Fatal collision leads to manslaughter arrest

A Lawrence man was arrested Friday for involuntary manslaughter in connection with a December highway accident that killed a Eudora High School office worker.

Charley R. Davis, 19, 729 N. 950 Road, was booked into the Douglas County Jail by sheriff’s officers, then freed on his own recognizance by Judge Michael Malone.

On Dec. 4, 2002, Tisha L. Downing, 21, Lawrence, died of injuries she suffered in a head-on collision while driving west on U.S. Highway 40 more than a half-mile west of the Kansas Highway 10 bypass.

A Kansas Highway Patrol report said Downing’s car was struck by an eastbound pickup truck that crossed the centerline. The report identified Davis as the driver of the truck.

Davis and Downing were taken in separate helicopters to KU Med, in Kansas City, Kan.

Downing had worked at Eudora High School since August 2002.

Davis is to return for a court appearance 3 p.m. March 5.

LPD to hire officers

The Lawrence Police Department is looking for new officers now that the City Commission has decided to spare it from a round of budget cuts.

The department wants applicants who are U.S. citizens and will be at least 21 years old before July 14. Applicants must have a high-school diploma or equivalence and must pass a written exam.

Application packets are available in Room 201 of City Hall, 6 E. Sixth St., or online at www.lawrencepolice.org.

The applications are due at the written exam, which will be April 5 at Lawrence High School, 1901 La.

Drivers talking on phone could face $1,000 fine

Topeka — Cell phone users could be fined if they were talking on their phones while driving and caused a wreck, under a bill before the Legislature.

The measure, House Bill 2231, will be the subject of a public hearing at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday before the House Transportation Committee in room 519-South in the Capitol.

Under the bill, if it is determined that the use of a cell phone contributed to the cause of an accident, the person could be fined as much as $1,000.

Groups seek nominees for women’s awards

The Emily Taylor Women’s Resource Center and the Kansas Commission on the Status of Women are accepting nominations for a set of awards for female students, faculty, staff and alumnae.

Nomination forms are available at the resource center, 22 Strong Hall, or by calling 864-3552 or e-mailing etwrc@ku.edu.

The nominations are due by 5 p.m. March 7 at the resource center. Winners will be announced April 15.