Suspect appears on manslaughter charge

A St. Louis man appeared Tuesday in Douglas County District Court on charges he killed an 11-year-old girl during a drunken-driving accident last year on the Kansas Turnpike.

Michael Roberts, 34, faces nine counts including involuntary manslaughter, aggravated battery, driving under the influence and possession of marijuana in connection with the July 15, 2002, wreck about a mile east of the East Lawrence exit.

Roberts recently was transported to Douglas County after being released from custody in Missouri.

The one-vehicle wreck killed Donisha Rowan, St. Louis, a passenger in Roberts’ car, and injured three other passengers. A report said Roberts drove off the road and struck a tree after he fell asleep at the wheel.

During a court appearance Tuesday, District Judge Pro Tem Peggy Kittel scheduled Roberts’ next court appearance for Thursday. Tuesday he was in the Douglas County Jail on a $15,000 bond.

Baker musicians to play with high school groups

About 100 high school orchestra players will be at Baker University on Thursday for Baker’s fifth annual String Festival.

The festival, which begins at 9:30 a.m., will feature musicians from Topeka Highland Park High School, Olathe East High School, Paseo Academy, Lincoln College Prep High School and Baker University.

The day will end with an informal concert at 4:45 p.m. in Rice Auditorium, featuring classics and well-known movie music.

Peace Corps finances recruitment office at KU

Funding has been renewed to keep Kansas University’s Peace Corps Office open for a third year.

The Denver Regional Recruitment Office has announced it will continue its recruiting efforts at KU.

The grant also funds a coordinator to serve as a liaison to the regional and national Peace Corps offices. Betty Baron is currently the liaison.

The office is located in Room 110 of the Burge Union. For more information, call 864-7679 or e-mail peacecorps@ku.edu.

Washburn offers motor development lab

The Washburn University motor development laboratory in Topeka has openings for children ages 4 to 10 who need special assistance in developing motor skills.

Each child in the program will be paired with a Washburn student majoring in physical education or early childhood education. After an initial screening, the children participate in activities tailored to their individual needs. Emphasis is placed on development of balance, agility, eye-hand coordination and fundamental motor skills such as running, skipping, throwing, catching and kicking.

The lab meets from 5:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. Wednesdays through Nov. 19. There is no fee.

For more information, call Susan Miller at (785) 231-1010, ext. 1463.