Also from July 28

Births

• Terri and Albert Wilson, Lawrence, a boy.
• Brian Morris and Courtney Commons, Ozawkie, a boy.
• Greta and Justin Fujibayashi, Valley Falls, a girl.
• Rob and Tiffani Poell, Tonganoxie, a girl.

Blog entries

• Tale of the Tait: Basketball recruiting back in full swing as KU turns attention to Class of 2019

Couples

• Wedding: Lawrence and Hetrick
• Wedding: Bryan and Vinardi
• Wedding: Masten and Jensen
• Anniversary: Kruse
• Engagement: Grammer and Wickizer-Meyers

Obituaries

• Santos “Joe” Jaimez, Lawrence
• Mary L. Newman
• Dorothy Juanita Smith Wischropp, Topeka
• Edward J. “Jerry” Sayles, Meriden
• Doris H. Palmateer
• Randie “Brandy” Mae Flint, Lawrence
• Santos Jaimez, Lawrence

On the street

• What do you like least about moving?

Photo galleries

All stories

Congress OKs 9/11 Commission proposals

By Jim Abrams - Associated Press Writer

July 28, 2007

Congress sent President Bush legislation Friday to intensify anti-terror efforts in the U.S., shifting money to high-risk states and cities and expanding screening of air and sea cargo to stave off future Sept. 11-style attacks. The measure carries out major recommendations of the independent 9/11 Commission.

No glamour in city jail for Richie

‘Simple Life’ star gets 90 hours for DUI

By Linda Deutsch - Associated Press Writer

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A2

For Nicole Richie, four days in jail will be an intermission in her glamorous lifestyle: No miniskirts, no stiletto heels and no time off for good behavior. House arrest is not an option. For her wrong-way freeway trek in a Mercedes-Benz, Richie was slapped Friday with a sentence of nearly four days in jail, a fine of $2,048 and orders to attend drug and alcohol rehab. “She’s not gonna be coming in here wearing a miniskirt and pumps,” Burbank police Sgt. Thor Merich said, describing a spartan lifestyle that would await her if she goes to that city’s jail.

Oral surgeon gets last laugh in prank

By Christina Siderius - The Seattle Times

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A7

Oral surgeon Robert Woo may have pulled off the ultimate practical joke. He stuck fake boar tusks in a patient’s mouth while she was sedated, took pictures, and later, after she sued, he convinced the state Supreme Court he deserves $750,000 for being abandoned by his insurance company.

Former KU great Pless to join Ring of Honor

Linebacker set standard for Jayhawk tacklers

J-W Staff Reports

July 28, 2007 in print edition on C1

Willie Pless will join a select Kansas University list this fall when he becomes the 14th football player to have his name added to the school’s Ring of Honor. A linebacker for the Jayhawks from 1982-85, Pless is the KU and Big Eight Conference career tackling leader. He will be feted during the season opener Sept. 1 against Central Michigan.

Basket-weaving tradition threatened by development

By Bruce Smith - Associated Press Writer

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A6

Just a few years ago, Nikia Wigfall needed only to drive to the nearby marshes to harvest the sweetgrass that she and other descendants of slaves weave into the beautiful baskets sold to tourists in and around this antebellum port city. But booming coastal development has made finding the clumps of long, swaying sweetgrass tougher and tougher.

Badge returned 30 years after it was lost

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A3

More than 30 years after falling into Lake Michigan, a badge belonging to a former sheriff’s deputy is back with its rightful owner thanks to a tourist who found it along the shoreline.

Administration dims power reports

By Noam N. Levey and Alexandra Zavis - Los Angeles Times

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A8

As the Bush administration struggles to convince lawmakers that its Iraq war strategy is working, it has stopped reporting to Congress a key quality-of-life indicator in Baghdad: how long the power stays on. Ryan Crocker, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last week that Baghdad residents could count on only “an hour or two a day” of electricity. That’s down from an average of five to six hours a day earlier this year.

Old Home Town - 25 years ago

July 28, 2007 in print edition on B6

Fewer graduate student teaching jobs resulting from recent budget reductions at Kansas University might deal a telling blow to graduate admissions the coming year, KU leaders warned.

Royals rock Rangers

The Assocaited Press

July 28, 2007

Brian Bannister is starting to put together some very impressive outings. Bannister pitched seven shutout innings and Billy Butler hit a three-run homer as the Kansas City Royals beat the Texas Rangers 6-1 on Friday night. Bannister held the Rangers to four hits, striking out six and walking two. The right-hander won his last start in Detroit, when he also went seven innings and gave up four hits. He allowed a run in that one.

Police: Man, 93, shoots robber after being beaten

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A3

An elderly man beaten unconscious by an assailant wielding a soda can awoke and shot the man during an attempted robbery, police said.

Keeping kosher

Grocer service helps Lawrence residents maintain Jewish culinary traditions

By Terry Rombeck

July 28, 2007 in print edition on D1

For many years, Neil and Leni Salkind had to drive to Johnson County if they wanted to buy meat. That’s because they follow the Jewish cultural and religious law of kosher - that foods have to be prepared according to certain rules for them to be eaten.

Aquafina labels to clarify where water originates

By Vinnee Tong - Associated Press Writer

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A7

So you thought that water in your Aquafina bottle came from some far-away spring bubbling deep in a glen? Try the same place as the water in your tap. PepsiCo Inc. is the latest company to offer some clarity about the source of its top-selling bottled water as it announced on Friday it would change the label on Aquafina water bottles to spell out that the drink comes from the same source as tap water.

WTO rules against U.S. in cotton dispute

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A9

The World Trade Organization largely ruled against the United States in an interim decision that it has failed to scrap a series of what the trade body says is illegal subsidies paid out to American cotton growers, U.S. and Brazilian trade officials said Friday.

Lofton keys Cleveland victory

The Assocaited Press

July 28, 2007 in print edition on C4

Jhonny Peralta homered twice, and Kenny Lofton began his third go-round with Cleveland by getting three hits in a 10-4 victory over Minnesota on Friday night. Peralta hit a three-run homer in the third off Boof Bonser (5-7) and added a two-run shot in the sixth when the Indians opened a 10-0 lead for Paul Byrd (9-4). Cleveland improved to 6-0 this season against Minnesota, which dropped its fifth straight. The Twins have been outscored 30-5 in its last three games.

Potentially tainted products still in stores

By Andrew Bridges - Associated Press Writer

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A3

Stores nationwide are continuing to sell recalled canned chili, stew, hash and other foods potentially contaminated with poisonous bacteria even after repeated warnings the products could kill. Thousands of cans are being removed from store shelves as quickly as investigators find them, more than a week after Castleberry’s Food Co. began recalling more than 90 potentially contaminated products over fears of botulism contamination.

People flock for free sleep at IKEA ‘hostel’

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A9

Home furnishing company IKEA offered customers a full shop-till-you-drop experience this week - letting them spend the night at a Norway store.

Civic leaders find work with the animal kingdom

By Tim Unruh - The Salina Journal

July 28, 2007 in print edition on B3

Motomba was hungry, in a sour mood and interested only in the seven pounds of meat for his once-daily meal. And when he discovered the meat tray inside his shelter at zoo at Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure wasn’t yet available, the beautiful African lion became enraged. He rushed to the outside holding pen and lunged at visitor Don Weiser, senior vice president of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce. Motomba’s pen mate, Simba, also vigorously expressed his displeasure.

Parking price

The city has set a bad precedent by selling downtown parking spaces to a local developer.

J-W Editorials

July 28, 2007 in print edition on B6

City Commissioner Boog Highberger was right to voice concerns about the city giving up eight public parking spaces to allow the expansion of a building owned by the Fritzel family at 123 W. Eighth St. Over Highberger’s objection, the commission voted 4-1 to give the spaces to the developer so an elevator and stairway could be added to the building.

Sea lion euthanized after allegedly being stabbed

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A3

A 24-year-old fisherman was arrested in Newport Beach, Calif., on Friday for allegedly stabbing a California sea lion repeatedly with a steak knife after the animal stole his bait. The sea lion was severely wounded and later euthanized.

Rain delays Raiders’ game

July 28, 2007 in print edition on C6

The rain that swept through Lawrence on Friday night caused problems for the American Legion Zone Tournament at Free State High. The Lawrence Raiders were two innings into their game against Kansas City Piper when play was stopped with the Raiders holding a 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the first inning Hunter Scheib and Ben Wilson scored the Raiders’ runs off an error by the second baseman.

Shrine bowl awaits city chums

By Matt Tait

July 28, 2007

Thanks to a fortunate twist of fate, the high school football careers of two Lawrence products will end the same way they began tonight in Hays. When Lawrence High graduate Nathan Padia and Free State grad Kyle Weinmaster step onto the field at Ft. Hays State for the final game of their high school careers, the two will be teammates for the first time in more than three years.

Man stops to help motorist, gets carjacked

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A4

So much for gratitude. James Scarabino was driving along New York’s Long Island Expressway early Thursday when he stopped to help a motorist stranded on the side of the road near a wrecked 2007 Chevrolet Corvette. The motorist came around, pushed Scarabino out of the driver’s seat and then drove off in his 1994 Chrysler LHS, police said.

Lawrence datebook

July 28, 2007 in print edition on B2

World Company executive joins Commerce board

July 28, 2007 in print edition on B5

Dan Simons, president of the Electronics Division of The World Company, Lawrence, has joined the board of directors for St. Louis-based Commerce Bancshares Inc. David W. Kemper, Commerce chairman and chief executive officer, announced Friday that Simons had been elected to serve on the $15.5 billion regional bank holding company’s 12-member board. Simons takes over as a director for Seth Leadbeater, who remains vice chairman of the company.

Nike gives boot to Vick … for now

Relationship suspended pending case; Reebok pulls jerseys

July 28, 2007 in print edition on C2

Nike suspended its lucrative contract with Michael Vick on Friday, while Reebok took the unprecedented step of stopping sales of his No. 7 jersey. In another dose of bad news for the indicted quarterback, a top trading card company announced it was pulling Vick’s likeness from any new packs. Facing protests from animal-rights groups, Nike announced it was suspending Vick’s endorsement deal without pay, as well as halting sales of Vick-related shoes and other products at its retail stores.

Lucky Tom finds his way home 4 weeks after lost in citywide flood

The Assocaited Press

July 28, 2007 in print edition on B8

The last time Sid Tracy saw his beloved cat before flooding devastated his home and city, Lucky Tom was racing away after being startled by a loud flood warning speaker. “All the things I lost didn’t really matter much, but I kept thinking about him,” Tracy said. That changed Wednesday when neighbors told Tracy they thought they saw Lucky Tom wandering out in a pasture behind his house. Tracy went home and called for the cat, whose orange-and-white head popped up about a half block into the pasture.

Royals outfielder injures reporter

The Assocaited Press

July 28, 2007 in print edition on C5

Royals outfielder Emil Brown hit a television reporter near the eye with a pellet from a small plastic gun in the Kansas City clubhouse Friday afternoon. “It was certainly an accident,” Royals spokesman David Holtzman said. “He wasn’t shooting at anybody.”

Prosecutors drop terror charge, free Indian doctor

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A9

An Indian doctor was set free Friday after Australia’s chief prosecutor said a charge linking him to failed bombings in Britain was a mistake. Mohamed Haneef, 27, was released from prison in the eastern city of Brisbane more than three weeks after he was arrested at an airport as he was about to fly to India. Prosecutors withdrew the charge after a review of the evidence by the federal Director of Public Prosecutions Damian Bugg found that his office should never have recommended it.

Senate approves use of $20M grant to help rebuild

The Assocaited Press

July 28, 2007 in print edition on B1

The U.S. Senate has approved legislation to allow funds from a $20 million U.S. Department of Labor grant to be used to hire public employees who will help Greensburg rebuild from the tornado that destroyed most of the town in May. Sens. Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback said Friday the legislation allows the money, which had previously been awarded to the Kansas Department of Commerce, to be used to hire public-sector employees to help in rebuilding the south-central Kansas town.

Peavy wins for first time since June 19

The Assocaited Press

July 28, 2007 in print edition on C4

Milton Bradley homered and Brian Giles had a season-high three RBIs for San Diego and Jake Peavy won for the first time since June 19. Peavy (10-5) allowed one run and four hits and struck out eight for the Padres, who won for the second time in eight games. He is 5-0 with a 0.98 ERA on the road this year and his 2.41 season ERA remains second in the NL.

Museum’s old-fashioned fundraiser to feature dancing in the street

By Mike Belt

July 28, 2007

There will be dancing in the street on the night of Aug. 11 outside Watkins Community Museum of History. The museum and the Douglas County Historical Society will have a dinner and dance fundraiser for the museum, 1047 Mass. “It should be a fun evening,” said Carmela Sibley, president of the historical society.

Don’t sweat summer makeup

July 28, 2007 in print edition on D1

Notice how the stars never seem to sweat? Joanna Schlip, the makeup artist for Physicians Formula who has worked with Eva Longoria, Scarlett Johansson and Ellen Pompeo, says she employs a few tricks on sticky summer days to keep her faces looking crisp and cool…

Supplier to pay $50M to end Big Dig probes

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A3

A concrete supplier for the Big Dig has agreed to pay $50 million to end civil and criminal investigations into whether it supplied inferior concrete used in the massive highway project, authorities announced Friday.

Thompson’s 71 keeps him near the top

The Assocaited Press

July 28, 2007 in print edition on C7

Former Kansas University golfer Chris Thompson dropped to fourth place after the second round of the Nationwide Tour’s Cox Classic on Friday. Thompson shot a 71 after firing a 60 on Thursday and is four strokes behind Roland Thatcher, who shot 63 on Friday. Thatcher is two strokes ahead of Scott Sterling (68) and four clear of Miguel Carballo (63), Michael Walton (64) and Thompson (71).

U.S.-Iraqi troops clash with Shiite militia fighters

By Kim Gamel - Associated Press Writer

July 28, 2007

A fierce gunbattle broke out after a joint U.S.-Iraqi force arrested a rogue Shiite militia leader in Karbala on Friday, leading to an airstrike and the deaths of some 17 militants, the military said. U.S. troops also captured four militants suspected of links to networks that smuggle weapons and fighters from Iran, which Washington accuses of fueling the violence in Iraq with its support of Shiite militias.

Faith briefs

July 28, 2007 in print edition on D8

Casar hits dog, but wins 18th stage

Contador maintains lead as race nears its end

By Jerome Pugmire - Associated Press Sports Writer

July 28, 2007 in print edition on C7

Sandy Casar crashed after hitting a spectator’s dog but won the 18th stage of the Tour de France before home fans Friday. Alberto Contador of Spain kept the overall lead as the doping-stained race neared its weekend finish in Paris.

Submarines to dive into Arctic to claim seabed

By Douglas Birch - Associated Press Writer

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A9

Russian scientists hope to plunge to the seabed beneath the North Pole in the next few days in a miniature sub and plant a titanium capsule containing the Russian flag, symbolically claiming much of the Arctic Ocean floor for Moscow. Thick sea ice threatens to thwart the expedition, an engineer with Russia’s premier polar research institute said Friday.

Critics put campaign fashion over function

By Ellen Goodman

July 28, 2007 in print edition on B6

Among the endless reasons I will never run for public office is a deep-seated fear of having my wardrobe subject to the fashion police. Excuse me, the fashion shrinks - those media monitors who seek deep meaning in every shoe, sexual clues in every hemline, and psychological insights in every shirt collar. Just imagine the casual summer wardrobe that I am modeling so stylishly at this very moment. What would the fashionbabblers have to say about my well-worn khaki capris?

Old Home Town - 40 years ago

July 28, 2007 in print edition on B6

The pace was brisk for the annual sidewalk sale here and highs only in the middle 80s did much to stir activity, sales and social interaction.

Old Home Town - 100 years ago

July 28, 2007 in print edition on B6

From the Lawrence Daily World for July 28, 1907: “There is no reason to worry that the Manual Training School bonds have not been sold. It will happen in due time and the sales are due to be made this winter.

Tenants pack up belongings for annual summer migration

By Laura McHugh

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A1

Take one look around town this weekend, and it’s obvious that July 31 is just around the corner. From moving trucks parked in driveways to furniture set by the curb, the tell-tale signs are in place that the busiest moving week of the year is about to start. “Generally, it’s whatever weekend falls close the end of July and beginning of August,” said Lawrence solid waste supervisor Bob Yoos.

Martin Miller murder conviction upheld

By Lisa Horn

July 28, 2007 in print edition on B1

The Kansas Supreme Court rejected an appeal Friday filed by Martin K. Miller, a Lawrence carpenter and former Christian school teacher, who was found guilty in July 2005 of killing his wife. Three years ago today, Mary E. Miller was found strangled to death at her central Lawrence home. In an opinion written by Justice Robert E. Davis, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the conviction. Miller, 48, is serving life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years.

Purported spokesman: Hostages in bad health

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A9

A purported Taliban spokesman warned Friday that some of the 22 South Korean hostages were in bad health, saying hours after the kidnappers’ latest deadline passed that the captives were crying and worried about their future.

Eight ex-Jayhawks attending NFL camps

July 28, 2007 in print edition on C8

Eight former Kansas University football players are listed on the rosters of National Football League teams as preseason camps open this weekend.

Premier: Food, product safety ‘urgent task’

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A9

China’s premier ordered increased vigilance over food and drug safety Friday as the Cabinet announced a new regulation that mandates stronger supervision and outlines hefty punishments for makers of dangerous goods.

Candidates should justify position shifts

July 28, 2007 in print edition on B6

Credit CNN with trying to shake things up in an otherwise dull, exasperating and too-long campaign season with its YouTube Democratic presidential “debate” Monday night. There was a good deal of silliness, like Sen. Chris Dodd claiming he has white hair because he’s a hardworking senator (what does that make senators with dark hair, dyed hair or no hair?). There were also poignant moments, like the woman who suffers from breast cancer wanting to know more about preventive medicine.

Journal-World wants stories about aging

July 28, 2007 in print edition on B1

The Journal-World is planning a special section about aging in Lawrence and wants to hear your stories about growing older. Tell us about your experiences related to housing, social, health care and family needs.

Subplots abound for K.C.

QB competition, Holmes’ return could make camp fascinating

By Doug Tucker - Associated Press Sports Writer

July 28, 2007 in print edition on C8

With one Pro Bowl running back sitting out in a contract dispute and a former Pro Bowl running back making a surprise return, the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday opened what could be their most interesting training camp in many years. Subplots and story lines abound. Questions about Herm Edwards’ quest to rebuild one of the league’s oldest rosters are about as thick as the piney woods that ring this picturesque college town in western Wisconsin, where the Chiefs have been coming for 17 years to escape the energy-sapping Midwestern heat.

Hung jury declared in murder trial

July 28, 2007 in print edition on B1

A hung jury was declared Friday in the first-degree murder trial of a husband and wife charged in the death of a man whose body has never been found. After nearly two weeks of testimony and deliberations, the Stanton County jury told a judge Friday it could not reach a unanimous decision in the trial of Chad Floyd and his wife, Shannon Floyd. Senior Judge Jack Lively declared the hung jury and scheduled a new trial for next January.

Home without chores is the best getaway

By Annie Groer - The Washington Post

July 28, 2007 in print edition on D5

Just before her vacation last year, Joye Marino hired a housecleaning service to wash all her windows, scrub and wax the floors, dust the baseboards and woodwork and polish the furniture. She had her car detailed inside and out, and paid a couple of neighborhood kids to pull weeds, mow the lawn and mulch the flower beds outside her Baltimore bungalow. Then she settled in for a week at home.

A perfect audience for banjo novice

By Dean P. Johnson - Special to The Washington Post

July 28, 2007 in print edition on D5

Parental involvement is essential to successful schools. Sometimes, though, it seems involvement is more about the parent than anything else. When I agreed to visit my son’s first-grade class, I felt compelled to outdo my last performance, when I read the kindergartners a story and played songs on my guitar. I had heard of parents giving multimedia presentations or bringing in puppets or animals. Maybe this year, I mused, I would compose a Broadway production and play all the parts myself.

3-year-old in stable condition after injury

July 28, 2007 in print edition on B1

A 3-year-old child who was injured Friday afternoon when a television set fell at a Baldwin City home is in stable condition. Baldwin City police Sgt. Gregg Schiffelbein said the child was in critical condition when flown by air ambulance to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo.

Bomb kills at least 13 near Pakistan’s Red Mosque

By Naveed Ahmad and Tom Lasseter - McClatchy Newspapers

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A9

A bomb targeting police reinforcements ripped through a hotel restaurant in the Pakistani capital Friday, killing at least 13 people and wounding more than 61, as troops fought hundreds of protesters in a melee at the newly reopened Red Mosque nearby.

Ex-French premier accused of smear campaign

By Verena Von Derschau - Associated Press Writer

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A9

Political leader Dominique de Villepin, the impassioned voice of French opposition to the U.S. war in Iraq, was formally accused Friday of complicity in a tawdry campaign to smear his rival Nicolas Sarkozy’s reputation and presidential aspirations.

Inmate allowed to testify in ‘74 case

The Assocaited Press

July 28, 2007 in print edition on B4

A convicted burglar who shared a cell with John Henry Horton will be allowed to testify in Horton’s preliminary hearing next month on charges Horton killed a Prairie Village girl in 1974. Johnson County District Judge James Franklin Davis ruled Thursday that jurors should decide whether they believe Danny Lee Barnhouse if the case goes to trial a second time.

GDP growth can’t halt market slide

The Assocaited Press

July 28, 2007 in print edition on B5

Wall Street extended its steep decline Friday, propelling the Dow Jones industrials down more than 500 points over two days after investors gave in to mounting concerns that borrowing costs would climb for both companies and homeowners. It was the worst week for the Dow and the Standard & Poor’s 500 index in five years.

Where to write

July 28, 2007 in print edition on B7

Faith files roundup

July 28, 2007 in print edition on D8

Heard this week in Faith Files, the LJWorld.com blog that examines issues of faith, spirituality, morals and ethics…

Around and about

July 28, 2007 in print edition on D3

Edna Zillner, Lawrence, will celebrate her 100th birthday with a reception from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 5 at the Union Pacific Depot, 402 N. Second St.

Society calendar

July 28, 2007 in print edition on D3

Bonds’ blast leaves him one shy of mark

By Janie McCauley - Associated Press Sports Writer

July 28, 2007 in print edition on C5

Hammerin’ Hank, he’s right behind you. Barry Bonds hit his 754th career home run Friday night, and needed just one more to tie Hank Aaron’s record. The Giants star sent a 2-1 pitch from rookie Rick Vanden Hurk over the wall in left-center in the first inning for a solo shot against the Florida Marlins, his 20th homer of the season.

KU Hospital, former CEO ink $1.8M separation pact

By Mark Fagan

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A1

The former top administrator of Kansas University Hospital is being paid $1.8 million to ensure that she won’t work for a regional competitor, hire away hospital employees or disclose confidential information that could jeopardize the operation during the coming months or years. And she’ll be available to provide consulting services as needed, such as during ongoing negotiations regarding a proposed affiliation with St. Luke’s Hospital.

Talib has answers for everything

Ballyhooed corner sets lofty goals

By Ryan Wood

July 28, 2007 in print edition on C1

Kansas University football coach Mark Mangino was speaking cautiously to a dozen or so reporters at the Big 12 media days earlier this week when the subject of Aqib Talib came up. Specifically, how is KU’s star cornerback handling all of this attention? “I’m a little bit concerned,” Mangino said. “A lot of people are tugging at him and wanting his time. Once we get him started with football, we’re going to have him just focus on that.”

Horoscopes

July 28, 2007

Those with birthdays today: You might be doing a lot of what you should do this year. Try adding that famous Leo spark. You could be delighted by how much zip you add to everyone else’s life too. Emphasize health and the quality of your life. Adapt, revise and integrate strong ideas from a special partner…

Theft of copper in irrigation systems could hurt crops

The Assocaited Press

July 28, 2007

Thieves are stealing copper wire from irrigation equipment on eastern Kansas farms, costing the owners thousands of dollars in repairs and endangering this year’s corn crop. Six farms in the Silver Lake area have reported the theft of copper wire since May, said Shawnee County Sheriff’s Lt. Martha Lutz. The thefts have cost farmers between $4,000 and $11,000 per incident.

Bonds not the only enhancer

By Joel Stein - Special to the Los Angeles Times

July 28, 2007 in print edition on B7

When Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record in 1974, it was a thrilling civil rights victory. Despite some death threats, the vast majority of Americans proudly affirmed the right of one black man to hit slightly more home runs than one white man who had died three decades earlier. No one even questions that anymore.

Report: NASA ignored signs that astronauts were flying drunk

By Robyn Shelton - The Orlando Sentinel

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A5

NASA has ignored flight surgeons and astronauts who questioned others’ fitness to fly due to drinking, according to a report Friday that alleges “heavy alcohol use” in the immediate hours before flights. A panel that studied astronaut medical issues also found that staff were “demoralized” when their identification of “major crew medical or behavioral problems” were ignored by NASA leadership.

U.S. House approves farm bill

Lawmakers defy president’s veto threat

By Julie Hirschfeld Davis - Associated Press Writer

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A1

The Democratic-controlled House passed legislation Friday that combines billions in aid for farmers with money for low-income nutrition programs, defying a veto threat from President Bush over the bill’s largesse to crop producers.

Legion baseball thrives in birthplace

By Eric Olson - Associated Press Sports Writer

July 28, 2007 in print edition on C6

The Milbank nine jog out of their dugout and line up on the third-base line. The opponent from 90 miles away, Aberdeen, follows suit on the first-base side.In monotone unison, the players repeat the American Legion code of sportsmanship:

Mo’Nique celebrates fat

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A2

Is Paris ready for Mo’Nique? The actress and comedienne hosts the plus-sized beauty pageant in the city of light and love on the third helping of “Mo’Nique’s F.A.T. Chance” (7 p.m. today, Oxygen).

People in the news

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A2

¢ It’s a boy for Watts, Schreiber, first child for the couple¢ Spears’ bodyguard ticketed in scuffle with photographers¢ Lohan’s father chided for failing to pay child support¢ Gabor’s husband found naked in car, claims he was mugged¢ 2 charged with plotting to extort $1M from Tom Cruise

Chiefs have A-list absentees

Johnson, Bowe not in camp; kicker Medlock agrees

By Doug Tucker - Associated Press Sports Writer

July 28, 2007 in print edition on C8

Negotiations remain stalled with Pro Bowl running back Larry Johnson and first-round draft pick Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs general manager Carl Peterson said Friday. But rookie kicker Justin Medlock agreed to terms and joined the Chiefs’ training camp. If Medlock, a fifth-round pick out of UCLA, had not been signed, it could have created a bad situation. He was already handed Kansas City’s place kicking job when Lawrence Tynes got traded in May.

Club news

July 28, 2007 in print edition on D3

Vernon Russell and Danny Puckett were installed as state officers during the Kansas Veterans of Foreign Wars convention, conducted in June in Topeka. Russell, of VFW Post No. 852 in Lawrence, was installed as the Second District commander. He was scheduled to attend the State Mid-Summer Council of Administration meeting in Newton earlier this month.

Teachers, district $1M apart

By Erin Castaneda

July 28, 2007 in print edition on B1

Negotiators for the Lawrence Education Association and school district hinted it may be time to call a mediator to help bridge the $1 million gap separating them. On Friday, the two sides met. And about the only thing they agreed on was that they will meet again in about a month, and perhaps call in a third party later. The three-hour session centered on more than $1 million that separates the two groups’ proposals for raises in teacher salaries.

Lower gas costs in Topeka chalked up to price wars

Per gallon rate in capital city below state average

By Matt Erickson

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A1

An unusual gap has developed between gas prices in Lawrence and Topeka this week. Prices in Topeka are well below the state average and Lawrence’s are remaining steady. The AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report listed the average gas price in Lawrence on Friday at $2.98 per gallon - almost exactly the state average. Topeka’s average was $2.86. But prices in Topeka on Friday went as low as $2.69, while Lawrence prices were around $2.90 and above.

Dead and screaming in Las Vegas

Baldwin billiards team among best

By Tom Keegan

July 28, 2007 in print edition on C1

Young beauty behind the bar, thick smoke in the air, George Thorogood barking on the juke box about how when he drinks alone, he prefers to be by himself. Thorogood might steer clear of Puckett’s Bar and Grill. Nobody drinks alone here.

2007-‘08 Big 12 schedule unveiled

Jayhawks to play three of four Big Mondays in Allen Fieldhouse

By Gary Bedore

July 28, 2007 in print edition on C1

For the first time in the Bill Self era, Kansas University’s men’s basketball team will play more ESPN Big Monday games at home than on the road. The Jayhawks on Friday were awarded Big Monday home games against Oklahoma (Jan. 14), Missouri (Feb. 4) and Texas Tech (March 3) and a road contest versus Texas (Feb. 11). The tally in Self’s five years at KU now: Seven Big Monday games at home and 11 on the road.

Reunion spans two countries, an ocean and another divide

By Joe Robertson - McClatchy Newspapers

July 28, 2007 in print edition on B3

In the summer of 1966, America was a beguiling mystery 5,000 miles across the ocean to 17-year-old Rita Wissler. The German teenager wanted to be a foreign exchange student in the American Field Service. She had in her hands a letter and family picture from Valerie Smith, a Central High School student in Kansas City who wanted to be her host. But the field service had also inserted a note.

Students, faculty remember Prosser

Campus quad decorated Friday as if a traditional victory party had just ended

The Assocaited Press

July 28, 2007 in print edition on C2

The campus quad looked much as it did after some memorable basketball wins at Wake Forest. Toilet paper hung from trees and fluttered in the breeze as if a traditional victory party had just ended. On Friday, it was there for a different reason: to honor Skip Prosser. The coach - who led the Demon Deacons to their first No. 1 basketball ranking three seasons ago - died Thursday of an apparent heart attack, leaving the university in grief as it tried to move forward.

Faith forum: Should people of faith believe in ‘just war’?

July 28, 2007 in print edition on D1

¢ It’s an oxymoron, to say the least¢ Defense or aggression makes the difference

On the record

July 28, 2007 in print edition on B2

¢ Law enforcement report¢ Burglaries and thefts reported¢ Emergency calls

Four killed after TV news helicopters collide while following police chase

By Jacques Billeaud - Associated Press Writer

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A3

Two news helicopters covering a police chase on live television collided and crashed to the ground Friday, killing all four people on board in a plunge that viewers saw as a jumble of spinning, broken images.Both helicopters went down in a park in central Phoenix and caught fire. No one on the ground was hurt.

SUV in wrong highway lane hits Greyhound bus

July 28, 2007 in print edition on A3

A sport utility vehicle traveling the wrong way on an interstate collided head-on with a Greyhound bus early Friday, killing the SUV’s driver and injuring 46 people, police said.