Tuition-increase protesters begin letter-writing drive

After administrators silenced their microphone and speaker, Kansas University students protesting tuition increases turned to a letter-writing campaign.

KU officials said the students, who were planning a second tuition rally at Wescoe Beach in two weeks, failed to get proper approval to operate their sound system.

So students concentrated their efforts on a postcard-writing campaign to parents and the Kansas Board of Regents.

Students completed the pre-printed postcards, which urged parents to contact their legislators and urged regents to not support a tuition increase of more than $15 million in five years. One proposal would increase tuition $50 million in five years.

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Crime: KU Police investigate report of sexual battery in dorm

The Kansas University Public Safety Office is investigating a sexual battery that occurred early Wednesday in a residence hall.

A male KU student told officers that a white male entered his Lewis Hall room at 4:19 a.m. through an unlocked door and touched his buttocks with his hands, Lt. Schuyler Bailey said. The contact woke the victim, who was able to get a description of the suspect before he left the room, Bailey said.

Officers are looking for a white male, medium build, approximately 6 feet tall, with short dark hair. He was wearing a blue sweatshirt, dark shorts and white socks but no shoes.

Two females also were sleeping in the room at the time of the battery but were not touched by the suspect, Bailey said.

Anyone with information about this crime can call the public safety office or KU Crime Stoppers at 864-8888.

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State government: Leadership woes fuel crisis in budget, regent says

A member of the Kansas Board of Regents told a Kansas University student committee Wednesday that a lack of legislative leadership is adding to the state’s budget crisis.

Lew Ferguson of Topeka, who met with KU’s Graduate Affairs Committee, said ultra-conservatives who want smaller government were stifling attempts to restore state funding with tax increases.

“What’s the best way to shrink government?” he said. “You starve it.”

Ferguson said he thought the best-case scenario for the state’s $700 million budget shortfall would be $350 million in taxes and $350 million in budget cuts. The budget situation might mean elimination of some programs at state universities, he said.

“You’ve heard the horror stories,” he said. “They’re true.”

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Social welfare: Foster parents plan vigil

Topeka Foster parents from across the state will gather tonight on the south steps of the Statehouse for a candlelight vigil aimed at calling attention to efforts to enact a Bill of Rights for foster parents.

Coordinated by the Foster Children of Johnson County, the two-hour vigil begins at 6:30 p.m.

Lawmakers are considering a series of bills designed to give foster parents a greater say in what happens to children placed in their care. State welfare officials oppose most of the bills’ provisions.

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Gasoline prices: Pump Patrol seeks best deal

The Journal-World has found a Lawrence-area gasoline price as low as $1.23 at several North Lawrence service stations.

If you find a lower price, please call us at 832-7154. Be prepared to leave the name and address of the business and the price. Or go to www.ljworld.com/section/gasoline to join our Pump Patrol message board.