Forum speakers to focus on violence against women

Several agencies that serve women who are victims of domestic violence will conduct a public forum on violence against women.

Representatives of the Kansas Coalition against Sexual and Domestic Violence, Rape Victim Survivor Service and Women’s Transitional Service will share their expertise at the forum from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital auditorium.

A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.

The free forum that is open to the public is sponsored by the Lawrence Branch of the American Association of University Women.

Campus groups offering Spring Break alternatives

Ecumenical Christian Ministries and United Methodist Campus Ministries are looking for people willing to spend spring break March 16-23 doing mission work in New Mexico or Louisiana, respectively.

The UMCM trip is expected to cost participants between $150 and $200; the ECM trip costs $300. Costs includes meals, travel and no-frills lodging.

The ECM group will stay at villages in one of the region’s poorest and most culturally diverse areas of New Mexico.

The UMCM group will work on tasks for the Louisiana United Methodist Church in Opelousas, La., pack clothing and health-care supplies at United Methodist Committee on Relief’s national warehouse in Baldwin, La., and visit an urban ministries program in New Orleans.

UMCM is hoping for 10-12 participants; five have signed up. ECM has room for 20, it has 10.

For more information, call ECM, 843-4933, or UMCM, 841-8661, or visit their offices at Ecumenical Campus Ministries, 1204 Oread Ave.

LMH plans baby class to educate new dads

Lawrence Memorial Hospital is hosting “Dr. Dad,” a class for new fathers, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Dr. Beth Rundquist, a Lawrence pediatrician, will teach this hands-on class.

Topics will include holding, swaddling, diapering, cord care, childhood illnesses and administering medication.

The class is free, but advance registration is requested.

Wellsville fire chief faces obstruction charges

Wellsville fire chief and school board member Jim Stonequist was issued a notice to appear on suspicion of obstruction of the legal process, Franklin County Sheriff Craig Davis said.

Sheriff’s officers went to Stonequist’s daughter’s house on Tuesday with civil papers requiring them to pick up a child and transfer custody to its father, Davis said. Stonequist arrived and tried to prevent officers from taking the child, Davis said. Stonequist was handcuffed at the scene to protect the officers, Davis said.

In the process of being handcuffed, Stonequist suffered a minor ankle injury and was taken to Olathe Medical Center, Davis said.

Franklin County Attorney John Dowell could not be reached Friday to say whether any formal charges had been filed against Stonequist.