KU rededicates union

About 60 people gathered Wednesday afternoon to rededicate the Kansas Union after a $6.3 million, seven-year construction project.

“This is your union,” union director David Mucci said. “Everyone who suffered through this construction — you should be proud of that.”

The project, funded by student fees, added student office space and a performance area and remodeled the Jaybowl and KU Bookstore, among other improvements.

The addition also added the window-encased “traditions tower,” which houses the main staircase.

The ceremony was on the 77th anniversary of the laying of the union’s cornerstone on April 30, 1926.

Crime

Teller’s manager charged in employee gun incident

The general manager of a downtown Lawrence restaurant has been charged with aggravated assault for allegedly holding a man at gunpoint.

James Truscello, 45, general manager at Teller’s, 746 Mass., turned himself in Tuesday at the Douglas County Jail on a warrant that was filed April 1, according to court officials. He was released on his own recognizance and ordered to appear at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Douglas County District Court.

Truscello had been under investigation by the Lawrence Police Department and the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office since a Jan. 10 incident. Police were called to Teller’s to investigate a report of an employee overcharging customers.

Police found the suspect allegedly being held in a basement room by Truscello. Neither Truscello nor the alleged victim, a Lawrence man, could be reached for comment.

Schools

Central Junior High field to be named for coach

The athletic field at Central Junior High School will be dedicated Friday with the name of a man who coached there for more than two decades.

Dedication of the field in honor of former teacher and coach John Saunders will be at 2:45 p.m. Friday at Central, 1400 Mass. The public is invited.

“Come and help celebrate this outstanding educator, coach and man,” said Central librarian Carol Pilant.

Saunders joined the Central faculty in 1975. He taught science and biology and coached football, track and wrestling. Several years ago, he was injured while demonstrating a wrestling move. Doctors discovered at that time that he had cancer.

At the dedication, Central staff will videotape well-wishers’ comments to send to Saunders.