Student suspended for carrying knife

A student at Quail Run School brought a knife to school Friday in violation of Lawrence school district policy, officials said.

The fourth-grader carried the knife to school in his pocket and showed it to classmates, said Julie Boyle, the district’s communications director. The student was suspended.

Boyle said the child made no threats and no incident involving the weapon occurred.

Lawrence Police officers were called to the elementary school, 1130 Inverness Drive, in the afternoon to complete a report and talk with the student.

District policy prohibits possession of weapons on a school campus, Boyle said.

KU vice chancellor wins regional award

Janet Murguia, executive vice chancellor for university relations at Kansas University, received a leadership award Friday from the Midwest Latina Conference.

Murguia was presented with the Ana Riojas Leadership Award, given annually to a businessperson who has exhibited exemplary leadership skills in his or her professional, business and community involvement. The award was presented at a luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center in Kansas City, Mo.

Murguia came to KU in 2001 and oversees the university’s internal and external relations with the public, including governmental issues and public affairs.

Stepson pleads guilty to killing stepfather

Norton — A man pleaded guilty Friday to a reduced charge in the death of his stepfather.

Jimmy D. Williams, 21, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Norton County District Court. Williams had been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Billy H. Masden, 53.

Authorities say Williams entered Masden’s home in Norton early on May 31 and hit him about a dozen times with a claw hammer.

Williams faces between 12 years and 54 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.

He remains in the Norton County Jail on $500,000 bond. Sentencing is set for 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 15.

Pet party benefits Humane Society

Dogs will be the guests of honor at the Dog Days of Summer block party from noon to 4 p.m. today at Petco, 3115 Iowa.

The party includes a bake sale, contests, information booth and a chance for participants to meet animals from the Lawrence Humane Society that are up for adoption. Society volunteers will be on hand to give dog washes for a $5 donation. All proceeds benefit the society.

For more information, call the society at 843-6835.

Tour highlights Underground Railroad

A historical bus tour of Douglas County will give riders the chance to follow the same paths taken by fugitives and abolitionists, including John Brown, during the “Bloody Kansas” period of history.

The tours, part of Civil War on the Western Frontier Days, travel routes established on the Underground Railroad 140 years ago while giving riders information on famous people, places and stories from the area.

Tour are 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. today, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Aug. 23 and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 24.

Tours leave from the parking lot on the southeast corner of 19th Street and Haskell Avenue.

Call 842-3154 to make reservations or for fee schedules and more information.

Church sets fund-raiser

Praise Temple Church of God in Christ, 315 E. Seventh St., is planning a bake sale and car wash fund-raiser from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today.

The bake sale will feature homemade baked goods.

There is a suggested donation of $5 per vehicle for the car wash.

The pastor’s aid committee of the church is sponsoring the event.

For more information, call the church at 749-0985.