Local liquor stores report strong New Year's Eve sales
A year marred by tragedy didn't significantly slow down Lawrence residents' plans for New Year's Eve merriment, according to several area liquor store owners.
Above, Tim Quillin and Tracy Steitz were busy Monday afternoon selecting beverages for their New Year's Eve party.
Ron Hassen, owner of Ray's Liquor Warehouse, 1215 W. Sixth St., said sales were not as strong as the previous two seasons, but he said more of that could be attributed to the lack of a millennium-type of event to celebrate.
"I'd say sales are still strong," Hassen said. "They're just back to pre-millennium sales levels. We knew the last couple of years were the type that you needed to enjoy while they last because it will be a long time before we have sales like that again."
State law doesn't require liquor stores to be closed today, but most in the Lawrence area will not be open.
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Taxes: County appraiser sends property forms to residents
Douglas County residents soon should be receiving a form from the county appraiser asking them to list the amount of personal property they own.
The county appraiser's office mailed on Monday the 2001 Property Assessment Forms to all county taxpayers. The form will include a listing of all pieces of taxable personal property such as boats, mobile homes, large trucks, trailers and business machinery that the appraiser has previously taxed.
Property owners are required to make any changes to the list and sign and return the form to the appraiser's office by March 15. Late filers will be subject to a penalty.
Taxpayers who own taxable personal property, but do not receive a form, should contact the appraiser's office at 832-5289.
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Road safety: Highway fatality reported over holiday weekend
At least one person was reported killed in traffic on Kansas roads during the long holiday weekend.
Patrick McMullen, 52, of Plainville was killed about 12:30 a.m. Saturday when he was thrown from his car as it went into a ditch and rolled, the Kansas Highway Patrol said. The accident happened on a Rooks County road about three miles east of Plainville, the patrol reported Monday.
Last year, seven people died on Kansas roads during the New Year's holiday counting period. This year's period began at 6 p.m. Friday and ends at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday.
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Conservation: Audubon Society to discuss issues of water quality
Water quality issues affecting the Upper Wakarusa watershed will the subject of the Jan. 10 Jayhawk Audubon Society meeting at the Lawrence Senior Center, Eighth and Vermont streets. The meeting, open to the public, begins at 7:30 p.m.
Speaking at the meeting will be Clyde Mermis, district conservationist with the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Doug Musick, Lower Kansas River watershed specialist for Kansas State University's Haskell Extension Office at Haskell Indian Nations University.
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