Soldier killed in Afghanistan buried in Ozarks cemetery

Army Sgt. Philip J. Svitak, who was among seven U.S. soldiers killed March 4 when two helicopters came under attack by al-Qaida and Taliban fighters, was buried near his hometown, Joplin, Mo.

Neighborhood: Decision still uncertain on Ohio houses near KU

There is still no ruling from the State Historic Preservation Officer on the fate of homes in the 1300 block of Ohio Street.

Ramon Powers, the SHPO and director of the Kansas State Historical Society, had been expected to issue his decision earlier this week. Officials in his office have said throughout the week that his decision has been delayed because of other matters. An in-office meeting today may produce a ruling, officials said.

Powers is retiring from his post today.

Kansas University wants to demolish three century-old houses to make room for scholarship halls there. The Oread Neighborhood Assn. and Lawrence Preservation Alliance are against KU’s proposal.

The houses are near two buildings on the National Register of Historic Places: Spooner Hall and Usher House (Beta Theta Pi fraternity). Changes to buildings and property near historic homes must be reviewed.

Crime: Bombing victim released; investigation continuing

A rural Lawrence man injured early March 3 when a bomb exploded in his house, was released Thursday from Kansas University Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan., a hospital official said.

An investigation into the incident at Lloyd Haas Sr.’s home, 1808 N. 1100 Road, is continuing by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. No one has been arrested.

Haas’ wife, Karen Haas, also was injured but was treated and released at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

The Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

ATF is offering a reward of $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for the bombing. Calls are taken at 843-TIPS (8477) and callers remain anonymous. Calls also can be made directly to the Sheriff’s Office at 841-0007. Douglas County Crime Stoppers is offering an additional $1,000 reward for calls through its TIPS hot line.

State government: House panel endorses bill to restrict gun lawsuits

Topeka  A House committee has endorsed a bill barring local governments from suing makers and dealers of guns and ammunition for damages from the legal manufacture and sale of those products.

The Federal and State Affairs Committee approved the measure on a voice vote Thursday, sending it to the entire House. The Senate approved the bill two weeks ago.

Under the legislation, only the state could sue for damages arising from the legal sale or manufacturing of firearms or ammunition. Local governments could still sue over breach of contract or defective products, however.

The measure is a response to lawsuits filed by at least 30 cities and counties around the country since October 1998, when the city of New Orleans became the first to go to court.

No such lawsuits have been filed to date by any Kansas counties or municipal governments.