Former representative takes Tafanelli’s seat

Republican Joann Flower will serve as the representative of the 47th District during the 2005 legislative session.

Flower was unanimously selected Thursday night by precinct committee members in Jefferson and Atchison counties to replaced Lee Tafanelli, R-Ozawkie. Tafanelli resigned his seat because he has been deployed to Iraq, not to return for a year.

Flower previously served as the representative for the 47th District, which includes all of Jefferson and part of Atchison County, before retiring in 2000.

“I think Joann will do a really good job,” said Travis Oliver, chairman of the Jefferson County Republicans. “She’s a good legislator, and we’re glad to have her up there.”

Parks and recreation South Park center to stay closed

Lawrence’s South Park Recreation Center will be closed for renovations longer than city officials originally planned.

The center, which is undergoing work to its classrooms and office space, will be closed through Jan. 18. Originally the center, which closed in late December, was scheduled to reopen Monday.

Some winter classes scheduled to begin Monday will be relocated to other Lawrence Parks and Recreation facilities for the first week of classes and then will return to the South Park center. People enrolled in the affected classes will be called by Parks and Recreation officials. For information about the change in classes, call Jo Ellis, recreation program supervisor, at 832-7930.

City Commission

Positions available on city advisory boards

City officials are seeking 12 Lawrence residents to fill vacancies on seven different boards that advise the City Commission.

Mayor Mike Rundle is asking people who are interested in serving their community to consider applying for an open position on a city board.

The city has vacancies on the following advisory boards: Aviation Advisory Board, one vacancy; Fire Code Board of Appeals, two vacancies; Grant Review Board, two vacancies; Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging, one vacancy; Lawrence Arts Commission, three vacancies; Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, one vacancy; Public Incentives Review Committee, two vacancies.

Most boards meet monthly, and most terms vary from two to four years. Anyone interested in applying should send a letter of interest to Mayor Mike Rundle, PO Box 708, Lawrence, 66044 or e-mail bjwalthall@ci.lawrence.ks.us.