K.C. diner expanding into west Lawrence

A down-home diner is branching out after 50 years in North Kansas City.

Its second home: a strip mall in western Lawrence.

Hayes Hamburger & Chili is expected to open in mid- to late April, transforming a former Scotch Cleaners shop into a 59-seat diner in the Orchards Corners Shopping Center at Kasold Drive and Bob Billings Parkway.

The diner’s “sliders” — 1.6-ounce hamburgers reminiscent of White Castle’s burgers — will be served along with items such as fries, chili and breakfast 24 hours a day.

Owner Jim Hayes plans to hire about 15 full-time employees.

He expects the project to cost about $250,000 for equipment and interior finishes. He hopes to franchise the concept in the future.

Savings

Treasury to convert paper savings bonds

The Treasury Department announced Tuesday that it has launched a program to convert existing paper savings bonds into electronic securities.

The program, dubbed SmartExchange, isn’t mandatory. The conversions will not affect the redemption values or issue dates for the original bonds, officials said.

Aviation

Singapore company agrees to buy 737s

Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise said Tuesday that it intends to order 20 of Boeing Co.’s narrow-body 737s, with the option to purchase 20 more.

The preliminary agreement, which Boeing said had not been finalized, could be worth up to $2.78 billion at list prices if the leasing company buys all 40 of the 737-800s. The airplanes are scheduled to be delivered between late 2006 and the end of 2009.

Workplace

Workers’ comp bill awaits Sebelius’ OK

A bill designed to keep businesses from paying workers’ compensation benefits to employees for drug or alcohol-related accidents won Senate approval Tuesday and is going to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

The Senate vote was 30-9. The House approved the bill last month.

Supporters argue the measure, backed by business groups, clarifies rules that apply when an employer suspects drug or alcohol use contributed to a worker’s on-the-job injury. But some critics say the bill would make it easier for employers to deny benefits to workers who, for example, have a beer at lunch.