Archive for Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Also from July 25

Audio clips
Births
Blog entries
Chats
Events
Obituaries
On the street
Photo galleries
Game 07-25-07 Walt's Boxing
Podcasts
Polls
How do you think KU's football team will fare this year?
Response Percent
Bowl bound
 
 30%
Middle of the pack
 
 25%
Who cares as long as they beat MU.
 
 19%
Bottom of Big 12
 
 15%
Big 12 North champs
 
 5%
Big 12 champs
 
 3%
Total 246
Videos

Lead stories

4:40 a.m.
Videoblogger Jordan Williams, a Kansas University student from Coffeyville, poses a question through YouTube to Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton about how they will address critics about issues pertaining to their race and gender Monday night during a democratic presidential debate. KU student’s YouTube question featured in presidential debate
By George Diepenbrock
July 25, 2007 in print edition on 1A
Kansas University junior Jordan Williams saw himself Monday night on CNN reading a question to Democratic presidential candidates. “I was floored to begin with,” he said Tuesday. “And then, secondly, I was a little bit dismayed when Sen. Obama made a joke. : But they didn’t answer the question, so I was immediately a little annoyed.” It was an introduction to presidential campaigns for the 20-year-old English and pre-law major, who was home in Coffeyville, where he is working at a McDonald’s this summer.
10:35 a.m.
One of the Lawrence Transit System buses departs from the bus stop at Ninth and New Hampshire Streets. T hours likely to be cut
By Chad Lawhorn
July 25, 2007 in print edition on 1A
Lawrence residents should prepare for a property tax rate increase, reduced hours on the T and a major cut to a touted social service program for students as part of the city’s 2008 budget. Plus, voters may be asked to approve a new sales tax in 2008. A divided City Commission struggled late into the night Tuesday to shape next year’s budget. Here’s what they came up with, although several commissioners said they may seek to change the budget when they are scheduled to give it final approval Aug. 7:
1:00 p.m.
Clockwise from top left, Stan Roth directs his grandchildren Carson Ziegler, 9, and Carson's siblings Jack, 11, Adam, 7, and Maggie, 7, toward a green heron at the Baker Wetlands. Roth and the children took a field trip Tuesday morning to the wetlands to bird watch. Declining bird populations have bird watchers concerned about species, including North America's northern bobwhite, whose population has diminished by 82 percent. Bird-watchers note population decline
By Matt Erickson
July 25, 2007 in print edition on 1A
When Bob Antonio began bird-watching about 25 years ago, he didn’t have to go far to find a northern bobwhite. Antonio could spot the ground-dwelling, robin-sized bird at Lawrence’s Burcham Park. Not anymore. “I used to get them in Burcham Park nearly every year,” the Lawrence man said. “Now I haven’t gotten one in a decade. I’ve just been amazed.”
4:00 p.m.
Lovely Spam, wonderful Spam
By Terry Rombeck
July 25, 2007 in print edition on 1C
Rick Pinne grew up on Spam. “I liked it,” he says. “A lot of people made fun of it, but it always tasted good to us.” Around college time, he and friends realized the canned meat product had a special, almost medicinal quality to it. “It worked as a great pre-hangover food,” Pinne says. “At 2 o’clock in the morning, you’d fry up some eggs and Spam.” Pinne is a lifelong fan of Spam, which is the butt of many jokes, the subject of a Monty Python comedy troupe sketch and has a computer term for junk e-mail named for it.
10:00 p.m.
Kate Cavanaugh, a social worker in the WRAP Program at Prairie Park School, center, talks with Dillon McHugh, as they work on colorful creations in this May 2001 file photo. The program's grant ended at the close of the school year and now the future of the program hinges mainly on the outcome of the school district's ongoing teacher-salary negotiations. Future of WRAP funding in doubt
By George Diepenbrock
July 25, 2007 in print edition on 1A
The future of the WRAP program hinges mainly on the outcome of the school district’s ongoing teacher-salary negotiations.

All stories

6News video: Future of WRAP program rests in hands of school board
By Laura McHugh
July 25, 2007
The future of a program that puts mental health care workers into local schools now rests on the Lawrence school board.
6Sports video: Lawrence Raiders ready for state tourney
By Adam Krueger
July 25, 2007
After a 2-5 start to the season a fifth straight state title seemed unlikely for the Lawrence Raiders, but heading into post-season play, Shaun Edmondson’s squad is feeling confident.
6Sports video: KSU’s Freeman: freshman mistakes ‘won’t fly’ this year
July 25, 2007
Big 12 media day wrapping up in San Antonio today, this afternoon Texas, Oklahoma State, Colorado and the Jayhawks’ Sunflower rival Kansas State met the media.
6News video: Traveling band makes stop, performs in Lawrence
By Haley Harrison
July 25, 2007
They’re a band but better. Members of the Colts Bugle and Drum Corps travel with their own entourage, cooks, multi-bus caravan and train 16 hours a day.
6News video: City welcomes visitors from sister city
July 25, 2007
City officials welcome visitors from Lawrence’s sister city - Hiratsuka, Japan, this afternoon.
6News video: Sunflower Broadband offering free cable boxes
July 25, 2007
Technological changes, federal regulations and an approaching deadline are leading to a free offer for customers of Sunflower Broadband.
6News video: County commissioners take first look at development plan
July 25, 2007
Douglas County commissioners at their first look at a new development plan for southeast Lawrence.
6News video: Speed limit increased to 60 mph on Hwy. 56
July 25, 2007
Speed limits are going up on a busy highway that runs through southern Douglas County.
6News video: Suspect who fled to Tonganoxie now in custody
July 25, 2007
A man spotted in Tonganoxie in May after allegedly attacking a Topeka woman in her home is now in custody.
6News video: Man injured in Cat-Tracker accident sues owner
July 25, 2007
A man who suffered brain injuries when his head struck an overpass near 15th and Iowa while he was standing on the roof of a K-State football fan bus, sues the vehicle’s owners.
6News video: Commissioners advance proposal to raise pool fees
July 25, 2007
Lawrence city commissioners advance a proposal to raise pool entrance fees to three and four dollars.
Future of WRAP funding in doubt
Program that helps at-risk students rests mostly on teacher salary negotiations
By George Diepenbrock
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A1
The future of the WRAP program hinges mainly on the outcome of the school district’s ongoing teacher-salary negotiations.
6News Now: CatTracker victim sues bus owners
July 25, 2007
In tonight’s 6News and tomorrow’s Lawrence Journal-World, the man who suffered brain injuries on the CatTracker bus has sued the vehicle’s owners, and more on the impact of reduced funding for the WRAP program.
Media Day Q&A with..K-State’s players on KU and 2007
By Ryan Greene
July 25, 2007
For Kansas State, success came unexpectedly in most people’s eyes last season, but the Wildcats are wanting to make up now for the way 2006 ended. After a stunning home upset of Texas, the Wildcats were punished in Lawrence by KU and took another lopsided loss in the Texas Bowl against Rutgers. On the final day of Big 12 Media Day in San Antonio, Texas, KUSports.com editor Ryan Greene had a chance to speak with defensive linemen Rob Jackson and Ian Campbell along with quarterback Josh Freeman about 2007’s prospects.
Eudora Township board suspends fire chief
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A3
The Eudora Township fire chief is serving a six-month suspension. The township board of trustees voted during a special meeting two weeks ago to suspend Fire Chief Barry Larson, according to Township Board Trustee Keith Knabe. The suspension came after Larson was involved in a minor personal dispute, Knabe said.
Candidates seek Brownback apology
By Mike Glover - Associated Press Writer
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A5
Two Republican presidential candidates are demanding apologies from fellow GOP hopeful Sam Brownback for questioning their opposition to abortion in automated phone calls to voters. “Mitt Romney is telling Iowans he is firmly pro-life. Nothing could be further from the truth,” said the Brownback campaign’s phone message. The message goes on to attack the former Massachusetts governor’s wife, warning: “His wife, Ann, has contributed money to Planned Parenthood.”
Request to protest at sailor’s funeral denied
The Assocaited Press
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A5
Bellevue City Council won’t let members of a Kansas church protest next week outside the funeral of a sailor killed in Iraq. A Bellevue permit application form filed Monday with the city said a maximum 15 people affiliated with Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka wanted to hold a “religious demonstration” on Monday morning near the Bellevue Christian Center.
Biggio to retire at season’s end
The Assocaited Press
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B5
Craig Biggio feels he has nothing left to prove on a baseball field. After a 20-year career in which he stayed with one franchise, played multiple positions at an All-Star level and joined the elite 3,000 hit club, the Houston Astros infielder said Tuesday he will retire at the end of this season. “There are a lot of guys that have the game taken away from them by injury,” he said.
Gallardo hits, pitches Brewers to win
The Assocaited Press
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B4
Yovani Gallardo took a shutout into the seventh and revived a slumping offense with a run-scoring single.
Little League football sign up begins today
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B3
Today is the first day to sign up for this fall’s Little League football program sponsored by Lawrence Youth Football Inc. Representatives of LYFI will be in the Youth Sports Inc. fields parking lot starting at 7 p.m. to accept registration forms and to hand out fundraising cards. “The best thing to do is to download the sign-up sheet before they come,” said Bret Toelkes of LYFI.
Playing cards for inmates may help crack cases
By Phil Davis - Associated Press Writer
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A1
Prison inmates are getting a present from the state of Florida: playing cards. For detectives looking to solve dozens of cold cases, it’s the start of a game of Go Fish that might pay off big. On Tuesday, Florida’s nearly 93,000 state inmates started getting one of two decks that between them highlight 104 of the state’s most troubling unsolved murder and missing persons cases.
Recent break-ins not the norm for Perry
By Lisa Horn
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A4
Perry Police Chief Ramon Gonzalez is urging residents to be on the lookout for a man who entered three homes through unlocked windows last week, dumping women’s handbags and making off with an unknown amount of cash.
Second lawsuit filed over fatal Cat Tracker accident
The Assocaited Press
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A4
A man who suffered serious brain injuries when his head struck an overpass while he was on the roof of a Kansas State University football fan bus has filed a lawsuit against the vehicle’s owners. Chris Orr, of Salina, filed the lawsuit this week in Douglas County District Court over the Nov. 18 accident in which he was injured and John Green, of Shawnee, was killed. Orr’s lawsuit alleges the owners and the driver of the Cat Tracker were negligent because they let people ride on the vehicle’s upper deck.
U.S. students graduate from medical school
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A11
Eight American students graduated from a Cuban medical school on Tuesday and said they planned to put six years of education paid for by Fidel Castro’s communist government to use in hospitals back home. The four New Yorkers, three Californians and a Minnesota native, all from minority backgrounds, began studying in Havana in April 2001.
On the record
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A4
¢ Law enforcement report ¢ Burglaries and thefts reported ¢ Emergency calls
Intrust Bank names retail banking officer
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B12
Intrust Bank announces the promotion of Monica Hein to retail banking officer.
Fun, not pain
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A13
To the editor: I read with some frustration the article about the Midwest Mayhem triathlon at Lone Star Lake. I do appreciate the coverage of this exciting event, but I was annoyed at the emphasis on pain. Oh, the pain, the terrible suffering of physical exertion! I am weary of this cliched view of sports. It is bad for overweight and underactive America, and it also is inaccurate reporting.
Merry Maids owner cleans up for TV
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B12
After picking up pointers from the owner of Lawrence’s Merry Maids franchise, an actress well-known for playing a TV housekeeper is putting her new real-life skills to work on - where else? - TV. Marla Gibbs, who played Florence Johnston on “The Jeffersons,” appears tonight on “Back to the Grind,” a TV Land reality show that lines up iconic TV performers to work in jobs that their TV characters once held.
Bails set at $15M in deadly home invasion
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A8
Two men with long rap sheets were on parole when they broke into a doctor’s home in Meriden, strangled his wife and killed the couple’s two daughters in a fire they set to cover their tracks, authorities said Tuesday. Joshua Komisarjevsky, 26, of Cheshire, and Steven Hayes, 44, of Winsted, were arraigned Tuesday on charges of assault, sexual assault, kidnapping, burglary, robbery, arson, larceny and risk of injury to children.
Lawrence datebook
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A4
Concert: International Institute for Young Musicians, 7 p.m., Lied Center, Kansas University West Campus, free, 864-9742.
Professor who made 9/11 remarks fired
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A8
The University of Colorado’s governing board on Tuesday fired a professor whose essay likening some Sept. 11 victims to a Nazi leader provoked national outrage and led to an investigation of research misconduct. Ward Churchill vowed to sue, saying “New game, new game,” after the Board of Regents’ 8-1 vote was announced.
Rival seeks to shut down Facebook
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A8
The owners of a rival social networking Web site are trying to shut down Facebook.com, charging in a federal lawsuit that Facebook’s founder stole their ideas while they were students at Harvard.
$54 million pants star in legal fundraiser
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A8
A now-famous pair of pants was the star attraction at a fundraiser Tuesday meant to help pay the bills of a dry-cleaner couple caught in a legal stitch. The $54 million pants, as they’ve come to be known, were the subject of a widely mocked lawsuit that garnered international attention. Now, they have their own security guard.
Jordan’s King Abdullah pays White House visit
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A11
President Bush and Jordan’s King Abdullah II held private talks Tuesday on peace between Israel and the Palestinians, with the king urging Bush to get more involved in the recently renewed process. Bush and his wife, Laura, greeted Abdullah as he arrived Tuesday evening at the White House.
PBS draws on Audubon
By Kevin McDonough
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A2
While many people are familiar with John James Audubon’s remarkable series of paintings Birds of America, his “American Masters” (8 p.m., PBS, check local listings) biography, “Drawn From Nature,” reveals a larger-than-life character who reflects both the promise and excess of the young American nation.
People in the news
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A2
¢ CNN shakeup cuts Zahn ¢ Spears’ meltdown chronicled
Heat wave blamed for 35 deaths in region
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A11
Southern Europe sizzled under a heat wave Tuesday, with temperatures hitting triple digits for a seventh day in Romania, blazes forcing the evacuation of tourists in Croatia and Italy, and wildfires in Macedonia and Greece exploding shells from long-ago wars. At least 35 heat-related deaths were reported.
Blair makes first trip as Middle East envoy
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A11
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, in his first visit as an international envoy to the Middle East, met Tuesday with the Israeli and Palestinian leaders and said there was “a sense of possibility” in the region and “a moment of opportunity.”
Doctor accused in deaths after Katrina escapes indictment
By Mary Foster - Associated Press Writer
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A11
A year of impassioned defenses gave way to relief for Dr. Anna Pou on Tuesday when a grand jury refused to indict her, rejecting claims she deliberately gave patients lethal doses of drugs amid the chaos of Hurricane Katrina. “I fell to my knees and thanked God for helping me,” she said at a news conference, tearfully reading from a prepared statement.
Health workers freed by Libya pardoned on arrival in Bulgaria
By Kevin Sullivan - The Washington Post
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A11
Five Bulgarian medical workers arrived home to an emotional welcome Tuesday after more than eight years in Libyan prisons, closing a case that caused international furor over Libyan justice and raised questions about whether a ransom was paid for their release.
Cornered Pakistani militant kills self
By Abdul Sattar - Associated Press Writer
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A11
A Taliban veteran of Guantanamo Bay who became one of Pakistan’s most-wanted rebel leaders killed himself with a hand grenade Tuesday after he was cornered by security forces, officials said.The death of Abdullah Mehsud, a stout, round-faced man in his early 30s who lost a leg years ago fighting for the Taliban, was a boost for Pakistani authorities under pressure from the U.S. to crack down on Taliban and al-Qaida militants fighting on both sides of the Afghan border.
Legislature plans flood victim aid
By Carl Manning - Associated Press Writer
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B14
Lawmakers working with Gov. Kathleen Sebelius are fashioning a plan to help flood victims in southeast Kansas. A key component will be relief for those who lost their homes, Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt said Tuesday. Legislators would consider the plan when their session begins in January. “I think a relief package is going to need to be a priority. What will be in it, we don’t know. The housing piece will be a centerpiece,” Schmidt said. “The region needs help; it’s that simple.”
Sobriety check nets one arrest
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A3
Law enforcement officers arrested one person for driving under the influence of alcohol during a weekend sobriety checkpoint.
Boy Scouts celebrate 100th anniversary
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A3
The Boy Scouts of America Pelathe District will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Boy Scouting with a ceremony at 8 a.m. Aug. 1 in front of US Bank at Ninth and Massachusetts streets.
Artist explores the alphabet
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A3
Artist Stephen Johnson shows us “An Abstract Alphabet: New Work at the Spencer Museum of Art,” beginning tonight on “River City Weekly.” Johnson’s work playfully explores the visual aspects and symbolism of the alphabet through a variety of forms including painting, sculpture and collage. Johnson’s exhibit at the Spencer runs through Aug. 5.
Vick critic
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A13
To the editor: Michael Vick should be accorded all the same presumption of innocence until proven guilty. However, if he is convicted of this charge of gross animal abuse, then he should be banned from the NFL for life.
Chaos reigns in Britain
By Cal Thomas
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A13
The release of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” the final book in the Harry Potter series, has momentarily diverted the public’s attention from certain realities: The weather, which normally depresses during winter months when there is less sunlight, has been crying unmercifully on Britain, bringing what the Daily Telegraph calls “chaos and misery” as homes are flooded, flights are canceled, or delayed, and train and subway service is disrupted.
Old Home Town - 100 years ago
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A12
From the Lawrence Daily World for July 25, 1907: “People coming back from vacations in Colorado say the weather is fine but that the mosquitoes are vicious and carnivorous. Fishing is good but the bites from the bugs are horribly distracting, said A.D. Weaver upon his recent return.
New school nearly ready for students
2 science classrooms, locker rooms, gym won’t be finished in August
By George Diepenbrock
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A3
Construction crews continue to race against time to try to get the new South Junior High School ready for students and teachers in mid-August. With the new building now enclosed, school district administrators have said all but two science classrooms on the south side will be finished in time for a teacher work day Aug. 14. Seventh-graders attend the next day.
A puncher’s paradise
Walt’s Boxing a Lawrence gem
By Matt Tait
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B1
It’s just past 9 on a Thursday night. The last of the members left the gym more than an hour ago. Walt Ewert, 26, and Justin Montgomery, 25, stand alone in the middle of a regulation-sized boxing ring in North Lawrence, slugging it out. As the two former Army buddies duck and dodge their way through a few rounds of sparring, they hardly seem to notice the stifling heat that radiates off of the yellow walls in the newly opened Walt’s Boxing gym.
Plant earns high-powered honor
Coal group lauds safety, efficiency
By Mark Fagan
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B12
During the past year, employees at Westar Energy’s power plant at the northern edge of Lawrence welcomed more than 18,000 train cars filled with more than 1.9 million tons of coal destined to generate enough electricity to power 3.25 billion lightbulbs. And as of February, the high-powered operation’s 120 employees recorded 1 million work hours without suffering a single accident that would force someone to miss a shift, a streak that’s still running today.
Vinokourov tests positive, Astana withdraws
By Jamey Keaten - Associated Press Sports Writer
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B9
Cycling and its premier event, the Tour de France, were reeling Tuesday from yet another blow that threatened what was left of the event’s credibility: a failed doping test by one of its biggest stars. Alexandre Vinokourov tested positive for a banned blood transfusion after winning last weekend’s time trial, prompting his Astana team to pull out and sending police on a raid of the team hotel.
Early innings doom Kansas City again
By Steve Brisendine - Associated Press Sports Writer
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B1
Johnny Damon is hitting again, the Yankees are scoring at a pace unseen for more than seven decades, and a playoff spot appears within reach. “When you’re 141â2 back, you don’t feel too good,” said Damon after New York extended its winning streak to five with a 9-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night. “You’re in a bit more of a desperation mode. If you don’t turn things around, then this great team that’s assembled here won’t be together too much longer. We still have a lot of work to do, but it seems things are a lot funner now.”
MU defense under pressure
Tigers loaded on offense, but ‘D’ could hold key to football season
By Ryan Wood
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B1
So many powerful weapons dot Missouri University’s football roster: Chase Daniel, Chase Coffman, Martin Rucker, Tony Temple and William Franklin, to name the best of them. Notice a pattern, though, one that could still bite Mizzou yet? All five of the renowned studs are offensive skilled players.
Lovely Spam, wonderful Spam
Lawrence resident takes culinary arts to new level in Nebraska competition
By Terry Rombeck
July 25, 2007 in print edition on C1
Rick Pinne grew up on Spam. “I liked it,” he says. “A lot of people made fun of it, but it always tasted good to us.” Around college time, he and friends realized the canned meat product had a special, almost medicinal quality to it. “It worked as a great pre-hangover food,” Pinne says. “At 2 o’clock in the morning, you’d fry up some eggs and Spam.” Pinne is a lifelong fan of Spam, which is the butt of many jokes, the subject of a Monty Python comedy troupe sketch and has a computer term for junk e-mail named for it.
Marvel Comics superheroes soon to soar through the mail
By Randolph E. Schmid - Associated Press Writer
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A14
Endowed with superhuman strength, yet looking different as day and night, the Amazing Spider-Man and the Incredible Hulk will stand shoulder-to-shoulder as the Postal Service launches its latest set of superhero stamps. The 20-stamp set premieres Thursday at Comic-Con, the comic book and pop culture show in San Diego.
California’s last new freeway adds more room for gridlock
The Assocaited Press
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A8
The last stretch of brand-new freeway that California is likely to see for years opened Tuesday with motorists vying for position and the inevitable traffic jam. Commuters clogged onramps to be among the first to burn rubber on State Route 210, a 7 1/4-mile ribbon completing a freeway that over decades pushed 80 miles east from Los Angeles through foothill towns along the San Gabriel Mountains. It now ties into cities and interstates in the growing region known as the Inland Empire.
Boyda says bill encouraging generic drugs would benefit taxpayers
By Mike Belt
July 25, 2007
A bill that would make Medicaid reimbursements for generic drugs more favorable for community pharmacies and protect Medicaid recipients was introduced Tuesday by congresswomen from Kansas and Missouri. “I think this will be a good thing for the taxpayers,” U.S. Rep. Nancy Boyda, D-Kan., said during a teleconference. Boyda and U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Mo., put together the bill they say would fix flaws in the so-called “final rule” issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Arrest puts Lohan in tragic company
By Sandy Cohen - Associated Press Writer
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A2
Lindsay Lohan is the latest star to tumble from Hollywood’s heights into the tumult of substance abuse, continuing a sad tradition of young celebrities who deal with mounting or fleeting fame by turning to drugs or alcohol. The actress, 21, was arrested early Tuesday in Santa Monica and released on bail for investigation of misdemeanor driving under the influence and with a suspended license, and felony cocaine possession. During a prebooking search, police found cocaine in one of Lohan’s pants pockets, Sgt. Shane Talbot said.
KU student’s YouTube question featured in presidential debate
Pre-law major asks Obama, Clinton about how race, gender affects them
By George Diepenbrock
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A1
Kansas University junior Jordan Williams saw himself Monday night on CNN reading a question to Democratic presidential candidates. “I was floored to begin with,” he said Tuesday. “And then, secondly, I was a little bit dismayed when Sen. Obama made a joke. : But they didn’t answer the question, so I was immediately a little annoyed.” It was an introduction to presidential campaigns for the 20-year-old English and pre-law major, who was home in Coffeyville, where he is working at a McDonald’s this summer.
T hours likely to be cut
Commission looks at more taxes, reduced bus service to make room in budget
By Chad Lawhorn
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A1
Lawrence residents should prepare for a property tax rate increase, reduced hours on the T and a major cut to a touted social service program for students as part of the city’s 2008 budget. Plus, voters may be asked to approve a new sales tax in 2008. A divided City Commission struggled late into the night Tuesday to shape next year’s budget. Here’s what they came up with, although several commissioners said they may seek to change the budget when they are scheduled to give it final approval Aug. 7:
Bird-watchers note population decline
Expert points to state’s destruction of grassland
By Matt Erickson
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A1
When Bob Antonio began bird-watching about 25 years ago, he didn’t have to go far to find a northern bobwhite. Antonio could spot the ground-dwelling, robin-sized bird at Lawrence’s Burcham Park. Not anymore. “I used to get them in Burcham Park nearly every year,” the Lawrence man said. “Now I haven’t gotten one in a decade. I’ve just been amazed.”
Coyote sightings, pet disappearances coincide
By Scott Girard
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A5
Susie Dillon usually let her cat, Johnny, wander the neighborhood during the night. Johnny would visit neighbors and tromp through the nearby Alvamar golf course, bringing home mice and other prey. In the morning, Johnny would be at Dillon’s back door, ready to come inside.
Armstrong might make trip to France
By Jerome Pugmire - Associate Press Sports Writer
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B9
The strong performance of the Discovery Channel team at the Tour de France has prompted Lance Armstrong to consider making an appearance at the race he won a record seven straight times. Armstrong had planned to skip this year’s race. Now that his former team has two riders among the top four, he was rethinking his plans.
Bears sign Tillman to extension; Glenn retires
The Assocaited Press
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B8
The Chicago Bears could have playmaking cornerback Charles Tillman in their secondary for at least seven more years. Tillman, a second-round draft choice in 2003, and the Bears agreed Tuesday on a six-year contract extension that could keep him in Chicago through the 2013 season. Tillman, who has started 49 games in four seasons, had five interceptions last year when the Bears advanced to the Super Bowl and has 14 for his career.
NFL tells Falcons to delay Vick’s penalty
The Assocaited Press
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B8
The Atlanta Falcons wanted to suspend Michael Vick. And considering the appalling allegations against their star quarterback, they may not want him back at all. Under an edict from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Vick is barred from taking part in training camp while the league investigates a federal dogfighting indictment against one of its most prominent players.
Cyclones coach expects defense to aid offense
By Ryan Wood
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B7
Obviously, Gene Chizik wasn’t looking for a team full of friends when he first showed up in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State’s first-year coach is the lone newbie in the Big 12 football coaching ranks, and he was pestered about the transition Monday at Big 12 media days at the St. Anthony Hotel. One of Chizik’s first ideas, his players said, was to have 5:30 a.m. morning conditioning during the frigid winter months, a way to weed out the weaklings, bond the team and get everyone in shape.
Jayhawk recruits plan to narrow lists soon
By Gary Bedore
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B7
Two of the top frontcourt players in the recruiting Class of 2008 say they will pare their lists of colleges after this week’s Reebok Championships in Las Vegas and the Price Chopper/K.C. Prep Invitational set for Saturday through Tuesday at Okun Fieldhouse in Shawnee.
Mo Williams passes on Heat, stays with Milwaukee
The Assocaited Press
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B6
Mo Williams chose Brew City over Pat Riley and South Beach on Tuesday, signing a six-year, $51.5 million contract to remain with the Milwaukee Bucks. It’s another step forward for the Bucks, who held on to their starting point guard one day after reeling in free-agent small forward Desmond Mason. These moves helped soften several weeks’ worth of discouraging words coming from handlers of Chinese basketball star Yi Jianlian, who was drafted by the Bucks at No. 6 but hasn’t yet shown any willingness to sign.
Stern: Betting a betrayal
Commissioner blames scandal on ‘rogue criminal’
The Assocaited Press
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B6
David Stern blamed a “rogue, isolated criminal” Tuesday for a betting scandal that has devastated the league and threatened the credibility of every referee. A subdued Stern said he felt betrayed by former referee Tim Donaghy, the target of an FBI investigation for allegedly betting on games, including some he officiated, over the last two seasons. Stern said he believed no other officials or players would be implicated in the betting scandal.
Selig will try to attend Bonds record-setter
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B5
Baseball commissioner Bud Selig will try to be there when Barry Bonds breaks Hank Aaron’s career home run record, saying the San Francisco Giants star was “innocent until proven guilty.” “Throughout this season, I have watched Barry Bonds’ pursuit of the home run record. Now that he is on the verge of tying the record, the time has come to announce that I will make every attempt to attend the record-setting moment,” Selig said in a statement Tuesday.
Lawrence High School alumnus keynote speaker at group’s fundraising breakfast
By George Diepenbrock
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A3
Chuck Mead says Lawrence public schools play an important part in his roots. Aside from having several family members teach or work in the district, the Nashville musician still proudly names off the schools he attended: Kaw Valley, Schwegler, South Junior High and Lawrence High. The BR549 frontman will now try to lend a hand to Lawrence public schools in a few weeks. He will be keynote speaker for the Lawrence Schools Foundation’s sixth annual Community Education Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Aug. 31 at the Lawrence Holidome, 200 McDonald Drive.
Airports alerted to possibility of dry runs for attacks
By Michael J. Sniffen - Associated Press Writer
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A10
Airport security officers across the nation have been alerted by federal officials to look out for terrorists practicing to carry explosive components onto aircraft, based on four curious seizures at airports since September. The unclassified alert was distributed Friday by the Transportation Security Administration to federal air marshals, its own transportation security officers and other law enforcement agencies.
U.S., Iran bicker over Iraq policies
By Steven R. Hurst - Associated Press Writer
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A10
The American ambassador to Iraq scolded his Iranian counterpart in a groundbreaking meeting Tuesday for Tehran’s alleged arming and training of Shiite militias. But he agreed to set up a subcommittee with Iran and Iraq to work on stabilizing the country. Speaking to reporters after a second session in two months with the Iranian envoy, Ambassador Ryan Crocker called the seven-hour meeting “full and frank,” diplomatic language for difficult.
Game coverage
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A13
To the editor: We want to thank Jason Elmquist and the Journal-World for their coverage of the just-completed AFA National Softball Tournament. Jason was in attendance from opening day activities on Monday, July 16, through the tournament finals on Saturday, July 21. He watched games, kept score sheets and recorded numerous interviews.
Barrett suspended
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B5
San Diego’s Michael Barrett was suspended for one game and fined $1,500 Tuesday, two days after he was ejected from a game against Philadelphia.
Prospect suspended
July 25, 2007
Milwaukee Brewers catching prospect Angel Salome was suspended for 50 games Tuesday after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance under baseball’s minor-league drug program.
Alou’s return delayed
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B5
Moises Alou’s expected return from the disabled list was pushed back to the end of the week, after an exam Tuesday showed tendinitis in the outfielder’s right shoulder.
Carpenter has surgery
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B5
Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter had reconstructive elbow surgery Tuesday, an operation likely to sideline him for at least a year.
Big Unit might be done
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B5
Randy Johnson pitched to batters for the first time in his latest comeback from a back injury on Tuesday, then acknowledged the possibility that he might not return this season - or maybe ever.
Old Home Town - 40 years ago
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A12
Ordered into action by President Johnson, Army paratroopers clamped an armored lid on Detroit and an uneasy calm was finally established. There had been 48 hours of killing, pillaging and burning and at least 23 people had died in the rioting. Hundreds more had been injured in racially oriented ugliness.
Old Home Town - 25 years ago
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A12
There was good news for Douglas County taxpayers. The County Commission approved a preliminary 1983 budget that would reduce the tax levy by 2.29 mills, taking the rate from 30.85 to 28.56 mills. Spending, however, was to rise $1.37 million, from $12,974,007 to $14,346,482.
FEMA choice an immoral act
By Leonard Pitts Jr.
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A12
A few words about morality and the storm. Meaning Katrina, which was a devastating hurricane, yes, but also a kind of Rorschach ink blot of right and wrong. Virtually from the moment it lumbered ashore at daybreak on Aug. 29, 2005, the storm began raising pointed ethical questions. As in: Is it moral to break into a flooded and abandoned store in search of food and water? How about televisions and athletic shoes? Is it moral for storm-bound health care workers to euthanize critically ill patients? Is it moral for the suburbs to turn desperate evacuees from the city away at gunpoint?
Better budget
A school district budget that calls for a slight mill levy decrease is a decided improvement over earlier plans for a 3-mill increase.
J-W Editorials
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A12
We now know that Lawrence school administrators know how to sharpen their budget pencils. Perhaps inspired by city and county commissioners who were working hard to keep property taxes down, school officials, who initially proposed a tax increase of about 3 mills, decided to take a second look at their budget figures.
GOP senators must press Bush on Iraq
By Trudy Rubin
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A12
On Aug. 7, 1974, Sen. Hugh Scott of Pennsylvania went to the White House with two other Republicans to tell Richard Nixon his position on Watergate was hopeless. Two days later Nixon resigned. The time has come for another Hugh Scott moment. No, I’m not yet suggesting Republicans march to the White House and tell George W. Bush to return to Texas. But if we and the Iraqis are to be saved from the consequences of Bush’s follies, only Republicans can do it.
Beware some dollar-store bargains
By Consumer Reports
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B12
An aluminum baking pan. Lip gloss. Sewing scissors. Every item a buck or thereabouts. Picking through the merchandise at dollar stores can seem like a treasure hunt, but investigations by Consumer Reports researchers have turned up some dicey deals. And let the buyer beware: Dollar shops and closeout stores have become destinations for shoddy products as manufacturers have sometimes cut corners on safety, trying to meet demand for rock-bottom prices.
‘Open access’ provision for airwaves supported
The Assocaited Press
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A9
A majority of the Federal Communications Commission members told a House subcommittee Tuesday that they support an “open access” requirement on one swath of airwaves that will be auctioned early next year. The provision, put forth by FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, would allow cell phone customers to use any device they would like on a new network encompassing about one-third of the 60 megahertz of spectrum to be auctioned. “Consumers would be able to use the wireless device of their choice and download whatever software they want,” Martin told the panel.
Senate hearing brings suggestion of special prosecutor
By Lara Jakes Jordan - Associated Press Writer
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A9
Angry senators suggested a special prosecutor should investigate misconduct at the Justice Department, accusing Attorney General Alberto Gonzales on Tuesday of deceit on the prosecutor firings and President Bush’s eavesdropping program. Democrats and Republicans alike hammered Gonzales in four hours of testimony as he denied trying, as White House counsel in 2004, to push a hospitalized attorney general into approving a counterterror program that the Justice Department then viewed as illegal.
Clinton, Obama camps wage diplomatic battle
By Lesley Clark and Oscar Corral - McClatchy Newspapers
July 25, 2007 in print edition on A9
Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., has seized on Sen. Barack Obama’s debate assertion that he would meet with Cuban leader Fidel Castro and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez as evidence that her top rival isn’t ready for the diplomatic stage. In one of the sharpest exchanges of the Democratic primary campaign to date, the two camps fired off dueling memos Tuesday, with Obama’s campaign suggesting that Clinton had backtracked and the Illinois senator was offering a distinct departure from the Bush administration’s refusal to engage in diplomacy.
Giant tomato plant takes over deck
By Gwyn Mellinger
July 25, 2007 in print edition on C1
I received an e-mail a couple of weeks ago from Dean Bevan, a retired English professor who is not given to exaggeration. In this e-mail, Dean claimed to have the largest tomato plant in Lawrence growing on his very own deck. My curiosity aroused, I made an appointment to view this extraordinary plant.
‘Jayni’ tries taste of West Coast
J-W Staff Reports
July 25, 2007 in print edition on C4
Join “Jayni’s Kitchen” this week for “California (part one): Berkeley and Beyond.” Host Jayni Carey and her guest will prepare the following recipes: Baked Goat Cheese with Garden Salad, Garlic Croutons, Lavender Grill-Smoked Rack of Lamb, Pan-Braised Baby Carrots with Fresh Thyme, Roasted Baby Beets and Lavender Ice Cream.
Tips prevent soggy salads
By Susan Krumm
July 25, 2007 in print edition on C3
¢ My salad dressing always seems to end up in the bottom of the salad bowl. What can I do to prevent it? ¢ Can you tell me what the dates mean on ready-to-eat foods?
White Sox take 2 from Tigers
The Assocaited Press
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B4
Javier Vazquez allowed four hits over eight innings Tuesday to win his fifth straight decision, and Paul Konerko’s two-run homer off Jeremy Bonderman led the struggling White Sox in the opener of a day-night doubleheader. In the nightcap, Carlos Guillen misplayed A.J. Pierzynski’s one-hopper, allowing the go-ahead run to score in the eighth inning as the White Sox swept a doubleheader. The White Sox trailed 7-1 in the night game.
Bell peppers reaching their peak
July 25, 2007 in print edition on C1
Random bell pepper fact of the day: They originated in Mexico, and were probably spread to South and Central America by birds.
Cultural divide obvious in Yi’s case
By Michael Hunt - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B2
In the ongoing case of The Great Stall of China, there seems to be an even greater cultural divide. Those who Yi-mail and identify themselves as Chinese are generally pro-Milwaukee Bucks. They are upset with their countryman, Yi Jianlian, for snubbing the team. They want him here. They believe he should honor the rules.
Rallyball lays foundation to tennis interest
By Nathan Reed
July 25, 2007
As the summer wanes and the major professional tennis tournaments end across the world, in Lawrence things are just getting started.
Lawrence brothers see soccer stars
By Seth McCauley
July 25, 2007
For sports fans, getting the chance to see a favorite team or player live is something special. It’s a different feeling being in on the action instead of being a spectator in front of a television screen. And if you’ll ask Brennan and Parker Davies, they will tell you the same.
Young athletes look up to those in the spotlight
By Jeff Deters
July 25, 2007
Kids who play sports almost always have a favorite player, someone they can look up to and try to emulate. Kids then invest time and money on everything from trading cards to autographed jerseys and equipment. Kids spend countless hours watching their superstars on TV or listening to the radio, hoping their favorite players will achieve great feats. And the kids often dream of performing those feats themselves.
Rockies’ first-base coach dons helmet
Hill: In wake of minor-league death, ‘It just makes sense’
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B2
Colorado Rockies first-base coach Glenallen Hill isn’t taking any chances following the death of Mike Coolbaugh from a line drive in a minor league game. For the first time in his short coaching career, Hill donned a helmet for the Padres-Rockies series. “It just makes sense,” he said Tuesday night.
Keegan: Houk wouldn’t have it
By Tom Keegan
July 25, 2007 in print edition on B1
Any argument as to the greatest Yankees team touches on one or all these four seasons: 1927, 1939, 1961, 1998. The managers: Miller Huggins, Joe McCarthy, Ralph Houk, and Joe Torre, nice company kept by Houk, a Lawrence native. Houk’s first Yankees team went 109-53, set a record with 240 home runs, and featured Roger Maris hitting 61 home runs. The ‘61 Yanks defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates in five games in the World Series.
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