Area briefs

Elementary chess teams place at national contest

Two Lawrence elementary school chess teams placed in the top 25 at the National Elementary Chess Championships in Nashville, Tenn.

A team from Quail Run School placed seventh in the kindergarten-to-sixth-grade division, with Wakarusa Valley School’s team finishing 25th in the division.

Students competed May 8-11, said Phil Wedge, sponsor of the Wakarusa Valley team.

Virus experts seek help in collecting dead birds

West Nile virus experts at Kansas State University are asking for help in collecting dead birds known to be at risk from the disease.

  • Only report dead birds of prey (eagles, hawks, owls) or members of the Corvidae family, including blue jays, ravens and crows. Don’t report birds killed by accident or in groups.
  • To collect a sample, insert your hand into a plastic bag. Pick up the bird with that plastic-covered hand. Peel the bag inside out (off your hand and onto the bird), never directly touching the bird.
  • Seal or twist-tie the bag. Then insert it into another bag, which should also be sealed. Get the double-bagged sample into the freezer as soon as possible.
  • Call K-State Research and Extension’s West Nile virus hot line at (866) 452-7810.

Bert Nash seeks people to befriend peers

Volunteers are being sought to assist the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center in its Compeer program.

The volunteers will be Compeers who work with those who are getting treatment from Bert Nash. A Compeer is a companion who is a peer or equal, program coordinator Julie Trowbridge said.

“Compeer volunteers use the power of friendship to help people with mental illnesses live happier, more productive lives,” Trowbridge said.

Volunteers must be willing to commit at least one hour a week for a year to the program, Trowbridge said. They will undergo some training, she said. An informational meeting about the program will be at 5:30 p.m. May 29 at the Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vt.

If interested, call Trowbridge at 843-9192 or e-mail her at jtrowbridge@bertnash.com.

Assistance offered to military families

The Salvation Army will offer one-time assistance to spouses or dependents of military personnel deployed in Iraq who need assistance. Funds for the program come from a grant from the Lilly Foundation.

Services may include providing food, housing assistance, clothing, medical care, rent and utilities, legal aid, funeral expenses or other needs on a case-by-case basis. Those applying must provide proof of deployment and documentation for specific requests, such as bills or statements.

To receive assistance, call the Salvation Army at (800) SAL-ARMY.

Troopers begin training

Thirty-four recruit troopers began training May 11 at the Highway Patrol’s Training Academy in Salina. Because of budget restraints, this is the first class of troopers the Patrol has trained since January 2002.

Seventeen women and 287 men applied to be troopers, but only 31 men and three women were accepted for training. Applicants were given a written test, physical-agility test, psychological test, polygraph test, interview and had a background check before being invited to train.

Recruits will spend 22 weeks learning defensive tactics, DUI field testing, firearms skills, emergency driving and accident investigation. They will graduate Oct. 9 and spend 50 to 70 working days with a veteran in the field before patrolling alone.

Governor’s program honors PLHS senior

The 20th annual Governor’s Scholars Award Program recently honored a Perry-Lecompton High School student.

Jaime Wade has been recognized by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius for being among the top 1 percent of high school seniors in the state.

The Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force coordinates the program, which is funded by the Kansas Bankers Assn. and other businesses.