Accident

Fraternity responds to pedestrian’s death

Sigma Nu Fraternity Inc. issued a statement Wednesday about the recent death of a pedestrian near a party thrown by Kansas University’s chapter of the fraternity.

“We are deeply saddened by this terrible loss and our thoughts and prayers and deepest condolences go out to the family of this young man,” Brad Beacham, executive director of the national fraternity, said in a statement.

He said fraternity members were cooperating fully with the investigation, which continues.

Devin Scott Emery, 20, Wichita, died early Sunday after being struck by a Leavenworth County motorist on U.S. Highway 24-40 north of Lawrence city limits. Emery was in Lawrence to visit a friend and died near the scene of a Sigma Nu and Delta Delta Delta sorority party celebrating the end of the annual Rock Chalk Revue production.

Police have not identified the driver, and no charges have been filed.

Politics

Brownback to discuss national historic area

U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback will lead a discussion today on a proposed “Bleeding Kansas” National Heritage Area in Lawrence.

Congressman Jim Ryun this month introduced a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that would designate Lawrence and 24 Kansas counties as a National Heritage Area featuring the area’s pre-Civil War history. Brownback plans to introduce the same bill in the Senate next week.

“It is vital not only for Kansans to know their proud history and contribution to this country but for the nation as a whole,” Brownback said in a prepared statement. “The creation of this Heritage Area would ensure this legacy is not only commemorated but celebrated on a national level.”

Officials say the federal designation would draw as much as $10 million in federal funds to help Lawrence and northeast Kansas preserve the area’s history and promote it to tourists.

The discussion is at 4 p.m. today at the Lawrence Visitor Center, 402 N. Second St.

Pump Patrol

Gas prices still rising

Consumers are dealing with the third consecutive month of rising gasoline prices but are not paying much more than they were at this time last year, according to numbers released by AAA.

The association reported that the average gas price in Lawrence rose from $1.60 in February to $1.66 in March. Statewide, gas prices rose from $1.59 to $1.67 in the same period. Kansas consumers paid $1.66 on average for a gallon of gasoline in March 2003.

Nationally, gasoline prices rose from $1.64 in February to $1.72 in March, the report stated.

The Journal-World has found a Lawrence-area gasoline price as low as $1.60 at Citgo and Zarco Phillips 66, both at Ninth and Iowa streets.

If you find a lower price, report it to Pump Patrol at 832-7154.