Social services: ECKAN’s Lawrence office reopens with staff changes

The Lawrence ECKAN office has reopened this week after being closed for several days following the firing of its longtime Douglas County coordinator.

The nonprofit’s office at 1600 Haskell Ave. is being staffed by employees from the agency’s headquarters in Ottawa, according to a receptionist who declined to give her name. The office is operating under its normal hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

Richard Jackson, executive director of the East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corporation, previously had said a search for a new coordinator for Douglas County had begun and should be completed in about a month.

Eve Cofer, the agency’s former coordinator was fired last week. Both Jackson and Cofer have declined to comment on the reasons for the firing.

The agency provides those in need with a food commodity program and other services.

Assistance: Volunteer agency to help with home improvements

Lawrence homeowners who need help with a home improvement project may be able to get assistance this spring from a local volunteer agency.

The Roger Hill Volunteer Center, in conjunction with the Corporate Volunteer Council of Douglas County, is taking applications from residents for its 10th annual Home Improvement Day scheduled for April 20.

To qualify, residents must own their own home and meet income and other guidelines set by the Corporate Volunteer Council.

Projects could include anything from painting to yard work to weatherproofing, said Becky Twedt of the volunteer center.

The volunteer council, composed of area business volunteer groups, will perform basic repairs on the homes selected for the project.

Applications due by 5 p.m. Feb. 25 are available by calling the volunteer center at 865-5030.

Lawrence: Traffic accident damages porch on Tennessee Street

An automobile accident early Wednesday sent an Olathe man to the hospital, a Lawrence woman to jail and damaged a porch of a Tennessee Street house.

Shortly after 2 a.m., Andrew Peterson, 21, Olathe, was taken by ambulance to Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He was treated and released, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Peterson was the driver of a 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier that struck the back of a 1989 Toyota that pulled in front of him, Lawrence Police Sgt. Mark Warren said. The Toyota was driven by Jessica Marie Todd, 25, 2333 Ridge Court, Lawrence.

The collision caused the Cavalier to leave the street and strike the front porch of a house at 1604 Tenn. owned by David Hamill, Warren said. The Toyota struck two parked cars, he said. No damage estimates were listed.

Todd was taken to the Douglas County Jail and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. She was later released and ordered to appear April 4 in Lawrence Municipal Court.