New leaders elected for local United Way

The board of directors of United Way of Douglas County has elected new leadership and selected new members.

Officers for the 2005-2006 year will be Fred Rodriguez, president; Vickie Randel, president-elect; Tim Herndon, secretary; and Martin Dickinson, treasurer.

New members of the board, elected to serve until 2008, are Richard Konzem, Lisa Patterson, Randy Beeman, Jim Martin and Vicki Wilkerson.

A one-year position reserved for a KU student will be filled by Jennifer Sheldon-Sherman.

State

Governor signs bill on workers’ comp reform

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius signed a bill Monday designed to keep businesses from paying workers’ compensation benefits to employees for drug or alcohol-related accidents.

The measure was sought by business groups and clarifies rules that apply when an employer suspects drug or alcohol use contributed to a worker’s on-the-job injury.

State law already says an employer doesn’t have to provide workers’ compensation benefits if drug or alcohol use contributes to an employee’s injury or death.

The new law deals addresses when evidence can be introduced at hearings. Currently, Kansas law says drug or alcohol test results can’t be introduced unless an employer has cause to believe a worker probably was impaired. The bill would permit results to be introduced if a worker is tested while receiving medical treatment or if an employer mandates such tests after an accident.

Retirement

Forum planned on Social Security reform

U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore, D-Kan., will have an education forum on the future of Social Security from 10:30 a.m. to noon April 18 at the Dole Institute of Politics on Kansas University’s west campus.

Among the participants:

• Scott Frey, senior policy analyst with the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare.
• Max Skidmore, University of Missouri-Kansas City professor and Social Security expert.
• Adam Bold, founder and chief investment officer with The Mutual Fund Store.

Open to the public, the forum will include a question-and-answer session with audience members.

Gasoline Prices

Patrol seeks fuel deals

The Journal-World has found a gas price as low as $2.11 at the Presto Phillips 66 at Ninth and Louisiana streets and Citgo at Ninth and Iowa streets. If you find a lower price, call 832-7154.