Speaker

Joint Chiefs chairman to visit Lawrence

The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting and dinner Friday, which will feature guest speaker Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is sold out, chamber officials said.

The event, which will start with a 6 p.m. social hour, will take place at the Lawrence Holidome, 200 McDonald Drive. It is open to chamber members and by invitation only.

Myers, an Air Force general, was born in Kansas City, Mo., and is a 1965 graduate of Kansas State University. Myers also is scheduled to speak with Kansas University ROTC cadets earlier that day in a closed session.

Education

De Soto district teacher honored at White House

A De Soto school district teacher fell short of his goal of becoming national teacher of the year Wednesday.

But Keil Hileman, who teaches at Monticello Trails Middle School in Shawnee, was still one of four finalists honored at the White House during a ceremony with President Bush.

Hileman, Kansas teacher of the year, graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Kansas University in 1993 and with a master’s degree in 1996.

Census

Lawrence in top 10 for gay population

Lawrence is one of the top 10 small cities in the nation when ranked by its percentage of gay or lesbian-led households, according to a book to be published this month.

Ranked No. 1 on the list is Iowa City, Iowa. Lawrence ranked ninth, between No. 8 Corvallis, Ore., and No. 10 Flagstaff, Ariz.

That comes as no surprise to Bruce Ney, vice president of the Lawrence gay organization NetworQ.

“One of the things we discovered since we formed NetworQ is the number of professional gays and lesbians, either singles or couples, who do live in town,” Ney said. “I think it’s indicative of the type of place the people of Lawrence have fostered.”

The book, titled The Gay and Lesbian Atlas, uses information on same-sex couples from the 2000 census.

Police

More tires punctured in Old West Lawrence

At least 17 tires on 12 vehicles were found punctured Wednesday morning in a three-block area in Old West Lawrence.

The vandalism caused $1,700 in damage. The vehicles were parked in the 700 and 800 blocks of Illinois and Alabama streets and in the 700 block of West Eighth Street, according to reports.

Early Sunday morning, someone punctured 20 tires on eight vehicles in the 600 and 700 blocks of Locust Street.

Sgt. Mike Pattrick, a Lawrence Police spokesman, said there were no suspects.

Anyone with information about the crimes is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 843-TIPS. Callers remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.

Gasoline Prices

Pump Patrol seeks deals

The Journal-World has found Lawrence gasoline prices as low as $1.70 at Phillips 66, Sixth and Florida streets.

If you find a lower price, please report it to the Pump Patrol at 832-7154.