Camera America set to close today

Lawrence’s Camera America store is closing today, having struggled with competition from emerging digital technology.

The store, at 919 Iowa in the Hillcrest Shopping Center, long has relied on business generated by its film-developing lab, manager Chantal Caldwell said, But that business has slumped as the popularity of digital cameras has increased.

Store owner Frank Meade had considered adding machines to produce digital prints, she said, but ultimately balked at the high cost — what would have been a gamble, given the continuing emergence of home-printing equipment.

“It’s just one of those things: The times are changing,” said Caldwell, one of six full- and part-time employees to be out of work.

The store had been popular among Kansas University students who bought chemicals for developing film and making prints, she said.

Fairy Godmother Fund reaches campaign goal

Dozens of Lawrence women gathered Thursday evening to celebrate the success of a fund-raising campaign to benefit needy women in Douglas County.

Founded in June 2003, the Fairy Godmother Fund was established with the goal of raising $100,000 to improve the health of local women, particularly those who may need access to emergency services.

At a reception at the Community Health Facilities Building, Judy Wright, one of the founding members of the fund, announced that the group’s goal had been met.

The group took a moment to remember the fund’s cofounder, Barb Reavis, who died Dec. 6 of complications from cancer.

Allison Sollars, Lawrence, is pictured at left during the event.

Crime

Police seek suspect in park shooting

Lawrence Police continue to search for a young man thought to have shot a Topeka teenager Wednesday night in the parking lot of a south Lawrence park.

Officers were dispatched to Lawrence Memorial Hospital after the 17-year-old male victim showed up with a gunshot wound to the leg.

Police believe he was shot between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. during an argument among several people in the parking lot of Holcom Park, 2700 W. 27th St.

Police said the suspect was between 15 and 17 years old, possibly from the Lawrence area.

Detectives ask anyone with information to call the anonymous CrimeStoppers Tips hot line at 843-TIPS.

Courts

Judge refuses to close murder hearing

A Douglas County judge has ruled that the preliminary hearing for a Lawrence man accused of murdering his wife will be open.

The defense attorney for Martin Miller had filed a motion asking Judge Paula Martin to close the preliminary hearing to the public if the state was allowed to present certain evidence. She denied that motion, as well as a request by the defense to modify Miller’s bond.

Miller wanted to be able to have contact with the family friends who are caring for his children.

The judge did, however, grant a request by the state to delay the preliminary hearing from January to March 9, because of the turnover in the district attorney’s office.

Miller is accused of suffocating his 46-year-old wife July 28 inside their home.

Sheriff’s department splits undersheriff post

Two people will serve as Douglas County undersheriffs when incoming Sheriff Ken McGovern takes office Jan. 10.

Lt. Kenny Massey will serve as undersheriff for corrections. Steve Hornberger, a 35-year veteran of law enforcement, will fill the role of undersheriff for operations.

“The current size and projected growth of this agency demands a division of undersheriff duties,” McGovern said. “These two separate appointments are designed to better serve the citizens of Douglas County by improving efficiency and flexibility.”

This will be the first time in county history that two undersheriffs have served simultaneously, sheriff’s officials said. Specific duties for both positions have yet to be assigned.

Father arrested in child abuse case

Lawrence Police have arrested the father of a 2-month-old girl on charges of child abuse.

John William Koenig, 29, was booked into Douglas County Jail Wednesday.

His daughter was brought into Lawrence Memorial Hospital last week with what hospital officials considered a “suspicious head injury.”

The baby was then transferred to the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kan. According to police, further examination there prompted the arrest of the child’s father.

Koenig posted bond and was released from jail Thursday.