KU has funds to help daughter of fire victims

Kansas University officials have made recommendations for those wanting to help Kameron Orr, the KU freshman whose parents and three of her siblings were killed early Saturday in an Olathe house fire.

Todd Cohen, a KU spokesman, said the university suggested making donations to three accounts at the KU Endowment Association: the Kenneth Hagman Memorial Fund, which benefits students who lose one or both of their parents; the Ronald and Pat McClain Good Samaritan Fund, for students in emergency or needy situations; or the Monroe Scholarship, for students with severe financial need.

The donations can be made to the Endowment Association, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, 66044-0928.

Orr was in Lawrence when the fire gutted her family’s home. Her brother, Justin, was the only survivor.

The fire killed Matthew Orr, 46, Rebecca Orr, 46, Benjamin Orr, 18, Jeremiah Orr, 16, and Kyle Orr, 14.

County candidates to debate tonight

Candidates for Douglas County offices will participate in a debate tonight at the Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vt.

The debate runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is open to the public.

The following candidates will participate:

County Commissioner, 2nd District: Incumbent Bob Johnson, who is uncontested.

County Commissioner 3rd District: Jere McElhaney and challenger Marguerite Ermeling.

Sheriff: Ken McGovern. He is uncontested.

Treasurer: Cindy Monshizadeh and Paula Gilchrist.

Register of Deeds: Kay Pesnell. She is uncontested.

The debates are sponsored by the Voter Education Coalition.

Foundation offers tours of Brown v. Board site

Topeka — The Brown Foundation for Educational Equity, Excellence and Research plans guided tours of the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site.

Tours will be offered from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, running this week through Dec. 19, and are free to the public. The foundation welcomes walk-ins and reservations.

The national historic site was established by Congress on Oct. 26, 1992. It is on Monroe Street between 15th and 17th streets in Topeka.

For more information, contact the Brown Foundation at (785) 235-3939 or by e-mail at brownfound@juno.com.