Online chat planned to discuss smoking ban

The debate about a proposed smoking ban goes online Wednesday.

Dr. John Hiebert, a proponent of such a ban, will take questions during at 2 p.m. chat Wednesday at www.ljworld.com.

Chuck Magerl, the owner of Free State Brewing Co. who is concerned about a ban’s effect on bars and restaurants, will take questions at 2:45 p.m.

The chat will follow today’s scheduled Lawrence City Commission session on the topic, during its meeting that begins at 6:35 p.m.

Fund-raiser

Game raises $2,600 for KU marching band

Sunday’s spring football game raised $2,600 for the Kansas University Marching Band.

No admission was charged for the scrimmage, but those in attendance were asked to donate $2 to the band.

A spokeswoman for the School of Fine Arts said the money would go to the band’s general fund, which is used for expenses such as instrument repair, music and travel.

The announced attendance at Sunday’s game was 3,200.

Television

6News to broadcast early

6News at 6 will appear at 5:30 p.m. today because of the start time of the Kansas City Royals game. The newscast will precede the game on Sunflower Broadband Channel 6.

Royals Sports Television Network coverage of the Royals-Cleveland Indians game begins at 6 p.m.

Kansas University

Committee named to pick Spencer director

Kansas University administrators have named the search committee for the next director of the Spencer Museum of Art.

Charles Eldredge, professor of art history, is chairman of the committee. Other members are Bill Carswell, associate dean and chairman of architecture administration; Carol Ann Carter, professor of art; Steve Goddard, professor and senior curator at the art museum; Gunda Hiebert, incoming president of the Friends of the Spencer Museum of Art advisory board; Richard Klocke, exhibit designer at the museum; and Linda Stone-Ferrier, professor and chairwoman of art history.

The committee is finalizing the position announcement, which will be posted at www.ku.edu/~provost. Applications will be accepted until Aug. 15.

The new director will replace Andrea Norris, who was fired last month after serving in the position more than 15 years. KU administrators offered no public explanation for why they did not renew Norris’ contract.