Peace advocates stage second rally this month

Protesters took advantage Saturday of a downtown teeming with football fans and Band Day participants to spread their message against U.S. military action in Iraq.

Despite rain, the rally included several dozen sign-toting demonstrators. The event was the follow-up to a Sept. 7 rally that drew about 300 people and was planned in response to the interest in pursuing peace with the Middle Eastern country, said Allan Hanson, event organizer.

Gathering at 11th and Massachusetts streets, the group elicited several honks from passing cars before marching toward Eighth Street.

The rally was sponsored by the Lawrence Coalition for Peace and Justice and the Kansas University Greens.

Atchison: Training manager burned in explosion goes home

An Atchison man was released from KU Med Saturday after being treated for burns he sustained in a Friday explosion.

Fred Gage, a training manager at Midwest Grain Products Inc., had returned home and was doing fine, said company spokesman Steve Pickman.

Pickman would not release the names of the three other people injured but said none was in serious condition.

The explosion occurred in the company’s distillery about 2:35 p.m. Friday. Pickman said neither the cause nor extent of damage were known.

“It will be a very thorough, very meticulous process,” he said of the pending investigation.

The company manufactures wheat products and produces beverage and industrial alcohol and ethanol.

History: Baldwin event celebrates vintage locomotives

Baldwin Train rides and a display of historic locomotive equipment will continue today as Midland Railway’s Railfans Weekend wraps up.

Passengers can ride aboard vintage railroad coaches and cabooses during excursions that depart at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. from the historic Santa Fe Depot, 1515 W. High St., Baldwin.

All excursions will include a photo run-by an opportunity for passengers to disembark and photograph or just watch the engines in action.

The former Kansas City Southern Railroad Post Office car No. 30 will be in operation with retired postal workers on board to demonstrate the operation of the Railroad Post Offices during the days when mail was carried and sorted on these moving cars. A special commemorative cancellation will mark the occasion.

Politics: Republican group backs Sebelius for governor

An alliance of Kansas Republicans has crossed party lines to support Kathleen Sebelius, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate.

“Republicans for Kathleen Sebelius” on Friday announced the first members of its steering committee, which will be headed up by Topeka attorney Mark Braun.

The group said Sebelius won its support through her “accomplishments in health care, commitment to education and record of fiscal discipline.”

Other members include former State Sen. Wint Winter Jr., Douglas County; Bill Nelson, Johnson County; Mary Turkington, Shawnee County; Don Stephan, Sedgwick County; Kent Havner, Ellis County; Mary Lee Swanson, Seward County; former State Rep. Elaine Hassler, Dickinson County; Matt Bretz, Reno County; former State Sen. Lillian D. Papay, Great Bend; and Steve Waite, Butler County.

Sebelius will face Republican Tim Shallenburger in the election.