State Rep. Showalter succumbs to cancer

State Rep. Judy Showalter, who suffering from cancer made a dramatic return earlier this month to the Legislature, has died. She was 61.

Showalter, a Democrat from Winfield, served five terms in the Legislature.

She returned to the Legislature for one day during the special legislative session, voting from her wheelchair on the House floor as she was wrapped in blankets to keep her warm.

“Her last example may have been her greatest, when she left hospice care to travel to the special session for Kansas public schools, to stand up for our children. As both a friend and public servant, she will be missed,” Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said.

In honor of Showalter, Sebelius has ordered flags on state buildings to be flown at half-staff on Thursday.

Funeral services will be held in Winfield on Thursday.

COURTS

Fight against speeding ticket to continue

A Douglas County District Court case involving a Lawrence man’s battle against a $45 speeding ticket will continue in September.

Zamir Bavel will be back in court at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 19 to argue his case against a speeding ticket issued to him in March 2004. The hearing was to be back in court Monday. But Douglas County District Court Judge Robert Fairchild rescheduled the hearing because the court didn’t have time for the hearing.

Bavel, a computer science professor at Kansas University, has argued that Lawrence Police officers don’t have enough training to operate radar guns and shouldn’t be allowed to issue speeding tickets – including his.

He also has said that he wasn’t speeding when he was issued a ticket near 19th Street and Ousdahl Drive.

Jerry Little, assistant prosecutor for the city, said Kansas law requires officers to have sufficient training and experience.

GOVERNMENT

Points of Light to shine on volunteers

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Monday announced the start of a state program to recognize outstanding community volunteers.

The Kansas Governor’s Points of Light Award Program will offer three awards quarterly to recognize volunteer service by an individual, group or community.

The Points of Light program was started in 1989 on the federal level by former President Bush. Kansas is now the eighth state to institute a state program.

The first deadline for the nominations for service in Kansas is Aug. 18.

Nomination materials are available at www.kanserve.org, or by writing to Kansas Volunteer Commission, 120 SE 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66612.

For questions or more information, call 785-368-6207 or e-mail pkells@ksde.org.

Gasoline Prices

Patrol seeks fuel deals

The Journal-World found a gas price as low as $2.14 at the Citgo Station at 9th and Iowa. If you find a lower price, call Pump Patrol at 832-7154.