Local briefs

KU bowling alley reopens

A newly renovated Jaybowl, located on the first floor of the Kansas Union, opened to the public Tuesday.

Michael Fine, recreation coordinator of the Kansas and Burge unions, said the Jaybowl features 12 new lanes and ball returns. The pin-setters have been tuned up. The Kansas University bowling alley also has new carpet, tile, house balls and bowling pins.

“We’re here to serve the university community and the students. That’s the target audience,” Fine said.

Tuesday’s reopening was low-key, Fine said, because the stairway leading to the Jaybowl remains closed to the public while other renovation continues on the Union’s first floor. The bowling alley, which was closed for a year, can be reached using the elevators.

A more elaborate grand opening will be staged when construction is finished, he said.

Read more about the Jaybowl at www.kusports.com/news/bowling/.

Crime

Deputies come up short in hunt for father’s pliers

Leavenworth Leavenworth County Sheriff’s officers searched more than a mile along Interstate 70 Tuesday for a pair of pliers allegedly used in the killing of an 11-year-old boy last week.

They didn’t find the needle-nose pliers, nor anything else of significance, Undersheriff David Zoellner said.

Officers are still completing their investigation into the stabbing of Levi Boothe. The boy’s body, which had been struck by a vehicle, was found the night of Aug. 27 along the westbound lanes of the Kansas Turnpike just east of the Douglas County line.

Levi’s father, Raymond D. Boothe, 34, Cameron, Mo., was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

Boothe was ordered to undergo a mental evaluation at Larned State Hospital. He remained in jail Tuesday awaiting the transfer.

Officers continue to interview motorists who have reported that they might have seen something along the highway the night the boy was killed, Zoellner said.

Community

Chamber mixer honors county educators

More than 1,700 people are expected for tonight’s annual Lawrence Chamber of Commerce fall mixer that honors Douglas County educators.

“Taste of Lawrence” will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. today on the grounds of Meadowbrook Apartments, 15th Street and Crestline Drive.

The event allows educators and chamber members to mingle as they sample food from 30 area restaurants, caterers and specialty shops. Entertainment also will be provided.

Tickets are $20 for chamber members and $10 for educators. Those who don’t have tickets may pick them up before noon today at the chamber office.

Gasoline Prices

Pump Patrol seeks deals

The Journal-World has found a gasoline price as low as $1.35 at Sam’s Food Mart, 1910 Haskell Ave. 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. Or visit the Pump Patrol message board at www.ljworld.com/section/gasoline

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