Pipeline repairs finished; gasoline cleanup next

Repairs are completed on a gasoline pipeline that was ruptured by a farmer’s plow Tuesday north of Lawrence.

Williams Pipe Line reported that crews finished the repairs late Tuesday night.

A maintenance crew cut out the piping where the line was hit, then installed a 12-foot section of steel pipe. The line is expected to return to service today, a Williams spokesman said.

Tuesday morning, more than 8,000 gallons of gasoline spilled into a field after the pipeline was damaged.

Efforts now are concentrated on environmental cleanup, company officials said. Soil samples were taken Wednesday to determine the extent of remediation that will be needed. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is assisting.

Fund raising

Gingerbread house auction nets $21,000

Big Brothers-Big Sisters received $21,000 in gifts and pledges from Tuesday’s Eldridge Hotel Gingerbread Festival and auction.

“We are delighted at the success of this event in light of the difficult economic times facing our country,” said Jane Pennington, executive director of the organization.

Among the delectables, above, was this creation by members of the Fourleaf Clover 4-H Club.

In addition to the auction, the organization also handed out its Gordon Garber Award for Excellence, which honors commitment to children in the community.

Sharon Carlson, counselor at Pinckney and Centennial schools, was this year’s recipient.

Lawrence

Phone directory cover to feature Dole Institute

This year’s Southwestern Bell phone directory for Lawrence will feature the Dole Institute of Politics at Kansas University.

The book’s cover shows an architect’s rendering of the Dole building, which is under construction on KU’s West Campus and is scheduled for dedication July 22, 2003.

Information on drop-off locations to recycle old directories is available by calling 1 (800) 953-4400.