Defendant pleads in theft of art work

A Lawrence man diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia pleaded no contest Tuesday to reduced charges stemming from the theft of an oil painting from a Kansas University student’s apartment almost a year ago.

Ed Shipp, 34, had been scheduled to stand trial today. His sentencing is set for June 21.

Douglas County Dist. Atty. Christine Kenney said Shipp, pictured above, would be sent either to Larned or Osawatomie state hospital for evaluation, after which he could be sentenced to between 27 and 34 months in prison or the security unit at Larned State Hospital. He also could be placed on probation.

“I can’t say a lot because this hasn’t gone before a judge yet,” Kenney said. “But by reducing the charges we reduced the sentence significantly.”

Shipp’s parents welcomed news of the pleading. “We had been looking at 10 years, so we’re very pleased,” said Shipp’s father, Robert. “Now we’re hoping he can somehow get the help he needs.”

Schools

Mower will continue to grace LHS flagpole

Lawrence High School administrators have no plans to quickly remove a riding lawnmower mysteriously placed around the school’s flagpole overnight Sunday.

The mower apparently was disassembled and reassembled at the school, with the flagpole now sticking through the middle of the mower.

“It’s pretty cute,” Principal Steve Nilhas said. “It’s a harmless type of activity. They can have some fun with senior week. Doesn’t hurt a soul.”

Nilhas said he had met with seniors last week to warn them against inappropriate behavior before they leave May 13. He said he much preferred the mower prank to hazing or vandalism.

“This is the sort of thing we can live with,” he said.

Entertainment

De Soto to celebrate Cinco de Mayo Saturday

Call it Ocho de Mayo.

De Soto will celebrate today’s Cinco de Mayo observation with a parade, food, dancing and other events Saturday.

The public can share in Mexican culture, music and food, including a jalapeño-eating contest, that goes along with celebrating the Mexicans’ 1862 victory over the French army at The Battle of Puebla.

The parade starts at noon at Lexington Trails Middle School and then makes its way down Penner Avenue and 83rd Street before ending at the De Soto Community Center, at 84th and Shawnee streets.

After the parade, children will be able to take whacks at piñatas, and a dance will take place from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the community center.

Television

6News to air early

The regularly scheduled 6 p.m. newscast for Sunflower Broadband’s 6News will air at 5:30 tonight due to the start time of the Kansas City Royals game.

Royals Sports Television Network coverage of the Royals-Toronto Blue Jays game begins at 6 p.m.