Motorcyclist treated after being struck by car

Tonganoxie A Lansing man was in fair condition Tuesday after being thrown from his motorcycle in a Monday accident in Tonganoxie.

D. Morgan Swiler, 32, was eastbound about 2:38 p.m. on U.S. Highway 24-40 in northeast Tonganoxie when Thamar Barnett, 75, Leavenworth, who was westbound on the highway, turned her 1991 Geo Storm south onto Ridge Street and struck Swiler, Tonganoxie Police said.

The impact threw Swiler about 35 feet and he landed on grass, police said. He was wearing a helmet.

Barnett was not injured. Swiler was taken by Leavenworth County ambulance to KU Med.

No citations were issued.

Commissioners to approve county road payment

Douglas County commissioners will take a break from their monthlong governmental hiatus to approve financing for an upcoming road project.

Commissioners will meet at 8:30 a.m. Thursday to allocate $310,000 to cover the local share of a $1.4 million overhaul of a 2.3-mile stretch of Stull Road. The road, formally known as Douglas County Road 442, will be widened and rebuilt west of Douglas County Road 1029.

King’s Construction Co. Inc. of Oskaloosa is expected to start construction by the end of August and be finished within six months.

After approving their 2003 operating budget July 15, commissioners had agreed to cancel all commission meetings through at least Aug. 18. But they left open the possibility of squeezing in a meeting if necessary.

The meeting will be at the Douglas County Courthouse, 1100 Mass.

Accident sends driver to Lawrence Memorial

A Lawrence man was injured Sunday afternoon when the car he was driving hydroplaned and struck a rock embankment northwest of Lawrence, Douglas County Sheriff’s officers said.

Damen Winslow, 22, 3916 Spring Hill Drive, was in good condition Tuesday in Lawrence Memorial Hospital, where he was taken by ambulance.

About 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Winslow was driving a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier east on County Road 438 near East 1043 Road, the Sheriff’s Office said. The car went into the north ditch and struck the embankment.

Murder trial scheduled to begin today in Oskaloosa

Oskaloosa Nearly three years after Clarence Rinke was found shot to death in his rural Jefferson County home, one of three people charged in the case goes on trial today.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin this morning in Jefferson County District Court in Oskaloosa to hear evidence against Noah J. Gleason, 42, rural Lawrence. Gleason is charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit burglary.

Law enforcement authorities said Gleason planned the Oct. 14, 1999, burglary to steal cash and marijuana from Rinke, who was known by law enforcement officers to deal the drug.

During a preliminary hearing this spring, Collin E. Cady, 32, McLouth, said a shotgun he was carrying went off during a struggle with Rinke inside his home. The blast killed Rinke, 55.

Cady also is charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit burglary. His trial is scheduled to begin Monday.

A third accomplice, Charolette M. Bennett, 29, Lawrence, is charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery. She is scheduled for a plea hearing Aug. 8.

Endowment Association announces promotions

Two officials at the Kansas University Endowment Association have been promoted by new president Dale Seuferling.

Kevin Corbett will be senior vice president for development, and also will serve as a trustee and secretary of the association. Jerome Davies will be vice president for development.

Corbett came to the Endowment Association in 1988 as a development officer before leaving in 1989 for stints at the University of Georgia, University of Oklahoma Medical Center and Western State College Foundation.

He rejoined the KU Endowment Association in 1997. Most recently, he served as vice president for development.

Davies joined the Endowment Association staff in 2000 and most recently served as assistant vice president for major gifts.

Seuferling assumed the association’s top position July 10.

City offers reminders for election signage

With next week’s primary and the election only months away, the city of Lawrence wants to remind candidates, volunteers and property owners of political sign restrictions.

No signs are allowed in the city right-of-way or on city property. On private property, signs should be behind sidewalks and utility poles. If none exist, signs should be within 25 feet of a structure.

Property owners must give advance permission. Tenants must have legal rights stated in their leases in order to place political signs at a rental property.

Signs can’t exceed 16 square feet.

All signs illegally posted in city right-of-way or on city property may be removed by inspection staff.

For more information, contact Barry Walthall, codes enforcement manager at the Neighborhood Resources Department, at 832-3101.

Volunteer awards expanded to include youth recognition

The United Way of Douglas County’s Wallace Galluzzi Volunteer of the Year Awards have been expanded to include a youth volunteer award.

The Roger Hill Volunteer Center asks that residents of the Douglas County area take time to nominate youth volunteers. Youths may volunteer in any capacity, including through scouts, 4-H and their church, said Michelle Heller of the center.

Nomination applications can be picked up at the center, 2518 Ridge Court, Room 104, or by calling 865-5030.

Community leaders have been assembled to choose the adult and youth award recipients. The awards will be handed out on Day of Caring, Sept. 14.