Lawrence artist dies

A local artist lost a long battle Friday with liver disease and died at the age of 52.

Michael J. Broadfoot, Lawrence, was featured in a March story in the Journal-World when family and friends planned a benefit to help defray medical expenses.

He suffered from Hepatitis C, a virus that causes chronic liver disease in 70 percent of its victims. He was diagnosed with the disease, which can go undetected for years, while donating blood in 1995.

When the Journal-World last talked to his friends and family, Broadfoot had been approved for a liver transplant and was being cared for by his parents in Holton. They could not be reached Saturday.

County meets Monday to mull road projects

Douglas County commissioners will consider adding $4.3 million worth of work to their construction plans for the next five years.

Monday morning, commissioners will review 23 possible additions to the county’s Capital Improvement Program. The meeting is set for 9 at the county courthouse, 1100 Mass.

Keith Browning, the county’s director of public works, recommends adding six projects to the plan. They include bridge replacements and associated resurfacing projects for county roads.

Also on Monday’s meeting agenda: Determine appropriateness of an annexation of 2 acres of property in southeast Lawrence; approve the county’s Community Corrections Plan for 2004; and approve grant applications for juvenile-justice services.

Legislator to conduct meeting for public input

State Rep. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin, wants to hear from his constituents about the state’s budget problems and other legislative issues before the beginning next week of the Legislature’s wrap-up session.

Holland will meet informally with constituents from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. today at Vintage Park retirement community, 321 Crimson Ave., Baldwin.

“I’d just like to collect peoples’ thoughts” about the issues that will come before the Legislature, Holland said.

Headquarters seeks sponsors for event

Sponsors are still needed for an event this week aimed at bringing together businesses and Headquarters Counseling Center volunteers.

The second annual “Sponsor a HQ Volunteer” is set for Tuesday and Thursday.

Sponsors agree to visit with a Headquarters volunteer for an hour between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., treating them to lunch or a drink.

The event is meant to recognize Headquarters volunteers for their time and dedication to the Douglas County community. Fore more information, contact Wendy Leedy at 841-9900.