Dole Institute of Politics

Ex-Ecuador president to speak at KU today

Rodrigo Borja, president of Ecuador from 1988 to 1992, will speak on globalization during a presentation today at the Dole Institute of Politics.

Borja will speak at 3:30 p.m. on “Globalization and its Consequences in Latin America.” The speech is sponsored by the Center for Latin American Studies, the Dole Institute and the Graduate School.

Borja was known for helping disband a militant guerrilla group, increasing government involvement in the economy and improving civil liberties.

The presentation is free and open to the public.

Clerk foils robbery

A man trying to rob a local store left the shop with no cash and a bruised face.

The would-be robber entered 9th Path, 803 Vt., about 3 p.m. Sunday, pulled out a four-inch folding knife and demanded money, Lawrence Police Sgt. Dan Ward said.

The store clerk responded by swinging a metal cash box and striking the man’s face. The man left the store with no money, but did receive a two-inch laceration on his right cheek, Ward said.

The incident remains under investigation. Ward described the suspect as a white male about 25 years old, about 180 pounds and 5 feet 9 inches tall, with brown hair and a gray coat.

Transportation

KDOT to finance access to subdivision

The Kansas Department of Transportation has agreed to finance a project that is part of a plan to widen U.S. Highway 59 at the request of the Douglas County Commission.

KDOT officials sent a letter earlier this week to commissioners agreeing to finance a project that would add a second access point to Berg Acres, a residential subdivision southeast of the existing U.S. 59 and North 1100 Road. The state’s plan previously allowed for only one access, down from the three that exist today. The estimated cost of the project would be about $167,000, including the cost of purchasing rights-of-way.

Earlier this year, KDOT officials asked the county to finance the project, but commissioners said the responsibility should be with the state agency.

KDOT will turn U.S. 59 into a four-lane freeway between Lawrence and Ottawa. The project is estimated to cost $210 million and will begin April 2007 when KDOT starts bidding out phases of the plan.

Crime

Arrest made in string of auto burglaries

A 16-year-old Lawrence boy was arrested early Thursday morning in connection with a string of car burglaries in and around a local apartment complex.

Six people reported their cars were broken into and items were taken. The value of missing items ranged from $50 to $667. Lawrence Police Sgt. Dan Ward said most of the vehicles broken into weren’t secured.

Ward said police officers responded at 11:50 p.m. Wednesday to Colony Woods, 1301 W. 24th St., where witnesses reported people walking through the parking lot and checking door handles.

Police officers arrested the 16-year-old boy at 1:13 a.m. Thursday. Ward said other people were involved in the burglaries.

State Democrats honor former county leader

Last November’s showing by Democratic candidates in Douglas County has earned honors for a local activist.

The Kansas Democratic Party last weekend honored Marilyn Greathouse, former chairwoman of the county party, with its Robert Tilton Award.

The award recognizes county leaders who organize Democrats, field strong candidates and mobilize support for Democratic campaigns.

“It was a combined effort of everybody who worked on the campaigns that allowed me to win this award,” Greathouse said Thursday.

Douglas County Democrats won offices previously held by Republicans — including state senator, county clerk and district attorney — during the November election.

Vinland goes whole-hog with pancake supper

Pancakes and homemade sausage patties will be served up Saturday night to benefit the Vinland Fair.

The Vinland Fair Whole-Hog Sausage and Pancake Supper will be from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Vinland Fairgrounds, 1736 North 700 Road.

“We always have it in the evening,” said Nora Cleland, who is involved with the benefit supper. “It’s always been that way. It’s tradition.”

The cost of a dinner, which includes all-you-can eat pancakes, varies in price. People who want two servings of sausage will pay $5 while people wanting one sausage patty or none pay $4.50. The cost is $1 for children 5 and under.

Proceeds from the supper go to the annual Vinland Fair, which will be Aug. 11, 12 and 13 at the fairgrounds.

Police to increase traffic enforcement in city

Lawrence Police will do extra traffic enforcement Monday through March 19 on Iowa, West Sixth and North Second streets.

The department’s efforts are part of a larger, week-long campaign by the Kansas Department of Transportation to do “aggressive corridor enforcement” along U.S. Highway 59. The stretch of that highway between Lawrence and Ottawa is one of the most dangerous roadways in the state.

Nominations sought for teacher of year

Lawrence public schools officials are taking nominations for Lawrence Teacher of the Year.

To nominate a teacher, send a recommendation letter to school district headquarters by Monday.

The teacher of the year should be exceptionally skilled, dedicated, and able to inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn. He or she should have the respect of students, parents and colleagues and should be active in the school and community.

The teacher of the year should be committed to lead efforts to improve schools, student performance and the teaching profession in Kansas.

Recommendation letters should be sent to Julie Boyle at the school district’s Educational Support and Distribution Center, 110 McDonald Drive, Lawrence 66044.