KU unveils first round of technology upgrades

A portion of the first round of improvements made possible by an increase in this year’s student technology fee at Kansas University should be in place by midmonth.

More than 50 new computers for student computer labs and increased bandwidth for Internet usage are among the enhancements.

The technology fee climbed $4 per credit hour this academic year, an increase that raised an additional $2.4 million to improve technology services.

The improvements also will include the creation of a full-time student technology coordinator position. The coordinator will work with students and administrators to determine the services and technologies students want.

The next round of improvements will include a portal where students can personalize their Web preferences; a digital library; upgrades to software that allows instructors to put assignments and discussions online; and online enrollment.

Community awareness: Meeting to focus on domestic violence

The Douglas County District Attorney’s Office and Women’s Transitional Care Services will have a noon meeting Sept. 17 at the Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vt., to discuss domestic violence issues.

Featured speaker Larry Huey will provide an overview of services available to battered women at Heartland Clinical Consultants in Lawrence. The meeting is open to the public.

Last year, Women’s Transitional Care Services provided temporary shelter to 148 battered women accompanied by 158 children.

America remembers: 9-11 commemoration scheduled at Cottonwood

Cottonwood Inc. will have a ceremony at 9 a.m. Wednesday, honoring the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks. The ceremony will be at the facility’s memorial courtyard, 2801 W. 31st St.

The simple gathering will include singing of patriotic songs, distribution of flags and a moment of silence.

Hutchinson: State fair regains crowds; patriotic theme recurring

After Sept. 11 events cleared crowds from the Kansas State Fair in 2001, event officials were pleased to see attendance back to normal. However, fair-goers remembered 9-11 with patriotic dress, displays and entries.

Above, a family strolls past the Oz Building on the fairgrounds in Hutchinson.