School, shopping center lose power after crash

Power was out much of the day Thursday at Sunset Hill School, 901 Schwarz Road, and businesses in the Hillcrest Shopping Center after a tractor-trailer snagged a power line near Ninth and Iowa streets.

Police blocked traffic along Ninth Street between Iowa Street and Rockledge Road as crews worked to fix the line.

The accident happened about 11:15 a.m. on the north side of the shopping center’s parking lot. The impact pulled a power pole into a tree on the south side of Ninth Street.

Authorities told the driver to stay in the truck’s cab for safety while they removed the line, witnesses said. No one was injured.

About 200 Westar Energy customers were without power until about 3 p.m., Westar spokeswoman Karla Olsen said.

Baldwin

Expert: Genetic disorder caused teen’s death

After months of waiting, a Baldwin family has learned the likely cause of death for a 13-year-old girl who died at a softball tournament in Winfield.

A pathologist in Tampa, Fla., has found that Krystal Bateson’s death on June 13 was probably caused by myxoid heart disease, a genetic disorder that affects the lining of valves in the heart.

Krystal’s mother, Theresa Bateson, told the Baldwin City Signal she planned to consult with a cardiologist to determine if her son is at risk for the same condition.

The Cowley County coroner initially said the death might have been caused by viral myocarditis, which is an inflammation of the heart, but sent samples to the pathologist for an expert opinion.

Schools

Repairs shut down phone service at LHS

Power surges during recent thunderstorms damaged the phone system Thursday afternoon at Lawrence High School, 1901 La., district spokeswoman Julie Boyle said.

Officials said parts of the building would lack service today while the phone system is replaced.

The repairs by Tip N Ring, a phone maintenance company, will cost $8,818.

Sesquicentennial

Mud forts protected city’s early residents

With the city set to celebrate its 150th birthday Sept. 18, the Journal-World is taking a look at early-day life in Lawrence:

Several mud forts guarded Lawrence’s perimeter during the 1850s and 1860s.

Five of the forts were built in 1855 to protect residents from pro-slavery forces. The men of the town divided into groups of about 50 to build forts at key locations.

Richard Cordley, who wrote “History of Lawrence” in 1895, said the earthworks were circular and about 5 feet tall, with the largest — 100 feet in diameter — at what is now Sixth and Massachusetts streets.

Gasoline Prices

Pump Patrol seeks deals

The Journal-World has found gasoline prices as low as $1.71 a gallon at Presto Phillips 66, 602 W. Ninth St., and Hillcrest BP, 914 Iowa. If you find a lower price, call Pump Patrol at 832-7154.