Area programs honored by Kansas SAFE KIDS

Douglas County organizations were among those that received awards earlier this month in the Kansas SAFE KIDS program.

Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical was honored for its work providing free smoke alarms and fire safety education to schools. It also has taken a lead role in promoting bicycle helmet use.

Douglas County SAFE KIDS Coalition received the Local Coalition of the Year award. The coalition has a presence throughout the community and holds child safety seat check lanes. SAFE KIDS is headed by John Drees.

The Outstanding Coalition Member award — the highest given in the program — went to Ami Hyten. She instituted through the Kansas Trial Lawyers Assn. a bike helmet giveaway program.

KU design professor chosen for magazine

A Kansas University faculty member will represent Kansas in a national magazine due on newsstands Dec. 30.

Lance Rake, associate professor of industrial design, will be featured in “I.D.” magazine. The magazine profiles 50 designers — one designer from each state — to commemorate its 50th anniversary.

Rake’s accomplishments include designing New Deal Playing Cards, which are designed to be held more easily by people with arthritis.

New phone book has preparedness tips

The latest issue of the SBC SMART Yellow Pages now being delivered includes a Homeland Security Guide containing emergency-preparedness tips.

More than 93,000 directory copies have been printed and will be delivered to residences, businesses and government offices during the rest of this month.

The Homeland Security Guide offers details about assembling a supply kit, developing a family communications plan and staying informed. It also contains white pages listings and coupons.

Old directories can be dropped off for recycling from now until Jan. 15 at McDonald’s restaurants, Dillons stores, Lawrence City Hall’s ground-floor atrium and Wal-Mart’s Community Recycling Center.