Suspect faces 12 more charges of arson

A former Kansas University student suspected of being a serial arsonist now faces additional criminal charges.

The Johnson County District Attorney’s Office Monday charged David Ryan Jay, 23, Olathe, with 12 more counts of arson. That’s in addition to the single counts of arson and aggravated arson already lodged against him

Jay is accused of setting 15 fires, including three in Lawrence, before fleeing to California where he turned himself into authorities last month.

The Douglas County District Attorney’s Office has yet to decide whether Jay will be charged at the state or federal level in connection with a fire March 8 at the Watson Library on the Kansas University campus.

Jay appeared before a Johnson County judge Tuesday morning, where his attorney asked for a reduction in Jay’s $1 million bond. The judge denied that request.

A preliminary hearing on the case is scheduled May 21.

Lecture

Former surgeon general to speak Monday at KU

Jocelyn Elders, the outspoken former U.S. surgeon general, will speak Monday at Kansas University.

Elders will talk at 7 p.m. at the Lied Center as part of the Public Health Lecture Series sponsored by Student Union Activities and Watkins Student Health Center.

Elders, 70, is an advocate for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. She has initiated programs to combat youth smoking and combat teen pregnancy and to increase childhood immunizations. She also is working with the Marijuana Policy Project to get states to adopt medical marijuana laws.

She became surgeon general in September 1993. She resigned in December 1994 after suggesting masturbation should be taught in schools.

Elders’ lecture is free and open to the public. Vouchers may be picked up from the Student Union Activities Box Office on Level 4 of the Kansas Union.

Kansas Turnpike Authority

Edwardsville truck driver injured in I-70 accident

An Edwardsville man was injured Tuesday when his semitrailer overturned on Interstate 70 east of Lawrence, disrupting traffic during rush hour.

Dana Gronau, 40, was in serious condition at University of Kansas Hospital, a spokesman said. Gronau was initially taken by ambulance to Lawrence Memorial Hospital before being transferred to the Kansas City, Kan., hospital.

The truck’s cab and two grocery trailers overturned shortly before 5 a.m., blocking both eastbound lanes and one westbound lane, according to the Kansas Turnpike Authority. The accident occurred about three miles east of the East Lawrence turnpike entrance. The KTA said Gronau apparently fell asleep at the wheel.

Until 7 a.m. eastbound traffic was diverted off of the turnpike at Lawrence until at least one lane was opened. All lanes were open shortly before noon, the KTA said.