Governor to toss support behind Kerry

Topeka — Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is expected today to endorse U.S. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., for president.

Sebelius has scheduled an 11 a.m. news conference with a group of firefighters showing support for Kerry, the presumed Democratic nominee to challenge President Bush in November.

Sebelius’ son, Ned Sebelius, has been working on Kerry’s campaign.

In addition, retired Gen. Wesley Clark, who dropped out of the Democratic presidential campaign last month, will be in Topeka on behalf of Kerry for the Kansas Democrats’ annual Ad Astra banquet.

The banquet is at 8 p.m. at the Ramada Inn Downtown. It will be preceded by a 6 p.m. auction that will raise money for the Democrats’ Legislative Victory Fund.

Courts

Paradise Cafe sued for payment by dairy

A dairy is suing the owners of the recently closed Paradise Cafe claiming it was never paid for $11,272 in goods delivered in the last half of 2003.

Paradise’s owner of record, Steve McCoy, said he didn’t dispute the claim filed last month in Douglas County District Court by Roberts Dairy Co., Kansas City, Mo.

But he said it was a matter of sorting out payment issues between himself and Schuyler Lister, an investor since 2002 who was managing daily operations when the restaurant closed in December. McCoy said his company probably would file for bankruptcy protection.

The owners of Vermont Street BBQ have signed a lease to move their restaurant into Paradise’s former location at 728 Mass., McCoy said.

Lister couldn’t be reached for comment.

Community

Habitat for Humanity seeks new homeowners

Lawrence Habitat for Humanity will begin the process of selecting prospective homeowners at a public meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at Plymouth Congregational Church, 925 Vt.

Representatives from the organization will distribute applications and explain selection criteria. Applicants are chosen based on need, ability to pay a no-interest 20-year loan and willingness to work with Habitat, including pitching in up to 225 hours of work during construction of the home.

For more information, call the Habitat for Humanity office at 832-0777.

Gasoline prices

Pump Patrol seeks deals

The Journal-World has found Lawrence-area gasoline prices as low as $1.62 at Conoco, 955 E. 23rd St., and Site, 946 E. 23rd St.

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