Train car derails Monday

A Union Pacific train car derailed Monday morning during a switching operation on railroad tracks in North Lawrence, officials said.

The car, normally used to carry phosphoric acid, was empty, said Dennis Cullen, UP’s senior manager of train operations. The car lost its rear wheels but did not overturn.

About 6 a.m. Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical workers went to the tracks near Fifth and Locust streets responding to an initial report that several cars had derailed, Chief Jim McSwain said. The car that did derail was checked even though it was empty and there were no leaks.

Teen may face adult charge in fatal accident

A hearing is set for next month to determine if a Lawrence teenager will face an involuntary manslaughter charge as an adult.

The Douglas County District Attorney’s Office has filed a motion to upgrade the charge against Ashleigh N. Juola, 17.

Juola is accused of striking Heather Coulter, 24, with a car Sept. 18 while driving on Iowa Street. Coulter died from her injuries a few days later at KU Med, police said.

Judge Jack Murphy set the hearing for 1:30 p.m. Nov. 15.

Juola was charged earlier this month as a juvenile with involuntary manslaughter while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. She also is charged as an adult with driving under the influence of alcohol.

After charges were filed, Juola was placed under house arrest. Prosecutors said she violated that by leaving the house. Juola was then taken away by Douglas County Youth Services.

Monday, Murphy granted a motion to have Juola placed back under house arrest.

Recreation: Skate park lighting fixed

Lighting has been reinstalled at the skate park in Centennial Park, 600 Rockledge Road

The light system was damaged Labor Day weekend, and parks officials said they wouldn’t replace it until the culprits were caught.

That hasn’t happened, but parks officials changed their minds.

“Based on the information we received from tips, it wasn’t done by anyone local,” said Roger Steinbrock, marketing supervisor for Lawrence Parks and Recreation. “We didn’t think we should punish those who use the facility regularly because of someone or some group passing through doing damage to the facility.”

Repairs cost more than $1,500.

Lights can be turned on by users of the park at dusk. The lights are controlled by a timer and are automatically turned off at 10:30 p.m.

Festival: High school bands plan Saturday performances

Sixteen area high school bands are scheduled to perform Saturday at the 11th annual Heart of America Marching Band Festival at Memorial Stadium.

The bands, including Lawrence High School, will perform beginning at 11 a.m. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for students and $1 for children under 12.

Judging will be in 4A, 5A and 6A categories. The awards ceremony will begin at 5:15 p.m.

The festival is co-sponsored by KU Bands and the northeast district of the Kansas Music Educators Assn. For more information, contact the KU Office of Music and Dance at 864-3436.