Lawrence student nominated for academy

U.S. Rep. Jim Ryun, R-Kan., has nominated 19 high school students from his 2nd Congressional District to compete for appointments to U.S. service academies.

Ryun’s nominations include Taylor Parker, a Lawrence High School senior, to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Nominees must have solid academic records, leadership qualities and a desire to serve in the armed forces.

“I am extremely proud of each of these young individuals,” Ryun said.

Final decisions about selection of students will be made by the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Music therapy prof wins life achievement award

A Kansas University professor of music therapy has been awarded a lifetime achievement award for her work with Alzheimer’s patients.

Alicia Clair was given the award by the American Music Therapy Assn. during the organization’s annual meeting last month in Minneapolis.

Clair has specialized in music therapy practice with people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and related dementias since 1988. She also has a clinical practice at the VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System in Topeka.

At KU, she directs the music therapy program and coordinates graduate study in music education and music therapy. She also is past president of the American Music Therapy Assn.

Christmas-light run planned for fund-raiser

Participants in the Red Dog Days will be running along Massachusetts Street sidewalks tonight bedecked in battery-powered Christmas lights.

The run is for the benefit of Ellen Young, whose husband, Doug Young, had heart surgery and needs a kidney transplant, organizers said. He is recovering from being in a coma and now has West Nile virus caught from a blood transfusion.

The runners will make their way to Set Em’ Up Jacks, 1800 E. 23rd St., where 20 percent of their purchases will be donated to the Youngs to help pay for medical bills.

Donations also can be made to Doug Young Medical Fund in care of Douglas County Bank.

The run will begin at 6:30 p.m. from the parking lot behind Kizer Cummings Jewelry store, 833 Mass.

Candlelight vigil will honor troops

Ottawa — A water candlelight vigil will be conducted tonight at a Franklin County farm in recognition of U.S. troops serving in the war against terrorism and their families.

A candle will be lighted and placed in the water. Army personnel will be present to conduct a roll call in remembrance of those who have died and those who are on active duty.

The vigil begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Funk farm, 1650 Idaho Road, Homewood. The farm is just off Interstate 35 south of Ottawa.

Firefighter retiring after 26 years of service

Lt. Mark Grinstead, a Lawrence fire inspector, is retiring today after 26 years of service for the city of Lawrence.

Grinstead has shared his expertise in fire safety not only with Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical personnel, but also with numerous architects, builders, business owners and residents of Lawrence.

Grinstead joined the fire department in 1978 after seven years in the Army. He was promoted from firefighter to fire apparatus driver in 1980 and to acting officer in 1981. In 1985 he became a lieutenant and fire inspector. He was selected Firefighter of the Year in 1991.

A reception for Grinstead is planned from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. today at Fire Station No. 1, 746 Ky.