Armed robber hits eastside Kwik Shop

Police are reviewing surveillance video and looking for two suspects in the armed robbery of an East Lawrence convenience store early Tuesday morning.

About 2:18 a.m., a man with a handgun entered Kwik Shop, 1611 E. 23rd St., and demanded money from a 33-year-old female clerk, said Sgt. Mike Pattrick, of the Lawrence Police. The clerk gave the assailant an undisclosed amount of money.

He then forced her to go to a back room, pushed her to the ground, and fled, possibly in a newer-model, black and gray Dodge truck driven by another man, Pattrick said.

Anyone with information about the crime can call the Crime Stoppers hot line at 843-TIPS. Callers remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.

County

Dental clinic joins United Way agencies

The United Way of Douglas County has added its first new member agency in seven years: Douglas County Dental Clinic, 4920 W. 15th St.

The clinic will provide dental care to uninsured residents of Douglas County and those with Medicaid and HealthWave. The clinic serves more than 3,000 people each year.

Funds raised during the 2004-2005 United Way Annual Campaign will be allocated to the 27 member agencies in the early part of next year.

Election 2004

Democrat files to run for county treasurer

Paula Gilchrist, social service director at the Salvation Army, has filed as a Democratic candidate for Douglas County treasurer.

Gilchrist said her experience in business, government and nonprofit organizations qualified her to run for treasurer. She also said she had a record of competence and integrity, and she promised to bring responsible fiscal management to the job.

“I believe it is a primary duty of the county treasurer not only to effectively manage revenue, but also to design and operate collection practices that are as convenient and painless as possible for taxpayers,” Gilchrist said in a news release.

Gilchrist has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s in psychology. She serves on the Lawrence Neighborhood Resources Advisory Committee and is co-chairman of the Coalition on Homeless Concerns.

The current county treasurer, Pat Wells, is not running for re-election. Other candidates for the job are Republicans Cindy Monshizadeh, interim deputy treasurer, and Sharon Englebrecht, a former deputy treasurer who works at US Bank.