KU biotechnology group benefits from Senate bill

Kansas University stands to receive $2 million from the spending bill approved Thursday by the U.S. Senate.

Jim Roberts, interim vice provost for research, said the money would be used to purchase equipment for the newly created Biomedical Sciences Resources Group. The biotechnology equipment will eventually be housed in the Structural Biology Center, which is planned for KU’s west campus.

The funding was secured by U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback, Roberts said.

“This is really important, really significant that the senator got this for us,” Roberts said.

The KU portion was part of $85 million secured for Kansas projects included in the spending bill, Brownback’s office said.

Children’s program

Museum to present Valentine’s information

Children and their families will be able to fall in love with the mysterious history of Valentine’s Day, during a presentation and celebration next month at the Watkins Community Museum of History.

Heather Bowyer, museum educator, will present chronological and pictorial studies of the traditions and myths of St. Valentine and the annual celebration that has taken his name.

The presentation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Feb. 7 at the museum, 1047 Mass.

Afterward, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., children and their families will be invited to make valentines and share in other seasonal activities with museum staffers. Snacks will be served.

The events are open to children ages 7 to 12, each of whom must be accompanied by an adult. There is a $5 fee per child.

To register or for more information, call the museum at 841-4109.