Fans line up for Clinton tickets

Bill Clinton’s visit to Kansas University next week is being met with the same sort of passion usually reserved for Jayhawk basketball: People are camping out for tickets to see the former president, who will speak at the Lied Center.

By 9 p.m. Tuesday there were about 30 people in line outside the Lied Center for the free tickets, which will be distributed beginning at 11 a.m. today. Among the first in line were Drew Thomas, a Kansas University senior from Hays, and a couple of friends who have been camping out since Monday.

The tickets — limited to two per person — are being distributed at the Lied Center box office. Tickets also are available by calling 864-2787, though there is a $3 service charge for tickets ordered by phone.

Clinton will speak at 2:15 p.m. May 21 for the inaugural Dole Lecture through the Dole Institute of Politics.

Crews investigate white powder at Deerfield

A white, powdery substance in a balloon brought fire trucks and emergency vehicles Tuesday morning to Deerfield School, 101 Lawrence Ave.

Douglas County Fire & Medical received a nonemergency call at about 8:30 a.m. regarding a suspicious white powder found in the school’s gymnasium.

After it was found, the balloon was taken to the school’s administrative offices where at least two employees came in contact with the suspicious material. They were evaluated on the spot by emergency workers and apparently were unharmed.

The substance inside the balloon was discovered to be a nonhazardous material similar to starch or flour.

“In this day and age, we respond (to emergencies) a lot differently than we did years ago,” said Tom Bracciano, director of facilities and operations for the school district.

KU chancellor to chat at www.ljworld.com

Kansas University Chancellor Robert Hemenway will answer questions about the university during an online chat this week.

Hemenway’s chat will begin at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at www.ljworld.com. Questions can be submitted on the Web site.