State representative selected for fellowship

State Rep. Tom Sloan, R-Lawrence, is among 40 leaders from across the nation to be selected for the Toll Fellowship Program by the Council of State Governments.

Sloan was chosen for his leadership in renewable energy, water, telecommunications and higher education issues.

He is in his fifth term in the Legislature and serves as chairman of the House Higher Education Committee, while also serving on several other committees and the Kansas Water Authority. He also is a member of the National Wind Coordinating Committee.

The annual Toll program in Lexington, Ky., is named for Colorado State Sen. Henry Toll, who founded the Council of State Governments in 1933. This year’s leadership program will be Sept. 13-18.

Courts

Attempted rape charge reduced for guilty plea

A McLouth man admitted on Wednesday that he fondled a 21-year-old woman earlier this year inside a Lawrence adult-novelty store.

Rodney D. Stevens, 37, pleaded guilty in Douglas County District Court to one count of aggravated sexual battery, a felony, and one count of criminal restraint, a misdemeanor, in the May 22 incident at Priscilla’s, 1206 W. 23rd St. Police arrested Stevens after a surveillance camera captured his face on video.

Before Judge Paula Martin accepted Stevens’ plea, she asked him to describe what he did.

“I went into a store and grabbed a woman,” he said. He told Martin he held the woman to keep her from moving.

Dist. Atty. Christine Kenney’s office had charged Stevens with attempted rape and attempted kidnapping but reduced the charges as part of a plea agreement.

Stevens, who is in the Douglas County Jail, will appear Oct. 17 for sentencing.

Health

Cryptosporidiosis cases at 34; source unknown

The number of cryptosporidiosis cases in Lawrence has risen to 34, the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department reported Wednesday.

That was up from 23, the number reported Tuesday.

Nineteen of the cases have been detected in children under age 18.

Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that causes diarrhea, loose or watery stool, stomach cramps, upset stomach and a slight fever. It can be fatal to patients with weakened immune systems, such as the young, elderly or people with HIV. More than two-thirds of those who contract cryptosporidiosis are children.

The parasite is easily passed in swimming pools because it is able to survive outside the body for long periods of time and is resistant to levels of chlorine typically found in pools.

Officials still don’t know the source of the outbreak. They have said results of city water supply tests would not be available until next week.

Gas prices

Pump Patrol seeks deals

The Journal-World has found a Lawrence-area gasoline price as low as $1.63 at three stations: Citgo, 2005 W. Ninth St., Zarco 66 No. 3, 900 Iowa; and Hillcrest Amoco, 914 Iowa. If you find a lower price, call Pump Patrol at 832-7154.