Kansas Venture Capital sees lawsuit refiled

Two women who lost a state court ruling last year challenging their firings by Kansas Venture Capital Inc. have filed a new lawsuit in federal court.

Ellyn Tyrell and Carole Ladish said in the new suit they were told by Kansas Venture Capital officials in 2001 they would have to accept termination or greatly reduced salaries because the firm was facing financial strains.

At the same time, the women said, Kansas Venture Capital officials were spending more than $90,000 on renovations to offices in Overland Park and tens of thousands more on their own salary increases and other perks.

The pair noted they were the only two women on staff at Kansas Venture Capital, and were also older than the company’s officers. They are alleging age and sex discrimination.

Kansas Venture Capital denied the allegations in the previous lawsuit, filed in Johnson County District Court. The company is a high-risk investment firm founded with state economic development funding.

State

Kansas exports increase to record $5.8 billion

Kansas exports increased 7 percent in 2002 to a record $5.8 billion, according to newly released government statistics.

Canada surpassed Japan as the largest market for Kansas products, accounting for 22 percent of exports.

Transportation equipment remained the state’s top export, according to the Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing.

Schools

Protest for funding aimed at lawmakers

A Lawrence activist is planning a protest march Aug. 23 to advocate for more state government funding to public education.

“We’re primarily staying focused on the Legislature,” said Richard Heckler, a march organizer. “That’s their job.”

Public outcry is sometimes needed to remind lawmakers of their responsibilities, Heckler said.

“We know sometimes people have trouble understanding the needs of the state,” he added.

The plan is to march at 11 a.m. from South Park, 11th and Massachusetts streets, to a protest site in Watson Park, Seventh and Kentucky streets.

Heckler also organized a march and rally in June to express displeasure with lack of state funding of schools.

The Lawrence school district has trimmed millions of dollars in spending over the past three years, including dozens of staff layoffs. Three elementary schools were closed in May to save more than $1 million in operating expenses.