Peltier forum to discuss recent FBI disclosures

The Leonard Peltier Defense Committee is sponsoring a forum at 7:30 p.m. today in Plymouth Congregational Church, 925 Vt.

The forum will feature activists, including Jennifer Harbury, a human rights attorney; Bruce Ellison, a founding member of the Wounded Knee Legal Defense/Offense committee; Bernard Kleinman, lead attorney in a civil suit against the FBI in Peltier’s case; and Michael Kuzma, who has directed Freedom of Information Act efforts on Peltier’s behalf.

The forum will focus on thousands of pages of documents connected to Peltier’s case that were recently released by the FBI.

Peltier is serving two life sentences for the 1975 execution-style murders of two FBI agents during a siege at the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

Advocates for Peltier’s release from the U.S. Penitentiary at Leavenworth claim the U.S. government falsified evidence leading to Peltier’s arrest and coerced false testimony or hid exonerating evidence to obtain his conviction.

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Baldwin: Police chief resigns

Embattled Baldwin Police Chief Steve Butell resigned Friday, effective immediately, Mayor Ken Hayes said.

Earlier this month, Butell’s son, Shawn, 22, pleaded guilty in Douglas County District Court to one count of burglary and one count of misdemeanor theft.

That came after a series of events involving the department:

In July 2001, a recently suspended officer wrecked his personal vehicle and was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. He later resigned from the Police Department.

In April and May, four officers threatened lawsuits against the city because of alleged civil rights violations during disciplinary proceedings. In claims filed with the city, they sought up to $300,000 apiece.

No replacement for Butell has been named; Hayes said an officer from a neighboring agency would serve as interim chief.

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Arts: Folk concert canceled after death of performer

A concert that was to have kicked off the new West Side Folk series on Aug. 4 has been canceled because of the death of one of the performers.

Bob McWilliams, organizer of the folk concert series, said singer-musician Dave Carter had died of a heart attack while jogging Friday morning in Northhampton, Mass. Carter was to have appeared with singer-songwriter Tracy Grammer at the show, scheduled at Unity Church of Lawrence.

Carter and Grammer were the most-often-played artists on folk radio in 2001. They recently toured with Joan Baez.

Those who bought tickets at Mass Street Music for the concert can return them to West Side Folk, 1001 Parkview Road, Lawrence 66049, for a refund. McWilliams said those who bought tickets via mail order need do nothing because the checks have not been cashed.

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Gasoline Prices: Pump Patrol seeks deal

The Journal-World has found a gasoline price as low as $1.37 at several Lawrence locations.

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.