Victims identified in one-vehicle accident

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office released the names of a woman who was killed and a man who was injured Saturday in a one-vehicle accident on U.S. Highway 40 west of Lawrence.

Syreeta D. Oaks, 19, Topeka, was pronounced dead at the scene. Adrian P. Keeling, 21, Lawrence, was taken by Life Star to KU Med, Kansas City, Kan.

The accident occurred about 6:30 p.m. Saturday 200 feet west of mile marker 375. Keeling was driving a blue 1997 Ford F250 pickup truck eastbound. The pickup went onto the south shoulder. Keeling then lost control, left the roadway on the north side and the vehicle overturned. Both Keeling and his passenger, Oaks, were trapped in the vehicle.

Keeling’s condition was not available, and no other details were available Sunday. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the cause of the accident.

Recognition: Roberts honored with science awards

U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., received two awards last week for his commitment to federal investment to science and technology.

The Science Coalition, representing more than 400 institutions, including Kansas University, bestowed its “Champion of Science Award” on Roberts.

Also, the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, an Arlington, Va.-based think tank, honored Roberts with a 2002 Navigator Award.

Among the efforts cited by the groups was Roberts’ involvement in the Kansas City Life Sciences Initiative effort.

“It is wise public policy in Kansas and throughout the United States to make a commitment today to our institutions of higher education and especially to science, engineering and technology research,” Roberts said. “It is a commitment to our nation’s future.”

University funding: Rural development study receives federal grant

A joint program for rural economic development between Kansas University and Kansas State University has received a $105,424 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The grant to the Kansas Center for Community Economic Development will be used to examine the effects of population decline and economic hardship on rural communities. Charles Krider, a KU business professor, will be the principal investigator.

The center was established in 1988.

Gasoline Prices: Pump Patrol seeks deal

The Journal-World has found a gasoline price as low as $1.32 at several stations.

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.