Eudora fire victim still in critical condition

Eudora firefighters are blaming a fire Wednesday at a retirement community on an oxygen machine in an apartment.

Nancy Parsons, 55, who lived in the Pinecrest Apartments unit where the fire originated, was listed in critical condition Thursday afternoon in the Burn Center at KU Med in Kansas City, Kan. Neighbors said Parsons’ hair and housecoat were set ablaze by the fire.

The fire, which broke out about 6 p.m. Wednesday, caused an estimated $25,000 to $30,000 in damage to the Pinecrest Apartments unit at 924 Walnut St. The adjoining apartments were not damaged, firefighters said.

Coalition to check child safety seats

Douglas County SAFE KIDS Coalition will offer free child safety seat checks from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. today at the Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical Station adjacent to Lawrence Memorial Hospital, 325 Maine.

Certified safety seat technicians will inspect and adjust safety seats and recommend seats to best fit specific vehicles. Participants should have the seat installed before arrival.

Reservations are required. Call ConnectCare at 749-5800 to reserve a spot.

Engineering professors receive teaching honors

Four faculty members in the Kansas University School of Engineering recently received awards for their teaching and research.

Richard D. Hale, assistant professor of aerospace engineering, received the $4,000 Gould Award for Outstanding Advising. Hale also received the $4,000 Miller Professional Development Award for Research.

Colin S. “Chip” Howat III, associate professor of chemical and petroleum engineering, received the John E. Sharp and Winifred E. Sharp Teaching Professorship, which provides a personal award of $5,000 annually and provides $5,000 for instructional development, each for three years.

Kim Roddis, professor of civil, environmental and architectural engineering, received the $4,000 Miller Professional Development Award for Service.

Jan Roskam, professor of aerospace engineering, received the $4,000 Gould Award for Teaching.

Old West Lawrence plans street party

Residents of Old West Lawrence will party in the street June 8.

Old West Lawrence Neighborhood Assn. has scheduled its annual street party from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the 700 block of Mississippi Street.

Participants are asked to bring a dish to share. The neighborhood association will provide drinks and hot dogs. For more information, contact Susan Tate at 832-8434.