Indiana search narrows; Hemenway may be on list

Indiana University has narrowed its search for a new president to two candidates, and Kansas University Chancellor Robert Hemenway’s name again has been circulated as a possible candidate.

Hemenway repeatedly has denied having any interest in the Indiana job. He was not available for comment Thursday.

An IU spokesman said two candidates remained in the running for the president’s position, but he declined to name them. An Associated Press story names Hemenway and Nancy Zimpher, chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, as possible candidates, though both said they declined to be considered for the job.

IU trustees began their search after Myles Brand announced in October he was leaving Jan. 1 to become president of the NCAA. They initially planned to hire a new president by July 1, though that deadline may be extended.

Preparedness

Firefighters training at KU’s McCollum Hall

Don’t be alarmed when you see firefighters huddled around McCollum Hall at Kansas University in the next few days — they’re just completing a training exercise.

Fire personnel from Douglas County Fire & Medical started using the residence hall for high-rise ladder training Thursday, and they’ll continue today and Saturday, said Lynn Bretz, a university spokeswoman.

She said several people had called various KU offices asking whether there was a fire at McCollum Hall. KU periodically allows Douglas County Fire & Medical to use the residence hall for training exercises.

Eudora

Fire destroys home; burning candle blamed

The home of an unidentified Eudora woman and her 15-year-old son was destroyed in a fire Thursday evening.

The Eudora Fire Department reported the fire at No. 4 Grandview Court in Grandview Trailer Park on the east side of Eudora, off 10th Street. No one was injured, but the family lost a pet dog, iguana and fish.

The Fire Department estimated the damage at $15,000 and attributed the fire to an unattended candle.

The American Red Cross provided the victims with temporary shelter and vouchers to replace food and clothing.

Community

Bake sale to benefit Habitat for Humanity

Lawrence Habitat for Humanity will sell baked goods from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in front of US Bank, 900 Mass., in its second annual Men Bake! Women Build! Bake Sale.

Area men, including Mayor David Dunfield, Douglas County Sheriff Rick Trapp and City Manager Mike Wildgen, will bake the goodies. Money raised will be used to construct a house in 2004.