Local briefs

Conference: Anarchist gathering slated this week outside Lawrence

About 300 anarchists from the United States and Canada are expected to arrive today for the start of the North American Anarchist Gathering 2002 at an undisclosed campsite near Lawrence. The gathering is expected to end Sunday.

Participants have been asked to register first at the Mother Earth Collective, 1305 Tenn., where they’ll be given directions to the campsite. Drugs, alcohol, violence and bad attitudes will not be allowed, organizers say.

“We want everyone to feel comfortable,” said Nicole Burton, one of the gathering’s organizers.

More that 50 workshops are planned. Topics include combating elitism, anarchist revolutionary theory, radical songwriting and bicycle repair. No demonstrations are planned.

“We have no intention of doing anything illegal,” Burton said.

A crew from Global TV in Calgary, Canada, is expected to film part of the gathering.

_____________

Tonganoxie: Fallout from chief’s firing leads to firefighters’ quitting

Two firefighters recently resigned from the Tonganoxie Fire Department, citing their displeasure regarding last month’s dismissal of long-time fire chief Charlie Conrad.

Lt. Ron Kampfer and Assistant Fire Chief Pat Morey told the city council they thought Conrad’s dismissal was handled unprofessionally.

Conrad, who was fire chief for 16 years, was not reappointed to the job last month by the council. Late last year some firefighters had signed a petition asking for Conrad’s resignation. Conrad refused to resign.

No new fire chief has been named. Butch Rodgers is serving as the interim chief.

_____________

Sept. 11: Unveiling ceremony planned for ‘Heroes of 2001’ stamp

Local government and emergency response officials will attend a special ceremony Friday at the Lawrence main post office to unveil a new stamp commemorating “Heroes of 2001.”

Funds raised for the sale of the stamp will go to the families of emergency relief workers killed or permanently disabled in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. The funds will be transferred to the families through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Friday’s ceremony will be at 10:30 a.m. at the post office, 645 Vt. Expected to attend are Lawrence Mayor Sue Hack, Douglas County Commissioner Jere McElhaney and members of city and county fire, medical and law enforcement agencies, the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Kansas University Public Safety Office.

_____________

Gasoline Prices: Pump Patrol seeks best deal

The Journal-World has found a gasoline price as low as $1.25 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.