KU students earn stint on NASA airplane

Eleven Kansas University students have earned a chance to perform experiments aboard a NASA airplane that provides a weightless environment.

The students, involved in the Kansas Universities Technology Evaluation Satellite (KUTESat) program, will take their flight between June 23 and July 2 aboard the “Weightless Wonder,” a C-9 aircraft that provides 20 to 25 seconds of weightlessness at a time. The plane, based at Johnson Space Center in Houston, is used by NASA for astronaut training and experiments.

The students will be testing a miniature maneuvering control system for satellites. It is part of the CubeSat program at KU, which aims to launch into space the first satellite designed in Kansas.

Legislature

House advances bill on patient care records

Topeka — Despite opposition from advocates for the elderly and disabled, the House on Wednesday gave preliminary approval to a bill sought by the nursing home industry.

The measure was advanced by voice vote to a final vote expected today.

The measure will prevent some reports of care of patients from being entered into evidence in lawsuits.

State Reps. Nancy Kirk, D-Topeka, and Bob Bethel, R-Alden, said the bill was needed to help nursing homes reduce skyrocketing liability insurance rates.

They said they had an agreement with the Kansas Trial Lawyers Assn. that the bill would allow patient care records into evidence that were “substantially related” to lawsuits.

But state Rep. Jim Ward, D-Wichita, said groups representing the elderly and disabled still opposed the bill.

Recognition

KU dance prof’s video wins national award

An exercise video produced for people with Parkinson’s disease has won a national award.

The video — developed by Janet Hamburg, Kansas University professor of dance, for Kansas University Continuing Education — will be presented the outstanding noncredit program award from the University Continuing Education Assn. at its annual convention March 30-April 2 in Boston.

“Motivating Moves for People with Parkinson’s” features an instructional section with computer animations of a moving skeleton, a 30-minute exercise routine and tips for solving daily movement challenges. It is available on VHS and DVD.

Recreation

Late signup for sports leagues ends Friday

Late registration for Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department, Adult Sports Division’s spring volleyball, kickball and the new dodgeball leagues will end Friday.

Volleyball is available for women’s and coed teams at varying competition levels in both indoor and outdoor sand leagues.

Kickball leagues are available for coed teams at a recreational level. The new dodgeball leagues are available for men’s, women’s and coed teams.

Costs vary between sports. Team late registration must be done in person at the Community Building, 115 W. 27th St., by 5 p.m. on Friday. For more information, contact Bob Stanclift, adult sports supervisor, at 832-7920.

Ryun to speak in leadership series

U.S. Rep. Jim Ryun, R-Kan., will be the next speaker in the Students Learning Through Leaders series at Kansas University.

Ryun will speak at 12:30 p.m. March 31 at Alderson Auditorium in the Kansas Union.

The event is free and open to the public.

County deputies complete training

Two deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office were among the March graduates from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.

Erica Quinlan and Bryon Revell were among the 54 graduates recognized during a March 4 ceremony in Hutchinson. Participants must complete a 14-week training program for graduation.

The KLETC is a unit of Kansas University Continuing Education.

Free State grad named orientation assistant

A graduate of Free State High School is among the Kansas University students selected to be orientation assistants this summer.

Matt Goble will return for a second year as an orientation assistant. He is among 20 named to the position.

Orientation assistants offer first-time freshmen, transfer students and readmitted students information about the university. The programs are designed to help students with their academic, social and personal transition to KU and to reduce anxieties about college.