Inauguration, budget featured on PBS show

Gov.-elect Kathleen Sebelius’ upcoming inauguration, the state’s budget crisis and the ongoing Kansas drought will be explored today on public broadcasting’s “Kansas Week.”

The program airs live at 8:30 p.m. on KTWU Channel 11. It replays at 9 a.m. Saturday on KPTS.

Kansas journalists scheduled to appear:

• Jim McLean, government editor of the Topeka Capital-Journal.
• Dave Ranney, reporter at Lawrence Journal-World.
• Tom Grimes, professor at Kansas State University.

Candidate leaves race for Findley’s seat

Another candidate has dropped out of the contest to replace state Rep. Troy Findley, D-Lawrence.

Jason Fizell announced his withdrawal Thursday, throwing his support behind Marci Francisco, former Lawrence mayor and neighborhood advocate.

Earlier this week, Allen Levine dropped out of the race and announced his support of Francisco.

The only other announced candidate is Paul Davis, who is backed by Findley. Findley resigned to become the legislative liaison for Gov.-elect Kathleen Sebelius. His replacement will be picked Saturday at a meeting of precinct chairmen.

Memorial service to honor professor

Family and friends of Ed Dutton have scheduled a community memorial service for him.

Dutton, a former Kansas University professor, advocate for disadvantaged people and founder of Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition Kitchen, died Dec. 20 at age 78.

The service will be at 10 a.m. Jan. 18 at Douglas County Senior Services, 745 Vt.