Archive for Friday, January 12, 2007

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Arctic blast brings winter to area
January 12, 2007
In tonight’s 6News and tomorrow’s Lawrence Journal-World, winter weather in sharp contrast with 60’s earlier in the week, protecting downtown buildings from fire may get easier, and a local private school pushes for a 7,000-ft. expansion.
KBI director is stepping down
Larry Welch resigns after 12 years
January 12, 2007
Larry Welch resigns after 12 years
LHS, Free State games canceled
Freezing drizzle expected throughout day
09:36 a.m., January 12, 2007 Updated 04:02 p.m.
Freezing drizzle expected throughout day
Sebelius proposes all-day kindergarten, increased university funding
Legislature must approve state’s $12.4 billion budget
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A1
Increased funds for all-day kindergarten, health care and higher education were among some of the spending proposals made Thursday by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. Sebelius also called for a 4 percent pay increase for state employees as part of her $12.4 billion budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1.
KU scientists hope bill passes, increasing funds
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A1
Kansas University scientists whose research involves human stem cells crossed their fingers Thursday, hoping that a bill boosting federal support of embryonic stem cell research could survive.
Bush’s plan for Iraq hits bipartisan opposition
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A1
President Bush’s plan to send more troops to Iraq ran into a wall of criticism on Capitol Hill on Thursday as administration officials drew confrontational, sometimes mocking challenges from both Democrats and Republicans.
Stem cell bill clears U.S. House
Vote falls 37 short to override promised veto
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A1
The U.S. House on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a bill that would loosen the restrictions on human embryonic stem cell research imposed by President Bush in 2001, inaugurating the second such assault on the administration’s stem cell policy in as many years.
Chinese officials, scholars study local court system
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B1
Kansas University welcomed friends from China this week. A group of 20 Chinese corrections officials and scholars are touring courtrooms and correctional facilities in Lawrence and the region as they learn about the U.S. criminal justice system.
Candidate says better outreach needed
Sixth person files for school board seat
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B1
The latest candidate to file in the April 3 race for Lawrence’s school board says the school district didn’t do a good job of keeping nearby neighbors informed about construction on the new South Junior High School.
It’s finally time to bundle up; ice, snow, freezing cold on tap
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B1
For Lawrence residents, this weekend calls for salt, sand and perhaps a snow shovel.
Summit seeks ways to tout heritage
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B1
Paul Bahnmaier knows what he would do once the federal money starts flowing to the area’s new Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area. He would build a visitors center along the Kansas Turnpike near one of the Lawrence interchanges. It would be a crown jewel on the Interstate 70 corridor, telling thousands of visitors per year about how eastern Kansas was the birthplace of the Civil War.
Ex-Wal-Mart manager pleads no contest
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B1
A former manager of Lawrence’s Wal-Mart store entered a plea Thursday to a charge that he embezzled more than $12,000 from the store last summer by falsifying refunds.
Statements in murder case to be reviewed
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B1
A judge is considering whether to suppress a confession given to deputies by a man charged with murdering a Lecompton man during a home burglary.
Suspect in carjacking fails to appear in court
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B1
A Lawrence man who led police on a 130-mile chase across two states in November failed to show up for his court appearance Thursday in Douglas County District Court.
FSHS swimmers win home meet
January 12, 2007 in print edition on C1
The Free State High boys swimming team returned the favor against Washburn Rural on Thursday night at the Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center. Thursday night, the Firebirds dominated their home meet with 483 team points. Washburn Rural finished second with 387.
Early arrivals inflate KU’s spring roster
January 12, 2007 in print edition on C1
Kansas University’s football roster is about to fatten up a little bit. With spring-semester classes getting started next week, four mid-season transfers are soon to arrive in Lawrence and start classes. Three were junior-college players who graduated and signed last month - offensive lineman Chet Hartley, safety Patrick Resby and cornerback Kendrick Harper.
Chief concerns
Tough decisions’ loom for K.C. coach
January 12, 2007 in print edition on C1
Trent Green soon will be facing something he’s never known as Kansas City’s starting quarterback: competition for his job. Green, who turns 37 in July, showed signs in November and December of slowing in a productive career that saw him throw for more yardage in 2001-05 than anyone but Peyton Manning.
Mayer: KU faces Hilton hurdle
January 12, 2007 in print edition on C1
Beware the ‘Clones! No Larry Brown-coached Kansas basketball team won in five trips to Iowa State. Roy Williams’s first team in 1989 fell at Ames. KU enjoys a 160-58 bulge in the series, but the Jayhawks are only 10-7 since 1989 in ISU’s noisy Hilton Coliseum.
Pac-10 challenge locked in
Arizona to visit Kansas in debut tilt
January 12, 2007 in print edition on C1
The Big 12 Conference finally has a men’s basketball challenge series to call its own. The league, which has negotiated with the Southeastern Conference and Pac-10 in the past for an early-season nationally-televised showcase of games, on Thursday announced completion of a four-year deal with the Pac-10 schools.
City bowlers spare no effort
Newcomers key for LHS; FSHS eyes return to state
January 12, 2007 in print edition on C3
Despite having neither team and only one individual (Jessica Wyatt) reach state last year, Lawrence High bowling has lofty expectations for 2007. “For both the boys and the girls team,” LHS coach Greg Farley said, “the primary goal is to qualify for state.”
Four area players selected for Shrine Bowl
January 12, 2007 in print edition on C3
Free State High football standouts Ryan Murphy and Mikel Ruder and Lawrence High wide receiver Nathan Padia have been selected to play in the 2007 Kansas Shrine Bowl.
Physical’ game costs LHS girls
January 12, 2007 in print edition on C3
The Olathe South girls basketball team held Lawrence High’s leading scorer to eight points in a 47-25 rout Thursday.
Daunting task awaits Free State
January 12, 2007 in print edition on C3
When the Free State High boys basketball team plays host to Shawnee Mission East at 7:30 tonight, it won’t be just taking on a 7-0 team that sits atop the Sunflower League. The Lancers are ranked No. 2 in the latest Kansas Basketball Coaches Assn. Class 6A poll.
Johnson, Hali win annual awards
January 12, 2007 in print edition on C6
Running back Larry Johnson was named the winner of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Derrick Thomas Award winner for 2006 as the team’s most valuable player.
Coach not worried about ‘O’
Edwards not panicking after humiliating playoff loss
January 12, 2007 in print edition on C6
Although the Kansas City Chiefs made the playoffs for the first time since 2003, they finished the season on a bitter note. The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Chiefs, 23-8, last week, but the offensive statistics were uglier than the score. The Chiefs made seven first downs, converted 1-of-11 third downs, completed zero passes to their starting wide receivers and totaled 126 yards. That putrid performance, however, will not cause head coach Herm Edwards to make drastic changes.
Assistants departing Kansas State football
Prince says there’s no cause for alarm
January 12, 2007 in print edition on C4
If the hallmark of a successful football program means assistant coaches move on to bigger things, Kansas State fans might shudder to think what might happen when the Wildcats finally have a breakthrough year.
Arizona rolls past Oregon State
Tenth-ranked Wildcats get boost from forward Williams
January 12, 2007 in print edition on C4
Arizona forward Marcus Williams shrugged off his contribution after scoring a career-high 27 points in the 10th-ranked Wildcats’ 83-72 victory over Oregon State on Thursday night.
Nuggets, Bucks deal
January 12, 2007 in print edition on C5
The Denver Nuggets traded fan favorite Earl Boykins, along with Julius Hodge and cash, to the Milwaukee Bucks for Steve Blake on Thursday.
T.O. has finger surgery
January 12, 2007 in print edition on C5
Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens underwent successful surgery Thursday in Miami to repair a torn tendon in his right ring finger.
Beckham to play in U.S.
Soccer star signs with L.A. for $250 million
January 12, 2007 in print edition on C2
Roll out the red carpet, Hollywood. The David Beckham show is coming to town. The most recognized player on the planet - fashion icon, tabloid fixture, marketing giant and husband of a former Spice Girl - is taking his game and fame to Tinseltown, and he’s going to be earning an estimated $250 million for the five years of his contract.
Commentary: Can Beckham provide spark for soccer?
January 12, 2007 in print edition on C2
People will read who’s headed for Hollywood and assume they’ve seen this movie before. Not “Bend It Like Beckham,” of course, but the movie in which an aging soccer star relocates to America and tries to help the game take flight. Just because that one ended badly, all the soccer-haters want to believe this one will, too.
Democrats pick Denver for 2008 convention
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A3
Democrats selected Denver to host their 2008 presidential convention, turning down New York in favor of a problematic but enthusiastic bid from a city in the increasingly Democratic Rocky Mountain West.
Co-worker arrested after 4 shot at factory
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A3
A man shot and wounded four co-workers Thursday at a factory that employs disabled people, telling police he did it “over respect,” authorities said.
Six Flags agrees to sell water, theme parks
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A3
Theme-park operator Six Flags Inc., which has been struggling with falling attendance and a large debt load, said Thursday it will sell seven of its 30 North American parks for $312 million.
Marchers seek action against violent crime
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A3
Thousands marched Thursday on City Hall, seeking an end to the violence that has claimed nine lives in this struggling city since New Year’s Day.
Jury: Insurer owes $2.5M in Katrina case
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A3
A jury awarded $2.5 million in punitive damages against State Farm Fire and Casualty Co. for a Mississippi couple for denying their Hurricane Katrina claim.
Bush vows veto on Medicare drug price bill
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A3
President Bush vowed Thursday to veto Democratic-drafted legislation requiring the government to negotiate with drug companies for lower prices under Medicare.
U.S. keeps eye on Hezbollah threat
Intelligence chief briefs Senate panel on terrorist dangers
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A3
Al-Qaida poses the gravest terrorist threat to the United States and an emboldened Hezbollah is a growing danger, the U.S. intelligence chief said Thursday.
2 killed, dozens injured in protester clashes
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A6
Protesters seeking the ouster of a Bolivian state governor for his opposition to leftist President Evo Morales battled with the governor’s supporters Thursday in clashes that left two dead and more than 60 injured, authorities said.
Russian billionaire held in prostitution sting
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A6
Mikhail Prokhorov, one of Russia’s wealthiest men who made his billions in nickel and gold, was taken into custody by French police in a crackdown on a suspected prostitution ring at a swank Alpine ski resort, officials said Thursday.
Ethiopia, U.S. pursue al-Qaida in Somalia
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A6
Ethiopian and U.S. forces were in pursuit of three top al-Qaida suspects Thursday, with a senior U.S. official confirming that none of them was killed in a U.S. airstrike and were believed to still be in Somalia.
Police hold suspect in banker’s murder
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A6
Russian police detained a suspect Thursday in the killing last year of a senior central bank official who was trying to clean up the country’s banking industry.
Blast at U.S. Embassy called ‘act of terrorism’
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A6
Police cordoned off streets early today near the U.S. Embassy in Athens after an explosion inside the embassy compound that a senior police official said was an “act of terrorism.”
Protesters demand U.S. close Guantanamo prison
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A6
Cindy Sheehan marched with the mothers of a Guantanamo prisoner, a New York firefighter killed on 9/11 and other peace activists Thursday to demand the U.S. detention camp at Guantanamo Bay be closed five years after the first terror suspects arrived.
President quits amid state of emergency
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A6
The president Thursday declared a state of emergency, stepped down as leader of Bangladesh’s caretaker government and postponed this month’s elections following violent protests by a key political alliance that has said it would boycott the vote.
Insurgent leader recalls bin Laden escape
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A6
Afghan insurgent leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar said in a television interview broadcast Thursday that his fighters helped al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden escape intense U.S. bombing in 2001 in the Tora Bora mountains.
Insurgents killed in battle at Afghan border
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A6
As many as 150 insurgents were killed Wednesday night in fighting in southeastern Afghanistan, shortly after two large groups of militants crossed into the country from Pakistan, NATO officials said Thursday.
Gene map unravels sexual infection details
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A8
Scientists have mapped the genes of the tiny parasite that causes one of the world’s most common, and arguably least recognized, sexually transmitted infections: trichomoniasis.
Arthritis conditions cost U.S.$128 billion
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A8
The nation’s costs for arthritis and related conditions rose to $128 billion in 2003, and the tab will continue to grow as the U.S. population gets older and heavier, the government said Thursday.
FDA wants more funds to monitor drug safety
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A8
The Food and Drug Administration recommended Thursday that Congress approve an $87.4 million increase in fees paid by drug companies so the agency can hire 82 employees to better monitor the safety of prescription medications already on the market.
CDC warns against cold medicine for babies
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A8
More than 1,500 toddlers and babies wound up in emergency rooms over a two-year period and three died because of bad reactions to cold or cough medicine, federal health officials reported Thursday.
Study finds more Americans think ‘better late than never’
Technology becoming a crutch for procrastinators
January 12, 2007
Procrastination in society is getting worse and scientists are finally getting around to figuring out how and why. Too many tempting diversions are to blame, but more on that later.
Senator: Expect tax relief plan for seniors
Lawmakers discuss 2007 agenda with public at legislative forum
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B2
Expect a legislator to introduce a state constitutional amendment that could freeze property tax levels for state residents when they become 65. Sen. Roger Pine, R-Lawrence, told about 50 people Thursday night at the Dole Institute of Politics that he was unsure how far the proposal would get in the Statehouse but that a colleague was planning it as a way to address property tax relief for seniors.
On the record
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B2
Lawrence Datebook
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B2
Candidates file for school board spots
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B2
More candidates have filed for positions on the Eudora and Baldwin City boards of education.
Treanor associate joins commission
January 12, 2007 in print edition on C8
Todd Renyer, an associate in the Topeka office of Treanor Architects in Lawrence has been appointed to serve a three-year term on the Topeka Landmarks Commission, an organization dedicated to preserving historic places in the state’s capital city.
Leavenworth Online buys area stores
January 12, 2007
Lawrence-based Mobile Communications Centre has been acquired by Leavenworth Online, an 11-year-old communications business.
Deadline approaches for Chamber event
January 12, 2007 in print edition on C8
Today’s registration deadline for the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming annual meeting is being extended into early next week, but organizers are urging interested attendees to sign up soon.
Home insurance change makes sense
January 12, 2007 in print edition on C8
‘About Real Estate’ Q & A with David W. Myers.
Commodities
January 12, 2007 in print edition on C8
New taxis pull into market
January 12, 2007 in print edition on C8
There’s a new taxi service in town. Larry Ojeleye, owner of Affordable Limousine Inc. in North Lawrence, recently expanded his operation into traditional taxis by adding a Ford Windstar minivan and a Crown Victoria sedan.
The Bard’s church in need of repairs
Shakespeare’s burial place seeks help in fundraising drive
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A2
Stratford-upon-Avon, England - Adopt a gargoyle. Sponsor a spire. It could help save the 800-year-old Holy Trinity Church, where William Shakespeare was baptized and where he lies buried with his wife, Anne Hathaway.
Raven’ actor moves to the White House
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A2
The Disney Channel has expanded the “That’s So Raven” franchise all the way to the White House. Kyle Massey stars as the Cory in “Cory in the House” (8:30 p.m., Disney). He has played Raven’s younger brother in more than 100 episodes. Rondell Sheridan reprises his role as Victor Baxter, Cory’s dad, who has just landed the job as White House chef.
People in the news
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A2
¢ Flap about Carter’s book prompts board resignations ¢ Belafonte urges students to help shape future ¢ Madonna defends O’Donnell in ongoing feud with Trump
Senator leaves intensive care
January 12, 2007
Sen. Tim Johnson has been transferred out of intensive care and has said some words, his doctor said Thursday, nearly a month after the South Dakota Democrat suffered a brain hemorrhage.
New poll shows most Americans oppose sending more troops to Iraq
January 12, 2007 in print edition on A7
Seventy percent of Americans oppose sending more troops to Iraq, according to a new poll that provides a devastatingly blunt response to President Bush’s plan to bolster military forces there.
Invisibles’ gets lost in translation
January 12, 2007 in print edition on D1
There must have been some charm to the French blend of animation and live action titled “Arthur et les Minimoys,” a fantasy concocted by the director of “The Fifth Element.”
Regional contest gears up to recruit music fest talent
January 12, 2007 in print edition on D1
The Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival sold tickets to concertgoers from all 50 states last year. Now the Lawrence festival is launching a program to offer fledgling bands from many of those states the opportunity to play the 2007 event.
The kids in the hall
Kansas Music Hall of Fame honors inductees from its junior class
January 12, 2007 in print edition on D1
Jim Stringer loved to go hear The Silver Tones in the early 1960s; he just wasn’t allowed to see the band. “I was too young to get into The Soc Hop,” Stringer recalls of the Overland Park club.
Volunteers help hospital raise expansion funds
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B3
More than 100 community volunteers have been recruited to make calls on behalf of Lawrence Memorial Hospital as it attempts to raise $8 million for a major expansion.
N.Y. man to pay $1,000 in Wakarusa Fest charge
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B3
A New York man will pay a $1,000 fine and have six months of unsupervised probation for drug-related charges from last summer’s Wakarusa Music & Camping Festival at Clinton Lake.
Perry superintendent to retire at end of year
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B3
Steve Johnston will retire later this year as the superintendent of Perry-Lecompton public schools.
Assistant DAs say firings were wrong
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B3
Seven assistant district attorneys and a chief investigator fired by Johnson County District Attorney Phill Kline say they expect to get their jobs back once their grievances are heard.
Wittig seeks release from prison
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B3
Attorneys for David Wittig, the former chief executive officer of Westar Energy Inc., asked a judge Thursday to release him from prison while he awaits resentencing on a conviction for bank fraud.
Missing sign
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B7
Green space loss
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B7
Raiders fan
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B7
State needs energy leadership
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B7
“There are no problems we cannot solve together, and very few that we can solve by ourselves.”
New policy buys time, hopes for miracle
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B6
During the battle of the Marne in September 1914, France’s Marshal Foch declared: “My center is giving way, my right is retreating, situation excellent, I am attacking.” His brio is remembered because his tactic worked: It prevented a rout that might have swiftly ended what might not today be known as World War I. But, then, we cannot know that.
It may be too late for Petraeus strategy in Iraq
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B6
“If only …” are the two saddest words in the lexicon when it comes to U.S. policy in Iraq. Those words come to mind with news that President Bush has named one of the Army’s smartest and most creative generals, David Petraeus, as top military commander in Iraq, just before Bush announces his “new” Iraq strategy.
Old Home Town - 100 years ago
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B6
Old Home Town - 40 years ago
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B6
Old Home Town - 25 years ago
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B6
Fans with class
Florida people show how to handle success with dignified enjoyment.
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B6
Let’s hear it for Gainesville, Fla., and the students and followers of Florida University. Last spring, the Gator basketball team won the national college championship and did it decisively and with flair. The people in and around Gainesville were delighted and behaved in a civilized manner.
Horoscopes
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B5
Former K.C. pharmacist seeks reduced sentence
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B8
A former Kansas City pharmacist who diluted chemotherapy medications and other drugs has asked a federal judge for an eight-month reduction in his 30-year sentence.
Jury being selected in pregnant woman’s death
January 12, 2007 in print edition on B8
The first steps have begun for selecting a jury to hear the trial of a Kansas woman accused of strangling a pregnant woman and cutting her baby from her womb.