Audio-Reader garden sculptures missing

Two sculptures in a garden designed for blind people have been stolen.

Diana Frederick, development director for the Kansas Audio-Reader Network, said the sculptures depicting reading cherubs were taken from the Sensory Garden at the Audio-Reader building in the northwest part of the Kansas University campus.

The statues, each about 18 inches tall, were discovered missing Saturday but could have been gone since April 16.

“They’re not very valuable — maybe $50 or $100 each,” Frederick said. “But it’s the sentimental value. They were appropriate for the venue.”

Frederick said the statues, pictured above, probably were taken as a prank. She said the culprit could return them, no questions asked, or call her at 864-4600.

“Given the nature of the garden, I can’t imagine whoever took them knew what they meant,” she said. “We just want them back.”

Investigation

Rape charges filed in case involving teen

A Lawrence man has been charged with eight counts of rape because of an alleged sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl.

The man, who was 21 at the time of the relationship but has since turned 22, was arrested during the weekend on a warrant and had a first appearance Monday in Douglas County District Court.

Lawrence Police Sgt. Dan Ward said the couple’s sexual relationship lasted from early June to late September 2004. It came to light after conversations a school resource officer had with other students at the girl’s school, he said.

He said the case was classified as rape because, under Kansas law, children under 14 cannot legally consent to sex.

The man will appear in court again today to schedule a preliminary hearing. On Monday he was being held in the Douglas County Jail with bond set at $50,000.

Courts

Trial set in rape case

A jury trial has been scheduled for July 6 for a former Eudora resident charged with molesting three girls.

The Mission Hills man, 42, appeared briefly Monday in Douglas County District Court.

He’s charged with 14 offenses, including rape, aggravated sodomy and indecent liberties, for incidents that happened between November 2001 and July 2004 while he lived in Eudora.

The victims are now ages 17, 10 and 7, according to court records.

The man remained in the Douglas County Jail on Monday with bond set at $75,000.

Gasoline Prices

Patrol seeks fuel deals

The Journal-World has found a gas price as low as $2.10 at Zarco 66, 1415 W. Sixth St., and Citgo, 2005 W. Ninth St. If you find a lower price, call Pump Patrol at 832-7154.