Project to close part of Jayhawk Boulevard

Jayhawk Boulevard will close from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. today from the Oread Avenue traffic booth to Lilac Lane.

The construction will allow for the installation of a new manhole.

The boulevard already has been limited to one-way traffic in the area because of construction.

Crime

Suspect in city rape was armed, police say

Police said Thursday that the victim of a home-invasion rape earlier this week was a Kansas University student and that the suspect was armed with a handgun.

But they still have not said where the rape happened, citing concerns about identifying the victim and hurting an ongoing investigation. They have said only that it happened about 3 a.m. Wednesday at a residence in the southwest part of the city.

“An area canvass already has taken place, so all residents in the area have been talked to,” said Sgt. Dan Ward, a Lawrence Police spokesman.

Ward urged all Lawrence residents to protect against intruders by closing their window shades at night and locking doors and windows.

“Regardless of where it happened in the city, you need to be safe,” he said.

The suspect has been described as a white male in his 20s about six feet tall with a slim build.

Wyandotte County

Tribes to turn attention to casino after purchase

Topeka — Two Indian tribes said Thursday they would complete purchase of 80 acres near the Kansas Speedway in Wyandotte County as part of their plans to build a $210 million casino and resort hotel.

A news conference announcing the deal will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. today at Cabela’s in Kansas City, Kan., according to a news release from the Sac and Fox Nation and the Kickapoo Tribe.

Developers say the project will generate 1,500 jobs, and tens of millions of dollars in taxes and gaming revenue to the state of Kansas.

The tribes have stated in the past that once the land acquisition was completed, they would immediately start working with federal officials to get the OK to build the casino.

State officials and the tribes have been in negotiations for months on a proposed gaming compact.

Education

After-school programs receive grant funding

Three after-school programs will be funded through a $218,298 grant awarded to the Lawrence public schools.

After-school programming at Kennedy, Pinckney and Woodlawn elementary schools will be funded with the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, said Sandee Crowther, executive director of planning and program improvement for the district.

Crowther said the after-school programs at the schools are part of a collaborative effort with the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence and the After School Alliance, which is made up of school and community leaders.

The Kansas State Board of Education approved the grant application last week during its monthly board meeting.

Gasoline prices

Pump Patrol seeks deals

The Journal-World has found gasoline prices as low as $1.84 a gallon at several locations around Lawrence.

If you find a lower price, please call the Pump Patrol at 832-7154.