Briefcase

Aid pantries short on food supplies

Shelves at local food banks are running low on supplies to help low-income families.

The Salvation Army, 946 N.H.; Penn House, 1035 Pa.; Ballard Center, 708 Elm St.; and ECKAN, 2518 Ridge Court, are in need of donations of tuna or other canned meats, peanut butter, boxed meals and cereal.

Renee Low with the Salvation Army said needs for food hadn’t necessarily increased, but food donations had decreased since the holiday season.

Low said pantries usually had canned green beans and corn and soup, but quickly ran out of items like tuna and peanut butter.

Courts

Former KU student’s trial delayed to May

Olathe — A former Kansas University student charged with setting 14 fires in Johnson County is now scheduled to be tried May 16.

David Jay, who was 24 when he was charged last year, was initially scheduled to be tried Monday.

Jay is charged with using starter logs and camp fuel to set the Johnson County fires, most of which struck homes or businesses.

Jay also has been mentioned as a suspect in three fires in Lawrence but has not been charged.

County

Commission approves plans for bicycle race

A proposal to temporarily shut down most of the South Lawrence Trafficway for a spring bicycle race got the thumbs-up Monday from Douglas County commissioners.

The trafficway between U.S. Highways 40 and 59 would be closed for about five hours May 15 if the Kansas Department of Transportation approves.

Otherwise, the Collegiate Road Cycling National Championships might have to use roads at Clinton Lake State Park for the race, which is expected to attract more than 400 cyclists.

Race promoters said while Clinton State Park was an option, it wasn’t the first choice. A lack of paved roads would require laps, making it difficult to score the race.

Tonight, the Lawrence City Commission will be asked to close a portion of downtown Lawrence for the competition. The commission meets at 6:35 p.m.

Schools

Meetings offer facts about bond issue

A series of meetings beginning this week will offer information about the Lawrence school district’s bond issues, which will be on the April 5 ballot.

The first meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Kennedy School, 1605 Davis Road.

Other meetings will be March 10 at Woodlawn School, March 29 at Southwest Junior High School and April 3 at Plymouth Congregational Church.

One of the bond issues would provide $54 million to replace South Junior High and improve Broken Arrow School, Lawrence and Free State high schools, and Central, Southwest and West junior high schools.

The other bond issue would provide nearly $9 million to improve technology across the district.

Gasoline Prices

Patrol seeks fuel deals

The Journal-World has found gasoline prices as low as $1.89 a gallon at several locations around Lawrence. If you find a lower price, call 832-7154.