Bank robbery suspect charged with Ohio crimes

The man accused of holding up Lawrence banks last year has been charged with two additional armed bank robberies in Stow, Ohio.

Charges were filed against Jeffrey R. Cox earlier this month in a Cleveland federal court.

FBI agents arrested Cox on New Year’s Eve in Atlanta for the Lawrence incidents in February, June and December 2003.

In the indictment, Cox is accused of stealing almost $7,000 at gunpoint from the Stow KeyBank on Jan. 8, 2002, and taking more than $5,000 from Charter One — also with a handgun — on June 19, 2002.

Records at Kansas University show that Cox is from Hudson, Ohio, just north of Stow.

Education

Principal plans to retire from New York School

Sharen Steele, principal at New York School for 15 years, will retire at the end of the school year.

Steele, 57, announced her decision Friday. She said she hadn’t decided how to spend her post-education life.

“New York School has been my passion for the past 15 years,” Steele said. “I cherish the students, parents and staff and the wonderful hearts they have. I chose to work at New York because of my love for the school community. It’s a special place.”

Steele previously had served as principal in Leavenworth and Onaga. She is a native of Scott City and graduate of Washburn University.

District officials said they would begin a search for a new principal. They already have started a search to replace David Theilen, who announced earlier this month he would resign as principal of Schwegler School.

Events

KU group plans event to link students, seniors

Area senior citizens are invited to a “Senior Prom” next week sponsored by a Kansas University organization.

The event, which is from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Adams Alumni Center, will include live music, food, bingo and other games. It is organized by Helping Unite Generations, a KU group that volunteers with the elderly.

The event is part of Into the Streets Week, organized by the KU Center for Community Outreach. For more information, contact the center’s office at 864-4073.

Gasoline prices

Pump Patrol seeks deals

The Journal-World has found Lawrence-area gasoline prices as low as $1.58 at SITE, 946 E. 23rd St., and Citgo, Ninth and Iowa streets.

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