coincides with the National Socialist Movement’s “White Unity Rally” on the south steps of the Statehouse. The Curtis Building is catercorner from the Statehouse.

The NAACP rally will include an address by Jesse Milan, a former Lawrence teacher and retired Baker University professor. Milan is president of the state Conference of Branches of the NAACP.

Wreck

Sister flags down trucker after wreck on U.S. 40

Authorities early Wednesday had trouble finding an overturned car in western Douglas County after one of two women injured in the accident trudged to Interstate 70 to flag down a trucker for help.

Kansas Highway Patrol troopers and Douglas County Sheriff’s officers began looking for the 1991 Ford Tempo shortly after 2 a.m. A second woman was reported still to be in the car, Sheriff’s Lt. Kathy Tate said.

Sheriff’s officers eventually found the car off the north side of U.S. Highway 40 between the 300 and 400 sections, Tate said. The car had left the highway, overturned three times and struck a tree.

The woman found in the car, Billie McDermott, 23, Lawrence, was taken by Life Star air ambulance to KU Med, Kansas City, Kan., where she was reported in fair condition.

Sonya McDermott, 21, Lawrence, was flown to St. Joseph Health Center, Kansas City, Mo., where she was treated and released, a hospital spokesman said. The women are sisters, Tate said.

Gasoline Prices

Pump Patrol seeks deals

The Journal-World has found a gasoline price as low as $1.36 at Sam’s Food Mart, 1910 Haskell Ave. If you find a lower price, call us at 832-7154. Be prepared to leave the name and address of the business and the price. Or visit the Pump Patrol message board at www.ljworld.com/section/gasoline

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