Icy conditions make return appearance

A combination of freezing drizzle and fog led to several community and school activity cancellations Monday night.

The same weather conditions were expected to continue through the night and much of this morning; a winter weather advisory is in effect for Douglas County and many surrounding counties until 10 a.m.

Area law enforcement agencies handled a few accidents Monday but none that had serious injuries.

The Perry-Lecompton and McLouth school districts announced Monday night that classes were cancelled today. Additional school closings and event cancellations will be posted at www.ljworld.com and on Sunflower Broadband Channel 6.

County

New, returning officials sworn in

There’s a new sheriff in town — along with a new county clerk and district attorney.

Douglas County District Court Chief Judge Robert Fairchild swore newly elected and re-elected county officials into office Monday morning.

Jamie Shew, Charles Branson and Ken McGovern were sworn in as county clerk, district attorney and sheriff, respectively. Bob Johnson and Jere McElhaney were sworn in for new terms as county commissioners, and Register of Deeds Kay Pesnell was sworn in for another term.

Paula Gilchrist will be sworn in as treasurer in October.

Election 2004

Anti-tax group reports campaign spending

Topeka — The new anti-tax group Kansas Club for Growth spent $120,605 during the last election cycle in its attempts to defeat candidates who supported tax increases, according to campaign finance reports filed Monday.

The total covers money spent during the Republican Party primary in August and the general election in November.

The group was bankrolled by real estate, oil and insurance interests.

In the Republican Party primary, Kansas Club for Growth worked to unseat three GOP incumbents who had voted for tax increases.

But in the general election, several Democrats were able to beat back attempts from the organization to unseat them.

Dave Kensinger, spokesman for Kansas Club for Growth, said the group backed six winning candidates and four who lost.

Transportation

Workshops to teach about city bus system

City officials have begun planning for a series of workshops designed to teach people how to better use the city’s public transit system.

The workshops will be geared toward instructing youths, the elderly and people with disabilities on how to best use the T, the city’s fixed route bus system.

People interested in learning more about the workshops are encouraged to attend an informational meeting at 6:30 p.m. today at Independence Inc., 2001 Haskell Ave.

The first workshop is scheduled for 10 a.m. March 12 at the Lawrence Transit System office, 933 N.H.

Gasoline Prices

Patrol seeks fuel deals

The Journal-World has found a gasoline price as low as $1.57 a gallon at the Citgo at Ninth and Iowa streets. If you find a lower price, please call 832-7154.