Driver’s statement ruled admissible in trial

A judge ruled Monday that a statement a driver gave to a police officer after a fatal wreck on U.S. Highway 40 could be admitted as evidence in the driver’s involuntary-manslaughter trial.

Douglas County District Judge Robert Fairchild ruled that 19-year-old Charley Davis’ statement to a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper after the Dec. 4, 2002, wreck was made “knowingly and voluntarily.”

The head-on crash killed Tisha Downing, a Eudora High School secretary and mother of a 6-week-old. According to a police report on the accident, Davis was passing on a hill in a no-passing zone when his car hit Downing’s minivan.

Davis, of Lawrence, is scheduled to stand trial Sept. 17.

Higher education

Haskell convocation planned for today

Haskell Indian Nations University students, faculty and staff will gather at 3 p.m. today at Haskell Auditorium for the school’s annual convocation.

Don Bread, dean of the university’s business school, will be the featured speaker. Student Senate President Benny Gayton, Vice President Caleena Hernasay and Miss Haskell Shauna Douma also will take part in the semester-opening ceremony.

Though fall semester enrollment numbers are not final, Haskell officials expect to reach the 900-student mark. A year ago, Haskell had 856 students.

Fall semester classes began Wednesday.

Kansas University

Seven more professors receive Kemper awards

Seven Kansas University professors at the Lawrence and Medical Center campuses on Monday received $5,000 W.T. Kemper Fellowships for Teaching Excellence awards.

KU officials surprised each of the professors by entering their first day of classes to make the presentations. The awards are funded by the William T. Kemper Foundation and the KU Endowment Association.

In all, 20 winners will be named. Three more presentations will be made by Sept. 15.

Monday’s winners were Michael Hoeflich, professor of law; Bob Klein, professor of anatomy and cell biology; Amy O’Brien-Ladner, associate professor of pulmonary and critical care; John Staniunas, associate professor of theater and film; Eric Vernberg, professor of human development and family life; Judith Widen, associate professor of audiology, and Don Worster, professor of American history.

Gasoline prices

Pump Patrol seeks deals

Gasoline prices are skyrocketing across the nation, and Lawrence is no exception.

A random check of area gas stations Monday night showed a low price of $1.65 per gallon of unleaded at Conoco Food Store, 2447 W. Sixth St.

Most other stations were selling for $1.69 and a few for $1.66.

If you know of a lower price, call the Journal-World Pump Patrol at 832-7154.