Smokeout observance seeks to snuff habit

The American Cancer Society is staging the 26th Annual Great American Smokeout today and is urging smokers to take the day as an opportunity to quit.

The society reports that cigarettes cause more than 430,700 deaths each year, about one out of every five deaths, and cost $53 billion in direct medical costs in 1993. Even for nonsmokers, secondhand smoke exposure causes 53,000 deaths among American adults.

To help quit, the society recommends using medicines, avoiding people who smoke and places they gather, and telling family and friends to build support. The society has a hot line, 1 (800) ACS-2345, and Web site, www.cancer.org, for more information and resources.

Geological council plans semiannual meeting

The advisory council of the Kansas Geological Survey, which is based at Kansas University, will meet today and Friday in Hutchinson.

The 12-member group meets twice a year to review survey programs and provide input about its activities. Topics on the agenda for this week’s meeting include budget issues, federal legislation on the High Plains aquifer, the state’s Energy Resources Coordination Council and strategic planning.

Members also will tour locations related to the January 2001 natural gas explosions in Hutchinson.

World of KU celebration to be observed today

The third annual World of KU celebration today will highlight International Education Week at Kansas University.

The celebration, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Kansas Union Ballroom, will feature booths involving international students, faculty and scholars. The event is open to the public.

On Tuesday, Gov. Bill Graves declared this week International Education Week in Kansas.

Phi Beta Delta honor society for international students inducted 63 new members Tuesday night during a ceremony at the Kansas Union.

Leavenworth officer to speak at KU

The first female commandant of the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth will speak today at Kansas University.

Col. Colleen McGuire will speak to ROTC Army cadets at 2:30 p.m. in the second-floor classroom of the Military Science Building, 1520 Summerfield Drive.

McGuire will discuss the role of women in the military. Several other female officers also will be present to answer questions from cadets.