DNA evidence linked to rape case defendant

DNA evidence took center stage Wednesday in the trial of a 20-year-old Lawrence man charged with punching, raping and choking a woman who had given him a ride home last summer from a downtown bar.

A DNA sample taken from the woman during a sexual-assault exam afterward is consistent with the suspect’s DNA, a forensic scientist with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation testified.

The odds that the DNA found on the woman could have come from someone else are one in 47 quadrillion, scientist Lance Antle testified.

The victim testified Tuesday that the man raped her July 6 outside an apartment complex near Sixth Street and Monterey Way after she gave him a ride home from La Tasca, 943 Mass.

The trial continues today.

Flu shots available

A limited supply of flu vaccine is available today at the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department, 200 Maine.

The vaccine will be available only to people who have the highest risk of getting the flu, health officials said. The Health Department has fewer than 20 doses, and eight of them are reserved for children in the high-risk category.

The vaccine will be administered starting at 8:30 a.m. for as long as the supply lasts.

Those considered at high risk include people who are 65 years and older; children 6 months through 23 months old; people with chronic health problems such as asthma, diabetes or weakened immune systems; and pregnant women in their second or third trimester.

Healthy people between 5 and 49 years old are encouraged to check with their doctor about the nasal flu vaccine.

Candidate enters race for county treasurer

Sharon Englebrecht is officially running for Douglas County treasurer.

Englebrecht, a former deputy treasurer, paid $570.82 in filing fees Tuesday at the county clerk’s office. The Republican is the first candidate to enter the race to replace Pat Wells, who is not seeking re-election.

Englebrecht, 58, is a safe deposit attendant for US Bank in Lawrence. She worked as Wells’ deputy treasurer from 1997 to 2002, and has worked in the financial services industry since graduating in 1963 from Lawrence High School.

The filing deadline for candidates is noon June 10. A primary election, if necessary, would be Aug. 3; the general election is Nov. 2.

Kerr asks school leaders to visit Legislature

Topeka — Senate President Dave Kerr has invited school superintendents in the school finance lawsuit to come to the Legislature and propose their plan for equitable funding.

Kerr, a Republican from Hutchinson, also asked the superintendents to provide a plan to come up with the additional funds.

“If you choose to do this, and we hope that you do, we will assure you that it will be the subject of one or more Senate Education Committee hearings,” Kerr said in his invitation.

The letter was addressed to Salina Supt. Gary Norris and Dodge City Supt. Gloria Davis, whose districts won a case against the state on school finance inequities.

Shawnee County District Judge Terry Bullock declared the Kansas school finance system unconstitutional because it shortchanges schools, especially ones with high minority enrollments. Kerr has said he disagreed with the decision.

Federal grants available for history education

Nearly $1 million is being made available to school districts, including charter schools, to improve instruction in American history.

The Teaching American History grant program supports three-year projects for teacher professional development with an emphasis on American history.

“Especially in these times of economic shortfalls in Kansas where budgets are tight, these grants will relieve local districts,” said U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan.

Projects must be in partnership with organizations that have extensive knowledge of American history, including libraries, museums, nonprofit history or humanities organizations and higher education institutions.

Applicants need to file an intent-to-apply by Feb. 5, with the deadline for grant applications set for March 2.

To request an application package, contact Education Publications Center, Box 1398, Jessup, MD 20794.

Masonry conference planned at KU

Kansas University will have its 15th annual masonry design conference next month.

The conference, which will examine the art and science of building, is Feb. 26 at the Kansas Union.

Scheduled speakers include:

• Rick Joy, founder of Rick Joy Architects in Tucson, Ariz. Joy has received numerous awards with his firm, which is noted for its use of rammed-earth construction.
• Bob Berkebile, founding principal of BNIM Architects in Kansas City, Mo., which is known for its work in “green” architecture.
• Harry W. Junk, market manager with the National Concrete Masonry Assn. and chairman of the Environmental Council of Concrete Organizations.

For more information, visit www.kuce.org/programs/mdc.

KU summer program teaches engineering

Registration is now open for Project Discovery, a Kansas University program designed to teach high school girls about engineering.

The program for the first time will offer two sessions — from June 6-12 and June 13-19 — instead of one. Each session will accept up to 40 girls in grades 9 through 12 to work with school of engineering faculty to learn math, chemistry and physics principles to solve engineering design problems.

Attendance costs $300 and includes lodging at a KU residence hall, meals and lab materials. Financial assistance may be available for qualifying students.

Prospective participants can register by contacting Florence Boldridge at 864-3620 or fboldridge@ku.edu. Registration is due by May 1.

More information can be found at www.engr.ku.edu/specialevents/pd2003.htm.