Drought finished for most of Kansas

Abundant rainfall in June and July, along with record low temperatures in August, caused Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to upgrade the state’s drought status last week.

Most of the state is no longer in a drought, according to Sebelius’ office.

The governor placed the following counties in the drought warning category: Cheyenne, Decatur, Rawlins, Sheridan, Sherman and Thomas. Counties in a drought watch category are: Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Phillips, Rooks, Smith, Trego and Wallace.

“Western Kansas has been hit hard by the prolonged drought,” Sebelius said. “While complete recovery will take additional, above-normal rainfall, conditions are much improved, particularly in the southwest, compared to earlier this summer.”

Volunteerism

Animal lovers care for neglected dogs

Maureen and Terry Cummins, of Auburn, have opened their home to dozens of abused and neglected dogs. Their Second Chance Animal Refuge Society — SCARS — rehabilitates many animals to the point where they can be adopted, but some become permanent additions to the Cummins household.

One of the dogs now in their care is Ziggy Stardust, above, who suffers the effects of being confined in a small cage for seven years. For the complete story, see page 4B.

Sesquicentennial

Mount Oread’s name precedes that of city

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

The hill that houses Kansas University has been referred to as Mount Oread from the beginning of the city of Lawrence, David Dary writes in “Lawrence: An Informal History.”

The first group of settlers from the New England Emigrant Aid Company camped atop the hill on Aug. 1, 1854, before they made their final settlement to the north, along the Kansas River.

Ferdinand Fuller of Worcester, Mass., inscribed “Mount Oread” on his tent, after Oread Seminary in Worcester, which was founded by Eli Thayer. Thayer had organized the New England Emigrant Aid Company.