Parent says yearbook glorifies drugs, alcohol

A story and pictures in the 2002-2003 Free State High School yearbook glorify use of drugs and alcohol, a Lawrence parent charged Thursday.

Denise Stauffer, who examined her son’s yearbook after he received it Monday, said a two-page spread on consumption of illegal substances by teenagers was inappropriate.

“This just hit me wrong that they’re glorifying it in a sense,” Stauffer said.

Joe Snyder, principal at Free State, said the school’s staff strived to educate students about the danger of consuming drugs and alcohol.

“We have a prevention program. We have a full-time staff member who works at that,” he said.

The story was based on results of the Kansas Communities That Care Survey, which focuses on social, academic and emotional factors that become barriers to learning. The survey contains questions on drug and alcohol use.

Pool repairs force city to move party

A pool party scheduled for this weekend at the city’s Indoor Aquatic Center has been moved, the city announced Thursday.

“Pool Party Mania” will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Outdoor Aquatic Center, 727 Ky., instead of at the indoor center, which will be closed for maintenance from Saturday through Aug. 29.

The party, organized by the Parks and Recreation Department’s aquatic division, is for children ages 5 to 10 and costs $12. There will be snacks, games and prizes.

Preregistration is required and will be taken through Saturday at any Parks and Recreation facility.

Also, the city announced Thursday that the South Park wading pool, 1141 Mass., will close for the season Saturday. The pool is open from 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. today and 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Saturday.

Civil War relics part of displays in Oskaloosa

Oskaloosa — Civil War relics and a prairie schooner wagon will be on display Saturday at Old Jefferson Town.

The restored prairie schooner will give visitors a look at how long-distance travel was handled by pioneers in the 1870s.

Also on display will be a log from a log cabin in which pro-slavery fighters took refuge during the 1856 Battle of Hickory Point north of Oskaloosa. So will a cannonball used by the Union Army.

Old Jefferson Town is open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.