Anti-tax organization begins state campaign

Topeka — The anti-tax group called Americans for Prosperity on Monday started a statewide grass-roots organization effort.

Conservative strategists from across the nation were scheduled to be on hand to talk with those wanting to join the group.

Alan Cobb, director of the Kansas chapter, declined to allow the media to cover the group’s kickoff meeting at a Topeka restaurant.

Presenters scheduled at the events included Tim Phillips, a principal with Ralph Reed’s Century Strategies firm; Maria Martinez, executive director of the Texas Women’s Alliance; Carol Jones, a conservative grass-roots organizer from Austin, Texas; and Michelle Korsmo, national vice president of Americans for Prosperity.

The group planned to have training sessions this week in Dodge City, Garden City, Hays, Hutchinson, Olathe, Pittsburg, Salina and Wichita.

Community service

Toys for Tots events planned this week

Douglas County Toys for Tots will be collecting toys for needy children during a pair of events this week.

Bello Salon & Spa stylists will match contributions of toys worth $10 or more that are donated at the salon, at 15th Street and Kasold Drive.

Toys for Tots also will aim to collect 500 new, unwrapped toys during an event Saturday at the Dole Institute of Politics, on Kansas University’s west campus.

The “Drive for 500” toy collection will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will feature prizes, such as restaurant gift certificates, for those who donate a toy.

WIBW-94 Country will broadcast live from the Dole Institute, and Googols of Fun will provide free activities for children. A silent auction will feature items such as KU-Missouri basketball tickets.

Commencement

KU announces fall graduation schedules

Four Kansas University schools and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences have scheduled graduation ceremonies for students finishing their degrees during the fall semester.

The ceremonies are planned to recognize students who can’t return for the spring commencement ceremony, which will be May 22, 2005.

The schedule for fall ceremonies:

• School of Engineering, 10 a.m. Saturday in Woodruff Auditorium in the Kansas Union.
• School of Business, 2 p.m. Saturday at the Lied Center. Tickets are required and can be obtained by calling 864-7574.
• William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications, 1 p.m. Sunday in Woodruff Auditorium.
• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, 2 p.m. Sunday at the Lied Center. Tickets are required and can be obtained by calling 864-3500.
• School of Law, 3:30 p.m. Dec. 17 in Woodruff Auditorium. Tickets are required and can be obtained by calling 864-4550.

Gasoline Prices

Patrol seeks fuel deals

The Journal-World has found a gasoline price as low as $1.72 a gallon at Conoco, 1414 W. Sixth St.

If you find a lower price, please call 832-7154.