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Archive for Thursday, February 10, 2005

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Democrats criticize Kline for closed meetings with BOE conservatives
February 10, 2005
(Updated Thursday at 2:28 p.m.) Democratic legislators today blasted Atty. Gen. Phill Kline for holding closed meetings with conservative members of the State Board of Education.
Legislators introduce bill to ban human cloning
February 10, 2005
(Updated Thursday at 12:20 p.m.) Legislation that would ban human cloning in Kansas was introduced today.
GOP leaders block governor’s health care plan
February 10, 2005
(Updated Thursday at 12:23 p.m.) Republican budget writers today blocked a major part of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ health care reform plan.
KU Glee Club performs on ‘Price is Right’
February 10, 2005
(Updated Thursday at 11:30 a.m.) Members of the Kansas University Men’s Glee Club got a chance to showcase their talents on national television today, courtesy of Bob Barker, host of the CBS daytime game show, “The Price is Right.”
Sunny skies starting the melting process
February 10, 2005
(Updated Thursday at 8:38 a.m.) The wind chill was in the single digits this morning, but a bright sunny day will help start melting off the 3-inch snowfall Lawrence received earlier this week. “Make sure you grab your sunglasses,” said Jennifer Schack, 6News meteorologist. “At least the sunshine is out and it will stick around through the afternoon.”
Briefly
February 10, 2005
¢ Suspect captured after deputy’s slaying ¢ Murder suspects caught en route to Las Vegas ¢ Droopy drawers could bring fine ¢ Five indicted in drug-house attack
Woodling: Kaun shows promising signs
February 10, 2005
One thing you can say about fans in Kansas State’s raucous student section in Bramlage Coliseum: They love their signage. K-State’s students were flashing signs in abundance Wednesday night prior to Kansas’ umpteenth straight basketball victory over the Wildcats.
Free State bounces back, hammers Vikings, 63-43
February 10, 2005
The players on the Free State boys basketball team may have been the only high school students in Lawrence who were hoping to not have a snow day Wednesday. Their Tuesday contest at Shawnee Mission West was delayed a day because of snowy weather, making the Firebirds even more eager to avenge Saturday’s home loss to Lawrence High.
KU repairs may have to wait
February 10, 2005
The backlog of needed maintenance on state university campuses may not be addressed during this legislative session, a spokesman for the Kansas Board of Regents said Wednesday. Kip Peterson, the regents’ director of government relations and communications, said the regents’ priority during the session has turned to advocating for the budget increases included in Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ budget proposal.
Pauline ‘PX’ Alexander, Overland Park
February 10, 2005
Briefcase
February 10, 2005
¢ Wal-Mart, union unable to reach agreement ¢ USDA to reject Canada’s aging beef ¢ Bank of America firm to pay $375 million
Bush’s high school plan faces fight in Congress
February 10, 2005
President Bush’s plan to expand standardized testing in high schools is facing a fight from some of the same leaders in Congress who pushed through his first-term school agenda. Bush wants Congress to require yearly reading and math tests in grades nine through 11, further extending a greater federal role in education.
Nation watching California
February 10, 2005
The governor’s office here is in the Hiram W. Johnson State Office Building, named for the early 20th-century Republican populist, arguably California’s most consequential chief executive. So far.
Match safes reduced fire risks
February 10, 2005
It is always dangerous to play with matches, but today it is not as hazardous as it was in the past. Early matches were made of flammable white phosphorous, which could light accidentally. Not only was the unexpected flame a problem, but the fumes from the white phosphorous could actually cause tooth and jaw decay.
Price is Right’ showcases some Jayhawk glee
February 10, 2005
They might not have made the Showcase Showdown, but members of the Kansas University Men’s Glee Club did showcase their talents during a recent taping of “The Price is Right.” The chorus is scheduled to be featured singing “I’m a Jayhawk” — a KU fight song — during an episode that airs 10 a.m. today on Sunflower Broadband Channels 5 and 13.
Valentine gifts bring big sales
February 10, 2005
The war of the roses is on. An expected surge in Valentine’s Day flower purchases this year is proving to be a boon for both growers in South America and major shipping companies.
Carjacker gets 9 years; camera call renewed
University has yet to install security system
February 10, 2005
The man convicted of stealing a Kansas University freshman’s car at gunpoint in the garage of an all-female residence hall will spend nearly a decade in prison after his sentencing Wednesday. But some residents of Gertrude Sellards Pearson and Corbin halls continue to fear for their safety walking to and from their cars after dark.
Horoscopes
February 10, 2005
Briefly
February 10, 2005
¢ Shooting suspect to stand trial
What phone call is worth a life?
February 10, 2005
It’s time to admit that hands-free is not a solution. It’s time to ban phone driving. Phone driving is the drunken driving of the new millennium. Seemingly everyone does it, and all of them seem to believe they’re skilled in a way that prevents their powers of perception from being clouded by the fog of isolation that envelops drivers who talk on the phone.
Peeling back the layers
Midwest native’s play reveals complexity of Iraqi women
February 10, 2005
When Heather Raffo traveled to Iraq as a 4-year-old, she found a place of wonder, magic and awe. Her eyes still grow wide as she talks of walking through the streets of Babylon, riding the donkey that delivered the morning cream or sleeping on the roof of her aunt’s house under the stars.
Game on: Tables strive for style, performance
February 10, 2005
In simpler times, everyone had a card table. It had myriad uses: It became a bridge table when Bill and Edna came over on Wednesday nights, the kids’ table at festive gatherings, the crafts table at scout meetings, and, on special occasions, the gift table.
Journalist credits KU with helping open doors
Jerry Seib, Wall Street Journal Washington bureau chief, honored with school’s William Allen White Citation
February 10, 2005
Jerry Seib credits the Kansas University “journalism fraternity” with helping him land nearly every newspaper job he’s had during his career. That’s why Seib — now the Washington bureau chief for the Wall Street Journal — said he was especially excited to be named recipient of this year’s William Allen White Citation.
Kansas ranks No. 8 nationally in mobilization rates
3,054 Kansans are now on active military duty
February 10, 2005
While he was in Iraq, Tonganoxie Police Chief Ken Carpenter kept running into other Kansans. “Some of the people I saw were doing classified missions,” said Carpenter, who served as a sergeant major in the Army reserves. “The majority were doing truck driver and supply missions. Supply is a big operation over there.”
Miles struggles, but relishes win
February 10, 2005
A peek at the stat sheet didn’t make Aaron Miles nauseous on Wednesday night at Bramlage Coliseum. Not at all. “Obviously, you see the stat line. I had eight turnovers. The key thing is I had eight turnovers, and we still won. That’s all that matters,” Miles, Kansas University’s senior point guard, said without a trace of disappointment after dishing six assists in the Jayhawks’ 74-65 victory over Kansas State.
Duke defense denies North Carolina
No. 7 Blue Devils force 23 turnovers, hold on for 71-70 victory
February 10, 2005
Rashad McCants drove for a layup in the final minute and brought North Carolina within a point. The basket was significant for another reason — it provided the only fast-break points of the game for either team.
No. 25 Red Raiders roll over Baylor, 83-67
February 10, 2005
Bob Knight didn’t want to talk about Ronald Ross, the leading scorer in No. 25 Texas Tech’s 83-67 victory over Baylor on Wednesday night. He wanted to talk about Curtis Marshall, who the coach said has been “Curtis in absentia” for the past few games.
Briefly
February 10, 2005
¢ Israel to lift some travel restrictions ¢ Floods kill at least 13; thousands stranded ¢ 18 dead, 8 missing in Siberian coal mine blast ¢ Premier spends holiday visiting AIDS patients
Toplikar: Humane traps could spring ‘Allen Fieldmouse’
February 10, 2005
“Where?” Bonnie jumped back from her chair at the breakfast table, holding her palms out and taking a defensive stance with a worried look on her face. “No, no, no,” I said, amused by my teenage daughter’s reaction. “I saw one this morning. But not here.”
Briefly
February 10, 2005
¢ Federal aid available for ice storm recovery
Cheney’s role still strong in second term
February 10, 2005
By his own laconic standards, Vice President Cheney has launched a major media campaign. He recently went on the Don Imus show. He then submitted to a televised Sunday morning cross-examination for the first time in 17 months. And he came armed with news-making phrases each time.
Real threats
February 10, 2005
Who needs it?
February 10, 2005
Family history
February 10, 2005
Unique land
February 10, 2005
Hunting rights
February 10, 2005
An elegant bouquet
Carefully selected flowers can make singular statement to the love blooming in your life
February 10, 2005
Valentine’s Day presents a tall order: How do you convey the depth of your love with a single gesture or gift? Men (and women to a lesser degree) spend days and sometimes weeks pondering the perfect token. In the holiday’s storied history, flowers often have topped the list of ways to bequeath such a sentiment.
Dormant plants an animal’s winter banquet
February 10, 2005
Part of the fun for gardeners is enjoying the fruits of their labor. Part of the frustration is watching some unidentified visitor slowly eating their hard work. Although it is winter and most plants are dormant, many animals are still actively feeding as they try to survive the winter chill.
Calendar
February 10, 2005
Tips to lower utility bills
February 10, 2005
Nine ways to lower utility bills without spending a dime
Noodle Doodle’ teaches importance of cooperation
February 10, 2005
An enthusiastic audience of youngsters greeted Kansas University’s Theatre for Young People’s production of Paul Maar’s “Noodle Doodle Box” Monday afternoon at Crafton-Preyer Theatre. This quirky little play, directed by guest director and KU alumnus Beate Pettigrew, is the story of two clown-like characters, each living in a fantastic box full of wonderful treasures like giant toothbrushes, broken umbrellas, mismatched shoes, a handkerchief with holes, a teddy bear and a rubber fish.
Bill for campaign funding disclosure criticized
February 10, 2005
Legislation aimed at improving public disclosure of contributions to so-called independent political campaign committees received a rough welcome Wednesday from several lawmakers.
Literacy center plans hit roadblock
February 10, 2005
Plans to turn the former Carnegie Library building into a literacy center suffered a setback Wednesday as city commissioners peppered organizers with a questions about the center’s funding and planning. At a study session Wednesday, a majority of city commissioners said they were having second thoughts about a decision last year that cleared the way for the Hughes-Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning to move into the former Carnegie Library building at Ninth and Vermont streets.
School bonds touted as bargain
February 10, 2005
The owner of a typical $200,000 home in Lawrence will need to come up with approximately $50 more per year to pay property taxes, if voters approve two proposed school bonds on April 5. Members of a new citizens group — Vote Yes for Lawrence Kids — kicked off their campaign for the $63 million in school improvements at a press conference Wednesday.
Death on Farmers Turnpike accidental
Police say man died of hypothermia, drowning, possibly compounded by cocaine, alcohol intoxication
February 10, 2005
Police said Wednesday that a man found dead Monday in a ditch near the Farmers Turnpike died accidentally from hypothermia and drowning, possibly compounded by cocaine and alcohol intoxication. “At this time, the manner of death does not appear suspicious,” Douglas County Sheriff Ken McGovern said. “Our department would like to extend our sympathy to his family and friends.”
Rice warns Iran on nuclear accountability
February 10, 2005
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warned Iran on Wednesday that it risks U.N. action if negotiations with Europe over its nuclear program don’t progress. At NATO headquarters, Rice said the United States had set no deadline on the Iran talks, but that they cannot go on forever.
Diplomats say U.S. aiming to oust U.N. nuclear chief
February 10, 2005
The United States is lobbying allies in a bid to oust the head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency, perhaps as early as the end of the month, diplomats and officials told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Iraq announces delay of final election results
February 10, 2005
Iraqi officials said Wednesday they must recount votes from about 300 ballot boxes because of various discrepancies, delaying final results from the landmark national elections. Hundreds — perhaps thousands — of other ballots were declared invalid because of alleged tampering.
Bombing in Spanish capital blamed on Basque separatists
February 10, 2005
A car bomb blamed on Basque separatists exploded Wednesday in a Madrid office park near where King Juan Carlos later appeared, injuring at least 43 people in the worst terrorist attack in the Spanish capital since last year’s bombing of commuter trains.
Petty Clark Ransdell, Topeka
February 10, 2005
Reagan stamp rolled out at ceremonies across U.S.
February 10, 2005
President Reagan’s famous smile and blue eyes shine from a new postage stamp issued Wednesday in ceremonies across the country. It’s the latest in an already high stack of honors bestowed on the former president since his death eight months ago.
Andrew Kerr Keenan, Ness City
February 10, 2005
Willie B. Shorter, Lawrence
February 10, 2005
Louis G. Higbie, Independence
February 10, 2005
Martin Seibel, Eudora
February 10, 2005
Police capture wanted man in car chase
February 10, 2005
An Osawatomie man wanted on a felony drug warrant was arrested Wednesday evening after law enforcement officers caught him in a car chase that ended in a rural area south of Eudora. William J. Buck, 48, was taken to the Douglas County Jail not only on a the warrant but also on suspicion of several other crimes, including aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, fleeing to elude police and obstruction of justice.
Lawrence datebook
February 10, 2005
On the record
February 10, 2005
Hewlett-Packard ousts CEO
Stock surges on decision
February 10, 2005
Carly Fiorina’s nearly six-year reign at Hewlett-Packard Co. ended abruptly Wednesday as board members forced her out, disappointed by her inability to transform a plodding technology giant dominated by printer sales into a more nimble innovator.
Protection One completes debt restructuring
February 10, 2005
Lawrence-based Protection One Inc. on Wednesday closed a plan that restructures $120 million of company debt, a move intended to steer the monitored-services security company away from fears of bankruptcy and onto a path for growth.
KU keeps on streakin’
Jayhawks win No. 22 at K-State
February 10, 2005
College basketball’s craziest win streak lives to see another day. And for that, Kansas University’s seniors are mighty thankful. “One day it’ll end. You never want it to end on your watch,” KU’s Wayne Simien said after collecting 23 points and 13 rebounds in the Jayhawks’ 74-65 victory over Kansas State on Wednesday night in Bramlage Coliseum, KU’s home away from home.
Education commissioner will retire in June
February 10, 2005
State Education Commissioner Andy Tompkins said Tuesday he is retiring from office in June to pursue other education opportunities.
Evolution disclaimer proposed for books
February 10, 2005
Conservatives on Wednesday took aim at evolution, proposing to put disclaimer stickers on science textbooks and creating a new hearing process for evolution opponents to challenge its teaching in public schools. The moves alarmed Leonard Krishtalka, director of Kansas University’s National History Museum & Biodiversity Research Center.
Baker alumnus sues ‘Apprentice’
Paralysis shouldn’t keep him off hit reality show, he says
February 10, 2005
James Schottel didn’t let paralysis —the result of a fraternity hazing accident at Baker University — stop him from becoming an attorney. Now, he says it shouldn’t get in the way of him being on “The Apprentice” TV show and the chance of running one of Donald Trump’s corporations, either.
KU falters down stretch
February 10, 2005
Kansas University’s women’s basketball team led by four at the half and by a point with just under 41/2 minutes to play, but the Jayhawks struggled down the stretch in a 57-54 loss Wednesday to Oklahoma State. Trailing 29-25 at intermission, the Cowgirls opened the second half with a 15-3 run.
NHL sets deadline for this weekend
Bettman: If deal is reached, 28-game season planned
February 10, 2005
With just a little bit of hedging, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman all but issued a drop-dead date for saving what’s left of the season: this weekend. The lockout reached its 147th day Wednesday. If a deal is reached, Bettman said, there would be a 28-game regular season and the 16-team playoff structure would be preserved.
Was McNabb sick? It doesn’t matter
February 10, 2005
The overweight, robust protectors of Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb spoke louder than ever. On Monday, not Super Bowl Sunday. Donovan McNabb’s teammates said they heard the wails from their faithful, who were suffocating in torment on the day after.
Firebirds, Lions split at ‘Rumble’
February 10, 2005
The rivalry between Lawrence High and Free State extended to the bowling alley for the first time Wednesday during the “Rumble in the Alley” at Royal Crest Lanes. Free State easily took home the boys title, outscoring LHS 2,486-2,098. But LHS forced a split by narrowly winning the girls title by 12 pins, 1,868-1,856.
Jayhawks rout Hilo
February 10, 2005
First baseman Jared Schweitzer stroked three hits, pacing a 14-hit attack that carried Kansas University to a 16-8 baseball victory over Hawaii-Hilo late Tuesday night.
KU men’s golf fourth at Hawaii tournament
February 10, 2005
Sophomore Tyler Docking shot a 64, helping Kansas University’s men’s golf squad surge into a tie for fourth place out of 21 teams after the first round Wednesday at the Waikoloa Intercollegiate.
KSU ‘couldn’t get over hump’
February 10, 2005
What started as a cute little chimpanzee 11 years ago has turned into a gigantic gorilla on the back of Kansas State’s men’s basketball program. So as much as it goes against KSU coach Jim Wooldridge’s style to address the past — especially his school’s dismal 28-game slump against Kansas University going into Wednesday’s game — Wooldridge felt he had to this time.
Baylor survives another scare
February 10, 2005
After winning with 0.2 seconds on the clock Jan. 29 at Oklahoma State, No. 7 Baylor pulled off another last-second miracle Wednesday night against Oklahoma. Sophia Young, a junior forward from the West Indies, hit a jumper from just inside the three-point line with less than one second left to give Baylor a 73-72 victory.
HIV testing for all adults urged
February 10, 2005
Urging a major shift in U.S. policy, some health experts are recommending that virtually all Americans be tested routinely for the AIDS virus, much as they are for cancer and other diseases. Since the early years of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, the government has recommended screening only in big cities, where AIDS rates are high, and among members of high-risk groups, such as gay men and drug addicts.
Notebook
February 10, 2005
¢ This, that ¢ Buddies ¢ Danger in L.A.
Kline accused of violating spirit of open-meetings law
February 10, 2005
Kansas Atty. Gen. Phill Kline was accused Wednesday of skirting the state’s open-meetings law after meeting privately with conservative members of the Kansas State Board of Education. Kline said he did nothing wrong.
Board overseeing Visiting Nurses Assn. during its search for a new director
February 10, 2005
The board of Douglas County Visiting Nurses Assn. continues to oversee the agency’s operations, five weeks after the executive director of the financially troubled organization resigned. Patrick Donahue, president of the organization’s board, said Wednesday that the group was solvent but would undergo some changes to improve its financial condition.
Stranded
Declining public transportation options increase our dependence on private vehicles and the demand for more highway infrastructure.
February 10, 2005
Declining public transportation options increase our dependence on private vehicles and the demand for more highway infrastructure. It’s ironic that in the jet age, when we talk constantly about how small the world is becoming, that it’s actually getting harder for many Americans to get from one place to another.