Accident

Kindergartner dies after choking on ball

A 6-year-old boy who choked to death Sunday was remembered as a sweet boy Monday by officials at the Lawrence school he attended.

Lawrence Police said Wesley Josef Hein, 6, choked on a small rubber ball Sunday evening and was pronounced dead later at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. A previous report mistakenly indicated he was older.

The school district’s crisis response team was sent Monday to Prairie Park School, where Wesley was a kindergartner. Notes were sent home to Prairie Park parents.

“He was a great little guy; he was a sweetheart,” said David Williams, principal at Prairie Park, 2711 Kensington Road. “We’re going to miss him a lot.”

A funeral for Wesley is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Plymouth Congregational Church.

Forums feature city, school candidates

Voters will have a chance to hear from Lawrence school board and City Commission candidates at forums tonight and Wednesday.

All three school board candidates are expected to attend a forum at 7 tonight at Lawrence High School, 1901 La. Members of the Vote Yes for Lawrence Kids organization also will make a presentation about the proposed school bond issues on the April 5 ballot.

The forum will be taped and broadcast on Sunflower Broadband Channel 6 at 11 a.m. March 19, 7 p.m. March 27 and April 3, and 9 p.m. April 4.

City Commission candidates will have a forum at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vt. Candidates are expected to take questions from the audience.

Gasoline Prices

Patrol seeks fuel deals

The Journal-World has found gasoline prices as low as $1.97 a gallon at several stations in Lawrence. If you find a lower price, call 832-7154.